* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #200 Date: Sunday 28th September 2003 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.alan-watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor’s Message 2. Paul Daniels - Let The Rumour Stop Now! 3. David Copperfield Was Off Me 4. "Never Explain, Never Complain" 5. 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention Update 6. 2003 Edition Of It’s Magic 7. International President of the S.A.M. Jay Gorham’s Midwest Tour 8. SAM 95 To Perform At Science World, Vancouver 9. Magic In The Rockies 2003 10. Phil Cass Wins 25th Show Business Award For His Comedy Magic 11. Magic In The Rockies 2003 12. Ken Littlewood’s Props Up For Sale 13. Ross Skiffington’s Lounge Wizard 14. Paul Wilson Lecture On October 3rd 15. Mike Austin Lecture Tour 16. Las Vegas Magic Breaking News 17. Wanting To Buy Second-Hand Portable Sound System 18. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga 19. e-zine archives 20. Subscription Management ------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Welcome to the 200th edition of Magic New Zealand. We now have 6,321 subscribers spread over 71 different countries. ----------------- If you would like to play a magic game with a difference check out: www.brianmung.com/blainegame.htm ----------------- This coming week the Alan Watson family magic and illusion show will be on centre stage at Rainbows End and Royal Oak Shopping Mall. ---------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Paul Daniels - Let The Rumour Stop Now! ----------------- Message from Paul Daniels (UK) May I, through your pages, put paid to a rumour that is apparently going around the magic world and has now filtered down to other areas? I'd like to set the record straight. The rumour is that I am in some sort of financial difficulty and ranges from the 'bit hard up' to the 'going bankrupt'. Mostly this rumour seems to stem from my selling off my collection of posters and other memorabilia. It is simply not true. If it were, would I have bought TWO beautiful vintage boats in August? For those who spread the rumour because they cared about Debbie and myself, thank you, but don't worry any more; for those who did it with glee and malice, hard luck. The truth is that I acquired most of the collection because magicians had passed away and left no instructions or information to their heirs. As I approach older years I did not want that to happen with my stuff. Also a really good friend of mine sold something that I had always admired and when I asked why she had sold it she said that she had enjoyed it for several years and it was time to let someone else enjoy it. That really opened my eyes and made me realise that I hardly ever looked at the stuff I had collected and someone else would enjoy it. Immediately steps were taken and are still being taken to sell EVERYTHING. The next batches of items will be posted onto eBay. The next area that 'fed' the rumour is that we do have to pull our house down and rebuild it. A major expense I agree BUT, as I said in my last tour of MasterClasses, I intended to raise the required money from work related income and not from the use of investments. Good news, I hit my target last month and now relax on my boats most days. Life is good. I am healthy. I am not hard up. Let the rumour stop now! Best Wishes from the UK, where apartments are SO expensive David Blaine is only able to afford a small glass box with very few amenities. ----------------- 3. David Copperfield Was Off Me ----------------- Message from Paul Daniels (UK) Some months ago I heard that David Copperfield was off me for something that I apparently said to the newspapers. As it was, therefore, a 'public statement', I thought that would be better to publish the truth in your very widely read publication. I like David Copperfield and I have admired the vast majority of what he has done. Certainly he has done a great job for magic. I don't like everything he has done, but that's normal. I don't like everything I did either. As for something in a newspaper, perhaps the rest of the world does not realise how bad our 'opinion papers' are. Debbie and I have not taken a national newspaper for the last 15 years, having arrived at the conclusion that as they were telling so many lies and distortions about us, mere performers of conjuring tricks, how could we possibly believe what they were writing about the important stuff, or indeed, anyone else? Examples? This year I have been told that the papers have reported that I have had a heart attack (I haven't); I have had a stroke (I haven't); I live in a place called Sonning (I don't); I collapsed on stage in front of the audience (I didn't); I had a fight and was thrown out of the Edinburgh