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: #1637
Date: Sunday 19th September 2021
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. FISM NACM / CAM 2021 Convention
3. The Magic Circle Election Results
4. Broken Wand - Obie O'Brien
5. Potter & Potter Auctions
6. Magical Women With Connie Boyd - Lea Kyle
7. European Institute For Magic History
8. Always On My Mind - John Carey #134
9. News From The Academy Of Illusions
10. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #29
11. Carney's Sleights And Insights
12. New Crime Thriller - "Double Deal" - The Assassin Is A Magician
13. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
14. E-zine Archives
15. 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: https://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2021-Jan-to-Dec-2021/1637-Sep19-2021.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. FISM NACM / CAM 2021 Convention
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Message by Renée-Claude Auclair - President and co-organizer FISM NACM Québec 2022 President and co-organizer FISM WCM Québec 2022

We are so proud to announce that our FISM NACM / CAM 2021 Convention will take place in Québec City, from September 30th to October 3rd, 2021 and we will welcome awesome artists:

Juliana Chen
Aaron Crow
Shawn Farquhar
Fredo
Carisa Hendrix
Billy Kidd
Jared Kopf
Luc Langevin
Ted and Marion Outerbridge
Ondej Psenicka
Bedros Spidey

Our event is a FISM certified event so it will be a great experience for the competitors.

We thank the 5 North American FISM representatives who have all worked together to promoter this special event:

Max Maven, AMA
Joan Caesar, CAM
Renée-Claude Auclair, CMQ
Dal Sanders, S.A.M
Shawn Farquhar, I.B.M

We look forward to welcome magicians again in Québec City, Canada!

See you soon!

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3. The Magic Circle Election Results
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President - Megan Swann

Vice-President - Katherine Rhodes

Council Result:

Lee Hathaway
David Weeks
Michael J Fitch
Paul Martin
Preston Nyman
Rodney James Piper
Mike Sullivan
David Penn
Stephen Barry
Henri White

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4. Broken Wand - Obie O'Brien
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Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)

Obie O'Brien - June 3, 1932 - Sept 11, 2021

'Obie'. The name conjures up a plethora of images: hockey player, golfer, teacher, and most importantly, magician.

The early 1050's was a banner time for close up magic. During his first year midnight hazing at collage, Obie quite by chance, stood beside Bruce Moore, another first year student. Bruce was interested in magic, and showed Obie a trick while they were waiting in the playing field for the older students to begin the night's activities. Later Bruce taught Obie the multiplying golf balls, and that was the beginning of an obsession that would become a part of his being.

It was also in college, again by accident, that he met Anne Grace, the girl who would become his sweetheart and later his wife. Anne stopped for coffee at a restaurant where Obie worked, one of three jobs he was juggling, and a mutual friend introduced them. Anne had recently graduated from Nursing College and was working at a local high school as a nurse. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Obie became an American citizen in 1961 in Canton, NY, where he and Anne married made their home.

Obie had other avenues of interest along with magic. He refereed soccer, football, hockey and lacrosse. For 25 years he played semi-pro hockey for the Lake Placid Roamers. He was the official scorer for the 1980 Olympic games, held in Lake Placid, NY between the United States and Russia.

Meanwhile Obie and Anne raised two girls, Karen and Kelly. Obie and Anne have always been extremely proud of their children.

1962 was an eventful year for Obie. It was then he met Gene Gordon in his magic shop. Gene encouraged Obie to join the IBM, signing his application. In 1992 Obie became President of that magic organization. Obie attended his first two conventions, MAWNY in the spring and NYCAN in the fall of 1962. His attendance at magic conventions increased by leaps and bounds. He regularly attended many conventions around the world including the IBM, SAM, Desert Seminar, Abbott's Get-Together. He was at the last 14 FISM conventions and judged at several of their contests.

Obie met Eddie Fechter when the former was buying a Svengali deck at MAWNY near the beginning of his magic career. Eddie showed him a trick and a new era of close-up magic began. Obie spent the summers of 1962 and 1963 in Buffalo going to school during the day and spending his nights at the Forks Hotel owned by Eddie Fechter. Obie was there almost every night, watching and learning magic from the man he considered his mentor.

