* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.Alan-Watson.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #635 Date: Sunday 25th January 2009 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Inside The Mind Of Paul Daniels 3. Valdimire And Natashia In Moscow Magic 4. SAM Convention Presents Eric Decamps 5. Remarkable Magic #79 - Nick Lewin 6. Weather and Performing Outdoors #103 - Kyle Peron 7. Cruising With Paul Romhany #53 8. Las Vegas Magic - February, 2009 9. Web Portal For All Things Magic In Australia 10. Zing Zang Zoom 11. e-zine Archives 12. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- If you are attending the South Tyneside Magic Festival UK in March 2009 make sure you also attend Paul Daniels Master Class - I can highly recommend it having attended his Master Class here in New Zealand.  For more information see item 2. As of the 25th January Magic New Zealand has 14,232 subscribers worldwide. The New Zealand magic magazine 'Magicana' will be including an indepth editorial and photos on the 29th New Zealand International Magicians Convention and this is due out first week of February 2009.  If you would like to subscribe to this magazine go to www.magicana.co.nz Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Inside The Mind Of Paul Daniels -------------------------------------------- Message by Les Williams We are organising a one day Paul Daniels Master Class in conjunction with the South Tyneside Magic Festival in March 2009. Inside the Mind of Paul Daniels Watch Paul Daniels on any stage and you somehow know nothing can go wrong.  It all looks so easy, so casual, and each effect flows with entertainment. For years Paul has turned down request after request to reveal his methods of arriving at this level of perfection. Magicians around the world had the opportunity a few years ago to learn from his business methods with the astonishingly detailed disk titled 'How to Make Money by Magic' but Paul's own performance methods were held back. Many have tried to copy his style and have even copied his methods and routines but there is a very, very good reason why they have failed to have the same audience appeal.   Now, for the first time, Paul is going to reveal HOW AND WHY his routines were developed by taking a small group through not only the methods but also the psychological thinking that creates that deceptively simple appearance. The Paul Daniels' Technique for routines like the Chop Cup, the Linking Rings and other classics are revealed with ALL the details laid bare.  You will not believe HOW much detailed thinking goes into his handling of 'obvious' tricks like Professor's Nightmare, the Toss Vanish, the Classic Card Force, the Thumb Tip, making them utterly impossible to audiences large and small because, to them, nothing seems to happen, only the magic. At this Very Special Happening you will have the opportunity to ask about the tricks that YOU want help with and to get the Daniels Touch added to YOUR routines. Do not hesitate if you want to get the greatest knowledge from the greatest magical entertainer of the last 50 years Many of the Biggest names in magic today credit Paul not only for their first big break (as a guest on his TV show), but also as their inspiration for getting started in the business! The fee for the full day's Master Class is £250 and includes all lectures, Buffet Lunch, Tea and Coffee all day. Discounted Rooms rates are *available if you require overnight accommodation. £70.75 B&B For more information or to book your place on this Master Class go to: http://www.pauldanielsmasterclass.co.uk/newsletter/booknow.html or Contact Les Williams les@lmwilliams.co.uk for further details. -------------------------------------------- 3. Valdimire And Natashia In Moscow Magic -------------------------------------------- Message by Jane Stuart (US) Richard Stuart, President of the Jack Marberger Stuart Foundation Inc. home of the Dragon Award, see website www.dragonaward.org urges everyone not to miss the performances of Valdimire and Natashia in Moscow Magic.  Now performing on the Norweigan Jade, in Europe. The Stuart Foundation members who saw this show were impressed with their skill at manipulation (card fans and coins) and quick change.  They especially want to urge all professionals to watch this act to study their interactions with spectators.  Moscow Magic serves as a role model for how lay persons should be treated onstage. Look for performances of this act to see great interactions with lay persons and an appearing parsol ending that is a model of the pack small play big school of thought.  Great work! Great Magic! -------------------------------------------- 4. SAM Convention Presents Eric Decamps -------------------------------------------- Message by Bruce Kalver, National President S.A.M. Engaging, personable and mystifying are all words associated with sleight-of-hand master, Eric DeCamps, who will be performing his "One Man Magic Show," at the 2009 S.A.M. National Convention in Buffalo, New York.  