* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand e-zine
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #142
Date: Sunday 27th October 2002
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. Orchante and Kim - Lifetime Achievement Award
3. World Alliance Of Magicians (WAM)
4. "Illusionists Of The Year Award"
5. Danny Archer Heart Attack
6. Scott Hollingsworth Lecture
7. Magician/Ringmaster Phill Chandler Dies
8. Town Apologizes Of Banning Rabbit Tricks
9. HOUDINI Catalog For Swann Auction Is Online
10. Sailing In To Cruising History
11. Diamond Pythons Are A Girls Best Friend Media Release
12. Fourth Season At A Six Flag Park
13. John Calvert - Shooting Act In Spain
14. Al Munro - Died
15. New Black Art Lecture
16. David Copperfield's Project Magic Is 20 Years Old!
17. All-Star Magic Show On New Year's Eve In Chicago, U.S.A.
18. 134 Linking Rings Dated From 1986 To 1997 For Sale
19. A Literary Tea With Jamy Ian Swiss
20. Australian Convention Committee Looking To Book Acts
21. MATHMAN Shows At Schools Around Britain
22. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga - Page 128
23. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives
24. Subscription Management

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

Have recently returned from performing in Vanuatu - a wonderful
tropical paradise which all the family enjoyed. One of the
highlights of the trip would have to be performing for the local
tribes and watching their eyes light up with excitement and wonder.

Don McQuoid booked us to perform close-up magic nightly at his
restaurant ”The Waterfront Bar & Grill” along with Ken Bates from
New Zealand.

Don is also an avid magician and he and his wife Donna are an
extremely caring and generous couple and a delight to be with.

They would like to book other professional close-up magicians to
perform in their restaurant. They only book acts after viewing a
video or DVD to see if they suit their unique place in paradise.

For more detail on performing at the Waterfront Bar & Grill
restaurant in Vanuatu - e-mail Don McQuoid at:
waterfnt@vanuatu.com.vu

-------------------------------------
Congratulations to Jon Zealando on being presented a Scroll of
Honour at the Variety Artists Club.

The scroll reads: To Jon Zealando - for his years of work within the
entertainment industry and for his work with the Variety Artists
Club, we acknowledge his dedication and professionalism and salute
his achievements on behalf or the Variety Artists Club of New
Zealand Inc.

-------------------------------------
As The Magic Circle Repersentive for New Zealand I am very pleased
to announce that Wayne Rogers (Chicane) has been promoted to the 
degree of “Associate Member of the Inner Magic Circle” with Silver Star.

This is in recognition of Wayne's knowledge of, and experience in,
the art of magic and his known performing ability. Congratulations
Wayne.

If any other New Zealand magicians would like information on how to
join The Magic Circle please e-mail me.

-------------------------------------
The Palmerston North Magic Circle (New Zealand) is considering
running another mini - convention next year - 2003 - along the lines
of the previous 2001 Magic Moments we ran on Queens Birthday weekend
last year.

They are looking for an overseas lecturer and performer.

For more details contact Norm Twigge: normtwigge@xtra.co.nz.

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

----------------------------------
2. Orchante and Kim - Lifetime Achievement Award
----------------------------------
Message from Richard Webster (NZ)

While in England last week I had the enormous privilege of
presenting Tom Orchard - Orchante - and his wife Veronica Kim with
the prestigious Magic New Zealand Lifetime Achievement Award in
recognition for their lifetime dedicated to excellence in the
magical arts.

It was worth travelling all the way to Doncaster to see the joy and
surprise on their faces at being honoured in this way by the magic
community.

Congratulations Orchante and Kim.

------------------------------------
3. World Alliance Of Magicians (WAM)
-------------------------------------
Message from Walter Zaney Blaney (US)

Dear friends in magic:

After two years of trying to get the catalog (print or website
address) of probably the world's largest rip-off magic builder, a
European magician friend was kind enough to send WAM the website
catalog address today.

