* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #83
Date: Sunday 29th July 2001
Editor: Alan Watson
www.magician.co.nz
www.alan-watson.com
e-mail AW@Alan-Watson.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================

1. Editor's Message
2. Internationally Renowned Master of Magic To Perform in New Zealand
3. Magicana has existed since 1953
4. Views Recently Expressed By Exor Of South Africa
5. Exor Of South Africa - Replies On Rip Offs
6. There is stuff here in the United States that I want, but can't afford
7. How about Ned Williams?
8. Duck Cameron - Performing In Hong Kong
9. In Reply To Scott Wells Posting On The New Metal Bending
10. Magic in the Rockies 2001 Convention
11. The Ross Skiffington Grand Magic Company - "Electrics"
12. Here is a funny story regarding my Appearing Shovel
13. 16th Annual Dragon Awards
14. Rip-offs and the IBM convention
15. "FIREFLIES, Wizards of Magic, 2"
16. George Bates in Hospital
17. The Orchante Saga #39
18. Diarise these events
19. MagicNZ e-zine archives
20. Subscription Management

------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
-------------------------------------
Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One

From the 1st August is the last chance to register for the New Zealand
International Magicians Convention at the early bird rate. REGISTER NOW!

ALL registrations MUST BE forwarded on the official registration form.

If you require a convention registration form on the web go to:
www.magician.co.nz/convention2.html

A convention website has also been set up and if you require information
about some of the headliner acts go to:
www.magician.co.nz/convention1.html

For more information contact Convention Secretary, Tony Wilson
e-mail: twilson@xtra.co.nz
Telephone: (09) 576-9581

-------------------------------------
Can anyone help me Ton Onosaka internet address?

-------------------------------------
Life Time Achievement Award from MagicNZ and The Grandmaster Award - from
the BAM and Palmerston North Magicians - publicity in recognition of Barry
and Jenny Brook's achievement at the recent Palmeston North Mini Convention.

Barry and Jenny Brook received excellent publicity in both The Dominion
(Wellington paper) and The Tribune (Palmerston North paper) with colour
photos of Barry. Barry and Jenny are off to Ventura (California) for 4 weeks
to catch up with family.

-------------------------------------
Bernard Reid has just arrived home for a weeks break and then he is off
again to join the QE2.

-------------------------------------
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
AW@Alan-Watson.com

----------------------------------
2. Internationally Renowned Master of Magic To Perform in New Zealand
----------------------------------
Message from Vanessa Regan - Sky City Communications Executive

Hailed as the world Magic Master, spectacular magician Joe Labero, is to
perform at Sky City Theatre from August 9, 2001.

Hot on the heels of his sell-out European tour and extended season in
Sydney, Labero's performances are described as "mesmerising illusions
combined with brilliant costumes and spectacular lighting effects - sure to
keep audiences on the edge of their seats."

According to Jill Birch, Marketing and Entertainment Manager, Sky City
Auckland, Joe Labero's show offers a fast paced and highly visual
entertainment extravaganza.

"Joe Labero's show is truly revolutionary. It's a major stage production
with spectacular effects and death defying illusions that will keep you
mystified from start to finish," says Ms Birch.

"Labero truly is one of the world's greatest magicians and his show will
appeal to people of all ages, from families with children to senior citizens
and from couples to corporates and large social groups.

"Sky City will have both matinee and evening performances when the season
opens on August 9," she says.

From an early age, Labero knew he wanted to be a magician.

"At 12 I got my first magic box and realised I could do something others
couldn't and they were astounded," said Labero.

"Then I understood what magic can give you and ever since, magic is my way
of life. I think magic, dream magic and do magic."

A professional master of illusions at just 18, Labero toured the US and UK
throughout his young adult years until in 1991, he started up his own
million dollar Magic Extravaganza back at home in Sweden called A Magic
Night. An unprecedented success, this catapulted his career to stardom and
in February 1996, Joe was invited to perform in "Mystique," a Magic and
Dance spectacular at the Conrad Jupiters Showroom on the Gold Coast,
Australia.

As a result of his success at Jupiters, Labero was asked to produce and star
in a follow up production - "Illusions" - which quickly became the most
successful show in Jupiters' 13 year history.

In addition to his on stage popularity, Labero has been honoured by his
fellow magicians with the prestigious Merlin Award, the Magic World's
equivalent to the Oscars, for "Continuing Achievement in the Art of Magic."
This is the highest award to be attained in the magic world and has been
received by other famous magicians such as David Copperfield, Siegfried and
Roy.