He will be performing his critically acclaimed show at the Greg Frewin Theatre in Niagara Falls, Canada so be sure to bring along your Passports.  The S.A.M. National Convention is July 15 through 18, 2009. Join us and see this highly skilled and entertaining magician. Learn more about the convention and watch our new commercial at www.magicsam.com and click on the Convention link. -------------------------------------------- 5. Remarkable Magic #79 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin The coolest dude in magic. I remember the first time I saw Goldfinger and Dove perform I was fascinated and astounded at the assurance and sheer visual appeal of their act. It was like a high-energy blend of Superfly and Channing Pollack.  Now that was something I'd never seen before! The audacity of Jack's hipster character followed by their Broomstick levitation, utilizing a spear, was a storyline all its own. The sheer charisma of their personalities and personas was as unusual in the magic world as it was entertaining. I am truly not sure if I had ever seen a black magician performing in England. In the same way that Willie Tyler was a trailblazer for future generations of African American ventriloquists, Jack Goldfinger created a new pathway and vision for magicians of color. Probably there is no other team in magic that is more tightly knit and synergistically entwined than Jack and Dove. It was wonderful to see them featured in the recent documentary 'Women in Boxes.' The gloriously theatrical joy of watching Johnny and Pam Thompson perform shows them to be just as tightly interconnected but their stage personas are a blend of different personalities combining to create a mini stage production. Jack and Dove just seem to form a single entity that defies separation. As excited as I was to see Goldfinger & Dove in performance it was an even greater treat to meet them in person. Jack's love and understanding of the metaphysics of life combined with his infectious enthusiasm was a rare treat to enjoy. On our first meeting I remember Jack saying: "Free your mind and your act will follow!" I wasn't quite sure what he meant but it sounded so correct that it could well have been the single statement that launched my obsessive movement and searching along the way. We performed together in Las Vegas for a corporate event in the early 80s at Paul Anka's legendary 'Jubilee' club. The client was Searle who had recently discovered 'Nutra-Sweet,' and together with Bruce Cervon, we staged an evening of magical entertainment that was as good as any I ever remember being involved in. As a sideline, this was the very trip that Bruce introduced me to the decadence of eating a sandwich slathered with jam. Too yummy even to even contemplate as I write this column at 3 o'clock in the morning in an empty showroom with no food in my near future! These were the days before Las Vegas had a real airport. You walked down the steps they attached to the side of the plane and watched as your cases were downloaded to the tarmac. We collected our cases and 'magicians for hire' made our way to our nearby gig. I remember the evening with great joy for its simplicity and good-natured communal spirit. As I watched Goldfinger & Dove perform I realized for the first time that they actually only produced one dove. Such was the pace of their show I had always somehow thought that streams of doves were involved. There was never a chance to really focus too much on individual elements in their act, you just sat back and enjoyed the ride. After the evening's entertainment was completed, we reversed gears and returned to the airport for our homeward flight to Los Angeles. As we sat in the plane a thought came into my mind and I asked Jack where their dove was. With a smile, and a hint of a wink, Jack pointed to their carry on baggage. I was amazed, as it had never occurred to me that performers with live animals traveled them in this clandestine manner. This was, of course, before I first traveled across international lines with Johnny & Pam and their bag full of perfectly behaved little dogs. Ah, those were my naļve years! Of all the magicians I wish I could spend time with, but don't - due to my ludicrous lifestyle, Jack & Dove are way up at the top of the list because as people and performers they are just very special.  I understand Jack is now acting as an 'act doctor' to performers who are smart enough to hire him. Maybe I should sign up and I could improve my act and my social life simultaneously. Contact me at nicklewin1@me.com if you have any comments. -------------------------------------------- 6. Weather and Performing Outdoors #103 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com As a family style entertainer, I have the pleasure of performing for some great audiences and have fun doing so. However my audiences are not always inside. My wife and I also perform outdoors a lot from spring until the fall and we enjoy doing so. Performing outdoors doors often makes entertainers cringe with fear as many are fast to say, "no way". That is certainly a choice you as a performer must make. However, performing outdoors does not have to be a burden or headache if you follow some simple ideas to protect against the weather and other outdoor hurdles. I perform both inside and outside every year. The most important word I can give to you about performing outdoors is being "adaptive".  