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* Magic New Zealand®
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Issue Number: #1775
Date: Sunday 15th September 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. 2024 Foundation Award Winners
3. Magic Word Convention Reports
4. Cillian O'Connor Has Set A Guinness World Record
5. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article 169
6. Magic Castle Performing Schedule
7. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 88
8. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #100
9. A Lady In Your Thoughts - John Carey #244
10. E-zine Archives
11. 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-2024/1775-Sep15-2024.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. 2024 Foundation Award Winners
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Message by Jane Stewart (US)
Illusionist
Award - Rick & Susan Wilcox
Literary Award - Margaret Steele
Mentalist Award - Jeff & Kimberly Bornstein
Ambassador of Magic - Johnathan Neal Brown
Close-Up Award - Laura London
Masters Award - Bill Schmeelk
Award of Excellence - Joan Dukore
Lifetime Achievement Award - Kohl & Co.
2024
Milbourne Christopher Foundation Awards Presentation
To
be held at 6:00 PM on September 28, 2024 at the Garde Arts
Center - 325 State Street, New London, Connecticut. The
evening begins with a reception featuring fine hors d'oeuvres,
complimentary wine, cash bar - followed by the presentation
of the 2024 Christopher Foundation Awards. Festivities continue
with a magic performance.
For
information and to RSVP, please contact David Haversat at:
milbournechristopherfoundation@gmail.com
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3. Magic Word Convention Reports
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Message by Scott Well - M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
The
Magic Word Podcast has been on the convention trail for
nearly a month and there is yet more to come. Hopefully
you have enjoyed listening to three daily reports from Abbott's
Magic Get Together from Colon, Michigan, followed by another
four episodes from MAGIC Live! in Las Vegas, Nevada. We
took a quick break as we featured David Williamson as our
milestone Episode #850 then it was back to four more daily
reports from MAGIC Texas. Whew! I thought that deserved
a break so there was no episode last week.
But
now, we are on the road again and in Myrtle Beach, South
Carolina, for Magic At The Beach for another series of three
day reports. BTW, while here, one of the lecturers will
be Paul Stone, who often provides articles here on the New
Zealand eZine. We had a nice chat in September 2022 which
you can hear by visiting: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/715-paul-stone
You
can listen to all of these episodes (and more) wherever
you get your podcasts. But most carriers only provide the
most recent 100 episodes. For a "deep dive" into
the Archives, you can visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/archives
to find more episodes from our 13 year history.
We
just concluded a contest for a joke book and packages of
napkins for the Paper Rose offered by Michael Mode. The
winner of "Best Jokes Ever" was Ken Patterson
and the winners of the three packs of Napkin Roses were
Jeffrey Davis and Doug Weiss. Congratulations, guys and
thank all the rest of you for entering the contest. Please
watch the weekly podletter for upcoming contests.
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4. Cillian O'Connor Has Set A Guinness World Record
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The Irish Post
YOUNG
Irish magician Cillian O'Connor has set a Guinness World
Record for performing the most magic tricks in one minute.
The
15-year-old, who shot to fame last year when he finished
third in Britain's Got Talent, features in the latest edition
of the iconic annual Guinness World Records publication,
which is on sale today.
O'Connor,
who hails from Co, Meath, performed 28 tricks in 60 seconds
to set a new record, breaking the previous record of 14
in the same time period.
Balance
of the article go to:
https://www.irishpost.com/news/teen-magician-cillian-oconnor-sets-guinness-world-record-for-most-tricks-performed-in-a-minute-277858
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5. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article 169
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Message by Paul Stone (US)
This
seems to have been my week of travel disruptions! After
my experiences with Virgin Atlantic from London to L.A.
which I documented last week, my flight with Southwest Airlines
yesterday - I'm writing this on Wednesday - to Nashville
en route to Myrtle Beach for the 'Magic on the Beach' Convention,
turned out to be yet another adventure!
We
were only half an hour into the flight when a man in the
row directly opposite me suffered a medical emergency. Cue
an urgent call for a doctor or nurse, and suddenly it was
like being in an episode of ER! A nurse appeared from the
back of the plane and immediately took charge of the situation.
Four flight attendants assisted with oxygen, syringes, and
all manner of medical supplies.