Tickets for Joe Labero, Magic Master, at Sky City Theatre, are now on sale
from Ticketek (phone 09 307 5000). For more information about Joe Labero,
Magic Master, visit his website at www.labero.com.

For further information:

Vanessa Regan
Sky City Communications Executive
Phone (09) 363 6017 or 021 665 253

-------------------------------------
3. Magicana has existed since 1953
-------------------------------------
Message from Michael Woolf (NZ) - Editor/Publisher "Magicana." New Zealand

"Magicana" is the famous magazine for magicians published in New Zealand.

It is printed each two months. A 36-page magazine, colour covers.

Magicana has existed since 1953 so in three years time will celebrate fifty
years. I've been Editor/Publisher for just over a year. We have some heavy
names on the subscriber/contributor list - Bev Bergeron, George Schindler,
Mike Caveney & Tina Lenert, Stan Allen, John Booth, Maurine Christopher,
George Daily, Eddie Dawes, Duane Laflin, Topper Martyn, Billy McComb, Herb
Morrissey, Wittus Witt, Norm Nielsen, Bill Rauscher, Nick Lewin, Bernard
Reid, David Ginn, Fantasio, Mervyn & Carol Roy, Terry Seabrooke, Burton
Sperber, Pavel - the list goes on.

"Magicana" aims to be all things to all people - professional and amateur
performers, enthusiasts, and collectors - everyone interested in any aspect
of magic. You can send material for publication by e-mail or to my address
(below.) Articles, publicity stuff, people, events, news - anything at all
from the world of magic.

Advertising rates are probably the best value in the world - you can have a
full page for $NZ40 - ($US20) and smaller sizes are in proportion.

Closing dates for copy are 1st Jan, 1st March, 1st May, 1st July, 1st Sept &
1st Nov.

Subscription is only $NZ40, $A40, $US30, $Can.40, or ŁUK20 air post paid.

Thank you for reading this: please help to keep the flag flying. I look
forward to hearing from you.

Michael Woolf
Editor/Publisher "Magicana." New Zealand

-------------------------------------
4. Views Recently Expressed By Exor Of South Africa
-------------------------------------
Message from David J O'Connor (AMA) Durban, South Africa.

Dear fellow E-Zine members,

I would like to state categorically that the views recently expressed by
Exor of South Africa are not the views or consensus of the average South
African Magician. In fact I disagree completely with Exor's claims of it
being justified to crib steal or rip off other magicians creations. I
congratulate Walter Zaney Blaney, Bruce G.Schneider, Scott Wells and Tim
Ellis for their stand against people who believe they can just take what is
not theirs! I respect their views and principals most highly.

I am a member of the South African Magical Society, the oldest and most
respected society in the country, with its history and origins going back to
the early 1920's. We are also affiliated to the London Magic Circle, and
many of our members belong to the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
Within our society we promote and encourage a code of ethics, protocol, and
respect especially when it comes to acknowledging and giving credit to
innovators or creators of magic, big or small. We frown upon any sort of rip
off and under no circumstance will we condone it. With our affiliations we
understand the integrity of the creative people who develop new ideas and
concepts for the advancement of our craft. Any person, who develops a new
effect, routine, or prop for magic, not only deserves compensation, but full
acknowledgement and recognition for his or her endeavour.

I wish to assure subscribers that the average South African magician
deplores the rip off or stealing of any magical idea, gag, lines, or
apparatus from the originator. I felt the remarks made by Exor cast South
African magic and magicians in a bad light indeed. While we may not be as
exposed to the International magic scene as much as others overseas, we do
respect and honour originality. When something is offered for sale and
because of our poor exchange rate it is expensive, we are not obliged to
purchase it. As one of the contributors mentioned, would it not be better to
design or produce our own unique effects as they do in Russia. While there
are some things about the new South Africa that tend to veer a little
towards being a 3rd world country, I believe we are certainly not, a 3rd
world country. (yet).

Yes I do believe there are a few who would take others ideas, and tricks and
manufacture them here themselves, these people are in the minority. I can
personally vouch for the integrity and honesty of the "Magic Shop", one of
the country's best magic dealers from Cape Town, who are above copying or
cribbing and held in very high esteem by the fraternity. Most of their
material is legally imported from American and European suppliers in the
normal way and distributed with due acknowledgement and credits.

