* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment
* www.magicnewzealand.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #984
Date: Sunday 27th January 2013
Editor: Alan Watson
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================

1. Editor's Message
2. Magician Hopes Science, Magic Inspire
3. S A M Lecture At # 115 In Charlottesville, VA
4. Magicseen #48
5. Magi-Fest Scholarship Winner
6. Remarkable Magic #288 - Nick Lewin
7. Magic Show Packages - #286 - Kyle Peron
8. Magic - Art, Craft Or Neither
9. Las Vegas Magic - February 2013
10. Joe Labero With His Show Incanto
11. The Real Magic Roadshow Is Heading Your Way
12. Darwin Ortiz - Return Engagement At The Sugden
13. Blackstone Sr. Film Footage
14. Bill In Lemon Awoke Some Memories For Me
15. 2013 New Zealand Lectures - Diary Now
16. Magic New Zealand App
17. e-zine Archives
18. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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In next week issue of Magic New Zealand we will have a full update on the joint IBM & SAM convention to be held in St Louis 2014.

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For those who would like to read Magic New Zealand in a HTML format go to:
http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2013-Jan-to-Dec-2013/984-Jan27-2013.html

Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com

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2. Magician Hopes Science, Magic Inspire
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Article forwarded on by John Peterson (Canada)

Canadian magician Billy Kidd said yesterday she hopes a new TV series, which features her and three other magicians, would inspire Taiwanese audiences with its fusion of science and magic.

Kidd is on a two-day visit to promote the Discovery Channel's new nine-part series Magic of Science, which uses scientific principles to create illusions that appear to be magic....

Balance of the article go to:
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2013/01/25/2003553408

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3. S A M Lecture At # 115 In Charlottesville, VA
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Message by George Schindler (US)

All S A M Members welcome - to a Free Lecture Feb 1 at Assembly # 115 in Charlottesville, VA Feb 1- (7 PM) Free to all S.A.M. members, SYM, Associates and members of any Assembly .

This is sponsored by the S A M Magic Endowment Fund and there is no charge - If you wish to invite other magicians they can sign up for a trial membership at $ 25.00 - Meet 2nd VP Dave Bowers, RVP Phil Milstead, and the guest Lecturer Dean George Schindler - For details and location - call David Clauss 434.-823-.8584

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4. Magicseen #48
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Message by Chris Wasshuber (US)

This one comes a bit delayed (print is in preparation) but it is a really cool issue. As we say in German 'Gut Ding braucht Weile' ("Anything good takes its time.") I am sure you will enjoy this issue with Luke Jermay on the cover and so much more inside.

Welcome - editor's letter
Readers' Letters
Doug Jones - The Creature Guy - celebrity profile
In The News
Gregory Wilson - The Honest Con Man - interview by Graham Hey
Neil Sedaka talks to magicseen about magic - celebrity
The Wedding Magician - Mark Leveridge
Gary Jones - A Week in the Life of a . Pro Close Up Magician
It's the magicseen Awards!
- Best Illusionist
- Best Comedy Act
- Best Close-Up Performer
- Magician of the Year 2012
- Mentalist
- TV Magician of the Year
- Magic Magazine of the Year
Luke Jermay - The Man with Two Brains - cover article/interview by George Luck
Club Land - The Home Counties Magical Society- Mark Leveridge
Dan Baines - Death Becomes Him - article/interview by Benoit Grenier
Masterclass
- Push Through Move - Jon Allen
- The Aaah! Game - Gary Dunn
Reviews
- Card Now - iPhone app - Damian Surr
- Cardshark - DVD - Daniel Chard
- Hit and Run - Double DVD - Ravi Mayer
- Missing - card effect - Charlie Frye
- Kid's Effects and Routines Using Standard Props - book - Ian Adair
- Linxus - DVD - John Stessel
- Lotto Square - effect - Leo Smetsers
- The Cooler - deck gimmick - Christian Engblom
- Liber Mentis - book - British Society of Mystery Entertainers
- Wild Surprise - card effect
- Marvelous Nut Dropper - effect - Matthew Wright
- The Right Way to do Wrong - original book with additions - Harry Houdini
To My Way of Thinking - Anthony Boe
Next Time.
Advertisers
Listings Section
Back Issues

http://www.lybrary.com/index.php?products_id=252915&action=buy_now_checkout

To subscribe go here
http://www.lybrary.com/magicseen-one-year-subscription-p-94252.html

