* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #550
Date: Sunday 23rd December 2007
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. Magic Convention Of The Century!
3. The Magic Club of Vienna's 100th Anniversary
4. Salute To Magic Show 2008
5. Magic Project For 2008
6. Remarkable Magic #34 - Nick Lewin
7. Giving The Gift of Magic - by Kyle Peron
8. Entertaining On The Ocean #13 - Paul Romhany
9. Broken Wand - Dick Ryanst
10. Broken Wand - Irv Furman
11. 22 Magicians Performing At Science World
12. The FISM World Championships Of Magic 2006 DVD Out Now!
13. Magician Russell Swann Remembrance
14. Re Zany Blaney - I Watched All The Indian Rope Tricks
15. The Amazing Orchante Saga
16. e-zine Archives
17. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice

--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
We hear that the combined I.B.M. - S.A.M. Convention in
Louisville, Kentucky, July 21 - 26, 2008 is heading towards 1,500
registrations and that the Gault House Hotel is now 85% booked!

If you book NOW the convention rate is $396US. In ONE weeks time
it jumps up to $495US. Full convention details go to:
www.ibmsam2008.com

---------------------------------------------
Paul Daniels (Captain Hook) and the lovely Debbie McGee
(Tinkerbell) are Starring in the very popular Christmas Pantomine
'Peter Pan' which we hear has been receiving rave reviews and
has been running since Dec 8th continuing through until Dec 30th
at the Aylesbury Civic Centre, for full details :
Box office 01296 486009 www.aylesburycivic.co.uk

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

--------------------------------------------
2. Magic Convention of the Century!
--------------------------------------------
Message from Jack White

What you will miss if you are not attending the Magic Convention
of the Century!

If you have not yet registered to attend the most exciting Magic
Event of this century, the Combined I.B.M. - S.A.M. Convention in
Louisville, Kentucky, July 21 - 26, 2008, let me tell you about
just a few of the things you are going to be missing out on this
summer. The location for this year's convention, Louisville, has
recently been rated as the number one city in America for
relocating families. That is because this is an area on the move
in entertainment, education, business and is an affordable area
for a better quality of life.

For magicians and magic aficionado's coming from all over the
world, it is Louisville's charming history and hospitability we
are excited about. This area's greatest natural resource, the
Ohio River, is the reason for the city's existence. The Galt
House Hotel, headquarters for the combined convention is located
on the banks of the beautiful Ohio, conjuring up memories of
"card sharps" and "flim flam" operators who plied the waters of
the old Ohio on the many paddlewheel boats that traveled up and
down the river. If you want to relive that era there are still
today, riverboat cruises that leave from right in front of the
Galt House Hotel.

A four-minute walk out the back door of the Galt House is the
Louisville Performing Arts Center, which is made up of two unique
theaters, a restaurant and shops. The combined convention will
use both theaters, the large opera house; with its 2400 seats and
full stage will be the sight of the gala shows and stage
competition. The second theater in this modern complex is a
smaller space with just over 600 stadium style seats that will be
used for the close-up competition. Hank Moorehouse, producer of
the competition programs, has carefully placed video cameras so
that the work of each close-up artist can be clearly seen on a
big screen. The competitors, limited to a maximum of 50 in each
of the Stage and Close-Up categories, will compete for the
Championship Trophy, plus a cash award in each category of
$10,000. In addition, worldwide bookings worth an equal amount
will be divided between the six finalists in each category. We
remind everyone that all contest entries have been extended to
June 1st. Official Contest Application forms can be downloaded at
www.ibmsam2008.com.

Our combined convention headquarters is in downtown Louisville, a
10 minute taxi ride from the Louisville International Airport,
taxi fares are regulated by the city government and top price for
one to four people in a taxi within the city limits is $17.
Getting around downtown Louisville is easy because the streets
and blocks are laid out in a grid pattern. Numbered streets run
north/south; names streets east/west, most streets are one-way,
be sure to watch for directional signals at each street if you
are driving.

Just a few blocks from the Galt House on Main Street is a six
stories tall baseball bat that is the landmark logo for the
famous Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Tours are open to
the public daily, even if you are not a baseball fan you will
enjoy this exhibit. A few blocks further on is the Muhammad Ali
Center, on 6th street, featuring innovative exhibits, public
programs and global initiatives that carry on the great boxer's
legacy.