Our worst fears have been confirmed. Please take a long look at the
illusions this man offers, including the following proprietary
intellectual property illusions of USA magic inventors and builders:

1. Zaney Blaney's "Ladder Levitation"
2. Jim Steinmeyer's "Origami", "Interlude", "Pole Levitation",
"Windshear" (fan penetration), "Modern Art", "Acupuncture"
3. David Copperfield's "Death Saw"
4. Andre Kole's "Shrinking Girl"
5. The Pendragon's "Clearly Impossible" thin sawing
6. Dan Summer's "Compressed"
7. Chuck Jones "Miss Made Girl"
8. Mark Wilson's "Train Sawing"
9. Germany's Puchinger's "Mini Cube Zag" (George Kimery has USA
building rights)
10. Franz Harary's "Slicer"

And this is just a partial list. You can see them all in living
color at: www.dominikmagic.com Click on each photo to enlarge.

The rip-off builder is Francesco Martorana. His company name and
address are: "Studio Magic Dominik" (SMD), Via Circonvallazione,
130-90046, Monreale, Palermo, Italy

In the USA Wolfgang Wollet, "Illusions & More Inc.", Henderson, NV,
places ads in some of our magic magazines showing a half dozen
public domain illusions for sale...Zig Zag, Hindu Basket, Head
Chopper. etc. He entices customers to see his website catalog where
all of Martorana's rip-offs are for sale. Doug Tilford and a few
others are also offering these rip-off illusions invented by our USA
magic inventors. But the rip-off illusions are not shown in their
magic magazine ads, for obvious reasons.

WAM believes that pressure can be brought to bear to force these
dealers to no longer handle rip-off illusions if they want to keep
advertising in our magic magazines.

This practice is, after all, directly opposed by our stated Code of
Ethics in each of our beloved magic societies.

One more thing. As you look at the catalog photos, have you ever
seen such thick table bases, poor design, and so many of the secret
things left out that make our original illusions successful? There
is many a magician that has bought a rip-off only to find the
quality and design is so poor that the trick does not even work. We
believe it would be an important service to warn our magician
friends and discourage them from purchasing these cheap, unethical
rip-offs. It would also encourage and help nurture continuing good
work by our USA magic creators.

(WAM) World Alliance of Magicians officers
Abb Dickson, President
Scott Wells, Vice President
Walter Zaney Blaney, President emeritus www.magiciansalliance.com

---------------------------------
4. "Illusionists Of The Year Award"
----------------------------------
Message from Tony and Juleen Laffan (Aust)

First Australian Illusionists To Receive World Renowned
"Illusionists Of The Year Award."

Australian Illusionists Tony and Juleen will be the first
Australians in history to receive The Merlin Award, “The Academy
Awards of Magic”, for The International Illusionists Of The Year.
Tony and Juleen will be presented with the trophy on the 29th of
October.

Past recipients of the prestigious award have included David
Copperfield U.S.A., Siegfried and Roy Germany, and Joe Labero
Sweden.

 “You’re now in good company among the elite of magicians” said Tony
Hassini, International Magic Society Chairman/CEO.

The Merlin Award presented by the International Magic Society is the
only magic award recognised worldwide by the general public. It is
considered the Academy Awards of Magic.

Mr Remington Scott, The International Magic Society (IMS) World
President of New York, U.S.A and Mr Peter Balyck IMS President of
Australia and New Zealand will be presenting the award to Tony and
Juleen on Tuesday October 29th 2002 at Wonderland Sydney’s Tony and
Juleen Galaxy Theatre.

Tony and Juleen Laffan have been the resident illusionists at the
largest theme park in the Southern Hemisphere - Wonderland Sydney
for the past three years. Spellbinding Sorcery is the only permanent
illusion show in Australia.

The couple’s theatrical wizardry alight on stage in a series of
astonishing grand illusions along with some classic favourites.
Their show is vibrant, energetic, entertaining and beyond all -
truly amazing.

For further information on Tony and Juleen visit their website at
www.tonyandjuleen.com or www.wonderland.com.au.