Part of the reason for learning to be adaptive is that my wife and I do a lot of festivals and fairs from April till October every year.  Just from being in this market, I have really learned that one must adapt to any situation when performing outdoors.  This can range from weather to bad angles to sound problems to what type of performing area you have to deal with. I find that because I have learned to adapt, I can offer more solutions to my clients. There are fewer problems for them to deal with when they book us because I have it already taken care of.   I have also learned that there is some very top dollar money just sitting out there for those who can do outdoor performances.  The market is there for those who choose to tap into it.  Performing outside does not have to be feared. When you are outside you really must take  Mother Nature seriously at all times. This means having protection from the elements whether they be the sun, wind, rain etc.  I always bring tarps, ponchos, speaker covers and a lot more for every show we do. It is our weather kit and it always goes with us. (I plan on writing another article on the weather survival kit at a later date).  It is always near us and allows us to know exactly where things are when we need them in the event of inclement weather. My most important thing I carry is WATER and plenty of it. You must stay hydrated and cool during the day and performance. With the adrenalin going the way it does, you burn off a lot of electrolytes and can get yourself feeling lousy if you do not take the time to cool yourself off. My wife and I pack a cooler of water and ice for every festival we do. It is always near us and always on stage during a performance. Weather is the biggest factor with outdoor shows. The 3 biggest problems you will be faced with in outdoor work are heat, wind and rain. You must learn to adapt and come prepared for all three. Heat and sunlight poses one of the biggest problems for you and your audience. When performing on hot days, you still want to dress professionally but dress smart. This means wearing short sleeve shirts and altering your outfit for comfort. Keep in mind that as you want to be comfortable, you still MUST look like a professional at all times. Wearing a good hat (fedora or bowler) can help keep the sunlight out of your eyes and prevent you from squinting. Tux and dress style shirts can also be found in a very light weight material made especially for outdoor food vendors. If you are interested, I can give you a name of a place online I order my short sleeve dress and tux shirts from. With the wind, I made sure to adapt my show so that I take out as much of the problems faced with the wind as I can. If I am using silks, I can solve the problem, by taking a black elastic band and having that stretch across my roll on table from one side to the next.  This then allows me a place to place the silk and it will hold it there for when I need it without the worry of it blowing away.  If I am using my quick shade awning for my own staging, I make sure I pack the weights for it so that it is weighted down in the event of heavy wind. For rain, I bring ponchos for my wife and I, as well as a small umbrella and cases and tarps that are water resistant. I also bring some towels that also go into our weather kit. These are always kept in their own case and within easy access in the event rain is a possibility. The important thing here is that none of this is all that hard to do. Any performer (inside or outside) must learn to adapt to situations and always be prepared for things. The good performer covers off on things ahead of time and is ready for any situation. With working outdoors, it just becomes a matter of adapting your show and making sure you take control of the process from the first phone call to actually getting there. If you are worried about performing at any outdoor event simply ASK the client. This is the one thing people consistently tell me about outdoors shows. They do not enjoy them because of so much uncertainty. The problem is that a LOT of that can be directly controlled by yourself if you take a proactive approach and simply ask the festivals and fairs your concerns ahead of time. They never mind you asking them and many of your needs can and will be addressed. 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. - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 7. Cruising With Paul Romhany #53 -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany Just got booked some work on the Queen Victoria and new QE3. Looking forward to working these two new Cunard ships. I had the opportunity to work on the famous QE2 before she left the fleet. I hear both of these new ships are gorgeous. I'll give a full report next month after I work them both. Since the release of my cruise ship book many people have emailed me thanking me for releasing such valuable information.  