Magic New Zealand E-zine Issue Number: #1710

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand®
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #1733
Date: Sunday 17th September 2023
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: Editor@magicnewzealand.com

================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================

1. Editor's Message
2. Celebrating 75 Years of FISM International
3. FISM International - Interesting Blog Series
4. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #125
5. Steve Valentine On The Magic Word Podcast
6. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 47
7. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #58
8. John Carey #210
9. Estate Of Magic Fall Sale Is On
10. New Neal Scryer Book!
11. Guy Cater Presented with The Grand Master of Magic®
12. E-zine Archives
13. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice

--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------

One of the highlights of the week for me was as the President of the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians was to present Andy Kean with a Presidential Citation.

The Citation read:

'In grateful appreciation of his dedication to excellence and significant contribution as an esteemed BAM committee member.'

Also presenting to Guy Cater New Zealand's highest magical accolade "The Grand Master of Magic®" - Refer to item 11 for the full citation.

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-2023/1733-Sep17-2023.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

-------------------------------------
2. Celebrating 75 Years Of FISM International
-------------------------------------

On our TikTok channel, Maxl explained that on the 5th September it was 75 years ago FISM was founded during the magic convention in Paris and... the mobile devices of the social media team exploded with amazing messages to celebrate the birthday of FISM!

On behalf of the whole FISM social media team and the FISM International Board we want to say thank you.

Thank you for your ongoing support, thank you for being magical, thank you for attending magic conventions around the world.

Thanks to all the FISM member societies and all the enthusiastic magicians around the world, we would not exist.

We are looking forward to see all of you on a FISM convention somewhere around the globe.
So we can celebrate magic and build further on a strong foundation for the future of the magic scene.

-------------------------------------
3. FISM International - Interesting Blog Series
-------------------------------------

To celebrate 75 years of FISM International we started an interesting blog series on our website.
Here you will find interviews with amazing (award winning) magicians, conversations with FISM Board members and much more.

We start this new series with two blogs, one is from FISM International President Andrea Baioni, and the other is an interview with World Champion Yu Ho Jin.

Go to https://fism.org/fismblog/ to read them both.

-------------------------------------
4. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #125
-------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone (US)

So, what was inside the wooden crate that filled the bed of the truck that had Siegfried so hyped up and declaring that 'this is gonna change magic'?

It was the fire filled mirror ball that produced the tiger.

Brad Zinn recalls that in the beginning in Siegfried & Roy's show it rolled across the stage with Roy and the tiger atop the ball, with Siegfried leading it from stage left to stage right as the music from 'Born Free 'played. It was only later that the levitating / flying effect was added.

As I mentioned in my article last week, Brad Zinn is a man of many talents, and his long career is indeed an impressive one. In a future article, I'll elaborate a little more, but for now, I'm going to tell you about a couple of events that happened this last week.

I was in L.A. and was invited to go the Magic Castle to attend the Magic Castle Junior auditions. These are for young aspiring magicians from the ages of 13 years old to late teens.

Anyone that knows me well, will attest to the fact that I am not a great watcher of magic shows! Although over the past 40 years I have booked pretty much every top magician from around the world, I'm not good at sitting in the audience, as I get antsy! It's probably the Show Producer in me.

But, I have to admit, I really enjoyed watching these nine boys and girls go through their paces. It definitely helped that they were limited to just 5 minutes each.

What most struck a chord with me, however, was the hour or so, before the auditions, when the youngsters, together with their parents, were sitting waiting for the auditions to begin.

It took me back, over 50 years, to when, as a young boy of 13, I auditioned to join my home town magic club, the Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle. It was for me, just as it obviously was for these boys and girls, a very daunting experience.

I still, to this day, remember the sweaty palms, the discomfort in the pit of my stomach, waiting nervously to perform in front of the members. What made it worse was that my audition was proceeded by a couple of excellent close-up magicians who were certainly in my young eyes, miracle workers!

And it must have been even more challenging for these young people to audition at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.

They all gave a good account of themselves, and it was nice to see the parents joined by some Magic Castle members supporting them.

And a special shout out to former Magic Castle Junior, and now a professional magician himself, Zak Swan, who did a fine job hosting the auditions with a warmth and confidence that helped to put the performers at ease, and keep the audience engaged.

I never used to binge watch any TV Series, but in recent months I've found myself strangely addicted to a few shows. If you are also someone who has succumbed to this habit, you'll know how difficult it is to pull yourself away from the TV, even when all you need to do is to press pause! It is definitely an addiction.

A couple of shows I really enjoyed were 'Bosch' starring Titus Welliver, and 'After Life' starring Ricky Gervais in a very different role than delivering his usual edgy comedy.

And this past week, the show I just couldn't stop watching was 'Unforgotten' starring Nicola Walker. It's a very different kind of police drama, which is quite brilliantly written by Chris Lang.