Fringe office (I didn't and wasn't); I had a serious 'set to' with a traffic warden (I didn't and I have never had a parking ticket) and that I am in serious talks about going into one of our major soap operas (First I have heard of it!!!) I would never criticise another magician, especially one of David Copperfield's stature, to the press and if something derogatory has appeared in past accredited to me, then it is another piece of fiction. Why don't I take action? Well, for many years it was not worth it. Performers outlast critics and journalists and prove the truth by the public reaction. A half inch retraction does nothing EXCEPT annoy the journalists and they get nastier. Now, from the comfort of a long and happy career I can afford the luxury of occasionally putting the press in their place, but even then it is carefully considered. To David, whatever it was is now long forgotten by the public of the UK, who have at long last learned that the 'freedom of the press' does not mean that they are printing the truth. Sincerely, Paul Daniels ----------------- 4. "Never Explain, Never Complain" ----------------- Message from Nick Lewin As an avid reader of your newsletter, this is my first comment! I thought Michael Finney wrote a very careful and accurate letter about this never ending topic of magic and exposure. Michael is one of the people who never fail to improve the public opinion of magic with each performance. I am also totally opposed to exposure on any level. Heck I think there are too many people lecturing on magic within the magic world! One point I would like to add is about the magic world’s public response to exposure. Let's not promote these exposures; the best public response might be absolute silence. The more these shows seem to alienate magicians the more "genuine" they appear. I have been disgusted watching magicians grabbing their 15 minutes of press or media time by denouncing the masked magician etc. Very often it has appeared to me their zeal has been in their self promotion at the expense of publicizing the problem. The philosopher G.I. Gurgieff had a wonderful attitude of "Never explain, never complain." that says it all for me. I also feel we should include the big name bleating about David Blaine not performing any tricks you can't buy for 50 bucks in the magic store. Sounds like sour grapes to me! Not many people can make this kind of splash by spending 50 bucks at Tannens. Let the guy do what he does best, making a strong impression on lay viewers. I learn more about what's happening in the magic scene in Vegas from your Magic New Zealand than I do living in Vegas! ----------------- 5. 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention Update ----------------- Message from Mick Peck (NZ) 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention - Takapuna, Auckland NZ. Queen's Birthday Weekend - June 5, 6, 7 2004. Talent Update: Planning is well underway for next year's convention.  The convention committee is proud to announce that the following artists have been booked and will appear at the event : DeLarno: Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, New Zealand's own Grand Master of Magic. Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster: Tim Ellis is not only an Australian Champion of Close Up Magic, but in 1994 he travelled to Yokohama, Japan and became the first ever Australian to gain the silver medal in Close Up Magic at FISM World Championship of Magic. Sue-Anne has performed drama professionally in theatre, film, and television, and is trained in mime, puppetry and Latin dance. In 1997 Tim became the first Australian ever invited to appear as special guest performer at FISM (Dresden, Germany) and in 2001 Tim and Sue-Anne appeared as special guest lecturers and performers at the prestigious, invitation-only close up magic conference, FFFF, in New York. As a team, Ellis and Webster were voted Most Valuable Performers at the prestigious FFFF close-up magician’s conference in New York, 2001.  They have made over 80 appearances on TV worldwide, and toured Europe and the USA with the critically acclaimed "Ellis in Wonderland" lecture tour. David Ginn: This man loves New Zealand!  David Ginn is the world's foremost authority on children's magic.  He has authored over 70 books, audio and video tapes on his craft - as well as over 250 columns for major magic and clown trade publications over 32 years. Those who attended his last lecture tour downunder are still raving. We are proud to announce that David will be returning to share tips, audience-tested routines, and invaluable experience on entertaining young people in two BRAND NEW lectures - the material David is planning for us has never been seen in New Zealand and was not featured on the last lecture tour. Special Guest to be announced soon... Mick Peck, President Shore City Magicians Club, Talent Coordinator, Convention Committee ----------------- 6. 