In 1970, at the Niagara Falls NYCAN convention, Obie talked with other magicians discussing the possibility of holding a close-up convention. He ran with the idea, sending letters to 100 people. In 1971 the first close-up convention was held at Fechter's Forks Hotel in Buffalo, NY. There were 35 people in attendance. In 1975 Gene Gordon wrote Obie a letter dubbing the convention Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic, and the name stuck. Over the next few years the numbers grew significantly. At the time of Fechter's death in 1979 there were 119 attending. The convention remained at The Forks until 1992. There are now over 200 attendees from around the world who attend this 'invitation only' convention each April in Batavia, NY.

Obie spent much of each year planning the next convention. It was not uncommon to see him at conventions in England, Europe and Asia looking for new talent. It was originally his responsibility to invite the guests and coordinate the many activities that take place during the convention.

In 2009, Canadian Shawn Farquhar won the Grand Prix at FISM in Beijing. 'Fifty years of 4F conventions is a testament to the man. Obie knows good magic and has an eye for discovering the new talents in the world of close-up magic. He was as close to a father as I had in the world of magic and his support, knowledge and love of magic inspired me daily.' Shawn Farquhar

Obie was a friend and mentor to me. He shared and expressed his opinions and offered great advice. He was someone whose friendship I have valued greatly." Greg Frewin

Boris Wild commented, "Meeting Obie in 1996 was certainly one of the best things that happened to me. He expanded my magic career by opening the doors of the United States to me. He subsequently helped and advised me in many ways. His friendship has been very precious to me and I will always be grateful to him."

As a tribute to his impact on the world of magic, Obie was awarded the Canadian Association of Magicians Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to magic around the world.

Obie is one of the few men in the magic world known by only one name. He is an icon, a legend. He did more to enhance close-up magic than anyone in the world, thus earning the title 'Godfather of Close-Up Magic'.

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5. Potter & Potter Auctions
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Message by Rebekah Kaufman (USA)
Potter & Potter Auctions

I am excited to announce Potter & Potter Auctions' upcoming 365 lot sale to be held on Saturday, October 30th starting at 10am CDT. The Klosterman Collection was developed over five decades and features breathtaking relics with direct provenance to legacy conjuring superstars Robert-Houdin, Houdini, Chung Ling Soo, Harry Kellar, and others.

Live auction previews for this sale will take place in Potter &Potters' Chicago gallery on October 28 and 29 from 10am - 5pm. Potter & Potter is also hosting by appointment previews of the Salon de Magie from October 1st-5th in Loveland, OH. Contact Potter & Potter Auctions directly to arrange your private museum tour to preview this and forthcoming sales.

Gabe Fajuri, President, Potter & Potter Auctions, is happy to speak with you in greater detail about this important sale. He can be reached at gabe@potterauctions.com or 773-472-1442.

My contact information is below if you need higher resolution photos or if I can be helpful in any other way.

Thank you for your interest!

Best,
Rebekah Kaufman
Potter & Potter Auctions
Rebekah@potterauctions.com
617-955-7215

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6. Magical Women With Connie Boyd
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Message by Connie Boyd (USA)

Connie Boyd reacts to @Léa Kyle's DAZZLING fashion magic quick change performance on @America's Got Talent in the Finals.

Léa is Quickly-Changing How the World Sees Magic by surprising the judges with yet another phenomenal performance. We wait anxiously to see if Léa will make history again with the final results tonight. AGT Original Footage Credit: https://youtu.be/sIBJMxx5Noc

Léa Kyle, who became an overnight viral sensation in America on June 29th, 2021 when her Quick-Change Magic audition act performance, on America's Got Talent, received the Golden Buzzer Award from fashion icon Heidi Klum. What makes this feat even more spectacular is the fact that the French Female Magician designs and creates all her own original wardrobe looks. "I am so excited to meet Heidi Klum because she is the Queen of Fashion," stated Léa before winning the prestigious award. To receive the Golden Buzzer from her idol was overwhelming.
Léa is the first female magician and the first French magician on AGT to win such a high honor and move forward to the final rounds. Winning is no surprise to Léa, last year she won a @Penn And Teller Fool Us HD award for her astounding, new versions of fashion magic.

Last month, she placed second in the European FISM, World Championships Qualifying Competition in Manresa, Spain. She is also the French Champion of Magic, she's appeared on the Mandrake d'Or television show and gained great exposure and success on France's Got Talent.