But the reason I'm particularly mentioning 'Unforgotten' is that in the final story of Series 4, it featured Andy Nyman. Andy is predominantly known in the world of magic as a superb creator and performer of mental magic, and also of course, as the man who has played a key part in the career of Derren Brown.

But there is so much more to Andy Nyman. He is a wonderfully talented actor, and his versatility playing roles ranging from comedy to horror to the most serious and moving, is hugely impressive. He also played the lead role of Tevye in the hit London West End Musical, 'Fiddler on the Roof' to great acclaim.

His performance in 'Unforgotten' really showcased his extraordinary talent. The range of emotions that he displayed in this role was outstanding. If you get a chance to watch this show, I highly recommend you do so.

-------------------------------------------
5. Steve Valentine On The Magic Word Podcast
-------------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

The Magic Word Podcast intentionally tries to maintain timeless content rather than provide timely information (other than magic convention reports). The idea is for this podcast to be one that generations of magicians to come can listen to and learn from for years to come. But we break with tradition this week with our chat with Steve Valentine. As a rather well known actor in the U.S. for his parts in television and film, our conversation began with a look at the current screen writers/actors strike that is going on in Hollywood. This not only impacts those in the business, but also those of us who enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Steve goes into some detail with what the strike is all about and how it affects viewers because of the streaming videos and the advent of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) that is fundamentally changing the game in Hollywood. Fascinating stuff this week in our chat with Steve Valentine, who is also a professional magician having won awards from the Academy of Magical Arts as the Close-Up Magician of the Year, Lecturer of the Year, and Stage Magician of the Year, among so many other credits. This is a fascinating, fun and educational podcast that you are sure to enjoy.

You can listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts. But for more information, watch videos, see original photo content, get links, read the blog and listen online, please visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/790-steve-valentine

This week's podcast is brought to you by our sponsor, Magic at the Beach magic convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which will be held from October 5-7, 2023. We also welcome our newest Friends of the Magic Word, Sanjay Subramanyam, Matthew Jacobson, David McKnight and Ben Go. Thank you, gentlemen, for your financial assistance to help keep the Magic Word Podcast going.

--------------------------------------------
6. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 47
---------------------------------------------
Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)

Today a few words about the magician Alexander Adrion, whom we will honour with a special exhibition to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth at the Bellachini Museum. The exhibition opens on 18 November in the presence of his widow and his two children. Stefan Alexander Rautenberg will give a short talk on the subject and, of course, perform magic.

Now to the person of Adrion. I met him several times in the 1970s. He was always friendly, but also distant. But he took his art very seriously. He didn't like children in the performance at all and it is said that he sometimes broke off a performance because of a "noisy" child. How well I can understand him! But many magicians could not understand this behaviour.

Adrion never gave much thought to stage decorations. Often he would come on stage in a normal street setting with a standard suitcase, put the suitcase on a normal table and conjure one trick after another out of it.

It was then his performance and his attitude to magic with which he created a whole evening. This went down very well in those days.

It is also important to mention that Adrion always wanted to create a theatre situation. That is, the chairs always had to be arranged in rows, just like in the theatre.

What can we learn from this? I think one thing is very important: we magicians should not perform everywhere and under all kinds of situations. No actor or serious musician stands in any corner and starts his presentation. That only makes the art of magic - in my eyes - cheap. Let's show respect for our art.

I hope I was not too serious today ...

See you next week

Wittus
Magic Museum Bellachini
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com

--------------------------------------------
7. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #58
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kent Cummins, Director (US)

Optical Illusions

It is said that "Seeing is Believing," but is that really true? Optical illusions definitely indicate otherwise.

We call them "optical" illusions because we think they are fooling our eyes, but that isn't really what is happening. The eye accurately sees what is there, and sends that information to the brain…which then has to decide what is being seen. In many ways, we are actually seeing with our brain rather than our eyes.

Gestalt psychology helps us understand why our perceptions sometimes seem completely wrong. Our brains try to make sense of what the eye sends. One of the most popular optical illusions, known as the "Jastrow Effect," is a good example.

I was once teaching Introduction to Magic in an after-school enrichment class, when the teacher who supervised the program asked me if I could accept a boy who was completely blind. I said, "Yes, of course," because I had often done magic shows for the School for the Blind, and I felt that I knew how to adapt the classes.

It went fine for several weeks, but then I realized that the next class was scheduled to be, "Optical Illusions." Oops! This just wasn't going to work for the blind kid! But David Luther, a magician friend, pointed out that there were also auditory and kinesthetic illusions. So, I changed the class to "Sensory Illusions," and found ways to make it relevant to all of the students.

I have dozens of books on optical illusions and tricks that use optical illusions at my Fantastic Magic Center. If you would like me to share a few of my favorites, just send me an email.

