Magic New Zealand® E-zine

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* Magic New Zealand®
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Issue Number: #1730
Date: Sunday 27th 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. Coral Reveen Has Passed Away
3. September Issue Genii Magazine
4. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #122
5. Jamy Ian Swiss On The Magic Word Podcast
6. Daytona Beach Festival Of Magic Convention
7. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 44
8. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #55
9. Listen In! - John Carey #208
10. Estates Of Magic Sale
11. Haversat & Ewing Galleries Spring Auction #43
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-2023/1730-Aug27-2023.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. Coral Reveen Has Passed Away
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Message posted on Facebook

I'm very sad and heartbroken to announce that my mother Coral Reveen passed away today (August 23rd 2023).

It will take several days perhaps weeks before I gather my thoughts enough to tell her story, meanwhile I'm just going to post as many photos of her that I can find on my Facebook.

My sincere love to everyone that was kind to her and admired her, she was one of the last standing Classical Magic Assistants from the 1950's. We'll miss her so much. I'm flying back to Las Vegas from Chicago where my dear friends Rick and Parker Lindsey have been treating me like a king for the past few days.

Just a few days ago my son Alex, Jacqui and I made her a wonderful curry dinner. One of the last things she told me is that she was going to live to be 119 years old. She also told me to express her love and blessings to F Darrell Lindsey and family for saving my life 47 years ago.

I told her I'll be back on Tuesday. I feel in my heart that she's happy and with my dad and all of their loving friends who died before her. We all LOVE you Mom!

Tyrone Reveen

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3. September Issue Genii Magazine
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Message by Richard Kaufman - Editor Genii Magazine

For just $35 for a digital subscription to Genii (or $58 for paper and digital), this month you'll learn who S.W. Erdnase really was, be able to make a reservation at The Magic Castle, and read every back issue of Genii and MAGIC magazines. All at www.geniimagazine.com

The Expert at the Card Table has been widely acclaimed by the geniuses in our field as the finest book on sleight of hand with cards ever written. Yet we don't know who wrote it … but now we have a good deal of evidence that the man on our cover this month is the author, the elusive "S.W. Erdnase."

For those who aren't aware of the hubbub surrounding the true identity of "E.S. Andrews," Dr. Richard Evans's article will give you a lot of the story and then some.

"Artifices" is a failure - a "Push-Through Failure," that is; so says Roberto Mansilla.
This month Rafael Benatar's "Thoughts" are those of Howard Hamburg; let the stories commence!

Take David Kaye's Ethics Exam this month in "The Expert at the Kids Table."

Demonstrate your mental dexterity with your quizmaster David Britland in "Cardopolis."

Let's all sing like the birdies sing, with John Gaughan in "Chamber of Secrets."

Jon Racherbaumer digs up a lost trick by Alex Elmsley in "Exhumations."

"Magicana" delivers two tricks this month via Robert Ramirez, one from Joshua Messado (and it does not use the Linking Rings), and a second from Griffin Watts.

In "The Eye," Vanessa Armstrong delivers some news worth reading (as opposed to the bulk of the news, which is not)."

Shawn McMaster brings us the latest from out west in "Knights at The Magic Castle."

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4. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #122
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

A new Cabaret Room has opened up here in Las Vegas. That's not something you hear very often!

Rather like the famous 'lounge shows' which at one time could be found at virtually every major Casino, and which were the venues that many of the greatest entertainers first plied their trade, but have since vanished completely, Cabaret Rooms are now also sadly few and far between.

So, it's refreshing, and a rare opportunity in these days of huge arena shows to be able to announce this news.

It's called the Ahern Lounge, and is part of the new Ahern Hotel, which was formerly the Lucky Dragon, and it is located on Sahara Avenue just a stone's throw from the Las Vegas Strip.

Seating around 100 people in comfort, it is an attractive and intimate room with perfect sight of the stage, and it is supported by impressive video walls and projection. And it has a large bar inside the room which also serves a variety of excellent hot snacks.

The cabaret shows, which for now take place every Friday and Saturday and feature different performers each week, are hosted by Lorenzo Clark, a seasoned and very personable entertainer, and a perfect choice for this role.

This past weekend the two headline performers were two excellent variety acts, and coincidentally both old friends of mine.

Ventriloquist Mark Merchant, from Atlanta, Georgia, who I mentioned in a recent article, is an old school performer with an excellent technique. His characters, Jose Diego, an 'illegal eagle' and Zelda, who Mark describes as an irascible older gossip columnist, are both original and engaging, and Mark's scripting is clever and current. He is a top pro.

There are, in my opinion, very few real 'characters' left in magic today, but Rocco Silano from New York, is definitely one of them, and he has always been a favourite performer of mine.