For horse racing fans this is the racing capital of the world and
you will be especially interested in visiting the Kentucky Derby
Museum, 704 Central Avenue. If you like railroading the Kentucky
Railway Museum will take you on an excursion on a vintage
passenger train through the scenic Rolling Fork River Valley. But
most of all Kentucky is Bourbon Country; this is where the true
connoisseur of great whisky is at home with the mellow flavors;
rich traditions and folklore that accompany the making of fine
Bourbon. Nearby are eleven Distillery's and Vineyards that offer
tours and tasting rooms.

The Combined I.B.M. - S.A.M. Convention will truly be the
convention of the century, six days of world championship magic,
offering $50,000 in contest prize money and performing contracts,
featuring some of the best stage and close-up performers from
around the world. Obie O'Brian is putting together a dealer's
room that will feature rare and unique magic offered by
manufacturers from all corners of the globe. You will see some
high end, different magic apparatus that is unavailable at most
magic conventions. You will also be given an opportunity to see
and purchase some collectable magic, books and videos as well.
This will be a dealer's room that will be long remembered by
those attending this convention.

Fourth Street Live is a 15 minute walk from the Galt House and is
known for 16 restaurants and clubs offering food, drink and
entertainment for the after hours convention goers. In July the
average temperature in Louisville ranges from a high of 87 to a
low of 70, so get ready for a hot time and a cool convention.
This is an area that will offer great vacation opportunities for
the entire family.

If you have not registered as yet you can still become a part of
this Combined Convention of the Century by going to
(www.ibmsam2008.com) you will find a registration site, a hotel
registration site with rooms still at $99 a night, you will also
find information at this site on becoming a contestant in the
various contests if you are so motivated. If you do not have
e-mail you can contact the registration office by writing to John
& Virginia Apperson, 2812 Idaho, Granite City, IL. 62050-3524,
they will be only too happy to get you set up and into the
convention.

Members of the magic fraternity will be talking about this
Combined I.B.M. - S.A.M. Convention for years to come. Don't be
left out, register NOW!

----------------
3. The Magic Club of Vienna's 100th Anniversary
-----------------
Message from Magic Christian

Dear Magic Friends

The Magic Club of Vienna invites all magicians of the world to
Vienna to celebrate its 100th anniversary from April 11th to 13th
2008. We want to celebrate this jubilee with an exclusive circle
of interested magicians. Because of limited space we are only
able to accept 150 registrations. There will also be an
interesting program for the ladies. Register quickly to secure
your place. If you try to register too late tickets will be
available for the public Gala-show at the theatre only. We will
be happy to receive your registration as soon as possible.

The registration fee for all events including show, 3 lectures, a
reception with the Mayor of Vienna at the City Hall, the Close-Up
Show and beer brunch on Sunday morning will be 150.- ? which has
to be paid into the account of the Postsparkasse No. 00510028430
for Magischer Klub Wien. Please read the attached registration
form for further information.

A very Merry Christmas
Cordially Yours

Magischer Klub Wien and Magic Christian

Contact:
www.magicchristian.com
magicchristian@chello.at
Promotion Magic & Design
Stiegengasse 9/ 8-10
1060 Wien
Te,.: +43 1 58741 79
Mobil: 0664 536 7100

--------------------------------------------
4. Salute To Magic Show 2008
--------------------------------------------
Message from George Schindler

Parent Assembly #1- S A M announces that tickets are now on sale
for the Salute To Magic Show March 29 2008.

Magician Bradley Jacobs will be honored as "Magician of the Year
2008"

"Salute To Magic" is the oldest containing magic show in the
United States.

This year's performance for ONE NIGHT ONLY will be presented on
March 29, 2008 at 8 PM at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts
Center - 199 Chambers Street in New York City by the Society of
American Magicians. This year's show features a family oriented
variety of five award winning magic acts providing comedy,
baffling illusions, juggling, manipulations and quick changes.

Tickets are $ 50.00 per person. Advance or group sales at:
212-725-5258 or www.sampa1.com. The performers for the 99th
"SALUTE TO MAGIC" are Illusionist James Brandon & Co; manipulator
Arthur Trace, quick change artists, Stoil and Ekaterina comedian
Stephen Bargatze and mime juggler Howard Mincone. The Salute to
Magic was first presented on April 15, in 1909 at the Berkley
Theater on 44 Street near Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Additional information, photos or press kits contact:
Society of American Magicians - Public Relations
George Schindler 718-336-0605
Showbiz10@aol.com

-----------------
5. Magic Project For 2008
-----------------
Message from Brian Rolč M.M.C.

