* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #338 Date: Sunday 7th August 2005 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. 2005 DRAGON Award 3. I.B.M. And S.A.M. Announce An International Magic Competition For 2008 4. Project Donate Magic 5. S.A.M. Special Sessions - Elaborated And Explained 6. IBM Presidential Citations 7. New National President Of The Society Of American Magicians 8. Las Vegas Magic - August, 2005 9. Help Need - Doug Henning's Name Added To The Canadian "Walk Of Fame" 10. Everyone's Illusion Plans On Ebay Without Permission 11. 2005 Milbourne Christopher Award Winners 12. 1st International Magic Convention In Israel 13. Powell Performs Death-Defying Act At 31,000 Feet 14. Help Need For Magicians Going To Southern Thailand 15. SAM Assembly #38 Presents Day Of Magic II 16. Losander's Australian Show & Lecture Tour 17. Charitable Events At The IBM Convention 18. Magic And Movie Trivia 19. "Motivational Magic" - Steve Hart 20. 47 Years Of Dice Stacking, A Retrospective 21. Floating Rose - Jamie G 22. Dates For New Zealand Magicians To Remember 23. The Amazing Orchante Saga 24. e-zine Archives 25. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice ------------------ 1. Editors Message ------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Michele and I have just returned home after attending the IBM Convention in Reno, the S.A.M. Convention in Boston and attending the Magic Circle's Centenary in London to find that our membership for Magic New Zealand is now over the 10,000 mark. 34 Kiwis attended the IBM Convention in Reno supporting the outgoing International Kiwi President Tony Wilson. Tony has been a great ambassador for New Zealand while serving his term in office. He was also awarded The Magic Circle's highest degree - Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star (M.I.M.C.) at the Centenary in London. Congratulations Tony. At the S.A.M. convention in Boston a special moment was watching one of Bill Andrews proteges - special needs student Chris Connelly, perform his stage routine in well attended "Stars of Tomorrow" segment. Chris received a standing ovation for his wonderful performance. Congratulations to Bill Andrews who was presented with Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star at a special Magic Circle reception held at the S.A.M. convention by Henry Lewis, Vice President of The Magic Circle. We really enjoyed catching up with all our magical friends from all over the world and spending quality time with them all. The Magic Circle's Centenary Convention would have to be the best ever magical event that Michele and I have attended. John Fisher selection of talent for the shows and lectures was inspired. The star-studded line-up on the evening shows lived up to our high expectations and more. There was one star that really shone and that was Paul Daniels - the consummate professional, a living treasure of the art of magical entertainment. ---------------------------------- Congratulations to George Schindler who has just been elected as the Dean of the Society of American Magicians. ---------------------------------- Tony L Lewis will be a regular contributor with his magic ideas - refer item 20. ---------------------------------- Whilst in the UK it was with great pleasure that Michele and I presented Tommy Orchard with Honorary Membership to Magic New Zealand on behalf of the awards committee for his major contributions over the last four years to the Magic New Zealand. ----------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. 2005 DRAGON Award ----------------- Message from Jane Stuart President The J. Marberger Stuart Foundation, Inc. Norm and Lupe Nielsen were presented with the 2005 DRAGON AWARD by The J. Marberger Stuart Foundation, Inc. at the Gala Banquet at the Reno Hilton Hotel on Saturday July 2nd at the International Brotherhood of Magicians Convention. The DRAGON AWARD is presented in recognition of outstanding teamwork in the art of magic. The award consists of four parts: DRAGON AWARD medals, the Order of the DRAGON pins, a plaque and a thousand dollar cash prize. Richard Stuart, Vice President of The J. Marberger Foundation, Inc. presented the award to the Nielsens. In keeping with the custom of the DRAGON AWARDS, last winners, Alan and Michele Watson, welcomed the new winners into the Order of the DRAGON by presenting the medals to Norm and Lupe Nielson. The DRAGON AWARD name is taken from the criteria for winning. Recipients must demonstrate outstanding talent in the categories of Drama, Romance, Artistry, Glamour, Originality and Necromancy (magic). Past winners of the DRAGON AWARD are: Petrick and Mia Marvyn and Carol Roy Mark Wilson and Nani Darnell Chuck and Jan Jones Duo Absolon Harry Blackstone, Jr. and Gay Blackstone Glenn Falkenstein and Frances Willard Mike Caveney and Tina Lenert John and Pam Thompson Moi-yo Miller and Arturo Montes Fantasio and Monica Ed and Nanci Keener John and Kathy Daniel Lee and Helene Grabel Peter and Coral Reveen Paul and Debbie Daniels Alan and Michele Watson Norm Nielsen - Brief biography Norm Nielsen's "Musical Magic Act" is one of the most memorable and most beautiful acts in magic. He is one of the few performers that has been able to evoke a true sense of "wonder and enchantment" in numerous audiences around the world. A native from Kenosha, Wisconsin, his interest in magic started at a young age after watching his barber perform a few cigarette tricks. "I became his friend" he says, "and went with him to the bars and watched him perform over and over again. And, he never told me how the tricks were done, but I eventually caught on .". A few years later, he had the opportunity to go to his first magic convention in White Water, Wisconsin, where he saw Neil Foster perform. Seeing this magician was such an inspiration that he soon went to Los Angeles and applied to the Chavez School of Magic. Attending the Chavez School was not easy. After busing tables and working at a local factory, he had to spend five hours a day, five days a week, at the Chavez School. It was there that students practiced and perfected sleights and routines with cigarettes, thimbles, balls, cards and anything that the course prescribed. He finally graduated in 1953. Excited, and with his act prepared, he was ready "to take the world by  storm". The first thing he did was to go see an agent in Hollywood who told him: "You are magician #453 with this Chavez routine and very skilled at it. Now you must begin to throw out the act you have learned. Develop something of your own." This indeed was the best piece of advice anyone had given him. The School had given him the required technical skills, which is one of the ingredients for success. Yet he still had to develop stage presence and something "original" in order to take him to the top. Since then, he did magic with doves, and various manipulation acts! One of his first ideas was to make a trumpet