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: #1662
Date: Sunday 3rd April 2022
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 Meet Our Stars
3. FISM Travel Update
4. The Academy Of Magical Arts Performing Schedule
5. April 2022 Genii Magazine
6. New Free NickPod By Nick Lewin
7. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #54
8. Magical Women With Connie Boyd
9. News From The Academy Of Illusions
10. Brainwavesque - John Carey #155
11. The Masters of Magic World Tour 2022
12. The Orchante Saga - Beginnings
13. E-zine Archives
14. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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The major highlight for Michele and I this week was to watch the Zoom S.A.M. Houdini Celebration Mega-Event which was organized by Tomas Gentile and his team. Thank you!

It was so incredibly interesting, so many new stories, photos and videos on Houdini we hadn't seen before. Also enjoyed seeing Houdini collections worldwide.

If you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in HTML format
go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2022-Jan-to-Dec2022/1662-Apr03-2022.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 Meet Our Stars
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Message by Renée-Claude Auclair (Canada)

We are so proud to announce that Alain Choquette, Mario Lopez, Eric Jones and Jim Steinmeyer will be in Québec City for FISM WCM 2022! They will join Stan Allen, Michael Ammar, Lee Asher, Philippe Beau, Tobias Beckwith, Zakary Belamy, David Ben, Stéphane Bourgoin, Will Bradshaw, Mike Caveney, Dani DaOrtiz, Marc DeSouza, Alexandra Duvivier, Julie Eng, Jason England, Shawn Farquhar, Paul Gertner, Dean Gunnarson, Larry Hass, Jared Kopf, Luc Langevin, Max Maven, Jeff McBride, Lisa Menna, Xavier Mortimer, Miguel Muñoz, Pierric, Walter Rolfo, Jay Sankey, Giancarlo Scalia, Bernardo Sedlacek, Scott Steelfyre, Sos & Victoria, Brian South, Ta Na Manga, Topas, R. Paul Wilson, Jeki Yoo, Michael Weber and Zabrecky!

Follow us on Facebook and visit our web site on a regular basis to discover all the artists and listen to their invitations.

Nous sommes très heureux d'annoncer la venue à Québec d'Alain Choquette, d'Éric Jones, de Mario Lopez et de Jim Steinmeyer dans le cadre du Championnat mondial de magie FISM 2022! Ils vont y rejoindre Stan Allen, Michael Ammar, Lee Asher, Philippe Beau, Tobias Beckwith, Zakary Belamy, David Ben, Stéphane Bourgoin, Will Bradshaw, Mike Caveney, Dani DaOrtiz, Marc DeSouza, Alexandra Duvivier, Julie Eng, Jason England, Shawn Farquhar, Paul Gertner, Dean Gunnarson, Larry Hass, Jared Kopf, Luc Langevin, Max Maven, Jeff McBride, Lisa Menna, Xavier Mortimer, Miguel Muñoz, Pierric, Walter Rolfo, Jay Sankey, Giancarlo Scalia, Bernardo Sedlacek, Scott Steelfyre, Sos & Victoria, Brian South, Ta Na Manga, Topas, R. Paul Wilson, Jeki Yoo, Michael Weber and Zabrecky!!!

For more information go to: https://en.fismquebec2021.com/

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3. FISM Travel Update
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Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)

Excursions from Quebec City: Montmorency Falls, boat trip and whale watching from Tadoussac.

This is my favorite blog. When I travel to watch magic, it's important for me to visit some of the surrounding country before or after the convention. I mustn't mention the group I use because there are several, but I'm sure you can find a company that suits your needs and will become your go-to company.

Montmorency Falls

Copied from a tour website: Half-day trip to Montmorency Falls and Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré: Enjoy the beautiful countryside around Québec City on this half-day adventure to Montmorency Falls and the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour experience, then explore the spectacular landscape just outside Québec City. Along the way, visit popular Beaupré Coast tourist attractions such as the Chocolaterie de l'Ile d'Orléans and the Cuivres D'Art Albert Gilles (copper art museum with professional bilingual guides.

If you're up to it, there is another way of going to the Falls: Explore the Canadian countryside on a 4-hour electric bike tour to Montmorency Falls from Quebec City. Spin along cycle tracks through the Domaine de Maizerets with your guide. Pedal along the St. Lawrence River, and gain insight into the region's rich history and diverse geography. On arrival at Montmorency Falls, take the cable car skywards for panoramic views over the tumbling torrent. Cross the footbridge and marvel at the falls' power. Then head upstream to relax on the banks of the Montmorency River. Take a cable car for views over Montmorency Falls. Cross the footbridge, and snap pictures of the falls. Take a break at the Montmorency River See Manoir Montmorency, the former summer home of the Duke of Kent.

