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: #1576
Date: Sunday 28th June 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. Vanish Magic Magazine Special Edition
3. The World's BIGGEST Online Magic Competition
4. Start Reading Genii Magazine
5. Lisa Menna This Week On The Magic Word Podcast
6. Fooled Penn & Teller, Three Times
7. Old School Coins - John Carey #86
8. The Carey Sessions Live Sunday June 28!
9. Ongoing Adventures Of Romany! #14
10. Potter & Potter Auctions
11. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
12. E-zine Archives
13. 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-2020/1576-Jun28-2020.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. Vanish Magic Magazine Special Edition
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Message by Paul Romhany
Editor - Vanish Magic Magazine

Charlie Chaplin once said, "I am a citizen of the world," which is how Vanish Magic Magazine views itself. In the eight years we have featured more diverse magicians in the magazine than any other publication in magic, and we continue to push forward with current issues that are relevant with today's worlds events and what is happening to magicians around the world. We are based in Canada We are proud to feature and have regular female contributors helping break down the male barrier that exists within the industry. Our regular columnist Felicity Fields has tackled how to rethink racial stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination in magic.

Our special edition is written by eight prominent magicians who share their story about racism and their experiences within our industry. This is a very powerful special edition which every magician should read.

Written by Kevin Bethea we hear the voices of Darryl V. Harris, Michael Vincent, Eric Jones, Kid Ace, Marcus Eddie, Ice McDonald and Tessa Evason. Each artist shares their own personal views on Black Live Matter and why it is important we as a community listen. Vanish is committed to help make people aware and bring about change, and will continue this series over many issues.

Get your download copy here - https://joom.ag/8WqC
or www.vanishmagazine.com

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3. The World's BIGGEST Online Magic Competition
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Message by Sam Powers (Australia)

Cyber Magic SuyeprStar - The World's BIGGEST Online Magic Competition
project I put together to help raise money for #GetUsPPE to provide protective wear to healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It's the world's BIGGEST online magic competition judged by three of the best magicians on the planet and one person will win US$10,000 cash.

You don't need to be the world's best magician to win...

You just need an awesome video that's fun to watch!

Entries officially open on Saturday 27th July, 3pm AEST.

More info available on www.cybermagicsuperstar.com

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4. Start Reading Genii Magazine
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Message by Richard Kaufman
Editor - Genii Magic Magazine

Start reading Genii immediately with a digital subscription for only $35 worldwide. Not only do you get 12 new issues a year, but all of Genii's back issues going back to 1936, and all 300 back issues of MAGIC magazine, come with your subscription. www.geniimagazine.com

This issue our cover story deals with one under-represented group in our field, female magicians. In this case, Ms. Krystyn Lambert who, while young, has spent a great deal of time as an award-winning amateur and professional. She has been reinventing herself along the way, both because of growing up and, once an adult, out of necessity.

It's been a tough road and she doesn't sugar coat it. It should come as no surprise to anyone that there have been many more barriers for female magicians to overcome than male magicians. When I walked into a room at age 25 no one was making remarks about my figure. David Regal interviews Krystyn and tells us where she's been, and where she's going.

One of the titans in our field, Roy Horn, died as we went to press last month, and in this issue he will get the sendoff he deserves. Written by Jim Steinmeyer and supplemented with many photos of Roy's life art directed with great care by my wife, I hope it is a fitting tribute.

Some people have their ducks in a row - Genii has its columnists in a row: Bannon, Caveney, Lambert, Hannibal, Racherbaumer, with Jonathan Friedman manning "Magicana," Libby Ward doing "Knights at The Magic Castle," and Chloe Olewitz knocking out "The Eye." Tricks, Books, and Videos are reviewed by Regal, Terral, and Marsh.

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5. Lisa Menna This Week On The Magic Word Podcast
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

Lisa Menna has had a long and successful career in magic and is now devoting her time and resources to her not-for-profit organization, "Cause to Wonder" where she uses magic to teach and spread the "magic" words, "you will have good luck if you don't hit a woman".