----------------------------------
5. Danny Archer Heart Attack
----------------------------------
Message from Craig R Dickson (US)

I just learned that the balance of Danny Archer's lecture tour was
cancelled (or at least postponed) due to a heart attack. I
understand that following his lecture in San Antonio, he complained
of not feeling well so he checked himself into the hospital where he
found he was having (or had) a heart attack. I have no further
details at this time, but if anyone learns anything more, then
please post it for the rest of us. Our prayers are with him that he
has a complete recovery and no further trouble.

I know that those of us who attended his lecture are the better for
having attended and learned a few ideas from a very friendly, caring
and generous man who has an undying love for, and a dedication to
our art.

yours,
Scott Wells, A.I.M.C. (Associate of the Inner Magic Circle) with
Silver Star
Past President - Texas Association of Magicians 2000

----------------------------------
6. Scott Hollingsworth Lecture
----------------------------------
Message from Jeff Ezell (US)

Hi Everyone!!!

This is a quick reminder about the Scott Hollingsworth lecture....

Back to work with 2 awesome days of magic in October. Starting next
Monday, Oct 28th @ 7pm. We have Scott Hollingsworth in from Magic
Island in Texas. He is a great performer as well as a thorough
teacher of close up and stand up magic. His lecture is broken down
into 3 parts as follows:

Part One: The business of magic - taking your career to the next
level. Find out what steps to take to get the corporate engagements
you are looking for.

Part Two: SCOTT HOLLINGSWORTH’s first love is performing. You will
learn magic effects from the repertoire of this working pro. Just to
name a few of his favorite and proven effects that will be shared:

The Strolling Chop Cup Routine, Simplex Coin Routine ,Bermuda
Triangle (Coins Across) Sleight of Foot, In the Beginning (Cigarette
Paper Tear) ,4" Ring & String
Part Three: Hands-On Teach In. Everyone takes part in learning one
effect by personal instructions from SCOTT HOLLINGSWORTH

This lecture will be FREE to all who attend. Yes, I said FREE.
So everyone should definitely sign up for this one NOW

Scott Hollingsworth will be performing at the Magic Castle the week
previous to the lecture so if you would like a sneak peek...please
go see him work his magic. Scott Hollingsworth comes highly
recommended from Allen Hayden and Paul Green.

Next, on Tuesday, October 29th @ 7pm we have Jeff McBride giving his
lecture on magic with almost anything you can imagine. Most people
may know Jeff McBride for his card manipulation and his Mask act,
but there is so much more that he can teach each and everyone one of
us. Jeff McBride is a long time professional magician and teacher of
magic. Jeff McBride does not make it out to these parts very often
so, of course, I highly recommend this lecture to all. The lecture
cost is $40 per person and can be paid by cash or check at the door.
(cash is preferred)

All of the lectures and classes will be held @ the Ramada
INN-Burbank. You can call them @ 818 843 5955 for directions.

Any questions, reply to this e-mail or call 818 562 1921 and I will
try to answer them asap.

Thank You!! See you next Monday night!

----------------------------------
7. Magician/Ringmaster Phill Chandler Dies
----------------------------------
Message from Bev Bergeron (US)

Phill E. Chandler, magician, (66) died Thursday, October 10, 2002 in
Gibsonton, Florida.

Phill was a full time professional magician most of his life having
toured the back roads of these states and parts of Mexico and
Canada. He had just finished a tour of the Eastern and middle parts
of the States with the Hendricks Bros. Circus on which he performed
his illusion act, was the ringmaster, gave all the pitches for
coloring books, balloons, etc., plus handled the music for the show
while making announcements.

He drove to his daughter's home in Gibstown (the name the show biz
people use) after Hendricks finished their yearly tour. When he
arrived he was not feeling well. He turned down the suggestion of
his friends Roy and Yuka Houston to check into a hospital until
after he went into a 48 hour sleep. He died in his sleep.

Phill was born in Dayton, Indiana and became interested in magic
through Uncle Jim's Magic Shop. In 1954 he attended the
International Brotherhood of Magicians Convention in Louisville,
Kentucky and made a lifetime friendship with Roy Houston, Donn
Davison, Tom (Tom & Sherri) Mescher and Steve Conners, all Indiana
boys who would also become professional magicians. It not long
before the Phill was working mid-night spook shows for Jack Baker
and joined the circus with George Hubert's help.