From a tour website: Enjoy the view of Québec City and the surrounding countryside from the water on this sightseeing cruise along the Saint-Lawrence River. Set sail from Cap Diamant (Cape Diamond) to Montmorency Falls, the perfect combination of nature and culture. Enjoy the stunning view from three distinctive exterior terraces, with commentary from a costumed guide dressed as the French-Canadian explorer Louis Jolliet. See the Québec City skyline and cruise beneath the famous Le Château Frontenac hotel. A variety of beverages and snacks are available for purchase on board the boat. See Quebec's skyline and river from a breathtaking point of view. Enjoy the pastoral charm of Ile d'Orleans. View the surging Montmorency Falls, the highest waterfalls in Quebec. Cruise beneath the historic and much-photographed Le Château Frontenac Hotel.

Whale watching in Tadoussac (3 hrs/ 336km/200 mi from Quebec City)
I love Tadoussac. The abundance of whales that you can see from shore is breathtaking.
The most common species in the St. Lawrence Estuary are minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, blue whales, beluga whales, harbour porpoises, and grey seals.

From Québec City, you have a choice of three different excursions to see the whales in the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park:
Passport of 3 attractions: with this package, you will get a 3-course dinner cruise, a whale watching cruise, a trip along the shores of the St. Lawrence River aboard the Train de Charlevoix and an access to visit the Saint-Gilles paper mill.
With the Bus-Whale Express Zodiac Package you'll enjoy the stunning landscapes of Charlevoix by coach before setting off for an exciting encounter with these giants of the sea aboard a Zodiac boat.
The Bus-Whale Express Package offers the same experience, but this time you'll set sail aboard one of the best whale watching ships in Canada.
The Helicopter Whale Watching Adventure is your ticket to a full day of high-flying adventure. It all starts when you hop on a helicopter in Québec City for a spectacular bird's eye view of all the breathtaking scenery from Québec City to Charlevoix and the marine park. Once you touch down, it's time for a cruise aboard the AML Levant. You'll have an unbelievable view of the whales from the comfort of the VIP Lounge. Starting at $899.99 per person, this is a bit steep for my budget!
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4. The Academy Of Magical Arts Performing Schedule
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April 04 - April 10, 2022

Close-Up Gallery
Cocktail Hour (Thu - Sun)
Cocktail: Edmund Apperson
Close-Up (Mon - Sun)
Early: Rob Thompson
Late: Frankie Foti

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Ken Scott
Late: Michael Gutenplan

Palace of Mystery
John Carney
Jay Johnson

Saturday & Sunday
Palace Show
John Carney
Jay Johnson

Peller Theatre
Bob Gebert
Handsome Jack

Library Bar
George Tovar
Friday Lunch
Rob Thompson

Saturday & Sunday
Parlour Kids Show
(Kids of All Ages)
Ken Scott

April 11 - Apr 17, 2022

Close-Up Gallery
Cocktail Hour (Thu - Sun)
Cocktail: Michael Mirth
Close-Up (Mon - Sun)
Early: Ryan Plunkett
Late: Justin Purcell

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Lady Sarah & Keith Fields
Late: Robert Strong

Palace of Mystery
Naathan Phan
Robert Ramirez

Saturday & Sunday
Palace Show
Naathan Phan
Robert Ramirez

Peller Theatre
Tyler Rabbit
Nader Hanna

Library Bar
HUBB

Friday Lunch
Ryan Plunkett

Saturday & Sunday
Parlour Kids Show
(Kids of All Ages)
Lady Sarah & Keith Fields

April 18 - April 24, 2022

Close-Up Gallery
Cocktail Hour (Thu - Sun)
Cocktail: Phil Goodman
Close-Up (Mon - Sun)
Early: John Guastaferro
Late: Martin Braessas

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: George Iglesias
Late: Kyle Littleton

Palace of Mystery
David Kovac
Dale Salwak

Saturday & Sunday
Palace Show
David Zirbel
Chris Mitchell

Peller Theatre
Felix Jones
Simone Turkington

Library Bar
George Tovar

Friday Lunch
Martin Braessas

Saturday & Sunday
Parlour Kids Show
(Kids of All Ages)
George Iglesias

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5. April 2022 Genii Magazine
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Message by Richard Kaufman - Editor Genii Magazine

Join us and get tens of thousands of pages for as little as $35 when you subscribe to Genii at www.geniimagazine.com. All back issues of Genii and MAGIC magazine are yours to read for free.