toot as it floated in thin air. He eventually rejected it, as the audience would not be able to see the keys move as they played the magical instrument. This led to the creation of the floating violin, whose moving bow was sure to be seen. He made several prototypes, and it took almost two years before it was ready. It took several more years to perfect the illusion to its current state. This is one of the most memorable moments in magic. Most of his Musical Magic Act is described by John Fisher in the book Paul Daniels and the Story of Magic: "This warm, engaging performer weaves a very special spell of wonder as first a flute disintegrates into silver dust the moment it touches his lips. Coins appear mysteriously at his fingertips, to be dropped melodically upon what resembles a vertical xylophone, down which they tinkle with a distinctive melody of their own, faster and faster until his hands are overflowing. The whole sequence has that Cartier stamp of dazzle and class. Nielsen's speciality, however, is his floating violin, rightly considered to be one of the most beautiful illusions in magic. The instrument takes on a bewitching life of its own as it soars, spins, and plays hide-and-seek behind a silk scarf in Nielsen's hands. Balanced precariously across the strings, the bow moves tantalizingly to and fro to play hauntingly of their own accord. In a last attempt to tame the instrument, the magician throws the scarf high in the air. In less than a second, the violin literally melts away. Nielsen walks forward to acknowledge his applause; from the wings the violin enters at ground level and makes its way to his side. As Nielsen takes his bow, the violin dips the head of his fingerboard as its own cheeky mark of respect. Seldom has a magician endowed a supposedly inanimate object with such telling personality." This act has been one of the most sought after variety acts in Europe. Mr Nielsen has worked in London, Helsinki, Istanbul, Tokyo, Caracas, Santiago, Las Vegas, Sydney, Monte Carlo, etc. Indeed, he has worked in almost every top nightclub in the world, including the Crazy Horse Saloon in Paris, where he performed on and off for six years. He has received numerous awards as well: Stage Magician of the Year - Magic Castle (1970), Magician of the Year - Magic Castle (1978), Jack Gwynne Award (1977, 1988), Chavez Award (1991), Golden Mandrake Award - Paris (1991), Performing Fellowship - Magic Castle (1994), Magician's Favorite Magician CBS-TV (1995). Apart from his performing career, he is the owner of Nielsen Magic, his magic business since 1956. In the early years, he learned how to make magic props from Theo Bamberg, also known as Okito. He was given permission by Okito to manufacture all items of his line, including the beautiful Okito Checker Cabinet. He is also the manufacturer of the high-quality Nielsen line of products, which include among others, Vanishing Bottles, Rubber Doves and Manipulation Cards. Magic performing and manufacturing have given meaning to his life, until twelve years ago, when he discovered a new passion: Magic stone-lithographs or posters. It all started with a gift: A friend gave him a Fu Manchu ½-sheet poster - all falling apart and in pieces. He had this one restored and mounted and "it seemed to 'grow' on him". Later, someone else offered him a Frakson poster. Then came his third poster: a 3-sheet Carter "Priestess of Delphi". After that he has literally become "possessed" and motivated to obtain every paper sample he can. His passion has come to such point, that in seven short years he has gathered one of the largest collections of magic stone-lithographs in the world! He is also perhaps one of the most knowledgeable persons in that field. Posters of Houdini, Herrmann, Keller, Thurston, Leroy, grace his collection. And what is most amazing, 70% of his collection is all on display! Visiting his collection allows us to touch a vital part of magic history. You can visit his website at: http://www.nnmagic.com Lupe - Brief biography Lupe (short for Guadalupe Maria Nielsen) is perhaps one of just a handful of female close-up magicians in the USA today. Her interest in close-up magic started in 1988, when her search for a theatre job ended with a theme park that required close-up magicians for the upcoming season. After auditioning, she was hired on the spot, and performed for Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia, during the 1988 and 1989 seasons. Since then, she has performed in numerous venues: private parties, hospitality suites, restaurants, bars dinner theatres, malls etc. She has worked for clients such as Exxon, Mobil, the Haircuttery, Freddie Mac, Department of the Interior, Corcoran Gallery of Art, etc. In Northern Virginia she was seen performing from two to four days a week at the America Restaurant, and at the West End Dinner Theatre. In the magic scene, she has won first place in several regional magic competitions in New England and the Carolinas. She has also been performing in numerous national and international magic conventions: Las Vegas Close-Up Classic, Magic on the Beach (Florida), Magie Montreal, I.B.M. National Convention, Mirakels Amsterdam, Columbus Magi-Fest, S.A.M. Japan, and many others. Lupe has also performed both at the prestigious Magic Circle in London and the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. Lupe currently lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she works with her husband, Norm Nielsen, at Nielsen Magic, and performs close-up magic. For more information, please contact: Jane Stuart, President The J. Marberger Stuart Foundation, Inc. e-mail: magicjane@aol.com www.dragonaward.org ----------------- 3. I.B.M. And S.A.M. Announce An International Magic Competition For 2008 ----------------- Message from Bradley Jacobs (US) The Society of American Magicians and International Brotherhood of Magicians, the two oldest and largest magic organisations in the United States, have joined together to stage an International Magic Competition to be held July 7-12 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The six day event will culminate by awarding the largest contest prizes ever, $10,000 each for the stage and close-up contest winners from a group of over 100 championship competitors. Added to the week long excitement will be gala stage shows, gala close-up show, world-class lecturers, a banquet and several off-site activities. Following six months of research and interviews by a committee jointly appointed the I.B.M. and S.A.M., plans for the event were approved earlier this month by the boards of both organisations at annual meetings in Reno and Boston. Both the S.A.M. and I.B.M. will use the International Magic Competition in place of their regular conventions that year, and will hold their business meetings separately during the event. Both organisations will hold their annual conventions in 2006 and 2007 as usual. If this model is as