I have been in contact with a few magicians who are now encouraged to send off their promotional material to various agents I suggest in the book. The following are the most asked questions that I get from magicians each week: Is there a good time to send promo packs? No, anytime is as good as any. The main thing after you send it, make sure you follow up with a phone call.  Chances are, the agents and cruise lines will not phone you back - you'll have to PHONE THEM and follow up. Remember, these people can get a hundred promotional packets a week. Yours will have to stand out from others, look professional and be well produced. With your DVD, don't get too caught up with special effects, transitions etc. They need to see you work for a live audience and hear their reaction. How long do agents book you in advance? I am usually booked up 6 months ahead - with some cruise lines it can be a year ahead. It all depends on the line. In most cases I plan my bookings early in the year. My agent will contact me with dates for the year and I will chose which ones I want. Because I have other projects and tours on land, I fit the cruise lines in around that. Then there are jobs that can come in if an emergency arises and I have to fly out the next day. My show bag is ALWAYS packed and ready to go. My Cunard gigs came up this past week for next month, so it depends on the cruise line. Do the agents tell you that they will be promoting your services? Yes, they will often ask you to sign an agreement saying they will represent you. In most cases, there is also a clause that will say if you leave that agency, you are not allowed to work for the cruise lines they booked you for, for two years after leaving the agency. This is a standard clause with pretty much ALL agents. When I left my Australian agent years ago, I could not work for Princess for two years. The only way you can do this, is if you give your old agent their 15% and your new agent also gets his 15%. That means you are giving away 30% of your fee!! It just isn't worth it! I waited for two years then was free to work for Princess again and only pay one agency fee. How do you suggest packaging your promo DVD? The main thing is to remember your promotional material really needs to look professional. If you just burn a DVD and throw it in a clear plastic folder with a hand written note, it will go straight to the trash. You want to come across as a professional entertainer, somebody who has worked a lot of different venues and knows the business inside and out. Spend the money and get a professionally produced DVD with color graphics etc. Just like you would buy in a shop. They aren't expensive anymore and quite often you can get a few done at a time. There was a time when you had to print 1000 to get a good price, but not anymore. Many local printers can print color on your DVD covers and inserts. You also want to send a cover letter stating you are available for cruise ship work, they type of entertainment you perform, how long you can be away for etc. You will need several head shots or promotional photos. Make sure you also have a Passport; you never know they might want you straightaway :) As I always tell people, make sure you are ready before heading out on a ship. Do you feel confident your work is of an international level?  It's no use saying you won the local stage competition - if you won FISM then I'd mention it, otherwise don't brag about local competitions because quite frankly, that does NOT impress bookers. The proof of the pudding is in your work.  If you perform the same type of magic as everybody else, such as a Snowstorm, Kevin James's Bowling Ball routine, card sword etc. then chances are YOU WILL NOT GET BOOKED. Everybody is doing the same old thing - you need to have some originality. The most common illusion on cruise ships are the Origami illusion - I know one booker who, if she sees ANY of the above effects will not book the act. She'll just say something like, "Oh, the folding box trick again!" This is the reality. If you perform standard illusions or effects, even if, in your mind, they are structured or routined differently, it's the agent or head of entertainment that will see the DVD and it's THEM you have to impress. They only have to see an Origami box and that's it. With your DVD you have to get them to look at more than 30 seconds!  If they watch a full minute then you are doing well. Be original and be creative if you want to work on ships. Ten years ago I would easily say things were different on ships. Many magic acts could get away with performing similar routines and effects because there wasn't the access of instant magic we have today.  Ships today are looking for acts that can play to an international audience.  