Magical societies in this country belong to the South African Magic Council,
and while each society or club remains autonomous, SAMCO do have a
constitution that we all abide by. I am quite sure they would never under
any circumstances condone any sort of rip off, or breach or protocol.

In conclusion I appeal to fellow overseas magicians not to judge South
African magicians as all being rip off merchants. I speak for many of our
fraternity when I say we despise any sort of theft, cribbing, or not
acknowledging an originators efforts or creations. We do have some very
creative and imaginative magicians in SA who have contributed much for us to
be proud of. However I can only endorse what Walter, Bruce, Scott, and Tim
said in last week's posts and will endeavour to ensure that those who would
abuse our magical heritage and evolvement will be discouraged. We endeavour
to develop fellowship and strive for brotherhood, and to inspire the highest
of magical ideals and principals. Best regards.

----------------------------------
5. Exor Of South Africa Reply On Rip Offs
----------------------------------
Message from Exor (South Africa)

Many thanks for including my controversial article regarding rip-offs.

Unlike the Masked Magician, I identified myself, knowing full well that I
will be able to expose the hypocrisy of the rip-off saga. If you remember my
first article to you, I blamed the mighty US dollar for causing the Masked
Magician scandal. There were no replies to that - I wonder why??

Now, firstly, there appears to be a problem out there with regard to
comprehension of my article. I thought the English was quite clear. However,
I was obviously wrong, judging by the manner in which I have been not only
mis-quoted but also assigned motives I don't have!! First of all, I was
trying to bring out the huge cost to South African magicians of purchasing
an illusion from America. I used Don Wayne's Stretching the Lady Illusion
purely as an example.

At this stage I would like to present my honest intentions and integrity,
which also appear to have been attacked without full knowledge or inquiry. I
wrote to Kevin James in 1999 regarding his Snow Illusion and explaining our
financial situation in this country. He very kindly wrote back to say that
he had no objection to my manufacturing the illusion (then costing $1500-00)
providing I paid him the performing rights of $ 500-00.

(See attachment of this letter). I delayed on this trying to raise the
equivalent Rand value of R 4000-00, when suddenly in the Linking Ring an
advert appeared " Snow from your Hands " - another company! For $500-00 -
the same price!! What am I now supposed to think? And saw another ad from a
company in Europe, also advertising a similar effect. There seems to be a
gigantic catfight among all the dealers.

So what am I supposed to do? Order one of each to see which is the best, or
order one anyway and take the risk, as I have done before when ordering from
the States (a Zig-Zag head) of receiving a damaged parcel (due to bad
packing), a broken prop with a missing part!! I would also like to point out
that there are approximately 120 active magicians in South Africa, of which
about ten are full time professionals.

My article referred to new effects, which are actually based on old and
sometimes forgotten material. Scott Wells asks what has come out of South
Africa? Ned Williams, better known to almost the entire magic world as
Robert Harbin, was South African. See Page 176 of his book mentioned below.
He left this country at the age of 21, due to our horrific racist policies.
This policy even affected the Arts - blacks could only perform for blacks,
Indians for Indians, and Chinese were graciously classed as Honorary
Whites!!!

Harbin wrote a book called the Magic of Robert Harbin in which the world
famous Zig-Zag Lady plans were included. Not many books were printed; each
book was personally signed by him and numbered. My book is number 403. For
the benefit of Tim Ellis, it is NOT a photostat copy! On page 192 of the
book, headed AGREEMENT, Section D states: the purchaser will not manufacture
or make up any of the items published in the book except for his own
personal and exclusive use. At that stage of my book No 403, dealers
throughout the world were selling the prop by the dozens, because it was a
blockbuster and fooled magicians totally. The introduction, signed by The
Great Masoni, states" .........as Robert Harbin has suffered on more than
one occasion from plagiarists." This book was published in 1970 and is now
31 years old, out of print, and proves my point.

Mr Scott Wells is not very well informed. What I was attempting to present
in my article was the other side of the coin in terms of the extremely high
costs for magicians in a third world country. It was not presented as an
excuse, but rather as an explanation for rip-offs. Since this article has
appeared in Alan's excellent publication, I have received various positive
requests from dealers in Europe asking for sources for these cheaper
manufacturers due to the high cost to others of the US$. So much for
respect,

Mr Ellis!!! When the new South Africa was formed, Mr Neil Cohen, who
represented SAMCO, South African Magic Council, got South Africa back into
FISM, after 40 years of isolation. Mr Graham Kirk entered the Stage and
Close up categories and although not placed, received favourable mention
both at FISM and in a Dutch Magic magazine. He wrote a book on giant CDs and
Coin manipulation called The Magic of Graham Kirk which was also well
received.

