Magic New Zealand® E-zine

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* Magic New Zealand®
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Issue Number: #1728
Date: Sunday 13th August 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. Devastating Fires Racing Through Lahaina On Maui
3. Vanish Magic Magazine #109 August 2023
4. Indices To Magic Magazines
5. Leon Mandrake Inducted Into The Hall Of Fame
6. Broken Wand - Alfred Hayes
7. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #120
8. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 43
9. New Mexico Magic Festival
10. Anthropology News
11. Ballarat's Gold Close-Up Convention Australia
12. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #53
13. Little Vernon - John Carey #207
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/2023-Jan-to-Dec-2023/1728-Aug13-2023.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. Devastating Fires Racing Through Lahaina On Maui
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Message by Kerry Ross (US)

I've just learned from Dada Daniels that "Warren and Annabelle's Magic" has been completely destroyed by the devastating fires racing through Lahaina on Maui Island, Hawaii.

I don't have any other info. Here's the website for the theater (it obviously hasn't been updated yet, to reflect what's happened): https://warrenandannabelles.com/

I can only hope that Warren Gibson will choose to rebuild it.

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3. Vanish Magic Magazine #109 August 2023
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Message by Paul Romhany - Editor/CEO Vanish Magazine

A very special edition featuring the amazing Frye & Co. Vanish gets an exclusive interview with both Charlie and Sherry and we discuss their latest book that is being released at Magic Live.

Charlie shares four wonderful tricks with readers of Vanish.

In Mind System - a ground-breaking mentalism routine where you can tell anybody what 3 or 4 letter word they are thinking of without any fishing.

Authentic Fabrications - a new series by Franklin Williams about performing and connecting with your audience.

Magic Business - Daniel Chan continues his important tips for marketing your act.

See Magic in Others - Jordana Borensztajn shares her journey and discovery of magic.

Are Magic Clubs Dying? The final in the series that asks the important questions and offers answers to struggling clubs.

Critical Pages your Website Must Have - Cris Johnson is an SEO expert and looks and must haves for your website and getting it to the top of any Google search.

Magic Wands - An amazing story about a young magician who hand makes the most incredible magic wands.

Roller Coaster - Dan Stapleton continues his series of stories from his long professional career.
Video Presage - the first review of a new release at Magic Live

Giant Metalmorphis - Louie Foxx's latest offering using large safety pins.

Magic Castle Turns 60 - Ben Robinson writes a celebration of 60 years of the Magic Castle
Alhoa Milt Larsen- Nick Lewin reports on the celebration of life of Milt Larsen.

Knife Through Coat - Hal Meyers shares his unique Knife Through Coat routine from his working act.

RACAAN - Dave Atwood teaches his ACAAN number routine.

Magic Reviews - check out the latest magic reviews, tricks, and downloads.

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4. Indices To Magic Magazines
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Message by Michael Colley (UK)

Over the years I have been indexing Magic Magazines. It started with ABRAcadabra, The World's Only Magical Weekly, many years ago. The ABRAindex was originally produced as hard copy, the first part of which was published in 1982 (an early Antipodean subscriber was Margaret Yates of Victoria, Australia). This was followed by indices to Magigram and The Gen. As time progressed these were transferred to electronic media in a variety of forms.

Work has progressed over recent years with an increased rate over the Covid lockdown and continues to the present time.

Indices are currently available to
ABRAcadabra 30333 entries, Club71/The Magician 3681, Demon Telegraph 1358, The Gen 3754 Goodliffe's Magic Monthly 143, The Jinx (Annemann) 1145, Magic Magazine (Max Andrews) 932
Magigram 11797, Mind and Magic (Ted Lesley) 61, Pentagram (Peter Warlock) 1325, Stanyon's "Magic" 2091 and The Wizard 1676

Each entry contains Author, Title and up to ten Categories. A typical entry from ABRAindex is
Belcher, Len Janus Box, The 6 154 380 Van* App Box Car
where the codes indicate VANishes, APParatus, BOXes and CARds

and I am currently working on the index to the New Pentagram, edited by Peter Warlock and published by Supreme Magic Co. and which ran from March 1969 to February 1989.

There are also indices to the Photographs in all the magazines apart from the Magic Monthly and Club71 (including one to the first 100 volumes of the Magic Circular) and most also have indices to people's names.

The indices are available in a number of forms. As Access Databases they can be searched by Author, Title and Categories. They are also available as .PDF files, in Excel spreadsheet form or as .CSV files for importation into other databases or spreadsheets. Of course, in these latter forms no search facility can be provided.

