* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #553 Date: Sunday 13th January 2008 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. FBI Returns David Copperfield's Property 3. Amazon Pre-Publication Offer: New Book By Dale Salwak 4. Regarding "Review Of The New Book: Swedish Magicians 5. Francis Carlyle Was The Uncle Of My Husband 6. Remarkable Magic #37 - Nick Lewin 7. The Art of the MC: - Kyle Peron 8. Entertaining On The Ocean #16 - Paul Romhany 9. Ice: From Disaster To Rebound (Part 2) By Dan Stapleton 10. In Reply To Device That Would Remotely Drop Coins Into A Pail 11. The Amazing Orchante Saga 12. e-zine Archives 13. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message We hear that there are 1,733 now registered for the joint IBM / SAM Convention in Louisville in July this year. Also those who are planning to stay at the convention hotel who have not made your hotel reservations I suggest you make it NOW as the Galt is 93% booked out. To Make Hotel Reservations: 1-800-THE-GALT (800-843-4258) Overseas: 502-589-5200 Convention Registration: E-mail: IBMSAM2008@appsmagic.com Phone: (618) 451-9749 Convention website www.ibmsam2008.com This convention will be a SELL OUT soon. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------- 2. FBI Returns David Copperfield's Property ----------------- Message from Bill Bowers It is beginning to look as if the FBI isn't continuing onwards with its investigation of illusionist David Copperfield, currently appearing at the MGM. Lurid headlines about the Fed's seizure of "computers, money and other personal property," in connection with alleged claims by a Seattle woman, who went to his private island in the Bahamas, have simply vanished. I have it on great authority that the FBI has returned everything to Copperfield's offices and warehouse/museum here - and privately, David has even kept the FBI seals and stamps on it. He's even "happily" using the computer with the "FBI-Evidence Property" tape still on it!...... Read balance of article: http://blogs.lasvegasmagazine.com/VegasLuxeLife/fbi-returns-david-copperfield%e2%80%99s-property/ ---------------- 3. Amazon Pre-Publication Offer: New Book By Dale Salwak ----------------- Message from Dale Salwak (US) Amazon.com Offers Pre-publication Special Teaching Life: Letters From A Life In Literature (Hardcover) by Dale Salwak United States List Price:$22.50 Price:$15.30 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. You Save:$7.20 (32%) United Kingdom List Price: £11.27 Price: £10.14 You save: £1.13 (10%) Canada List Price: CDN$ 22.31 Price: CDN$ 16.13 You save: CDN$ 6.18 (28%) Availability: This title has not yet been released. You may order it now and we will ship it to you when it arrives. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available. Editorial Reviews "I loved all of the incidents from Salwak's own experience as a teacher. They are richly described. There is a lively sense throughout of a working classroom instructor, a passionate man, and a well-educated one, a committed reader who communicates his love of literature to his students. I was applauding as I read these (numerous) passages."-Jay Parini, author, THE ART OF TEACHING "Dale Salwak has written a profoundly thoughtful and moving meditation on the joys and sorrows of the teaching profession. This book should interest all who teach and all who have had the privilege of learning from a caring teacher."-John Halperin, University of San Diego "TEACHING LIFE is a fascinating blend of practical advice on teaching, moral inquiry, and personal experience. Its focus moves from the obligation to return exams promptly, to Christianity and Judaism, to Kingsley Amis, to experiencing a parent's death. The unusual range of subjects makes Salwak's book by turns instructive, inspiring, and poignant."-Kenneth Silverman, professor emeritus of English, New York University "In this remarkable book, Dale Salwak masterfully distills the lessons of thirty-five years of college teaching, weaving them together with illustrative episodes from literature and life. It should be required reading for anyone embarking on a teaching career-and many veterans would surely benefit as well."-John McLaughlin, senior fellow at the School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, and former deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency Book Description Part epistolary memoir, part handbook, TEACHING LIFE reflects on more than three decades of teaching literature and touching the lives of students. Both a reflection on a life in literature and a primer on teaching as a vocation, this soul-stirring work also provides behind-the-scenes stories of many of the authors who have influenced Dale Salwak's career. Written in response to the sudden death of one of his students, who died tragically in an automobile accident on her way to Salwak's office to talk over her career plans, TEACHING LIFE is an effort to impart lessons to the next generation of teachers: "It was the suddenness of her death, I think, along with the utter loss of so much potential, which struck me forcibly, and I found myself wondering if anything I had said in class had made a difference in her too-short life or, for that matter, in the lives of any of my students." By turns analytical, reflective, and exhortatory, TEACHING LIFE unselfconsciously captures the fascination, enlightenment, and sheer joy that literary studies can offer professors and students. It also implicitly speaks to society's prevailing-and disturbing-prejudice against the profession. Product details Hardcover: 176 pages Publisher: University of Iowa Press; 1 edition (15 April 2008) Language English ISBN-10: 1587296306 ISBN-13: 978-1587296307 -------------------------------------------- 4. Regarding "Review Of The New Book: Swedish Magicians -------------------------------------------- Message from Christer Nilsson (IBM, Swedish Magic Circle) Regarding "Review of the new book: Swedish Magicians - 1.165 Mini-Biographies" in the last Magic New Zealand - the easiest way to get the book is to mail the editor Christer Nilsson christer@magiarkivet.se and use PayPal.  