There's no fooling around in the April 2022 issue. Our cover feature highlights card mechanic extraordinaire Jason England in a piece by John Lovick. Richard Wiseman and Lawrence Leung's "Hocus Pocus Live: The Davenport Séance," brings the spooky gathering to the pages of a comic book, and Erika Larsen writes a fond farewell to the Amazing Johnathan.
And lots of fine tricks, too! There's a showpiece with coins and a $100 bill in "The River" by Joshua Jay. Jon Racherbaumer's "Exhumations" unearths a quick production of the four Aces, complete with a Triumph finale. David Britland's "Cardopolis" shares his solution to a card trick described once only in a 1935 newspaper. Roberto Mansilla has an answer to the Any Card At Any Number plot in "Artifices." And "Magicana" has three routines described by Jonathan Friedman including one that uses sugar and pepper.

David Kaye shows us how to get kids to say the darndest things in "Expert at the Kids table." Vanessa Armstrong brings us the news. In "Knights at The Magic Castle," Shawn McMaster focuses on Founders' Day. John Gaughan lights up "Chamber of Secrets" with a Thayer lamp. And speaking of lamps, this month's "Light from the Lamp" shines on new tricks with David Regal, books with Francis Menotti, and Ryan Matney covering videos. It's all on the inside.

We'll see you there.

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6. New Free NickPod By Nick Lewin
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Message by Nick Lewin (US)

I invite you to get the first edition of my new free NickPod! This video digital production will feature news, reviews, interviews, tricks, tributes, and all things magic. The 30-minute video NickPod will be released on about the first of each month starting April 1st. The first edition has a comedy flair in keeping with its release on April Fool's Day.

Our first issue features part of an archival interview with Mac King, interviews with Fielding West and Louie Foxx, a Magic Castle story about the great Albert Goshman, and a special tribute to Carl Ballantine. I also teach a great piece of close-up comedy magic from Ken Brooke's repertoire that was created by Karrell Fox. NickPod is fast paced, informative, and fun and will be filled with surprises and special guests.

Since this production is created specifically for magicians and will not be released through open platforms and will only be available from www.NickPod.com at no cost. Magicians who download the Pod will be eligible for first access to register for our new series of monthly free Zoom seminars. Our first seminar is a deep dive into the magic, philosophy, and legacy of the legendary British magician Ken Brooke. This live seminar will be hosted by Nick Lewin with special guests who knew Ken and will contribute their input on this iconic master magician.

I hope you take advantage of these two special resources for performers and historians of the magic community. Download your first free NickPod and you will automatically become a member of our VIP List and receive special offers and opportunities. To access your free download go to www.NickPod.com and join in the fun!

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7. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #54
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

I was looking through some old articles that I wrote for MUM Magazine, and I found one from May 2017, nearly five years ago.

In that article I was writing about the various possible venues and performing opportunities that were available for entertainers.

Now this was written a couple of years before the pandemic took hold, when obviously life changed dramatically for everyone, and everything came to an abrupt standstill, including of course the world of entertainment.

And although life is by no means back to the way it was a few years ago, it definitely is returning, and entertainers are once again doing shows. And that includes magicians.

Even before the lockdown I regularly heard from a number of magicians that the business had changed and that there was no work. I disputed that then, and I am doing so again now.

Sure, things have changed, but the more creative and motivated performers have found a way to not only survive, but to thrive, and that is where we are today.

To quote from my article in MUM …. 'It is all about adapting to the market. It is no good taking the attitude that "this is my act, take it or leave it". The chances are that a client will "leave it". The busy working performers and professionals find out exactly what a client wants and adapt accordingly. That is the secret, it's not rocket science!

Jeff Hobson and David Williamson are great examples. They are both constantly in demand and are always working (except during the pandemic!). Have you ever thought why that is?
Certainly, they are both wonderfully talented and original performers, but it is also no coincidence that they are two of the hardest workers, who make sure that their performances appeal to a wide audience. They are extremely versatile performers who can, and regularly do, adapt their material to suit whatever audience they face and who thoroughly deserve their success.