2003 Edition Of It’s Magic ----------------- Message from Milt Larsen Milt Larsen and Terry Hill present the 2003 Edition of It’s Magic. Directed By Dale Hindman It's Magic presents an all-star line up of world-class entertainers, bringing the greatest stars of magic to Southern California. Generations of families have enjoyed It's Magic! since 1956, last year F. Kathleen Foley of the L.A. Times said "For an early holiday treat see "It's Magic!. . . The liveliest line up of magic acts this side of Las Vegas. It's a must for magic buffs of all ages.!" The 2003 edition showcases includes performances by some of the world's best-known magicians as well as some of magic's most promising rising stars Complete Show Schedule: Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo Oct. 12, 2003 Sunday 3:00 PM Ticket Prices: $22 - $34 Discount for students and children available Box Office: 805-756-2787 OR 1-888-233-2787 Cal Poly Theatre One Grand Ave. San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 Featuring: In Order Of Appearance Joseph Gabriel Mike Caveney - MC John Shryock Matt Marcy Mark Kalin & Jinger Danny Cole --------------------------------------- Lobero Theatre- Santa Barbara Oct. 19, 2003 Sunday 2:00 & 7:00 PM Ticket Prices: $25 $20 $15 for kids Box Office: 805-963-0761 Lobero Theatre 33 East Canon Perdido Santa Barbara, CA 93101 Featuring: In Order Of Appearance Joseph Gabriel Matt Marcy - MC The Valentis Jason Latimer Randy Pryor Joaquin Ayala --------------------------------------- California Center For The Arts Escondido Oct. 26, 2003 Sunday 2:00 PM Ticket Prices: $30 All Seats Box Office: 1-800-988-4253 Calif. Center For The Arts 340 No. Escondido Blvd. Escondio, CA 92025 Tickets: $30 All Seats Featuring: In Order Of Appearance Joseph Gabriel Dana Daniels - MC The Valentis Jason Latimer Mike Caveney Joaquin Ayala --------------------------------------- Norris Theatre - Rolling Hills Nov. 1, 2003 Saturday 8:00 PM Ticket Prices: $36 $18 For students Box Office: 310-544-0403 Norris Theatre 27570 Crossfield Drive Rolling Hills Estate, CA 90274 Featuring: In Order Of Appearance James Dimmare Dana Daniels - MC Jason Latimer The Valentis Mike Caveney Joaquin Ayala --------------------------------------- Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Nov. 5, 2003 Wednesday 7:30 PM Ticket Prices: $38 $33 $28 $18 for children under $12 Box Office: 805-449-2787 Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 Featuring: In Order Of Appearance Joseph Gabriel Nick Lewin - MC David & Dania Jason Latimer Ed Alonzo Mark Kalin & Jinger --------------------------------------- Alex Theatre - Glendale Nov. 6, 2003 Thursday Load In Nov. 7, 2003 Friday 8:00 PM - Opening Nov. 8, 2003 Saturday 8:00 PM Nov. 9, 2003 Sunday 2:00 PM Ticket Prices: $35 $27.50 $20 Box Office: 818-243-7700 www.alextheatre.org/ Alex Theatre 216 No. Brand Ave. Glendale, CA 91203-2610 Featuring: In Order Of Appearance Joseph Gabriel Nick Lewin - MC David & Dania Jason Latimer Ed Alonzo Mark Kalin & Jinger --------------------------------------- Mc Callum Theatre - Palm Desert Nov. 16, 2003 Sunday 3:00 PM Ticket Prices: $30 $20 $15 $10 Box Office: 760-340-2787 http://www.mccallumtheatre.org/ Mc Callum Theatre 73000 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Featuring: In Order Of Appearence Joseph Gabriel Mike Caveney - MC David & Dania Jason Latimer Ed Alonzo Mark Kalin & Jinger --------------------------------------- Carpenter Center For The Performing Arts Long Beach Nov. 22, 2003 Saturday 7:30 PM Ticket Prices: $35 $30 $25 (Seniors and children under 12) Box Office: 562-985-7000 Carpenter Center For The Performing Arts 6200 Atherton Long Beach, CA 90815 Featuring: In Order Of Appearence Joseph Gabriel Aldo Colombini - MC David & Dania Jason Latimer Ed Alonzo Mark Kalin & Jinger ----------------- 7. International President of the S.A.M. Jay Gorham’s Midwest Tour ----------------- Message from Richard Petrashek (US) International President of the Society of American Magicians, JAY GORHAM's Midwest tour in October has been set to start in Kansas City, on October 13. Succeeding cities in the next days will be Des Moines, Iowa, Rochester Minnesota, Minneapolis/ST Paul, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and end in Omaha Nebraska on October 20. Pete Petrashek from Assembly #7, in Omaha will accompany him on this road trip. JAY will present his 25 minute 10 trick program to Assembly members and guests. The purpose of the tour is to meet as many members of the SAM as he can, and get any input the members might have in making the SAM a bigger