My Magic friends,

During the past months, apart from keeping myself busy with
performances, I have also been setting up a project to help
archive magic and its history throughout the ages. Obviously
since this is a vast task and I will never be in a position to do
this alone. The project is a Wikipedia Type Project that will
archive all things magic and illusion.

You are invited to submit all your original articles, biographies
and other magic and illusion related stuff to this 'open'
project. It is important to know that any exposures of methods
relating to explanations of the workings of magic and illusions
will not be accepted and are strictly prohibited. Copyrighted
material is also prohibited but you can also submit your original
photos and videos to this project.

Please also share this email to any of your magic contacts so
that they can furbish the project with interesting things that
can be used to discover the history of magic.

The temporary link to this project is
http://brianrole.com/wikimagic/ which will change once enough
information is gathered to launch the actual project.

Also more administrators will be needed with a good knowledge of
magic history and those interested are invited to apply for
administration rights.

I thank you in advance for all your contributions and will be
looking forward to seeing your submission.

Have a great festive season.

Kindest Regards

Brian Rolč M.M.C.
http://www.brianrole.com
+356 99820913

--------------------------------------------
6. Remarkable Magic #34 - Nick Lewin
--------------------------------------------
Message from Nick Lewin (US)

Remarkable Magic. Jon Stetson a magician for all seasons.

One of my favorite stops when I was working the comedy circuit
was the city of Boston. I worked several different locations
there but my regular 'home' was the 'Catch A Rising Star' club in
Cambridge. This club was more fun to play than any other I
remember.

The stage was so small that it could barely hold my prop case, a
microphone stand and myself. The showroom was an L shape with a
tiny stage at the middle of the L. The shape of the room pretty
much guaranteed that only a few tables had a reasonable view of
the stage.

What made the club so much fun? The answer is simple it was the
people who ran it and the customers who attended it. One of my
favorite parts of working there was that at least once or twice
during my working week would be a visit from Jon Stetson. He was
always either en route from or to a gig and sometimes both! I
swear there has never, ever been a busier performer than Mr.
Stetson. I suspect a large part of this is the fact that he has
always performed every kind of gig ever offered to him. He is
currently incarnated as a highly successful corporate mindreader.

I have still never seen Stetson perform a single show but I can
only guess how funny he is. There are very few magicians who
really crack me up and Jon is right up there at the top of the
list. A natural raconteur he will royally entertain you with his
incise commentaries on contemporary magic. His natural wit
partially covers his shrewd understanding of all that is
important to a performing magician.

Jon is also one of the very few magicians who has really, really
fooled me. I mean, fooled me big time! I was visiting Boston for
a corporate gig and just beginning to think it would be a Stetson
free visit when my cell phone rang. It was Jon who, needless to
say, was working somewhere in town but that wasn't going to stop
him from getting to meet up before his evening gig.

"I'll meet you at the sports bar in the airport." He said. I
realized that this probably meant I would be boarding my plane to
Los Angeles not only entertained but also slightly drunk. Good
deal. The early evening found me in the sports bar waiting for
Stetson with a beer in my hand. He arrived pretty much on time
and we quickly caught up with each other and swapped the latest
magic gossip. While fetching two more beers from the bar Jon
returned with ten 'scratch off' lottery cards. He handed me half
and as we drank our beers we checked our cards.

I was so excited when my lottery card revealed a $100,000 win
that I nearly spilled my beer. My joy lasted for several minutes
until Jon burst out laughing and I realized I had been duped! It
says a lot about Jon's natural acting ability, and general
sneakiness that he totally fooled me in spite of it being exactly
the kind of thing you would expect him to do. No wonder he is
knocking them dead in the Mindreading world!

If you have the chance to spend time with Stetson jump at it
because while you may not be rewarded with a $100,000 prize I
guarantee you will be a wiser and happier magician!
As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin1@mac.com
and check out my website at www.nicklewin.com

--------------------------------------------
7. Giving The Gift of Magic - by Kyle Peron
--------------------------------------------
Message from Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com

Now that the Holiday season is upon us and Christmas and New
Years is just around the corner, I thought I would take this week
to write an article that is .. well... a bit different than the
ones I have written in the past. I hope it may make you smile or
make a difference to you in some way.

How many of you during this holiday season have heard the term
"The Magic of the Holidays"? Probably a good many of us. You hear
it, you see it and it seems like it appears everywhere. But is
there some deeper meaning in these words that can apply to every
magician this holiday season? This is what I started to ponder
over lately.