Walter Zaney Blaney says I should be Exorcized. Walter, your ladder
suspension is fantastic and Harbin gives you credit in his book Page 49,
under Abbotts Super X Plus, but your recent advert in the Linking Ring
stating the" new Zaney Blaney Walkaround Suspension ", is certainly not your
invention. It is basically a dressed up version of Abbotts and Harbin's
version, available at a lower price than your ladder version. So you are
also guilty of taking very old material and presenting it as your own. Your
promo video (bought in the USA by a fellow magician Mr Ellis!) gives the
potential purchaser both options of your ladder version and the
Abbotts/Harbin version. Harbin gave you credit, but in your advertising you
do not give either Abbotts or Harbin a credit. I rest my case.

----------------------------------
6. There is stuff here in the United States that I want, but can't afford
----------------------------------
Message from Bill Robinson (US)

The South Africans justified Apartheid, too. But that didn't make it right.

There is stuff HERE in the United States that I want, but can't afford. Does
that give me the right to go out and rip off the hard work, talent and sweat
someone else put into creating a prop or illusion?

I don't think so.

----------------------------------
7. How about Ned Williams?
----------------------------------
Message from Jack Poulter (Canada)

Message from Scott Wells

Has there been anyone from South Africa actually giving something back to
the magic community by inventing or creating something innovative?

How about Ned Williams? Granted he did move to the UK when he was 14, but he
is probably the most ripped-off as far as stage illusions go.

Don't anyone misunderstand -- I am not condoning the practice, merely
answering the question.

----------------------------------
8. Duck Cameron - Performing In Hong Kong
----------------------------------
Message from Duck Cameron (Aust)

I'm currently performing in Hong Kong doing club shows for Chivas Regal
(alcohol company) and performing early every night at Grand Hyatt doing
close-up in their fine-dining restaurants.

I've been here for a month and on the 31st leave for the Island of the gods
(Bali) where I will be performing for 4 weeks at Grand Hyatt Bali (resort)
and then Hyatt Bali. After touring last year with an Illusion show
("Illusions", New Zealand) it has made for a nice
change performing my solo show and close-up again.

Copperfield was in town last week and although I was performing and didn't
get to see his show, the feedback and paper reviews were very good. I've
also had 4 reviews for my show in Hong Kong papers and although I can't read
them, the publicist says they are complimentary!

Hope all is well with the magic fraternity in Melbourne.
I miss you...(well, most of you!)

----------------------------------
9. In Reply To Scott Wells Posting On The New Metal Bending
----------------------------------
Message from Donald.

In reply to Scott Wells posting on the new metal bending, which sound good
to me, may I mention a technical point on the format of videos. There are
many formats, the most popular being NTSC (easy to remember Never Twice the
Same Colour!) as used mainly in North America and Japan, and PAL as used in
the United Kingdom and other places. France uses SECAM.

Both NTSC and PAL are VHS

Original PAL is the better system as it uses more lines on your screen, in
fact where numbers allow, astute video producers make originals in PAL then
convert to NTSC. Sent in the spirit of sharing information and not to show
you how clever I am.
 www.magicbooksbypost.org

----------------------------------
10. Magic in the Rockies 2001 Convention
----------------------------------
Message from Edward W. Hurtubis

Colorado - Ft. Collins - Ring 250
September 6, 7, 8, and 9, 2001
Ft. Collins Marriott, 350 East Horsetooth Road, Ft. Collins, CO 80525
For information, contact: Tim Pendergast, penderwiz@aol.com, 970 225-0708

Description: IBM Ring 250 presents their eighth annual Magic in the Rockies
featuring (talent booked so far): Eugene Burger, John Carney, Doc Eason,
Lennart Green, Flip Hallema, Bob King, Bob Kohler, Eric Mead, David Oliver,
Charles Pecor, Bob Sheets, and Jon Stetson.

The $99 registration ($119 after 05/01/01, $129 after 08/15/01) includes:
Junior Showcase Show, Cabaret Show, Public Show, 9 Lectures, 16 Dealers, Bar
Magic, Close-up Show, and a dinner and two lunches! For complete
information, visit Ring 250's website www.byrini.com/presto.