The
man responded sufficiently to allay initial fears, but a
decision was taken by the Captain to divert to Albuquerque,
where the patient was duly offloaded. After an hour's delay
and refueling, apparently necessary because of a difference
in altitude, we were once again on our way to Nashville.
Now the question was would I make my connecting flight from
Nashville to Myrtle Beach? I was hopeful that I would, but
much more dubious that my checked bag would accompany me!
As
we landed, an announcement was made asking passengers whose
final destination was Nashville, to remain in their seats
to allow people with tight connections to deplane first.
I'm pleased to say that I made my connection … just!
Everyone on board, the flight crew and the passengers, acted
in a very civilized manner, which is a rare thing these
days. And guess what? My checked bag arrived too, as if
by magic!
The
main reason for my arriving a couple of days early into
Myrtle Beach, a place that I must confess to not knowing
much about, was to see Charles Bach's Magic Illusion Show
in the 'Wonders Theater' at Broadway At The Beach, a resort
area aimed predominantly at tourists.
Now
I have to admit that I'm biased because when I set up Lance
Burton's Magic Shop adjacent to his fabulous theatre at
the Monte Carlo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas in 1996,
I hired Charles to demonstrate and run the operation for
me. That was nearly thirty years ago, and I was well aware
that Charles's performing career path since that time had
been impressive.
So,
whilst I was expecting the show to be good, to be perfectly
honest the performance level wildly exceeded my expectations.
These days it takes a lot for me to get excited about any
magic show. Anyone who knows me well will attest to the
fact that I have a very short attention span when it comes
to watching magic shows, due mainly to the fact that I've
produced or worked with the very best in the business.
Let
me say right now that this show is undoubtedly a Vegas quality
show, but one that you're very unlikely to see there any
more! Why so, you might ask? I have always loved and been
a huge fan of production shows but they have pretty much
become a thing of the past in Las Vegas. Sure, Cirque du
Soleil do present shows with sensational lighting, staging,
and effects, but they are not the same, or in my opinion,
as entertaining, as a good old fashioned Variety or Magic
Show in the style of the Folies Bergere or Lance Burton's
Magic Show at the Monte Carlo.
The
trend nowadays in the entertainment world sadly is to move
away from Variety Shows and focus solely on 'Headline Stars'.
Even the old lounge shows, a staple of Las Vegas entertainment
for many years are now but a distant memory, and without
a shadow of a doubt, Las Vegas is the poorer for it.
Watching
Charles perform reminded me a great deal of Doug Henning.
With his engaging personality and instant likability and
smile, he transmits a sense of wonder to the audience and
genuinely looks like he is relishing and enjoying every
moment, and that sheer enjoyment is infectious.
And
I'd like to particularly mention the attention to detail
of the lighting cues, the choice of music and especially
the choreography. Charles has a background in dance, and
it is so refreshing to see a magician actually knowing not
only how to move well on stage but also how to choreograph
it to fit, and enhance the illusion or effect that they
are performing, and which seamlessly complements the illusions.
Assisting
Charles are Macy and Sharon, two of the best dancers/assistants
that I have ever seen in my long career in this business.
They work really hard, and are an integral and important
part of the show, with several impressive costume changes,
but always look like they are having fun, and it doesn't
hurt they are both very attractive too!
The
show is fast moving, largely due to Charles's energy and
athleticism, and he romps through numerous illusions including
the spiker illusion, a very novel sub trunk, and the best
version of suspended animation that I've seen, interspersed
with the tossed out deck, and then a more intimate close-up
spot with gypsy thread, a four ace routine, rubber bands,
and a watch steal that fools you completely!
Mention
of the watch steal brings back memories of another wonderfully
gifted close-up magician, Chappy Brazil, who also worked
for me as a demonstrator at Lance Burton's Magic Shop at
the Monte Carlo, and who collaborated with Charles on a
watch steal video. Tragically Chappy lost his life in a
freak motor cycle accident on his way back home from the
Monte Carlo Casino. It was a great loss to all of us. We
remember him fondly.
I
can't recommend Charles's show highly enough. It is a master
class for any aspiring magician and, come to think of it,
for many seasoned performers too. If you are ever in Myrtle
Beach, don't miss this show. And if, like me, it takes a
lot to impress you, believe me it will restore your faith
in magic … it did for me!
