Magic New Zealand E-zine Issue Number: #1710

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* Magic New Zealand®
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Issue Number: #1741
Date: Sunday 12th November 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. MAGIC LIVE! Registration Opens Soon
3. Broken Wand - David Berglas
4. A Very Hard Week For The Magic Community
5. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #133
6. Magic Castle Performing Schedule - Nov/Dec
7. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 55
8. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #66
9. Update On The TAOM-SAM Combined Convention
10. Estate Of Magic Sale
11 Broken Wand - Leo Behnke
12. Tabled Convincing Control - John Carey #216
13. Excelsior - Anatomy Of A Lecture
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-2023/1741-Nov12-2023.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. MAGIC LIVE! Registration Opens Soon
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Message from Stan Allen (US)

We're just nine (short?) months away from MAGIC Live, August 4-7, 2024. And just a few weeks away from opening Online Registration.

Here are a few details so you can begin your summer plans to join us in Las Vegas - along with a whole bunch of your friends!

If you have any questions, you can either reply to this email or visit our magic convention website, https://www.magicconvention.com/ where you'll find more information, including an extensive FAQ section.

Look forward to seeing you at Live!
Stan

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3. Broken Wand - David Berglas
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BBC News

Veteran magician David Berglas dies aged 97

By James W Kelly & PA Media

BBC News

David Berglas, one of the most influential magicians and mentalists of the 20th Century, has died aged 97.

The Magic Circle, seen as the most famous magic society in the world, confirmed Berglas died in London on Friday night.

Also known as the International Man of Mystery, he was the first magician to have his own programme on British TV, Meet David Berglas, in 1954.

His son Marvin said he was a "giant in the magic fraternity".

In the 1980s Berglas had a second television series - called The Mind of David Berglas - where he entertained celebrities, including Omar Sharif, Christopher Lee and Britt Ekland.

'Holy grail'

Throughout the decades, he appeared frequently on British TV and radio and became a household name for his stunts, one of which included driving a car around London while blindfolded.

Berglas was renowned for a trick called the Berglas Effect, with which he could find a spectator's chosen card at any number in a deck of cards.

It is regarded as the holy grail of magic effects, the secret of which he took to the grave.

The magician was born to Jewish-German parents who fled the country when the Nazis took power in the 1930s.

After the war, when he was involved with US military intelligence, he ended up in Bradford where he studied textiles, according to the Jewish Bradford heritage group.

Mr Berglas was appointed MBE in 2018 for his services to magic and psychology.

He said at the time: "I am delighted to accept this honour but even more pleased that the art of magic has at last been recognised.

I have spent over 60 years entertaining people in person, on radio and television - 'reading their minds' - but I certainly didn't see this one coming."

His son Marvin said: "My father was a giant in the magic fraternity, known for his originality, creativity and showmanship.

His mysteries have not only baffled audiences but also his peers. However, to us, his family, he will always be best remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather."

Illusionist Derren Brown hailed Berglas as "one of our greatest living magical performers" when Berglas was awarded his MBE.

"Generations of magicians owe him a debt of gratitude," Brown said.

"Each of my shows is indebted to his artistry and astonishing body of work. I thank him for his constant inspiration."

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-67320185

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4. A Very Hard Week For The Magic Community
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Message by Scott Wells

We just lost these six incredible magicians.

Graham Putnam, Dirk Arthur, David Berglas, Dick Gustafson, Karl Fulves, Tom Craven.

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5. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #133
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

Recently, there doesn't seem to have been a week gone by without news of the loss of an important member of the world of magic.

Sadly, last week we actually lost six, including one of the most influential performers and magic thinkers, David Berglas, the original 'International Man of Mystery', who rightly boasted a worldwide reputation. He leaves an incredible legacy.

Others will, I am certain, write more about David's amazing life and career, but I have a few special memories of times spent in his company.

One that particularly stands out in my mind was in 2008, when I organised a Tribute Dinner for Siegfried & Roy at the Landmark Hotel in London, in the presence of H.M. Princess Michael of Kent.

I was the emcee, and I introduced Ali Bongo, who was then President of the Magic Circle, to present the David Devant Trophy to Siegfried & Roy. I also invited David Berglas to join Ali, and he received a tremendous ovation, which I know he appreciated.