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7. European Institute For Magic History
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Message by Magischer Klub Wien and Magic Christian (Vienna)

Dear friends in magic, dear magic historians, dear magic collectors, The Magischer Klub Wien and Magic Christian are proud to announce the foundation of the "European Institute for Magic History". The founding ceremony will take place October 2nd in Vienna. Whoever of the magic community would like to take part in this event is welcome. More information will be sent to you then.

The reason, we establish this Institute will be the connections with universities, libraries and public institutions more tightly. Beside the effort to improve the acceptance of "Entertaining Magic" as a form of art like Music, Singing and Acting in the public will be one of the basic goals. We have got the support by FISM already and we hope in the future there will be support by the public medias as well soon. Also there will be new publications about the Art and History of magic.

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8. Always On My Mind - John Carey #134
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

This effect came about simply from the deck I like using these days, the Penguin Magic marked deck. It comes with a double backed gaffed card and I thought that I might as well use this gaff. Here is a strong and simple mystery card presentation.

Place the double backer inside your right pocket ahead of time. Perform a few effects and then hand the deck out for shuffling.

"Before I came here today I removed a card from that deck. I don't even know what it is. It's a mystery card."

The right hand removes the double backer and sticks it to your forehead, which will get a smile or inquisitive stare. Take back the deck and spread for a free selection, which the marks will tell you the identity of.

Let's say here it's the Seven of Diamonds. Hand a marker to your helper and request that they sign their card on the face as you look away. Turn back around and have the card returned and secretly control it to the top using your favorite method. Secure a pinky break beneath the signed
card.

"Now let's try something that some call telepathy, others call mind reading and some people state simply cannot be done. Mentally project your card to me and keep saying it over and over in your head, like Seven of Diamonds, Seven of Diamonds, Seven of Diamonds, yes?!"
Let your helper respond and confirm you're correct. "It's as if your thoughts were always on my mind!" The right hand removes the double backer from your forehead and places it on top of the deck. As an intransit action extend your right hand palm-up and ask your spectator to extend a palm-up hand. Come back to the deck and execute a double turnover revealing their signed card. Hand it to them and your mystery is successfully concluded. Put the deck away and go to the bar for a well-deserved beer...

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9. News From The Academy Of Illusions
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Message by Jay Scott Berry (Australia)

We tend to think of history as something that happened in the past. But the only time that history can be written, is in the present. This week, we penned another historic chapter, with many pages for magicians and muggles alike.

The 2nd episode of GenoMania just streamed to The Art of Wonder Group. This was an extraordinary Masterclass in thread magic. Starting with his award-winning floating bottle effect, Geno DeVille explained, step-by-step, how to choose and prepare different threads. He then performed 2 more suspensions, with detailed explanations, discussing anchoring, lighting and backdrops for creating the optimum illusion, under different conditions.

I've attended entire conventions and haven't gotten as many practical ideas as Geno dropped in this 1 hour presentation. For those who missed it, you'll find the full recording at: www.facebook.com/groups/theartofwonder

Saturday's ZoomStorming Sessions were well attended, focusing on Wands, Rings and Ribbon. These hands-on intensive training classes are designed to build a solid foundation of sleight-of-hand skills. Next up, we'll delve into Sponge Balls, Silks and the Sanada Gimmick.

Sunday's Darkstone Dossiers was a must-see marathon, which featured the legendary Bob Fitch and Past National S.A.M. President, Joel Zaritsky. Each took us on a magical trip down memory lane, with stories, anecdotes and priceless, practical advice. You can watch the replay on The Academy of Illusions FB Page. The 3rd and final episode of this Mini-Series, featuring Arthur Tivoli and John O'Riordan, airs on Sunday.

But wait, there's more! Next week, we're premiering yet another new program! I will join fellow professors Romany, Eva May and Roger Nicot for Illuminations. This insightful show will take roads less travelled, discussing psychology, philosophy and the process of creativity. The first episode, on Sept 21st, will focus on the Magical Mindset.

Finally, looking ahead to the 26th, we will stream our first International Gala. Hosted by Academy Director, Tommillusions, the show will feature FISM Contender Rod Chow, One of Australia's finest, Joel Howlett, Rising star Austin Moody, The undisputed Paddle king, Eric Stevens and, introducing, the Sleight-of-hand Artistry of Ethan Sutton.

More info on upcoming programs and events can always be found on the Academy FB Page, where we are all quite busy, making history: www.facebook.com/AcademyofIllusions

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10. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #29
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

Like it or hate it, the Christmas Holiday season will be with us before we know it. And if you live in the United Kingdom that means Pantomime time.

