* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #90 Date: Sunday 30th September 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. Laughter Is The Best Medicine 3. The Two Superday Conventions 4. Just A Small Correction 5. Czech Republic In Magic 6. Supreme Magic - Magigram Magazines 7. Where were the top performers in the non-musical fields? 8. Videos For Sale 9. Fantasy In Black 2002 in March of 2002 10. WANTED! 11. Feathers And Flowers 12. Waterfront Magic Bar and Grill - Vanuatu 13. Small Plastic Feet 14. Wanted - A Rubber Or Plastic LEFT Hand 15. The Orchante Saga #45 16. Diarise these events 17. MagicNZ e-zine archives 18. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One I'm performing through the 2 weeks school holidays at Rainbows End Leisure Park on centre stage incorporating the park characters, illusions and magic. ----------------------------------------------------- Remember that the Jay Scott Berry Lecture Tour is coming to NZ soon: Auckland - Tuesday 9th October 2001 Contact: Alan Watson - AW@Alan-Watson.com Venue: Auckland College of Education 74 Epsom Ave, Epson, Auckland Gate 3, Room E18 Time: 7.30pm Wellington - Wednesday 10th October 2001 Contact: Michael Woolf - michaelw@ihug.co.nz Venue: 277 Horokiwi Rd, Horokiwi, Wellington Time: 7.30pm Christchurch - Thursday 11th October 2001 Contact: Greg Britt - elgregoe@inet.net.nz Venue: 23 Halswell Junction Rd (Halswell end) Christchurch 3 Time: 7.30pm Jay tells me he will have many items for sale and he accepts cash and credit cards. Jay Scott Berry's Lecture Review - Graham Rogers (NZ) I can recommend that all magicians back home in New Zealand that have the chance to attend Jay Scott Berry's lectures in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to do so. He has an amazing lecture with very usable material from some of the most amazing sponge ball magic to silks, ring on ribbon and coins. His new improvement of the thumb tip (the eclipse tip) gives many new angles and possibilities from 20th century silks to silk fountains. His new versions of the old and forgotten Sahada gimmick is worth the lecture fee alone .......if you want some new workable magic don't miss this lecture More information about Jay is at http://www.jayscottberry.com ------------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. Laughter Is The Best Medicine ---------------------------------- Message from Jan Dacri (US) We've all heard this before - but now . . . more than ever, we need to laugh. Not to forget, or to ignore all that is going on in the world, but to restore our chemistry so that we have the strength, the health, and the stamina to face whatever is ahead. Let us laugh when we can. It has been scientifically, medically proven that when our minds are in a state of fear and stress, our bodies respond by secreting certain chemicals into our system. Our organs are little factories which respond to emotional stimulus by producing certain hormones and enzymes. If we remain in a prolonged state of fear or anger or hatred or any extreme negative emotion, the stress on our system is enormous. We become ill, we have heart attacks, our blood pressure rises, and we run the increased risk of becoming susceptible to disease. We also turn to antidotes that are not necessarily beneficial to the system, although they temporarily make us feel better. Alcohol, cigarettes, medications, and food - all of these are ways we seek to change how we feel, to affect the state we're in. Not healthy in the long run; and we all know that nothing has changed, the feeling comes right back when the drug wears off. What is the solution? Laughter. It's a proven stress-reduction technique. Everybody knows how much better they feel when they laugh and smile. So if you are in a line of work where you can make people laugh, you are doing them a GREAT service. You may even be helping to save lives. Clarify this issue for your audience before you begin; let there be no mistake that we all are in pain, in mourning, and we will be for ages to come over this heartbreaking tragedy. In comedy, there is magic. Magic happens when you feel a rush of delight, all of a sudden, when a small miracle appears before your very eyes. Encourage your audience to allow themselves to feel the delight. With your eyes wide open, allow yourself to feel it too. Take a deep breath, and SMILE. See them smiling back at you. And if you are blessed with the gift, MAKE THEM LAUGH. And LOVE. But that's another story. ---------------------------------- 3. The Two Superday Conventions ---------------------------------- Message from Sean Taylor (Aust) Just a reminder that the two Superday conventions are now only a month away. We are pleased this year that 5 New Zealanders are already confirmed as making the trip across for this annual event. The Brisbane event is on the 27th and 28th October and Sydney is 3rd and 4th November. International guests are from England, Terry Herbert and from the USA, Paul Cummins. The Brisbane gala show will feature the guests plus Brad Manuel, Sean Taylor, award winning manipulator Chris Hackney-Smith and the illusions of Peter May. The Sydney gala show also looks like being