Magic New Zealand® E-zine

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* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New Zealand)
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Issue Number: #1571
Date: Sunday 24th May 2020
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
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Hi here is the latest news
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1. Editor's Message
2. Magic Castle In 'M For Magic' Documentary
3. Webcasting Wizardry
4. Chris Randall On The Magic Word Podcast
5. Magic Castle Revisited Part Two - Nick Lewin
6. Aces for their Faces! - John Carey #82
7. Ongoing Adventures Of Romany! #10
8. The Web Of Secrets Online Show And Lecture
9. Masters Of Illusion
10. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
11. E-zine Archives
12. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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If you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in HTML format
go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2020-Jan-to-Dec-2020/1571-May24-2020.html

If you would like to write a regular column for Magic New Zealand or have some magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com

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2. Magic Castle In 'M For Magic' Documentary
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Article forwarded On by Peter Phillips (US)

Neil Patrick Harris helps explore the history of the awe-inspiring Magic Castle in 'M For Magic' documentary.

Neil Patrick Harris was enchanted by Los Angeles' famed Magic Castle before he ever set a foot inside.

The actor - and longtime magic enthusiast - was a teenager living in small-town New Mexico when he learned of the sprawling private club sitting atop a hill in Hollywood where generations of magicians perform.

"My father, who was an attorney at the time - his secretary had gone to Los Angeles, and she regaled me with stories of this magical place where walls open up when you say magic words," Harris told the Daily News last week. "I was just completely hooked. As soon as I got to Los Angeles, I tried to find out how I could go."

The castle is now the subject of a new documentary, "M For Magic," that explores the colorful history of the club created by Milt, Bill and Irene Larsen in the early 1960s that opened its doors to countless magicians and celebrities over the years.

Harris, a former president of the club's board of directors, wasn't yet 21 - the age required to visit the Magic Castle - when he moved to L.A., so he joined a group for junior magicians that allowed him to attend monthly meetings.

"Once I turned 21, I was there a lot more often," Harris, 46, said.

The "How I Met Your Mother" star served as an executive producer on the documentary, which shows how multiple generations of the Larsen family turned the towering castle into the international mecca for magic.

"It's really pulling back the curtain behind something that has been kept intentionally quiet for a long time," Harris said of the film. "You get to see the showrooms. You get to learn about the histories behind it. Lots of great classic footage from the '60s, '70s, '80s of magicians performing. It is an interesting thing because it's a private club, so you can't just go knock at the door and go in."

Harris, Jason Alexander, Dick Van Dyke, Colin Farrell, Yeardley Smith and Laurence Fishburne are among the celebrities who share their experiences at the venue in "M For Magic."

Also featured in the film are Bill and Irene's daughter, Erika Larsen, and granddaughter, Liberty Larsen, who continue to keep the legacy of the Magic Castle alive.

"M For Magic" was originally scheduled to premiere in March at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas; the event was canceled by the coronavirus pandemic. The Magic Castle itself has closed indefinitely because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The documentary's director, Alexis Manya Spraic, says "M For Magic" has received considerable interest from potential buyers since.

"My hope is that it can come out around the time that the castle looks toward reopening and really helps, not just as a rallying cry for that community, but I think because it is a larger-than-life story that is really entertaining and engaging ... as we learn to live with COVID or we get to move on past it, how do we preserve a world that supports niche communities, independent businesses, family businesses?" Spraic said.

Several of Harris' TV characters have practiced magic, including Barney Stinson on "How I Met Your Mother." The actor is currently writing the fourth book in his "The Magic Misfits" series.
His love of magic started at a young age.

"I was looking for a hobby, a way to pass the time, that was rewarding in multiple ways," Harris recalls. "Not as single-minded as collecting comics or collecting stamps, where you acquire and then just keep. I wanted to acquire a skill that I could keep, and also present. In magic, you find that."

He considers the Magic Castle the "preeminent location" in its field due to its multiple showrooms and bars, full restaurant and immense library.

Although the club is reserved for its members and guests, Harris says there are ways for people who show great interest in magic to get in.