----------------------------------
11. The Ross Skiffington Grand Magic Company - "Electrics"
----------------------------------
Message from Alfred Hayes (Aust)

Let's commence with a few interesting and imperative, motivating questions

Have you ever thought how important FINGERS are in the presentation and
performance of magic? With computers governing, to a great extent, our
fortitude in this 21st century, so much is believed realised, just by
pressing a button - true or false? Have we ever contemplated that in the
entertainment 'bubble', only magicians are mini producers/directors?

I want to magish you back three score years ... it is 1942 ... the film
corporation that pioneered talking movies, Warner Bros, premiered the story
of George M. Coham, "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (B&W / Running time over two
hours). As a small child it left an indelible impression on me, and still
does to this very day (I now have it on Laser Disc). James Cagney is Cohan.
Most of you will recall Cagney playing 'provocative' characters. He started
in Vaudeville, and was an entertainer of limitless talent. The New
York 'Herald Tribune' once wrote of this luminary, "nothing short of a
brilliant tour-de-force of make-believe".

Doesn't a magician present 'make-believe', as does a character actor? I've
zoomed in on Cagney's fingers during the film ... as I have done when
watching Ross Skiffington (whom I have standing alongside Cagney,
professionally speaking). Both are meticulous when it comes to hand/finger
movements and positions. Definitely not the 'modern magical' button pressing
technique ... this takes time, talent and trial. But let's not dwell on
fingers ... presdigitators are renowned for doing all the necessary
requirements that a team of creative individuals must bring about before any
performance can be played in public ... plus, of course, the thespian's
rehearsals.

But back to Ross Skiffington, of whom, I deem, without shilly-shallying, to
be Australasia's leading theatrical illusionist. Ross's Sydney season
(reported earlier in previous newsletter) at the Glen Street Theatre has
vanished. Once again, he, his technical engineer (Gordon Arney), together
with Wendy Dalton (choreographic and trusty assistant) and company, has
alevated and extended their flight of imagination. Several new 'segments'
were introduced in this latest version of "Electrics".

The show starts, and ends, on a low note. Immediately you would think this
adverse to the rule, but Ross, as a caretaker (janitor) draws his audience
into the staged "room" using clever and novel use of lighting battens (not
neglecting his acting abilities!) ... culminating with his unusual nosy
porter's act. Woven in between production pieces is an amazing amount of new
material. Different (and new) is the fast moving, easy to tag along with,
black light segment. It finishes with five moving luminous stars forming a
stairway, which a "Mary Poppins" apparition (umbrella held high) climbs.
Reaching the last 'stair' she begins to float upwards - rising above the
special stage proscenium, leaving 'skyward' till out of sight (Disney - eat
your heart out!). The nerve-touching closing once more draws his audience to
him, as he slowly walks from the stage - leaving spectators open mouthed,
believing the unbelievable ... ... not to mention many curtain calls!
ROSS SKIFFINGTON, nothing short of a brilliant tour-de-force of limitless
make-believe.

----------------------------------
12. Here Is A Funny Story Regarding My Appearing Shovel
----------------------------------
Message from Wayne Rogers (NZ) sent by Helen, David, and Hope

Thanks, Wayne, for sending the directions for the shovel! Hope loves her
shovel! She performed with it for the first time in a show yesterday. She
produced it at the end of the show in a growing flowers routine that is
always a great audience pleaser. The audience stared in great disbelief when
the shovel came out of that bag!

Hope passed me the shovel, and then as soon as the show was over a couple of
minutes later I carried the shovel out to put it in the car. It didn't fit!
I couldn't lay it lengthwise, because we had three tables and a bunch of
other equipment to get in! I tried this way and that way, and finally got it
in diagonally! It was really hot out and very humid. Hope was still inside
making balloon animals for the kids. I almost called David to come with the
other car to take the shovel home!

It was really funny, because Hope had practiced over and over with the
shovel and had planned a great place in her table for it, and she had
planned how to pass it to me--but we hadn't thought about how to take it
home without re-folding it!! Just had to share that funny story about how
your shovel is really larger than it seems!!

Also, the woman whose house Hope performed in was so convinced that this was
a real shovel that she was real concerned that it might "bang" her wall!

Thanks, Wayne, for a great effect!

