* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #63 Date: Sunday 4th March 2001 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz www.alan-watson.com e-mail alan@watson.co.nz ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editors Message 2. In Your Ear! - Peter Marucci 3. The Blue Room 4. Lance Burton's New TV Specials 5. Re: Price Under Cutting 6. Peter Marucci's Lecture Tour 7. Dave Harris article in #62 on price-cutting 8. Regarding price undercutting 9. Shows outside your area 10. Heading to Vietnam in April 11. 8th annual IBM Ring close-up show 12. Florida Magicians Association Convention 13. Join our directory 14. Fireball spitting 15. Illusions for sale 16. Back in Sweden 17. HOFZINSER original manuscript! - For Sale 18. The Orchante Saga #19 19. Diarise these events 20. MagicNZ e-zine archives 21. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editors Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One This years Teddy Bears Picnic in Auckland attracted 50,000. The magical performers were: Stu Robertson: Pascal the Magician, Mr Fiddlesticks, The Aunties, Cookie the Clown, Mica the Clown, Crackles the Clown, Jonathan Acorn, Wayne Logue, Jiggles and Ping Pong the Clown, Alan, Larissa, Melanie and Michele Watson. Tommy Orchard's wife, Veronica, has just come out of hospital after having keyhole surgery for gallstones. Tommy tells me she is well on the road to recovery. Send get well messages to: veronica@tvorchard.freeserve.co.uk Thank you to all those members who forwarded a copy of MagicNZ e-zine on to their magic friends, we picked up another 127 subscribers last week. Total number of subscribers to the MagicNZ e-zine 2,273. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: alan@watson.co.nz ---------------------------------- 2. In Your Ear! - Peter Marucci ---------------------------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) It may be frustrating for a lot of magicians but, sometimes, the simplest things have the strongest impact on a lay audience. You can work for six months on a second deal, and the audience goes away thinking, "Hmm, he did something with the cards and then found mine." Yawn. On the other hand, you can blow the audience away with the French Drop, that was probably the first sleight you ever learned -- and hardly ever use anymore. Surprise. The following is a simple quickie that I use mostly for children who are with adults. After doing my stuff for the grown-ups, I do something for the younger set, leaving them with a souvenir. And, believe me, the adults as well as the kids will remember this long after they've forgotten anything else you might have done. IN YOUR EAR! Effect: The magician shows both sides of a little wooden paddle, waves it behind a youngster's ear and bring the paddle back with a penny sitting on it. The magician then dumps the penny in his hand, does some magic business and, when he open his hand, the penny has changed to a nickel, which he gives to the youngster. Preparation: A wooden paddle (naturally), a penny, glued to the paddle, a nickel, and the ability to do a paddle move. The best thing I found for making the paddle is one of those stir sticks you can get at paint stores. The paddle should be about six inches long, half of that the broad end and the other half the handle. With a coping saw, make the handle as wide as it is thick (about a quarter of an inch). Sand it down but keep the edges of the handle sharp, for ease in doing the paddle move. What you end up with should look exactly like a small boat paddle. (Hence the name, I betcha.) The paddle move is a basic sleight found in almost very magic book but, in brief: Hold the paddle by the handle, between the thumb and forefinger, showing one blank side of the broad end. The paddle should be parallel to the floor. As you (apparently) show the other side, turn your wrist 180 degrees toward yourself and, at the same time, roll the paddle 180 degrees between your thumb and forefinger. The paddle is now pointing toward you, showing the (apparently) other blank side. What you have done, in fact, is show the same side twice. But, done smoothly, to the audience it looks as if they have seen both sides. Glue the penny to the paddle, slightly off-centre to make it look more natural. Conceal the nickel in your left hand; just hold it there and don't be obvious about it. You're ready to begin. Presentation: Turning your attention to a youngster in the group, take out the paddle and refer to it as your "magic paddle" or some such. Show both sides (paddle move) in a casual manner, gesturing with the paddle as you talk. DO NOT make a big deal of this, saying something like, "Nothing on this side -- and nothing on that side." (Or, if you insist on