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5. Magi-Fest Scholarship Winner
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Message by Brent Smith (US)

Calgary Alberta's Braden Pole wins a Magi-Fest 2013 Scholarship from the Tony Eng Youth fund and Magiciana.

http://teyf.magicana.com/news-updates/

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6. Remarkable Magic #288 - Nick Lewin
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Message by Nick Lewin (US)

My brush with 'Hitch.'

Since the early 80s one of my closest friends has been the incredibly talented writer and producer Michael Sloan. Though Michael has written and produced movies and West End stage shows, he is probably most famous for his contribution to the medium of television. He is one of television's classiest talents and finest gentlemen.

Sloan has nearly 300 hours of network television to his credit including the creation of iconic series 'The Equalizer.' This year will see the return of the Equalizer as a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington in the title role. The TV series starred the great English actor Edward Woodward, and Michael's beautiful and talented wife Melissa Anderson as his daughter.

My favorite holiday will always be Halloween 1987 when Michael gave me the best Halloween 'treat' I ever received. I had been presenting a special event at 'Carlos & Charlie's' nightclub on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, and just after I finished the show, Michael casually handed me a manila envelope containing a script.

The script was for an episode of 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents,' Universal Studios revival of the classic television series. The episode was called 'Houdini on Channel 4' and it was written for, and about, me. In fact my character practically never left the screen. He got to solve a kidnapping case, channel Houdini, die and come back from the dead bringing Houdini with him. I also got to perform some really neat magic while doing all of the above!

To say I was excited is a gigantic understatement. I had been featured in quite a few TV shows before, but never in a serious starring role. Had I realized what an intense experience it would be, and the extent to which it would stretch my 'drama school acting skills' I would probably have been more nervous than excited. Fortunately Michael was on hand to guide me through the shooting of his script.

Sloan added a couple of special treats to the episode especially for magic buffs and they hugely benefited the impact of the episode. The production licensed some rarely seen Houdini footage from the Manny Weltman archives which was featured to fine effect in the production. It was really great to find myself onscreen working side by side with my childhood hero.

The second surprise that Michael included in the episode was in regard to the secret Houdini shrine/séance room created by my character in the storyline. With a lavish touch of authenticity, all the Houdini memorabilia that festooned my séance room actually belonged to Houdini himself. It had been shipped to Toronto from Abb Dickson's collection in Atlanta, under the supervision of Mike Russo.

It was a blast to participate in such a beautifully mounted production and truly a career highlight. Michael featured two of my favorite routines into the show and shot them with a care that is seldom seen in these circumstances.

The show opens with the levitation that I featured in my illusion show and also includes highlights from a close-up routine that I created for my Magic Castle show. I even got to talk a little speculative quantum mechanics, which was a feature in 'Quantum Magic' show. All these interludes were near and dear to my heart.

I will always be grateful to Michael Sloan for his kindness and consideration in creating and ensuring that this show took place in the manner in which it did. Michael and I would go on to work together on 'Kung Fu---the Legend Continues,' but this will always be one of the most special moments in my magical journey.

If you would like to watch the episode I have just placed it on my website and you can find it at:
http://www.nicklewin.com/alfred-hitchcock-presents.html

I've been getting some great reactions since the release of my 'Ultimate Linking Finger Ring Routine' and would love you to read about them. Check out my blog and web sites.
www.remarkablemagic.com
www.nicklewin.com

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7. Magic Show Packages - #286 - Kyle Peron
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Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com
https://www.facebook.com/perondesign

One thing to bring up when figuring if you want to offer packages for the services you offer is looking at the marketing reason why this works. Many folks offer packages or add-ons simply for the fact that others are doing it. a lot do not take the time out to really study the marketing principle behind offering multiple packages and why this can work for you.

