Magic New Zealand E-zine Issue Number: #1710

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* Magic New Zealand®
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Issue Number: #1758
Date: Sunday 21st April 2024
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 Has Sold Out The Last Eight Times
3. Join The Magic Circle In The England
4. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #152
5. Lost In The Shuffle
6. 2025 FISM - Italy
7. I.B.M. Annual Convention - Tacoma
8. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 71
9. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #83
10. Just One Thought - John Carey #229
11. E-zine Archives
12. 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: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2024-Jan-to-Dec-2024/1758-Apr21-2024.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. MAGIC Live Has Sold Out The Last Eight Times
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Message by Stan Allen (US)

When we get down to the last 100 or so tickets, we start counting them down on our website. Last year, we hit the 100 mark on June 6th. We're running almost two months ahead this year.
So as of a few hours ago, we launched a countdown with 97 registrations left to MAGIC Live! That number is probably outdated already.

While 97 might sound like a lot, we started a few months ago with 1,600 spots. And now, almost 95% of them are gone.

If you're thinking about joining us - or have already decided to, but just haven't done it yet - please don't delay. And should your plans change, your registration is 90% refundable through June 3rd.

So, sign up today, and see your friends at The Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas.

Surprises await!

Stan

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3. Join The Magic Circle In The England
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Are You Ready To Join The Magic Circle in the England?

Just being able to call yourself a member of The Magic Circle, the world's premier magic society, is enough for many but there are lots of tangible benefits - our exclusive lectures, our magazine, our online events and more.

For more information go to: https://themagiccircle.co.uk/join/

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4. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #152
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

Over this past weekend I was honoured to present a talk / lecture at the renowned Magic Castle in Hollywood, about Ken Brooke, who was without doubt one of the most influential characters, not only in British magic but also around the world.

Ken was not only a wonderful performer, but also of course a well-respected and innovative magic dealer.

Ken touched the lives of many people in magic, and it was only when I started telling stories about them that I realised just how many I'd first met as a result of knowing Ken.

The ones I mentioned and recounted stories about included Ken Brooke, Roy Johnson, Jim Hooper, Paul Daniels, Wayne Dobson, Tommy Cooper, Ricky Jay, Fred Kaps, Richiardi Jnr, John Fisher, Charlie Reynolds, Gaetan Bloom, Silvan, John Calvert, Siegfried & Roy, Finn Jon, Hans & Helga Moretti, Johnny & Pam Thompson, Penn & Teller, Charlie Miller, Johnny Paul, Slydini, Bill & Irene Larsen, Dai Vernon, and Albert Goshman. Quite a list!

Mention of Albert Goshman brings to mind a performance by a young British magician at a small music club, yes, music club, in Sheffield, England a few weeks ago when I was back in UK attending the Blackpool Convention.

I say he was young, he was in fact probably in his late twenties or early thirties … to me, that's young! He had a nice manner, a likeable personality, and he interacted well with his audience. The show was in an intimate room, somewhere between parlour and cabaret conditions.

His magic was excellent, and he had some clever twists on well-known effects. It was when he performed the sponge balls that he started to let himself down. He resorted to using very, how shall I say it, basic and tacky patter. And he wasn't done there, far from it!

He finished the routine with a female spectator opening her hand to reveal a giant sponge appendage. Cue embarrassed laughter all round.

After his show had ended, I was chatting to him and, after I'd complimented him on his performance, I suggested that part of his sponge ball routine was, in my opinion, inappropriate and unnecessary, and that he should change his patter and definitely lose that ending.

I also told him that I thought with his talent he could work at much more lucrative gigs than performing exclusively walk-around in restaurants and at weddings as he was currently doing, but obviously he couldn't use that material.

He told me that I didn't get it, that he never did a show without it, and always used the sponge appendage at all his gigs, including weddings, and he had no intention of stopping doing so!

I don't think we'll see him performing in the corporate world any time soon!

And here I was, thinking that we'd moved on from the days of the 'Bra' trick and risqué sponge ball routines, but apparently not.

Maybe I am out of touch, and I don't get it, but if it's like that, you can keep it … I don't want it!