and better organization. Tour organizer, Pete Petrashek would welcome any ideas or comments from fellow magicians. ----------------- 8. SAM 95 To Perform At Science World, Vancouver ----------------- Message from Lon Mandrake (Canada) The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #95 will be performing throughout Science World, Vancouver, British Columbia from December 27 until January 4, 2004. With over 20 members they will be performing stage shows and close up performances every day. Any visiting magicians should call Lon Mandrake 604 591 5839 when in town and let us know if you are interested in attending. ----------------- 9. Magic In The Rockies 2003 ----------------- Message from Mark and Michelle Byrne Tampa Bay Magic Club, Deceptions Unlimited & Largo Cultural Center Presents An Evening of drama and magic with Rick Maue & Francis Menotti. Monday, October 13th, 2003 - 7:00 p.m. Largo Cultural Arts Center / Tonne Playhouse 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, 33771 Available at the box office now! CALL 813-587-6751 Tickets $10 each / Group sales (10+) $8 This show is rated [PG-13] dramatic, mature theme Cash Bar Available - Seating limited "Theatrical Deception" The mind is a very magical place. Step inside and take a brief journey with Rick Maue as he shows you what it may look like if you could read thoughts, communicate with spirits, and live in a world where the impossible is possible. For almost four decades, Rick has been fascinated with magic. But not the typical magic that you usually see with brightly colored boxes, flashing lights, and loud music. Instead, his magic is done with everyday items and the imagination of the audience. Some of it may seem very real, but as Rick likes to say, "Always remember the laws of perception, For what you will witness is just a deception." Francis Menotti "Stranger than Fiction" This imaginative show introduces an array of Menotti's diverse and extra-ordinarily original magical creations, including his renowned straight jacket vignette (Dire Straits) and his award-winning linguistic card trick "Exdislycally Shunuffled." In addition, Menotti has a variety of other never-before-seen pieces ranging from the quirky to the dark comedy and theatrical. Francis Menotti is a full-time Philadelphia-based magician and a regular performer at New York City's Monday Night Magic. ----------------- 10. Phil Cass Wins His 25th Show Business Award For His Comedy Magic ----------------- Message from Sam Powers (Aust) The Entertainment of the Year Awards for the State of Queensland were held recently and is open to any act that has performed in Queensland during 2002/3. The other final nominees for the Sight Act of the Year were Brendan Montana for Magic to the Max and the magic and mime of Richard Scholes. ----------------- 11. Magic In The Rockies 2003 ----------------- Message from Edward W. Hurtubis The Tenth Anniversary Edition Dear Tony Borrillo (and any other quality Magicians who were unable to attend Magic the Rockies 2003 - The Tenth Anniversary Edition at the Marriott in Fort Collins, Colorado, September 4, 5, 6, and 7, 2003. It was ABSOLUTELY SENSATIONAL! - Look what Doc Eason wrote: "There aren't enough superlatives to describe this weekend. Saturday was simply one of the best magic days that I have ever had... The quality of the lectures, The talent, The evening public show was the best (and shortest) we have ever done and the late night show was superb..." and these comments from a guy who had been to FISM! Tony - Please don't feel terrible because you weren't there - that is understandable, but Doc and I want to fill you in so that you will honestly know what really happened and can celebrate with us a phenomenal Magic experience. Everything started on Thursday afternoon with a huge number of Convention attendees arriving until ten at night. Registration meant a signed packet with everything - program (large and small) nametags, Governor's Proclamation, list of restaurants, tickets to everything including special seating for lectures. It was brilliantly organized and instantaneous. The Dealers opened early and there were twenty-two diverse booths. Every kind of magical effect, book, and show business material could be found. Joe Stevens hadn't planned to come, but when he found out it was the 10th one, he brought Martha and classed up the place. Every Dealer was wonderful. Ned's “Mile High Magic and More” gave free magic kits with prizes.... and the Dealer room nourished the convention. I even bought a book from Andy Greget. Friday morning was the Junior Showcase Show at the Lincoln Center - a thousand kids from the Poudre School District in Fort Collins - plus 175 Conventioneers in that magnificent theatre! The show was