successful as planned, it could be held again in five or six years. The New Orleans venue was chosen for its combination of theatres, food and entertainment, and affordability for the 2000 attendees who are expected from all corners of the world. With nearly 1,300 rooms and 80,000 square feet. of meeting space, the organising committee has selected the Gold Key Award winning Marriott Hotel on the edge of the French Quarter as host hotel for the convention. The 2,700 seat Saenger Theatre and 1,700 seat Orpheum Theatre are within a few short blocks of the hotel. A recently completed trolley line also runs past the Marriott between the waterfront and theatres. The Marriott has guaranteed a special convention rate of $99 single or double occupancy. Members of the organising committee will continue to expand plans and staff during the summer months, with information and marketing programs set to begin in the fall. The committee members are Joan Caesar, Andy Dallas, Brad Jacobs, Roger Miller, Hank Moorehouse and "Obie" O'Brien. ----------------- 4. Project Donate Magic ----------------- Message from Vincent Anthony (US) The Society of American Magicians PROJECT DONATE MAGIC We need your support The Society of American Magicians announces a new fund raising program called PROJECT DONATE MAGIC, started to help raise funds to support our building fund. We have created a program so you can donate your old magic apparatus, books, posters, and odds and ends to the SAM Building Fund. We welcome anything and everything, regardless of the value or condition. The SAM Building Fund will then list sell and/or auction your items to general revenue. The great thing is, the value realised in the sale of your items can be tax deductible as set forth by the current IRS tax law. At the end of the sale you will receive a letter detailing the value for which item sold. It is really simple to get involved - just sort through your old magic items, box them up, take them to the post office, and ship them to: Vincent Anthony Attn: SAMBF PO Box 2912 Merrifield, VA 22116 Make sure to include your name, address, and telephone number along with your items. If you need any help, email Vincent at the MagicFund@aol.com or drop him a note at the address listed above. Any and all donations are welcomed and greatly appreciated. Thank you. Vincent ----------------- 5. S.A.M. Special Sessions - Elaborated And Explained ----------------- Message from Maria Ibanez, Society of American Magicians National 1st Vice President Greetings everyone: As the person coordinating, scheduling and helping to plan the special sessions, I thank each and everyone for your feedback and suggestions about the 2004 Special Sessions. I also welcome this opportunity to elaborate a little on the special sessions. Started this year, special sessions were formed to bring together a group of conventioneers with like interests. These sessions were not intended to be lectures, workshops or teach-ins, but rather a moderated, interactive exchange between conventioneers sharing similar interests. Each of the facilitators was given the liberty of presenting their session in whatever manner best fit the topic and the group in the room. Marlene Clark who did the sessions in Improv and Comedy as well as the session on The Anatomy of a Magic Show approached it as hands-on. She had handouts and notes which she gave away to those who attended. Due to a larger than expected number turning up for her sessions, she went out after the sessions and made extra copies of the notes and handed them out to those who came and asked her. Andy Dallas also had visuals, photographs, samples, etc. during the session he did on escapes. A respected escape artist, Andy has received very complimentary comments in all of the survey forms and feedback the convention committee and I have received. Louisville being driving distance form him perhaps Andy will do another session with actual demonstrations this year. He is the President Elect for the S.A.M. and may be elsewhere tied up with the convention, but I will ask. Our Dean, George Schindler, also approached it as hands-on. What better way since he did ventriloquism? He brought many vent puppets, did a skit with one of them, showed the inner workings of a "dummy" for lack of better term and even had a one on one skit with Harris Deutsch (the Laughologist) and his sidekick Nigel. Rave revues are what we have received from this session. Harry Monti, PNP and Trudy Monti RVP presented the session on Magic for Special Education. They too had handouts available, flyers, brochures, informational data and through them you are able to acquire videos and an entire program for special needs students to use magic. Fascinating program which has done much good - check it out if you haven't yet. Although not truly a special session but rather a special extra lecture in the ballroom, Freedom from Drugs, by a panel of experts comprised of Bob Steiner, PNP, Jann Wherry Goodsell, PNP and Harris Deutsch was well received and brought forth a very necessary concept of magic with a message. Say No To Drugs cannot be said or emphasized often enough. Ray Goulet and Fr. Cyprian Murray PNP were the facilitators/hosts of the Historical and Collectible magic session. Also well received and another fascinating topic. My husband and I have been fortunate to visit Mr. Goulet's museum and my sons (both adults now) still remember and speak fondly of having actually touched and seen jackets and locks used by Harry Houdini thanks to that nice man who was a friend of Dave Cresey. Thanks Ray for volunteering and for sharing. Restaurant Magic was the session facilitated by Bruce Kalver. Standing room only and overflowing into the hallway was the norm for all sessions including this one. Bruce has years of experience in the field and shared much of it with those who attended. Last but not least were the two sessions I volunteered to do. The first was a session on Magic Week and its importance to magic and the S.A.M. A display which took up the entire room and while it was never packed, I know over 50 people were there because that's at least how many CDs answering the 5 Ws of Magic Week were handed out. The second session I facilitated was on The Art of Storytelling Magic and this one was a packed room and also received rave reveues and we have received several requests for more of the same. So what's in store for this year? An even better and bigger special sessions offering. That's right, the S.A.M. convention will be bringing you more than you can do, and this is part of the fun. You will get an opportunity to decide whether you want to go to a lecture or to a special session on a specific topic and whether you want to go to this special session or that one, etc. That in itself is part of the fun....make a choice, pick what you would prefer and come and meet a group of people with like interests to yourself. I am VERY excited about the volunteers I've