At one time in Phill's career he opened a magic shop in St.
Augustine, Florida. But the pull of the road caused him to close a
successful business to return to the center ring. At times he had
memberships in the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the
International Independent Showman's Association.

His first wife died on a George Hubert circus date and his present
wife, Linda, has left the business. He has three daughters, Natalie,
Lauren and Robin; one son, Mark; 4 grandchildren.

----------------------------------
8. Town Apologizes Of Banning Rabbit Tricks
----------------------------------
Message from Bev Bergeron (US)

Alan here is something on using rabbits in England. I was told by a
circus performer from the British Isles that in a few years there
will be no animals in circuses. Sad. We have PETA raising hell in
the states with circuses, movies and stage shows. They do nothing
for animals - just collect money and get laws passed. Where they get
their power is a secret. Bev Bergeron

Town Apologizes of Banning Rabbit Tricks

Officials in Newcastle, England, apologized to magicians for barring
them from pulling rabbits out of hats. The City Council said it was
wrong to tell magicians they couldn't use live animals in shows
performed on council property. A spokesman said that the council had
a long-standing ban on animals in circus shows but not in magic
acts, and that the staff overreacted.
(by Smita P.Nordwall with wire reports)

----------------------------------
9. HOUDINI Catalog For Swann Auction Is Online
----------------------------------
Message from Leo Weltman (US)

Hello Folks,

There is just a little over a week to go before the auction of the
Manny Weltman Houdini collection of Halloween, October 31,02. Maybe
Houdini will make a special ghostly appearance himself to be in
attendance.

However, it has come to our attention that not all the catalogs have
made it out on time for you to see and mail in the registration
forms found on the back of the catalog.

Therefore, I am sending you this final update before the auction to
let you know that if you are interested in participating in the
auction, but either do not yet have the catalog, or have not yet
been able to send in the bid registration form, you may still
participate as an absentee bidder to the auction.

There are 3 options to participate in advance if you are unable to
attend the live auction in New York.

One of the easiest options is to go to the website of
www.swanngalleries.com, or this link to Swann Galleries Home and go
to the "view catalog" link on the menu to the left of the page, then
scroll down the "view a catalog" menu for the October 31 Magic
Auction (Manny Weltman Collection). From there you can scroll
through each of the 26 online pages of the catalog, and make a
pre-bid online for any individual item you have an interest in.
Simply click the "bid" key attached to each item, and follow the
online directions for bidding in advance.

The second option is to call Swann Galleries prior to the date of
the auction at (212) 254-4710 ext. 0, and make prior arrangements
with Swann Galleries to bid by phone at the time of the auction.

The third option, if you receive the catalog in time, is to fill out
the Fax Bid registration form that is in the back of the catalog,
and fax your bid in advance of the auction to Swann Galleries fax
number of (212) 979-1017.

If you plan to register as an absentee bidder, you should do so as
soon as possible and at least 24 hours prior to the auction. The
auction takes place at 10:30am in the morning New York time, (7:30am
in the morning Pacific Time for all you West Coast Houdini-holics).

Some of the premium lots to view descriptions of online are:

Lot #34 online page 4 - Houdini's 1916 Diary

Lot #111 online page 12 - Houdini's Spiritual Research Scrapbook

Lot #73 online page 8 - Houdini's "King of Cards" Poster

Lot #74 online page 8 - Houdini's "Man from Beyond" Poster

Lot #120 online page 12 - Houdini's open letter to President Calvin
Coolidge.

There are also numerous lots that are even affordable to the smaller
collector that are in the $100.00+ price range.

So Good Luck To All, and have a Happy Kick off morning to a
Wonderful Houdini Halloween.

---------------------------------
10. Sailing In To Cruising History
----------------------------------
Message from Paul Romhany (US)

October 27th will mark the last voyage of the original 'Love Boat',
the Pacific Princess. This ship and her sister ship, the Island 
Princess (no longer owned by Princess) helped make cruising what 
it is today by being the stars on the hit TV show The Love Boat. 

