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* Magic New Zealand®
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Issue Number: #1747
Date: Sunday 14th January 2024
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: Editor@magicnewzealand.com
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Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editor's Message
2. Vanish Magic Magazine 2024
3. Kerry Pollock On The Magic Word Podcast
4. Daniel Garcia On The Magic Word Podcast
5. Charles Bach On The Magic Word Podcast
6. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #139
7. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #140
8. January 2024 Issue Of Genii Magazine
9. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 60
10. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #72
11. Slow Motion Copper Silver - John Carey #221
12. Blackpool Magic Convention
13. E-zine Archives
14. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice
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1. Editor's Message
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Happy
New Year to you all from Michele and I.
At
the end of this year we will achieve a major milestone for
Magic New Zealand E-zine of 25 years of publication.
If
you would like to read the Magic New Zealand E-zine in HTML
format go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2024-Jan-to-Dec-2024/1747-Jan14-2024.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. Vanish Magic Magazine 2024
-------------------------------------
Message by Paul Romhany - Editor Vanish Magazine
We
start off 2024 with another double feature story. The Conjurors
are about to launch their new show in Las Vegas and we get
the exclusive interview. We also get an exclusive interview
with Carisa Hendrix on her performances in Chicago with
Teatro Zinzanny.
Penn
& Teller six time Fooler Helen Coghlan chats to Vanish
about her time on being the record holder of Fooling Penn
& Teller on their TV show. We pay tribute to Paul Gross
who recently passed away. A big loss to the magic community
and Paul was a big supporter of Vanish from day one. Nigel
Harrison has full illusion plans that you can build plus
other great magic routines. Lots more essays, tricks and
reviews.
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3. Kerry Pollock On The Magic Word Podcast
-------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells MIMC
It's
a wrap. 2023 has been quite a year for the Magic Word Podcast
with 76 new podcasts with even more assorted guests who
chatted with us at 13 different magic conventions across
the country. We conclude this year's archive of podcasts
with a chat with our friend, Kerry Pollock.
Kerry
has created some of the most amazing electronic products
over the years and preceded all of those who currently sell
Bluetooth tricks. Kerry is also the creator of the classic,
"Kate & Edith" card trick. He developed Show
Tech as one of the first leading edge sound devices created
exclusively for magicians. He has starred in comedy clubs
across the country as well as creating and installing magic
in places such as "Warren & Annabelles" in
Lahaina, Hawaii, among so many others, both in the public
and private sector. He currently owns, operates and performs
at Hilton Head Comedy Magic Cabaret in Hilton Head Island,
South Carolina.
You
can hear this week's episode wherever you get your podcasts.
But to watch videos, see some photos, read the blog, get
some links, listen online, enter the contest, and more,
then please visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/807-kerry-pollock
This
will also begin the second and final week of our contest
for you to have a chance to win a copy of "The Watch
Steal Video DVD by Chappy Brazil with Charles Bach".
All the details are on the website, but you must enter if
you want a chance to win. Last call! And, Happy New Year!
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4. Daniel Garcia On The Magic Word Podcast
-------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells MIMC
We
start 2024 on a high note featuring the incredibly creative
and funny magician, Kerry Pollock. So, it is only natural
that we kick off 2024 on a similar high note by featuring
another creative gentleman, Daniel Garcia. Many of those
around the world know him as a consultant for magic stars
like David Blaine, Dynamo, Cyril Takayami, David Copperfield,
among others. But he also creates his own line of magic
products and is performing force to reckon with, should
you ever be lucky enough to see him perform. In this week's
episode of The Magic Word Podcast, Daniel Garcia shares
stories with how he met some of those with whom now calls
friends, plus his secrets to success and creativity.
You
can listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts.
But for more details and to get some links to the book(s)
he suggests in this episode, then please visit https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/808-daniel-garcia
Congratulations
goes out this week to Kent Dickason who won the Watch Steal
Video DVD. Thank you everyone for entering the contest,
but unfortunately, there could only be one winner. Please
watch the podletter for upcoming contests through this coming
year.