magnificent. Baking a Cake, Balancing Board Juggling, Swords through Body - self-administered, Card Manipulation, plus Silly Billy (David Kaye), David Oliver, and Jon Stetson MC'd with genius and fun. It was one of the best kid shows that Doc and I have ever witnessed. No kidding - it was really sensational, fun, and magical. Conventioneers had a wonderful lasagna buffet lunch in the formal dining room in the Canyon West Room at the Lincoln Center immediately after the show. This entire event couldn't have been better. You would have loved it. At 2:00 PM Richard Osterlind lectured to a full house and provided both insight and philosophy while demonstrating incredible mental powers with some of the most relevant and appropriate material we ever saw. Richard is an enormous credit to his profession - and makes us want to start performing with serious urges to get good, like Richard. Dinner was on the Pavilion - included in the registration and the Marriott really knows how to serve crowds quickly, comfortably - and refills on everything...7:15 PM was the Welcome Cabaret Show MC'd by Eddie Goldstein who submitted a truly excellent performance. Every name right, every introduction thorough, every aspect well done - plus he knocked us down with his, "Are You Ready for a Miracle?" routine.... Magnificent. The Welcome Cabaret Show presented all of the headliners in quick presentations that composed a show to match anything anywhere. In addition, Steve Aldrich (who was unable to attend) was recognized with the MITR “Founders Award,” and Mareema was presented with the MITR “Lifetime Achievement Award.” From 10 to 11:30 PM David Williamson lectured delighting the entire Convention Crowd. David teaches with laughter and outrageous behaviors which underline important ideas, his love of magic, zany happenings, and celebrates the fact that people truly appreciate his genius and joy. His performance in the Public Show absolutely destroyed any dignity the audience sought to present. He simply killed us all with never-ending laughter. Saturday, we started with Silly Billy's (David Kaye) lecture on Kids and Magic that provides a unique, practiced philosophy for presenting to young people. This is a pro. There were lessons there for all of us. Apollo Robbins and Shoot Ogawa followed with their lecture, which astounds every audience and re-affirms that magic rests in truly talented hands. These two deceptively young entertainers - each from deep, quality perspectives fooled us flat-footed - and inspired us with their astute awareness of the psychology of conjuring. For the pristine this was elegance and the ultimate in gasping deception...It was one of the many mountain top highlights. David Ben lectured after the huge luncheon provided by the Marriott - David's lecture is thought-filled, challenging, classy, and to the point. No one dozed. Dick Barry followed with his stimulating and exciting lecture presentation. People fled to Dinner-on-our Own...and then raced to the Lincoln Center - which was filled to the 1,180 capacity for the Public Show which started exactly on time - lighting and music perfect - really great professional stuff. Jon Stetson MC'd brilliantly - kept things moving - truly kept it both fun and magical. Apollo Robbins opened and performed with absolute excellence, charm, and genius. David Ben truly presents magic as we all hope and dream that it can become. Richard Osterlind brought astounding mentalism to this huge audience in most memorable ways. Shoot Ogawa makes a rope perform in ways no rope can perform. Shoot breathes magical phenomena. Bob Fitch makes us all wish that vaudeville were still around. He celebrates Christmas and then the Scarecrow of Wizard of Oz truly comes to life in song and dance and fun. David Williamson knocked everyone in the place into the oblivion of screaming laughter, total entertainment, hilarious antics, powerful magic, and gasping recoveries. To top it off - Joe Givan and Carol Massie - The Dream Masterz - presented the Twister of all Twisters - brilliant illusion - presentation supreme - astounding - unexplainable - totally deceptive - elevating magic to the supreme experience we all truly celebrate. These are great young people. The After-Glow, Saturday Night Soirée is one of the strongest shows in the world - back at the Marriott - MC'd by Doc Eason who is the best in the world and Eric Mead who is also the best in the world. Cameo appearances from Shoot Ogawa, Barrie Richardson, and Bob Fitch augmented the full performances from John Carney and Michael Weber even came in just for Saturday night. Bob Sheets closed the show with a new routine that had every one rolling- and it continued into the night - with guests who had attended the Public Show. Survivors came to the