doing something like that, I don't want to hear about it!) Reach behind the youngster's head and lightly tap his ear with the paddle, turning it over before you bring it back in view. Look amazed as you say, "Gee, I found a penny in your ear." Let the audience have a clear view of the penny sitting on the paddle. (Handle the paddle gingerly; remember, the penny is supposed to be sitting on it, not glued to it.) Turn the paddle over your left hand as if you are dumping the penny into that hand. Casually gesturing with the paddle to (apparently) show both sides blank again, say, "Even though I found the penny, it did come out of your ear, so I suppose you should be the one who gets to keep it." Put the paddle away and continue: "But a penny isn't very much money, so let's work a little magic." Wave your right hand over the left fist (hence the justification for putting the paddle away), mutter your favorite magic words (currently kids get a big kick out of "Hocus Pocahontas") and open your hand to show the nickel. "Hey," you say, "the magic worked again." And give the nickel to the child. Second Thoughts: If you are a real purist, you can have a duplicate, blank paddle in your pocket should anyone ask about it -- although I have never had anyone do so. If you prefer, you can have the penny change into a giant penny. Good visual stuff. But then point out that it is still a penny, put it in your pocket, and give the youngster a nickel or -- better still, in that case -- a quarter (since you, not the magic is deciding the value). I also do this with adults, where the penny changes into a wooden nickel with my name and phone number on the back. These are just wooden discs about an inch and a half across and I rubber stamp my personal info on the back and "5 cents" on the front. I comment about not taking any wooden nickels "but this one's okay because it's magic." Don't overlook the impact of this just because it's simple and brief; the Gettysburg Address was simple and brief, too. ---------------------------------- 3. The Blue Room ---------------------------------- Message from Malaki The best reference I have found for The Blue Room Techniques is to be found in "Magic Stage Illusions, Special Effects and Trick Photography" by Albert A Hopkins - Dover Books # 0-486-26561-7. It is an expensive effect that takes some serious set up and rehearsal, but the results are worth it with the camera styled effects achievable on stage before a live audience. ---------------------------------- 4. Lance Burton's New TV Specials ---------------------------------- Message from Sandy Singer (US) LOS ANGELES (Launch) - Magician Lance Burton hosts two new Fox Family Channel specials next month: "Lance Burton Master Magician: The Young Magicians' Showcase" and "Lance Burton Master Magician: On The Road." For The "Young Magicians' Showcase," Burton searched worldwide for the 15 young men and women magicians featured on the show. The acts, performed by magician's ages 7-17, showcase a wide variety of showmanship, skills and themes. Fox Family Channel premieres "Lance Burton Master Magician: The Young Magicians' Showcase" on Saturday, March 17, and "Lance Burton Master Magician: On The Road" on Saturday, March 31. ------------------------------------- 5. Re: Price Under Cutting ------------------------------------- Message from Tim Ellis (Aust) Reply to Dave Harris: Dave, the problem of locals vs. out-of-towners is an age old one which may well have begun when the local Egyptian Magic Club took on Moses in that Biblical battle. The truth of the matter is that any local event, when given a budget, will want to give it's guests something they haven't seen before. Whether it's a festival, a theatre season, a trade show, or a corporate dinner, the story is always the same. Why give the guests an entertainer they may have already seen at another local event, when they could get somewhere from "out of town" they most likely have never seen. Thankfully, this argument works just as well in reverse. If you market yourself to the out-of-town events, you'll the out-of-towner and the other guy will be complaining that he didn't get the gig. Remember though, you need to be willing and able to travel AND you need to let your clients know that. http://www.MagicUnlimited.com ------------------------------------- 6. Peter Marucci's Lecture Tour ------------------------------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) I will be on lecture tour next year (late January and February) in the Florida area. So, if you are in the southeastern U.S. and think your club or convention would be interested in my current lecture, Bizarre Magic, please contact: Peter Marucci e-mail: showtimecol@aol.com For the past 11 years, I have been