I offer a package system for many of the services I offer. Packages are a great means in which to test price ranges in your area and also for markets you may not 100% understand at the moment. If you are entering into a new market, multiple package offerings can help you determine the average price folks are willing to pay without the risk of losing gigs in the process. You have a much better means of figuring out the price point.

Think about it this way. If you are not sure on what folks are willing to pay for said service, then offering a single package at a single price causes the prospect to simply say Yes or No. If they say no, there is a lost gig and lost income. You also really have no means of figuring out if your price is right other then realizing no one is going for it. If this is the case, you are forced to start over again with a new price and try again. If you are serious about your business, you realize there must be a better way.

Offering packages can work and I will show you how I use it and the reasoning behind it. The first reason I use multiple packages is to test a price range for a market I am entering or for a new location I am getting into. I may not be aware of what folks are willing to pay in this new location or market, my goal is to 1) find out quickly what they are willing to pay while not losing gigs in the process. So how does one do this?

I set up usually a 3 package situation, no more and no less. When working with packages you want to not make it so overly complicated that it confuses the prospect. It still must be very easy for them to understand and grasp and give them the information they need to be able to make an easy and informed choice. If you have too many packages, it becomes overkill in the sense that 1) the person has too much to think about and 2) you never get as good enough data to determine the price range people are willing to pay.

Two little packages does not give you enough data for which to track. So I have found that offering 3 packages usually works ideal for testing prices. Now you set these packages up is also important. My goal is to have a good price range offering. I usually always start with the price I THINK is the most fair price for my services and I have that as my tier 2 package level price. I then make a package that is more money and another package that is less money.

Now when setting up the package you must make sure that they easily see what they get for the price they are paying. Simply put you have to have the packages make sense. Let the person clearly see that they get more added value with your deluxe package over your standard package. Each must clearly be defined so that the prospect knows and sees the difference easily. They also must see the reasoning as to why a certain package would be more money.

For example, having the only difference between one package and another package be that the birthday child gets a magic wand may not be enough of a difference to warrant the price change. So you want your packages to clearly have logical value that matches the price you gave to it.

So why does this work and how does it work? If you make your second tier package the rate you THINK you should get, then you have 1 package less money and 1 package more money. This develops a good price range. Once this is set up, you MUST track it. This simply means finding out and keeping record of which package people are going for. If you are finding that 85% or more are going for the deluxe package (highest priced) every single time, then that tells you that your prices may still be on the low side and you can raise them. If you see that people are only choosing the lowest priced package, then that tells you that your price ranges are a little high and you should lower them a bit.

See how this works? You are giving the prospect more of a chance to book you while at the same time figuring out the price range you should be charging. You are gathering important data for your business without losing business.

Now once you figure out your proper price range, you do not have to stop offering packages. You just set your packages to the right price ranges and keep them there. the reasoning is that packages set correctly has a psychological effect for a person to usually go with the higher priced package because of perceived added value to them.

On a final note, make sure you keep your packages simple and easy to understand. I always list them in bullet format by listing not only the feature but how that feature benefits them directly. Bullet formats are easier to read and draws the person in. If they are seeing all they get and knowing how it benefits them, there is a greater chance the person is going to easily select one and give you a decision faster.

Make sure that you do not offer too many packages. On the other side make sure you do not offer too many add ons as well. What I mean by this is some folks offer multiple packages and then offer add ons to each of these packages. be careful doing this. if you make it too confusing, the prospect has a tendency to move on and not book you. I usually roll my add ons into the packages themselves. It makes it easier, gives added value and makes it easier for the consumer to choose.

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.

Entertainers, please visit:
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com

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8. Magic - Art, Craft Or Neither
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Message by Anthony Darkstone - USA/Europe

Magic - Art, Craft Or Neither

Many of you will be familiar with my series over many years entitled, "Anthony Darkstone in Conversation With .." . I shall be continuing that series. However, I also wanted to explore further this interesting subject and consider all that will follow over the coming year as useful research and valuable insights for all of us.