Bob Sammons Junior Lecture on Sunday morning. Bob is a superb teacher who involved numbers of others like Bob LaRue. Concurrently, Gary Frank provided historical insights into the best elements of magic and Silly Billy (David Kaye) popped in for a surprise session, much to the Junior's delight. Finally, the Headliner Close-Up Show featured David Ben doing the Charles Bertram Cups and Balls and the needle trick from his stage show, Shoot Ogawa, who proved he had a few more killers up his sleeve, and David Williamson, who proved that he is one of the funniest men in the world. He had us all rolling in the aisles. These men individually and collectively presented one of the best close up shows that Doc Eason and Earl Reum have ever experienced. It was magic. It was genius. It was fun. It fooled the heck out of Earl. Before the final lecture, Lew Wymisner, MITR 2003 Convention Co-coordinator, recognized and thanked the attendees, the convention crew, the juniors, the headliners, the dealers, and the sponsors, for without these fine people MITR 2003 would not be possible. Jay Gorham, S.A.M. national president, presented Ed Hurtubis, MITR 2003 Convention Co-coordinator, a “Presidential Citation” for Contributions to Magic in Colorado. And then it was Bob Fitch's lecture on stage presence, movement, projection, performing, the basics, and the ultimate in the theatre of magic. We cannot describe the fantastic job the dealers accomplished. We cannot fully describe the excellence of the Marriott Staff, and the joyous self-realization, which this Magic in the Rockies accomplishes, with all of us who love magic. Tony, Doc Eason and I really wish that you could have been there. We have together glued this quick view together to try to capture some of the highlights (lots of them) and to give you a feel of all that happened. If there had never been a Magic Convention before or ever again - this would remain the jewel of all time - the best of all Magical Worlds. We missed you. Doc Eason and Earl Reum ----------------- 12. Ken Littlewood’s Props Up For Sale ----------------- Message from Fast Jimmy (Aust) I had the pleasure of meeting Ken Littlewoods son also called Ken Littlewood this past weekend and he informed me that all of the props from his fathers show are up for sale. He expressed to me that it was very important that the props go to a magician or magicians who would be interested in keeping them for sentimental value or for use in their shows which I'm sure is what his father would have wished for. Every single item being sold is a piece of history from one of the all time greats of Australian magic and you might want to also ask Ken about video footage he has on his fathers wonderful act. For further information send your emails to klittlewood@alto.com.au ----------------- 13. Ross Skiffington's Lounge Wizard ----------------- Message from Duck Cameron (Aust) Dear readers, just a favourable mention of Ross Skiffington's show 'Lounge Wizard' which was playing at the Clocktower Theatre in Melbourne between 18th & 20th of this month. As mentioned in previous newsletters, Ross inspired me at an early age to take the plunge into the professional world of magic after seeing his shows, and these recent performances were no exception. I was present for both the Friday & Saturday performances, and apart from a near full audience, it was great to see a lot of fellow performers from all walks of the theatre. Thank you Mr. Skiffington for once again taking me back in time, through your skilful abilities, to when I was more child-like and truly believed in the magic before me. Ross took the audience on a varietal trip, which also included some truly beautiful magic. A very happy audience. Bravo Mr. Skiffington. ----------------- 14. Paul Wilson Lecture On October 3rd ----------------- Message from Michael Canick (US) On Friday, October 3rd, Paul Wilson will present a lecture at Michael Canick Booksellers, 200 East 82nd Street, #3B, at the corner of Third Avenue. The lecture will start at 8 p.m. and will last about 2 hours. Guests are invited to arrive as early as 7:00 p.m. for refreshments, mingling and buying books (of course). Admission fees for the lecture are $30 in advance; $35 at the door (if space permits); $25 for members of our Book Club. Mr. Wilson is known as one of the world's top close-up magicians. He has won numerous awards, created A-1 Magical Media's top-selling video of all time ("Knock 'em Dead"), consulted on gambling and magic (including the forthcoming movie "Shade," in which he also plays a part), and invented several magic products that have met with universal acclaim. Some of the effects in the lecture include: a rising card from any deck; a borrowed, signed bill that vanishes and appears inside a pen the spectator has been holding; imaginary cards that appear before spectators' eyes; a practical handling of coins through the table; floating bills and more. Wilson will also discuss aspects of building a powerful repertoire as well as the world of crooked gambling (of which he is an acknowledged expert). Mr. Wilson will be selling some of his products and lecture notes and will also sign copies of his book "13," which can be purchased from us while supply lasts. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact us. ----------------- 15. Mike Austin Lecture Tour ----------------- Message from Sean Taylor (Aust) Just a reminder that top British Magician MIKE AUSTIN is coming to a place near you. The tour schedule is as follows:- BRISBANE - Tuesday 30th September Pancake Manor - 7.30pm $20 entry Contact - Dave Lord 073806 2772 or 0411 333531 dave@davelord.com.au MELBOURNE - Wednesday 1st October Coopers Inn - 8.00pm $20 entry (Partners $5) Contact - Graham Etherington mrtricks@ozemail.com.au Tel. 03 9786 5481 or 0417 506 486 ADELAIDE - Thursday 2nd October Magic Club Rooms 7.30pm $15 entry Contact - Roy Hopwood hopwood147@bigpond.com 08 8387 9016 or 0408 347 033 PERTH - Wednesday 8th October 7.30pm $25 (Workshop 10th) North Balga Christian Centre Contact - Kim Van Weert magician@iinet.net.au 08 9343 1383 Mike Austin is one of the UK's most accomplished magicians. Since 1976 Mike has been entertaining audiences all over the world with his magic. Originally an illusionist working mostly on cruise liners, he is now a close-up magician and mentalist. (He also claims to love children enough to occasionally do magic for them too). Mike uses his teaching qualification to bring his brand of magic to his fellow performers through lectures, personal tuition and the 'Learn Magic with Kaymar' series of videos (there are now 20 covering all types of close-up and stand-up magic). A one time inveterate magic competition entrant Mike has won awards for the entertainment value of his performances as well as his sleight of hand skill, at one time being voted 'card sharp of the year', he also won the Zina Bennett Cup for Close-up Magic at the British IBM in 1988. Mike is also well known as a magical writer who has been the editor of The Magic Circle's magazine The Magic Circular a 36 page, glossy, monthly publication. Mike's brand new lecture will encompass his own brand of unique card and coin magic. He will also teach some new mentalism tricks and techniques including a strolling mentalism routine which you will be dying to add to your repertoire. Mikes love of Max Malini has lead to him being one of the finest performers of the famed Malini egg bag, this will also be covered in the lecture. A true all rounder with a lecture that has something for everyone! ----------------- 16. Las Vegas Magic Breaking News ----------------- Message from David Neubauer - www.dnmagic.com Lance Burton To Appear On 'Ask Rita!' Lance Burton was interviewed by Rita Rudner backstage at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino and the segment will air this Friday, Sept. 26th on "Ask Rita!" along with clips form his show "Lance Burton: Master Magician" that has been running since June 21, 1996. "Ask Rita!" airs in the Las Vegas metropolitan area at 10 a.m. on KVBC at 10 a.m. this coming Friday. Please check your local listings for the popular half-hour nationally syndicated television program featuring the comedian star of New York-New York Hotel-Casino on the Las Vegas Strip which coincidentally is the Monte Carlo's neighbor to the south. Lance Burton and Rita Rudner have two similarities of beginning their show business careers when they were children. Rita began as a dancer when she was a teenager while Lance Burton was doing magic. ----------------- 17. Wanting To Buy Second-Hand Portable Sound System ----------------- Message from Gary Gray (NZ) Hi from Harry the Clown! I am wanting to buy a very good second-hand portable Sound system. Something that is easy to carry around and with good sound!!! You can e-mail me at onefunnyman@paradise.net.nz --------------------------------- 18. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 19 Well, after a week of ‘celebrations’, I have sobered up enough this week to realize that I’m now on the wrong side of sixty - by 14 days (today is Sept. 27th); it’s enough to drive a man back to drink, although everybody has tried to cheer me up by saying “You don’t look a day over fifty nine…!” ‘Sympathetic @&*$&’! ‘Stuff it’, I’m back on the ‘Cocky’ trail again. Cocky, you know, birds - the feathered type. We named our Major Mitchell/Pink Cockatoo ‘Aussie’ - how original! Two years old, and hand reared. He was very tame, affectionate and full of character - an absolute delight, especially after our recent experience with the “Come near me and I’ll bite your bloody hand  off”, Sulphur Crested ‘nightmare’! Aussie, like all pink cockatoos, was stunningly gorgeous and startlingly eye-catching and, talk about vain; Veronica gave him a largish mirror to play with, well it was until he nibbled his way around the edges of it and in time gradually reduced in size. He would cart it all over the floor in his beak, propping it up against various objects and have a chat with himself, while admiring his reflected splendour. Can’t blame him really; here is a description of the male Pink cockatoo. Length: 360mm, including 160mm tail. Back, wings and tail, brilliant white; forehead, face, neck, breast, upper abdomen and under wing-coverts - salmon pink; undersides of flight and tail feathers strongly washed with deep salmon-pink; tail and under tail-coverts, white; head adorned with narrow, forward-curving erectile crest which is bright scarlet, with central band of yellow and tipped with white. Iris very dark brown, almost black; bill a horn coloured whitish-grey and, legs grey. Staying in Eastwood, we shifted from our flat and moved into a large house - plenty of room with a sizable backyard which was perfect for our miniature poodle ‘Misky’, and of course ‘Aussie’. I think I may have mentioned earlier that we don’t like keeping our pets, especially birds, caged up. Parrots and cockatoo’s - all birds for that matter, are used to the ‘wide open spaces’ and being kept locked up in a cage is tantamount to you and I being locked up in a tiny prison cell for the rest of our lives; you wouldn’t like it, so why impose such a terrible life sentence on our pets that we supposedly love? It would be a different story if you had a large aviary such as you see at a zoo, but how many of us have that sort of space to erect one, or the finance to build it; only the professionals, zoos and the very rich can afford that! Besides, you would lose all personal contact with your pets, and cockatoos crave company (that’s why you see them in flocks), especially human company if they have been hand reared, and are raised as a member of your family - exactly the same as a pet cat or dog. Cockatoos become very attached to their owners, and many go into a state of shock and suffer mental stress if they are separated from their family; they pull their feathers out in despair, depression and loneliness. I have seen it, and it is not a pretty sight! It is most heart wrenching and you would really have to be a hardhearted person not to be emotionally affected and perhaps shed a tear or two in sorrow. The street that we resided in was lined with large trees and the elderly woman who lived next door to us had one in her front yard. One day there was some sort of commotion going on, and we could hear what sounded like the screeching and squawking of a parrot or cockatoo. Going outside to investigate, we discovered our next-door neighbour standing beneath her tree brandishing a stick. She pointed up into the tree and there, about 20 feet up, was a very large Sulphur crested cockatoo - and he was kicking up one hell of a racket! Now our neighbour was a quiet, unassuming woman and she wasn't too pleased at all the attention the cockatoo was attracting. All she wanted was to get it to fly away from her property and put a stop to all the embarrassment it was causing her. Some people are strange folk! Racing around to our backyard, I grabbed my ladder, dashed back and propped up against the tree trunk. With my neighbours stick in hand, I climbed up; Damn, I could only get within two branches of the cockatoo who, by this time had fallen silent, and was watching me like a hawk (no pun intended). After my experience with our last cockatoo I was, understandably, more than a little nervous. Very slowly I pushed the end of the stick (it was about eight foot long) towards the bird, saying all along - “Hello cocky, who’s a pretty boy then …”, and other silly human/bird ‘talk’ noises, fully expecting it to take-off or, at worst, attack me! Bugger me if he didn’t step calmly onto the stick, and started sidestepping down. It ’s a wonder he didn’t fall off, I was shaking like a leaf. He worked his way all the way down to my hand, up my arm - bloody hell he was heavy, then onto my shoulder; I got the shock of my life when he pushed his huge head against my face, put his massive beak up to my ear, I thought he was going to bite it off, and then, as clear as a bell, said - “HELLO”! - CONTINUES - ------------------ 19. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives ------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand 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. 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