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* Magic New Zealand®
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Issue Number: #1779
Date: Sunday 13th October 2024
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: Editor@magicnewzealand.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================
1.
Editor's Message
2. Update: Italy 2025 FISM
3. Travelling to Torino for FISM 2025
4. Michael Campion On The Magic Word Podcast
5. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article 172
6. The Magic Circle Calling
7. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 92
8. David Berglas The Original International Man Of Mystery
9. Tales From The Fantastic Magic Center - #104
10. International Gadabout Coins - John Carey #248
11. The Magical Life Of Geoff Ray & Pat
12. E-zine Archives
13. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
--------------------------------------------
I
was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming response worldwide
to my announcement that Magic New Zealand ezine will be
closing on November 11th this year.
A
big thank you to everyone who sent messages. It was truly
heartwarming to read your stories about how Magic New Zealand
has been enjoyed and a part of your magical journey as well.
------------------------------------------------
IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
Announcement:
Closure of Magic New Zealand E-zine
4
more issue to go before we sign off for good!
However,
rest assured that Ask Alexander will be transferring all
the back issues to their site: https://conjuringarts.org/askalexander/
preserving all the valuable history.
--------------------------------------------
2. Update: Italy 2025 FISM
---------------------------------------------
Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)
The
Lingotto Convention Centre, Torino, Italy will hold the
FISM World Championship of Magic 2025.
From
the FISM2025 website:
This
magnificent building will hold all the 2025 FISM activities
July 14-19.
A modern design masterpiece, it's located just seconds from
a metro stop, making it easily accessible from anywhere
in Turin.
The
FISM World Championship of Magic 2025 will take place in
a location that offers the best technical conditions and
maximum comfort: a theatre with real, comfortable seats,
allowing you to fully enjoy every event and show without
compromise.
The
Lingotto Conference Center features 17 rooms with capacities
ranging from 25 to 1,700 seats, ready to host a special
and diverse event like the World Championship of Magic.
The highlight of the centre is the Giovanni Agnelli Auditorium,
renowned for its excellent acoustics and a capacity of 1,900
seats.
An
enormous food court is right above the Conference Center!
The
Lingotto Shopping Center houses over 90 stores and more
than 20 bars and restaurants, offering food options for
every time of day and budget. Whether you want to enjoy
an aperitif, have a quick snack, or indulge in a full meal,
Lingotto has it all. You can also shop for some of the best
Italian brand items. Stores, restaurants, and snack bars
are open daily from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Here, you can enjoy
authentic Italian cuisine at prices you will not believe!
A real margherita pizza or a plate of top-quality Italian
pasta costs around €8, but you can also find a place
to grab a quick sandwich or hamburger, or take your time
enjoying gourmet restaurants in the surrounding area.
Book
now at: www.FISMItaly2025.com
-------------------------------------------------
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-2024/1776-Sep22-2024.html
-------------------------------------
3. Travelling to Torino for FISM 2025
-------------------------------------
Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)
The
body of this text is taken from the FISM2025 website:
Torino
can be reached easily by plane, train or car. Within the
city there's an excellent metro line which connects the
entire city to the FISM convention centre.
By
Plane
Caselle International Airport (TRN) Torino From the airport
there are buses www.torino.arrival.it/linee-aeroportuale-tpl-torino.centro-torino-airport/
and taxis (35 Euro) that will take you into the city.
Malpensa
Airport (IATA) Milan There's a bus running often from the
Malpensa airport to Torino. The cost is 22 Euro
Below are the cheapest flights today. The price will differ
in the summer months. Except for Ryan Air, all prices are
from Expedia,
From Toronto to Torino:
Air Transit to Milan: $646.00 Ryan Air from Milan to Torino:
$100 Canadian;
Toronto to Torin on Lufthansa: $1,078 Canadian.
From
London Heathrow to Torino:
Lufthansa: 133 Pounds
From
NYC:
Lufthansa and United each $982 USD
From
Los Angeles
Lufthansa: $872 (Yes, cheaper than from NYC.)