writing the Showtime column in the Linking Ring magazine. Over the past seven years, I have given lectures (a new one each year) to magic clubs, groups, and conventions in Canada and the United States. These have usually been on comedy and comedy magic; Bizarre Magic is a new twist. The lecture notes are already out and have been praised by the Linking Ring magazine, Larry White, magic editor of M-U-M, MagicNZ e-zine and other Internet digests. ------------------------------------- 7. Dave Harris article in #62 on price-cutting ------------------------------------- Message from Ron London (US) As I've pointed out in a booklet on pricing shows "How Much Are You Worth?" you should value your show based on your expenses for doing a particular show. And, this has no basis on what others are charging. I am constantly asked the "going-rate" for doing shows by other performers. And, there is no such thing. What one performer gets for doing a show has no relationship to what another performer charges. And, magicians are notorious for under-valuing their shows compared to other variety arts. It all has to do with "perceived value." And, if you have the credits and the performing skills you shouldn't be hesitant in charging an adequate fee for doing a show. Losing shows to out-of-town performers is nothing new. Many times it has to do with "a prophet is without honor, etc......" Often an out-of-town performer is "perceived" as having more skill. Generally an out-of-town performer has had to charge more money to a client than a local performer because of the extra travel, etc. So, if the client is willing to pay more money, isn't this there "perceived value" in getting a "better" performer for their event? Just do the same thing and go to their hometown and do shows there!!! ------------------------------------- 8. Regarding price undercutting ------------------------------------- Message from John Martin (NZ) The only time price should be an issue is if all the entertainers in NZ did exactly the same show all the time. Like buying the same car, it will do exactly the same job so if you want one then you buy the cheapest. Variety entertainment is exactly that, we give the general public a varied choice of products and services which in itself stimulates the publics enthusiasm to book entertainers. Pricing should be of no concern to other entertainers. Each individual has their own unique set of overheads and costs and the pricing of any shows or entertainment should reflect this fact, so to jump on the band wagon of undercutting your prices because other people are, is self defeating not only for the individuals development and enjoyment of this industry but also for the general public who are being denied good quality varied live entertainment. Entertaining is a specialist field which the largest part of our society would run away from rather than tackle. Rather than cutting prices why don't people increase their prices to reflect their talent and operating costs. Tie this in with a well constructed marketing plan and individuals will see better financial returns for their efforts. These comments also tie in with the "Problem" of "Out of Towners". People who visit different areas to entertain are doing a fantastic job for three reasons; 1) They are demonstrating an effective marketing plan. 2) They are bringing varied entertainment to the other parts of the country. 3) They are hopefully inspiring other entertainers to develop themselves. I believe the Out of Towners issue is a problem only for those people who are afraid of their own limitations. Growth and development is fundamental for the continued general publics enthusiasm to book entertainers, after all it is these people who give all of us the lifestyle we crave. Please don't work against each other, work together and give the public what they deserve, our very best. ------------------------------------- 9. Shows outside your area ------------------------------------- Message from Wayne McEwan (NZ) It was with great interest that I read the Dave Harris letter last week. Many of us do travel all over the country performing; it's called making a living in a small country. My illusion show was also booked at the Otago 150th events at Forbury Park, I didn't go out of my way to take shows off locals, the organizing body contacted me. Am I to believe that given the opportunity Mr Harris doesn't take any shows outside Dunedin? Or do the rules that he goes by differ from everyone-else? What does annoy me is other magicians phone event organizers and running other magicians down. This not only makes them look bad, but it does harm to all of us. And believe me it happens far too often. My philosophy is simple; a $10 magician gives a $10 show. ------------------------------------- 10. Heading to Vietnam in April ------------------------------------- Message from Ken Fox I'm heading to Vietnam in April / May for 5 weeks and was wondering what magic is available e.g suppliers, magicians etc. ---------------------------------- 11. 