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5. Lost In The Shuffle
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Message by Dal Sanders MIMC*
Magic Texas Co-Producer
www.MagicTexas.com

Lost In The Shuffle with world champion magician Shawn Farquhar to be
screened at TAOM-SAM Combined Convention

You already know that the best magicians in the world are coming to
Magic Texas August 29-September 2nd in Dallas, Texas. Now we are
thrilled to announce the addition of a special event to this lineup:
Lost in the Shuffle Documentary Screening featuring world champion
magician Shawn Farquhar. Shawn will be joined by the documentary's
producer, Jon Ornoy. This unique event promises mystery, intrigue, and
unparalleled entertainment as audiences delve into the world of magic,
illusion and magic's most popular prop, a deck of cards.

Lost in the Shuffle delves into a medieval murder cold case amidst the
realm of playing cards, where Jacks, Queens, and Kings take on a life of
their own. Renowned magician Shawn Farquhar, a two-time world champion
and esteemed illusionist, guides viewers through a captivating
exploration of the art of sleight-of-hand, drawing inspiration from the
world's best magicians.

From its origins as a pastime in 9th century China to its enduring
presence in modern magic, playing cards have captivated hearts and minds
for centuries. Lost in the Shuffle offers a loving tribute to the
mystique of playing cards and the secrets hidden within their intricate
designs.

Central to the film is Shawn Farquhar's deep dive into the story of King
Charles VIII, whose tragic fate is believed by some to be hidden within
the symbolism of playing cards. Shawn's meticulous research unveils a
tale of political intrigue, betrayal, and coded messages that have
endured through the ages.

Throughout the movie, audiences will witness Shawn Farquhar's creative
process as he develops a groundbreaking new routine inspired by King
Charles VIII's narrative. Collaborating with top magicians Juan Tamariz,
Michael Vincent, Richard Turner, and Alexandra Duvivier, Shawn unveils
the secrets behind the magician's craft, showcasing the ingenuity,
psychological tricks, and sheer artistry that make magic an
unforgettable experience.

Join us at Magic Texas for this unforgettable evening of magic and
discovery at Lost in the Shuffle Movie Night with Shawn Farquhar and Jon
Ornoy. Prepare to be amazed, delighted, and transported into a world
where the impossible becomes possible. For more information, or to
register for this once in a lifetime magic convention, please go to
www.MagicTexas.com.

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6. 2025 FISM - Italy
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The most important magic competition in the world

* 150 competitors.
* More than 3000 magicians present from more than 50 countries.
* 100 handpicked merchants
* 6 days of unforgettable magic
* 1 banquet
* Exchanges between magicians (jam sessions)
* And more

https://fism.org/

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7. I.B.M. Annual Convention - Tacoma
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We look forward to seeing you in Tacoma July 10-13, 2024

Click here to register:

https://www.magician.org/convention/online-registration - 2024

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8. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 71
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Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)

Only about two weeks to go until the new exhibition on "Magic in women's hands" opens at the Bellachini Museum on May 5. I'm really looking forward to it. To kick things off on May 1, there will be a special magic show with Alana, Michelle Spillner and Belinda Sinclair, who I have specially invited from the USA. You can find announcements on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/wittus.witt/

The exhibition will also be accompanied by a large volume, a book with 248 pages and a total of 30 detailed reports on magical women, from the 19th century to the present day.

As a special bonus, I have designed a sort of scrapbook in which 60 more women are shown with their pictures and biographies. You can get the scrapbooks for free if you buy something from my publishing house or in the museum. I believe it is the first scrapbook to be published exclusively on the subject of magic.

Collectible pictures - better known as "trade cards" - as such are well known. The idea of using pictures to promote goods in Germany goes back to Franz Stollwerck (1815-1876), who produced "Bilder-Chocolade" or "Photographie-Chocolade" from as early as 1840.

In 2001, Burton S. Sperber (USA, 1929-2011) presented the oldest magic trade cards from 1887 in his periodical "A Real Miracle".

Christopher Pratt (UK, 1947-2008) published a large overview of trade cards under the title "Cartophily and Magic" in 1997.

A first impression of the special scrapbook "Zauberkunst in Frauenhänden" can be seen here:
https://youtu.be/NX4ZtxyxLAY

However, if anyone knows of an album that shows only magic motifs, I would be delighted to hear from you.

All for now.

Wittus
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com

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9. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #83
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Message by Kent Cummins (US)

The Magic of Austin - Part 1

Last week I claimed that Austin, Texas was one of the most important magic cities in the world. As important as London, Las Vegas, or Los Angeles?

Yes!