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5. Charles Bach On The Magic Word Podcast
-------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells MIMC
Merry
Christmas and Happy Winter Solstice. This week's episode
recognizes the first day of the winter solstice (December
21) in the northern hemisphere. For those of you who reside
in Australia, New Zealand and South America, enjoy the summer
sun as we, up north, stay warm by the fire with some spiked
eggnog. This will also be the last episode before Santa
comes to visit on Christmas eve. I hope you have all been
nice little boys and girls!
This
week's guest is Charles Bach who is an illusionist with
his own theater in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He journey
from A to Z is an interesting one as he started as a dancer
in New York City until he had a health incident that cut
short his dancing career. But he quickly found an opportunity
to perform magic in Las Vegas at the (then) new "Caeser's
Magic Empire." From there it was to cruise ships then
to opening his own theater, with some other stops along
the way.
You
can listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts.
But to watch the videos, read the blog, see some photos,
enter the contest, listen online and more, please visit:
https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/806-charles-bach
And
as we reach the end of another year and complete over 800
episodes of The Magic Word Podcast, please think about helping
us financially with you donations or pledges. You can help
us continue providing excellent content well into the future.
This week we welcome Domas Paipulas as the newest Friend
of the Magic Word. Thank you, Domas, for pledging your monthly
support to the podcast.
-------------------------------------
6. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #139
-------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone (US)
It
is always great to meet up with old friends, and especially
so when it is with someone you haven't seen for at least
35 years!
A couple of weeks ago, I attended a British business 'mixer'
event in Santa Monica, California, and met up with another
northerner, Glenn Kinsey.
Glenn
is originally from Blackpool, the home of the world's largest
magic convention, but has made his home in Los Angeles for
the last several years.
Glenn
is now a very successful entrepreneur, with a number of
business ventures to his name on both sides of the Atlantic.
When
I had last seen him, he was a young fresh faced magician
appearing in a BBC TV Magic Series called Tricky Business,
and had his own magic book of the same name released by
the BBC.
Needless
to say, we talked for hours and swopped stories about the
old days, and the various magical personalities of the time.
The real mystery is how the years have flown by! It was
really good to see Glenn again, and how his career has blossomed.
This
is the time of year when we all make New Year Resolutions,
and apart from concentrating on writing my book, my main
one is to sort out the several boxes of magic 'stuff' that
I've accumulated over the years. I'm sure many of you will
relate to that!
I
came across a Newsletter from my Ace Place Magic business
that I wrote in September 1983. My opening comment was "I
really do not know where the time has gone", and now
40 years later, the same sentiments apply!
At
that time Ace Place Magic was mostly a mail order business,
and I went on to say "running a mail order business
is very different from a retail shop, and although it does
enable us to concentrate on providing a first class and
efficient service through the mail, one does lose out on
the personal touch, which is a shame. There is no substitute
for actually seeing and handling the tricks for yourself".
Obviously,
the world, including the world of magic, has changed completely
in the last 40 years, but in my opinion, nothing can ever
replace that magical moment of walking into a genuine bricks
& mortar magic store with its own special feeling of
wonderment.
I
was lucky enough to experience that in my home city of Liverpool,
the first time I entered the 'Wizard's Den', and it was
the same when I visited Davenports Magic Shop, opposite
the British Museum in London.
Unfortunately,
for a number of reasons, there are fewer and fewer magic
shops left around the world but, if you are fortunate enough
to have one where you live, try to support it, and by doing
so, preserve that special magical feeling for future generations.
Let
me end by thanking you for taking the time to read my weekly
articles, and by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas
and a Happy & Healthy New Year!
-------------------------------------
7. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #140
-------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone (US)
Around
the Christmas period I, like many others I suspect, spend
more time than usual watching TV. One of my favourite programs
is Antiques Roadshow - not many people know that I used
to be in the antiques business back in the 1980's, and I
even had my own antiques shop in Liverpool called 'Stepping
Stones Antiques'.