Unfortunately, a lot of magicians take the easy road and are surprised when they struggle to find work. Sadly, almost anyone can now go to the Dealers Hall at a magic convention or buy a few tricks online and, armed with these props and with little or no performing experience at all, book themselves shows without giving any consideration whatsoever to production values such as music, lighting, image, act structure, entrances and exits, building applause and taking a call.

I can already hear the close-up magicians saying "Yes, but none of this applies to me, I don't work on stage". But I believe they are wrong.

Production values are, or should be, equally as important in a close-up setting as in a large theatre. Granted, the conditions are different, but the basic premise is still the same, and affects the success of the final product and the impact it makes on an audience.

If you watch Armando Lucero perform, you'll see exactly what I mean. He has studied every detail and his performances are masterful.

I don't know of any branch of the entertainment industry other than magic where the performers are able to get away with such a lack of preparation. Singers need to learn the lyrics, breathe correctly, and be able to hold a tune. Comedians must memorize a string of jokes and work on their timing and delivery. Jugglers and acrobats practice for hours on end to perfect their technique and skills. And dancers are the hardest workers of all.'

So, I'd like to issue you a challenge. Stand back, think about your performance, and ask yourself these questions: Is your material good enough? Do the tricks suit your personality? Do you have a USP (unique selling point)? Have you put in the necessary practice time? And have you given any thought to the production values that I've mentioned?

Of course, we can't all be Jeff Hobson, David Williamson or Armando Lucero, but we can try to be the very best that we can be. And we owe it to the audience to make the effort.

It really is not just about the tricks!

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

#Rare Magic History footage documenting a 99 year old, living legend, magic star, vintage Hollywood actress Gloria Dea at her home in Las Vegas. We are amazed, love and are honored to feature this talk!

Gloria Dea holds the honor & credit as the first magician to appear on the Las Vegas Strip and that occurred at the El Rancho in 1941. It was a shocker to the magic community to discover that a young female magician was a vintage Las Vegas Magic FIRST and that discovery is thanks to Lance Rich.

Gloria Dea was a magic child prodigy STAR, who was taught by her father Leo Metzner. Gloria's entertainment career spanned decades and beyond magic. After her appearance in Las Vegas she became a Hollywood Star in diverse roles including magic performances. Her vintage Hollywood actress, acting credits include co-starring with Buster Crabbe in King of the Congo pre-film serial series and appearing in "the Prodical." In 1931 she starred as a magician in a "soundie" called "Concertina Man".

Thanks to the research & discoveries made by Lance Rich and Anna Rose Einarsen, @TheDavidCopperfield1 and I have discovered Gloria Dea. It's a true story of newfound, magical friendship that reads like a fictional romance & fantasy.

Contents
00:00 - 00:24 - Intro to meet Gloria Dea
00:24 - 00:51 - AnnaRose, Lance, Gloria & Connie chat
00:51 - 02:11 - Connie asks Gloria about her favorite magic effect
02:11 - 02:37 - Gloria's impression of David Copperfield's show
02:37 - 03:18 - AnnaRose calls David Copperfield
03:18 - 03:54 - Gloria discusses her favorite movie casting
03:54 - 04:29 - Gloria discusses how she learned what she needed to do
04:29 - 05:54 - Gloria applies her lipstick without a mirror!
05:54 - 07:39 - the car incident that caused Gloria to end acting
07:39 - 09:09 - about Gloria's experience in the Earl Carroll Vanities
09:09 - 09:40 - Connie talks about her experience
09:40 - 10:12 - Call to Action

https://youtu.be/dOXyOpvCLUs

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

It's been seven months since we lowered the Virtual Drawbridge at the Academy. Now, many hundreds of presentations later, from Private Zoom Mentoring to Lectures, Masterclasses and Shows, we can all clearly see the emerging new normal for The Art of Magic. Our goal, from the outset, is to boldly embrace this brave new world.

Our top story is the Global Marathon Celebration of Houdini's Birthday, which took place on Sunday. Congratulations to Tom Gentile, Joel Zaritsky, Dorothy Dietrich and all the others, who worked to make this Event such a success! I was honoured to open the Ceremonies, by sharing this one-off Performance, dedicated to Houdini, from the 2014 Salute to Magic Show: https://youtu.be/PhGFCr6pHGI The short backstory is that I participated in the Broken Wand Ceremony at Houdini's grave on Oct 31, 2013, and left the JSB Ring and Ribbon around the neck of the bust.

