Magic New Zealand® E-zine

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* Magic New Zealand®
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Issue Number: #1719
Date: Sunday 11th June 2023
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. The Magic Of Milt Larsen
3. Magic Live 2023
4. Justin Williams Wins Blow Up Australia
5. Ottokar Fischer Correspondence
6. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #111
7. The Magic Word Podcast
8. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 34
9. KIDabra Conference News
10. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #44
11. Marlocaan - John Carey #202
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: https://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2023-Jan-to-Dec-2023/1719-Jun11-2023.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. The Magic Of Milt Larsen
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Message by Robert Leininger (US)

I produced and helped cut this short You Tube Video about the founder of the World Famous Hollywood Magic Castle, Milt Larsen.

https://youtu.be/hcjf83OrRZA

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3. Magic Live! 2023
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Message by Stan Allen (US)

August 6 - 9, 2023 | Las Vegas, Nevada

Counting Down to Sold Out!

MAGIC Live! has sold out the last seven times, and we're on track to do it again this year.
A few hours ago on our website, we launched a countdown with just 110 registrations left. That number is probably outdated already.

While 110 might sound like a lot, we started with 1,600 spots a few months. And now, 93% of them are gone.

If you're thinking about joining - or have already decided to join us, but just haven't done it yet - please don't delay. Sign up today, and join your friends at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas.

Convention Schedule

Saturday

Early check-in for Registration is open Saturday, August 5th, from 3 to 6 p.m.

Sunday

Registration is open Sunday, August 7th, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

The Mystique Lounge opens that same morning at 10 and doesn't close until Wednesday night late - very late! It's the place for sharing magic with your old friends and friends to be.

MAGIC Live officially begins Sunday evening at 7:30 with our Welcome Party, as well as The Magic Shop, our over-the-top dealer room. Join us after dinner for desserts and deceptions!

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday

All three days, August 7th, 8th, and 9th, are filled with General Sessions and Focus Sessions, plus The Magic Shop.

Nights at Live offer four unique shows, each in the perfect venue: Live Onstage!, The Close-up Experience, In Concert, and Downstage! You'll also want to leave a little time on Tuesday evening to explore and experience our unique exhibit of - well, Curiosities.

The last official event of MAGIC Live is our Farewell Party on Wednesday night following the final show. The festivities begin at 10 p.m. and run until 1 a.m. There's music, dancing, a slice of pizza or two, our souvenir "program" and a few surprises!

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4. Justin Williams Wins Blow Up Australia
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Message by Tim Ellis (Australia)

Justin Williams (of Sam & Justin fame) has just taken out the top prize in the Channel Seven reality series Blow Up Australia.

Competing over several weeks against the very best balloon artists in the country, Justin completed several impossible challenges creating masterpieces of balloon art. You can see some of his work here https://melbournemagicfestival.com/justin-wins-blow-up/

Not only does he get the title, but also $100,000 in cash!

Sam & Justin aren't performing a show at this year's MMF, but you can catch them for one night only on Thursday July 6 in The Best Of The Magic Fest. But book now, there are only 40 seats!!!

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5. Ottokar Fischer Correspondence
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Message by Magic Christian - magicchristian@chello.at

I wrote since several years a book on Ottokar Fischer, the mentor of the first Hofzinser books I collected a lot of material including an unpublished manuscript of a book by him. As he had connections to the whole world by letters I still look for unknown and unpublished letters by Fischer which could bring further light to his life.

In the Corona Pandemic time I published also a book with his correspondence with Fredo Marvelli and Kalanag which is still available. But I am sure there is more around this world. Any hint is welcome.

This year the 150th birthday of Fischer will take place in November. We will make a little celebration then by the Magic Club of Vienna. Since 2017 a street is named after him in Vienne which I could organize.

By the way: Whoever will visit Vienne can visit six streets which are named after magicians in Vienna: Basilio Calafatti, Ludwig Döbler, Johann N. Hofzinser, Anton Kratky-Baschik, Compars Herrmann and Ottokar Fischer. Maybe it will be possible to get other names too like Louis Haselmayer and Valentino Graziadei in the future.

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6. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #111
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

I had friends from out of town visiting Las Vegas these past few days, and I took them to see Mike Hammer's Comedy Magic Show, 'Get Hammered' at the 4 Queens Hotel & Casino on Freemont Street, in Downtown Las Vegas.

As regular readers of my articles will already know, I'm a big fan of Mike Hammer. In my opinion, he's the best kept secret in Las Vegas, even though he's been headlining his own show there for almost thirteen years!

A few years ago, I spent some time helping to enhance the production values of Mike's show, and so I know how much effort he puts into his show to keep it fresh. He has recently introduced two new illusions into the show, that are strong, and real foolers for the lay public.