I
watched an old Antiques Roadshow filmed in England, and
it featured John Styles and his extensive Punch & Judy
collection. John was interviewed by the host of the show,
Michael Aspel, a very familiar and popular figure on British
TV. John spoke really well and it was an excellent piece.
Also
on the same show was another collector who had on display
a colourful letterhead from Chinese magician Chung Ling
Soo. In fact of course, Chung Ling Soo was only the stage
name of American magician William Ellsworth Robinson, primarily
known for his demise due to an accidental shooting while
performing the bullet catch at the Wood Green Empire Theatre
in London.
The
pantomime or 'Panto' season is now in full swing across
the UK, and for any readers not familiar with this very
British tradition, it is amusingly described as 'traditionally
performed at Christmas, with family audiences, and is a
popular form of theatre, incorporating song, dance, buffoonery,
slapstick, in-jokes, audience participation and mild innuendo'!
This
year there are a number of magicians occupying prominent
roles including my longtime friend Paul Zenon, who is at
the Theatre Royal in Windsor playing Abanazaar. Another
good friend and outstanding magician Philip Hitchcock is
appearing at the Bradford Alhambra in Cinderella.
Probably
the most successful of all is ventriloquist Paul Zerdin.
He is one of the stars in the incredibly lavish production
of Peter Pan at the London Palladium Theatre - my favourite
Variety theatre in the world, where I've been fortunate
to produce several shows.
Paul
is one of the most experienced Panto performers in the country
and this is his seventh consecutive Panto appearance at
this iconic venue, which is an amazing achievement.
Paul
is a veteran of four Royal Variety and Command performances,
and also winner of America's Got Talent, and has also just
completed another successful tour with his one man show.
I
first booked Paul 25 years ago, and over the years he has
appeared in numerous shows for me and has always done brilliantly.
He is a terrific performer.
I
personally only ever appeared in one pantomime. It was in
'Robinson Crusoe' at the Floral Pavillion Theatre in New
Brighton. I'm not telling you the date, let's just say it
was before Noah built his ark! I was 19 years old. I performed
a couple of magic spots and even sang too! Definitely not
memorable, and thankfully I don't think it was ever filmed!
The
Panto featured another, much more talented magician by the
name of 'Shek Ben Ali'. Resplendent in his authentic Indian
costume, his signature effect was the Miser's Dream. As
he produced coins out of the empty ice bucket he would say
'Nothing on the inside, nothing on the outside, here comes
Charlie'!
Shek
Ben Ali must have been in his 60's at the time, but had
a 17 year old wife! Although that wasn't what killed him!
He
died a tragic and unlikely death when, sitting at home watching
TV, a car ran off the road at high speed, drove through
his living room window, and he suffered a massive heart
attack!
I
wish you all a very Happy & Healthy New Year.
-------------------------------------
8. January 2024 Issue Of Genii Magazine
-------------------------------------
Message by Richard Kaufman - Editor Genii Magazine
There's
no better way to celebrate the holidays and new year than
with the gift of Genii, The Conjurors' Magazine. For a mere
$35 you get a monthly digital magazine and access to every
issue of Genii and MAGIC magazine ever published (or $58
for paper and digital). Join us today at www.geniimagazine.com
Armando
Lucero's intense approach to the study of conjuring is admirable.
His manner of moving his hands is studied and masculine.
There is almost always much more going on than you can see,
but you don't feel that anything is happening, and there
are no tells in his work when the coins or cards are vanishing,
reappearing, or traveling. He values his magic deeply. Our
cover story this month is brought to you by Krystyn Lambert.
We
look back at the inaugural Magic Castle Conjurer's Cruise
which took place this past October, with John Lovick.
This
month we carry obituaries for David Berglas and Leo Behnke.
This
month we welcome the return of Jamy Ian Swiss to these pages.
Having taken over as editor of "Magicana" we can
expect a year's worth of great tricks and thoughtful writing.
He debuts the column with a handling of "Dunbury Delusion"
by Mark Calebrese.
