* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #209
Date: Sunday 26th October 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. Alan Watson - "Agnew Excellence Award"
  3. Results - 35th The Variety Artists Club of NZ (Inc)
     Entertainment Industry Awards
  4. Scroll Of Honour To Evelyn Strugnell
  5. Las Vegas First Television Station On The Web
  6. Ted Whebell Passed Away
  7. The 29th Australian Convention Of Magicians
  8. Magic You Can Fall For
  9. The Boston Museum Of Science Exposure!
  10. Petrick & Mia's Farewell Lecture Tour USA & Canada
  11. Carmichael, Allan Thomas
  12. Funeral For A Friend - Ivan Hannah's Last Show
  13. The Doctor Is Hitting The Lecture Road
  14. In Response To Tony Wilson's Letter Of Encouragement
  15. Steve Burton Performing In 3 Cities In Japan
  16. KOOL KIDS CARE
  17. SPARE PARTS for magic effects
  18. Seeking Publications
  19. The Amazing Orchante Saga, Vol. 2 - The Australian Years
  20. e-zine archives
  21. Subscription Management

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

Tony Laffan’s has a great new website. Go to: www.TonyLaffan.com.
Also Tony’s new e-mail address is: magic@TonyLaffan.com

-------------------
Message from Richard Webster (NZ)

Magic was enjoying a high profile while I was in the United Kingdom
a couple of weeks ago. David Blaine was sitting in his box beside
the Tower Bridge, and receiving a large amount of publicity in the
daily papers. I saw Derren Brown performing Russian Roulette on
television, and watched one episode of a strange series that should
be called "Secrets of Psychic Entertainers Revealed".

However, the best magic I saw on this trip was a repeat showing of
the "Fifty Greatest Tricks of all Time", which, as all New Zealand
magicians know, features a young and handsome Tommy Orchard
performing his trademark effect. I don't know too many entertainers
who can retire for ten years, and still appear on national TV.

Well done Tommy!

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

-----------------
2. Alan Watson - "Agnew Excellence Award"
-----------------
Message from Jim Joll, President, Variety Artists Club of New 
Zealand

At the 35th Variety Artists Club of New Zealand (Inc) Entertainment
Industry Awards 2003, on Tuesday 21st October I was very pleased to
present Alan Watson with the new "Agnew Excellence Award" on behalf
of his peers. This very prestigious award was in recognition of Alan
achieving excellence in his chosen field as a professional magician.

The citation also acknowledged his dedication and professionalism
and saluted his achievements in magic.

We received more than 100 nominations this year and from there we
selected the top four to become the nominees.

Top four nominees:
Debbie Dorday - (See you at Bergundys)
Alan Pitts - (Twice World Champion Musical-Saw Player)
Alan Watson - (Internationally Acclaimed Magician)
Jon Zealando - (Kiwi Icon, Magic, Fire and Ventriloquism)

The second round of voting by the V.A.C. members determined the
winner to be Alan Watson.

-----------------
3. Results - 35th The Variety Artists Club of NZ (Inc) 
Entertainment Industry Awards
-----------------
Message from Michele Watson (NZ)

Presentations were:

Scroll of Honour
Evelyn Strugnell
Vic Vickers
Monique Feron
Patsy Riggir
Chris Prowley
Dame Thea Muldoon

Pat McMinn Rising Star Award
Richard Gannaway

Reilly Comedy Award
David McPhail

Agnew Excellence Award
Alan Watson

The Benny Award
Jim Joll

-----------------
4. Scroll Of Honour To Evelyn Strugnell
-----------------
Message from Jon Zealando (NZ)

It gave me great pleasure on behalf of The Variety Artists Club of
New Zealand at their Entertainment Industry Awards to present Evelyn
Strugnell a “Scroll of Honour” for her contributions to the
entertainment industry.

Background on Evelyn:
Magician, Dancer, Musician, Choreographer, Actress, Model, Pilot,
Horse rider, Radio Announcer …

Evelyn made her first stage appearance at the tender age of 4 years
entertaining the senior citizens in Otorohanga. Evelyn was taken to
dancing and piano lessons by her mum on the back of a pushbike - a
long haul on a metal road, 28 miles all up. Sometimes they were
lucky enough to go by cream truck!

Learning drums started at the age of 11 years. This developed by
joining the school band. At 12 years it was goodbye to the farm and
“hello” to Hamilton. A very good move for Evelyn who soon got
involved with ballroom dancing, dance, roller skating and
choreographing shows for Hamilton Playbox. Music still continued
along with modelling for the New Zealand Wool Board.

At 16 years she represented New Zealand in Australia, dancing at the
Estedfords plus Tivoli circuit.

Over the years Evelyn has worked on New Zealand and Australian
television, learned to be a magician, choreographed the New Zealand
Army Band, drum majored Brass Bands at National level, appeared in
various television commercials, performed in the Whirling Bros
Circus, Sole Bros Great Chinese Circus and the International Circus
as a magician - working doves, poodle, rabbit, miniature horses etc.