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

-------------------------------------------
8. Think Again?!? - John Carey #210
-------------------------------------------
Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

Earlier in this book we discussed a card in matchbox piece. A few weeks after writing up that effect I stumbled upon the following variation which is fun, interactive and very simple, but pretty strong. You will require three business cards, two matchboxes and a playing card, say Seven of Hearts which you fold face-down into a small package. Insert that folded card inside one of the matchboxes. Take a small piece of paper and write the message "open the box" on it. Fold the paper up and insert that inside the other matchbox.

The final bit of preparation consists of writing a numbered list of twenty random playing cards on the back of one of the business cards. The only card that isn't random is the Seven of Hearts which is written out at position Nine. Place that card second from the top of the three business cards, the cards being advertising side upwards. Slip those cards inside your left pocket. Place the two matchboxes inside your right pocket, the message box being furthest from the body.

"Tonight I would like to share with you a card trick that doesn't even use a deck of cards! I also have a little box with a secret message inside." The right hand removes the message matchbox and hands it to a spectator as you request she opens it and removes the contents. Ask her to hold the message inside a closed hand as your right hand retrieves the matchbox. "We also need playing cards to work with." Both hands enter the side jacket pockets at the same time as you 'search' for the cards. The right hand switches matchboxes inside the pocket as the left hand takes out the business cards just a beat before the right hand comes back into view with the switched in matchbox.

Toss the matchbox casually to the table. "To the untrained eye these look nothing like playing cards." Execute a double turnover showing the list of twenty random playing cards, a different card being at each number. We will now force the Seven of Hearts using the classical Ten/Twenty force. "Shannon, numbers play an important role in everyone's lives. I want you to play a little mind game with me as we explore numbers." Ask your helper to think of a number
between ten and twenty. Then instruct them to visualize seeing the two digits of that random number out in front of them. A moment later suggest they totally randomize their thoughts by subtracting that small number from their original number to form a number nobody in the world could know. The total will always be nine of course.

Ask the spectator to look at the numbered list of cards you are holding and remember the card at their number. It will be the Seven of Hearts naturally. Request the spectator extends a palm up hand. Execute a double turnover and place the top business card onto their hand. Place the other business cards away. From now on its pure effect. I hold my hand over theirs as I ask them to keep thinking of their card and saying it mentally in their mind. I then divine their Seven of Hearts. Allow this strong moment to register. "I will now make the cards vanish." Make the moment over the business card they are holding and have them turn it over to reveal the list of cards has indeed vanished. Then request your helper opens the slip of paper and read out the message. To conclude the mystery you pick up the matchbox and push it open. A folded playing card is revealed, unfolded and shown to be their thought of card.

-------------------------------------------
9. Estate Of Magic Fall Sale Is On
-------------------------------------------
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 Both catalogs over $20.00 receive a 10% discount off the lowest marked prices
All orders from Both catalogs over $200.00 receive a 20% discount off the lowest marked prices
All orders from Both catalogs over $300.00 receive a HUGE 25% discount off the lowest marked prices

Plus Free Shipping On All Book Orders Of $20.00 Or More, Sent Media Mail In The Continental US.

-------------------------------------------
10. New Neal Scryer Book!
-------------------------------------------
Message by Neal Scryer (US)

Neal Scryer is back with a bang in his 17th mentalism book, "Scryer Goes Impromptu." It's unlike any of his previous books because it's all about performing jaw-dropping effects and mind-blowing readings using everyday items you can find just about anywhere. No fancy props required!

Imagine pulling off a book test with ANY book you lay your hands on, or delivering an incredible reading with just a glass of water and a coin. Neal even includes his reputation-making "Double Contact Mindreading" using nothing more than two paper napkins.

Neal also adds his own twist to a few body magic effects, and there's his heartwarming "PK Heart Touch" that can reach out to anywhere from one to a hundred hearts. How awesome is that?

In total, you'll find 36 brilliant ideas and effects, plus 17 captivating readings, in Neal Scryer's new book.

If you've ever dreamed of being able to perform impromptu magic anytime, anywhere, this book is for you. It's packed with 84 pages of pure magic and wisdom, and comes in a convenient 6x9-inch case bound format. US$99.50.

Copies are available from Stevens Magic Emporium and www.deceptionary.com.

---------------------------------------------
11. Guy Cater Presented with The Grand Master of Magic®
---------------------------------------------

Guy Cater was presented with New Zealand's highest magical accolade "The Grand Master of Magic®" which was presented at the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians' Partners Night on Monday, September 11th, 2023.

As the Patron of the BAM (David Hartnell MNZM), I stand before you representing the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians Inc, as well as the magicians of New Zealand. This evening is a special occasion, as I have the privilege of bestowing the Grand Master of Magic Award upon a very deserving individual. This accolade stands as the pinnacle of recognition in magic in New Zealand and marks only the twentieth occasion since its inception in 1969, thirty-seven years ago.