Of course, David was himself a Past President of the Magic Circle. His contacts within Show Business and especially in the Grand Order of Water Rats, resulted in numerous entertainment Stars attending Magic Circle events and, in my opinion, he elevated the prestige of the Circle greatly.

It is rather fitting that Marvin Berglas is the recently elected President of the Magic Circle. I'm sure that he too, will do an excellent job.

Once again, I found myself at the Magic Castle earlier this week, where the headline act in the Palace of Mystery was Ed Alonzo.

Without doubt Ed is one of the most recognisable characters in magic. Both his look and his costume are very unique, and he is a true Variety Act, which I love.

A pro to his fingertips, Ed works really hard on stage, and wears down even the hardest audiences with his zany humour and outlandish props. He's also an excellent magician, and probably the smallest trick in his show, the linking jumbo cards, a la linking rings, is a real fooler.

And believe me, that's a tough act to perform three times a night, seven nights a week at the Magic Castle, and earlier that day also at the Magic Castle, Ed had been featured in a recording of the popular TV program 'MasterChef Junior' with Gordon Ramsey, so kudos to him!

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6. Magic Castle Performing Schedule - Nov/Dec
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Nov 13 - 19, 2023
Cocktail: John Slicer
Early: Andost
Late: Danny Ray

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Jon Allen
Late: Mark Kalin

Palace of Mystery
Mark Shortland
Dan Birch
Alexander Great

Saturday & Sunday
Palace Show
Mark Shortland
Alexander Great

Peller Theatre
The Cosmic Romantics

The Hat and Hare
Nick Dopuch
Mike Pisciotta
Bob Gebert

Library Bar
MadTad

Friday Lunch
Danny Ray

Saturday & Sunday
Parlour Kids Show
Joel Ward

Nov 21 - 26, 2023
Close-Up Gallery
Cocktail: David Regal
Early: John Guastaferro
Late: Larry Wilmore

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Liz Del Sol
Late: Allen Hudson

Palace of Mystery
Luis Manuel Salmeron
Miguel Angel Gea
Miguel Muñoz

Saturday & Sunday
Palace Show
Luis Manuel Salmeron
Miguel Angel Gea
Miguel Muñoz

Peller Theatre
Javi Benitez
Alfonso

The Hat and Hare
Nick Dopuch
Mike Pisciotta
Bob Gebert
Library Bar
Adam Wylie

Friday Lunch
No Friday Lunch

Saturday & Sunday
Parlour Kids Show
Zany Zoe Magic

Nov 27 - Dec 3, 2023
Close-Up Gallery
Cocktail: Howdy
Early: Kevin Kapinos
Late: Bebel

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Paul Gertner
Late: Gabriel Gascon

Palace of Mystery
Chris Blackmore
Dana Daniels
Christopher Hart

Saturday & Sunday
Palace Show
Chris Blackmore
Dana Daniels
Christopher Hart

Peller Theatre
Experi-Mental

The Hat and Hare
Nick Dopuch
Mike Pisciotta
Bob Gebert

Library Bar
Lauro Castillo

Friday Lunch
Bebel
Saturday & Sunday
Parlour Kids Show
The Arty Loon Show

Dec 4 - 10, 2023
Close-Up Gallery
Cocktail: Sirinda
Early: Jonathan Levit
Late: Adrian Vega

The Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Shoot Ogawa
Late: Cody Stone

Palace of Mystery
David Goldrake

Saturday & Sunday
Palace Show
David Goldrake

Peller Theatre
Franco Pascali
Derek McKee

The Hat and Hare
Nick Dopuch
Mike Pisciotta
Bob Gebert

Library Bar
Doc Eason

Friday Lunch
Doc Eason

Saturday & Sunday
Parlour Kids Show
Frank Thurston

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7. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 55
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Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)

Today I'm starting with something "private" and referring to the question from Paul Stone a fortnight ago, who wanted to know who reads his column. I didn't reply, but I read it too. I've known Paul since the 1970s, when he still had his magic business in London. He may not remember it, with so many visitors to the Ace Places. At least I've known Paul since then.

I have also known Donald Bevan, whom he quoted, for just as long. He was the editor of Abracadabra magazine for decades, alongside Goodliffe. I received a lovely email from Donald last week telling me that he always enjoys reading Paul Stone's and my column. Isn't that a nice "cycle"?