An additional Index has a cumulated content of all the names and photograph data from all the magazines.

Further information, samples and prices can be obtained from Dr. Michael Colley M.I.M.C. at cmcolley@tiscali.co.uk

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5. Leon Mandrake Inducted Into The Hall Of Fame
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Message by Lon Mandrake

Leon Mandrake inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Society of American Magicians

On July 26, 2023, Leon Mandrake (1911 - 1993) was elected to the Society of American Magicians Hall Of Fame in Recognition of Distinguished and Significant Achievement and Advancement of the Art of Magic July 2023

Presentation made at the S.A.M. conference in New Orleans by International President, Rod Chow.

Mandrake's family are all very pleased with the presentation. Lon and Linda Mandrake were present at the conference.

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6. Broken Wand - Alfred Hayes
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Message by Peter Wood (Australia)

Alfred Hayes was very well known to the Australian magic fraternity during his active years from the 1960's through to the early 1990's. He also became well known among the international magic community due to his frequent trips overseas. Alfred held various executive positions on the board of IBM Ring 102.

Alfred was born in the mid 1930's and took up magic as a hobby as a boy. He attended Waverley College and it was during his school years that he became pen friends with Burns Scandrett of Christchurch New Zealand, the original DeLarno the Magician.

Alfred worked various jobs in his early years including driving taxis, working for Marshall Batteries, being a Cinema Projectionist during which time he worked in a 360* surround cinema in London, and working at Weirdo's Magic Shop in Sydney.

In 1966 Alfred opened Delarno's International Magic Centre in the Wesley Arcade in Sydney. This was the first magic shop in Australia to specialise in importing magical props from the UK, USA, Europe, Japan and New Zealand. Alfred also had a magic studio in Dixon St in the heart of Sydney's Chinatown. Here, many local and visiting magicians would gather to socialise and talk "secret magic business" He also held a children's magic club which met there one Saturday per month. I was fortunate to be one of those kids.

In the early 1970's, Alfred regularly appeared doing magic segments on a number of children's television programs including channel 9's Super Flying Fun Show

Delarno's International Magic Centre operated in a couple of locations in Sydney and closed in 1988 due to the total renovations of the Wesley Arcade.

Alfred Hayes had been suffering with some dementia in recent years and he passed away on the 3rd of August 2023 following a stroke a few weeks earlier. We must now say goodbye to one of the most influential people for the Sydney, in fact the Australian magic community.

Vale Alfred

A huge thank you to Peter Rodgers and Kent Blackmore for supplying so much information.

Peter Wood.

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7. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #120
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

So, this year's Magic Live Convention at the Orleans Hotel & Casino here in Las Vegas has come and gone for another year. And once again it was a very successful event. Stan Allen and his team did a great job and should be congratulated.

It is by now a very well-oiled and professional machine and ran seamlessly. It takes a great deal of planning to produce a convention for 1,600 people and keep them all happy!

Personally, I've always preferred smaller, more intimate conventions, with the exception of the Blackpool Convention in UK. I'm biased, of course, as I grew up in Liverpool, only a stone's throw (if you'll excuse the pun!) away from Blackpool on the North West Coast of England.

It could be because it's held in the impressive Winter Gardens complex, housing the Opera House, the largest theatre in England, or because the line-up of talent is always top drawer, or it could be the almost guaranteed wet and windy weather, but whatever it is, between 4000- 5000 attendees flock to the convention from all points of the globe religiously every year.

But I digress! Back to Magic Live. We all have our favourite events at every convention, some of us especially like the Close-up, others choose the general sessions, and then there's the excellent stage shows, and truthfully it is all of a very high standard.

For me, it was Ben Seidman who impressed me most. I had not seen Ben perform live before, but had heard a lot about him. As a show producer, I'm always interested in not only the content of an act, but probably, more importantly, the way it is delivered.

Ben's choice of material was very strong, his timing impeccable, and his delivery faultless, and he possesses that 'special' ingredient that no amount of money or practice can buy … likeability! Ben has it in spades! Ben is a hugely popular and busy performer, and deserves his success.

Another stand out, if slightly controversial performer at Magic Live, was Harrison Greenbaum. I've sung his praises before, after I went to see the 'Mad Apple' Cirque du Soleil Show at the New York, New York Hotel & Casino in which he stars.

Let me say from the start that his material doesn't suit everyone, but he too is a rare talent. He instantly creates excitement, and laughter and his on-stage irrepressible energy just engulfs the audience, and he got a huge response.

Of course, when we cut to the chase, what really makes every magic convention special, whether big or small, is meeting up with friends that we only get to see occasionally.