The one thing you can guarantee about Mike is that he gives 110% every show. His repartee and interaction with the audience is second to none. He has fun picking on several audience members but always makes them the stars of his show.

What makes it doubly impressive is the fact that he never crosses the line or resorts to using any swear words. He doesn't need to, because his material is so strong, and has been honed to perfection over many years of performing five nights a week.

Having said that, things can, and do, unexpectedly go wrong. And on the night we saw Mike's show, they did!

Mike opens his show with a quick routine using a set of handcuffs and two audience volunteers. It is a fast routine which is meant to set the scene for the rest of Mike's show by showcasing a clever escape punctuated by lots of byplay and laughs with the two spectators.

The premise is that one of the spectators puts the handcuffs tightly on both of Mike's wrists, and whilst the spectators hold either side of Mike's jacket, he gives them directions, at the same time continually getting out and back into the handcuffs. It is a very funny routine.

On this occasion however, the lady who put the handcuffs on Mike, did it so tightly, he genuinely couldn't get out! Even after thirteen years, this was the first time it had happened to Mike!

I know Mike's show well, and I was instantly aware that he was struggling! I could see that his brain was working overtime trying to figure out how he could get out of the handcuffs!

But a pro never panics, and Mike cleverly bought himself much needed time with his razor sharp wit, before finally escaping! The audience of course didn't have a clue that there was ever a problem! The way Mike handled the situation was masterful.

If you are coming to Las Vegas, this is one show you shouldn't miss.

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7. The Magic Word Podcast - Terry Evanswood Part Two
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star (US)

We pick up this week where we left off last week which is about three quarters of the way through the audible tour of the Magic Mansion hosted by Terry Evanswood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We end our guided tour in the intimate theater where Terry talks about his life and his journey to Pigeon Forge and getting him to where he is today: celebrating his 25th year of performing in Pigeon Forge.

Of course you can listen wherever you get your podcasts, but you can watch some videos, see some candid photos, read the blog, enter the contest, and listen online at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/764-evanswood-part-two

This is the last week of the contest for a copy of Michael Breggar's eBook (or a physical copy of the book) "Take Five" which you can only have a chance of winning if you enter the contest. The form is on this week's website and winners will be drawn next week. Good luck!

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8. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 34
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Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)

Did you like the card sword in the last episode? Two readers wrote to me to say that they had never seen such a sword before. Here is a little reminder once again:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me9B_PmigsU&t=203s

A few hours ago I received the latest issue of my magazine "Magische Welt" from the printers (72nd volume, issue 3, 2023). Even though it is published in German, it always brings many news and reports from the international magic world together with many great photos.

This time the focus is on an in-depth portrait of Luna Shimada, written by Autumn Morgning Star, a US magician and author.

Although the report first appeared in the M-U-M, March 2023, some previously unpublished details were included in the German version. For example, that behind Dirk Losander's success is solely Luna, who advised her former husband that he should make his personal appearance individual and distinctive. Luna advised him on hair style and costume.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Editor-in-Chief Alan Howard and SAM President Rod Chow once again for their permission to publish the article in Magische Welt. This is what I call a good international cooperation. We have been exchanging our magazines for several years now.

Furthermore you will learn about a magical painting that has never been shown to the magic community so far. Stefan Alexander Rautenberg discovered the picture in Malaga, Spain, in a Museum and it is reproduced for the first time in a magic magazine.

World famous Otto Wessely writes his 81st column and Alexandra Duvivier celebrates 35 years with France's unique "Double Fond".

Here is an insight into the current issue:

https://www.magische-welt.com/Willkommen.html

Until next time.

Wittus
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com

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9. KIDabra Conference News
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Message by Mark Daniel (US)

August 16 -19 2023 Chattanooga, Tennessee

Do you know a deserving young performer?

Please tell them about the Joe Leffler/ John and Joan McClenahan Legacy Youth Scholarship at KIDabra which is especially for young variety artists who are serious about pursuing KIDshow and Family Performing.

Applications are open for folks 15-21 years old to apply from anywhere in the world.

One scholarship will be awarded this year that goes toward KIDabra Conference Registration, Hotel and expenses totaling $1000.00. (Any additional expenses incurred are the responsibility of the scholarship winner.)

Deadline for Application Submission for this year is July 1. Find the scholarship application at www.kidabra.org/lefler-scholarship

The Legacy Scholarship is administered by The Davie Community Foundation and is endowed through contributions by KIDabra Supporters. It is open to youth throughout the world interested in the art and business of Family and KIDshow Performance.

This scholarship has seen some amazing young people come through KIDabra and go on to great things.

Joe Lefler was much loved in our magic and performer's community. For a long time he held the record of highest sales of videos for his Mr. Tricky balloon modeling videos, and they inspired many of today's terrific Balloon Artists.