But now to this week. This week's focus is on a German magician who also enjoys an international reputation: Ludwig Hanemann, better known as "Punx". Punx was born in Great Britain but grew up in Germany. He was good friends with Tony Corinda, among others, who honoured him in detail in his book "13 Steps to Mentalism".

Punx (1907 - 1996) was an absolutely exceptional artist who did not fit into any "pigeonhole". He always went his own way and often created something special. He was certainly the first magician to design his evening programme like a play by dividing it into several different acts. Dramaturgically a great idea. Even though Punx performed in many theatres where magicians had never performed before, he was still unable to achieve the fame that an Alexander Adrion, for example, achieved in the public eye.

I visited Punx several times in his flat in Munich during his last years. Even after his death, I often visited his wife Dagmar. Unfortunately, it was also me who discovered his wife dead in his flat after she hadn't been in touch for several days. How sad.

I later discovered that Punx even had children from a previous relationship that the magic scene hadn't known about. I often corresponded with his daughter Almut and learnt many private things about Punx that nobody knew. I later published some of this in my magazine "Magische Welt".

Now, at the end of the year, the first detailed biography of Punx will be published, which the magician Perkeo (Reinhard Tröstler) has been preparing for several years. I'm looking forward to it.

You can find out a bit more about Punx in my YouTube video:

https://youtu.be/scVrTJZrkOs

and in the Magic-Pedia (German)

https://www.zauber-pedia.de/index.php?title=Punx

See you next week

Wittus Witt

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8. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #66
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Message by Kent Cummins, Director (US)

Magic Camp Curriculum

I have written about the beginnings of Fantastic Magic Camp, which during the past 31 years has helped thousands of children and the grown-ups who love them. I started the camp in 1993, the year I turned fifty, as a way to give back. I was stunned by how popular it became!

And I am proud that it became a model for inclusion, a program in which any child can flourish, regardless of labels or disabilities. I am also proud of our Youth Leader Training Academy, which trains campers to become counselors when they become teens. I had been making my living by using magic and juggling to do corporate training, so it was not difficult to create life skills training for these young people.

We taught goal setting, conflict resolution, time management, and various communication skills that gave these teens an edge over their peers and helped them on their individual roads to success. We taught them how to teach, and how to work with children that had diverse abilities.
When I started the camp, I decided to focus on magic, juggling, and puppets. Puppets had helped me when I was too shy to perform in front of an audience. Juggling had helped me feel more confident when I was not chosen in sports. And magic gave me the courage to actually stand up in front of a group of people.

I thought these subjects that had helped me would help new generations of children, and it worked…like magic! Learn more about the camp at www.MagicCamp.com.

In the next few weeks,, I will tell you more about our magic, juggling, and puppetry curriculum.
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. Update On The TAOM-SAM Combined Convention
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Message by Dal Sanders (US)

The TAOM-SAM Combined Convention is creating a lot of buzz in the magic community. Many of the most FAMOUS names in magic have reached out, asking how they can be a part of what we are doing and how they can help. During the conversations, some have referred to the TAOM SAM Combined Convention, hosting the FISM NACM and celebrating the DMC as "the Magic Thing in Texas". We realized that our convention was an alphabet soup of acronyms for all the organizations involved. We agreed that we didn't want to be known as "that magic thing in Texas". Our team started looking for a "nickname" for the event that would be easier to remember. Derrel Allen suggested Magic Texas. Not only that, but he already owned the www.MagicTexas.com URL. I asked various team members what they thought, and it was unanimous…we should call ourselves, MAGIC TEXAS.

Performers At MAGIC Texas

Our Talent producer is ready to let me announce some of the stars of Magic we have booked for MAGIC Texas. The talent we will be bringing in are the BEST of the BEST including past FISM winners. We are happy to announce that the 2023 FISM Grand Prix winner, Laurent Piron is booked. Piron and his unseen stage partner Hugo Van de Plas were amazing at the Quebec FISM and got a standing ovation at MAGIC Live!

We have also signed Eric Chien in 2024. Eric is one of the best (and some say the VERY best) close up magicians in the world today.

We will have more acts to announce soon...we are excited about the quality of the acts that are coming to our convention. Many of these magicians have had very limited exposure to American audiences.

We Have A Podcast!