On www.magiarkivet.se you will find duplicates for sale from Christer Nilsson/The Swedish Magic Archives. Look for "Poster for sale", "Magic Memorabilia" and Magic Catalogues". You are welcome! Best wishes Christer Nilsson (IBM, Swedish Magic Circle) christer@magiarkivet.se www.magiarkivet.se ----------------- 5. Francis Carlyle Was The Uncle Of My Husband ----------------- Message from Don Drake (US) For those of you who knew Francis Carlyle, I received the following e-mail: Good morning. Francis Carlyle was the Uncle of my husband Lawrence Finneran. Larry only met Uncle Francis once when Larry was a small boy maybe 7 or 8 years old. We recently purchased a book "The Magic of Francis Carlyle" written by Roger Pierre and published in 1975. We know little about Uncle Francis except he was born in Fall River, MA, was a twin and was tormented by alcoholism. We expect he died a sad and lonely man. Any information you know about him or any leads we might follow to learn more about him would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this and hopefully respond.....debby I knew Frank well, from about 1959 to 1960. He worked at the Caricature down in the village, and I used to go down there and assist from time to time, just so I could learn something from him. He was absolutely one of the most deft and funny performers I've ever had the pleasure of knowing Nick, I strongly urge you to do a story on him. Many thanks and I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays, DD dondrake@blackartsecrets.com -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #37 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable Magic. Eugene Burger gives me a scare. I began my 'séance' career in the 70s with a Buddy Holly séance that while primitive was also a total blast. The séance featured actual film footage of Buddy performing which was provided courtesy of ragtime, pop crooner deluxe Mr. Ian Whitcomb. In pre-video and YouTube days this footage was rather an exciting event all on it's own. At the end of the séance two definite things occurred- a pair of Buddy's glasses (!) ended up with a cracked lens and I was hooked on the séance-biz. My celebrity séances have been a feature of my career ever since. Sometimes I have had to wonder why! At the start of the 90s I was planning a Lenny Bruce séance at Bally's Casino & Resort in Las Vegas and I decided to expand my ideas about the physical scare factor involved in the event. Some kind soul introduced me to Eugene Burger via his excellent book 'Spirit Theater.' I had a new hero. Very few people manage to truly 'get under the skin' of magical philosophy and Eugene is the very best at it. He is one of the few authors of whom I own every book that they have released. Whether describing attacks by ghostly birds or teaching you how to perform the Gypsy Thread with Eugene you always get blissfully more than you bargained for. Eugene is a truly authentic voice in the magic world and he also possesses a superb wit that makes him a delight to gossip with. With an arched eyebrow and his plumb like voice Eugene can point out an absurdity that I had failed to notice and leave me laughing hysterically. I haven't got to spend nearly enough time with Eugene but I relish the time that I have spent. When I was preparing for my 'Lenny Bruce Séance' fate arranged for me to be booked for a week in a new club in the heart of Chicago. The club owner put me up in a splendid antique hotel during my engagement. To my delight I discovered that my hotel was a two-minute walk from Eugene's home. I was delighted. I spent as much time as I could during that week hanging out with Eugene. I enjoyed every minute of it and was able to experience the wit and wisdom of Mr. B in person rather than on the written page. As the week progressed Eugene showed me a wonderful set of Dr. Q locking slates. They had a strange red felt edging which made them seem anything other than a magic prop. I lusted after them instantly and quickly decided that my status as spirit medium was severely in question if I didn't own them. Eugene was kind enough to let them come into my possession and they are still one of my favorite props. One evening after my 'club gig' I was sitting in Eugene's home and he started to go into a rather strange and moody monologue. I really didn't have any idea what he was talking about other than some kind of confrontation with an irritating dry cleaner. I happily allowed him his eccentricity. Soon the tale grew darker and darker while I just sat back and listened. By the time the story was told I was totally under the spell of both the story and the storyteller. Before I