Yesterday a film crew from Good Morning America came on board and 
filmed a segment for their show which will be aired on US TV on 25th 
October between 7-10am.

I also got the chance to meet Gavin McCleod, Captain Stubin from the
TV show. It is great to be a part of cruising history and be the
last magician to work this famous ship. I'm sure over the past
thirty years the magicians who have appeared on board would read
like a who's who of cruising magicians. I spoke to one cruise
director who told me he had introduced magicians such as Charlie
Miller and Dai Vernon on ships. Next year in May,
Natalie and I will take the new Pacific Princess, a Rennaisannce
ship bought by Princess, up to Alaska for 6 months until October,
I'm sure it will be a lot different than the original Pacific but
it's great to be part of history.

----------------------------------
11. Diamond Pythons Are A Girls Best Friend Media Release
----------------------------------
Message from Tony and Juleen Laffan (Aust)

Australia’s premiere illusionists, Tony and Juleen have recently
added a new twist to their Spellbinding Sorcery show at Wonderland
Sydney transforming Juleen into a Diamond Python.

Tony and Juleen are the only illusionists in Australia to introduce
native animals into their performance. Their conservation message
“education through entertainment” becomes vital in teaching
Australians about these feared reptiles. Tony and Juleen hope to
raise the profile of animal conservation in Australia through their
public profile.

The introduction of the snake is performed in the spectacular
“ORAGAMI” illusion, inspired by the oriental art of paper folding.

“ORIGAMI is a crowd favourite and adds a stunning ending to this
incredible performance,” stated Michael Croaker, Entertainment
Manager at Wonderland Sydney.

In addition to providing educational brochures for guests after the
show, Tony and Juleen also donate a percentage of profits from their
merchandise to animal conservation charities such as The Wonderland
Conservation Foundation and The World Wide Fund for Nature.

International Illusionists Tony and Juleen are considered to be the
most respected magical duo in Australia, they have been performing
inside Sydney’s only theme park – Wonderland Sydney for the past 3
years, 7days a week and are the only permanent illusion show in the
nation.

Media Contact : Renee Ferenc
Wallgrove Rd, Eastern Creek, NSW 2766 AUSTRALIA. ph: +61 2 9830 9121

----------------------------------
12. Fourth Season At A Six Flag Park
----------------------------------
Message from Vince Carmen (US)

Vince Carmen, wife Yvonne and daughters Candi & Erika just completed
their fourth season at a Six Flag Park. This year it was Six Flags
over Georgia in Atlanta. Once again breaking all records for
attendance records for their designated U.S.A., Theatre, at the Six
Flags awards gala, Vince and family won the year's award for comedy
& variety.

Negotiations are now underway for a multi-year deal which will keep
Vince at the Atlanta Park indefinitely. By the way, Vince has now
established the first Six Flags Magic Show, with more to follow.
Vince says, "I wouldn't mind visiting New Zealand again. Oh yes,
Vince is also working on three publications which will be available
in 2003 to the magic fraternity.

----------------------------------
13. John Calvert - Shooting Act In Spain
----------------------------------
Message from John Calvert (US)

Its about time somebody takes the bulls by the balls and jerks a
knot in their tails. This thievery has been going on for much too
long.

A guy from Belgium wrote me a letter and said he saw my shooting act
in Spain. He then went back home and tried to duplicate the act and
in his letter he said he shot his wife and said, what did I do
wrong? My reply was, "You tried to steal my act" that is what you
did wrong. Fortunately, he was using a bee bee gun instead of a
rifle.

I think your best bet is to put the pressure on all the magic
publications to the point where they will not accept advertising
from illegitimate illusion builders and thievery.

----------------------------------
14. Al Munro - Died
----------------------------------
Message from Gordon Precious (US)

Although Al Munro, of Norwich, Ontario, Canada was not, as far as I
know, a member of ring2100, he was a very well known, long-time
member of the IBM and Ring 49, The Doug Henning Magic Wand Club,
Hamilton, Ontario.

Al was widely known and extremely well-liked by magicians all over
north-eastern United States and Canada - he was an ardent attendee
of magic conventions, conclaves and get-togethers, such as the old
Inn Event and the FFFF, among many.