Thanks to Scott Wells, we have launched a new podcast called 13 Minutes to Magic Texas. New episodes are released every other Friday at 9:00 a.m. The episodes are only 13 minutes long (to commemorate SAM Assembly 13, The Dallas Magic Club). You can find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to it on the convention website, www.MagicTexas.com. Each episode will give more information and facts you'll want to know leading to the 2024 Convention.

We are looking forward to welcoming all of you to that magic thing in Texas…I mean, Magic Texas.

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10. Estate Of Magic Sale
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Message by Steve Varro

Estates of Magic offers the lowest prices of the year for November only.

Just go to:
https://estatesofmagic.com/illusions/catalog-november-2023-magic-sale/
and enjoy the sale.

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11. Broken Wand - Leo Behnke
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Message by Gary L. Howard, Jr.

It is with great sadness that I must inform you all that our dear friend Leo Behnke has passed away last night around 9:30 pm (Pacific time zone).

Several months ago, Leo provided me with a list of emails of friends the want me to send a notice to once his "birth certificate expired" (he was always quick-witted).

Jamie and I are heartbroken however grateful for the time we had with him.

I already miss my friend, teacher, and mentor, and I will do all I can to honor his legacy.

All my best,

Gary L. Howard, Jr.

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12. That's Inflation! - John Carey #216
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

As much as I love card magic, I very rarely open a set with cards. I think something non card of a visual nature is a smart way to start. That's Inflation is a very visual piece of coin magic with a strong climax that fits the bill for me. You will require three half dollars, a jumbo half dollar and a lighter. Place the jumbo coin in your left side pocket and the three normal coins and the lighter in your right side pocket.

Bring out the three coins and the lighter and table the lighter. The coins are held near the tips of the fingers of the palm up right hand. Apparently toss all three coins into the left hand, actually holding one secretly back with the right thumb. This is the classic Al Baker steal. As a continuation or an in transit action, the right hand picks up the lighter and displays it at the
fingertips, the coin being concealed in finger palm and Ramsay subtlety. Wave the lighter gently over the left hand and then open that hand to reveal one of the coins has vanished. Table the lighter a moment.

Allow the two left hand coins to tumble to the fingertips and then take one coin in each hand, again at the fingertips. Let the left hand coin openly drop into the palm up left hand. Then bring the right hand over the left hand and execute a clink pass, letting the coin at the right hand fingertips drop on top of the coin in finger palm as the left hand closes into a fist. Pick up the lighter at the right fingertips and wave it slowly over the left fist. A moment later reveal a second coin has faded away.

"Two down and one to go! All I have to do is wave the magic lighter over the last coin and it too will vanish." Suiting actions to words, wave the lighter over the left hand coin. Nothing happens. Repeat that action and again no joy... "So much for magic lighters!" Discard the lighter in your
right side pocket, at the same time quietly ditching the two finger palmed coins. I find pressing the lighter against the two coins slightly helps this action.

We will now vanish the last coin with a classic fake take of Slydini's. Bring the palm down right hand over the left hand coin and cover it. Apparently take it at the right fingertips, but actually leave it finger palmed in the left hand which turns inwards slightly. Bring the right hand upwards and blow on it. Then rub the thumb and fingers together and reveal the vanish. "If we can make them vanish we should be able to make them come back!" Reproduce a coin from the right elbow and allow it to drop into open left hand finger palm position. "That's one." Execute a fake take just like earlier as you apparently put the coin away in your right pocket. I then reproduce the coin from behind my neck with the left hand. "There's two!" Drop the coin into the palm up right hand.

Execute a fake transfer into the left hand as your supposedly put this coin away in your left pocket. Secretly grasp the jumbo half dollar inside. The right hand reaches out into the air and produces a 'third' coin towards your left as the left hand quietly comes out of the pocket with the jumbo coin held by the curled fingers and drops down by your side. "And that's INFLATION!" To finish the routine the right hand coin is positioned in open classic palm position. Bring both hands together, the right hand turning palm down and classic palming its coin as the left hand turns palm up underneath it. Bring the right hand away to reveal the change into a jumbo coin. Kudos to David Roth for this finale.

Notes:

To get the most out of this routine, don't rush the phases. Put little beats and pauses into it and it's extremely effective. It also allows the magic to breathe. Most of all though, have fun!