knew what had happened a tarot card transformed into a sign reading REDEMPTION while Eugene appeared to hack a large slice from his arm with a vicious looking knife. It was glorious and pure theater and truly shocked and surprised me. I loved his demonstration of one of his original 'bizarre' magic tricks. I have been nice to dry cleaners ever since. As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin1@mac.com and check out my website at www.nicklewin.com -------------------------------------------- 7 The Art of the MC: - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com With being a co-leader of a Society of Young Magicians assembly here in Philadelphia, I find myself often having to MC shows or having the older members help in MCing them as well. It raised some interesting questions as I thought about it this week and I felt it would be worth talking about here in my column. I hope this is of help to some of you and of interest as well. The first thing that came to my mind was the question of "How do I know if the act behind the curtain is ready or not?". One thing you can do from a technical standpoint is see if they can rig you up a red light green light on the edge of the stage. This is a simple little light that can change or be turned on from the backstage crew. It can also be as simple as one single light that when turned on tells you that the act is ready. This way you can just glance down and know if the stage or act is ready for the next act to go on. There is nothing worse than seeing an MC looking at his watch or turning to look to the side of the stage. Worse yet is the MC talking to the man behind the curtain. It should look seamless if the MC does his or her job correctly. Another important MC rule is that once that green light goes on or once you know the next act is ready, you need to stop what you are doing and go into announcing that act. It is not oOK to continue on for 5 minutes just because you feel you are in the middle of a joke or part of your routine. Your job is to host the show and keep the show running smoothly from one act to the next. You must also be prepared to improvise. If something can go wrong it WILL go wrong. This simply means if you think you are to kill 5 minutes, chances are something will come up and you may end up having to kill 5 more. You need to be mentally prepared for this with either jokes, tricks or anything. The idea is the audience should never even realize time is being killed at all. Another aspect of MCing is to make sure you talk with each performer before the show starts. This is your chance to make sure you have their names right and can go over with them how they would like to be introduced. After all you are there to make them look good. Some folks may have a certain way they want to be introduced while others may want a shorter intro because of their set up time. It is always best to find out. You do not want to be doing so many audience gags and interactions if the person is back stage with doves waiting to go on. In regards to gags and interactive pieces for MCs I do several from time to time that are pretty funny and easy. Some of these are old but worth sharing again: - "One out of every 3 people is ugly. Look to your right, now to your left.. if those people look fine... guess what..... you're the one." This is an old one and must be done knowing your character and style as well as the venue you are performing at. - "OK, we have a fun show for you this evening and to show what a friendly audience we have why doesn't everyone just turn around and shake hands with the person behind you? (pause) um yeah this is going to be a long night." - "OK folks we need to take a quick test here before the show starts. Raise your hand if you are here today? Perfect hands down. Raise your hand if you are NOT here today? Ok good so we know who not to pick. Now raise your hand if you are just tired of raising your hand. That is what I thought so we best get on with the next act." - "The people backstage asked me to host a quick contest so I hope you do not mind me doing this. It is actually cool. If your birthday is on an even day please stand up right now and hold your hands together like this. Perfect now do not move. Now the rest of you with a birthday on an odd day stand up and place your hands a little further apart. Perfect sir. Now stay right there do NOT go anywhere. (Get a camera and take picture) The people back at home are never going to believe the MC got a standing ovation. Cool." - For a easy MC trick use the optical disc wheel that Bruce Kalver puts out. It is a great way to tell the audience that in the show they have to watch very carefully. So in order to test their eye sight, you will conduct a quick test. It goes over great and gets them engaged before the next act comes out. It also packs flat and plays big. 