8th annual IBM Ring close-up show ---------------------------------- Message from Tom Craven (US) I will be part of the 8th annual IBM Ring 2 public close-up show in Youngstown, Ohio on April 1st. It will be held at the Holiday Inn Metroplex, Belmont Avenue in Youngstown. Then on April 7, I will be starring in a magical production at the Oakland Theater for the Performing Arts... 200 W. Boardman Street in Youngstown, Ohio. This is a small (190 seat) theater, and the audiences have been wonderful! Just attended the Columbus, Ohio Magi-Fest in February and it was great. Now looking forward to the Abbotts close-up convention in March, the FFFF convention in April, and the Canton, Ohio Battle of Magicians (starring Billy McComb and Terry Seabrooke) in May. Isn't magic life fabulous? ---------------------------------- 12. Florida Magicians Association Convention ---------------------------------- Message from Ken Spanola (US) The Florida Magicians Association (FMA) Convention will be held May 25 - 27, 2001 in Tampa, FL. Only $90 for Magicians, $140 for Magicians & Spouse, and $45 for a Junior (17 & Under). The FMA will honor Norm Nielsen with a Lifetime Achievement Award and he will close the Convention with his Legendary Act! In addition to Norm Nielsen we have some FANTASTIC Talent that includes Carl Cloutier, Jon Racherbaumer, Juan Mayoral, Alain Choquette, Enric Magoo, James Swain, Dan Garrett, General Grant, George Schindler, Anton, Danny Cole, Michael Miller, Jay Sterling, David Evangelista, Ron Geoffries, Alfonso Guerra, Joseph Constantine, Lupe and more! All THREE evening shows will be in the Theater ACROSS the street from the hotel -- within EASY walking distance! Register early as evening show seats are assigned based on registration date. Midnight Close Up Shows and ELEVEN QUALITY Lectures! Our first lecture is Friday at 3:00PM. Junior and Senior Contest Categories for both Stage and Close Up - Over $1000 in Cash prizes and Trophies. International Dealers Room. Spouse, Youth & Teen Events. You want to reserve your room at the DoubleTree Hotel - Tampa Airport Westshore (it is right across the street from the theater where all evening shows will be held) as all events except evening shows are at the hotel. Call 1-800-222-TREE and ask for the low Convention Rate of only $85. A limited number of rooms at this price, so call early. Ken Spanola, Convention Chairman 813-885-2449 kspanola@aol.com Bill Postlethwait, Registration Chairman 727-934-0487 revpost@aol.com Web Site: www.MagicConvention.Homepage.com Web site has registration form, performer pictures and bios, hotel & theater pictures and more! ---------------------------------- 13. Fireball spitting ---------------------------------- Message from Loch David Crane (US) Poor Orchante, swallowing all that alcohol and jet fuel! Can't you just spit a flammable alcohol like Goldschlager, schnapps, or Tequila 151 for a fireball? Much safer to use a legally available spirit you can swallow with enjoyment. What other alcohols can you use for fire eating or fireball spitting? Please advise me. ---------------------------------- 14. Join our directory ---------------------------------- Message from Dave Boyd (Aust) #1 on Yahoo with the keywords Party Planning http://www.partydirectory.com/dir/listform.htm ---------------------------------- 15. Illusions for sale ---------------------------------- Message from Shad Rutherford (NZ) I'm cleaning out my garage at the moment and have come across some illusions I almost never use.....so if you know of anyone who might be interested let me know. I got these from Nigil Kennedy a while back so I'm happy to charge what I paid for them...prices include GST but are plus freight There's a guillotine....folds in half so it packs pretty small.......$400NZ A sub trunk that looks like a big cage (great to use with impossible escape handcuffs - so the person is locked inside the cage with their hands locked on the outside of the cage...this also comes apart for travelling.....$700NZ plus a broomstick suspension.....