Evelyn has performed in Australia, USA, Japan, China and Singapore
and toured with many shows.

She is currently playing in the Palmerston North Districts Pipe Band
and the Palmerston North Brass Band, as well as dancing with the
Spring Chickens Dance Company.

Magic, dance and shows keep her busy, along with her nine horses,
co-ordinating events for the City and part time radio announcing.
She is also involved in showing her horses and has a good knowledge
of dog show judging.

September 1999 Evelyn received a Civic Community Service Award for
entertainment and education.

October 2003 received from the Royal New Zealand Air Force the
Efficiency Award for services to music.

-----------------
5. Las Vegas First Television Station On The Web
-----------------
Message from Peter J. Shield (US)

Computer owners around the world can now stay informed about the
happenings in Las Vegas as the first television station to go 24hr
programming on the web (Broadband) started broadcasting this week.

Limited programming as yet but my "World of Unexplained Mysteries"
is the major anchor show seen every three hours. I will be recording
a Houdini special with Dixie Doolie - resident Las Vegas Magician
and Houdini buff - next Friday. Dixie performs at the Magic Star
Casino here and owns some amazing Houdini original memorabilia.

I will be producing and hosting two other programs for the station -
"My special guest" with live interviews with local and visiting
celebs - my first program of this series is in the can featuring the
wife of a prominent member of the Saudi Royal Family.

Each week I will also be recreating my successful Perth Channel 10
Show which taught children how to make and perform simple tricks.
Each week I will have guest professionals who are appearing or
visiting Las Vegas to share their favorite 'pocket' trick with my
audience (World Wide!) I am already receiving emails from 8
countries after only one week!

Your readers can log on and view the station at
http://vegaswebcast.com

If you would like more information or would like to request any
special subject matter there is an enquiry form on my 'home' page at
http://worldofunexplainedmysteries.com - click on Area 51 to log
into the station broadcast.

To get anything like reasonable reception you will need a cable or
DSL connection - otherwise the program is the size of a postage
stamp!

I was a privileged guest at the opening of the newest Las Vegas
Magic Show this week (on my birthday 15th Oct.) "The World's
Greatest Magic Show" which has replaced Steve Warick at the Sahara!

The Show stars: Kevin James, The Majestix, Joseph Gabriel, The
Latvian Mistress of Magic Zieda Lavavootnish, Billy Ferguson,
Kenneth Harvard and my good friend Jeff Hobson who hosts the show. I
was tipped off that Steve Warick is rehearsing for a new show to
open next month.

If any visiting magi are visiting Vegas and would like comps to the
"World's Greatest Magic Show" please advise me by email and I will
most likely be able to oblige!

See you on 'broadband'.

-----------------
6. Ted Whebell Passed Away
-----------------
Message from Trevor Lewis (Wales)

Just heard tonight that Ted Whebell, who for many years looked after
the Eddie Dexter Welfare Service of the British Ring has passed
away. I heard tonight from Derek McFaull, who took over the office
recently.

Ted was also a member of the British Ring Committee for many years
and also a Past President.

If you contact Derek McFaull he can give you more information. I
don't have his e-mail address, but his telephone number is 01249
812554.

-----------------
7. The 29th Australian Convention Of Magicians
-----------------
Message from Tim Ellis (Aust)

THE RUMOURS ARE TRUE!

From the people who brought you Ali Bongo, Tom Ogden, Bob Sheets,
Tommy Wonder, David Stone AND The Flicking Fingers comes…

The 29th Australian Convention of Magicians
June 11-14, 2004
Melbourne, Australia

It's back!
Bigger and better than ever before at a new location which offers:

* Easy access
* Free parking
* Warmth and atmosphere
* Non-stop Tea and Coffee
* Great stage AND close up facilities
* Sensational and secure dealers rooms
* Three course dinner and drinks on Saturday AND Sunday nights!

THE VENUE:
The Centre Ivanhoe, 275 Upper Heidelberg Rd, Ivanhoe

This is one of Melbourne's finest examples of Art Deco architecture,
combining authentic grandeur with warmth and elegance. All of the
convention events will take place at The Centre. By car, it is 15
minutes from Melbourne's CBD and 30 minutes from the Melbourne
Airport by Skybus. The Centre Ivanhoe has extensive off street
parking and is surrounded by cafes, shops and restaurants including:

* Pellegrino's Pizza
* Taco Bill
* Nando's Chicken
* Saffron Indian
* Bussaracum Thai
* The Ivanhoe Tavern
* Cosi Duci Italian Gelato
* Bagami's Patisserie
* The Fish and Chippery!

Something for every taste!

For more information: www.TheCentreIvanhoe.com.au

THE SCHEDULE:
* FRIDAY JUNE 11

4.00-6.00pm: After meeting up with old friends for an early dinner
in Ivanhoe, head over to the Streeton Room Foyer at The Centre and
collect your registration kit, souvenir programme and many
surprises.