This topic has been covered and debated over several times in various places over many decades. A recent video featuring some well-known performers is doing the rounds on the Net. In that video Johnny Thomson categorically stated that Magic is Art. Brad Henderson made an interesting comparison. Past National President of The Society of American Magicians, Bruce Kalver has also broached the topic on SAMTALK and some interesting comments followed.

So, why you may ask am I starting this as a new series on our International e-zine. Primarily, because our e-zine goes world-wide to some 17,000 + who have connections with Magic. At a conservative count that is somewhere in the region of 35,000 readers. Not all of them see the various above-mentioned references to the topic. I also wish to expand the topic and take in several musings. Therefore, I will be approaching various guests over the coming months from various parts of the world, to contribute their thoughts and perceptions on this topic. Some will be Internationally known World Class Performers; others will be allied to Magic and not necessarily Performers. It will be interesting and informative to peruse all their views. There will be no right or wrong answers/views but collectively their responses will, in one form or another, elevate the performance of Magic.

Is Rembrandt Art? Is Picasso Art? Is Jason Pollock Art? Is Andy Warhol Art? Is Salvador Dali Art? Was Tommy Cooper Art? Was The Shriek of Araby Art? Is Magic a Theatrical Art? Is Technique a Craft? Is Presentation an Art? Is Illusion Invention an Art or Craft? Is Illusion Building a Craft? An occasional Magic show here and there is one thing but to deliver a show 6 days a week is hard work.therefore is it Art or Craft or just an actor doing his/her job?

I love the Classic Force but have never dared perform it. I've seen quite a few try it with mixed results. However, I was highly privileged many, many times to see my dear friend the late Steve Dacri, turn it into pure Art. Magic with masks. I've seen a quite a few. yes! . but there is only one who turned it into an Art. Is Dove Magic an Art? Channing Pollock and George Saterial have answered that!!! Can an Entertainer be an Artist and can an Artist be an Entertainer? Ever had Dan Garrett or Jon Racherbaumer ask you to take a card? Ever seen Rene Lavand spread a deck? Does A Master Craftsman create Art or does Art create the Master Craftsman. These are just some aspects that will be covered and discussed.

All comments as usual on a $20 bill to : anthonydarkstone@gmail.com

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9. Las Vegas Magic - February 2013
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Message by David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com

Criss Angel - Believe
7 (except Wed. & Thurs.) & 9:30 pm (Dark Sun. - Mon.) - Luxor.
www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/believe/default.aspx

David Copperfield - An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion
Jan. 24-Feb. 20, Feb. 28-Mar. 6, Mar. 14-Apr. 17, Apr. 25-Jun. 5, Jun.
13-Sept. 1
7 & 9:30 pm & also 4 pm Sat. - MGM Grand.
www.mgmgrand.com/entertainment/hollywood-theater.aspx

Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist
7:30 pm (Dark Wed.) - Planet Hollywood.
www.vtheaterboxoffice.com/Vegas_Show_Tickets.cfm?showID=10005

Illusions - Jan Rouven
7 pm (Dark Wed.) - Riviera.
www.illusionsvegas.com

It's Tricky - the Original Nerd of Magic - Kyle Marlett
5 pm, (Dark Wed. - Thurs.) - Royal House Resort.
www.royalhotelvegas.com/entertainment

Jeff McBride's Wonderground
3rd Thurs. each month 7:30 to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.)
Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A whole new show each month. $10
cover.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.streetofcards.tv

Mac King Comedy Magic Show
1 & 3 pm, (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Harrah's.
www.harrahslasvegas.com/casinos/harrahs-las-vegas/casino-entertainment/mac-king-detail.html
Free tickets (buy 1 drink) usually available at the concierge desk or handed out by showgirls.