the best ever with Sam Powers, Demis and K.T., Magic To The Max with Brendan Montana and top British comedian Johnny Pace. Don't delay, book today. Taylorsmagicshop@aol.com ------------------------------------- 4. Just A Small Correction ------------------------------------- Message from Kristina (Aust) The Magic Malarkey in Melbourne Correction. Timothy Fensham was the winner of the Junior Close Up competition. Not ''Fenshaw'' as was posted. Equal second was Steven Seeley and Alex De La Rembelije. All three are members of Bernard's Junior Magicians Club! ---------------------------------- 5. Czech Republic In Magic ---------------------------------- Message from Pavel Sobek (Czech) Mastering of Czech Republic in magic will take part in Ostrava town from 20th to 22nd September 2002. All magicians from foreign countries are welcome to take part in this competition. For information write to: Pavel Sobek, manager, e-mail: palo.s@quick.cz ------------------------------------- 6. Supreme Magic - Magigram Magazines ------------------------------------- Message from Ivan Hannah (NZ) These magazines are professionally bound in red hard covers with gold leaf titles on the spine. They are in mint condition. Each bound book contains six copies of the magazine, with two books equalling one years copies of the Magigram. They run from January to June and July to December, starting from July 1976 up to December 1990. The change of format/size of the magazine is included, and the bound books are changed in size accordingly. There are also six issues of the magazine (unbound) from January to June 1991. Books containing index issues of the magazine are marked in black on the spine. Any reasonable offer would be considered, with freight your cost. Contact Ivan Hannah, magicpair@clear.net.nz ---------------------------------- 7. Where were the top performers in the non-musical fields? ---------------------------------- Message from Clive Court (Canada) I watched the nationwide telethon last Friday evening. And while I applaud the performers for donating their time and talent to the cause. . I was puzzled by the fact that the only performers were singers and musicians. Was this because it was arranged or sponsored by the music industry? Or was there some kind of screening at work? I cannot imagine that the only performers who wished to donate their talent were singers and musicians. Where were the top performers in the non-musical fields? David Copperfield is just about the top live performer on the Forbes list (if that's your measure of success) all the others derive the majority of their income from recorded entertainment. My point is there were top entertainers who were screened out because they were not musicians. That's discrimination. This happens at national events in Canada and Britain, too. And I think it's time we demanded better representation at the national level. I'm going to begin by suggesting that maybe the magical community could get together and offer a world-wide fundraising special to PBS and world public broadcasters on Hallowe'en. I'm suggesting that it include 2-3 minute contributions from the world's top magicians (sent by satellite) from the public broadcasting networks around the world. It could be anchored by Siegfried and Roy from the Mirage or Lance Burton from the Monte Carlo--because they would normally be doing a show that night. And I'm sure the live entertainment community in Las Vegas could put this effort together within the timeframe. Instead of just pitching for donations, maybe the networks and stations carrying the two hour "International Hallowe'en Special" could simply pay to The Red Cross whatever they would normally pay for two hours of peak time programming. I would like to see magicians and other non-musical performers get into the act and raise some funds for a worthy cause and their international profile at the same time. Maybe we could even challenge the singers and musicians..just a little. Remember, the comedians did it for a while with "Comic Relief." But we're organized internationally and we can do it on a really worldwide scale because magic is a more international entertainment than music--in that the magic of one culture can be appreciated across all cultures. The question is, are we capable of grasping the opportunity? ---------------------------------- 8. Videos For Sale ---------------------------------- Message from Sefton Pryce (NZ) Could you Please advertise these item for sale on your MagicNZ e-zine they are all in excellent condition if any interested parties, contact SPryce@xtra.co.nz or Ph (06) 7587841 all stock must go try and better these prices especially the way the exchange rate is at present. Videos Floating Rose video, Kevin James $60 The ultimate thread video Vol 2 by Sorcery shop $45 Tim Wright's video Zombie $45 Wellington enterprises video (illusions) demo $25 ---------------------------------- 9. Fantasy In Black 2002 in March of 2002 ---------------------------------- Message from Don Drake (US) I will be organizing a West Coast Lecture Tour called "Fantasy In Black 2002" in March of 2002. I will be looking for lecture spots in California, Oregon, Washington, and