6.00-7.00pm: The activities commence and you can test your skill in
'Al Cappucino's Speakeasy'.

7.00pm: The official Opening.

7.30-9.00pm: The 'Close-Up Magic Mystery Tour' where you'll meet our
International Guests for the first time.

9.00-9.30pm: Mix and mingle.

9.30-11.30pm: Time for International Lecture #1, then the party
continues at the "official" convention hotel The Jika International
where you can session into the early hours.

* SATURDAY JUNE 12
9.00-10.00am: The McCubbin and Conder Rooms are transformed into the
Dealers Den, a place where dealers can strut their stuff on stage as
you enjoy non-stop coffee and tea.

10.00-12.00pm: Time for International Lecture #2.

12.00-1.30pm: Grab some lunch or hang in the Dealers Den.

1.30-3.00pm: Join the public in The Great Hall for the All-Aussie
Stage Show.

3.00-3.30pm: Dealers Den open. Coffee and tea flow freely!

3.30-4.30pm: Workshop session #1.

4.30-5.30pm: Workshop session #2.

5.30-7.45pm: Dinner is on us! Head down to the Streeton Room for a
three course dinner, free drinks, and LOTS of surprises.

7.45pm-8.00pm: After dinner you'll be taken up to The Great Hall
where you'll again join the public for the International Gala Show.

8.00-9.30pm: International Gala Show.

9.30-10.00pm: Back down to the Streeton Room for coffee and tea.

10.00-11.30pm: International Lecture #3 then it's back to the Jika
International to party on!

* SUNDAY JUNE 13
9.00-10.00am: Check out the Dealers Den.

10.00-11.00am: Workshop session #3.

11.00-12.00pm: Workshop session #4.

12.00-1.30pm: Time for lunch and the Dealers Den opens up again.

1.30-3.00pm: Catch Australia's hottest new talent in the All-Aussie
Close Up Show.

3.00-3.30pm: Dealers Den and coffee and tea time.

3.30-5.30pm: International Lecture #4.

5.30-6.30pm: Time to make your final purchases in the Dealers Den.

6.30-11.30pm: Back to The Great Hall for a three course banquet,
drinks, and a show you'll talk about for years to come!

* MONDAY JUNE 14
9.30-10.30am: Join in the "buy, swap, sell" atmosphere of the Magic
Marketplace where you can get rid of your unwanted magic treasures
and buy new ones from someone else!

10.30-12.30pm: International Lecture #5.

12.30-1.30pm: Lunch break.

1.30-3.30pm: Children's Entertainer Seminar where you'll learn how
to entertain kids at parties, in restaurants, in every situation!

3.30-4.00pm: Coffee and tea break.

4.00-5.00pm: Ask our International Guests those last remaining
questions during the 'Panel Session with the Stars' before the
Awards are presented and the Convention comes to an official close
at 5.00pm. (But the fun doesn't have to end there, join us for
dinner in one of the many cafes or restaurants in Ivanhoe before you
head back into "the real world".)

THE GUESTS:
INTERNATIONAL - We are currently negotiating with FOUR International
guests, performers who are World Champions and fantastic lecturers.

NATIONAL - We are working to ensure an incredible mix of magic, from
creative and rarely seen young performers, to some of the biggest
names in Australian magic. You'll see performances you've never seen
before, and learn from those who have made magic their life's work.

THE COMPETITIONS:
There will be no losers at this convention, because the entire
convention is one big competition. On Monday afternoon every
registrant will be able to vote on awards like:

* BEST TRICK
* BEST ACT
* FUNNIEST LINE
* MOST ORIGINAL ACT

It doesn't matter whether you perform it on a show, at the bar, in
the dealers room… if people see it, like it and vote for it… you
could be a winner!

THE PROGRAMME:
As usual, every registrant will receive a beautiful souvenir
programme of the event. When you register, you'll have the
opportunity to take a space in this historic record to promote your
services, products or just to wish your fellow magicians a great
convention.

Space in the programme will cost:
$60 - Full A4 Page
$40 - Half A4 Page
$25 - Quarter A4 Page

Space is limited, but you don't need to get your art work to us
until Friday, April 30, 2004.

THE DEALERS DEN:
This will be the most beautiful Dealers Den ever! The elegant
McCubbin and Conder Rooms will be home to our dealers from 9am
Saturday June 12 to Sunday June 13 at 6.30pm. As large as these
rooms are, we don't want a cramped atmosphere, so we are limiting
space in the Dealers Den to 30 tables only. Dealers can have as many
tables as they need at a cost of $50 per table.

The Dealers Den also has a stage and we will put together a schedule
for dealers who would like to demonstrate any of their products on
the stage during dealer hours.

To add more incentive to visit the Dealers Den, they will be open at
every coffee break, lunch break, and just before dinner, and each
dealers room has a coffee and tea buffet in it. More good news, the
dealers room will not be open during any other activities so no
dealers will miss out on any of the convention events.