received for this year's special sessions. Too soon to let the cat out of the bag on what the sessions will be on but I promise you that each of them will be terrific! They will also be on a first come first served basis, facilitated by volunteers just as they were this year, and of course, each of the facilitators will run that room to fit the subject matter and the group attending. At this writing I have well over 30 volunteers for sessions and each and everyone of the sessions is on a totally different topic, it is therefore clear to see that we will have a vast array of topics and interests covered. If you have time for a session and wish to volunteer for one please drop me a line at merlina17@aol.com and I will put you on the list of those wishing to volunteer and present. ----------------- 6. IBM Presidential Citations ----------------- Message from Tony Wilson Past IBM International President 2004-2005 Mary and I returned to New Zealand a week ago after wonderful magical odyssey taking in the IBM Convention in Reno, SAM Convention in Boston and the Magic Circle Centenerary in London. We were so impressed with the 35 New Zealanders that came to Reno to support us and thank them all for their attendance and presence. At the Convention Banquet I presented my last two Presidential citations. One went to Dr Dick Mossey who was attending his 50th IBM Convention and was our first youth member. The other to Alan Watson for his services to New Zealand magic, particularly in the area of computer expertise and publishing this E Zine magazine to magicians all over the world. We had a wonderful trip and enjoyed meeting up with our magical friends everywhere we went. As I said in one of my columns, don't go to Conventions to buy new tricks, go to meet new friends. They will last longer than the tricks. Now that we are back in New Zealand and I am no longer president of the IBM, I plan to complete the video tape project that I initiated during my term and do more magic shows! There will be a delay in my email correspondence due to a problem with my Internet service provider which should be corrected by the time you read this but please be patient as there are over 2000 Emails for me on my ISP Server which I hope to download and deal with during the month of August. We are glad to be back home again and send all our magical friends around the world our very best wishes. Tony and Mary Wilson ----------------- 7. New National President Of The Society Of American Magicians ----------------- Message from George Schindler Dean of Society of American Magicians Richard M. Dooley, 44, of Tolland, CT (USA) has been elected National President of the Society of American Magicians, the world's oldest magic society with over 7,000 members worldwide. The organization was founded in 1902 in New York City. Dooley was born and raised in Middletown CT, attended local public schools and graduated from Xavier High School in 1979. He attended Fordham University in New York and earned a Bachelors of Science Degree from the College of Business Administration in 1983. He was the editor in chief of "The Ram," the weekly student newspaper, while at Fordham. He earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of Connecticut in 1986. Dooley and his family (wife Teresa and children Kaitlin (12), Connor (9) and Kevin (4) have lived in Tolland, CT since 1997. Dooley is an Assistant Vice President in the Life Services Division at MassMutual Financial Group in Enfield, CT. Dooley has served in numerous volunteer capacities with the S.A.M. National Treasurer for 10 years 1992-2002 Investment Committee Chair - 2000 - present Budget Committee Chair - 1992- 2005 Convention Treasurer - 1995-2003 Trustee, SAM Magic Endowment Fund 1998-present National Second VP - 2002-03 National First VP - 2003-04 National President- Elect - 2004-05 Dooley has performed at schools and organization and company events under the stage name of "The Amazing Doolini" in several states. He has been a member of the organization since 1978, and a Life Member since 1995. He is also a member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA and an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle of London, England. ----------------- 8. Las Vegas Magic - August, 2005 ----------------- Message from David Neubauer (www.dnmagic.com) Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 10 pm, (Dark Thurs.), Sahara. Collin Foster -Quicker than the Eye 2 & 4 pm daily, 4 & 6 pm Friday, (Dark Mon.), Comedy Zone, Plaza. David Copperfield 7:30 & 10 pm, 4:30 Sat. & some Sun. MGM Grand. July 28-Aug. 10, Aug. 25-Sep. 21. The Free Magic Show 4 pm (Dark Fri. & Mon.) - Bourbon Street Haunted Vegas Tour & Show Robert Allen & Jac Hayden 9:00 pm tour and show (Dark Wed. -Thurs.) $10 off coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponhauntedvegas.html Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas 2 & 4 pm, Stardust. (Dark Wed.) Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Jason Bird The Shops in Desert Passage -Aladdin. Main stage, near the "V" Theater, Thursday - Monday Various times from 1:15 pm. - 8:15 pm. - Free. La Femme Stephan Vanel 8 & 10:30 pm, (Dark Tues.), MGM Grand. Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues-Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) Harrah's Clint Holmes Theater. Magic in the Desert Nick Coleman 4 pm, (free) (Dark Mon., Fri.) Bourbon Street. Ovations Fielding West, Jason Byrne 7 & 9 pm, Lady Luck. (Dark Tues.) Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jeff Hobson, Nathan & Sarah -www.vtheshow.com 7 & 9 pm, Aladdin. 2 for 1 coupon: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponvshow.html World's Greatest Magic Show Kevin James, Joseph Gabriel, The Majestix, Kozak. Derek Roberts, Billy Fergueson & Chris Randall (pre-show). 6 pm Sat. - Thurs., 8:15 Fri., Greek Isle. July Guest Stars: Juliana Chen; 18-24: Valerie (from France); 25-31: Arden James. August Guest Star: Arden James. Sept. Guest Stars: 1-4: Arden James; 5-11: Scott & Muriel (from Holland); 12-25: Danny Cole; 26-30: Mr. Mysto. Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) Restaurants: Eric Allan Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley), Fri. & Sat. Jayden LaCross TGI Fridays, Wed. & Sun. July, 2005 July 18-24: Valerie (from France), World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. July 25-31: Arden James, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. August, 2005 Through Aug. 10: David Copperfield, MGM Grand. August 1-31: Arden James, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. August 9-14: Special Extended Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.MagicalWisdom.com Aug. 25-Sep. 21: David Copperfield, MGM Grand. September, 2005 September 1-4: Arden James, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. September 5-11: Scott & Muriel (from Holland), World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. September 12-25: Danny Cole, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. September 26-30: Mr. Mysto, World's Greatest Magic Show, Greek Isle. September 9-11: Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.MagicalWisdom.com September 29-October 2: Beyond Bizarre Weekend. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. October, 2005 October 2-4: The Las Vegas Paranormal Conference, Palace Station With Robert Allen, Janice Oberding, Zamora, Dixie Dooley, Mike Kuran, Dennis Hauck, Richard Senate, Debbie Christensen, Patti Starr, Mark and Debby Constantino, Jeff Bellanger (Ghostvillage), Professor Richard Faverty, Jackie Barrett and Mike Carrico, founder of the Las Vegas Paranormal Investigations. http://www.TLVPC.com November, 2005 November 4-6: Magic for Medical Professionals. Details to follow. November 11-13: Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger. www.MagicalWisdom.com November 13-15: Mindvention, The 2nd annual all Mentalism convention - Palace Station. www.mindvention.com February, 2006 February 19-22: World Magic Seminar, Orleans. www.worldmagicseminar.com. ----------------- 9. Help Need For Doug Henning's Name Added To The Canadian "Walk Of Fame" ----------------- Message from Walter Zaney Blaney (US) Dear Friends in Magic: The email below was sent to me by my good Canadian magician friend, Timothy Drake. It is in regard to getting as many magicians as possible to go to the given website and voting yes to having Doug Henning's name added to the Canadian "Walk of Fame". I think everyone who knows of Doug's fame will want to do this, and I hope you can help spread the word. We all can agree that Doug was one of the greats in magic history. Sincere thanks, Walter Zaney Blaney ------------------------------ Hi Walter, I hope you made it back from the dinner last night without crashing. I don't think insurance covers people with crossed fingers!!!!! Over the last few years there has been this " Canadian Walk of Fame" sponsored by the government as a tribute to Canadians who did something great. There is a website that you can nominate Canadians at but you don't have to be a Canadian to nominate someone. After all since it's supposed to be a tourist attraction the opinion of non Canadians matters a great deal since they become the tourists who will see the attraction. In 2002 a handful of people nominated Doug Henning but not enough to get Doug a star on the Canadian Walk of Fame. A group of us are now trying to get Doug recognised and need all the votes we can get for Doug on the nomination website. I figure who better to ask than fellow magicians who understand just was Doug did in the world of magic. I know you have a good list of magicians emails that would be happy to acknowledge Doug so I'm asking that you forward this request to your friends on that list. You can assure them that they do not have to put any personal information or email address on the site to nominate Doug. It's just a matter of going to the site, typing in Doug's name and then if they like (optional) they can type in up to 50 words as to why Doug should be included. The website address is http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/inductees/nominations.xml The hope is that if a large number of nominations are entered they will seriously consider honouring Doug on the Canadian Walk of Fame. Best, Tim ----------------- 10. Everyone's Illusion Plans On Ebay Without Permission ----------------- Message from Walter Zaney Blaney (US) Dear Friends: This email was sent to a half dozen magic builders/inventors by Joe Tripi at Magic Auction about an English magician selling everyone's illusion plans on eBay without permission. Maybe our English magic friends can help track down this outrageous magic leech. Good luck to all who care. Best, Walter Walter Zaney Blaney ------------------------------- Hi John Thought you would like to take immediate action on this - We have worked with David Copperfield on a similar problem and he contacted Ebay and they removed his proprietary item. Seller is in west Yorkshire - United Kingdom - sells on Ebay under the name Yorksmagic Interlude infringement on eBay. The moron above is selling blueprints to Interlude for 16.00 GBP which is about $27.00 US. Other illusion builders should keep an eye on this guy - he has other plans for sale plus effects - about 20 in all - move quickly on this.........Joe Here is the link to the auction... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5989474264&category=1039&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1 Thanks, Christine & Joe The Magic Auction http://www.magicauction.com/ Worlds Largest Auction For Magicians Supplies & Illusions (Weekly Auction closes Wednesday at 10:00 PM eastern standard time) Enchanted Woodshop 2 Grand Street Hancock MD 21750 e-mail - chris@magicauction.com ----------------- 11. 2005 Milbourne Christopher Award Winners ----------------- Message from Maurine Christopher (US) Shimshi- Newcomer Jon Racherbaumer - Literary Award Tim Conover - Mentalist George Schindler - Lifetime Achievement John & Tammy Calvert - Masters Award The Christopher awards were started in 1989 - five years after his death. The Milbourne Christopher Foundation presents the awards annually using his resources to publicize the performing art of magic. He fell in love with magic when he was 12 years old. Howard Thurston allowed him and his pals Hen Fetch and Phil Thomas to stand backstage every year when the Thurston show played Baltimore. Thurston is very much in evidence here with posters on the wall, books in the cases and stacks of letters, news clippings and show records. Jane Thurston, one of my favorite people, was a very good letter writer. She also wrote music. This is the second award for the Calverts. John took home a lifetime achievement plaque in 1998. ----------------- 12. 1st International Magic Convention In Israel ----------------- Message from Roei Zaltsman (Israel) http://www.mars.org.il/index.htm The first international magic convention in Israel / September 25th - 27th, 2005 Dear Magic friend, We apologize if you consider this mail as spam. We send it to you as a relevant invitation, and we won't send you any more mail unless you reply us requesting more info. We sent you this letter because you are a magic ring president/secretary and we would appreciate it if you could send this letter to your ring members, so they could know of this new exciting convention as well. For every 5 attending magicians from your ring, we will give you one free admission. MARS (Magic At the Red Sea) convention takes place in Eilat Israel between September 25th - 27th, 2005. Magicians from all over the world have created three days full of magical experiences that include lectures, stage performances, close-up, late-night bar magic, International dealers, contests, street magic and a visit to one of Eilat's many beautiful attractions. Eilat is located at the