Passengers are traveling a lot more today and many have seen it all. That's why I always suggest to acts trying to get in to the cruise market, make sure you are ready. You will only get ONE chance on a ship - if you are not up to the high standard they expect then you won't get booked back. My book is now available from magic shops around the world - Entertaining on a Cruise Ship. It includes the information and contacts you'll need - plus loads of stories and advice from fellow performers. If you want to purchase it direct then visit: www.thecruisemagician.com OR go to AMAZON and you can buy it there. Remember, my weekly BLOG has stories and advice for magicians PLUS weekly reviews of magic effects: http://romhanyreport.blogspot.com/ Happy Cruising Paul Romhany www.paulromhany.com -------------------------------------------- 8. Las Vegas Magic - February, 2009 -------------------------------------------- Compiled by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Magic Production Shows: Amazing Johnathan 9 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.), Harmon Theater - Planet Hollywood. Criss Angel - Believe 7 & 10:00 pm (Dark Wed. - Thurs.) - Luxor http://cirquedusoleil.com/crissangel David Copperfield Feb. 2-18. 7:30 & 10 pm (and 4:30 Sat.) MGM Grand. www.mgm.admission.com/cgi/guide.cgi?l=EN Dixie Dooley - Master Mystifier 7:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Tue.), Royal Resort and Hotel. www.houdiniexperience.com 2 for 1 Tickets: http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupon_dixie_dooley.html Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 7:00 pm (Dark Fri.), Hooters Casino Hotel. Special Comp tickets: http://web.me.com/gerrymccambridge/Mentalist/Las_Vegas.html Intimate Illusions - Steve Dacri Through Mar. 28 6:00 pm (Dark Sun. - Thurs.) Charlie Palmer Steak at the 4 Seasons/Mandalay Bay Lance Burton, Master Magician 7 pm Tues - Sat & 10 pm Tues. & Sat. Monte Carlo. www.montecarlo.com/entertainment/lance.aspx Mac King Comedy Magic Show 1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - The Showroom, Harrah's. www.mackingshow.com Free tickets (buy 1 drink) are usually available at the concierge desk or handed out occasionally by showgirls. Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show 4 pm - Main Showroom - Flamingo. www.nathanburton.com $10 off: http://www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html Special: Buy Flamingo Buffet from Box Office for $19.95, get free ticket to show. Penn & Teller 9 pm, (Dark Tues.), Rio. www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/rlv/entertainment/entertainment_detail_00.html Scarlett: Princess of Magic 2:30 pm Fri. - Mon. 4 pm Tues. - Wed. (Dark Thurs.) V Theater - Planet Hollywood Resort. http://www.varietytheater.com/scarlett.htm Stars of Magic Showcase of Prestidigitation Dixie Dooley produces and hosts. 7:00 pm (Dark Wed. - Sat.) The Dymonds, David Darkstone, MC Bill Robinson, Royal Resort & Hotel. www.thestarsofmagic.com Steve Wyrick 7 & 9 pm. (Dark Fri.) Steve Wyrick Theater - Miracle Mile, Planet Hollywood. www.stevewyricktheatre.com Xtreme Magic Starring Dirk Arthur Tiffany Theatre, Tropicana. 2 and 4 pm. (Dark Fri.) Magical Mix Ben Seidman and Christopher Karpiak 10 pm - Midnight (Dark Sun. - Wed.) Mix at Mandalay Bay. www.mandalaybay.com/dining/mixlounge.aspx Magic In Production Shows: Bite (Vampire Strip Revue) Antonio Restivo - 10:30 pm (dark Thurs.) Stratosphere. www.bitelasvegas.com Crazy Girls Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.), Riviera. www.rivierahotel.com/entertainment_crazygirls.asp Haunted Vegas Show and Tour Jac Hayden, Robert Allen, Adam Flowers 9:30 pm (Dark Fri.), picks up from the Greek Isles & Royal Resort. www.hauntedvegastours.com The Ultimate Variety Showcase Christopher Karpiak and "S". Roxy's Live - Sam's Town 10 pm - Midnight every Tuesday. Free. www.samstownlv.com/entertainment/event.cfm?EventID=332 V, The Ultimate Variety Show Jason Byrne (most Tues. - Sat.) & various others. 7 & 8:30, Planet Hollywood Resort - www.vtheshow.com Other Vegas Magic: Craig Keith performs behind the bar at various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur. Paul Draper strolls at various times - Grand Canal Shoppes, Venetian. Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. Las Vegas Magic Organizations Fantasma I.B.M. Ring #257, 7 pm 1st Monday each month. www.ibm257.com Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. Darwin's Magic Club, meets 10 pm Wednesdays. Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave. KIDabra Las Vegas, 7 pm every 3rd Monday. Amazing Clowns, 3525 E. Flamingo. www.kidabralasvegas.com Magic Lunch Club meets every Thursday at 11:30 am - Sizzler, 307 S Decatur. Hosted jointly by IBM 257 and KIDabra Las Vegas. YMS (Young Magicians Society) 7 pm every 2nd Monday each month, IHOP Boulevard Mall on Maryland Pkwy. February, 2009 February 27-March 1: The Lance Burton Teen Weekend. Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Eugene Burger. www.theworldmagicseminar.com February 28: Noted magic authority Roberto Giobbi will present a special 3 hour seminar/workshop entitled "Homage to Dai Vernon". Each session of this special presentation will be limited to 30 attendees. Once the first session is sold out, they will take admissions to the second session which will also be limited to 30 people. Everyone admitted to the Homage to Dai Vernon will receive a special 80-page set of lecture notes signed by Mr. Giobbi. In addition, each attendee will receive a pass giving them admission to a special one hour Card College workshop to be presented by Roberto during the World Magic Seminar. The Card College workshops will not be open to anyone except those attending the Homage to Vernon sessions. Admission must be made in advance. You may register for the Homage sessions and find addition details on the content at www.theworldmagicseminar.com. Click on Special Events. March, 2009 March 1-4: World Magic Seminar - Orleans Hotel. Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Johnny Thompson "as Dai Vernon", Eugene Burger, Jason Latimer, the return of Rudy Coby, Bill Palmer, Pete Biro, Rafael Benatar, Charles Gauci, Luis Manuel, Rannie Raymundo, David Kaplan, Rick Marcelli, Hun Lee, Yo Kato, Eric Jones, Han Seol-Hui, Antonio Ramero and more. www.theworldmagicseminar.com March 16-22: Michael Finney at the Comedy Stop - Tropicana. www.comedystop.com/las-vegas-boxoffice.cfm APRIL, 2009 April 9-15: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school April 27-30: Steve Kissell presents the Performance Skills for the Family Entertainer, a four-day working seminar which includes "America's Funniest Magician" Competition. Trixie Bond, Steve Kissell, Marcella Murad, Dave Risley, Dave Hill, Glen Bailey, Ralph Metzler, B-Rad, Ron Conley, Tom King and Will Roya. Special interview with Stan Allen, Orleans Hotel. www.familyentertainersworkshop.com June, 2009 June 25-30: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school August, 2009 August 19-25: Magic & Mystery School - Extended Master Class. Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Tobias Beckwith. www.magicalwisdom.com/school October, 2009 October 21-24: The Magic and Meaning Conference - The Magic and Meaning Conference is a distinctive, annual small-group conference that focuses on creating meaningful magic routines, effective scripts, and new venues for performance. The 2009 conference will feature Keynote Addresses by Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Robert E. Neale, Lawrence Hass, George Parker, David Goodsell, and a number of short talks by experts on subjects relating to the themes of the conference. www.magicalwisdom.com/school -------------------------------------------- 9. Web Portal For All Things Magic In Australia -------------------------------------------- Message by Sue-Anne Webster President, Australian Institute of Magic Interested in staying informed about the magic scene downunder? www.AustralianInstituteOfMagic.org is the web portal for all things magic in Australia. Upcoming Magic Shows, Club Meetings, Lectures and Conventions are all listed. Current events are covered in the Magic News section, with Magic on TV alerts appearing as Newsflashes. In the archives you can read about Australian Magic History and past Australian Magic Award Winners. Plus we feature Tricks, Lessons, Articles, Videos, Polls, a massive Web Links section and a brand new Forum everyone is welcome to join. So pay a visit to www.AustralianInstituteOfMagic.org and say G'day! -------------------------------------------- 10. Zing Zang Zoom -------------------------------------------- Message by Dan Stapleton (US0 For those of you who might get a chance to see the new Ringling Bros. Circus called "Zing Zang Zoom" don't miss it as the whole theme is magic and illusions. Along the two hour production the Ring Master performs many illusions including making three spectators levitate (Aga) in the round and a large vanishing elephant. The illusions, most of what we have seen before are made "oversized" to conform to the huge arenas in which the circus must be presented. The props are painted colorful (almost "clownish")...after all...it is a circus! They also appear to be constructed to withstand a hurricane, my guess, so they don't have to be torn down and reassembled each new venue. Also missing is any real specialty lighting or dramatic music as they just want to keep the show "moving" and the illusions are presented almost as a "throw-away" or "thrown in". They are not presented badly but judging from the audience reaction, the illusions just didn't seem to be the highlight and again, the large arena might not be suited for magic - especially dove-from-silk productions from the Ring Master in a "theatre" that seats 10,000! However, being a magician I did enjoy it and appreciate what they were trying to do. The shows highlight, I think, was the flower-magic act that performed standing (and walking) upside down....standard magic but a fooler to see this "human fly" act. I found it to be amazing. -------------------------------------------- 11. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.Alan-Watson.com 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) -------------------------------------------- 12. 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.Alan-Watson.com 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 2009 Alan Watson