His amazing show tables and props continue to live on through Showtime Magic with Christopher Weed & Cesar Cortes.

Joe loved helping and encouraging young performers and we're thrilled that his legacy of doing that continues!

John & Joan McClenahan were major supporters of the scholarship from its inception, although anonymously, until now.

They lived a life of service, and were well-known in Las Vegas for their hospital visits. John also owned a Magic Shop (the former Denny's Magic) for the last several years of his life. They were longtime KIDabra supporters and they loved Joe.

KIDshow & family performers are invited to join us August 16 through the 19th in Chattanooga, Tennessee featuring lectures, workshops, shows and more with:

David Ginn, GA, Maga Gaia, Italy, Christopher T. Magician, So Cal Niels Duinker, TN, David Kaye (Silly Billy), NY, Jozo Bozo, Croatia Mago Mai, Venezuela, Greg Britt, New Zealand, PeeWee Morales, NJ Cris Johnson, NY, Dean Carnegie, TN, Barry Mitchell, TN Ken Scott, GA, Steve Axtell, TN, Buster Ballon, So Cal Annie Banannie, So Cal, Chris Weed, AZ, Tim Gaines, LA Nathan J Roberts, MO, Gary Shelton, NC, Glenn Strange, SC Tim Pressley, TN and your hosts Mark & Tami Daniel

However we're never truly complete until you're with us too!
Full info at kidabra.org

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10. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #44
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Message by Kent Cummins, Director (US)

Bad Magic

Sometimes, the trick doesn't work.

I have you "take a card, any card," and after some magical maneuvering, I proudly announce, "Your card was the Jack of Spades!"

But maybe it isn't. Sometimes, despite all of my practice and preparation, the trick simply doesn't work. And it isn't just card tricks. My thumb tip falls on the floor in front of the audience. The gimmick breaks. I open the Hot Book, talk about "Burning issues," and…nothing happens. No fire. I knock over my table, and the Square Circle, my final trick, falls on the stage and all of the production items spill onto the floor.

I am not making up any of these examples!

But it isn't just me.

A good friend was performing the Dancing Cane in one of my public magic variety shows. The thread broke, and he got mad and threw the cane off stage. Another young Texas magician was performing at a comedy club and couldn't make his Head Chopper work. (No, it didn't chop off anybody's head…it just wouldn't do anything.)

I remember, years ago at a Texas Association of Magicians convention, a magician couldn't escape from his Water Torture Cell. And the waiting ax just bounced off the plexiglass. The assistants turned the prop over and water poured out into the audience.

What do YOU do if (when) something goes wrong? I think it depends on how well we have prepared. I am a great believer in playing the "What Could Go Wrong Game."

During rehearsals, I try to imagine all of the many things that might go wrong, and what I am going to do when something happens.

The Fantastic Magic Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of magic. But I can't do it without your help. My Patreon account is the same place as my free weekly podcast:
www.FantasticMagicCenter.com
kent@magichotline.com

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11. Marlocaan - John Carey #202
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

I have given this effect the title Marlocaan as the method of bringing into play an odd back card is all his from a brainwave style effect Marlo had many moons ago in Ibidem magazine. I've simply applied the idea to a card at any number scenario and added an interesting presentation.

You will need two identical Jokers for the effect. One is red backed and the other blue. Attach a small square of double stick tape to the face of the red back Joker and place these two cards on top of a blue backed deck. The gimmicked red Joker is second from top.

"Jerry, I want you to imagine you are in a casino and after playing a few hands of Blackjack you head over to the Roulette table. The very attractive lady working the wheel spins it and throws in the white ball which you can see spinning around. In roulette there are 36 numbers. Imagine it landing on a high number. What number did the ball land on? Twenty four is quite a big number. Here, let me deal down to your thought of number." After a number has been thought of as above, pick up the face-up deck and deal and count the cards face-up into a neat packet, dealing up to and including the thought of number. Execute a pinky pull down of the two Jokers securing a break above them.

The right hand comes over this packet and casually cuts small packets of cards into a separate face-up packet, finishing up by placing the two Jokers on top. Pick up this face-up packet and hold it in left hand dealers grip. Pick up the card that fell at their thought of number and place it onto the packet in the left hand. The right hand immediately spreads the packet on the table showing different cards.

As it does this your left thumb applies downwards pressure on the face card of the left hand packet, causing the red back sticky Joker beneath to adhere to their card. Casually push the double card off the packet with your left thumb and drop it to the table. A Joker still shows and everything looks copacetic. This is Marlo's brilliant idea. Drop the packet you are holding onto the tabled spread and complete the ribbon spread.

A moment later flip over the spread showing a blue deck. Then focus attention on the card that fell on their thought of number and turn it over. It has a red back and your work is over. Put the double card away and continue your set.

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

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