----------------------------------
13. 16th Annual Dragon Awards
----------------------------------
Message from Chuck Jones (US)

On July 16th, Paul Daniels and Debbie in a ceremony at the Magic Castle,
were given the 16th Annual Dragon Award. The Dragon Award is a life time
acheivement award, given each year by the J. Marberger Stuart foundation to
only "husband and wife teams" in magic.

About 60 people were present, including many of the previous award winners,
during the three part evening which includes the award presentation, dinner,
and video of Paul Daniels.

Previous winners have been:
Petrick and Mia
Marvyn and Carol Roy
Mark Wilson and Nani Darnell
Chuck and Jan Jones
Duo Absolon
Harry Blackstone, Jr. and Gay Blackstone
Glenn Falkenstein and Frances Willard
Mike Caveney and Tina Lenert
John and Pam Thompson
Moi-Yo Miller and Arturo Montez
Fantasio and Monica
Ed and Nanci Keener
John and Cathy Daniel
Lee and Helene Grabel
Peter and Coral Reveen

----------------------------------
14. Rip-offs and the IBM convention
----------------------------------
Message from Dave Rubenstein (US)

With last week's discussions of both rip-offs and the IBM convention, I
thought I'd add the following:

At the IBM competition, a major portion of Igor's award-winning routine was
actually originated and developed by New York magician Mark Greenberg.
Without permission, and without acknowledgement, Igor "borrowed" heavily
from Mark's routine and won two big awards. Here are the details as I
understand them:

New York magician Igor Mitrovic, known as "Igor," took second place at the
recent IBM Convention's close-up competition and Peoples Choice at the SAM
close-up competition with much of Mark's routine appropriated without the
knowledge or consent of its creator.

Mark, who performs as "Marco Monteverdi," originated a great routine (called
Dr. Eberhardt's Essence of Nothing). In it, a small bottle of Dr.
Eberhardt's "nothing" is touted for its vanishing abilities and is used to
make a variety of objects disappear. The routine is performed as a "medicine
show" pitch with a doctor's bag and standing near a table. Igor attended
several of Mark's shows at which the routine was highlighted.

At the recent IBM and SAM Conventions Mr. Mitrovic competed to enthusiastic
reviews with a routine that touts "Dr. X's Essence of Nothing." Mimicking
Mr. Greenberg's routine, the contents of a small bottle causes a variety of
objects to disappear. It was also performed as a "medicine show" pitch
standing near a table and with a doctor's bag.

It seems "Essence of Nothing" can also be used effectively to vanish
integrity.

----------------------------------
15. "FIREFLIES, Wizards of Magic, 2"
----------------------------------
Message from Frances Willard (US)

We appreciate receiving your wonderful newsletter so much. Thanks as always.
The magic news from all points is certainly positive, and appreciated. Glenn
and I are performing in an intimate North Hollywood Theatre in a full
evening magic show called, "FIREFLIES, Wizards of Magic, 2". The producers
have asked us to integrate a few illusions since this is our second run, and
the critics look for new effects.

We wanted illusions which would complement our mind reading and Spirit
Theatre routines. Therefore, Glenn vanishes me in the De Kolta Chair
following the two way mindreading, which works very well. We have also
introduced a "Haunted Doll House" routine, based on the doll house my dad
performed in the tent for so many years. We simply changed the story to
"Margery, The Boston's Medium's Doll House". "Fireflies of
Magic", refers to the master magicians of the past who kept lit the world
with wonder by preserving the traditions of magic. Prior to the Spirit
Cabinet, I have an opportunity to share some of the Willard Tent Show
background with the audience. This is working out very well, and seems well
received.

Paul & Debbie Daniels received the DRAGON Award for 2001 at the Hollywood
Magic Castle. John Calvert, Moiyo Miller, and other legends were on hand.
Paul certainly kept this years event lively with his impish mannerisms and
jokes. Paul shared some of the footage of his shows which Ali Bango
designed. It was all marvelous, and The Jack Marlberger Stuart family hosted
this annual event where so many professional magicians congregate to pay
tribute to a performing couple who successfully integrate: "Drama, Romance,
Artistry, Glamour, Originality and Necromancy" into their act.