Unlike in the United States where pantomime conjures up the image of a white faced French mime artist a la Marcel Marceau, pantomime is a huge entertainment phenomenon in the UK.

Google describes pantomime as "A theatrical entertainment, mainly for children, that involves music, topical jokes, and slapstick comedy, and is based on a fairy tale or nursery story usually produced around Christmas."

Every theatre in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, large and small produce a pantomime, it is a major part of the Christmas tradition. The bigger theatres stage some incredible productions, where the costumes, the sets and scenery are spectacular.

Among the main show titles are Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Aladdin. And although the shows are supposedly aimed at children, they appeal to the whole family.

The show is interactive, and there is a huge amount of audience participation throughout. There are a few classic scenes, including a Kitchen scene, a Ghost scene and a Ballroom scene, all of which provide the vehicle for a great deal of slapstick comedy.

If I told you that the leading male role is played by a women and every show features a pair of ugly sisters, you could be forgiven for thinking that I've lost the plot!

Most pantomimes include some magic, and the part of Abanazer in Aladdin is often played by a magician. It is a great role with lots of scope for magic. More recently, pantomimes also feature magicians performing a spot in the Ballroom scene.

Pantomime is a wonderful way to learn about production numbers. All the performers are required to be involved in sketches too, and that can include song and dance numbers, and the obligatory 'songsheet' singalong.

The annual pantomime at the London Palladium Theatre is incredible, and always features a star studded cast of comedians, singers, and speciality acts. This often includes a big American Star, and this year the one and only Donny Osmond will be the 'Special Guest Star'.

A good friend of mine, ventriloquist Paul Zerdin (yes, he's the guy that won America's Got Talent) is a veteran 'Panto' performer, and he has appeared in the Palladium Panto for the last five years in a row.

Many years ago, before Noah built his ark, I appeared in my one and only pantomime. It was in the Floral Pavilion Theatre, in a small town near Liverpool, called New Brighton.

I was 18 years old and I played the part of the Captain's mate. I performed a short magic spot but I was definitely overshadowed in the show by an immaculately dressed Indian magician called Shek Ben Ali.

His signature trick was the Misers Dream. I vividly remember him showing both sides of his hands empty and then producing coins out of thin air with the memorable lines "Nothing on the inside, nothing on the outside, here comes Charlie!"

My other memory of Shek Ben Ali, who must have been approaching 70 years old at the time, was his 16 year old wife! He died of a heart attack when a drunk driver drove his car through the window of his sitting room whilst he was watching TV!

If you haven't been to a British pantomime, and you get the opportunity to do so, don't pass it by. It is a unique experience. Oh Yes it is!!

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11. Carney's Sleights And Insights
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Message by John Carney (USA)

Get Yours Before it is Sold Out!

Sleights and Insights is full of original material for Close Up and Stage, John's first major work in 10 years. More than a just book of tricks, Sleights and Insights is about the process of creating, refining, and contributing to our own magic. More than a book of academic "theory," it provides concrete examples of how we can design our routines more thoughtfully, improve our technique, and make our magic more natural looking and deceptive.

Herein lay startling visual magic with cards for close up as well as stage, elegantly designed coin magic, impromptu cups and balls, torn and restored innovations, puppets and photographs that catch selected cards from mid-air, variations with a vanishing birdcage, and a haunted doll house where objects come to life, concluding with the appearance of a ghostly apparition ... and much more.

Sleights and Insights offers a fresh perspective, that will make you look at all your magic with new eyes.

$80 postpaid in USA

Other Regions require additional postage

Not Available through Dealers, only from
CarneyMagic.com

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12. New Crime Thriller - "Double Deal" - The Assassin Is A Magician
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Message by John M Green (Australia)

Sydney-based author, John M. Green's inspiration for creating an assassin who is a magician came from attending IBM's Grand Rapids Convention (2018) where several magicians peppered him with ideas. They included Gene Anderson, Stephen Bargatze, Larry Wilson and Steve Valentine. Green also got help from Joshua Jay and Jimmy Fingers.

Green is a member of IBM Ring 102 in Sydney and SAM. His website is www.johnmgreen.net
Double Deal is Green's fifth and latest novel.

#1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly says: "Double Deal is the real deal. John M. Green knows his way around a thriller."