On this week's episode of The Magic Word Podcast, Lisa talks about her long love affair with magic plus she shares some great tips, ideas and insights into how women can conceal magic that men cannot. There really is a difference between the sexes! She also talks about her experience with the Russian Circus, performing at trade shows, developing a character or on-stage persona, plus Cause to Wonder.

You can listen wherever you get your podcasts. But for more information, be sure to visit the website at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/565-lisa-menna

This week we also welcome our newest Friend of The Magic Word, Allen Lee. Thank you, Allen, for your financial donation to the podcast and your commitment to helping us keep going.

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6. Fooled Penn & Teller, Three Times
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Message by Arthur Coghlan (Australia)

Australian magician, Helen Coghlan, has become the first person in the world to fool US magic stars, Penn & Teller, three times. Her escape, which was designed and built by her dad, Gold Coast legend Arthur Coghlan, has been watched by millions.

Helen invited Penn & Teller to help build the escape and, once inside, she called in the assistance of Thunder from Down Under male review dancers to keep the audience entertained while she was escaping.

Penn & Teller were quick to examine the box again once Helen was out but it wasn't long before they conceded and Penn said, "Bring down the trophy." And, with those four words, Helen made history.

https://www.tvinsider.com/938409/penn-jillette-penn-and-teller-fool-us-season-7/

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7. Old School Coins - John Carey #86
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

Old School Coins is an attempt at simplicity. Way too many coin routines these days are overloaded with weird grips and superfluous moves-in my humble opinion. Here I've gone back to basics to create a simple, progressive and fooling coins across. Go and grab seven quarters, or identical coins of a similar size and let's have some fun!

Prepare by placing six of the coins inside a small coin purse. Finger palm the remaining coin in your right hand. Display the purse in the left hand and shake it. Then open it and allow the six coins to tip out onto the table. "Six coins, two hands and a charming personality!" Pick up three coins with your right hand and toss them into the left hand, secretly letting the finger palmed coin go with them. The left hand closes into a fist. Take the remaining three coins into your right hand and display at the fingertips. Close this hand around the coins, secretly thumb palming one coin. "A little mystery of teleportation!" Make a magical gesture with both hands and then open the palm down right hand over the table allowing two coins to fall. A moment later the left hand opens, revealing four coins. Allow them to slide to the table.

"It's one thing me doing it, but how about you?!"

The right hand picks up the stack of four coins as you ask a spectator to extend a palm up hand. Place the coins into their hand, secretly loading the palmed coin and close their hand into a fist. Pick up one of the two coins on the table with your right hand and execute a fake transfer into your left hand. Immediately pick up the remaining coin and hold it at the right fingertips. Wave this coin over your left hand and then crumple that hand and open it slowly to reveal the coin has vanished. Ask your helper to open their hand, revealing five coins.

Table your coin a moment. "Two down and one to go!" Take the five coins from them and ask another person to extend their hand. Place or even drop those coins into this second persons hand, secretly adding the finger palmed coin. Close their hand into a fist. Pick up the tabled coin and execute one last fake transfer into the left hand. Immediately the right hand picks up the purse and waves it over your left hand. "Here it comes and there it goes!" Open your left hand revealing the vanish. Your spectator opens their hand revealing all six coins! Pick up the coins and drop them inside the purse, secretly dropping the extra coin with them.

And that is Old School Coins!

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8. The Carey Sessions Live Sunday June 28!
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Message by John Carey (UK)

I'm super proud to announce that starting this Sunday, June 28 at 6pm UK time, the first of a weekly online series of masterclasses called the Carey Sessions will commence!

Taught via the Zoom video conferencing platform, each Sunday I will host the classes and cover specific cards, coins, close up and Mentalism topics. Strictly limited to just 20 people to retain an intimate teaching experience, this is going to be so much fun! If you can't make it live, don't worry as you will receive a recording from me.

The first webinar will be on the classic pass and it's variants. If you've ever wished or tried to learn this fundamental card sleight but lacked confidence, fear not anymore! True miracles are possible with the pass.