Magic, Mind Reading & Mystery - Paul Vigil
7 pm (Wed.) - King Ink, Mirage.
www.kinginklasvegas.com/paul-page.html

Magical Mix - Christopher Karpiak
7-10 pm (Dark Tues. - Wed.) - Mix Lounge, Mandalay Bay.
www.mandalaybay.com/dining/mixlounge.aspx
Free to locals until 10 pm.

Mike Hammer Comedy Magic Show
7 pm (Dark Sun. & Mon.) - Four Queens.
www.tickets.fourqueens.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=35
$14.95 discounted tix + free drink:
www.vegas4locals.com/couponmikehammercomedymagic.html

Murray - Celebrity Magician with Douglas "Lefty" Leferovich.
7 pm - Laugh Factory at the Tropicana.
www.troplv.com/entertainment/events/murray-sawchuck
Two for One Tickets: www.vegas4locals.com/couponmurray.html

Nathan Burton Comedy Magic Show
4 pm, (Dark Mon.) - Saxe Theater - Planet Hollywood.
Current Guest Stars: Jeff Civillico and Russ Merlin
Armando Vera's Up-Close "VIP Experience" is performed pre-show @ 3:00 pm
www.nathanburton.com/tickets.htm
FREE Back row tickets:
www.vegas4locals.com/couponnathanburtoncomedymagic.html

Penn & Teller
9 pm, (Dark Thurs. - Fri.) - Rio.
www.riolasvegas.com/casinos/rio/casino-entertainment/penn--teller-detail.html

Seth Grabel - Variety Magic
6 pm, (Dark Sun. - Wed.) - Clarion.
www.visitlasvegas.com/event/seth-grabel---variety-magic/20776/

Tommy Wind - A Unique Magic and Music Experience
7 pm - The Boulevard Theatre
(Vegas Blvd between the MGM and Planet Hollywood).
www.Tommywindmagic.com

Magic In Production Shows
Bram Charles
2 sets between 10 pm - 2 am (Dark Mon. - Thurs.)
The Can Can Room on Industrial.

Crazy Girls
Tony Douglas - 9:30 pm (Dark Tues.) - Riviera.
www.rivierahotel.com/las-vegas-entertainment/crazy-girls/

Haunted Vegas Show and Tour - Jac Hayden, Robert Allen.
9:30 pm, picks up at the Royal Resort.
www.hauntedvegastours.com

V The Ultimate Variety Show
Featuring Melinda - First Lady of Magic
7 & 8:30, V Theater, Planet Hollywood
www.vtheshow.com/home.htm

Vegas Close-Up Magic
Shimshi - Resident Magician - Wynn/Encore.
Seth Grabel - Fri. & Sat. 9-11 pm - Foundation Room, Mandalay Bay.
Ben Seidman - Resident Magician - Mandalay Bay.
Cameron Shadow - Resident Magician - Pure Nightclub, Caesars Palace.
Chris Randall - Close-Up magic, 7 pm - 12 am - The Sugar Factory, Paris Resort.
Craig Keith performs bar magic, various times - Dick's Last Resort, Excalibur.
JungleJosh - House Magician - Señor Frogs at Treasure Island (Dark Mon.), 5
pm to 1 am. Table-hopping and Comedy Magic on the stages. No Cover, No Min.
Smoothini - Wed. to Sun. 8 pm-10:30 at Hard Rock Café (2nd Floor Bar); 11 pm
to 2 am at Zingers, 3743 Las Vegas Blvd. and after 2 am at New York New York's
Pour 24.

Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show Sat @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230.

Las Vegas Magic Organizations
Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257, 7 pm - 8:45, 1st Monday each month at Denny & Lee's
Magic Shop, 5115 Dean Martin Dr. #102. Free Children's Classes at 5:45. No
meeting if the 1st Monday is a major Holiday. ($24 a year to be a member).
Current President and contact: John McClenahan,
doctormagiclv@embarqmail.com or 702-395-3856. www.ibm257.com

Darwin's Magic Club 9 pm each Wed. at Boomers, 3200 Sirius Ave.