possibly BC and/or Vancouver, and coming home by way of Reno, NV. Web: http://members.aol.com/dondrake ---------------------------------- 10. WANTED! ---------------------------------- Message from Neil Martin (UK) WANTED! Stan Allen's MAGIC Magazines Wanted (well, not 'his' copies!) Volume 1: Issue 1 (September 91) thru' Issue 10 (June 92) Issue 12 (August 92) Volume 2: Issue 10 (June 93) Issue 7 (March 93) Issue 6 (Feb 93) Issue 5 (Jan 93) Issue 4 (Dec 92) Issue 3 (Nov 92) Issue 2 (Oct 92) Issue 1 (Sept 92) I would like them in very good/excellent condition and will pay reasonable costs. Please email me at personal@neilmartin.com ---------------------------------- 11. Feathers And Flowers ---------------------------------- Message from Greg Britt - Elgregoe (NZ) I will have just completed 16 shows called Feathers And Flowers at Hornby Mall. Being springtime I thought it was time to bring out the flower act. The act was made popular and obtained from the late Graham Pratley and I count it a privilege to keep part of his magic alive. The stage full of flowers everywhere is certainly a stunning sight. Starting Monday 1st at South City Centre is my Illusions show, 6 days 12 shows featuring MisMade Lady, Mephistos Ring Illusion.etc Monday 15th Oct I will be back in Auckland to continue working thru schools with the Cool To Be Kind, Uncool To Be Cruel Antibullying show. Look forward to catching up with fellow Magicians, ---------------------------------- 12. Waterfront Magic Bar and Grill - Vanuatu ---------------------------------- Message from Jack Grant (Aust). Just returned from a cruise on the Pacific Sky which took me to Vila, Vanuatu on Saturday, 8th September. Knowing I would be there I accepted the invitation in MagicNZ and contacted Don MacQuoid at the Waterfront Magic Bar and Grill to make arrangements to visit that afternoon. The hospitality shown to me by Don and his charming wife, Donna, was "out of this world." The Waterfront is a wonderful island style venue with Platform for Band or Performer, Cabaret Floor for Dancing or Performer. Bar and Tables and chairs for the patrons. It is situated right on the water's edge adjacent to the Yacht Club. An ideal venue. Jon Zealando had been performing there but flew back on the day of my arrival so I wasn't able to meet up with him. Don had taken friends on a very successful fishing trip that morning. When I arrived he was entertaining them at lunch assisted by young Sam, one of Don's local magic enthusiasts, who was showing his skill with a pack of Bicycles, capably performing a number of effects shown to him by Waterfront's visiting magicians. Don and Donna kindly drove me back to the ship to conclude a very pleasant afternoon that will stay in my memory for along time. If you are in that part of the Pacific make sure you visit Don MacQuoid at the Waterfront Magic Bar and Grill. You will not regret it. It's a must! On the Monday prior to Vila I was in Cairns and took the opportunity to renew acquaintances with Michael Boyd at the Reef Hotel Casino. Michael together with Cathie as Magic 2 are doing a second season there in a new show called Carnivale. (See Tim Ellis' review in MagicNZ #87.) Michael also made me very welcome and showed me the performing area and all his wonderful illusion props. Michael and Cathie are doing extremely well. They returned from a season in Japan to take up these engagements in Cairns and already are working on plans for the future. Michael is a product of Melbourne's Young Magicians and is a former pupil of Russ Landel (Lyndsay Rietschel) and Ken Warner. ---------------------------------- 13. Small Plastic Feet ---------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) twilson@xtra.co.nz In last weeks Magicnz e-zine you published a great trick from Peter Marucci which has previously appeared in the Linking Ring magazine. If any of your readers have problems finding some small plastic feet for this great effect ask them to contact me as I have plenty of them. Greg Britt, Bill Scott and I visited Daytona Magic Shop in 1992 and I bought a bag full! I perform this light hearted comedy close-up effect regularly at Cobb and Co and remember using it at the Napier Convention in the close-up competition. Thanks to Peter Marucci and to you to publishing some of Peter's gems! ---------------------------------- 14. Wanted - A Rubber Or Plastic LEFT Hand ---------------------------------- Message from Ken Bates (NZ) kbmagic@xtra.co.nz I need a rubber or plastic LEFT hand I have tried everywhere to get one all the dealers, people I know and Shops. I just can't get one so would you please put a note in your newsletter on Sunday some one out there may have one in their cupboard. ---------------------------------- 15. The Orchante Saga #45 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Murphy's Law - if you're feeling good, don't worry, you'll get over it! We were feeling very, very good as we left Wanganui and started up what is now called Highway 4, on our way to Tauranga. I understand that the stretch of road from Wanganui to Raetihi is now tar sealed, and has been for some years; 30 years ago it wasn't exactly the 'road