"I highly recommend the NPH Old Fashioned," Harris said with a laugh. "Have a drink in my honor. I can't wait to have another."

https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/ny-neil-patrick-harris-magic-castle-m-for-magic-documentary-20200518-6tt5nvregnh4vofs6xnf4kimhe-story.html?fbclid=IwAR1-7BHePOazzFElDZjA1-Zufgu2JVWIv4-UNL03hxK5QRqRS2YeyIAoIH4

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3. Webcasting Wizardry
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Message by Jay Scott Berry (Australia)

Abracadabra and Sim Sala Bim! Announcing the premiere of "Webcasting Wizardry", this Sunday May 24th. Professionally Produced in full HD, the show stars an eclectic cast of amazing magicians. As with my other series, "The Art of Wonder", this is poised to set the standard for magic web productions. New, one hour Episodes will air every 2 weeks and I'm currently in negotiations with NetFlix, Hulu and Amazon to sell the series to a world audience. But you can see it first!

Please contact me on FB or via Email to learn how to receive a Complimentary Ticket.

"Join Master Showman, Jay Scott Berry on a Marvelous Magic Carpet Ride! Each family-friendly Episode will feature Mystery & Illusions by some of the World's Finest Magicians. Be Amazed, Amused & Inspired by the Madcap Magic of Geno DeVille, the Sleight of Hand Sorcery of Eric Stevens, the Celtic Conjuring of Scott Cuthbertson & the Scientific Sensations of Tom Collett. With Original Music, Songs & Guest Stars, this is The Greatest Show! Step right up - Only $5 a ticket. The Magic is Ancient...The Wonder is Timeless!"

There will be 2 Live showings: 12pm Paris time for "Eurasia" and 3pm LA time for "America". It will then be available to view On Demand.

Here's the Link to my Premium Web channel: www.Bigmarker.com/jsb

We are the Magic Makers and We are the Dreamers of Dreams...

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4. Chris Randall On The Magic Word Podcast
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

The road to the World Championships (F.I.S.M.) is long and hard. There is the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat along the journey. And once you compete, there are more who suffer agony than the honored few who take the top prizes.

This week we chat with Chris Randall who has tread that road for years that lead up to his competition act in South Korea in 2018. The emotional highs and lows along the way would tax the nerves and emotions of any dedicated competitor. Chris talks about his work over the years studying with Joanie Spina and Vito Lupo and his hundreds of performances on the street, in casino showrooms, and on television across the U.S. and around the world. This episode is an emotional roller coaster that will hopefully give some insight into the psyche of a committed performer and what one must do and give up in order to "make it."

You can listen to this week's episode wherever you get your podcasts. But for more content including videos, photos, and more, then visit the website at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/560-chris-randall If you are not a subscriber to the podcast, then please subscribe through any of the various methods of where you get your podcasts (i.e. iTunes, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Spreaker, etc.). And be sure to also subscribe to the weekly pod-letter to keep up to date on who is on each week, who is coming next week, suggestions from the archives, and be the first to know about contests.

We are into our fourth week of the Magicians' Relief Project where we are financially assisting magicians and magic dealers who could use a little help during this pandemic. More info on the website and on the podcast. Ask for help or please give help if you can.

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5. Magic Castle Revisited Part Two - Nick Lewin
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Message by Nick Lewin (US)

On my first visit to the Castle I was lucky enough to be given a tour and introduced to the regulars by the inimitable Don Lawton. Don was one of the hosts at the club, and as I was to quickly discover he was also one of the finest, kindest, and funniest members of its community. On a busy and overworked evening Don took the time to thoroughly welcome this 22-year-old newcomer to his world. In those years the Castle hosts were magical performers whose very presence added immeasurably to the joys, authority and authenticity of the club. These gentlemen didn't just introduce a show they were a show.

In addition to Lawton the hosts included close-up of wiz Jack Hurlbert, and the trumpet playing Mickey O'Malley. Towards the end of each Castle evening Mickey would play "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" on his trumpet in the Irma room, somewhat to the bewilderment of unaware visitors. In a club filled with eccentrics Mickey stood second to none in this regard.

Another iconic resident of the Castle was the legendary "Senator" Clarke Crandall. My first meeting with "Senator" Crandall was in his capacity as host. No sooner had we been introduced than he began to recite a quasi-biblical story about God instructing mankind on how to make a profit on the selling of polo shirts by sewing an alligator on the front of them. As he spoke he puffed on one of his signature spiral shaped cigars that definitely looked a great deal better than it smelt.