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13. Excelsior - Anatomy Of A Lecture
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Message by Jay Scott Berry (Australia)

The best thing I ever learned is to never stop learning. Luckily, the Art of Magic offers a bottomless well of knowledge to draw from, and endless plateaus to reach for. As a performer, I'm always upping my game, in skill and presentation. The same commitment to excellence goes for lecturing and teaching. This is how our Ancient Art has ever been taught, and passed down.

Forty years ago, I gave my first lecture at The Magic Castle. Two years later, I lectured at the FISM in Madrid. Since then, I've presented over 1000 lectures in 40 countries, for small clubs and large conventions. I've received standing ovations from The Magic Castle to The Magic Circle, from 4F to FISM. To top it off, my Penguin Live Lecture is one of their highest rated, with 96% 5 Star Reviews.

The point, however, is not to sing my own praises. It's to emphasize that none of this was accidental. It took many years of hard work, trial and error, perpetual fine-tuning, always learning, always growing. Excellence, as Aristotle observed, is never an accident.

First and foremost, a lecture is a show. As such, it should entertain and teach. Therefore, a great lecture takes as much attention to detail as a great show. You must be both showman and professor.

Second, it takes a special kind of chutzpah to perform for magicians, and nerves of steel to confidently present a two hour lecture! Your audience generally includes beginners and enthusiasts, amateurs and professionals. It's a challenge in itself to appeal to all of them. Add to this the fact that magicians are notoriously a difficult crowd, sometimes downright brutal. Daryl, Ammar and I earned the moniker of "Magician's Magician" for our ability to hold court in these proverbial lion's dens.

Third, the repertoire should be polished and well presented, tried and tested, under real world conditions. My criteria is that I don't teach any routine that hasn't been performed at least a few hundred times. The material should be powerful, visual and practical for Close-up to Stage, Kids to Corporate.

Fourth, it should contain at least one "Worth the price of the Lecture'' moment. Right? This might be an effect, a move, a concept or idea. It's the priceless epiphany that we take away, and then apply as a creative catalyst to our own presentations.

Finally, as with all great shows, a great lecture should be a journey of discovery. Whether live or virtual, it should entertain, surprise, amaze, amuse and inspire. There should be something for everyone, regardless of their ability and interest. Ultimately, whether it's for 6 magicians in Saskatchewan or 1200 in Blackpool, the lasting impression must be personal and indelible.

With all that in mind, I'm busy preparing my new Lecture: "Excelsior" - From the Latin word, meaning reaching higher, elevated, rising and surpassing. To me, it's a state-of-mind that acknowledges the shoulders of giants upon which we stand, and our responsibility to see ever farther.

Excelsior premieres on November 14th, via Zoom, to launch "The Art and Science of Wonder" Lecture Series. As with all my Virtual Presentations, it's a Multicam, State- of-the-Art production. More Info Here: https://www.johnkippen.com/lecture

The curriculum is carefully chosen from my latest creations and discoveries. As always, I draw upon classic methods and fuse them with original ideas to achieve synergy. Most of the repertoire has only been taught to my private students and on recent Downloads.

In the first half, I'll perform and teach three routines: Coincidence, Framed and Spellbinder. Each stands on its own as a Signature Effect, yet is part of the larger Puzzle of Prestidigitation. In this case, an intensive Sleight-of-Hand Masterclass with Ungimmicked Coins, Magic Wand and Purse Frame. As a capper, I'll add in a few of my favorite Business Card Productions. (Worth the Price of the Lecture!)

The second half opens with Ovatio and Multiplicity. These are original Spongeball routines which offer a treasure trove of practical sleights and devious methods. As a 7th inning stretch, I'll then teach my brand new Knot and Cane production. (Worth the Price of the Lecture!)

Our virtual banquet of creative conjuring closes with a Masterclass on Silk & Reel Magic. This includes mind blowing, visual penetrations through Mic Stand, Wand, Ring, Cane, Rope and more.

Excelsior goes Live on Tuesday, Nov 14th at 6pm Los Angeles time & 9pm New York, Wednesday, Nov 15th at 2am UK, 10am Singapore, 1pm Sydney and 3pm New Zealand time. If you can't make the live performance, no worries, as the Recording is included in the $20 (USD) Admission.

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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.

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

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