from hell' but it sure wasn't anybody's idea of a pleasant sightseeing jaunt either. It's around 1 o'clock in the morning, we are about 30 or 40 miles from Wanganui - in the middle of nowhere, slight drizzle and the road is as greasy as hell - 'Murphy' decides to strike! The car goes into a slide and the right front side slams into a post on the side of the road. Muttering profanities, as you do, I clambered out to see what the damage was. The right front mudguard was bent in - jammed hard up against the tyre. No problem, I wrestled the post from the ground, pulled the fencing wire from it and used it to wrench the mudguard out and away from the tyre - thankful that no real damage had occurred, started up the car and carried on. Too easy - a few more miles up the road and 'Murphy' struck again (strike two). There was a hell of a clatter from underneath the bonnet - more profanities as I lifted the bonnet and discovered that the generator had fallen off - bloody hell! My voice rose in volume as I said*/***/& ##%/? #**" #??- or words to that effect as my eyes surveyed the problem/damage. It has been said that, with a combination of good old kiwi ingenuity and a length of Barb Wire, a New Zealander can fix anything! I'm sure there is some truth in this statement, but I didn't have any Barb Wire - however, in my trunk of equipment I had various audio leads that interconnected to amplifiers, speakers and a tape deck. I tied the damned generator back on and heaved a sigh of relief as the car started and we cautiously continued on our journey. 'Murphy' must have been screaming with unmitigated delight - he hadn't even got started. A few more miles up the road - it fell off again - vibrations? (strike three). This went on until we had reached strike seven. Approximately 7.30 a.m. - Sunday morning - we have been on the road for seven hours - we are on the outskirts of Taupo, the Kinleith Forest is on our left, (by now we should have been on the outskirts of Tauranga) and the bloody generator falls off yet again (strike eight). Pieces of all my audio leads are strewn from one end of Highway 4/47- up to the beginnings of Highway One! Terribly hung over, Veronica and I must have looked the way we felt - crap - my mouth, and I guess Veronica's as well, felt and tasted like the bottom of a bird -cage, before it has been cleaned! I guess by now, 'Murphy' was splitting his sides with uncontrollable hysterics! We had noticed a farmhouse a hundred odd yards or so back - the pair of us, looking like something the cat had dragged in, walked back to ask if we could use their telephone, to find a garage and get some help. When we knocked on the door it was opened by an elderly lady with a very kindly face, who, upon taking one look at Veronica, and with typical New Zealand hospitality said, "oh, you poor dear, come on in." After a making us a cup of tea she and her husband listened to our unbelievable tale of woe. She then insisted that Veronica 'have a nice hot bath' while her husband drove me into Taupo. Finding a mechanic at a garage on a Sunday, who would repair the car, would not be easy. It's the old story - it's not what you know, it's who you know, 'our' farmer being a local, knew them all. So, I jumped into the tow truck with the mechanic to pick up our car. While he was hooking it on I walked up to the farmhouse to collect Veronica and to thank our unbelievable 'hosts', who would not accept a penny for their help and hospitality - that's New Zealanders for you. Chatting away with the mechanic as he fixed the car, he asked me what I did for a living. When I told him that I was a professional magician, who also ate fire, lay on beds of nails and swallowed swords, he laughed. "Sword swallowing, that's just another one of your magic tricks, there's a special button that you press that makes it fold up". No amount of argument would convince him otherwise. Finally, he said to me "look mate, if you can swallow a sword in front of me, right here-and-now, and let me examine it before and after, I'll do all this work, including the parts, for free!" I said "will you shake hands on that" to which he replied "no problem" - we shook hands as gentlemen do. Within five minutes I'd gotten my 22inch sword from out of the trunk, taken off the removable handle - had let him examine it - wipe it clean and- swallowed it! I then threw it high into the air and let it clatter and bounce as it hit the garage floor. He was gobsmacked! Continues next week - 'Murphy' aint finished with us yet! ------------------------------------- 16. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- Jay Scott Berry Lecture Tour Auckland 9th October 2001 Wellington 10th October Christchurch 11th October ------------------------------------- The 26th NZ Magician's Convention Auckland Friday 28th to Monday 31st December 2001. For The registration form, Convention programme & The Official Competition Form go to: www.magician.co.nz/convention2.html ------------------------------------- 17. 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 ------------------------------------- 18. 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 << © Copyright 2001 Alan Watson