The newly inducted recipient now joins a distinguished line up, sharing the company of Edgar Benyon, Jack Read, Jon and Janet Zealando, Jim Reilly, Harold Chandler, Francis Newmarch, Peter and Phillipa Evans, Tony Wilson, Graham Grant, Barry Brook QSM, Bernard Reid, Burns Scandrett, Wayne Rogers, Alan Watson QSM, Greg Britt MNSM, Ken Bates, Richard Webster, Paul Romhany and Paul Bates whose contributions to the art of magic have left an indelible mark on our history. These recipients, along with their exceptional talents and commitment, have paved the way for the new inductee who has equally demonstrated an exceptional dedication to the magical craft over numerous years.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great honour that we acknowledge a new Grand Master of Magic none other than Guy Cater. Guy's journey began in the town of Howick in New Zealand, where his formative years were enriched by the influences of comedy and variety, inherited from his father's involvement with the "Independent Order of Odd Fellows." This vibrant fraternity, characterized by its nonpolitical and non-sectarian nature, provided the foundation for Guy's affinity towards laughter and entertainment.

During his youth, Guy and a group of school friends established a magic club, fostering his passion for the art. Later, under the mentorship of the renowned New Zealand actress Alma Woods, Guy further honed his craft by immersing himself in the world of theatre and production. This early exposure laid the groundwork for his multifaceted approach to magic, intertwining various forms of entertainment to captivate audiences.

A pivotal moment in Guy's journey occurred in 1967 when fate intervened, compelling him to take the stage at an East End pub in a spontaneous act of entertainment. This experience ignited Guy's realization of the potential within the realm of show business. A trajectory was set, leading him to traverse the world of magic with unwavering commitment.

Upon his return to New Zealand, Guy embraced family-oriented performances, giving rise to his beloved character, Happy the Hobo. His unique blend of comedy and magic resonated profoundly, and he quickly became one of this country's most sought-after children's entertainers. For many years, Happy the Hobo performed at schools, kindergartens, shopping malls, fairs, shows, and many other events. Guy was never able to completely let go of Happy the Hobo. Decades after he stopped doing children's shows, people were still asking Guy to perform his Happy the Hobo act. Many of these were free shows that he performed to help charities and other good causes. Throughout his career, Guy has always been extremely generous in donating his time and talents to help worthy causes.

Guy is a proud member of the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians, and regularly drives for more than two hours to attend their meetings, and to spend time with other professional magicians.

In 1995, Guy Cater has received the prestigious VAC Benny Award, the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a New Zealand variety performer. This accolade serves as a testament to his outstanding abilities and his status in New Zealand show business. His talents have graced stages from the United Arab Emirates to the vibrant entertainment scenes of Singapore, Dubai, USA and New Zealand.

Other accolades and awards include:
1985: VAC Scroll of Honour
1991: VAC Reilly Comedy
1995: VAC Life Member
2007: VAC Agnew Award - Awarded to a VAC member who has shown a high degree of professionalism throughout their career.

New Zealand International Magician Convention 1979:
1979: Funniest Routine
1979: Best Children's Entertainer

His own television show, "The Guy Cater Show," not only showcased his skills, but also provided a platform for magicians and other entertainers to make their television debuts.

One of the remarkable aspects of Guy's performances are his masterful use of comedy magic as an opening to his hypnotism show. He has a natural ability to engage and captivate audiences from the very beginning, creating an atmosphere of laughter and excitement. By incorporating comedy into his magical routines, Guy effortlessly loosens up the audience, allowing them to connect with him on a deeper level.

Thanks to his unique blend of comedy magic and hypnosis, Guy has earned a reputation as one of New Zealand's most entertaining performers. He is one of the best MC's New Zealand has produced. His career has spanned many decades, and he embodies the true meaning of a variety artist. Guy is a master of the craft, and is one of the most respected and revered entertainers in New Zealand show business.

Guy let me remind you of the criteria for the Grand Master of Magic Award: "Its purpose is to honour those magicians who are acknowledged by their fellow magicians to be masters of the art and craft of magic. The recipients first and foremost must be magical performers of a high standard. In addition they might be originators of magical effects, or administrators giving time and expertise to running societies and conventions. They could be consistent competition winners, or have an international standing, or be known only in the New Zealand setting. But above all they are people who have served magic well, have graced our art, and made a special contribution over many years."

To this proud tradition you now belong. Congratulations.

Alan Watson QSM President of the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians will now make the presentation of the Grand Master Medallion to Guy Cater; and Michele Watson will present flowers to Cynthia acknowledging Cynthia's support of Guy over the years.

---------------------------------------------
11. E-zine Archives
---------------------------------------------
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)

--------------------------------------------
12. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
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.

Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson QSM, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions or statements contained therein.

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.

All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®.

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.