THE MAGIC MARKETPLACE:
On Monday June 14 from 9.30-10.30am, the Dealers Den will become the
Magic Marketplace where every registrant can grab a table and "Buy,
Swap and Sell" at no charge. This event replaces the traditional
Auction and will give everyone the opportunity to clear out their
magic cupboard… and make a few bucks on the side!

Accommodation Information
Why pay $200 for a city hotel? We have moved the convention to the
beautiful suburb of Ivanhoe so that we can give you more magic for
your money, AND save our interstate guests on hotel rates too!

OUR OFFICIAL HOTEL
Jika International
551 Heidelberg Rd, Fairfield 3078. (03) 9481 2822 www.Jika.com.au

We have arranged for the hotel to reserve an allocation of specially
priced rooms for our registrants. To receive the following special
rates simply call Jenny Lee at the Jika and mention the Magic
Convention.

Single Share - $100.00 per night
Twin Share - $110.00 per night
Triple Share - $132.50 per night
Executive Suite - $130 per night (1-2 people)
Executive Spa Suite - $175 per night (1-2 people)
Deluxe Suite - $175 per night (1-2 people)

All prices include a continental buffet breakfast

Be aware, they do not have unlimited rooms, and it really is a case
of "first in best dressed". If you are visiting from interstate and
are too late to get a room at the Jika International, please call
Magic Unlimited on (03) 9486 4445 and we'll direct you to other area
hotels.

The Jika will be the "Official After party Venue" each night of the
convention. They have a great bar and restaurant and are really
looking forward to seeing it filled with magicians after midnight!

The Jika is only 3 kms from The Centre Ivanhoe, and you can travel
by train, bus or taxi. Taxi takes 5 mins and will cost about $5.
(Even if you took 10 taxi rides on your own during the convention,
it's still A LOT cheaper than if you had to stay in a city hotel!)

We are also looking at running a private shuttle service for
interstate guests for about $20-$25 per person for the whole
weekend. If this service would interest you, please contact Magic
Unlimited and, if there is enough interest, you may end up with a
personal chauffeur for the convention!

ACROSS THE ROAD
If you'd like to be a little more self-contained than a hotel, right
across the road from the Jika International are:

Alphington Apartments
35 Coate Ave, Alphington, 3078 (03) 9488 1188
2 Bedroom Townhouse - $150
(Complete with kitchen, sleeps four people)

They have 19 double storey townhouses at our disposal. Perfect for
families or people who'd like to save a few bucks ($150 between four
people is $32.50 per night - not bad!) If you don't want to make it
yourself, you can still join your friends across the road at Jika
International for breakfast and charge it back to your apartment.

WHAT TO DO NOW???
Registration forms will be available from your favourite magic shop
or club in mid-November. If they don't have any, you can get one by
calling Magic Unlimited on (03) 94864445.

HOWEVER, you can reserve your space in advance simply by calling or
emailing with your name and address and we'll send you an invoice.

THIS CONVENTION IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO THE FIRST 300 REGISTRANTS.

Registration costs are:
* $250 - Full registration (including two dinners, coffee and tea,
ALL shows, lectures and workshops)

* $220 - Spouse registration (must be accompanying a fully paid
registrant)

* $190 - Under 18 registration (must be under 18 years old on June
14, 2004)

If you'd like to bring your friends, family or business
acquaintances along to see any of the shows, you can purchase extra
tickets for the following events:

* Saturday 1.30-3.00pm - All-Aussie Stage Show - $10

* Saturday 8.00-9.30pm - International Gala Show - $20

* Sunday 6.30-11.30pm - Banquet and Show (inc three course meal and
drinks) - $80

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY and be a part of Australian Magic History.

CONTACT DETAILS:
The 29th Australian Convention of Magicians
Convention Chairman Tim Ellis
c/o Magic Unlimited!
3/114 Bent St
Northcote
VIC 3070
Australia

Ph: (03) 9486 4445
Fax: (03) 9486 4040
Email: katzkin@tpg.com.au
Website coming soon at www.MagicUnlimited.com

-----------------
8. Magic You Can Fall For
-----------------
Message from Larry Wright - Zappo the Magician

Sometimes magic just happens. For most people, traveling to New
England in the Fall and seeing the incredible splash of Fall colors
as the leaves turn is magic in its own right. Having a chance to
travel through Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts, not
to mention Connecticut and Rhode Island is also completely
enchanting all by itself. However, in our most recent trip at the
beginning of October, we ran into one of those unexpected magical
experiences that you just don't see coming, but often really "make
the trip."

We had splendid weather for all but two days of our two weeks on the
East Coast of the United States. On the most miserable day of the
trip, rain was pounding us from dawn until dusk. The downpour was
relentless. Because we chose to travel the back roads of New
England, and because visibility was poor even during the daylight
hours with that much rain, as night began to fall we knew it was
time to seek shelter.