I will break it down and teach multiple versions in exacting detail. Students will be able to ask questions and get the answers straight back from me. Each weekly Carey Session will be recorded and given to each student as a gift with my compliments.

Content:

Why the pass?
The Tommy Tucker Pass
The Thompson Marlo Pass
The gesture Pass
The no sleeves Pass
The classic Pass false cut
The open spread pass
Two versions of the Bluff Pass
The Dribble Pass
The Optical Pass

In addition, as a bonus, I will perform and teach my brand new version of the classic open Traveller's effect using just 4 cards! I promise you that you will want to add it to your repertoires. It's been a highlight on my virtual world lecture tour.

Each weekly session costs just £10 pounds/$13. To book your place on Sunday simply send your payment via PayPal to: johncareymagic@gmail.com

As soon as your purchase comes through I will send you the special zoom invitation link for this Sunday's session.

Grab your cards and a drink and let's session!

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9. Ongoing Adventures Of Romany! #14
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Message by Romany Romany (UK)

Hello from the magic cottage.

I've spent most of this week in my own cottage just outside the monastery and have re-named it The Magic Cottage. I'm having a little break from garden grounds upkeep. They can keep themselves for a bit without me. As soon as I turn my back, they grow quick and extravagant as if to prove a point. Plus, I've had enough of horseflies and have the itchy bites to prove it.

I told you last week that I've been asked to host a virtual event and magic show on the 17th July for a multi-screen Zoom link. This week, I was meant to research Zoom technology, find my props, set up a theatre in my new cottage and start remembering my act.

Today, I wasn't going to write this column because I didn't want to admit to you that I didn't do any of the above. Not only did I not do a single action towards the show, but something about performing again after four months out has frightened all sense out of my brain.

I've been here before. That place where thoughts go blank, a loss of clear planning, anxiety rising, the mind looking after itself in the imagined situation of fear.

So I went back to safety, gardening for two days. But since the show is less than three weeks away, I returned to my cottage intending to start preparations.

My mind wasn't having it. It switched back to blank thought, back to its old reaction to fear.

OK, Back to basics. I've been here before, I was here in the run up to performing for 800 magicians at Genii in Orlando last September. I was here before every magic competition. I'm here before most big gigs to be honest. This place of fear related inertia is my default.

Over the years, I've leant a few tricks to get free.

I'll share them in case you might find them helpful too.

Rest. Let go of all thoughts that I have to do anything.

Today, I'm going to read. I might de-clutter a cupboard. I might go for a walk. I might not. I am resting.

Move. This morning, feeling better after a day of rest yesterday, I took my bike out for a spin. I put on a great app called Aaptiv on my headphones and a very enthusiastic virtual trainer told me that she believed in me as we pedalled together along the coast road to heavy rock music.

Friends. Support. I took myself to lunch in the monastery. I told my newish nun friends that stress about the show was causing me to panic. They sympathised and agreed. One nun who teaches mediation to school groups admitted that she was scared about her first class after months coming up soon. Another admitted that she was panicking about the new technology for her work introduced after lockdown.

I thought I was the only person in the world experiencing fear about doing my old much loved job again after so long out.

It turns out I'm not. It's common. It's understandable.

If you're raring to go, can't wait, got your costume on already and are sitting by the door, I'm glad for you.

If you're thinking you can't remember your act, you've put on 10lbs, your costume won't fit and you have no idea how to set up a Zoom virtual show, you are not alone.

And now, I'm going out on my bike again.

It's a beautiful world, we're here to be happy.

And I know the more fun I have, the easier it is to do scary things.

Love to you all, enjoy your week!
Romany

You can read more about Romany's magical adventures in her inspiring memoir Spun Into Gold - The Secret Life of a Female Magician, available worldwide and as an audiobook.
Book Depository Free Shipping bit.ly/2ONMFvB
Amazon UK bit.ly/2kqB4G6
Amazon USA amzn.to/2m3XT2J
Audible adbl.co/2qROlu5
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/romanydivaofmagic Please subscribe!