$850NZ ---------------------------------- 16. Back in Sweden ---------------------------------- Message from Jahn Gallo (Sweden) Just back in Sweden after a month in Hamburg at the Hansa Theater! Tuff job 2 shows every day but also lots of fun in Germanys classic variety theatre take a look at http://www.hansa-theater.de/aboutus.htm www.gallos.cjb.net ---------------------------------- 17. HOFZINSER original manuscript! - For Sale ---------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (US) Title of item: HOFZINSER original manuscript! Oh my! Seller: annieabbott Starts: Mar-01-01 15:52:08 PST Ends: Mar-08-01 15:52:08 PST Price: Starts at $50.00 To bid on the item, go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/awcgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1118257944 Item Description: With the permission of the translator of Johann N. Hofzinser's (1806-1875) incredible work ("ZAUBERKUENSTE") on magic we are offering this unique item for sale to some magic collector who will get a one-of-a-kind deal. In 1983 Richard Hatch (of H & R Books) was working on an English translation of J. N. Hofzinser's book of magic. The manuscript was sent to the historian and collector Milbourne Christopher. Mr. Christopher did not make any notations in the copy he received, but shared his opinions with the translator. However, Mr. Christopher died before the book was printed... to stupendous acclaim! The book known as "The Magic of J.N. Hofzinser" sold initially for about $35.00 and after it went out of print, copies were available for a limited time for upwards of $40. Today the book is completely out of print, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a copy for less than $60...even on Ebay! This typescript runs 359 pages and some of the pages are still attached from the computer printout. To a SERIOUS collector, this is a real find as... if you owned the book, with this typescript you would be able to match what was printed, and perhaps what changes were made. Make no mistake about the rarity of this offering. Only people initially associated with this endeavour were consulted prior to printing, and there will not be another copy like this offered to the magic collecting community for a very long time. Houdini said that Hofzinser was a hundred years ahead of his time. Today, if a Hofziner piece of apparatus could be found, at auction it would, and has, grossed in the tens of thousands. One German dealer who offered the original German volume is said to have priced his volume at over $10,000.00. This is the American translator's typescript prior to publication. It is in good, readable condition and will ship either book rate (US only) for $8.50 or you can tell us how you would like it sent, and we'll apply those charges. Payment must be made in US dollars, but we will ship internationally. If you are a serious magic collector, this is your lucky day. If you are a performing magician, the amount of material contained within these pages could give you a miracle that would blow away your audience. The name Hofzinser is unequaled in the annals of magic for artful invention...now his secrets can be yours...the real stuff...just this one time. Let the bidding begin. (And if you know magic history as we do, then you will also appreciate our seller name!) Good luck! Visit eBay, the world's largest Personal Trading Community at http://www.ebay.com ---------------------------------- 18. The Orchante Saga #19 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) THE ORCHANTE SAGA Page 19 THE BED(S) OF NAILS - ' Aw - Come on honey - I've got this brilliant pad, sea views, great etchings, and, this fantastic bed - instead of springs it's got........... ' 'BUGGER OFF!!!' I started practising for the nails feat while still in College, using self-hypnosis to control the pain, making the girls sick by pushing needles into my arms, etc. Fakirs are able to control body functions - pulse rate - heart beat - blood flow - feeling, and involuntary muscles, with mind control, coupled with Yoga exercises Those who have my seen my performances have realised that some form of mind control/self-hypnosis, and Yoga techniques were being employed. Let 's take a closer look at the bed of nails. The majority of those who perform this feat, 'fake' it, by the simple expediency of having the nails so close together, anybody could lay on them, easily - it's just the thought of it which prevents most from 'having a go'. In fact, you would get a better night's sleep on their nails than some hotels beds I' ve been unfortunate enough to encounter on my travels. Talking of 'fake Fakirs', here's one of my pet hates! How many T.V. programmes have you seen where the 'Great Gizmo' or some martial arts expert lays on a nail bed, (with nails so close together they might just as well lay on the floor), then has a huge lump of concrete placed on their chest, or, supposedly even more difficult and dramatic, several blocks of concrete - which are then smashed up by some 'clown' swinging a sledge hammer. THE BIGGER - THE MORE BLOCKS - THE EASIER IT IS! Why? Because the block(s) absorb all the shock of the pounding sledge