The couple were each bestowed a medal by previous winners (John & Cathy
Daniel), and, (Listen to this girls), the female partner receives the money,
a check for $1,000! But mostly it is an elegant evening with dinner, etc. at
"The Hollywood Magic Castle". It is a real honor to be added to the list,
and we wish all future Dragon couples the best! The DRAGON family of magic
is growing, and thanks to Jan Jones (of Chuck Jones and Company), it will
all be documented for magic history. Jane and Alice Stuart inform us that
next year's event may be held in New York! What fun...time to take in a
Broadway show, (which has magic in it, of course.)

We are enjoying our wonderful, magical grandaughter, Savannah Ammar, and
Michael is proving to be a fine inventor of baby equipment as well as magic.
We will join them on David Sandy's magic cruise out of Galveston to the
Carribean on Valentine's Day. Also, we are looking forward to a convention
with them in the Poconos in Sept.. Mostly, we are looking forward to bring
the Willard Spirits to Ron Mc Millan's weekend convention in London on
December 2nd. Hope to see all our magic friends there!

In Spirit,
Frances Willard

----------------------------------
16. George Bates in Hospital
----------------------------------
Message from Stan Goudge (NZ)

George Bates is in Ward 5 North Shore Hospital Auckland and would appreciate
visitors.

----------------------------------
17. The Orchante Saga #39
----------------------------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

Ferocious Seas - Angry Gods!
Tahiti - December 1967 - Lost at sea, in the middle of a raging storm,
somewhere off the southwest coast of Tahiti.

How do you explain or describe what you are feeling in the depths of your
soul, knowing that you are on the brink of a catastrophe - that any minute,
any second, you face, annihilation. Imagine looking up at a monstrous wall
of water, that stretches up so high before you, the top appears to be
touching the sky, (or as in our case, sheer black cloud), as far as you
could see! Imagine you are teetering, for a moment, right at the peak of
what seems to be an endless, sheer drop of water then suddenly you're
hurtling down that watery slide, heading for what you feel must be the very
bottom of the ocean, the seabed - and on top of all that, a howling gale
coupled with violent, driving rain.

Imagine propelling - driving - at full power, a boat that was, by comparison
to that 'water mountain', the size of a matchbox, up that endless wall of
water, praying that you'll reach the top before that 'Mount Everest'
collapses, crushing you - everything - under astronomical tons of sea-water.
Better still - rent the movie 'The Perfect Storm' - there is a segment where
a commercial fishing boat is in similar circumstances. When you see this,
shrink that boat down to less than a quarter of its size -that will give you
a very accurate 'picture' of what we went through!

I'm not a religious man, not in the normally accepted sense, but I do
believe that 'something' is there - "an essence of all existence." (being a
U. F. O. buff I'm convinced that we, the human race, are descendants of an
alien race who visited this planet way back - I guess for many of you that
admission has put me, along with various astronauts, scientists and pilots,
both military and civilian, who know the truth and are not afraid to say so,
straight into the `loony bin ` - I had two experiences some years ago, back
in New Zealand, that was `proof ` to me, that we are being visited by
aliens, but that is another story, maybe later) sorry about that, I do tend
to go off on tangents at times.

As I stated in the last paragraph, I'm not the religious type but I tell you
this, one minute you are praying to anything that might hear you - the next
cursing everything - from the depths of your soul you silently scream at the
elements - at Life, your total helplessness. You go through stages of
'numbness', thinking - saying NOTHING. It is a continuous cycle of fear,
dread and then, resignation; but from somewhere deep down inside, your
instincts scream "you are a survivor!"

Abruptly, your mind is submerged - overwhelmed with a tidal wave of primeval
fear - the horror of being torn apart - eaten alive, by ravenous sharks,
drowning as you 'see' in your mind's eye, that precipitous, towering wall of
water tossing the minuscule boat, you, everything, into the watery depths -
knowing that at any moment that is precisely what can - should - happen -
hour upon hour, the relentless petrifying onslaught continues.

You become aware that you are nothing but a tiny speck, a microbe on a vast
ocean - on a planet, one of countless millions - billions of other stars and
planets, in a small corner of the universe - of a galaxy that it is hurtling
in an unknown direction, at an unimaginable speed through an ever-expanding
universe, populated with billions of other galaxies, stretching to eternity!
Phew, let's get back to earth.