After Crandall finished his recitation, I politely mentioned how much I enjoyed the writings of Woody Allen. The tale he told had been taken word for word from Woody's first book, but fared even better for being translated into the spoken word. After I made this observation, the Senator gave me a sideways glance, a slight scowl and said, "A magician who reads actual books. I will have to keep an eye on you." I am not sure if he really did keep an eye on me, but if the truth is told Crandall always scared me just the tiniest bit. I wish I had got to know him a little bit better.

Upon entering the Castle, once you had passed through the sliding bookcase, the first thing most magicians would do was turn their gaze to the left and see if Dai Vernon was in his regular seat on the little couch in front of the Close-Up Gallery. Most nights would find him holding court there, with a cigar in one hand, a deck of cards in the other, and a snifter of brandy on the table in front of him. Seated around "The Professor" would be a crowd of the very best of the current crop of Young Turks hanging on his every word. They were waiting for him to casually impart the "moves" and gems of card handling in person that had escaped being immortalized in his written work. They were seldom disappointed.

Vernon was gracious and generous in these impromptu demonstrations of his mastery as he imparted his endless wisdom. After a while one began to realize how shrewdly he calculated the ability of his students to grasp the lessons he dispensed. One quickly realized that like every true master Dai was fully aware that no information passed on to lesser minds was truly worthwhile if those receiving it were unable to put the information into application.

The Professor was exceedingly careful to teach each particular student exactly what it was that they needed to learn. It was also instantly apparent that nothing gave Vernon more pleasure than seeing a young magician perform a sleight or trick that added to his own inestimable knowledge. The purest form of teaching is always a two-way street between those involved in the process.

Check out my website at www.LewinEnterprises.com for some great magic, and to join our mailing list. We will be starting some Zoom sessions in the near future featuring some very special guests

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6. Aces for their Faces! - John Carey #82
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

Y.A.F.A.P?!?! Yes indeed! But this four Ace production is quick, easy and fun. Set one Ace on top of the deck and the other three Aces on the bottom and you are ready to confuse, bemuse and amuse!

Execute an in the hands riffle shuffle retaining your set up. Hold the face down deck and ask your helper to cut off a packet of about ten to twelve cards. "Deal and count your cards to the table and I will deal and count with you from what you left me." After you say this, both of you deal and count in sync. Execute a casual bottom deal with your first card dealt and then deal normally until your spectator finishes their deal. There's no heat on that bottom deal. The prime focus is on your spectator. At the end of the joint deal there is an Ace on the bottom of each packet and you are already a mile ahead.

"I'm going to shuffle these remaining cards and divide them into two packets. As I shuffle please say stop!" Execute a simple slip shuffle, retaining an Ace on the bottom of the cards you are shuffling off into your left hand. When stopped simply table both hands face down packets. An Ace is on the bottom of these two packets also. Recap what has happened and how they made all the choices. Then slowly turn each packet face up to reveal the gruesome twosome awesome foursome - the Aces!

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7. Ongoing Adventures Of Romany! #1-
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Message by Romany Romany (UK)

Adventures of Romany
www.romanymagic.com

Hello again from the Buddhist monastery!

Week 6, England is still in lockdown and I'm still here!

Well, it had to happen sooner or later.
I got caught.
By a nun.
At night.
With a flashlight.
I'll tell you more in a bit.

Do you think that as magicians, we assume we can get away with things?

I remember when I first learnt magic, I realised that it would be really easy to shoplift. The bigger movement conceals the smaller and all that.

Then I realised I'm a magician not a thief and I don't want to shoplift.

Even so, that little thrill when we've moved the knot on Pavel's Walking Knot, or shaken out the torn up newspaper good as new, is a similar feeling, a feeling of getting away with it, of being all powerful, or at least a little more powerful than our audience who have no notion of the miraculous power of rare earth magnets.

Back to the monastery and that nun.

I love baking bread. I've mastered the art of a delicious organic loaf made with wholemeal spelt flour, cinnamon, honey and raisins. I have a slice toasted every morning. Well, I did until I got here and found out that the oven in the cottage kitchen I share with three monks doesn't work. I managed to find five separate people with five separate ovens and got them to bake my first loaves but the pleasure in baking is putting the bread in the oven yourself and taking it out smelling mmmm so delicious.

I decided I would bake loaf number six in my friend Alan's oven. He'd given me permission but the Covid rules here are that everyone has to keep to their own kitchens. But I'm a magician. 'No-one's going to know,' I thought, 'I'll sneak into the main building at 11pm when every good monk and nun is asleep, put my loaf in Alan's oven, wait outside until it's ready and hey presto, fresh bread!

Under cover of darkness, my loaf tin wrapped in a dark towel, I climbed three flights of stairs to Alan's kitchen and switched on the light. What? No oven?! Definitely no oven, just a microwave. The dough had already started to sink - a tragedy as every bread maker will know.

Despondent, I had started back down the stairs when I met a teaching student I know. Explaining the situation and showing her my rapidly sinking loaf, I asked if there were any other kitchens with ovens nearby. Rising to the challenge, she led me along ten minutes of dark corridors until we reached a kitchen at the end. Yes, with an oven. Great! I popped it in, set the timer and quickly ran back through the corridors to the safety of my cottage.

"You didn't leave it in the oven did you?" Walkabout my husband asked. "You'll have to go back and sit with it. If something burns, it will set off the fire alarm and the whole building will have to be evacuated."

Oh bloody hell. I run back, but the loaf still needs 15 mins and I don't want to put the light on in the kitchen and draw attention to myself. I sit on the floor in the dark corridor outside. But then I hear something. Something swishing. Something is swishing in my direction. Floor length robes. I'd better stand up and show myself before I give the approaching swisher a heart attack.

It's a nun with a flashlight. A slight older woman with a shaved head, burgundy robes and a maroon fleece on top. She looks at me suspiciously.

"I'm baking bread." I offer.
"I can smell that." She says switching on the kitchen light.
"I made a loaf and then our oven broke, so I thought I'd use this one." Our oven has been broken for months. Now I've sort of lied to a nun.
"You do know you shouldn't be here, that we have to keep to our own kitchens?"
"Yes, I do know that. That's why I was sitting outside. It's only gotten minutes left and then I'll go."
A pause. She looks at me straight. We both know I shouldn't be here.
"Well, you're here now, you might as well put the light on." She says and leaves.
Aargh! I'm 51 and yet suddenly I'm eleven years old, back in my Convent school facing rebelliously up to the deputy head nun after I haven't changed my outdoor shoes to my indoor shoes and now she's confiscated them and I think if I don't say anything but just stare at her sulkily, she won't be able to read my angry thoughts. Except she does manage to read them and rules that I have to walk around in my socks on the cold floors for a whole week to teach me a lesson.

I give the loaf another five minutes and get it out early. It's too stressful to wait any longer. Wrapped warm in the towel, I clutch it to my chest as I run back though the dark corridors thinking, "I want to go home! I want to go home to my own oven and my own kitchen where there are no rules and no nuns and… " Then I remember, I don't have my home anymore. It's rented out. I have a new rented cottage in the next village but I can't go to that either plus it doesn't feel like home yet either. I'm lucky to be here, safe and well. I have this slightly undercooked loaf to enjoy for breakfast, a husband waiting for me, a sanctuary from this virus and many other blessings. All is well. But still.

"I got caught." I tell Walkabout. He isn't surprised.

And the end of the story?
Our monks cottage now has a working oven. I left a picture of a pizza and a fresh loaf of bread with steam rising and the words, "Fix me and I'm yours!" on the hob. Walkabout fixed it a week later and the cottage feels a little bit more like home. I can bake as much bread as I like.
The moral of the story? I've learnt that I might be a magician but I can't get away with everything.

Let me know at romany@romanymagic.com if you fancy the recipe for my delicious bread and I'll post it next week.

Plus, I finally cleaned up my YouTube channel and am posting new videos from the gardens with magic and stories on my YouTube channel, I'd really love you to subscribe so you can see everything growing, the new plants, new ideas and new adventures! https://www.youtube.com/user/romanydivaofmagic

Until next week, love from the monastery.
Romany

You can read more about Romany's magical adventures in her inspiring memoir Spun Into Gold - The Secret Life of a Female Magician.
Suitable for all ages from 14 yrs. Now with over 300 5 star reviews on Amazon worldwide.
Book Depository Free Shipping bit.ly/2ONMFvB
Amazon UK bit.ly/2kqB4G6
Amazon USA amzn.to/2m3XT2J
Audiobook on Audible adbl.co/2qROlu5 narrated by Romany

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8. The Web Of Secrets Online Show And Lecture
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Message by Matthew Wright (UK)

I am thrilled to announce that I am now taking bookings for The Web of Secrets Online Show and Lecture.