News & Rumors
It has been reported that when the new "America's Got Talent - Live" show will reopen at the Palazzo with Jarrett and Raja as the headliners.

Upcoming Special Events
February, 2013
Feb. 11: Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257 presents a lecture by: Jay Scott Berry at Denny and Lee's, 7 pm.

Feb. 21: Jeff McBride's Wonderground 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A whole new show each month. $10 cover.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.streetofcards.tv

Feb. 25: Fantasma I.B.M. Ring 257 presents a lecture by: Devin Knight at
Denny and Lee's, 7 pm.

March, 2013
Mar. 21: Jeff McBride's Wonderground 7:30 pm to midnight - The Olive (3850 E Sunset Dr.) Non-stop Magic & Variety Performance Art. A whole new show each
month. $10 cover.
www.vegaswonderground.com watch live: www.streetofcards.tv

March 15-17: McBride's Magic & Mystery School Magic for Speakers & Presenters. Teachers: Jeff McBride & Eugene Burger.
www.magicalwisdom.com

March 18-24: McBride's Magic & Mystery School Extended Master Class Teachers: Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Larry Hass & Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

July, 2013
July 14-20: McBride's Magic & Mystery School Extended Master Class Teachers:
Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Larry Hass, Bryce Kuhlman & Tobias Beckwith.
www.magicalwisdom.com

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10. Joe Labero With His Show Incanto
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Message by Joe Labero (Sweden)

I am playing with my mega magic production at Resorts World Sentosa with my show Incanto in Festive Theater. 1,611 Seats from Nov. 8 to March 10, 2013.

7 Shows a week with 24 dancers, 28 acrobats and a high energy production with a cast of 60 people on stage and about the same off stage. Lots of special effects, lighting , pyro, Close Up Magic and Big Illusions.

Smoke Chamber, Crystal Box, Double Levitation, The Passage, Table of Death, and The Blade Runner where I cut myself in a 7 ton prop. And also Sawing The Bad Guy in The show in Half.

Don't Miss Magical Wishes from. Joe Labero!

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11. The Real Magic Roadshow Is Heading Your Way
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Message by Paul Richards (US)

For the last several months I've been working on a new project that I'm very proud of. I've assembled a select group of magic dealers and creators for a series of one day retail magic expos called The Real Magic Roadshow.

You'll have a chance to see and buy magic from some of the industry's leading dealers including Mark Mason of JB Magic, Chris Smith of Magic Smith, Dirk Losander, and of course - my company, Elmwood Magic. Each of our first six cities (Detroit, Pittsburgh, Boston, Minneapolis, Raleigh, and Chicago) will also feature at least special guest dealers as well - and registration for all cities is open now.

Here's the best part - if you pre-register now, we pay YOU to attend!

The cost to attend the Real Magic Roadshow is only $10. But if you pre-register NOW we'll issue you a $20 Gift Card for use the day of the event! Registration for each city is limited and, with this great deal,space will fill up fast.

Visit The Real Magic Roadshow website for full details on locations and registration. http://www.realmagicroadshow.com

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12. Darwin Ortiz - Return Engagement At The Sugden
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Message by Eddy Lester (US)

World-Class Entertainer, Darwin Ortiz will becoming direct from Obama's Presidential Inaugural Banquet, to perform on Mon Feb 11 and Feb 12 at The Sugden Theater, Naples, at 3:00pm daily. He will be making a return engagement at The Sugden with his one man show, Scams and Fantasies with Cards. Mr. Ortiz performed also at the first Obama Presidential Inaugural Banquet as well as performing at the Bush Presidential Inaugural Banquet. The show

Scams and Fantasies with Cards was written by Mr. Ortiz and it is world-class entertainment, a one of a kind show, very funny, astonishing, and with audience participation.

Eddy Lester, President of Lester Productions Inc producer, in association with Tin City Magic stated, "we decided to present this show again this year, because many people who saw the show last year stated they want their friends and relatives to see this amazing show."