It is so very easy for magicians to get wrapped up in the hustle
and bustle of the holidays that we seem stressed out, tense and
the only thing on our minds is just surviving. We not only have
to do the holiday shopping, make the food and visit the
relatives. We also have those many holiday magic shows which just
seem to be at the worse times for getting any of this other stuff
done. It is so easy to get caught up in all of this and not
realize that maybe this time of year there is something we can do
as a magician to make a difference.

Can we use our magic to give a gift far greater than anything
someone may have experienced before? Can we use the magic that we
all know and give a gift of magic to someone this holiday season?
To me the answer is yes. Allow me to explain further.

I think the first thing we all should remember this holiday
season is the simple fact that being a magician is an honor and a
privilege. I feel proud to call myself a magician and I take
pride in what I do and the history of my art. However, we all
fall victim of taking our talents for granted.

So many times we are just so used to having someone hire us, we
go and perform, get paid and go home. We are used to having a
show, they pay to see it, we perform and it is over. There is
nothing wrong with this as that is the nature of what we do.
However, this holiday season, does the magic have to stop there?
Can we use the talents we all have and extend the gift of magic
to others?

As a magician, I pride myself in always being able to perform
magic no matter where I am or what situation I find myself in. I
always have with me a deck of cards or rubber bands or can always
find stuff around me to do an impromptu miracle. I think most of
us may fall into this same category of having the ability to
perform any place and anywhere. But how often do we really do
this?

This holiday season I want to put out this idea to all of you
reading. Give the gift of magic to someone this holiday season.
If you are in a long line and you see a child crying, perform a
simple magic trick for the child to cheer them up and do not ask
anything in return. Perform a simple magic trick for the cashier
who is probably having a bad day. Nothing fancy but something
quick, easy and can be given to them. There are so many
opportunities out there if you open your eyes to seeing them.

As a magician, we have this amazing ability to give someone
something that many others cannot give. We have the power to
cheer people up, to make them smile or to make them simply forget
the problems or the stress of the holidays. We have the ability
to use our magic and extend that magic to others around us.

In this holiday season, find the time to extend your talents of
magic to others you feel could simply use a good smile. It does
not take much effort and it requires only the information and
ability you already have. It means seeing an opportunity to make
a difference and going ahead and doing something about it.

It means taking just a little time out of your life to make such
a difference and not expect anything back in return. It is
showing that we can personally give the gift of magic this
holiday season. A gift so many of us have the ability to give. Go
out there and really make a difference. It is a gift to be a
magician, now is the time to share that gift with someone else.

As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your
thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or
suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly
at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you.

Kyle Peron
Magician and Illusionist
Graphic Designer and Illustrator
(Specializing in Logo creation)
www.kyleandkellymagic.com
Chair Suspension Ebook Author
http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html

--------------------------------------------
8. Entertaining On The Ocean #13 - Paul Romhany
--------------------------------------------
Message from Paul Romhany (NZ)

I am pleased to report we survived our horror week of bad weather
and I was able to finally perform. I spoke to a few other
entertainers who were traveling around the same area as us and
also reported they had to spend days in bed.

This week I would like to introduce Jonathan Neil, cruise
director. Finding time to sit down and have a chat to any cruise
director isn't easy as they really do work very hard, and long
hours. Jonathan invited me to see him at 10.30am but just as I
entered his office something else urgent came up and he was off.
This went on all day until finally at 7pm he had 10 minutes to
spare.

My first question to him was what advice he had to magicians
wanting to get in to the cruise industry and he said "Not to
bother!" . he then asked if I would like a drink. Of course he
was joking, not about the drink though. During our chat he
pointed out that Cruise ships are the last bastion for cabaret
acts to work a full evening show and that certain types of acts
are suitable for cruise ships. As a cruise director he has to
write a report on every act and if they went over well. We also
talked about agents knowing what the act does and what type of
ship or cruise line is suitable for that act. Some very important
points.

Jonathan hails from the county of Northamptonshire in the
Midlands of the UK. From a very young age he was always
interested in the theatre and the performing arts, although the
rest of his family have strong connections at sea. In 1982
Jonathan was offered his first cruise contract, and spent the
next two years on ships sailing around the Greek Islands. During
this time, he worked as guest entertainer, working as a
magician/illusionist with a double act called Jonathan Neal and
Jacquie. His claim to fame was introducing many new illusions to
the magical fraternity. He also ran a very successful magic
company supplying magicians and shows with magical apparatus all
over the world; representing the UK . he was owner of Studio 9.