The Web of Secrets Show is an online variation of the Chamber of Secrets Theatre Show that I have owned and run on the Costa Del Sol for the past 6 years. The theatre show quickly rose to the Trip Advisor number one attraction for the Costa Del Sol and Malaga region and was last year shortlisted into the top ten attractions for the whole of Spain, Balearics and Canaries
I have now transformed this amazing show into an enthralling virtual online experience for all to enjoy.

The 45 minute show forms the first half of your magic club bundle and is available for anyone to watch….friends, family or just fans of magic in the general public.

The second half of the show is a private, magicians only lecture where we go through many of the effects in the show. We talk not only about the effects but also touch on how they have been adapted to work for an online audience. For those interested in performing online there is a quick behind the scenes tour of my set up where I will answer any questions you may have.

The tricks performed and taught are all my own creations and cover all areas of magic including close up, parlour, stage, mentalism and comedy. They are all solid workers that have been road tested many hundreds of times they are real world workers.

Please contact me for more information. General public admission tickets to the show can often cover the cost of the lecture meaning little or no fee for the club.

Web of secrets lecture fees

I am looking for a minimum of £100 guaranteed by the club.

The club can sell tickets for the first half of the show to the general public at £10 per household.

Anything raised above the £100 is split with the club and myself so the club could actually make more from the event

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9. Masters Of Illusion
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Message by Steve Moyer (US)

Masters Of Illusion returns for week two of seventh anniversary season on The CW Network hosted by Dean Cain, the series returns Friday, May 22nd with two 30-minute episodes airing back to back, starting at 8/7c

8:00 - 8:30 p.m.: "Alex, I'll Take Pickpockets and Monkeys for $1,000"
Starring Michael Turco, Leon Etienne, The Sacred Riana, Chipper Lowell and Jay
And
8:30 - 9:00 p.m. Encore: "Quick Changes, The Bird King, and Very Sharp Objects"
Starring Jeki Yoo & Ellie, Dan Sperry, Trigg Watson,
Josephine Lee, Håkan Berg and Hans Klok

Hollywood, CA (May 18, 2020) - Masters of Illusion, produced by Associated Television International and hosted by Dean Cain, will return for Week Two of their seventh anniversary season on The CW with two 30-minute episodes airing back to back on Friday, May 22, 2020 at 8:00 p.m./7:00 p.m. Central, one Original episode followed by one Encore episode. Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by 45 acts, including 46 diverse national and international cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers, 10 of which are women.

This week's episodes will include:
Masters of Illusion
"Alex, I'll Take Pickpockets and Monkeys for $1,000" - (8:00-8:30 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
Looking Glass - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Michael Turco (Looking Glass), Leon Etienne (Tape), The Sacred Riana (The Victims), Chipper Lowell (Monkeys) and Jay Jay (Pickpocket). (#703) Original airdate 5/22/20.

To view performance highlights of the May 22nd episode airing from 8:00 - 8:30 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight Reel of Jay Jay)
https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/414058522/633679cb17

Masters of Illusion
"Quick Changes, The Bird King, and Very Sharp Objects" - (8:30-9:00 p.m. ET)
(Content Rating TBD) (HDTV)
All Tied Up - Hosted by Dean Cain, Masters of Illusion features amazing magic performed by cutting-edge illusionists, escape artists and performers displaying skills ranging from perplexing interactive mind magic to hilarious comedy routines - all in front of a studio audience. Magicians featured in this episode include: Jeki Yoo & Ellie (Quick Change Artists), Dan Sperry (Card Stab), Trigg Watson (Cleaning Cell Phone), Josephine Lee (Tied Up), Håkan Berg (The King of Birds) and Hans Klok (Flaming Spiker). (#701) (Encore Presentation) (Original Airdate 5/15/20).