southernmost tip of the country. It is blessed with everything that makes a perfect vacation - beautiful mirror-like sea, lively beaches, seafront bars and restaurants, first-rate hotels, all kinds of water sports, spectacular underwater world and coral reefs, diving clubs, desert treks, camel tours and even swimming with dolphins. Contact us for more details! Headliners (left to right): Menny Lindenfeld, Anthony Darkstone, FL!P, Duane Laflin, Charles Brook, Pit Hartling & Max Maven ----------------- 13. Powell Performs Death-Defying Act At 31,000 Feet ----------------- Message from Harold Twaddle I.B.M. Sick & Convalescent Here is an article that should be shown the world around. Powell performs death-defying act at 31,000 feet. Go to: http://www.messenger-inquirer.com/news/kentucky/8626094.htm ----------------- 14. Help Need For Magicians Going To Southern Thailand ----------------- Message from James Hanrahan (UK) Will be going to Southern Thailand and looking for with tips and guidance. The areas I was considering were; Travel through experience/research I would; Recommend- Avoid- General questions General tips Tricks/Routines for use in Southern Thailand that work well are - To avoid (either due to cultural difference or loss of meaning through interpretation) General questions General tips Clothing General questions General tips ----------------- 15. SAM Assembly #38 Presents Day Of Magic II ----------------- Message from Barron Stringfellow "Magic From F To Z!" October 8, 2005 ~ It's A Mini-Convention!! 4 Different Lectures Featuring: The Magic Of Frank Zak, Barron Stringfellow, and Danny Fleshman: That's a total of 4 High Energy.Info Packed lectures! Where? Fairmount Community Center ~ 608 South Ash Avenue ~ Independence, Mo. When? October 8th 9:00 a.m. Welcome! Lectures All Day, Dealers Tables Open 9a.m. to 7:00p.m. Evening Show at 8:00p.m. How Much? Lectures & Show: $30.00* (SAM/SYM) (SYM Includes 1 Adult Admission) $40.00* for Non-Members *After September 8th: $50.00 per person Show Tickets Only: $10.00 Public Welcome! Closing The Day of Magic: "Magic, Mystery & Mayhem" A 90 Minute Stage Show Finale! Open To The Public!! Frank Zak, Roger Miller, John Apperson and Barron Stringfellow. Tickets Available From: Klamm Magic (816) 461-4595 or Klamm@klamm-magic.com Visa/Mastercard/Discover Accepted There is a "No-Host" Dinner & Party The 7th of October at 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. At Palamino's Mexican Cantina Located at 10219 East US Highway 24, Independence Mo. (Right Around the Corner from the Fairmount Community Center) Performers will be there to Meet and Greet You! Enjoy!! Registration Is Limited Due To Space.Hurry!! Register Now!!! Barron Stringfellow~ Master of All That Is Magical! 121 West 8th Street Horton, KS 66439 (785) 486-3716 ----------------- 16. Losander's Australian Show & Lecture Tour ----------------- Message from Hey Presto Magic (Aust) Hey Presto Magic Studio is proudly sponsoring the first Australian tour of the World Renowned 'Losander' Master of Levitation. Losander has performed in the Worlds Greatest Magic Show at the Greek Isle Casino, Las Vegas, The Magic Castle in Hollywood to the World Magic Seminar in the USA and has packed out shows all over the world. I can tell you this will be the lecturer of the year so mark this one down as a "Must See Event". The dates in August for his performance shows and lectures are as follows. Brisbane: Monday 8th August 2005 at 7.30pm at the Arana Hills Church of Christ. Ring Dave Lord on 07 3806 2772 Melbourne: Tuesday the 9th August 2005 at 8pm at the Swiss Club. Ring Graham Etherington on 03 9786 5481 for more details. Sydney: Wednesday 10th August 2005 at 8pm at the Star Bar, 600 George Street Sydney (opposite the cinemas) ***Limited seating available so get in fast! *** ----------------- 17. Charitable Events At The IBM Convention ----------------- Message from Ron London (US) Each year the I.B.M. provides volunteer shows at hospitals in the convention city. This was my 12th year in co-ordinating this event. This year the Reno Veterans Hospital and the Northern Nevada Medical Center in Sparks were covered. The shows are always on Tuesday of convention week. This is an I.B.M. goodwill gesture as part of their "Share The Magic" program. This year's performers included Jim and Christy Henson from Arkansas, George Stewart from Ohio, Kenny Shelton from California and Ron London from Indiana. Another part of the convention was a new fund-raiser for a local (in the convention city) charity. Funds were raised during the convention week. And on the Saturday night show the IBM charitable director, Ron London, was able to present "Friends of Special Children" a check for $1600! ----------------- 18. Magic And Movie Trivia ----------------- Message from Matt Marcy (US) Matt Marcy is currently performing as a magician and host for the Lights, Camera, Classics tour presented by Turner Classic Movies. On weekends through September, Matt will be mixing magic and movie trivia to promote the network in cities across the United States. For more information, go to www.lightscameraclassics.com or www.mattmarcy.com. ----------------- 19. "Motivational Magic" - Steve Hart ----------------- Message from Steve Hart (US) You are not going to believe the story I am about to tell you. A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I flew to New Orleans where I was to present a program for the Family Alliances Association's Regional conference. Their director demanded the closing program to their conference be one that was motivational yet light-hearted. There were about 60 people who had just spent the past four days together and tired and ready to go home. My message addressed the needs within their industry and yet simple enough for anyone to enjoy. I only performed a total of 6 magic tricks during the hour program as I illustrated my message with each trick. It did not take them long before they were laughing and smiles appeared upon everyone's faces. I left the stage with warm applause, compliments of how much they enjoyed my program and later sent me a letter endorsing my services. Does this sound like something you could do? Would a program like this excite you? What if I were to tell you they paid me $3,000.00? Can you believe this? You need to know if this type of work is for you! "Motivational Magic" is one of the fastest industries in magic today. You can register now for my next Live Training Workshop in Cocoa Beach, Florida this August 23-24-25th, 2005. You too could be making the same type of money I make if you are willing to learn the inside secrets to this industry. For details go to: magic2motivate.com and then click on the button that reads "Seminars" Turn your love of magic into a whole new career. One that makes Big Money! ----------------- 20. 