By
Train
Main stations:
Porta Nuova
Porta Susa - Corso Bolzano
Lingotto: via Mario Pannunzio Operators: Italo-Trenitalia-TCV
If
you wish to visit Paris before or after the convention,
there's a convenient TGV train which will take you either
way in about 5.40 hours. You can find the cost at www.trenitalia.com
By
Car
Milan: 148 km
Genoa: 165 km
Parking once you arrive in Torino can be found at via Nizza,
280
FISM,
July 14-19, 2025 will be the event of the year. Do not miss
it! Register for the convention at: www.FISMItaly2025.com
-------------------------------------
4. Michael Campion On The Magic Word Podcast
-------------------------------------
Message by Scott Wells - M.I.M.C. with Gold Star
This
week we revisit with a young magician who made his first
podcast with us six years ago when he was but 16 years old.
Now he is 22, he has been working on his own one man show
in Los Angeles which will be playing on weekends throughout
the month of October. Michael Campion was one of the stars
from the online show, "Fuller House" in which
he played Jackson. He was a member of the Juniors in the
Magic Castle, and now that he is an adult, he is a full,
adult member of the Academy of Magical Arts.
The
reason we are revisiting with Michael is to hopefully encourage
others (who may even be much older) to consider developing
your own one man/woman show. This episode is timely because
his show is the Haunted Magic Mystery Show and Séance.
Given that it is the "Month of Boo" and Magic
Month, it is the perfect time for this episode to drop.
You
can listen wherever you get your podcasts. But to view the
video, see some photos, get come links, read the blog and
more, please visit: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/864-michael-campion
And
on a personal note, I want to express my sincere condolences
to the family of Harriet Jacobson who passed away on October
9th. She was more than a friend to me. We traveled together,
laughed together, and broke bread together. She will be
missed by not only me, but the entire magic community who
knew her so well as the consummate volunteer as people often
shouted out, "Harriet!" Her visage and omnipresence
will be sorely missed. Aloha, my friend.
-------------------------------------
5. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article 172
-------------------------------------
Message by Paul Stone (US)
There's
only one way to start this week's article, the news from
Alan Watson that there will be no more Magic New Zealand
after November. It is sad but completely understandable.
Alan has produced this online ezine for a staggering 25
years, which is an amazing effort, and he is to be hugely
congratulated.
I
started writing my weekly 'NO STONE UNTURNED' articles for
Alan three years and 172 issues ago. Wednesday's (copy day)
will not be the same.
I
have really enjoyed being a small part of this project,
and it was great to meet up with Alan and Michele in person
once again in Auckland earlier this year.
I
was back in Las Vegas for a couple of days at the end of
last week, and I bumped into my old friend Rocco who was
appearing in a show at the Ahern Hotel. Rocco is one of
my favourite magicians, his magic is totally unique and
equally impressive. Rocco told me that in December he will
be flying to Japan for a five-month contract in a show produced
by Franz Harary.
In
last week's article, I mentioned the importance of celebrating,
and not forgetting, the magic stars who came before us,
and I believe this is also true of all Show business legends.
I grew up in England, and as a young man I was taken to
see the one and only Tom Jones perform in London. That was
back in 1965.
In
the late 1980's I saw him perform once again at Caesars
Palace in Las Vegas, where he was fantastic.
Last
night, I was fortunate to go with a friend here in Los Angeles,
to see him in concert at the Greek Theatre. Tom Jones is
now 84 years old, and I must admit to a certain amount of
trepidation, as I didn't want to witness one of the all-time
great British singers not able to deliver and perform as
I remembered him.
I
needn't have worried, he was outstanding. His voice was
powerful, he featured both contemporary songs, and of course
several of his huge hit songs too, including It's Not Unusual,
Green Green Grass of Home, and Delilah.
His
backing musicians, comprising two guitars, one keyboard
player and a drummer, were excellent. The other thing that
stood out for me, was the high quality of the sound, which
can often be a let down, and the video graphics and lighting
were both fabulous.
The
combination of an experienced and talented professional
together with top musicians, and the best technical support,
is guaranteed to produce something special, and it truly
was a memorable concert, in front of a packed house, who
absolutely loved it.
Although
Tom Jones is not a magician, there is much to learn for
any performer from just watching him. He oozes class and
even more importantly, that word I've often used in my previous
articles, likeability. His stage presence, even now in his
mid eighties, is brilliant.
--------------------------------------------
6. The Magic Circle Calling
---------------------------------------------
Message by Charlie Burgess
The Magic Circle
charlieburgess@themagiccircle.co.uk
The
renowned mentalist and illusionist Derren Brown has been
presented with the first David Berglas Award for Showmanship,
Originality and Creativity from The Magic Circle. The award
is named after the late former President of The Magic Circle
and shortly before he died last November, aged 97, David
himself suggested Derren be the first recipient. After receiving
his award Derren said: "David has been a huge inspiration
to me and I owe so much of what I have done on stage and
TV to him."