We are counting down to Saturday night's Virtual Magic Castle Show. Two years ago, I began production on my first Online Magic Gala, "Webcasting Wizardry", which set the bar for Virtual Shows. During the Lockdown, The Magic Castle began doing Zoom Shows. Now, even though their doors are open for Live Shows, the demand continues for high quality Virtual Shows. So, I am honoured to be producing and starring in this show, along with Meadow Perry and Rod Chow. No matter where you are in the world, all are welcome to join us as we attempt to raise that bar, once again.

Tickets are available here:
https://shop.magiccastle.com/collections/virtual-magic-shows

This week's "Spotlight On" featured Master Magician, Illusionist and Escape Artist, Jason Byrne. Born in Switzerland and raised in Canada, Jason is one of the finest Artists of his generation. Over the hour-long interview, we discussed his early influences and aspirations to his multiple awards and thousands of shows on Cruise Ships and in Las Vegas. It was a fantastic way to end our first Season of shows, which included Franz Harary, David Goldrake, Eric DeCamps, Jonathand Todd, Nathan Coe Marsh, Diana Zimmerman, Frank Everhart and Michael Ammar! You can watch them all on my Youtube Channel: www.Youtube.com/JayScottBerry

Last Saturday's Zoom Storming Masterclass focused on Advanced TT Handling. In the 2 hour Intensive Session, I covered everything from unlearning the outdated TT moves and replacing them with next level upgrades. From Silks, Sponge Balls and Ribbons to Steals, Ditches and Psychology, it was a veritable banquet of powerful and practical TT possibilities. Without skipping a beat, this Saturday's Session is focused on the preparation, handling and many practical applications for the Sanada Gimmick. Tickets are available from www.DeVilleMagic.net

Lots of News as we count down to The Key West Hybrid Konvention. On May 14 & 15, we will Stream over 18 hours of Virtual Entertainment, including Shows, Lectures, Workshops, Interviews and Panel Discussions. Many of these are one-off presentations, never to be repeated. Plus, another first! All of the main events will be recorded and the registration fee includes all of these recordings. Ask any other Magic Convention to give you that and see what they say...lol. Visit DeVille Magic to Reserve your spot.

And last, but certainly not least, is the 23rd Episode of GenoMania. This week's highlights were a detailed discussion on the many types of Magic Tables, for Street, Close-up, Stage and Kids Shows. This was followed by an extraordinary video of Richard Ballen performing Run Rabbit Run for a very large crowd. He also had an original running gag with the Lotta Bowl. The point was how to take 2 ordinary effects and make them extraordinary. We wrapped up the show with "What Gets Your Goat?". This week, I led the discussion talking about attention to detail and commitment to excellence for Virtual Presentations. I've been involved with a number of virtual shows and events lately where the performer was good but the tech certainly was not. So, as part of our rant, we gave advice on setting up lights, cameras, audio and choosing a good background. Just as with live shows, we have a responsibility to the Art, and to each other, every time we do a virtual show.

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10. Brainwavesque - John Carey #155
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

Brainwavesque is the culmination of many hours of study attempting to create a Brainwave effect with regular cards. The gaffed version is great, but I don't use gaffs so...

Let's say your working deck is blue. From it remove the two Jokers and the Ace of Clubs, Four of Hearts, Seven of Spades, and Ten of Diamonds, then discard them or give them to your dog as a snack. Replace them with those exact same cards from a red deck plus the Jokers, placing the
Jokers into different parts of the deck and putting the four stranger cards in any order face-down on top. Pop the deck inside a red card box and your prep is complete.

Bring out the deck and remove the cards from the box. They see red cards coming out of a red box, so everything looks fair. Flip the deck face-up and execute a centre Hindu Shuffle, pulling out a block from the middle and shuffling it onto the face of the other cards. Square up and turn the deck face-down. "I could have you select a card by dealing like this, but let's do something way fairer." As you say the above deal three cards face-down to the table and then pick them up and replace them on top. Four red backs have been seen and it's very subtle. "Let's take out the Jokers first." Turn the deck face-up and spread, upjogging the Jokers when you see them. Swivel them out of the deck and flip them face-down onto the face of the deck. A moment later push them off the deck and pocket them. Another subtle show of two red backs.