47 Years Of Dice Stacking, A Retrospective ----------------- Message from Tony L. Lewis 47 years of dice stacking, a retrospective Hi fellow magic enthusiasts, This is the first of a series of articles on dice stacking that I will publish over the next few weeks. I believe that those of you who currently stack dice, or are contemplating doing so, will find these writings useful. I hope the rest of you will find them to be entertaining. About 47 years ago I learned how to stack dice from a manuscript entitled "How to Stack Dice for Fun and No Profit," written by the illustrious magician, Clarke "The Senator" Crandall. From that time on I have used a dice stacking routine as the closer for my adult magic act. Additionally, I have taught dice stacking, lectured on it to magic clubs, and conducted a dice stacking workshop at a local juggling festival. I have been most fortunate to have made friends with three of the best dice stackers in the US and perhaps in the world. Dice stacking has been my entree into rubbing shoulders with some of the top magicians in the US. I love this art as much now as I did when I was first exposed to it almost 50 years ago. Currently, my skill with the stack does not have the fine edge that it possessed when I was in my prime. Therefore, when I perform my act after a long layoff, I compensate for this fact by switching the "takeoff'" segment of my routine from the main act to the encore segment where I perform a couple of bits that do not work 100% of the time. It is interesting to note that when you perform as a magician, it is considered to be a major gaff when you blow a sleight, whereas when you perform for jugglers you are expected to miss on occasion and doing so is no big thing. I suspect that the reason jugglers are more tolerant is that the average juggler is continually striving to accomplish ever more difficult feats. Thus, "missing" is considered to be an everyday occurrence. In the next installment of this series of articles, I will describe my early days as a dice stacker. ----------------- 21. Floating Rose - Jamie G ----------------- Message from Jamie G (Canada) Effect: The magician folds a napkin into the shape of a rose. The magician places the napkin rose on a table and, with some mystic passes, causes the rose to magically move around the table. A spectator is allowed to inspect the rose, and then the magician proceeds to float the rose in mid air. It is again handed to a spectator for inspection. On retrieving the rose, the magician causes it to glow by blowing on it gently. Another breath on the rose and the glow vanishes. The rose is finally given away to the spectator. If the spectator tears the rose apart, they will find nothing but a napkin. Props: 1 invisible elastic loop on your wrist, 1 paper napkin, 1 red D'lite in your pocket. Step 1 - Folding the Rose: Take two fingers and clip one side of the napkin at the corner, about one or two inches deep. Wrap the napkin around the fingers forming a tube. Begin twisting below the fingers to form the stem. After a couple of twists, hold the twisted section with your free hand, remove your fingers and transfer the twisted section to the other hand. Resume twisting for another four to six turns, making the twists tight so they will hold. You can continue twisting all the way down at this point, or you can create a leaf on the stem by either of two methods. One method is to continue twisting the stem until you have as much stem twisted as untwisted. Fold the outside bottom corner up to form the leaf, pinching just below the leaf and continue twisting all the way down. The other method is to fold the outside bottom corner up so the point touches the top of the twisted section. Gently wrap the napkin corner around the stem, straighten out the rest of the napkin below and continue twisting the stem all the way to the bottom. After making the twisted stem tight, very gently peel the up folded corner away from the stem at the top until it is sticking out from the stem and forms a cupped leaf-like shape. The further you twist before folding up the corner, the larger the leaf will be. Finish by adjusting the leaf, then adjusting the rose bud by pressing a finger inside to round out the bottom, then clipping the inside corner and coiling the "petals" tighter inside the bud. Step 2 - Animating the Rose: Have a loop of invisible elastic thread on your wrist. Place the napkin rose on the table. As you point at the rose, blow on it hard enough that it moves up the table a little bit. Use this action cover taking your opposite thumb under the loop on your wrist, giving you a double line of thread from your wrist to your other thumb. Place the loop line across the rose and, with some mystic passes of your hands, move the rose around the table. Finish by sliding the rose off the table onto the floor, detaching it from the line. Release the loop from your thumb which returns it to your wrist. Step 3 - Floating the Rose: Hand out the rose to a spectator for inspection. Once again hook your opposite thumb under the elastic loop and retrieve the rose. Place the rose across the double line of thread and release it, causing the rose to float in mid air between your hands. Blow gently on the rose and release the thread from the thumb, causing the rose to fall once again to the floor and returning the loop to your wrist. Step 4 - Glowing the Rose: Pick up the napkin rose from the floor and again hand it to the spectator for a second inspection. Use this time to retrieve the D'lite from your pocket. As you retrieve the rose from the spectator, slide the red D'lite in to the top of the rose. If you use the new soft tip D'lite, you can simply leave it inside the top of the rose and cause it to light by gently squeezing the rose. If you are using the hard tip D'lite, just leave your thumb inside the rose, holding the rose by the flower section. Light the rose with a gentle breath, and extinguish it with another. Repeat this effect once and then retrieve the D'lite from the rose as you hand the rose for the last time to the spectator, letting them know that this time it is theirs to keep. Notes: Invisible Elastic Loops: Excellent loops are made by Yigal Mesika (www.yigalmesika.com) I find his loops to be the best. One package of 5 loops have lasted me all year with a lot of use. Soft Tip Red D'lites: These are produced by D'lite Products (www.dlite.com, or email Rocco at rocco@dlite.com) and are available from most magic shops. These are wonderful magic gimmicks and have been out since 1995. I recommend you get the real D'lite's as the alternatives have not seemed to me to be of comparable quality or reliability. Napkin Roses: A magician friend of mine, Michael Mode, sells the "Napkin Rose". This includes a pack of 50 custom colored napkins that allow you to make realistic roses with red, yellow or pink buds and green stems and extensive description for the folding and discussion of uses for the effect. These are the best napkins I have ever seen for this effect and I recommend his web site (www.napkinrose.com) and product to get the most out of this effect. Michael Mode is a member of IBM Ring 22, Detroit. ---------------- 22. Dates For New Zealand Magicians To Remember ------------------ Friday 2nd September 2005 Chuck Hickok's Lecture - Auckland Time: 7.30pm Thursday 22nd September Lee Asher Lecture - Auckland Time: 7.30pm Friday 23rd September Lee Asher Lecture - Palmerston North Sunday 23 October 2005 Kiwi Magic Day Venue: Dolphin Theatre, Onehunga Auckland Registration form - go to: www.watson.co.nz/magic.html 20-23 October 2006 28th International New Zealand Convention of Magicians Palmerston North Convention website - go to: www.joel.co.nz/convention.htm ----------------- 23. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Well Alan & Michele Watson from Auckland N.Z., for whom I write my saga in their 'Magic New Zealand E-zine', have been and gone in an all to brief visit. They were in England for the Magic Circle's Centenary. Paul & Debbie Daniel's drove them up from London - what a wonderful couple they are, always welcome at our home - anytime... Whilst they were here, Alan & Michele presented me with another Award (the first being a 'Lifetime Achievement' Award), which reads as follows - Honorary Membership Presented to Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchanté) In recognition of his major contributions to Magic New Zealand' July 2005 I am particularly proud of this, as only two others have been been honored with this award. Thank you Alan and Michele, and all on the committee, who ever you are. Never, in my wildest imaginings, did I ever think that I would be awarded for my writings... Burns Scandrett, aka 'Delarno' from Christchurch N.Z. arrived the afternoon they left, and stayed for a few days. I had promised him that I would take him to see Blackpool, as he had never been there before - walked my bloody legs off he did and, the pollution from the constant nose to tail traffic played havoc with my lungs - I'm still suffering and trying to get over it. Oh well... One of the nicest things to come out of all this is, Veronica and I have made two, new, beautiful friends; namely Paul and Debbie Daniel's. Veronica and I found them both to be charming, down to earth folk, whom we are very proud to call - 'Our Friends'. Tommy & Veronica Orchard (Orchanté & Kim - retired) ------------------------ Page 60 Ferocious Seas - Angry Gods! December 1969. Somewhere off the southwest coast of Tahiti In the middle of a raging storm - LOST AT SEA! How do you explain or describe what you are feeling in the depths of your soul, knowing that you are on the brink of a catastrophe - that any minute, any second, you face annihilation. Imagine looking up at a monstrous wall of water that stretches up so high before you, the top appears to be touching the sky or, as in our case, a sheet of blackness as far as you could see! Imagine you are teetering for a moment, right at the peak of what seems to be an endless, sheer drop of water then suddenly you're hurtling down that watery slide, heading for what you feel must be the very bottom of the seabed! On top of all that, there is a 'howling banshee' of a gale and violent, driving rain. Imagine propelling, driving at full power, a small motor launch that, by comparison to that 'watery Mount Everest' - was the size of a matchbox - up that endless wall of water, praying that you'll reach the top before it collapses, crushing you - everything - under astronomical tons of sea-water. Better still, rent the video, 'The Perfect Storm'; there is an incredible segment where a large commercial fishing boat, is caught under similar circumstances. When you see this, shrink that boat down to at least a quarter of its size - that will give you a very accurate picture of what we went through! I am not a religious man, not in the normally accepted sense, but I do believe that 'something' is there - "an essence of all existence". As U. F. O. buff, I'm convinced that we, the human race, are descendants of an alien race who visited this planet way back. I guess for many of you, that admission has put me, along with various astronauts, scientists and pilots, both military and civilian, who know the truth - and are not afraid to say so - straight into the 'loony bin'! I had two experiences some years ago, back in New Zealand, that was 'proof' to me, that we are being visited by aliens, but that is another story which I may write about later, if I remember. I do tend to go off on tangents at times. As I stated earlier, I'm not the religious type but I tell you this, one minute you are praying to anything that might hear you - the next cursing everything! From the depths of your soul, you silently scream at the elements, at life, your total helplessness. Your mind is overwhelmed with a tidal wave of primeval fear as you imagine the all to real prospect and horror of ravenous sharks tearing, ripping you apart, and eating you alive! In your mind's eye, you see that precipitous towering wall of water tossing the minuscule boat and you, into the watery depths - knowing that at any moment that is precisely what can - should - happen; hour upon hour, the relentless, petrifying onslaught continues. You go through stages of numbness, thinking - saying nothing. It is a continuous cycle of fear, dread, and resignation; but from somewhere deep down inside, your instincts are screaming, "You must, you can, you will - survive!" You become aware that you are nothing but a tiny speck on a vast ocean on a planet; one of countless millions, billions, of other stars and planets in a small corner of the universe. Part of a galaxy that it is hurtling in an unknown direction, at an unimaginable speed through an ever-expanding universe populated with billions of other galaxies, stretching to eternity! Phew, let's get back to Planet Earth. At around two or three in the morning, it gradually dawns upon you that it is all over. The launch is floating on a calm, serene ocean - the same ocean that, for hours on end, had tried to toss you into the seething ocean; now, the only sound is the gentle, rhythmic slapping of water against the side of the launch. The outboard motors are silent, for the simple reason that we have run out of fuel. I have absolutely no memory of when this happened but, thank God, it must have been some time after the storm had blown itself out - if we'd run out of 'juice' during the storm, I wouldn't be here today writing ---------------- 24. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives ------------------ Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.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) ------------------- 25. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice ------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson 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 they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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 2005 Alan Watson