The
trophy was presented by David's son Marvin, the current
President and it was one of the highlights of A Grand Night
of Magic at the Clapham Grand in London - an event combining
The Magic Circle's annual awards with its Stage Magician
of the Year competition. Six different acts vied for one
of the most coveted prizes in magic and the winner was the
magician Matt Edwards with some extraordinary comic and
emotional card magic, it was a night of double celebration
for Matt, who also won the Carlton Award for Comedy Magic.
The
judges for the stage competition included Downton Abbey
star Jim Carter, himself an accomplished magician, Debbie
McGee, the lifelong partner of Paul Daniels, TV presenter
Radzi Chinyanganya, together with Professor Jonathan Shalit
OBE an entertainment entrepreneur and top magicians Michael
Vincent, and Russ Stevens. The chair of the judges was Noel
Britten. Among those in the audience were ex Arsenal and
England footballer, Tony Adams, the Royle Family and Death
in Paradise star, Ralf Little, and radio and tv presenter
Nick Ross.
The
judges had a hard time choosing Matt from the other five
- the illusionists Jay and Joss, the mentalism duo Mind2Mind
James Harrington and Marina Liana, the parlour magic of
Edward Hilsum, the manipulation of Yollin Lee and the general
magic skills of Filiberto Selvi.
Beside
the title the winner is invited to perform at top magic
various venues and engagements around the world next year
- The Rhapsody Theatre in Chicago, the House of Illusions
in Salou Spain, the Forte Village resort in Sardinia, the
Gala Show at the Blackpool Magic Convention, the world's
biggest and The Magic Circle Convention itself.
Here
is the full list of the winners of The Magic Circle 2024
Awards:
The
David Berglas Award for showmanship, creativity and originality
in magic: Derren Brown, the British mentalist and illusionist.
The
David Devant Award for outstanding contribution to magic
on an international level: Gay Blackstone, widow of Harry
Blackstone Jr. she is a TV producer, director, and former
president of the Academy of Magical Arts in Los Angeles.
The
Maskelyne Award for services to British magic: Michael Vincent,
one of the world's most distinguished card magicians.
The
Carlton Award for Comedy Magic: Matt Edwards, a winner of
the Golden Buzzer on Britain's Got Talent and a sought-after
performer worldwide.
The
John Neville Maskelyne Prize for contribution to the art
or literature of magic: Julie Eng, the Toronto based magician
who has been the executive director of Magicana, the Canadian
arts organisation, who are publishing The Rich Cabinet Collection
of the late Eddie Dawes. Recently Julie has been appointed
executive director of Genii Enterprises, publishers of Genii
magazine.
The
Chapender Award for services top the wider community using
magic: Paul Kieve, the illusionist whose consulting work
for both stage and screen has revolutionised how magical
special effects are approached, He is also Head of Collections
at The Magic Circle.
The
Cecil Lyle Award for the best item published in The Magic
Circular: Ian Keable, Steve Biddle and Megumi Biddle for
their piece showing how to reproduce Claude Chandler's Paper
Face - a ventriloquist's 'dummy' made of a sheet of paper.
The
Silver Wand for outstanding service to The Magic Circle:
Noel Britten, a former President.
Marvin
Berglas, President of The Magic Circle, said of the event:
"We are delighted to see such creativity, diversity
and talent in magic. Our winners are all great examples
who promote excellence in magic, one of the core aims of
The Magic Circle.
The
night was hosted by Paul Martin and the producers were Rodney
James Piper and Lee Hathaway. Magicians who entertained
the audience included Chris Harding, David Penn, Magic Singh,
Megumi, Michael J Fitch, Etienne Pradier, John Duffett,
Fay Presto and Brendan Rodrigues. The show started with
a performance from the Young Magician of the Year Harry
Merlin Piper and ended with speed painter Jon Hicks painting
a picture of Tommy Cooper - upside down.
For
further information please contact:
Charlie Burgess
The Magic Circle
charlieburgess@themagiccircle.co.uk
07941371440
--------------------------------------------
7. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode 92
---------------------------------------------
Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)
The
countdown has begun ... unfortunately, I only have 5 more
opportunities to share something about the Bellachini Magic
Museum in this forum. Our dear editor and tireless publisher
Alan has decided to discontinue the newsletter. How sad.