He just loved to show and share his latest magical innovations,
often unique and resulting from his skill as a jeweller.

As I'm sure all of you who ever had the pleasure of meeting Al Munro
will all agree, this is a great loss to the magic fraternity, for Al
had, and exuded, the true spirit of magic to eveyone with whom he
came in contact. And who, whoever saw it, will ever forget his
signature act, "The Geritol Kid", performed with his long-time
magical friend and fellow convention-goer, Max Scott.

Al died October 8, 2002, within a month of being operated upon for
cancer. A memorial service will be held this Sunday, October 13th at
1 P.M.at the Norfolk United Church, Norfolk, Ontario; there is no
question that there will be a huge attendance of magicians and
laypeople, for Al was dearly loved by everyone.

One of his friends who is missing him already,

----------------------------------
15. New Black Art Lecture
----------------------------------
Message from Don Drake (US)

I'll be lecturing at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA on April 6,
2003. I hope to see many of you there, and I have an almost all new
Black Art lecture. Yours in Black Art magic: DONDRAKE

----------------------------------
16. David Copperfield's Project Magic Is 20 Years Old!
----------------------------------
Message from Ron Porter (US)

The international program that utilizes magic as a valuable tool in
rehabilitation is celebrating by having it's first International
Conference. The conference will be held Oct 31 - Nov 2 at the MGM
Grand in Las Vegas. Both magicians and health professionals who are
involved with Project Magic or are interested in becoming involved
in Project Magic should attend. David Copperfield will be presenting
a special workshop and there will be presentations from Project
Magic participants from the USA, Europe, Mexico and South America.

For more information and registration check out the web site:
www.projectmagicconvention.de.vu.

----------------------------------
17. All-Star Magic Show On New Year's Eve In Chicago, U.S.A.
----------------------------------
Message from Don Wiberg (US)

It's not too early to make plans for a unique New Year's Eve
celebration! A once in a lifetime opportunity to see one of the
greatest collection of magical superstars will be taking place at
the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, Glen Elyn, Illinois,
U.S.A., this December 31st at 7:30 P.M. The theater is conveniently
located a few miles from I 88 just west of Chicago. You won't want
to miss Dale Salwak's Stars of Magic when they make this rare
Chicagoland appearance.

There will be magic, comedy and amazing illusions from an all-star
cast: Chuck Jones and Company will amaze you with their incredibly
baffling illusions, Jade, the enchanting east-meets-west performer
is sure to entertain you with her own exotic brand of magical
mysteries, Amos Levkovitch and his incredible act with doves will
leave you baffled, while Dale Salwak, the "Gentleman of Magic" will
astound you with his suave and sophisticated manipulative act.
Funnyman Chris Mitchell will keep you laughing as the M.C. for this
spectacular show.

Seldom do we in the Midwest have the opportunity to see a show of
this caliber. These are performers who many of us only read about
and seldom have the chance to see in person. I can't think of a more
enjoyable way to spend New Year's Eve than in the company of these
superstars of magic. This is a show that's suitable for the entire
family. I know I'll be there. I hope you will be there too.

Tickets for the Stars of Magic are $40.00 and are available by
calling the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage: 630-942-4000.

----------------------------------
18. 134 Linking Rings Dated From 1986 To 1997 For Sale
----------------------------------
Message from Peter Rawstrone (NZ)

For sale. Total of 134 Linking Rings dated from 1986 to 1997. Years
1988 to 1993 are complete sets. $60. Peter Rawstrone.
phraw@xtra.co.nz

----------------------------------
19. A Literary Tea With Jamy Ian Swiss
----------------------------------
Message from Michael Canick (US)

WHEN: Sunday, November 10th, 4-6 p.m.

WHERE: Michael Canick Booksellers, L.L.C.
200 East 82nd Street, #3B (corner of 82nd Street)
New York, NY 10028

CONTACT:
Phone: (212) 585-2990
Fax: (212) 585-2986
E-Mail: canick@panix.com
Website: www.canick.com

WHAT:
Please join us as we celebrate the publication of Jamy Ian Swiss'
new book from Hermetic Press entitled, "Shattering Illusions." Mr.
Swiss will be available for informal discussions about magic as well
as to
sign copies of the book (available for $35.00) as well as his new
CD, containing a compilation of his reviews from Genii Magazine.
Admission is free and refreshments will be served.