Jonathan
Pendragon returns with another run of his column "Panmagium."
This month he explains his famous routine with a Card Sword,
"Cyrano".
David
Kaye makes a startling New Year's admission: "The Dumbest
Show I Ever Did" in his column "The Expert at
the Kids' Table".
Yet
again taking the easy way out (i.e., a card routine with
no sleights), Jon Racherbaumer twists "Miraskill"
by the pony tail in "Exhumations".
Do
the spirits come back? Do they ring a bell when they do?
You need a Spirit Bell to find out, and if you don't know
what that is then I suggest you read John Gaughan's "Chamber
of Secrets".
Roberto
Mansilla ponders haiku in "Artifices".
In
"The Eye," Vanessa Armstrong investigates the
moon, Kuda Bux, Josh Jay, and an underwater magician, among
other tidbits.
Rafael Benatar continues his "Thoughts" on the
Overhand Shuffle, sharing some technical details and subtleties
even the experts might not know.
Do
you like the "21-Card Trick"? Of course not. But
you may like what David Britland uncovers this month in
"Cardopoli" .
We
conclude our first issue of the new year with reviews of
videos, books, and tricks by Jonathan Levit, Francis Menotti,
and Tom Dobrowolksi.
--------------------------------------------
9. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 60
---------------------------------------------
Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)
First
of all, a "Happy New Year" to everyone with all
the good wishes we can imagine and, above all, need.
A
lot of magicians left us last year. I remember these great
colleagues once again on my YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/-rpFeDqwahg
Unfortunately,
I missed the last edition last year. I had written the episode
and sent it off - but - to myself ... how stupid can you
be.
No
wonder there was no communication from me at the end of
December 23.
So
I'll make up for it in the new year.
How
small is the world?
A
few days ago, a wonderful, slightly older lady came into
my museum and looked at all the exhibits with great interest.
When I wanted to explain a particular piece to her in more
detail, she nodded in agreement and said: "Yes, I know
that, I did magic too." What a surprise and I naturally
asked more questions. The lady explained that she used to
perform with her husband under the name Even Alan.
They
also performed at the Hansa-Theater variety theater in Hamburg.
The Hansa-Theater is only a few hundred meters away from
my museum. Finally, of course, I asked how she found the
museum. I was very surprised by her answer: she reads this
newsletter, the Magic New Zealand E-zine. Once again I realized
what a wonderful (magical) world we live in: a guest at
the Bellachini from the other side of my world.
The
Bellachini will now be 1 year old in a few days (December
18 to be precise). On December 17, I am inviting everyone
to visit the museum free of charge. I'm very excited to
see how many guests will come and whether I can break the
2,000 mark. At the moment there are around 1,800 visitors.
There's
a movie by Eve'n Alan on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jC16WGjQ1gE
In
the Magic-Pedia you can find more information about the
two artists and a current photo of Eve and me:
https://www.zauber-pedia.de/index.php?title=Even_Alan
see
you soon (hopefully ;-) )
Wittus
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com
--------------------------------------------
10. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #72
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kent Cummins, Director (US)
The
Magic of Christmas
It
was Christmas Day in 1949 when I first proclaimed, "I'm
going to be a magician!" (of course, I called myself,
"Mysto.") There is definitely a bit of magic in
the whole idea of Christmas.
Frosty the Snowman comes to life because, "There must
have been some magic in that old silk hat they found."
And
it had to be magic for Santa Claus and his reindeer to be
able to accomplish the incredible things he did on Christmas
Eve! (I did get to play Santa Claus one year, with a t-shirt
that had a large pillow sewn in, but most of my career I
have been the magician, not Santa.)
I
did invent a Santa Claus Illusion, which was a fireplace
that I could show empty and then produce Santa in a flash
of fire and a puff of smoke. I talk more about it in my
Episode #24. In January of this year. I also have an entire
podcast episode devoted to this illusion. There have been
lots of published methods for magically producing Santa,
but mine was unique.