I don't know his reasons, but I can understand such a decision.
Publishing a periodical for over 20 years is an incredible
achievement. Alan, I wish you all the best for the future...
and perhaps you'll still share some information from time
to time?! You have our addresses after all...
I've
often thought about how things will continue: with my magazine
(Magische Welt) and of course with the museum.
BUT
- I have nothing else that keeps me alive ;-).
Currently,
I'm looking for sponsors for the museum. In Hamburg, there
are well over 100 foundations for various areas. I'm searching
for institutions from which I can expect support, one by
one. It's very tedious, but I have to do it because I want
the museum to be preserved.
I
keep hearing from guests how much they like this museum,
and the entries on the "Tripadvisor" portal clearly
prove this.
There
are some "museums" for magic that show fantastic
collections, but I've decided to show the origin and development
history of magic. It is important for visitors to see dozens
of different posters or magic sets. As the saying often
goes: Less is more. But of course, everyone has to decide
that for themselves.
So,
dear colleagues, come to Hamburg and visit the Bellachini
Museum. I'm looking forward to it.
P.S.:
In the last 2 years, around 4000 visitors have been to the
museum.
See
you next time
Wittus
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com
--------------------------------------------
8. David Berglas The Original International Man Of Mystery
--------------------------------------------
Message by Marvin Berglas - President of The Magic Circle
There's
something that's been on my mind since Sunday that I feel
I need to share.
My
father David Berglas was the original International Man
of Mystery. He sadly passed away a little under a year ago
aged 97.
He
is revered in magic circles throughout the world for his
incredible stunts and showmanship.
I am so proud that we were the first father and son to be
elected President of The Magic Circle in c100 years.
As
a second generation professional magician myself, and the
creator of the famous Marvin's Magic brand - I like to think
of myself as a pretty rational but open minded individual
who is fairly sceptical of paranormal activity having spent
a lifetime growing up with magic and deception. In fact
my father was also the Chairman of the pretty dormant Magic
Circle's Investigation into the Paranormal committee.
However,
something incredible and extraordinary happened on Sunday
night which the more I think about I still can't make up
my mind whether it is the most wondrous coincidence or one
final hurrah from my late dad in front of a theatre full
of The Magic Circle magicians and celebrities.
As
the President of The Magic Circle I was standing on stage
at our Annual Awards glitzy bash at the Clapham Grand. At
the climax of our three and a half hour evening I was just
about to present the inaugural 'David Berglas Award' for
creativity, originality and showmanship.
We
witnessed a short compilation video of my father performing
on stages around the world with stunts such as controlling
and stopping his pulse and finishing with his famed floating
and dancing table routine which was voted one of the top
ten magic tricks of all time.
Merely
35 seconds after the floating table video finished - and
just moments before I announced Derren Brown was the recipient
of the new award for showmanship …. One of the big
round banqueting tables - just simply collapsed to the floor
- with an almighty crash, bang, wallop with drinks and food
smashing to the ground! To the complete dismay of those
seated around it who claim not to have touched it ….
"It just happened!"
Derren
Brown the famed psychological manipulator - who is happy
to acknowledge and share that he has been inspired and influenced
- by David came up to receive his trophy.
With
the good and the great in magic all watching intently the
whole of The Magic Circle are understandably mystified how
this could occur at such a crucial time and only 35 seconds
after his floating table routine was shown on the big screen.
It
appears David will always be remembered for being the ultimate
showman - perhaps he intended this to be his appropriate
finale and amazing stunt?!
--------------------------------------------
9. Tales From the Fantastic Magic Center - #104
--------------------------------------------
Message by Kent Cummins (US)
"More
Magic with Magic Wands"
"Dad,
you're weird!"
That's
what my daughter said when, while having lunch after a magic
class, I picked up the black plastic straw that was in my
chocolate soda, and proclaimed, "If you put white ends
on this straw, you would have a magic wand!"
Many
years later, I told this story at a family Thanksgiving
dinner, and she acknowledged that her memory was the same
as mine.
She
also said, "You're still weird!"
But
that episode turned into a "Eureka" moment for
me. I have purchased thousands of black straws, and packages
of white address labels. I helped kids make their own magic
wands in the Kids Tent of the Austin Book Festival, during
after school magic classes at dozens of local schools, and
at Fantastic Magic Camp every year.