In 1992, Jonathan was sent to Bahrain and worked as Guest
Entertainer during Operation Desert Storm on board the Cunard
Princess, and remained there throughout the Gulf War. He has also
made a tour for the British armed forces in North Ireland and
also several in Bosnia. In a career spanning 25 years at sea,
Jonathan has been cruise director on board a number of major
cruise lines, and has spent the last 6 years as cruise director
on board the MV Marco Polo for Orient Cruise Lines.

Speaking to Jonathan I asked if he missed the 'magic' and he said
no, he loves being cruise director and all that goes with it . to
be honest it's a very tough job and not one I could take on.

I have had several emails asking me if I have a BLOG and the
answer is YES. If you want to catch up on where in the world I
am, my latest products and other news please visit:
http://paulromhany.blogspot.com/

You can also visit my website at www.chaplinmagic.com

--------------------------------------------
9. Broken Wand - Dick Ryan
--------------------------------------------
Message from Bev Bergeron

Dick Ryan of Las Vegas died on November 19, 2007.

During the 1960s Dick and his wife, Anne ran a theatrical agency
in Fr. Wayne, Indiana. Besides performing a magic act himself
Dick kept many magicians in the Fr. Wayne and Chicago area
working. In the 1970s the two opened an agency in Las Vegas and
specialized in the trade show and hospitality room business.

Dick wrote one of the early booklets on the subject of selling
yourself for a tradeshow and also how to work it. He also
lectured on the subject.

He is survived by his wife Anne and a daughter.

Bev Bergeron

-------------------------------------
Whaley's Who's Who In Magic

Ryan, (Richard Henry) "Dick"
(Fort Wayne, Indiana: 16 Jul 1928- ) Inspired in 1938 seeing
Blackstone & Dante. Pro close-up & platform magician since 1948.
A pioneer since the 1950s in the industrial & trade-show field
where he is widely rated among the world's top six. Also a major
booking agent since 1950s. Wrote Confidential Booking Report #1
(1989, 57pp) & #2 (1990, 57pp). Articles in Linking Ring, Genii,
& Tops.

--------------------------------------------
10. Broken Wand - Irv Furman
--------------------------------------------
Message from George Schindler

Word just in from Mike Miller.

Magic dealer Irv Furman died this weekend from a heart attack.

His Hocus Pocus shop in downtown Philadelphia had been closed for
several weeks. Furman was a member of the S A M and was the
author of Amazing Irv's Handbook of Magic.

--------------------------------------------
11. 22 Magicians Performing At Science World
--------------------------------------------
Message from Lon Mandrake
President, S.A.M. # 95
Regional Vice President for Canada

S. A. M. Assembly will have 22 magicians performing at Science
World, Vancouver, British Columbia over an 11 day period starting
December 27, 2007. Any visiting magicians should not miss this
opportunity to meet with our assembly. Many of them are
international award winners. There are 4 stage shows daily and
walk around magicians from 12:00 until 4:30 each day. Regular
admission to all the events of Science World include this added
feature at no extra charge.

----------------
12. The FISM World Championships Of Magic 2006 DVD Out Now!
-----------------
The 23rd FISM World Championships Of Magic Now On DVD

Dear All ,
We are delighted to inform you that the long awaited DVD of the
23rd World Championships of Magic is available for Xmas at
www.fismstore.com. Based on the 90' TV show, the DVD features the
most exciting, inspiring and bewildering moments of Stockholm
2006 with extra interviews, footage and bonus galleries.

The DVD video release of a FISMT World Championships of MagicT is
a first in FISMT history and on this special occasion, a limited
collector's edition is out with an amazing screensaver from
Zakary Belamy.

Exclusive to FISM members benefit from a 10 Euros discount off
the DVD retail price by registering on www.fismstore.com and
providing your name, club and membership number in order to get
your discount voucher.

Special launch offer
Order now and get a FISM Pin**

In this DVD 90' TV show of the WCM2006 in English subtitled in
French, German, Spanish and Japanese.

Photo galleries of FISMT 2006

Short-movie "the Real Secrets of Magic" by David Stone (English
only)

EXTRA collector limited edition: an amazing screensaver with
exclusive pictures from Zakary Belamy.

 *To get your discount, you need to register on FISM Store
www.fismstore.com, providing your Club and membership number. We
will then issue you with a discount voucher to buy the DVD. **
Special launch offer limited to the first 100 orders. Shipment
will start as of the 28 December 2007.

----------------
13. Magician Russell Swann Remembrance
-----------------
Message from Walter Blaney

Hi friends,

My magic builder friend Bill Schmeelk (Wellington Enterprises)
sent me this youtube of an appearance by Russell Swann on The
Jackie Gleason Show many years ago. Bill and Russell were good
friends.