It is the home, for half a century, of the "World-Famous Austin Magic Auction," the largest annual magic auction anywhere. (www.AustinMagicAuction.com)

It is the birthplace of the Fantastic Magic Camp, which for more than thirty years has taught thousands of children and the adults who love them an appreciation of the art of magic, juggling and puppets. (www.MagicCamp.com)

It is the home of JD Stewart's New magic Academy, which provides weekly magic lectures to magicians around the world, plus a digital magazine and special products and activities. (www.NewMagicAcademy.com)

It is the home of Scott Wells and his Magic Word podcast, the most important magic podcast in the world. (www.MagicWordPodcast.com)

It is the home of John Magic's Theater and Museum, with weekly magic shows and museum tours (www.MagicsTheater.com)

It is the home of Esther's Follies, featuring Ray Anderson, recognized as one of the top magicians in the world. (www.Esthersfollies.com)

It is the home of the Fantastic Magic Center, now working towards a Texas Magic Center. (www.FantasticMagicCenter.com)

Magicians who have studied at the University of Texas in Austin include Harry Blackstone, Bev Bergeron, Walter "Zaney" Blaney, Gene Anderson, Ray Anderson…and Kent Cummins, among many others.

Austin is where Harry Anderson, of Night Court fame, learned his magic on the streets with Turk Pipkin. (I met Harry at Kwik Kopy.)

Houdini performed at the Majestic/Paramount Theatre in Austin; he and Bess stayed at the Driscoll Hotel, which is famously haunted.

More Magic of Austin next week!

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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10. Just One Thought - John Carey #229
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Message by John Carey (UK)

Let's face it, finding a selected card taken from a deck is strong. But locating a card that is merely thought of by a participant really does up the ante. There's simply nowhere for them to go, and presented and acted out correctly can come very close to real mind reading. Using a couple of classical gambits and a beautiful concept of my insanely talented friend, Michael Murray, I am very proud of the following.

Whenever you wish to segue into this piece simply manage any ten spot to the bottom of the deck. "Let's try something now with a piece of your mind. I will have you think of a card under test conditions. First off, think of a number between one and ten. Next think of a card suit. Now combine those two thoughts to form a playing card that merely resides in your mind. So if you thought of two and Spades your card would be the Two of Spades, right?"

So this opening interaction gets them to think of a card in a very fair and interesting fashion. You genuinely don't know what they are thinking of, which is what makes this super strong. We will now indulge in two classical ambiguous Mentalism strategies to unlock the door to their thought. "Be honest, you're not thinking of a red card, are you?" If they say yes you respond "I thought so." However, if they say they are not, your response is "I didn't think so." Let's say for teaching purposes that they are indeed thinking of a red card.

We will now utilize what's become known as the repeater ploy, a brilliant idea of Jerry Sadowitz, popularized by the great Derren Brown. "Focus on the suit of your card for me and look at me and say it over and over in your mind, like Diamonds, Diamonds, Diamonds yes?" If you get a smile or positive visual or audible response then you know they are thinking of a Diamond. If however you get no response at all their card must be a Heart, in our teaching example. Be very casual and liberated as you use this beautiful ploy. We shall say that they are thinking of a Diamond. So with hardly any effort we are one step away from discerning their
genuinely thought of card.

"Finally please focus on the number or value of your card. I will attempt to cut to that number with the deck here." Pick up the deck and execute any deceptive false cut and table the deck. Pick up the deck from above with your palm-down right hand and look away as you raise the face of the deck towards your participant, showing a ten spot. "Did I get close?" Allow them to reply. Now for the golden question: "How many was I off by?" If they say by three you now know their card is the Seven of Diamonds. If they say off by Five you would then know their thought of card is the Five of Diamonds. This is an application of Michael Murray's brilliant Springboard concept from his book A Piece Of My Mind. It's truly a thing of beauty. Cut the deck and complete the cut, losing the ten spot.

Let's say that they say you were off by three. Pick up the deck and spread the cards with the faces towards you. Feign concentration and then extract the Seven of Diamonds. Have your participant name the card they merely thought of and a moment later finish the mystery in style.

Even though it's taken quite an extensive write up, in practice, the effect is very straightforward and performed confidently extremely powerful. Never perform this as an opening effect. Establish a connection and empathy with your audience first and don't present this as a challenge effect. I wish you every success with it!

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11. 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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