hammer! By the time the shock waves reach the person underneath, it has been totally dissipated within the block - YOU FEEL NOTHING!! Now - place one single brick on their chest, and hit that with a sledge hammer..........! Want to test it? Simple - place your hand flat on a solid surface - the floor will do, place a heavy weight on top, and tap/hit with an ordinary hammer - nothing - the bigger, more dense the weight, the harder you can hit it - very impressive to those who don't know about kinetic energy. I hate these 'great pretenders' who con the public - and gullible T.V. producers, into believing that they are the genuine article. My bed of nails is made from Marine ply - won't bend or buckle - the nails are 3" apart, 5" in length, chrome plated, and quite sharp, and a hell of a lot have gone missing over the past 35 and more years. I'll describe the presentation. Veronica and I take a bed each (it's in two halves) 'race' quickly around the audience, to let them feel the nails, ensuring for themselves that the nails are real, and not rubber, and that they are sharp. I then pick out two of the biggest men I can find from the audience - typically, 15 - 20 stones each), and Veronica escorts them to one side of the stage in readiness. The 'beds' are placed on the floor, end to end, and I then stand astride them. Using self-hypnosis, I convince the sub-conscious that my back and legs have lost all feeling - I pinch my skin hard in various spots, to confirm this mental block has been attained. My technique is an ancient Yoga principle. Pressing a finger quite hard on a spot between my eyes concentrates all thought into one point. A modern example is 'scattered light' (your thoughts) focussed by a laser into one powerful beam. In practice all this takes only a few seconds, but when performing I do stretch it out for a minute or two - after all, I am a Showman and entertainer. The aforesaid may sound like rubbish to some people, but it works, and has done for centuries. Anaesthetising myself mentally allows me to fall backwards from a standing position, heavily onto the nails. That's when the screaming starts. Veronica then stands on top of me, poses for a few moments, gets off, immediately sits and then stretches out full length, side on, along my body, gracefully holds the position again for a few moments, then stands up. I slowly rise, and bring myself 'around'. Incidentally, just because I'm in a self-imposed trance does not mean I'm unconscious - I'm aware of what's going on - I just filter out the extraneous noises, etc. All this - in fact the entire Fakir act - (20 minutes in length) is split second timed and choreographed to special exotic orchestrations which are designed to 'sway the senses' and stir up the primeval instincts which are in us all! Now Veronica holds one half of the nails - (each half is 3 feet long by 1 foot in width) while I once again go through 'the procedure' and fall onto the other half. Veronica then, from a standing position, drops her half straight down, so that it lands with a sickening thud on my bare chest, and lower parts of my body. I can promise you - every male in the audience winces, and makes an involuntary gesture towards their 'you know whats'. Now the excruciating 'torture' factor rises to new levels. I. pick the nails up by one end, swing them up and over my head, and SLAM them back down, FULL FORCE onto my body. The screaming rises in volume by several decibels - men writhe in sympathetic agony as they 'see' a man's most sensitive parts apparently being pulverised to a pulp. I do this 3 - 4 times, then settle down - Veronica assists the two men picked out earlier, to stand on top of what has now become a human filling in a nail sandwich, with 30 - 40 stones of solid manhood wobbling/balancing on top. After what seems like an eternity (actually about 30 seconds or so) the two 'assistants', their legs shaking, step down. Veronica lifts up the top bed of nails - I don't move - the audience begins to think I never will, then slowly, I sit up, then stand, turn slowly around, take my bows, and then shake the hands of two, much relieved gentlemen. Then, before the audience has a chance to catch its breath, I'm straight into the sword swallowing routine. Apart from a few slight indentations, there is not a mark on my body, front or back. So, how come the nails don't penetrate the skin? Well, sometimes they do, if they press down against a rib, or if you slide, they will leave deep scratch marks, but it's rare! Must say, although I' m okay, it does play havoc with the underpants - I don't have a pair that aren't full of holes. I was often asked, discreetly by most ladies (who showed some concern) about the family jewels - they were kept safe by some careful 'tucking away' - (difficult if you're Johnny Holmes). By eliminating feeling, you are able to relax totally, on the nails. This means your skin will 'give', which it can't do if you're tensed and tightened up with pain. Liken it to a flat balloon.