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10. Potter & Potter Auctions
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Message by Rebekah Kaufman
Potter & Potter Auctions

Potter & Potter Auctions' July, 2019 Magic Sale to Offer Property From The Historic Home Of Harry and Bess Houdini, Including The Bathtub From Their New York City Residence.

This can't miss event also features apparatus, posters, and props from the Jim Rawlins collection, as well as premier Houdiniana and memorabilia from other prominent 20th century magicians and performers.

Chicago, Il, June 25, 2020 - Potter & Potter Auctions is excited to announce its upcoming Magic Collection of Jim Rawlins IV event to be held on Saturday, July 25th starting at 10am, CDT. Given the current public health situation, this sale will be streamed live from Potter & Potter's gallery and held on www.potterauctions.com. Bids can be placed on the company's website. Phone and absentee bidding are available as well. All lots are available for preview now on Potter & Potter's website.

Lot #380, Harry and Bess Houdini's bathtub, is certain to capture the eye, interest, and curiosity of enthusiasts worldwide. This enameled, cast iron tub measures 60 x 26 x 23". It was removed from the Houdini's home, located at 278 W. 113th Street in New York City, and is accompanied by extensive documentation and photographs related to its provenance. This material includes a letter of authenticity from the homeowner, attesting to the history of the object and its presence in the home during and since Houdini's time. The tub has worn consistent with its age, but is intact and entirely structurally sound. This once-in-a-lifetime find, which carries and auction estimate of $8,000-12,000, would be a remarkable addition to a private collection or one held by a museum or historical society specializing in the history of magic, New York City, or Houdini.

This unusual piece of Houdiniana generates more tantalizing research questions than it answers. What is known about the tub is that it is from the third floor bathroom of the Houdini's home. This indicates that it was likely used most often by Houdini's wife, Bess. A closer study of its materials and form may reveal other secrets behind the Houdini family's domestic priorities and sense of the aesthetic. Although there is no way to prove it, it is entirely possible that Houdini may have conceptualized or rehearsed parts of his escape acts in this tub. The idea of him using it to practice endurance feats or breath-holding is a tantalizing one, indeed.

There is something for every collector among this sale's 500 lots of finely curated offerings. Additional selections of top-tier magicana include:

Lot #56, a giant card wheel from c. 1940, is estimated at $8,000-12,000. This fully provenanced and oversized apparatus, believed to be a unique example, was a feature of magician Chuck Vance's shows for decades.

Lot #188, a working aluminum spirit lock, is estimated at $5,000-10,000. This entirely mechanical prop, which opens on voice command, was made by engineering expert Jon Martin in the 1940s and is one of a handful exant.

Lot #287, a Tarbell orange vase combination from F.G. Thayer of Los Angeles, is estimated at $5,000-7,000. This prop from 1927 is perhaps the finest example of the wood turning talents of Floyd Thayer. Offered for sale for $8.50 to his students, this apparatus was devised by Dr. Harlan Tarbell and advertised as part of his famous Tarbell Course in Magic in the late 1920s.

According to Gabe Fajuri, President at Potter & Potter Auctions, "While the idea of owning a famous person's fixtures may seem bizarre at first blush, on reflection, I find the idea of items from Houdini's historic home at 278 W. 113th Street entirely enchanting. The fact that rock-solid provenance backs up what are truly one-of-a-kind artifacts makes the auction of these relics even more exciting. I can't wait to see what the new owners of these pieces of history do with them."

About Potter & Potter Auctions:
Potter & Potter, founded in 2007, is a Chicago area auction house specializing in paper Americana, vintage advertising, rare books, playing cards, gambling memorabilia, posters, fine prints, vintage toys, and magicana - antiques and collectibles related to magic and magicians.

Given current public health regulations, all scheduled upcoming events will be live streamed from the company's Chicago gallery and all bidding will take place online through Potter & Potter Auctions' website. Phone and absentee bids are also welcome. No live, in-person auction previews are available; all lots from any auction can be viewed on the company's website starting approximately three weeks prior to each sale. For more information, please see www.potterauctions.com. Follow us on Facebook (potterandpotterauctions) and Instagram (potterauctions).