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13. Blackstone Sr. Film Footage
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Message by Walter Blaney (US)

Here is about 5 minutes of Harry Blackstone Sr. doing his magic... He was my
boyhood idol in magic... and he still is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S6tAndzLcw

Note his Vanishing Birdcage at about 4' 07" - near the end. Hard to beat this great trick.

Both Blackstone Sr. and Jr. were using the Abbotts "flexible cage" (the frame is wrapped with red ribbon to make it show up better) Sometimes the bird survived, but legs and wings were often broken. More on the bird situation follows:

I missed the fact that Blackstone Sr. was using a live bird in this early 16mm film clip I forwarded to some friends a few days ago. I watched it again, and saw that the bird fluttered, so it was a live bird. I cringed. I thought of the poor bird dying or being hurt more often than not. I'm glad Blackstone changed to a rubber bird in later years when they became available. I don't think there was anyone making rubber/latex birds and such collapsible rubber magic products back in the 1930's and early 40's. The attitude on the treatment of animals back then was different than today. it was another era. I'm glad things have changed for the better.

You probably have heard the story of the SPCA taking Blackstone Sr. to court in the 40's for mistreating his canaries. Blackstone said he would prove to the judge that the bird is never harmed, but agreed to do so only to the judge, in his private chambers. He then showed the judge that he used a rubber bird. The judge laughed, and then ruled in his favor. The SPCA had to give up. I also understand Harry would have a few tiny bird feathers pinched between his fingers. At the vanish they spiraled down to the floor, a convincing touch that the bird was real.

I never had to bother doing that, and seem to convince people that the swinging bird on his perch in my cage is alive and real. In later years I learned to act more carefully and more slowly in bringing out the bird and cage. And I even talk to it a quick moment. In my own mind I believe it is real.... my own live little pet bird. This helps to convince the audience it is indeed simply a real live bird. Lay audiences don't know there are such things as collapsible latex ketchup and wine bottles, or rubber birds.

Best from Texas, Walter
walter@walterblaney.com

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14. Bill In Lemon Awoke Some Memories For Me
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Message by Michael Woolf (NZ)

Nick Lewin's recollection in last week's eZine of Billy McComb and the Bill In Lemon awoke some memories for me. A lot of years ago I enjoyed Nick's performance of the routine. He and I have corresponded but never met face to face: I was in the audience at a (non-magical) conference in the USA.

Jumping a few years, I sat in the Palace of Mystery at the Magic Castle watching Billy McComb in action. At one point he used the Milk Jug and from my seat I could clearly see the fake. In Billy's dressing room after the show I thought: dare I mention this to him. I took the chance and rather hesitantly told Billy what I had seen, with the comment that if he moved his feet the change of angle would prevent the flash. Billy immediately took me on to the stage.

The theatre was empty between shows and Billy asked the Stage Manager to open the curtain. He asked me to show him where I had been sitting in the stalls, handed me his milk jug and placed me in his performing position. I moved my feet and so changed the angle. Billy immediately agreed that this was an improvement and, declining my offered apology, thanked me profusely. As I left, his words were: "Come back and see me again, old lad." This humility is the mark of a great gentleman performer.

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15. 2013 New Zealand Lectures - Diary Now
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Message by Alan Watson (NZ)

Karl Hein with Jeff Kaylor (US) Lectures:

Palmerston North - Saturday 2nd February

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Matthew Wright (UK) Lectures:

Auckland - Wednesday 6th February 2013
Christchurch - Saturday 9th February

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John Kaplan (Canada) Lectures

Wellington Tuesday 12th March 2013
Auckland Thursday 14th March

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16. Magic New Zealand App
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Magic New Zealand now has its very own app that can be launched on any tablet.

Go to: www.app.cat/magicnewzealand on your tablet to download the FREE Magic
New Zealand app.

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17. e-zine Archives
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Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right "Archives"

When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order in folders for each year and are Coded, e.g. 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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18. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
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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.magicnewzealand.com

Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.

The opinions and statements 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 or statements contained 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 2012 Alan Watson
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