Mr. Swiss is an accomplished sleight-of-hand artist and one of the
most knowledgeable people in magic today. He is the book reviewer
for Genii Magazine and can currently be seen in his one-man show
"Magic: Close-up in Concert" at the Rainbow Room every Wednesday
evening in October and November at 7 & 9 p.m. (for ticket
information phone 212.615.6432).

"Shattering Illusions" contains thoughtful essays on the history and
current state of magic as well as practical advice on improving
one's performance. The book rated a glowing review from Michael
Close in Magic Magazine, who says: "'Shattering Illusions' is an 
important book. Buy it. Study it. Think about it. You'll be a 
better magician for having done so." If you are unable to attend, 
but would like to order a signed or inscribed copy of the book, 
please contact us in advance.

ADMISSION FREE

----------------------------------
20. Australian Convention Committee Looking To Book Acts
----------------------------------
Message from Paul Bowen (Aust)

Preparations are underway for the 29th Australian Convention of
Magicians, to be held in Melbourne in June 2004.

The committee is seeking expressions of interest from experienced
magicians, in any area of magic, who would like to be considered as
a VIP guest.

Some previous guests include Rene Lavand, Tina Lenert, Tommy Wonder,
Ali Bongo, Tom Ogden, Bob Sheets, Max Maven, Mac King ...

As a guest, you will be required to lecture, perform and socialise.

Interested magicians please respond to:
australian_convention2004@yahoo.com.au

----------------------------------
21. MATHMAN Shows At Schools Around Britain
----------------------------------
Message from Ken Ring (NZ)

I have just returned from Europe where I performed my MATHMAN shows
at schools around Britain, a total of about 20 shows in all. Two
schools were very old but expensive boarding schools in Edinburgh;
Fettes and Loretto. At a cost of £5,000 per pupil per 6 week term
you would not want to be a large family! I have invented a
multiplying system using only the fingers, and with it you can do
very big computations, like 369 x 48. Half of my show involves
demonstrating the technique. I found nothing like it is known in
Britain. The other half of the show is classic mentalism, which I
call psychic math. I find kids of all ages enjoy mentalism more than
regular sleight magic, which is great because there's far less risk
of mishandling on my part.

The Scotsman newspaper did a big article on me whilst I was there
and treated me to a slap-up lunch. It appears that there is another
mathsman in the district too, so the article was about us both. So
it was good free publicity across Scotland.

Airline security seems much sharper now in the days after 9-11. But
not so much, it seems, on Ryan-Air. I had to get from Edinburgh to
Tenby in Wales so I flew to Bristol to catch the connecting train
from London. During the flight the stewardess wheeled a cart with
goods down the aisle and called "Duty-free anyone?" I asked her what
she was selling. One product caught my eye; a little model plane
with flashing lights. I asked her to let me see it, as it was inside
a box. But she couldn't get the container open. Try as she might,
her nail couldn't get the lid up. Finally she turned to me and to my
surprise asked what must qualify for the howler of the century "Have
you got anything sharp on you?"

The real reason I was in Britain was to find a publisher for my
Fingermath book and also my Weather Almanac-UK 2003, in which I have
already predicted all the UK's weather every day for next year. I
have done the same in NZ with my NZ Almanac and I find the farmers
like it a lot. They buy my books steadily. I thought I would have a
difficulty convincing a publisher in Britain that weather can be
predicted at least a year ahead, because the idea of it still gets
up the noses of our local meteorological scientists. But little do
they realize that thousands of years ago people put up stone circles
for that very purpose. Sir Isaac Newton knew how to do it, so did
Franklin, Kepler, Galileo and Copernicus.

Well, I did find a UK publisher for the weather predictions, and
they also want my book Secrets Of The Moon, which is about how
Stonehenge works and how we can all do it ourselves, and on top of
that they now want first option on five of my other books. Mentalism
is one thing - but the weather is even better - from a magician's
point of view it is The Ultimate Prediction.