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

A few nails more -'Angels' and hypnotism at the Wellington Opera-House.

Some time, early 1972, a Mr. Gerald Weekes, engaged the 'Orchante Show' for 10 days in May at the upcoming Wanganui Motor and Transport show, with the Mayor of Wellington, Sir Francis Kitts, officiating at the opening ceremony. Some wonderful publicity was generated when 'The Dominion', the major Newspaper in Wellington, who were there covering the proceedings, published a rather impressive feature photograph. The caption read - " Sir Francis Kitts, 'nails' the entertainer Orchante with 16 1/2 stone at the National Motor and Transport show in Wanganui on Saturday night. The amazing Orchante, and his bed of nails, was a feature attraction at the show, which drew a capacity crowd of 14,000".

The organisers also ran a beauty contest, so during one of my shows, I got five of those lovelies to perform a great balancing - I think that should be 'wobbling' act - standing on top of me during my 'nails' routine - they weighed a total of 43 stone - that sure was a lot of - Boo's - 'Beauty'; I didn't mind!

Talking about beauty, reminds me of the time I was performing at a fashion show for the New Zealand Wool Board. It was held in a huge marquee, with one corner section off to form a dressing room for all the models. I had crammed myself into a little cranny and was down on
my hands and knees getting my equipment from out of my trunk. Then, a voice above me quietly said, "so what do you do then"? Still looking down, I turned around and spotted bare feet, followed by 'lo-o-o-n-g' bare legs, bare thighs, bare shaven- you-know-what, in fact, a perfectly formed-bare everything. !!! Sometimes, 'show' Business can be so kind!

Gerald Weekes, just happened to be a brilliant sketch cartoonist/artist/model-maker, and he decided that what the Orchante show needed was - 'a backdrop'. He set about painting one for me, on canvas, 20 ft long by ten-foot high! It was /is - 'Fantastic'. It pictures an Arabian style Castle, complete with turrets and windows. On the right hand side there is a large urn with a huge puff smoke coming from the spout, a la Aladdin's magic lamp, with my name - 'Orchante', in oriental style lettering, displayed in the middle of it. On the far left there is a tall palm tree, curving slightly to the left, and peeping through the palm leaves, shines a yellowish crescent moon. Scattered on the ground, are what appears to be hundreds of multi-faceted, beautiful, scintillating, sparkling jewels!

Gerald painted the whole scenario in perspective; as we 'performed', it appeared to be 'floating', 20 feet or so behind us. He used fluorescent paint so that, with-'Black Lights', the 'windows' lit up, with a yellowish glow, as if with candlelight. Everything shimmered and glowed with the most gorgeous of colours. I can still remember Gerald standing back to look at it, then declaring that, "Something is missing". He 'filled' a huge paintbrush with paint, stepped back and flicked it all over the canvas.

For a moment, I thought he had ruined it but then, like magic, 'stars' appeared, glittering in the clear, desert night sky! (Eat your heart out, Rolf Harris) That backdrop served me well, for over 20 years (I've still got it, in perfect condition) in clubs, theatres even on cruise ships, around the world. The Harem/ Ali Baba style clothing that we wore, together with the exotic style of music (Arthur Lyman - Martin Denny) used in the show, blended in perfectly with the backdrop. It certainly set you apart, presentation wise, from all the other acts/artists!

After making a huge bundle of cash from the overwhelming success of the Motor Show, Gerald and his partner (whose name I can't recall) who, between them, had financed the Motor Show, decided to finance - "The Amazing Orchante - Hypnotism Show!"- Wow, 'Angels'!!! Unfortunately, probably because they were so flushed with their highly successful Motor Show venture, they wouldn't listen to my advice in regards to -'show-business' - a totally different 'kettle of fish' to a Motor Show. They wanted to start 'Big' and then hit the 'Smalls'. Wrong! Start out in the 'smalls' first, to iron out any problems - get the show running as smooth as ice, and build up a reputation as you go, Then try your 'luck' in a large City Theatre/Town Hall.

They opted for - 'The Wellington Opera House'!!! (continues next episode)

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12. 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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13. 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.

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