Fairfax Media says: "Green writes with a breathless sense of pace and suspense, and delivers everything you want in a thriller."

John M. Green's Double Deal (Pantera Press) is available internationally on all major eBook platforms, in print in Australia & NZ, and soon as an audiobook.

Out Now:
https://bit.ly/BuyDoubleDealAtBooktopia

John M Green

+61-416-123-567
John.Green@PanteraPress.com
www.JohnMGreen.net

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

FIJI
We have our own, practically self-contained beachfront flat! It has two bedrooms, a big sitting room, shower and toilet. All that's lacking is an oven, but Eric says any time we want a
home-cooked meal we can use his. Surrounded by coconut palm trees, the view through the two, large ranch sliding doors of the sitting room, which fronts onto the beach, is simply breathtaking! The pure white sand slopes gently down to the clear, shimmering blue water of the sea, only a few steps away. Truly magical!

17.7.76. Last night we went to sleep with the gentle lapping and whishing sound of the wavelets on the sand. What heavenly peace; this morning we were rudely woken up by a storm, it poured with rain and blew like hell all day! So much for 'Paradise'. Well I suppose that Fiji, being a tropical Island, has its share of tropical typhoons and monsoons as well as sunshine. We drove with Eric to the town of Singatoka, 20 miles away, where Tom got some White Spirits for his fire eating. The garage near here doesn't keep it because the natives drink it! We did a show tonight, fire, fakir and magic. It was well received, except for one poor old lady, who had a heart attack with the 'String Thing'. However the rest enjoyed it.

Our work permit has been refused! However, we are going through to Suva next week to do a show for Hotel Managers, and Immigration Authorities, the hope being that once the Authorities
see the show, they will realise that we won't be doing Fijians, or the Indians out of work, and will change their minds. After all, none of them perform sleight of hand magic and yes, Tom does eat fire but, he doesn't walk on it!

18.7.76. Still a rainy, miserable day, although it looks like it might clear up late this afternoon, and we can really enjoy our 'million dollar' sea view and surroundings, in this little patch
of tropical paradise we are currently calling 'home', but for how long? We thought that all the immigration details etc. had been sorted before we arrived in Fiji. No show tonight, but people
have been coming up all day, saying how much they enjoyed last night. I wish this permit thing was settled so we can start earning some real money - don't like watching our money dwindling down even though we only pay for drinks and cigarettes. Eric is a terrific person, but he can't do anything more just now, than he has done already.

Apparently an Indian Magician went through Fiji a couple of years ago. He charged about $4 per head, and got at least a 1000 people at every show. The Fijian Indians, who are never seen without their pocket calculators, and use them at a moment's notice, assure us that he left with about $100,000 clear profit! Some folk have all the luck. (I bet it was Sorcar Junior, following in his famous father's footsteps, that they are referring to - T.O.)

The band is murdering 'Blue Spanish Eyes' at the moment. They are great on Island Music, but just cannot handle anything else. And as far as the Fijian government are concerned, if a Fijian can do a job, no other bastard is going to, whether the other bastard does the job 10 times better, or quicker or not! Eric says it took two weeks to get two coconut trees cut down. The Tourist hotels, although their rates are high, don't make very much money, as they must have 'X' number of workers per occupancy rate. Eric has 69 employees and although they only get on average $30 per week, there are so many other expenses. It costs a dollar apiece for cartage from Suva; so 45 bricks would cost $45 cartage, over and above the original price of the bricks. Food and cigarettes are very expensive - even fruit, which you would think would be cheap, is not. Bananas and apples 50¢ a pound, which is 58¢ New Zealand.

21.7. 76. Two frantic days! Monday morning Eric received a telephone call from head office in Suva, blasting him for allowing Tom to do a show after the permit had been refused, and saying we should get into the Immigration Authorities immediately. We caught the Nadi - Suva coach, which reached Suva at 6pm, and stayed at the Southern Cross Hotel. The manager Steve Griffiths and his wife Jenny, made us welcome, shouted us a bottle of wine, and put us in the picture, as he saw it. According to him, a work permit had never been applied for in the
first place. Steve said that Don, the Company's Managing Director for Fiji had written a covering letter and sent it into Immigration with my letter, asking permission for Tom to do shows at Paradise Point in return for free accommodation. This was a complete shock to us, and a kick in the teeth, as we were expecting a contract with Trans Tours, not a free holiday!

Continues next week …

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14. 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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15. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice
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