---------------------------------------------
6. Magic Castle Performing Schedule
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Sep 16 - 22, 2024
Close-Up
Gallery
Cocktail: Howdy
Early: Lauro Castillo
Late: Tam Vo
The
Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Riccardo Berdini
Late: Rafael Benatar
Palace
of Mystery
Miguel Muñoz
Celia Muñoz
Luis Manuel
Weekend
Palace Show
Miguel Muñoz
Luis Manuel
Peller
Theatre
Brent Geris
Joel Ward
The
Hat and Hare
Nick Dopuch
?Mike Pisciotta
?Bob Gebert
Library
Bar
George Tovar
Friday
Lunch
Lauro Castillo
Weekend
Parlour Kids Show
Tricky Tim
Sep
23 - 29, 2024
Close-Up Gallery
Cocktail: Norman Beck
Early: Greg Wilson
Late: Rafael Benatar
The
Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Liz Del Sol
Late: Matt the Mind Noodler
Palace
of Mystery
David Goldrake
Weekend
Palace Show
David Goldrake
Peller
Theatre
Lindsay Benner
The
Hat and Hare
Nick Dopuch
?Mike Pisciotta
?Bob Gebert
Library
Bar
Jacob Jax
Friday
Lunch
Greg Wilson
Weekend
Parlour Kids Show
The Arty Loon Show
Sep
30 - Oct 6, 2024
Close-Up Gallery
Cocktail: Phil Goodman
Early: Mahdi Gilbert
Late: Gus Garcia
The
Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Master Magician Chris Capehart
Late: Brandon Scott
Palace
of Mystery
Brandy LaPlante
Paul Bradley
Alexx Alexxander
Weekend
Palace Show
Brandy LaPlante
Paul Bradley
Alexx Alexxander
Peller
Theatre
Experi-MENTAL
The
Hat and Hare
Nick Dopuch
?Mike Pisciotta
?Bob Gebert
Library
Bar
Mark Collier
Friday
Lunch
Mahdi Gilbert
Weekend
Parlour Kids Show
Mystique
Oct
7 - 17, 2024
Close-Up Gallery
Cocktail: Paul Green
Early: Armando Lucero
Late: Hollywood Joe
The
Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Andi Gladwin
Late: David Stryker
Palace
of Mystery
Anna DeGuzman
Hans Davis
Caio Ferreira
Weekend
Palace Show
Anna DeGuzman
Hans Davis
Caio Ferreira
Peller
Theatre
George Tovar
Steve Branham
The Hat and Hare
Nick Dopuch
?Mike Pisciotta
?Bob Gebert
Library
Bar
Adam Wylie
Friday
Lunch
Armando Lucero
Weekend
Parlour Kids Show
Funny Eddie
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7. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 88
---------------------------------------------
Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)
I
believe it is beyond question that the oldest known magic
trick is the Cups and Balls as mentioned last time. It has
been proven to be over 2,000 years old. It is the most frequently
depicted magic trick in illustrations. Visual artists have
been fascinated by it, as well as automaton makers. In France,
the Cups and Balls already appeared in early magic sets
from the 19th century. Curiously, however, the trick is
almost absent in early German magic sets. It wasn't until
the 1960s that the Cups and Balls became more common in
Germany, mostly using plastic cups. The only exception is
the magic set that the poet Goethe gave to his grandchildren
in 1830, which included cups.
As
I've already mentioned, the next exhibition at the Bellachini
Museum will focus on this particular trick. There are hundreds
of illustrations, hundreds of writings in the form of individual
books and articles in magazines, automata, and various figures.
Of course, there are also hundreds of performers. Most of
them are men, but there are also a few women who perform
the trick. Well-known examples might be Alyx Hilshey in
the USA and Alexandra Duvivier from France.
The
Cups and Balls already get attention at the Bellachini Museum
with some old illustrations on display, but every visitor
immediately says: "Oh, that's the Shell Game."
I always have to explain the difference between the two.