- it takes some pushing before a needle will penetrate it, but blow it up, then push in a needle and 'Bang'. Obviously, there has to be a breaking point. Twice I've had ribs broken, but I've withstood 81 stone 6lb - just over half a ton - in Napier, New Zealand., a world record at the time. A huge bock of concrete was lowered down onto me, by an enormous crane, whilst I was on the nails. Apart from Veronica, the most worried person was the crane operator - he knew that if the gearing allowed the chain to slip just a 1/4" even when that 1/2 ton plus weight was almost touching my body, I would've been crushed to death! I didn't see him immediately after, but was told later that he was shaking like a leaf when he clambered out of the cab. Anyhow, the World record at the time stood at 77 stone, so I had broken it by 'miles'. It was recorded officially, with Police in attendance and photographers, signatures, details, etc. sent to the Guinness Book of Records. By the time it reached England, they had received another set of records, from some chap who had broken my record by just 2 pounds. If I had only known, just an additional 3lb of good old kiwi butter and the record would've been mine. Two lousy pounds! Oh, well! To illustrate the mental control needed for feats of this kind - at a Beach Resort in Gisborne, New Zealand, many, many years ago, I got very badly sunburned - front and back . You would have been forgiven if you had mistaken me for a freshly cooked lobster - I was in sheer agony. Still, later that evening, I was able to do my show, including the nails, as normal - but after the show - Bloody Hell! In the past, some very notable people, including some Political 'Heavyweights' have availed their weighty forms, to my 'Nails' act. They include the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the late Robert Muldoon who in his autobiography 'The Life and Times of a Young Turk' included a photograph of himself standing on top of me whilst I was laying on my nails, with the caption 'gathering Tax', (He was then Minister of Finance).- former Prime Minister of Australia, Gough Whitlam, - the former Mayor of Wellington , Sir Francis Kitts - former Mayor of Auckland, Sir Dove-Meyer Robinson, and the former Minister of Defence of England, Mr Tom King.. Phew - heavyweights, all right! During my early years, I was constantly bombarded about how Fire-eaters, etc., were just scruffy 'rogues and layabouts' swindling the public with cheap side-show stunts! THAT WAS IT - THE FINAL INSULT!! I transformed those 'CHEAP STUNTS' into an unrivalled artistic spectacular - a Theatrical experience of which excerpts have been performed on Television shows around the globe. It has entertained and fascinated not only natives, (in tin sheds) on remote Pacific Islands - but also, the most sophisticated and discerning of audiences in the finest of venues and world stages, and in the presence of Royalty. I am rather proud that I achieved my dream!. ------------------------------------- 19. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- The 26th NZ Magician's Convention will be held at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, Mt Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand from Thursday 27 December 2001, and concluding with a New Year's Eve Celebration on Monday 31 December 2001 ------------------------------------- 20. MagicNZ e-zine archives ------------------------------------- Back issues of the MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain access. User Name: ezine Password: newzealand When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001nov0699.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (nov06) and the last next two numbers the year (99) If you want to print copies of MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine-archive ------------------------------------- 21. Subscription Management ------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. To subscribe or unsubscribe from the MagicNZ e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html MagicNZ e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday. The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors. Neither MagicNZ or Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via MagicNZ e-zine. We reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions as we see fit. >> This publication may be freely redistributed to other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY << (c) Copyright 2001 Alan Watson