At around 2 or 3 in the morning, it gradually dawns upon you that it is all
over. The launch is floating on a calm, serene ocean - the same ocean that
for hours on end, had tried to rip you apart - now, the only sound, the
gentle slapping of water against the side of the launch. The outboard motors
are silent, for the simple reason that we have run out of fuel. I have
absolutely no memory of when this happened but, thank God, it must have been
some time after the storm had blown itself out - if we had run out of
'juice' some time during the storm I wouldn't be here today writing my SAGA.
We found out later that the fuel tanks had been filled right up before we
had left the previous morning, that there was enough fuel on board to have
gone approximately 500 nautical miles, 500 nautical miles and we ran out of
fuel!!!

Some time between 5 and 6 o'clock in the morning a small speck appeared on
the horizon- it was an aeroplane - it flew over and circled two or three
times - the pilot waggled his wings and flew off, vanishing over the
horizon. An hour or so later another speck appeared - it was the coastguard;
apparently they had been out all night, all through the storm, searching for
us. They had actually given us up for "lost, drowned at sea" and it was just
sheer luck that the aircraft had done a final sweep and spotted us - we were
much farther out to sea then anybody had imagined. They got us on board the
coastguard cutter - we were given blankets, a meal, and hot drinks etc. -
the launch was taken in tow and we headed back to the port of Papeete.

This terrifying ordeal has 'haunted' me all my life -it was also one of
those rare occasions when I didn't get the cuttings of the newspaper
coverage of this extraordinary misadventure. I do know that it was
front-page news - more so because I was a visiting entertainer; my name and
posters were all over the place, including advertisements in the papers. I
believe the company who owned the launch were prosecuted for their
outrageous lack of safety precautions and their totally irresponsible
behaviour in putting a man in charge of our lives who not only could not
speak English but also had no knowledge of how to use a marine radio or even
some idea of basic, rudimentary navigation! Our so called" captain" would
have been more at home paddling a simple canoe - catching fish for his
family!

Hubert Wayliff the promoter who had booked me, cancelled three shows and
took me to his home (it was a two-storey, open plan house, with thatched
roof in the Tahitian style, and right on a private beach) "to chill out, get
drunk and recover" - I did all three!!! Strange how you can remember the
silliest things, Hubert had just received a copy of the long-playing record
from the musical "Hair", which was all the rage in America and London at the
time - I can still hear it blasting out from his fantastic stereo sound
system - for three solid days.

This has been one hell of a long narrative - but, as I said at the
beginning, it was a terrifying, frightening ordeal - under the most violent
and atrocious of conditions. I've had to 'dig deep' to try to express the
full import of what happened. Now, 32 years on, the memory of it all still
affects me emotionally, and can at times, leave me, a 58 year old grown man,
blubbering like a baby!

In page 37 of this episode, in the last paragraph, I wrote; quote 'we
guessed he (the 'captain') wanted us to throw the shark back - no way, we
all wanted some teeth, but why he was pointing up towards the sky was a
total mystery - I being a New Zealander, and part Maori, should have known
better. I'll explain later. Unquote. Later is NOW!!! When fishing, it is the
custom in Polynesian culture that the first fish caught, is always thrown
back - no exceptions. This is done to appease the 'Gods' - if you don't,
their wrath will fall upon you.

When the Scandinavian caught that shark, we all helped to haul it on board -
we should have thrown it back - WE DIDN'T - for which we nearly paid with
our lives. THE WRATH OF 'SOMETHING' SURE FELL UPON US -- hence the heading
on this page . ANGRY GODS!!!
MAKE OF THAT WHAT YOU WILL!!

-------------------------------------
18. Diarise these events
-------------------------------------
Joshua Jay Lecture - Auckland
Date: Friday 10th August 2001
Time: 7.30pm Entry $15 seniors. (Includes supper)
Contact: Alan Watson
Phone 483 9275 Mobile 025 95 7070
Venue: The Senior Citizens Club Rooms
Address: The Strand, Takapuna
(Behind the Library) (Same room as the North Shore Society of Magicians meet
at)

Joshua Jay Lecture, Hosted By S. A. M Assembly 250 Christchurch.
Date: Monday 13th August 2001
Venue: Greg & Sue Britts
Address: 23 Halswell Junction Road. Halswell.
Time: 7.30pm Entry $15 seniors $10 Juniors.(includes supper )
Please phone 322 9249 to confirm your attendance or email
elgregoe@inet.net.nz

The 26th NZ Magician's Convention Auckland Friday 28th to Monday 31st
December 2001. The registration form and information is now available
on the web go to: www.magician.co.nz/convention1.html

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19. MagicNZ e-zine archives
-------------------------------------
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Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to gain
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User Name: ezine
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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:
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