It was particularly good to catch up with Shep Hyken from St Louis. Shep is one of the most successful speakers in USA, and someone I've known for over 30 years.

Finally, spare a thought for another one of my long time magic friends, and Tradeshow expert, Seth Kramer. Seth, was excited to be making his annual Magic Live trip when just the day before leaving New York, he tested positive for Covid.

He was, as we say in England, gutted to miss the convention. I'm pleased to report that his symptoms were mild, but we all missed seeing him.

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8. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 43
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Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)

As mentioned in #1720, dated 18 June 2023, I will dedicate a special exhibition in November to the German magician Alexander Adrion. He would turn 100 years old on 17 November.

Together with my friend and colleague Stefan Alexander Rautenberg, we are currently sifting through the material that his widow has made available to us. There are 12 large files filled with press articles about Alexander Adrion, articles that Adrion himself wrote for newspapers and magazines, of course a large number of photos, as well as posters, flyers and much more.

As I look through the many documents, it becomes increasingly clear to me the merit Adrion has earned. I am absolutely certain that no magician to this day has managed to present himself so seriously with his art. Adrion was truly appreciated by many prominent public figures and was repeatedly invited to events as a special guest of honour. Even though he made himself very scarce on television, he was very present, especially through the many press articles and above all through several contributions for radio. There were several special programmes about and with him on the radio.

Adrion was extremely well read and knew more about the history of magic than many so-called magic historians.

For whatever reason, however, he kept himself far away from the German magic scene. Yes, he even once said that he did not read any German magic magazines. He was also hardly friends with German magicians. On the other hand, he boasted that he was good friends with Dr. Edwin Dawes and with Barrows Mussey (alias Henry Hay).

To me personally he even once said: Mr Witt, we will never become friends. Nevertheless, for me too, he remains one of the greats in the entire magic scene worldwide.

See you next week.
Wittus
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com

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9. New Mexico Magic Festival
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Message by Bronson K. Chadwick (US)

We are about forty days out to the New Mexico Magic Festival this September 23-24, 2023!

Don't miss out on some amazing acts including Benjamin Barnes, The Guide, Doug Anderson, and many more!

The convention will take place at the Drury Inn and Suites off the I-25 way in Albuquerque.

Visit www.thewonder.store/new-mexico to register for the convention today for as low as $75.

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10. Anthropology News
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Message by Paul Draper (US)

I have an article published in "Anthropology News"!

The American Anthropological Association (AAA) was founded in 1902 and is the world's largest scholarly and professional organization of anthropologists. "Anthropology News" is the award-winning member magazine for the American Anthropological Association!

I'm very excited to say that the current 2023 issue is filled with MAGIC!

Welcome to our "Magic" issue, from ancestral spirits to ChatGPT, Roman curses to magical memorabilia.

We hope you enjoy it.

My article is titled: Searching for Magic https://www.anthropology-news.org/articles/searching-for-magic/ Best, Paul https://PaulDraper.com

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11. Ballarat's Gold Close-Up Convention Australia
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Message by Ben James (Australia)

Celebrating Over 50 years Of Convention Magic

Honouring Steve Walker

Special Guest Lecturer Chris Congreave from England also the launch of the Steve Walker Book by Vinal Kumar

Two massive days of Close-Up Magic!

October 14 and 15 2023

Every participant will receive a Convention Goody Bag containing:
1. Program
2. Final edition of the Australian Close Up Magazine of the 70's 'The Blueprint' vol 7 issues 11 &12. Which have never been in print.
3. Rare Audio recording of Harry Lorayne and John Braun they made for a previous Ballarat Convention.
4. Rare Jeff Crozier audio interview
5. Booklet on the History of Ballarat

Conventions by Vinal Kumar.
6. Highlight DVD of past Ballarat
Conventions.
Plus more if we can do it!
The Program will consist of shows, workshops, panels, lectures and various talks and information on close-up magic.

Venue : Midlands Terrace Recreation Room
1111 Doveton Street Nth Ballarat. Venue has full sound system, heating, 2 large screen TV's, full kitchen, toilets and bar all under the one roof!
Cost : $100 - which covers 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner, tea/coffee, biscuits & Guest Lecturer from England & Goody bag.
Due to the intimate nature of the convention if we haven't received your payment by August 31st a waiting list will apply .

Pay to : Barry Govan
BSB - 013-912
Account - 519824858
Please be sure to put your name on the bank transfer for
registration
Date : 14 &15 October 2023
Saturday: 10am - 10pm
Sunday: 10am - 1pm

Parking : Cars are not allowed in the venue as it is a retirement village but there is an IGA next door with plenty of room and free all day parking.