As luck.. or maybe it was magic.. would have it, we were in the
town of Barre, Vermont, when the weather and the darkness converged.
There may have been motels in this small town, but they weren't on
the route we were traveling! As we were on the verge of leaving town
we passed a small Bed and Breakfast.

Not wanting to spend a fortune for a bed to sleep in for one night,
we had avoided the bed and breakfast circuit during the previous few
days driving through Western Massachusetts and the first part of
Vermont. However, in the old tradition of the New England sailors,
it seemed to us that, "any port in a storm," held new meaning in the
torrential rain that pelted our windshield.

A quick U-turn brought us back to the B&B. It seemed unlikely that
they would have a room available, since many tourists travel to New
England to see the Fall colors, and Maplecroft Bed & Breakfast is
picturesque, located in the heart of the spectacular Fall show. My
wife braved the downpour from the car to the front door. Hey -- I
did pull the car as close to the entrance as possible so she
wouldn't get more soaked than necessary.. I'm a gentleman.

She came back and indicated there was one room left for the night.
We took it immediately. The proprietor came out with my wife,
holding an umbrella, and was genuinely eager to come out into the
torrent and help with the bags. I declined his generous offer, and
unloaded our minimal luggage myself (prompting some to observe I had
treated the innkeeper better than my wife whom I had abandoned to
the ravages of the storm to check room availability!)

Imagine my surprise after depositing the baggage in our wonderful,
quaint room and taking "the tour" with Paul Heller. The common room
is decorated with a wonderful collection of magic posters. Not only
that, but there were magic props displayed around the room, and a
book case filled with books on magic. A deck of cards sat invitingly
on a felt covered table.

"Are you a magician?" I inquired. "Well, I have an abiding interest
in Magic," came the reply. As you can well imagine, the conversation
took off from there. We spent nearly an hour before venturing out
into the town for dinner and about two hours after returning from
our evening meal, talking about many facets of magic. There was even
a small performance of some magic "I just happened to have with me
at the time" for Mr. Heller and his partner Marianne Kotch. They
made a gracious audience.

It seems Mr. Heller, who was a librarian before turning to innkeeper
as a career, is a collector of vintage magic books. I had a chance
to see his collection.. fantastic. Many of the most significant
titles in the history of magic line his book shelves. What a treat!

In the end, perhaps the nicest surprise in this magical visit was
the fact that Maplecroft Bed & Breakfast offers a discount room rate
to magicians and to librarians. Following a breakfast fit for a king
of French Toast Casserole .. a dish that could only have been
whipped up by a consummate kitchen wizard.. we took our leave. We
said farewell to Maplecroft, but not good-bye. We will return at our
very next opportunity to spend a longer visit.. this time with
reservations..

You can find information on booking your own visit to Maplecroft Bed
& Breakfast by going to their web site www.maplecroftvermont.com or
by calling them at 802.476.0760. The inn is located at 70 Washington
Street in Barre, VT 05641.

-----------------
9. The Boston Museum Of Science Exposure!
-----------------
Message from Steve Pradell (Alaska)

The Boston Museum of Science (where I worked as a teenager) has
opened an exhibit earlier in October called "Magic: The Science of
Illusion." The show is curated by the California Science Center in
Los Angeles. The illusions exposed at this show and the assistance
provided include Penn and Teller' bodiless head, Goldfinger and
Dove's levitating chair, Max Maven's mind reading, and Jean-Eugene
Robert Houdin's "light and heavy chest."

My own mother, who has never asked me how my tricks are done, sent
me an article which is on page C-1 of the Boston Globe dated October
14, 2003. The article contains a picture of the bodiless head
illusion and two detailed drawings exposing the secret of the
"living head trick" complete with "a carefully placed mirror (which)
fools viewers into thinking the head has no body."

Unfortunately, this illusion is still the staple of many magic and
Halloween shows, and its exposure by Penn and Teller further erodes
the mystery and wonder of our art. Descriptions of the use of the
mirror as a magic principle contained in the article include, "Light
bounces off the mirror in the same angle as it arrives, making the
checkered floor appear to continue past where the participant's body
should be" and, "Mirror, located precisely halfway between the
identically painted front and back walls, hides the participant's
body and reflects the checkered floor and the metal arms."

These revelations about this aspect of our art exposes much more
than the trick revealed. The principle exposed affects most
illusions where mirrors are utilized, and may cause otherwise
innocent spectators to suspect mirrors on the insides of all
boxes containing checkered floors and walls. The article I'm quoting
was written by Michael Rosenwald, who can be reached at
mrosenwald@globe.com, for those interested in addressing their
concerns.

-----------------
10. Petrick & Mia's Farewell Lecture Tour USA & Canada
-----------------
Message from Petrick & Mia

Petrick & Mia's Farewell Lecture Tour USA & Canada Continues in
September, October, November & December with a BRAND NEW SHOW &
LECTURE.