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 #16 - Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Homeward Bound Two days ago Natalie and I got off a ship in the Caribbean where we went swimming every day, wore shorts and worked on our tans. This morning I am sitting at home looking out my window where all I see around me is snow and the weather is -16!! I'll be honest with you though, there is no place like home. What a great feeling it is to be home in your own bed, able to eat your own meals when you want and watch more than CNN. Having said that our bags got lost again so we are waiting for our luggage to arrive. I am home now for 2 weeks before heading down to South America for a weeks work. My plan this year is to cut back on ship work and concentrate on corporate work around the world plus work more on putting out products for the magic community. As most of you are aware, my products have been exclusive through Hocus-Poucs Magic in the USA. All new products will remain exclusive with them ,plus I have agreed to release some of my earlier products through a major Magic Wholesaler which means they can now be offered to magic dealers worldwide. Once I finalise details I will let you know and as they say, will be available from your favourite magic dealer. The more expensive items will only be released through Hocus-Pocus simply because I don't have the time or 'man power' to produce a vast number of the products. I also want to keep a few things exclusive to Hocus-Pocus. If you are a magic dealer and would like to know where you can get my products email me and I will be more than happy to let you know so you can start to place your orders. I am currently working on several new product releases which I am very excited about. I am often asked when do I get time to produce my products because I am working so much and away from home. The truth is that I develop them on the ships. With so much downtime on a cruise ship I think it is important to give yourself a few projects to stop you going 'mad' or getting cabin fever. I always film my performances and always working on new ideas and routines which I put through their paces on ships. I find that I am inspired by what I see and the places I visit. My inspiration for my ideas comes from the music, culture and people I meet traveling the world. As a side note, I would like to invite magicians from around the world to visit me at my facebook account. Just type in Paul Romhany on facebook and you'll find me. I have also put up many clips of my Chaplin Show and my comedy show on youtube if you want to see me in action. Here are the links Promo Chaplin Act - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-vJPzAZRJU Comedy Act - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QggROX0a6fo Chaplin Umbrella magic - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KST14tf6wgA Bearly Impossible performance - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WThBu4tG2c Dream Prediction performance - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjAl6ohPBUw Chaplin Rope Routine - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aCwfDMRjRU Big Ten Two performance - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gill2ZuoS1Y Wishing Everybody a Fantastic 2008 Paul Romhany www.chaplinmagic.com www.paulromhany www.hocus-pocus.com -------------------------------------------- 9. Ice: From Disaster To Rebound (Part 2) By Dan Stapleton -------------------------------------------- Message from Dan Stapleton In the last news letter I explained the effect. Now... Preparation: Two weeks before the event I asked a co-worker, of someone who was going to be at the show, to borrow a business card from that person. He was instructed not to say anything but just ask for the business card. This is not usually suspicious as people are often asked for a card. The "acquaintance" brought me the card. At home I filled a plastic container half way to the top with water. This container was approx. two gallon in size. I placed the card into a clear zip-lock bag and laid it on top of the water where it floated and froze. The next day I filled the container to the top with water. After it froze I now had the card, inside the clear "baggy" frozen in the middle of the block of ice. The day of the show I brought the container to the show and after a few minutes out of the freezer, the ice simply slid out of the container. I placed the block of ice on top of other blocks of ice within one of our ice sculptures at the show, not to be noticed but rather simply to blend in with the other sculptures, which it did nicely. It's show-time! Of course, I made sure that the gentlemen (whom was the unsuspecting "card holder" was present) was pointed out to me. What was (supposed) to happen next: I was to ask for ten or twelve business cards from people whom I have never met. I collect the cards and have someone shuffle them up. In looking through the cards quickly I spot the one I want forced (say, "Mr. Smith's"). I then force this card to a female onlooker, have her verify the name on the card to those around her, have it replaced and false shuffled back into the stack (keeping the card on top), palm off the card and pocketed as I reach for a rubber band. I hand the stack and band to the female helper and she bands the stack as I say, "You do this as I don't want to touch the cards". I ask for one of the workers to bring me over one of the blocks of ice from "that table" (prearranged with the worker as to which block). Nice thing here was that the way the ice was frozen "twice" (one half one day, the other half the other day) you could not see directly through the ice to the card...it froze with its center opaque. Originally I planned on the ice being transparent and I would have a cloth draped over the block so that you could see the card frozen inside of the ice, once the cloth was removed. I was to ask who's name was on the card and