There have also been lots of Christmas-themed tricks available
on the market. I once had a Christmas Stocking Egg Bag,
which used a round Christmas Tree ball instead of an egg.
And if a red sponge ball isn't the magical nose of Rudolph,
a truly magical reindeer, then what are sponge balls good
for?
They
say that Santa is making a list and checking it twice, but
I think he might actually be performing "Clippo."
There
are several wonderful "Magic of Christmas" Westgate
Wizardry posters on display at my Fantastic Magic Center.
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
-------------------------------------------
11. Slow Motion Copper Silver - John Carey #221
-------------------------------------------
Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/
Here's
my entry to the myriad methods for the classic copper silver
transposition. What's particularly interesting is that this
effect is implied all the way by using the properties of
another effect, Spellbound. The illusion created is that
the two coins transpose in slow motion four
times.
You
require a purse, two half dollars and a copper old English
Penny. Drop the penny and one of the silver coins inside
the purse and close it. When you wish to perform the effect
bring out the purse and have the other silver coin secretly
concealed in right hand finger palm. Open the purse and
tip out the contents onto the table, showing a copper and
silver coin. Ask a spectator to call out either copper or
silver? If they say copper you pick up the silver coin and
drop it inside the purse, saying you will keep the copper
coin in full view. However, if they say silver, you state
you will drop that coin inside the purse to isolate it.
Snap the purse shut. A simple magician's choice.
Hold
the purse at the fingertips of the palm down right hand.
The Ramsay subtlety nicely hides the silver coin. Pick up
the copper coin with the left hand and hold it at the edges
in French drop or Spellbound position. "Would you like
me to make the coins fly through time and space and
transpose?" After they respond you swap over hands
by crossing them at the wrists! A silly gag but fun nonetheless.
Uncross the hands and table the purse.
To
effect the implied transpositions, we will use a series
of different Spellbound techniques. I will break these down
into four steps:
1.
Bring the palm down right hand over the copper coin in the
left hand. Thumb palm the copper coin as you make a brushing
action over this coin. Move the right hand away to reveal
the change to silver.
2.
A few moments later bring the right hand back over the left
hand, this time to cover the silver coin. As soon as it's
covered allow that coin to drop into left hand finger palm
and load the copper coin into its place and then slowly
withdraw the right hand to reveal a copper
coin. "That's twice!"
3.
For the third change, bring your right hand once more over
the left hand. This time thumb palm the copper coin and
immediately close the left hand into a fist. Make a waving
action over the left fist and then touch the purse with
your right fingers. A beat later open the left hand to reveal
a transformation back to silver.
4.
For the final change toss the silver coin into the right
hand, letting it land at the base of the right third and
little fingers. Finger palm it as you toss the copper coin
secretly across from thumb palm into the left hand which
closes into a fist. Pick up the purse with your right hand
and wave it over your left fist. Then slowly open that hand
to reveal a copper coin. To conclude the mystery open the
purse and allow the silver coin to drop out onto the table.
Notes:
As
stated up front, this is a series of implied transpositions.
Work at a smooth, relaxed and unhurried pace as you point
the effect of transposition. Give this the practice it deserves
and it will serve you well.
---------------------------------------------
12. Blackpool Magic Convention
---------------------------------------------
Message by Peter Phillips (UK)
The
convention app went live yesterday and thanks to everyone
who has already downloaded it.
We know it will make your convention experience more fun
now that you can plan things way ahead of time!
We
can't wait for you to see what we've got planned.
37
days and counting…
Book
Now:
www.blackpoolmagicconvention.com
Download the app here:
Apple
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bmc-2024/id1596584561
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.joshuariley
magic.bmcapp&fbclid=IwAR1sbLyWGKkJiTHQ8dABSWa
YaWyJY1AbAIpAV-Xi7qw3k4pWy_BAMEtlvWM&pli=1
---------------------------------------------
13. 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)
--------------------------------------------
14. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
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Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely
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© Copyright 2023 Alan Watson QSM
www.magicnewzealand.com
http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand
www.watson.co.nz
www.balloon-twister.co.nz