So
my initial idea for the special exhibition was to name it
"Not the Shell Game." But then I found the title
too negative. Starting with the word "Not" just
didn't seem positive enough. After re-reading some old descriptions
in books, I finally came up with the title: The Secret of
the Three Balls. Along with this, the subtitle: Bendic,
Maledic, Omnidic. These were the names magicians used to
give to the balls in the past. The only thing left to do
was to find a visual design for the poster and for the large
catalog book. At first, I thought of Prince Charles (now
King Charles III), who is surely the most famous performer
of the trick. He passed his exam for the London Magic Circle
with this trick in 1975. But then I discovered a copper
engraving of a woman performing the trick and decided to
use this image.
Here
you can see the stages leading to the final poster design:
https://youtu.be/xlZeOXNIIIg
That's
all for today.
Wittus
Magic Museum Bellachini
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com
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8. Tales From the Fantastic Magic Center - #100
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kent Cummins (US)
Math
Magic
This
is my 100th episode of "Tales from the Fantastic Magic
Center written specifically for the Magic New Zealan E-zine.
This makes me think about numbers…a subject that I
covered in Episodes #52 and #81.
Albert
Lucio, a talented magician and student of all things mysterious
and amazing, has re-started the Austin Card Group, consisting
of about two dozen magicians who enjoy talking about and
performing with playing cards.
Albert
explains:
This
will be an "exhaustive" card group exploring all
the possibilities card tricks offer. Each month, I will
assign pages from a commercially available magic book. Members
will read and experiment with these tricks, then bring their
ideas to share with the group.
The
group is studying Martin Garner's wonderful book,"
Mathematics, Magic and Mystery," first published in
1955 when I was 12 years old.
Our
first meeting was yesterday as I write this, and we studied
the first ten pages in detail and came up with new ideas
using the basic methods described.
Garner
acknowledges that Math Magic has a limited appeal. Magicians
worry that the tricks may be boring; mathematicians worry
that making tricks out of important mathematical principles
might trivialize the discipline.
I
am NOT a "Card Guy!" In four hours of stage magic,
there are only two card tricks. I have never performed an
Elmsley Count, a Classic Force, or a Pass., or any of the
popular Emerson & West packet tricks. I have never performed
any variation of Ambitious Card, Cards Across, Twisting
the Aces, McDonald's Aces, Cannibal Kings…..
I
can't do a perfect Faro Shuffle.
But
I love learning and interacting with the folks who do these
things!
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. A Lady In Your Thoughts - John Carey #244
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Message by John Carey (UK)
I
must admit, I'm obsessed with revelations of thought of
cards. The following interlude, as simple as it is a fooler
for the uninitiated. You will require the four Queens, which
are marked. Pop them face-down inside a wallet and you are
ready for action.
Take
out your wallet and remove the face-down packet and flip
it face-up showing the Queens. Hand the packet out for shuffling.
Take it back and spread face-down in the hands, making a
mental note via the markings of the Queens from the top
down. Let's say they are in CHSD order. Take the top two
cards into the right hand holding the hands a few inches
apart.
"Gary,
please think of one of the Queens? Now change your mind
as many times as you wish and tell me when you are happy.
Please call out the card merely in your mind? Let's play
a game of mental elimination." Now for the revelations:
Clubs:
Bring
the two hands back together placing the right-hand cards
back on top and square up. Then execute an under/down deal,
placing the top card underneath the packet and then dealing
the next card to the table. Repeat this until just one card
remains. Pause a beat and then dramatically reveal their
card.
Hearts:
Bring
the two hands back together, this time placing the right-hand
pair underneath and square up. Then execute a down/under
deal, dealing the top card down and then placing the next
card underneath the packet.
Repeat
this until just one card remains, which you reveal to be
their thought of card.
Spades:
Bring
the two hands back together, this time placing the left-hand
pair of cards on top as you square up. Now carry out an
under/down deal to reveal this card.
Diamonds:
Bring
the two hands back together, placing the right-hand pair
back on top and square up. Reveal this card with a down/
under deal sequence. Either which way that's all there is
to it. I sincerely hope you have a lot of fun performing
it.
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10.
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Message by
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11.
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Message by
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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)
--------------------------------------------
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© Copyright 2024 Alan Watson QSM
www.magicnewzealand.com
http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand
www.watson.co.nz
www.balloon-twister.co.nz