"As I spread the cards just call out any card you see please?" Spread the face-up deck in the hands and ask your participant to name any card they like, obviously keeping your four stranger cards at the rear hidden. Remove that card and table it face-up. "When you go home later I want
you to remember something important. You could have named any card.

You could have said this one or that one, that one or this one or indeed this card or that card right?"

Suiting actions to words, as we say the above a most convincing optical style display will be executed, which shows many red backs. Rhythm is essential to make this very deceptive. Cut off around a quarter of the faceup deck and table it. Then flip the deck face-down from right to left and deal off a face-down card in front of it. Turn the deck face-up and cut off another quarter and table it to the right of the first packet and then flip the deck face-down and deal a card in front of the second packet.

Repeat this one more time, cutting off a small packet and tabling it to the right
of the second packet, flipping the deck face-down and dealing a card in front of it. Flip the remaining cards you hold face-up and then drop the three tabled packets on top, one at a time. Turn the deck face-down and then pick up each of the three face-down tabled cards, flash their faces and drop each on top of the deck one after the other and then square up and table the deck.

Your work is done. "From 52 pieces of paper you named any card. Sometimes things happen in life that are merely chance. But then other times things happen that simply can't be explained. Please turn over your card. Now that's ridiculous!"

This effect is all about perception. Not one word is wasted as we allow our spectators' perception to take themselves on a journey, as their minds fill in the blanks. Don't hurry the effect. Work at a smooth pace and you will have a worker on your hands.

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11. The Masters of Magic World Tour 2022
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The Masters of Magic World Tour 2022 will be back live, and will be held
in May, from 26 to 29, in the city center of Turin.

For more information, here below the website:

https://mastersofmagicconvention.com/en/home-english-2022/

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

Emergency Delay - Migraine - Turds And Creepy Crawlies

I related the story of us working with an Adagio Act. I have just remembered an incident at the Kingston Smith Intl. airport in Sydney as we prepared to leave for New Caledonia.

We, together with Marilla and Ibrahim (The 'Duo Arabesque'), flew out from Sydney, Australia for a week's gig in Noumea, New Caledonia; aircraft take-off time, mid-day. With engines at full
throttle we thundered down the runway when suddenly, half way down the tarmac, the jet comes to a screeching, emergency halt as the pilot slams on the brakes and applies the reverse thrusts!
Back to the terminal...

The 'Powers That Be', decided in their wisdom - Ha bloody ha, that we stayed on the airplane, in the boiling Australian summer heat - until 3pm, when, finally, the 'problem' was solved and we
finally took off. Incidentally, the first show in Noumea was scheduled for that night... By this time, Veronica had developed a cracker of a migraine, brought on after sitting for three hours in a metal tube.

Arrived Noumea 8pm, and were rushed through customs by the promoter, and then on to the Theatre. Show started at 8pm, ('Miss Noumea' contest first). We finally went onstage at 1am. Veronica spent the interim hours lying on the concrete floor, rough but relatively cool, trying to get rid of her migraine.

After the show which finally finished about 2am, the promoter took us out for a meal, prompted by the fact that I reminded him that we were New Zealanders and, that I was part Maori, and that
us Maoris used to be cannibals', and that he was looking decidedly tasty!!! We got to the hotel about 3am.

As you can imagine we were utterly knackered and, clambering up three flights of narrow stairs (no lifts) to our allotted room, all we wanted to do was collapse into the bed.

Veronica went into the bathroom to use the toilet; it was filled to the brim with mucky water and several Large Brown Turds that were swimming merrily on top. It wasn't a pretty sight!!!

Nearly puking, Veronica flushed the loo; my old 'friend' 'Murphy', of Murphy Law', decided it was time to pay us a visit; the water and all its yucky contents, defied gravity and rapidly flowed
upwards, spilling all over the floor with Veronica making a hasty retreat from the encroaching sewerage. She screamed, I screamed (No, not for Ice-cream) downstairs to the desk and explained that we/they - were in the SHIT, up to their eyebrows, as we damn near had been!

They moved us into another room. The time is now way past 4:am and Veronica decides it's time for a coffee to settle our nerves before trying to get some sleep out of what's left of the night,
or rather - early morning. Opens a cupboard looking for cups etc and, screams again! The biggest bloody cockroaches I have ever seen are ready to do battle - we both screamed again they moved
us to another room. and you thought you had problems - Ahhhhhh, Shit!!!

Continued next week.
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13. 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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