At the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany I found immense interest in
Fingermaths, and also I met up once again with Richard Webster for
our now traditional yearly lunch. In a month, all in all, I suppose
I got a lot done, but it's great to be home.

Ken Ring
www.predictweather.com
www.mathman.co.nz

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22. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga – Page 129
----------------------------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

‘EDDIE LOW -‘The Voice In a Million’
PRELUDE

Friday afternoon last (18th of October, 2002), I had a surprise
visit from fellow New Zealander Richard Webster, a friend whom I
haven't seen for eighteen years – 1984 to be exact; I had returned
home to New Zealand, from Sydney, Australia, where we were living at
the time, for my mother's funeral. Richard (accompanied by his son
Nigel, who resides and works in London) made a ‘very special trip’
to Doncaster, staying for several hours. The time just flew as we
gossiped and mused over past memories. According to Veronica, I did
most of the yakking. No kidding - what a surprise! For those of you
who don't know who Richard Webster is (you should be ashamed of
yourselves), I’ll enlighten you in a future episode. For now, I can
tell you that he has written 75+ books that have been translated
into twenty different languages, How’s that! During our/my
reminiscing, the name Eddie Low cropped up, hence the title of this
episode.

A NEW ZEALAND ICON

I can’t remember when Eddie Low and I first met, but it would have
been some time during the early Sixties. Back in 1972, Eddie, his
girlfriend and Veronica and I, went to see Neil Diamond’s outdoor
performance at the Western Springs stadium in Auckland. I’m fairly
certain that it was his first ever overseas concert - the start of a
worldwide tour that culminated at the Greek theatre, Los Angeles,
where the live double album, ‘Hot August Night’ was recorded. Apart
from Neil Diamonds fantastic band, that created so much excitement
and fabulous music, and Neil’s incredible voice and songs that reach
right into your soul, the night was made even more memorable when
the heavens decided to open up - it absolutely chucked it down, a
relentless downpour upon the thousands of fans. What the weather
threw at us, Neil Diamond, not about to be out done, threw double,
musically – we sat there, soaked to the skin, enthralled, cheering
and screaming with everyone else! What a professional! What a night!

Eddie, born blind on May 14th, 1945, grew up at a blind institute
where he began learning music and playing the piano from the age of
six. He had three eye operations when he was seven, which gave him a
small amount sight in his left eye. He says: “It was really good, at
least I wasn’t banging into everything so much”! Yeah, right mate,
but you were still ‘banging’ everything in sight - excuse the pun,
back in the old days!

When he turned eight, he joined the blind brass band at the
institute as second cornet player, during which time he would pick
up any instrument he could lay his hands on, and learnt to play it!
Today, he is a multi – instrumentalist, and plays piano, trumpet,
guitar, organ, violin and bass. With all the multi track facilities
available in a recording studio, Eddie can be the singer and backing
voice(s), as well as the complete band, all in one. Saves a fortune
in recording costs!

While at the institute, Eddie won many talent quests and when he was
thirteen, he formed a group with two friends; they called
themselves - ‘The Three Blind Mice’. At the age of Fifteen, another
eye operation partly restored the sight in his left eye, although he
is still totally blind in the right eye. He left school, and formed
another group: The ‘Trutones’, The lead singer was a blind girl -
her father managed them.

Eddie’s showbiz career got off the ground when he joined his
brother, who was playing in a band in an Auckland club. The rhythm
guitarist had left and Eddie took his place; John Rowles joined the
group as a bass player. A few years later, 1967, John gained
international superstar status when he was taken to London and
recorded the song: ‘IF I ONLY HAD TIME’. John celebrated his 21st
birthday as the song climbed the charts to reach No.1 in England,
New Zealand and Australia. The song was a smash hit ‘across the pond
’, in America, as well.
TO BE CONTINUED

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23. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives
-------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to:
www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html

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User Name: magic
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When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are
coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue
number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)
Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to
gain access.

-------------------------------------
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© Copyright 2002 Alan Watson