And
guess what? Straws come in different sizes and different
colors, and it turns out that kids love the variety and
the ability to customize their wands.
Also,
by using straws of different sizes, the kids can make wands
that nest inside each other, the Multiplying Wands!
The
kids can produce their magic wand from a tiny coin envelope
which they decorate to say, (for example) "Kent's Magic
Wand." Yes, there is a slit in the back of the envelope,
so the length of the wand is hidden behind the magician's
arm.
The
wand can be made to look flexible by waving it in the same
way that the "Rubber pencil" optical illusion
works, giving you a pseudo explanation for how it fit in
that tiny envelope.
And even a magic wand made from a straw can be used for
misdirection.
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
-------------------------------------------
10. International Gadabout Coins - John Carey #248
-------------------------------------------
Message by John Carey (UK)
Here's
a take on the classic Gadabout Coins / Two in the Hand and
One in the Pocket with three different coins and no duplicates.
Technically very simple but strong, you can perform this
anytime you have some pocket change. For formal situations
I like to use a Chinese, American and English coins.
Come
out with the three different coins and table them. Pick
up two coins in the right hand and drop them into the left
hand which closes. Take the remaining coin with your right
hand and put that hand in your pocket, supposedly ditching
that coin. Really though you thumb palm it and bring that
hand back out from the pocket. Tap the right hand against
the pocket casually as a subtlety. This is a Charlie Justice
idea.
Wave
your right hand over the left fist and snap your fingers.
Then slightly open your left fingers and peer inside and
look up and smile. Allow the thumb palmed coin to drop to
fingertip rest as you do this. Bring both hands together
and, when they touch, open the left hand as the right hand
brings the coin in fingertip rest into view. Timed correctly,
the illusion of taking a coin from the left hand is excellent.
Drop that coin to the table. Then pick up the remaining
coins and toss them one at a time to the table.
For
the second phase pick up two of the three coins in the right
hand and drop them cleanly into the left hand, which closed
into a fist. Take the remaining coin in the right hand and
supposedly place it away in the right pocket. Actually though
you finger palm that coin and bring the hand out. Snap your
right fingers over your left hand, making the moment. Partially
open the left hand and react. Then toss its coins into the
right hand, which opens palm up receiving the coins. Toss
all three back into the left hand and then table them. Attitude
is everything with both of these two phases. Be casual and
don't rush.
For
the final phase pick up two coins in the right hand and
execute a clink pass as you apparently drop those coins
into the left hand, actually retaining them in right hand
finger palm. Take the final coin from the table and put
it away in your right pocket, ditching all the coins in
the process. Make the moment over your left hand and then
dramatically slap the hands together and reveal all the
coins have vanished.
-------------------------------------------
11. The Magical Life Of Geoff Ray & Pat
-------------------------------------------
Message by Paul Rushworth B.E.M.
By
Geoff Ray
(FFFF's
attendee and Member of the Inner Magic Circle, Gold Star.
Former Past President of the British Ring).
Forward
by Marvin Berglas.
93
year old professional magician Geoff Ray has decided to
explain in this fascinating book, all the tips and tricks
he has learned over 63 years of performing all over the
world, as well as over 100 cruises on most of the worlds
luxury liners…including Eight World cruises on P&O.
From
the London Palladium…To the Magic Castle, Hollywood,
U.S.A. ...Entertaining and working with celebrities such
as Pricilla Presley and Muhammad Ali.
Geoff
goes into minute detail of his closeup and stage acts...
as well as explaining original magic tricks and ideas...
and a few funny stories along the way! From very humble
beginnings, surviving a near death hit and run accident
in his early 20's... to teaching himself magic and Judo
from books; 5th Dan BJA it's an incredible life story.
Alongside
his son Paul, they ran 'Rushworths Furniture Ltd' in their
hometown of Shrewsbury in Shropshire for over 32 years,
and made illusions for Geoff's friend over 50 years, TV
magician Paul Daniels, which he used on his National Television
show.
They
also made several items for the Grand Order of Water Rats.
---------------------------------------------
12. 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)
--------------------------------------------
13. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
--------------------------------------------
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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
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nor Alan Watson QSM vouch for the accuracy or reliability
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Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute
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Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely
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in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and
the above disclaimer.
© Copyright 2024 Alan Watson QSM
www.magicnewzealand.com
http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand
www.watson.co.nz
www.balloon-twister.co.nz