This year Petrick has released ten new effects and NEW Lecture
notes.

If you liked "One minute Miracles # 1 and One minute Miracles # 2,
you will love One minute Miracles # 3

For more information about the new tricks and lectures go to
www.pmmagic.com

These clubs are already booked: Greenbrook - NJ, Washington DC,
Philadelphia - PA,Worchester - MA, Salem - MA, Quebeck Canada,
Ottawa Canada, Kitchener Canada, Toronto Canada, Toledo OH, Buffalo
NY, Hamilton Canada, Detroit MI, Dubuque IA, Des Moines IA,
Janesville WI, Minneapolis MN,

November: 2-Ganeswille FL, 4- Hollywood FL, 6-Tampa FL, 10 Cookville
TN, 11-Columbus OH, 14-Boston MA, 17-Montreal Canada, Austin TX,
Pharr TX, Magic Shop near Dallas TX.

We still have dates available. If your club is interested hosting
Petrick & Mia's NEW lecture and show please let us know as soon as
possible.

Our e-mail is: pmmagic@pmmagic.com

-----------------
11. Carmichael, Allan Thomas
-----------------
Message from Steve Walker (Aust)

In today's Sydney Morning Herald for your information, please advise
other magicians.

Carmichael, Allan Thomas
October 20 2003 of Castle Hill, much loved husband of Linda, loved
father of Mark, Brett, Tracey, Luke, Megan, Ben, Leaitha and Kirsten, 
Special grandfather of their children, brother of Robert.

Don't cry because I have gone, smile that I was here.

The relatives and friends of ALLAN are invited to attend his funeral
service on Friday (October 24 2003) in the chapel of Castlebrook
Crematorium, Windsor Road, Rouse Hill, appointed to commence 
at 2.45pm.

I spoke with Linda this morning and she has requested donations to
Cancer Charities in lieu of flowers

-----------------
12. Funeral For A Friend - Ivan Hannah's Last Show
-----------------
Message from Brian Ward (NZ)

20th October 2003

Ivan James Hannah "Van"
8 March 1940 - 15th October 2003

Today we said good bye to a Great Magician and a loyal friend to
many in the world of Magic.

I believe that even Ivan would have enjoyed the tributes paid to him
this day and he would have responded in a fashion befitting of the
occasion. My thanks to Murray Craig of the Otago Magic Circle for
conducting the "Broken Wand Ceremony" for us, and to the fellow
magicians who travelled down to Invercargill for Ivan's farewell.

Ivan shall be remembered for his wonderful sense of humour and his
love of "Bright and Shiny Things". Gadgets and widgets surrounded
Ivan’s life and for what was normally a pain to many of us, mailers
bestowing the latest and greatest were a source of constant interest
for Ivan.

His enthusiasm for new technologies brought many hours of downloads
for those lucky enough to be on his "Forward this email List" in
fact this means of communication became the sure fire way of knowing
how Ivan was in the later stages of his illness. Few emails meant he
was not too good - no emails meant he was in hospital - lots of
emails meant he was back home and to top it all off - an email to
beat them all (I have copied this for you all as it sums Ivan up so
well)

Hi
Just to let you all know I died on Wednesday the 15th of October
2003 at approximately 2pm.

Because of this I will no longer be checking or replying to emails,
so from now on this email address will not be checked.

If you do want an answer to your emails you will have to email my
son at emailus@es.co.nz

Regards

Ivan & Tony

P.S. I apologies if this offends anyone but I thought he would like
to get the last laugh.

Ivan’s unique interpretation of Magic and his importance in all our
lives will never be forgotten. I look forward to the many stories
yet to be told about "The Magic Man" and I for one feel privileged
to have known both Ivan and Glennie and to have been a small part
player in their lives for the last 30 or so years.

I hope that Ivan and Glennie's son Tony (and his wife Carolyn) do
not mind that I have included their email address.

Just as a foot note Ivan's daughter Stacy gave birth to a baby boy
on Friday 17th October (Adam James Lindsay) unfortunately he missed
his Grandfather by a few days but I dare say he will grow up to the
stories of what a great man he was and who knows maybe he could be
another Magi in waiting.

Goodbye Ivan - please give Glennie a hug from me and say hi to Sam,
I miss you all.

Brian Ward
Southland Magic Circle
Invercargill

-----------------
13. The Doctor Is Hitting The Lecture Road
-----------------
Message from Doc Eason 

Pitts burgh PA on the 28th of October..contact Rick Maue at
(magic@deceptionsunlimited.com) for details.

Massapequa Long Island on Nov 10th .. contact Steve Rodman for
details..(zenith301@aol.com)

Bridgeport CT on Nov 13th contact Joe McLeod (Hudini2000@aol.com)

Peabody MA on Nov 15th for a one day convention for Eddie Gardiner
contact Tucker Goodman <goodmat@comcast.net>

Tannen's (yes Tannen's) on Nov 18th contact Jeremy Medows
(jrm1535@stern.nyu.edu)

Linden NJ on the 19th -the roundtable.. contact "Eric Appel"
(ega53@comcast.net)

I hope to see a few of you all there at one of these lectures.