have "Mr. Smith" come forward. He was to take the stack of cards, lay them on top of the ice, hitting the card stack with the hammer, breaking the ice, only to find his card within the ice and "baggy". All eyes and ears were on my one and only "miracle" of the entire evening. Now some of you might be getting ahead of me to say that he probably handed me someone else's card or a different card than the duplicate that was inside of the block of ice. It was even more horrifying than that... When the time came for the spectators to hand me those ten or twelve business cards, my helper (the one who originally asked "Mr. Smith" for his card two weeks earlier) whispered to me that "Mr. Smith" didn't bring any cards with him!!! Holy Crap!!! (somebody get the pooper-scooper) No card to force and not much of a "miracle" if his card just suddenly appeared in the ice. How did I get out of this one? Find out in Part 3...the next newsletter. -------------------------------------------- 10. In Reply To Device That Would Remotely Drop Coins Into A Pail -------------------------------------------- Message from Phil Milstead In issue #552, Eddie Sikorski asked about a device that would remotely drop coins into a pail or glass. There is/was such a device, but it relies on timing, not a remote control. It gives not only the auditory illusion spectators can actually see the coin arrive in the glass. This device was intended to have cards penetrate from one glass to another and through a deck of cards. It was made and sold by Collectors Workshop (www.collectorsworkshop.com). I don't think they carry/make it any more, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Collectors Workshop has another device (currently out of stock) that produces the auditory illusion with a clear, but covered, box. Check http://www.vikingmagic.com/?nd=full&key=451 for details on the item and to request when it will be available again. I have no connection with Collectors Workshop - just like some of their products. ---------------- 11. Blackstone Forever" Magic Wand ----------------- Message from Carl Williams President, Custom Magic I am not sure if the following is considered news or not but I would like to inform you that the latest "Blackstone Forever" magic wand is presently available. This is number four in the series of 6 total wands that are being offered by Carl Williams at CUSTOM MAGIC. This wand, comprising solid silver tips cast into the three dimensional form, depicts various outstanding magic performers. The tips are supported on a Cocobolo wooden shaft. Surprisingly these wands have met with an outstanding response by the magic community, especially the avid magic collectors. All of the wands of the series, with the exception of the first one, "The Merlin Nine Finger " wand, are still available if the customer can be patient. There is at the moment a large waiting list for these wands. Each wand comes in a solid black walnut carrying case to protect it from damage. The wands are balanced so they respond vigorously to the Dai Vernon spin. The price is a substantial $300.00, each plus $15.00 shipping and handling, so they are simply not for everyone. The first of the series, of which there were only 13 made, is the only wand no longer available. This wand, if one can be found, will sell for up to 6 thousand dollars each. It is the limited quantity that has pushed the price of this first wand to that extraordinary level. This wand is no longer available because of a promise made by CUSTOM MAGIC not to make any more. All of the rest of the wands are still available. For those interested I am listing them in order as follows: 1. The "Merlin Nine Finger" wand 2. The "Kikkoman" wand 4. The "Blackstone Forever" wand, (an image of Harry Sr. on one end and on the other). 5. The "Lance Burton Master" wand 6. The "Robert Houdin Legend" wand Just starting into production, expect a longer wait for delivery. Not in production yet, orders being accepted., no money please. Should anyone have an interest in any or all of these wands, except number one, I may be contacted for an order at email address okito1@earthlink.net. Please remember the demand for these wands is very high so any orders received will be placed on a, "first come first serve basis" list. No two wands are exactly alike however all are approximately the same within the constraints of being hand made by yours truly, Carl Williams. At this time there are no plans to extend this series of wands any further. The series is known as "The Series of the Masters Magic Wands" and will constitute a total of 6 wands all together when finalized. Again, I am not sure if this is an appropriate article for your great publication. I am only forwarding this material to you to be used at your discretion. Thank you for the wonderful job you are doing with your magic paper, it is most appreciated. ---------------- 11. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante) (UK ex-pat Kiwi) Hi folks, the Orchanté Saga is on temporary hold while I take a wee break. Don't panic, I'll be back and NO, that's not a threat, it's a promise! Cheers, Tom -------------------------------------------- 12. 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) -------------------------------------------- 13. 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/fezine.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 2008 Alan Watson