I've known Rocco for over 30 years, and I booked him for a Magic Convention I produced to celebrate the Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle's (the local Magic Society I joined when I was 13 years old!) 90th Birthday Celebration back in 2005, along with a stellar cast of Eugene Burger, Gaetan Bloom, Jeff Hobson and Alan Shaxon.

If ever there was an act perfectly suited to cabaret, it is Rocco. Firstly, he is truly unique, a one-off. His magic is nothing short of superlative, and it was even more amazing to witness it in such intimate and close up surroundings.

His choice of music for all his routines is outstanding, and you could see that a great deal of time and thought had been put into this, and it makes all the difference in the world to the final product.

To hold an audience for 35 minutes with what is essentially a silent act is quite an achievement, but Rocco succeeds in doing so, by keeping everyone literally mesmerised.

His act is difficult to describe because his presentation is so different, but includes a misers dream routine, appearing and multiplying chewing gum, torn & restored newspaper, water bowls, card manipulations, untying silks with confetti and streamer production as his finale.

But simply listing his effects doesn't do Rocco justice. He is a master of sleeving, what goes in and out of his sleeves and the way he controls it, is unbelievable.

More than anything he has an endearing charm, and a wonderfully expressive face, and that elusive quality that only the best performers possess, likeability, and he has it in spades. Rocco is an absolute master of his art, and it was wonderful to see him in such good form.

And finally this week, I want to cross the pond, and pay tribute to another master of his art, Sir Michael Parkinson, or 'Parky' as he was affectionately known by everyone in UK, who died last week.

Although not a performer, he was the ultimate Chat Show Host, and his late night show was massively popular for many years. Every major Star appeared on his show, and they loved doing so because he had a very unique and laid back style, and he always allowed the guest to be the focus.

My good friend of over 40 years, John Fisher, known in the world of magic as the producer of the incredibly successful Paul Daniels TV Show, and the Best of Magic Show, was also the producer of the Parkinson Show for 14 years.

One of my greatest memories was working on a 'Parkinson Christmas Magic Special' that John produced with Fred Kaps, Ricky Jay & Richiardi Jnr.

I'll leave the last words about Sir Michael Parkinson to John.

'So called chat shows are two a penny these days. But his show was never like that. He made the art of conversation compulsive viewing for the masses. Nobody had ever done what he did better'.

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5. Jamy Ian Swiss On The Magic Word Podcast
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

We are taking a brief break from the convention circuit by bringing you an episode recorded earlier this year at the Magic Castle. Jamy Ian Swiss is a name that needs no introduction to our esteemed conjuring community. He is a performer, lecturer, author, producer and consultant and has excelled in all of those endeavors. He has received a Literary Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts and consulted for Penn & Teller.

He is often seen on television and film documentaries as an expert in our art. While working a week at the Magic Castle this past March, Jamy was one of the other performers that week who sat down to record a conversation. He talks about his journey in magic and many of those along the way who help make him who he is. He concludes our chat with thoughts on magic as an art.

You can listen to this week's episode wherever you get your podcasts, but for more information and to see photos, watch videos, read the blog, and more, then please visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/784-jamy-ian-swiss Next week we will return to the convention trail with daily updates from the Texas Association of Magicians convention in Houston, Texas. And if you can spare a moment to help the podcast, then please give us a five star comment on iTunes or whatever platform you use to listen to podcasts. It really helps our podcast grow. Thank you.

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6. Daytona Beach Festival Of Magic Convention
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Message by Harry Allen
Daytona Magic

Just added to Daytona Beach Festival Of Magic Convention - November 3-4-5 2023 https://daytonamagic.com/convention/

T.C. Tahoe
Losander

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They will appear with:
Pablo Canovas
Billy Debu
Boris Wild
Greg Frewin
John Ferrentino
Stuart McDonald
Greg Wilson
Harry Allen
Sam Sandler
Erick Olson
Stoil & Ekatarina
Scott Humston

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7. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 44
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Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)
I am currently working on a new book about the art of magic. The theme is: Magic City Berlin.
The book is the third volume of a trilogy I started three years ago. The two volumes "Magic City Hamburg" and "Magic City Munich" have already been published. In both volumes I report on the art of magic in all its diversity in these two cities, which is important for the German but also the international magic scene.
For example, the very first magic club was founded in Hamburg and the very first magic congress was held in Munich.
Famous magicians, magic books and associations in these cities are mentioned as well as some peripheral areas.
In addition to my own explanations, I was also able to win over some important guest authors who contributed chapters. Among them is Dr. Malte Herwig, who wrote the great biography of Kalanag some time ago.
David Copperfield wrote an article about his German premiere in Munich.
I also managed to get some important guest authors for the Berlin book. Dr Wilfried Kugel wrote about Hanussen and Dr Steffen Taut reports on the ancient Greek sorcerer Dedi and brings new insights to light.
To my knowledge, there have never been comparable books on the art of magic and I hope that with them I can further improve the reputation of the art of magic, especially among the general public. Because let's face it, magic is rarely treated as a serious cultural subject. When one speaks of the arts in the cultural sphere such as museums, music, theatre and painting in the same breath, magic hardly ever appears in this list. Or is it different in your country? Let me know.
If you would like to experience an impression of the Hamburg book, you can do so here, starting at minutes 12.44
https://youtu.be/TSR3Gp4f0-g
And the Munich book is presented here:
https://youtu.be/XzhNVty1mOU
That's all for today.
Wittus
from the only cultural-historical museum for magic art in Germany.
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com
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8. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #55
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Message by Kent Cummins, Director (US)