-----------------
14. In Response To Tony Wilson's Letter Of Encouragement
-----------------
Message from Ron Porter

I wish to send Indian magician, Dr. A. Alexander the best of luck in
completing his 24-hour magic show.

However, this will not be the longest show in the world. The longest
non-stop show that I am aware of took place in May 1978. This "Magic
Marathon" was 2 1/2 days long, taking place over the Memorial Day
weekend. The show was held in Buena Park, California and was
presented by 5 magicians: Jeff Martin, Steve Mattan, Ron Porter,
Doug Kennedy and Ron Stark. The magicians rotated, performing 1 hour
sets, including close-up and stage magic.

-----------------
15. Steve Burton Performing In 3 Cities In Japan
-----------------
Message from Steve Burton

Hello, this is Steve Burton, the president of the Texas Association
of Magicians, and I will be performing in three cities in Japan,
October 22nd through the 27th. I'll be performing in Sasebo on the
evening of Oct. 23rd, Atsugi on the evening of October 24th and
Yokosuka on October 25th.

I'll also have the entire day October 26th for sightseeing in Tokyo.
If any of our friends will be in Japan on these days, I invite you
to e-mail me for information on my shows or possibly meeting for
lunch when I'm in Tokyo. I hope to see you there!

-----------------
16. KOOL KIDS CARE
-----------------
Message from Wayne Rogers (NZ)

This week in Auckland I caught up with one of New Zealand's top
school show magicians Elgregoe (Greg Britt) and his son Nickleby, as
they presented their latest show "Kool Kids Care".

The show is a skillful blend of magic, storytelling, puppetry,
music, ventriloqulism and a serious anti-bullying message, It's Kool
to be Kind.

Throughout the hour long presentation the audience of primary school
children hung on every word and marvelled at the magic. A big hit in
the show was Elgreoe's exotic parrot who magically appeared from a
very deceptive production box. Even the parrot was used to make a
special point about, "Not copying what others say or do!"

I was interested to see some nice original touches with standard
props such as the Nielson Vanishing Bottle and a cat version of
Blushing Bunny. The water Lota Vase running gag also helped
reinforce the theme of the show.

The concept and script of the show was written by Greg in
conjunction with the late Clifford Warne, Australian magician,
television producer, broadcaster and motivational speaker.
Clifford's influence is there, but Elgregoe and Nickleby present it
to perfection. They return annually to many schools who appreciate
their passion for perfoming top shows while challenging students to
resist bullying and have good attitudes at school.

"Kool Kids Care" compliments the New Zealand Health Curriculum.
Having seen and enjoyed the show myself I agree with the teachers. 
"It's full of original ideas, great entertainment and an awsome
message".  Now that's Magic!

-----------------
17. SPARE PARTS for magic effects
-----------------
Message from Wayne Rogers (NZ)

And now for something different. SPARE PARTS for magic effects.

Shortly I will be announcing a range of Spare Parts for some of the
items I make. For example, if you use Missing Spade in your
professional act, the tube handle will wear out the fastest. So why
not just buy a replacement handle? Same applies to the "pole"
component of the Appearing Shovel, Pinocchio's Nose etc.

I will advertise the full list of spare parts and prices when
compiled. Join the Newsletter list (link at bottom of the product
page) and be first to hear about any new products.

The product page on my site has now been updated to include the two
most recent additions to my range of "Pole" related items. These are
the Appearing Hat Stand (2 only available for immediate assembly)
and the Opinion Pole which will also only be
made in small numbers at the moment. Both items can only be bought
direct from me until further notice.

Visit http://www.nzmagic.com/productpg.html and hit the "refresh"
button if you've been there recently.

-----------------
18. Seeking Publications
-----------------
Message from Elio Simonetti

I am interested in either new or second hand copies of the following
publications:

Art and Artifice - Jim Steinmeyer
Buatier de Kolta Genius of Illusion - by Peter Warlock
Secrets of My Magic - David Devant (obviously second hand!)

If you have any of the above titles and are interested in selling
them, or if you know of a vendor who is, please contact me by 
e-mail at eliosimonetti@aol.com or visit my website at 
www.eliosimonetti.com for other contact details.

-----------------
19. The Amazing Orchante Saga, Vol. 2 - The Australian Years
-----------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

Page 22

Neither Veronica nor I can remember who, how, what or why we started
playing backgammon but, we became completely hooked OK, lets be
honest – fanatical, playing the game! It was demanding almost every
spare moment (apart from ‘you know what’) we had. Although you can
play it just for fun with matchsticks, it is essentially, a gambling
game played on a board with thirty checkers or ‘men’, two pair of
dice and a doubling cube; where you can start off modestly betting
as little as 50 pence (half a dollar) and in a very short space of
time, lose or win thousands!

The doubling cube is a special dice used to double the betting
stakes. The lowest Number is 2, the next is 4, then 8, then 16,
followed by 32, and the last is 64. Each player has the opportunity
to double the stakes when it is his turn to play, and before he
throws the dice. A double may be accepted or declined, but the
player declining loses whatever the stakes were before the double
was offered. You can see now how a small ‘pittance’ can quickly
escalate into quite a hefty bundle.

World famous players/gamblers like the actor Omar Sharif, whose
primary passion is ‘bridge’ and is recognised in card-playing
circles as a bridge expert, is also an acknowledged master of
backgammon. The games he gets involved in can easily start by
betting a ‘measly’ thousand dollars, and doubling it! The final
stakes on the table can quickly run into the millions! Several boxes
of matchsticks suit us fine!

Though the history of backgammon is incomplete, we do know it is
definitely one of the oldest games known to man. The oldest known
source of backgammon dates back to some 5000 years, however it is
believed that the present form of the game evolved in the 10th
century. In 1743, the famous Edmond Hoyle codified the rules and
strategy and since then, the only change recorded has been the
addition of the doubling cube, which has added to the challenge and
stakes of the game. Backgammon has remained alive throughout these
many years probably because of its continual intrigue and challenge.
Even when defeat seems certain the tide can change and even the
underdog may win. It is said that you can learn the fundamentals of
the game in thirty minutes; it is a life’s work to learn the secrets
of the strategy of backgammon.

Why is it that when I go off the trail I somehow finished up in the
next county? One minute I’m writing about our parrots and
cockatoos - which I haven’t finished with yet, then somehow it’s
about Judy Stone and the gang, then it’s Neil Diamond; next, I’m
writing a history about backgammon! Could it be true; the mind tends
to wander with ‘old’ age? Heeeeelp!!!

Delving into some ancient photograph albums, I discovered a heap of
Polaroid photographs taken with my old SX70 fold-up camera. Several
were taken whilst on tour with Judy – Oh, the memories. One shows
the complete cast crammed into our motel room, intently watching
with a backgammon game in process. I don’t why it was, but everyone
seemed to congregate to our room after shows. Another group photo
was taken outside the motel. On the left of the group was the
compere/comedian who, on this particular tour - was Johnny Holmes, a
very popular comic on the Sydney club circuit.

It wasn’t until after the tour, when Veronica and I were going
through the photos, that we noticed something odd. Using a
magnifying glass we could see that Johnny, smiling and standing
causally, had quietly pulled his ‘dick’ out for the photograph.
Nobody had noticed ‘it’ before; and everyone had seen the photograph
after it had been taken - being a Polaroid. The next time we ran
into Johnny at one of the clubs, we told him that we had discovered
his ‘naughtiness’; he laughed and said that he didn’t realize at the
time that I was using a Polaroid camera, and expected everyone to
spot his ‘manliness’ there and then. He stopped laughing when I told
him we needed a microscope to see it!

Most times on the Judy Stone tours, we were the only
speciality/sight/variety act on the show but occasionally another
act, the ‘Duo Angelos’ would come out as well. They were a brother
and sister Adagio/Acrobatic act. Billy and Angela, hence the act’s
name, were a very likable couple. Angela, who was a most extremely
stunning, and beautiful young woman – with a body to dream for, just
happened to be the girlfriend of John Doyle, who ran his own agency,
‘Jon Doyle Promotions’! John, an ex wrestler, also had his own, very
successful bodybuilding studio and, apart from being a singer in his
own right, was Judy Stone’s Personal Manager! He ran all of Judy’s
tours, and had many others out on the road as well. Billy and
Angela, as well several other similar types of
dancers/acts/artistes, worked out at John’s studio, keeping fit for
their physically demanding act(s).

-CONTINUES -

------------------
20. 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.

User Name: magic
Password: kiwi

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)

-------------------
21. Subscription Management
-------------------
Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or
individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy.

To subscribe or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand e-zine:
www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html

Magic New Zealand e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday.

The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual
contributors and not those of Magic New Zealand.

Neither Magic New Zealand or Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy
or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other
information reported via Magic New Zealand e-zine. Subscribers to
this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree
that they will not hold Magic New Zealand and or Alan Watson liable
or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed herein.

We reserve the right to edit, correct or, in our discretion, choose
not to publish any submissions provided to Magic New Zealand for
potential publication.

Magic New Zealand welcomes readers to submit timely articles or news
items which appear to be of interest to our readers. Those
submitting to this e-zine agree that we have permission to publish
their submissions and that they have the full copyright to the
material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand are
fully protected by international copyright as provided by law, and
articles cannot be published for profit by anyone other than the
individual author without the written permission of Magic New
Zealand.

This publication may be freely redistributed (but not sold) to
other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY including the copyright
notice below and the above disclaimer.<<

© Copyright 2003 Alan Watson