Accommodation: Important note The South Street competitions are on at the same time so it is very important to book your accommodation for the Saturday night ASAP.

Magicians have been offered a slight discount on rooms at the following Motels - just mention you are here for the convention.

Miners Retreat 604 Eureka St Ballarat 53316900
King room $145
Twin $150 (2 people)
Family room $180 (4 people)
The Victoriana Motor Inn 214 Victoria St 53333577
Queen room $135
Standard Twin $135 (3 people)
Or Google Ballarat accommodation for more choices
Please direct all enquires to Barry on
0418 991151 or barrygovan43@gmail.com
Or email Ben at
benjamesmagician@gmail.com

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12. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #53
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Message by Kent Cummins, Director (US)

The Rope Trick

Every magician I have ever seen has done tricks with rope. Starting with the legendary Indian Rope Trick, moving on to various rope ties and escapes, and of course the Professor's Nightmare, which has become a classic of magic (although I remember when it was invented!).
My first magic convention was the 1957 IBM Convention in Houston, Texas, and that is the year that Bob Carver won the Originality Trophy for the Professor's Nightmare.

1957 is also the year that I had my first real summer job, working for Louis Berkie at the Fun 'N Magic Shop in San Antonio, Texas. Berkie taught me how to demonstrate the Simplex cut and Restored Rope trick, which we sold for 50 cents. I cut and apparently restored a lot of pieces of soft white cotton rope.

At the magic store, I found a set of comedy signs created by Bev Taylor. I bought them, and began developing the routine which I still perform in almost every show. I call it, "The Rope Trick."

It uses those comedy signs, plus a few more signs that I came up with on my own. I performed it in the Teenage Magicians Show at the 1960 TAOM (Texas Association of Magicians) convention in 1960, at the age of 17, and was awarded the TAOM Teen Trophy! (I didn't even know it was a contest…apparently they just reviewed all of the performers and then gave out prizes.)

I also performed it in the comedy competition at the 1967 World Congress of Magicians in Baden, Germany. I had the signs translated into four different languages! But this time, I didn't win.

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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13. Little Vernon - John Carey #207
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

Dai Vernon's Out of Sight Out of Mind from his book Further Inner Secrets of Card Magic is truly a classic. A genuinely thought of card is discovered in a quite miraculous fashion. Here is a minimalistic approach I've enjoyed much success with. It's quite quick in operation and has proven a favorite in my work for the public.

From a spectator shuffled deck casually push off nine face-down cards and hand them out for mixing. Discard the rest of the deck. Ask your spectator to deal the packet into three packets of three face-down cards in a left to right row. "Today we shall try an experiment involving decisions and your thoughts." Ask your helper to pick up one of the packets and hold the faces towards him and think of a card. Next have him mix that packet, drop it on top of one of the two tabled packets and then drop the remaining packet on top and square up. This automatically positions the three possible thought of cards fourth, fifth and sixth from the top.

"Let's mix them up with the randomizer shuffle." We will now utilize Paul Curry's beautiful a swindle of sorts ruse. Demonstrate what you would like your spectator to do, dropping the top card to the table, swapping the next two and dropping them on top and then either dealing single cards or swapping pairs until the packet is exhausted. Hand the packet to your helper and let them carry out the deal/mix shuffle which will sneakily bring the packet back to its original order.

Place the packet on top of a glass and then pause. "So you thought of a card and then mixed the cards. Lock the thought of that card in your mind." To bring the trick home we will use Vernon's brilliant finish from his routine. The right hand approaches the packet on the glass and gently
takes off the top card at the inner short end, thumb underneath and first and second fingers on top. Transfer this card to the palm up left hand. Repeat this with the second and the third card. As you take off the fourth card tilt the inner end of this card upwards slightly, enabling you to peek
and remember this card. Place it on top of the left hands cards but keep a left pinky break beneath it.

Take off the next card from the packet on the glass and peek that card too and place it on top of the left hands packet. Motion to take off another card and then suddenly stop, look up and pause. "My instincts are telling me to stop right about here." As you say that make a downward chopping action with the right hand, between the cards in the left and the cards on the glass. Ask for the name of the thought of card. If it's the first card you peeked then execute a double turnover revealing their card. If it's however the second card you peeked simply turn over a single card. Finally if they name any other card ask your helper to turn over the top card of the packet on top of the glass and your work is done.

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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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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.

The opinions and statements expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson QSM vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E-zine.

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