For those of you who knew Russell Swann, I know you will enjoy
seeing this. For others who don't know him, he was one of the
best comedy magicians of the 50's and 60's, playing all the top
supper clubs in the country. Although you will enjoy his
head-chopper stint here, the Gleason people made him leave out
all his funny lines so just Gleason could get all the laughs.
Johnny Carson was different. He wanted his acts to be the best
they could be, and Johnny and the act came off the better for it.

I saw Russell when he appeared at the Mural Room of the Baker
Hotel in Dallas where I grew up, about 1952. His marquee on the
street out front read, "Russell Swann... who insists he's a
magician." I loved that line. I also loved his lady assistant,
named Cupcake. She added greatly to his act. Russell had just a
terrific show. It was fun seeing him again here on TV.

Cheers, Walter

----------------
14. Re Zany Blaney - I Watched All The Indian Rope Tricks
-----------------
Message from Loch David Crane


Zany Blaney - I watched all the Indian Rope Tricks you provided
and saw the "rope" behaves more like a hose than a rope. I
suggest that a water pressure column could lift such a hose.

Notice also that the initial hose is carefully coiled around the
perimeter of the basket, whilst the second hose rises from the
center of the basket, perhaps through a convenient trapdoor in
the basket.

It is performed on a raised stage you notice. Loch

----------------
15. The Amazing Orchante Saga
-----------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante) (UK ex-pat
Kiwi)

Page 29

Emergency Delay - Migraine - Turds
 And Creepy Crawlies

Back on pages 25/26, I related the story of us working with an
Adagio Act. I have just remembered an incident at the Kingston
Smith Intl. airport in Sydney as we prepared to leave for New
Caledonia.

We, together with Marilla and Ibrahim (The 'Duo Arabesque') ,
flew out from Sydney, Australia for a week's gig in Noumea, New
Caledonia; aircraft take-off time, mid-day. With engines at full
throttle we thundered down the runway when suddenly, half way
down the tarmac, the jet comes to a screeching, emergency halt as
the pilot slams on the brakes and applies the reverse thrusts!
Back to the terminal...

The 'Powers That Be', decided in their wisdom - Ha bloody ha,
that we stayed on the airplane, in the boiling Australian summer
heat - until 3pm, when, finally, the 'problem' was solved and we
finally took off. Incidentally, the first show in Noumea was
scheduled for that night... By this time, Veronica had developed
a cracker of a migraine, brought on after sitting for three hours
in a metal tube.

Arrived Noumea 8pm, and were rushed through customs by the
promoter, and then on to the Theatre. Show started at 8pm, ('Miss
Noumea' contest first). We finally went onstage at 1am. Veronica
spent the interim hours lying on the concrete floor, rough but
relatively cool, trying to get rid of her migraine.

After the show which finally finished about 2am, the promoter
took us out for a meal, prompted by the fact that I reminded him
that we were New Zealanders and, that I was part Maori, and that
us Maoris used to be cannibals', and that he was looking
decidedly tasty!!! We got to the hotel about 3am.

As you can imagine we were utterly knackered and, clambering up
three flights of narrow stairs (no lifts) to our allotted room,
all we wanted to do was collapse into the bed.

Veronica went into the bathroom to use the toilet; it was filled
to the brim with mucky water and several Large Brown Turds that
were swimming merrily on top. It wasn't a pretty sight!!!

Nearly puking, Veronica flushed the loo; my old 'friend' 
'Murphy',
of Murphy Law', decided it was time to pay us a visit; the water
and all its yucky contents, defied gravity and rapidly flowed
upwards, spilling all over the floor with Veronica making a hasty
retreat from the encroaching sewerage. She screamed, I screamed
(No, not for Ice-cream) downstairs to the desk and explained that
we/they - were in the SHIT, up to their eyebrows, as we damn near
had been!

They moved us into another room. The time is now way past 4:am
and Veronica decides it's time for a coffee to settle our nerves
before trying to get some sleep out of what's left of the night,
or rather - early morning. Opens a cupboard looking for cups etc
and, screams again! The biggest bloody cockroaches I have ever
seen are ready to do battle - we both screamed again they moved
us to another room. and you thought you had problems - Ahhhhhh,
Shit!!!

We Wish You All A Very Happy Christmas For 2007
Tom & Veronica

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16. 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)

--------------------------------------------
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Š Copyright 2007 Alan Watson