To view performance highlights of the May 22nd Encore episode airing from 8:30 - 9:00 p.m., please visit:
(Highlight Reel of Jeki Yoo & Ellie)
https://vimeo.com/user4830612/review/405650869/8eb61c89d1

Masters of Illusion is produced by Associated Television International (ATI) with returning Executive Producers David McKenzie, Gay Blackstone, David Martin, and Al Schwartz, along with Co-Executive Producer Jim Romanovich. For more information about ATI, please visit www.associatedtelevision.com

For more information on Masters of Illusion, please visit:
Website: http://www.cwtv.com/shows/masters-of-illusion/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cwmastersofillusion and https://www.facebook.com/MastersofIllusion
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cw_illusion and https://twitter.com/Mastersofillus
.@cw_illusion
#MastersOfIllusion

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10. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
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Written by the late Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)

Murphy's Law - if everything seems to be going well, you obviously don't know what the hell is going on.

Certainly, everything seemed to be going well for a change, our car had been repaired - for free, well not exactly free - I had to swallow my sword to prove a point (unintentional pun) but that was a small price to pay and in the process another sceptic, the mechanic, had been converted.

The time is now around 2:30pm in the afternoon - as we once again headed off to reach Tauranga - we should have been there in the early morning and sound asleep in a motel by this time; neither of us have had any sleep and we're feeling pretty rugged as we left Taupo and once again hit Highway One.

'Sailing' daily along, we're just a few miles further on from where we last broke down - you wouldn't believe it, Bloody 'Murphy' struck yet again! (strike nine) the radiator blew! My vocabulary dramatically expanded as I found new words to add to my second language - the atmosphere - the very air around my immediate vicinity turned, as I ranted and raved, a distinct shade of blue, - spreading as far as the distant horizon! If there had been a broken branch handy I would have done a 'Basil Fawlty' (a la 'Faulty Towers') and given the car a good beating - it wasn't really the cars fault.

Thankfully, at this time of the day there was plenty of traffic on the road; we locked the car and thumbed a ride back into Taupo. Incidentally, the Kinleith Forest was still on our left, when the car's radiator had blown up - in a great imitation of a Rotorua geyser - and stopped, - the relevance of this statement will become clear shortly. Arriving in Taupo we went directly to the garage - the mechanic took one at us and said "oh no, not again". When we explained that the radiator had 'gone' he said "well, there's no way I can fix that today but I'll tow your car back here and fix it tomorrow ".

When we got back to the car we discovered that -'Murphy' had struck again (strike 10). One of the Forest Pine trees, that line the road as far as you can see, had fallen down - this time,' Murphy' had misjudged - the tree had missed our car by inches. The mechanic couldn't believe his eyes "are you sure" he said "that someone hasn't put a hex on you?" I was starting to wonder! By now the time was around at 4 p m. - we were due on stage in Tauranga at 8.45 - 9:00pm. Taupo is around 100 miles (165 kilometres) from Tauranga, driving time approximately two-and-a-half hours - a five hour round trip.

I put a frantic call through to David McKee (the promoter) and explained the misfortunes that 'Murphy' had wrought upon us". Don't worry " he said, "I'll send a car right now to pick you up". As you can imagine, Veronica and I were absolutely shattered, with a two and a half hour trip still facing us and a 90 minute hypnotism show to perform when we got there - and 'they' say that show biz folk have an easy life of it - BUGGER OFF !!!

Eventually, the car picked us up and we finally arrived in Tauranga at 8:45pm - we had 15 minutes to get ready and be on stage for a 9:00pm start. In that time I had a shave, a sponge bath from out of a hand basin, got dressed, made sure that the carpet had been placed on the stage and with 50 or so chairs set up in a semi-circle. With a big introduction the curtains open up and as usual the stage filled up with people when I called for volunteers. The hypnotic show got underway - I've got my subjects sitting in the chairs - they are right on the verge of going to sleep (I was green with envy) and then bloody 'Murphy', struck again!!! (Strike 11).

The last pop band that had played in the first half of the show had shoved all their equipment into the wings of the stage; Bunny Walters, one of New Zealand's major pop stars of the time, had parked himself on the drummer's stool to watch the fun. He was the first to - 'go under'! When he toppled over he fell into the drummers cymbals - the almighty discordant clashing and crashing, woke the entire stage full subjects - dear God, I had to start all over!

Is it any wonder then, that over the years, whenever I've met 'a Murphy' during our various tours of Ireland - and there's a lot of them - Murphy's that is, I got a glazed look in my eyes as I inquired if they had ever visited New Zealand during the early-Seventies. Not one has admitted, to this day, to having visited my home country ------- 'Bloody Murphy!'

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11. 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 centre 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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12. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
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