Fortune Telling Fish

Do you believe that people can tell your fortune? Are you picturing the old gypsy woman in a tattered tent, gazing into her crystal ball? Or perhaps she is reading the tea leaves in the bottom of your cup of herbal tea?

I have been a magician just about all of my life. Naturally, I am a skeptic. I understand "Cold reading." I don't really believe that people can tell my fortune.

But fish can!

Yes, I am talking about the Miracle Fortune Teller Fish, that wonderful novelty that you might have received at a school carnival. Or even at a special event where I am performing strolling magic!

If you don't know what I am talking about, it is a small, red piece of cellophane shaped like a fish. It comes in a small plastic envelope with the fortunes printed on the back.

The fortunes are apparently designed to make teens giggle. For example: "Moving Head" means "Jealousy," whereas "Moving head and Tail" means "In Love." And if the fish curls up entirely, it means that you are "Passionate."

When I taught kids at Fantastic Magic Camp (www.MagicCamp.com) about the fortune telling Fish, I encouraged them to make up their own fortunes.

But little kids who don't even know what all the words mean still love the fact that the fish seems to magically move when placed upon their palm. So, we can all believe in palm reading when it is done by the Miracle Fortune Teller fish!"

If you would like a copy of my two-page teachers guide for the Fortune Teller Miracle Fish, just send an email to my address below.

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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9. Listen In! - John Carey #208
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

Here's another piece which will make your spectator the star and it doesn't use cards!!! In effect you bring out a small change purse and shake it. You ask your psychic spectator to listen and intuit the amount of change inside the purse and they do so correctly 100 per cent!

The exact change premise is a strong one. Cosmo Solano and Greg Wilson have clever gimmicked versions on the market. The nice thing with my method is that there are zero gimmicks and it's your spectator who will receive the accolades. I will describe the piece with
British coinage. Simply adjust to your own currency if overseas.

Take a small change purse and insert £1.27 pence in mixed coinage inside it and close the purse. You will also need two additional 10 pence pieces. Finger palm one in each hand and you are set.

"Today, Sarah, we are going to play a little game of observation, combined with your intuition. Here's a little purse. Listen in very carefully as I shake it! I will do that once more. Now combining your super sensitive hearing and your intuition, do you believe there is £1.27 pence in the purse, £1.37 pence or £1.47 pence?" Now let's deal with the very simple variables which enables a successful and very strong conclusion every time.

If they say £1.27 pence, simply hand them the purse, have them tip out the contents and prove to the crowd gathered they were spot on! However if they say £1.37 pence, simply hold the purse at the left fingertips and open it with the right hand. Then tip out the contents into the right hand allowing the finger palmed coin there to coalesce with the other coins. Let the coins fall gently to the table and have your spectator count out £1.37 pence. Finally, if £1.47 pence is called, simply hold the purse at the right fingertips and open it with the left hand.

The right hand tips out the coins from inside the purse into the left hand, at the same time secretly letting the finger palmed coin fall with them into the waiting left hand. These coalesce with the coin hidden in the left hand and as before simply let the coins fall gently to the table to be counted and step back and let your spectator take a bow!

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10. Estates Of Magic Sale
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Message by Steve Varro (US)

Our Fall Sale is on!
Turn over a new leaf and find big savings at:
https://estatesofmagic.com/

Just as the leaves are starting to fall, so are our prices.
All orders from all three catalogs over $20.00 receive a 10% discount
All orders from all three catalogs over $200.00 receive a 20% discount
All orders from all three catalogs over $300.00 receive a HUGE 25% discount

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11. Haversat & Ewing Galleries Spring Auction #43
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Message by David Haversat (US)

Purveyors of Conjuring Collectibles
- September 29-30, 2023-

David Haversat <haversat@gmail.com>

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12. E-zine Archives
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Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e- zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com

Click on the red button centre right "Archives"

When you enter the archive the e- zines are in issue order in folders for each year and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)

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13. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice
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Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy.

You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E- zine at: www.magicnewzealand.com

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

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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Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted.

Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e- zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted.

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer.