* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #223
Date: Sunday 14th December 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. Driver Escapes Copperfield “Death” Truck
  3. Magic Camp Scholarships Announced For This Summer
  4. "Magic In Las Vegas"
  5. Finn Jon's Animated Neck Tie Routine
  6. Ethics, Rip-Offs And Store Ownership
  7. Regards To The Solution To The Knock-Off Problem
  8. 29th Australian Convention Of Magicians Update
  9. 49th Austrian Magic Convention 20 - 23 May 2004
  10. Fukai Lecture
  11. Magician Of The Year For The South Carolina
  12. Super Coin Melt - Jamie-G
  13. Time Marches On . . .
  14. The Lepre-Coin - Peter Marucci
  15. The Amazing Orchante Saga
  16. e-zine archives
  17. Subscription Management

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

The Magic Circle's Centenary Celebration 2005
To date 560 have registered to attend this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Join in the biggest celebration of magic London has ever seen:

  a. Non-stop magic for four amazing days!

  b. Stage and close-up Gala Shows; World Class Acts; Top
Lecturers; International Dealers' Fair; specially commissioned Magic
Revue; The All Winners Show; Unique Heritage Display; Grand Opening
Event .. and more, much more.

  c. Every registrant will be presented with a free commemorative
gift and a copy of the new colour-illustrated history of The Magic
Circle.

  d. Staged at the University of London in Bedford Way, just
minutes from The Magic Circle Headquarters and very close to
London's West End theatre and shopping districts.

  e. The Celebrations are open to all magicians and their partners.

  f. Reserved seats will be allocated on a strictly first-come
basis (and these are limited) so early booking is strongly advised.

  g. The Magic Circle Celebrations run from Wednesday 20 July to
Saturday 23 July 2005, with an extra Centenary Heritage Day on
Sunday 24 July (for which separate registration is required).

For further information (and online registration form) go to:
www.TheMagicCircleCentenary.co.uk

Member of The Magic Circle and partner: before 31.12.04  £175 each;
after 31.12.04 £200 each

Non-members: before 31.12.04  £200 each; after 31.12.04 £225 each

Seats will be allocated on a first come basis.   Numbers are
strictly limited

So far eight New Zealand magicians will be attending:
Bill and Marlene Seagraves, Tony and Mary Wilson, Kris and Kristine
Kardo, and Alan and Michele Watson

---------------------------------------
Mark Greenhalgh in North Shore Hospital

Marks right lung collapsed on Friday evening and he was rushed to
North Shore hospital in NZ. Apparently Mark developed a hole in his
lung which I am told is a common problem for very tall slim males
between the age of 20 and 40.

Mark is a member of the BAM in Auckland and if you'd like to drop
him a get well message send it to his wife Kelly at:
mark@paragondesign.co.nz

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

-----------------
2. Driver Escapes Copperfield “Death” Truck
-----------------
Message from Tony Wilson (NZ)

Message originally sent by David Copperfield's Tour Manager to Abb
Dickson who forwarded it on to Tony Wilson and others.

12/10/03 - In a near brush with death early this morning on the road
to Kalamazoo Michigan, one of David Copperfield’s semi tractor
trailers overturned on a slick Highway 75 North, just outside of
Williamstown, Kentucky, injuring one of the drivers and putting a
halt to accompanying caravan of four tour buses and four semi’s.

The tractor and trailer were completely totaled, and according to
Copperfield, “It’s a miracle that the driver escaped with his life.”

Copperfield and his remaining crew of 50 are reported to be
uninjured. The driver of the vehicle was taken to nearby St.
Elizabeth Grant County Hospital where he is still being treated.

Tonight’s Kalamazoo, Michigan show on Copperfield’s Winter USA Tour
has been rescheduled for March 8, 2004 at 5:30pm and 8:30pm.

Tickets currently held will be valid for the new dates. If unable to
attend, refunds will be available at point of purchase.

None of the other tour dates have been affected.

-----------------
3. Magic Camp Scholarships Announced For This Summer
-----------------
Message from George Schindler S.A.M. Public Relations and Publicity

Magic Camp is a wonderful place for youngsters to learn new magic
skills and improve their performance. The Society of American
Magicians Scholarships are available to attend the Tannen's Magic
Camp located in Long Island, New York, and the Sorcerer's Summer
Safari located near Toronto, Canada. The scholarships, which include
full tuition and travel expenses, are made possible by a grant from
the Society of American Magicians Magic Endowment Fund, which has
provided scholarships to youngsters for the past 16 years.

Applicants should be between the ages of 10 to 18 years. Many magic
campers have gone on to become full-time performers. All have been a
credit to the magical arts.

Applications may be obtained by either writing to the:
S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund
15 Warren Street
Hackensack, NJ 07601

Or by email by sending your mailing address to:
KapsMagic@earthlink.net
See our website for print out application form. www.magicsam.com.

-----------------
4. "Magic In Las Vegas"
-----------------
Message from David Neubauer (US)

"Magic In Las Vegas" (and related arts) for December, 2003

PLAYING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:

AFTERNOONS:
Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas - Tropicana.

Mac King Comedy Magic Show - Harrah's.

Ronn Lucas and Friends (Vent) - The Man Who Can Make Anything Talk -
Rio.

EVENINGS:
Amazing Johnathan with various magician openers - Flamingo. (Dark
Thurs)

Danny Gans - (Impressionist) - The Mirage.

Dirk Arthur "New Art of Magic" - Plaza.

Dr. Scott's Outrageous Comedy Hypnosis Show. Monday nights -
Riviera.

Jayden LaCross - TGI Fridays (Wednesdays - Sundays).

Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show - every Saturday @ 5 am, KLAV FM
1230.

La Femme - Various magicians (see schedule below) - MGM Grand.

Lance Burton, Master Magician - Lance Burton Theater - Monte Carlo.

Larry G. Jones - Man of 1002 Voices (Free w/$3 drink) - Fitzgeralds
(5 pm).

Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley) - Erik Allan, Friday & Saturday.

Ovation - Aladdin

Jeff Hobson - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara

Joseph Gabriel - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara

Kevin James - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara

Nicholas Night & Kinga - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara

Penn & Teller - Rio, Samba Theatre.

Peter J. Shield - with various magicians - www.vegaswebcast.com

Richard Muna & Co. - Fox City Show - Tropics Lounge, Tropicana.

Scott Lewis (Hypnotist) "Mindblowers" - Riviera's Le Bistro Theatre
11:30 p.m. Mondays.

Showgirls of Magic - San Remo.

Simon Winthrop - Casino Royal.

Steve Wyrick - Aladdin

Sylvester the Jester - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara

The Majestix - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara

V - The Ultimate Variety Show - Nathan Burton and Sarah - Venetian 6
pm.

World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara

Xtreme Close-Up Magic - in The Magic Parlor at Sazio's at the
Orleans

Zadia Lavavootnesh - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara

NEWS:
The Complete Roy Timeline
www.reviewjournal.com/news/royhorn/

Dana Daniels will be filling in for Mac King Dec. 23, 24, 26 and 27.

Mike Caveney will be filling in for Jeff Hobson in the World's
Greatest Magic Show December 15 - 20th.

The World's Greatest Magic Show will become The World's Greatest
Christmas Magic Show from December 13 - 25th. Children will be
admitted free with a paid adult admission.

Lance Burton is hosting and performing in his 2nd annual special
pre-holiday show "Lance Burton's Magic & Comedy All-Stars" featuring
some of the world's best magicians Jeff McBride, "The Great
Tomsoni," Norm Nielsen and juggler Tyler Linkin at the Monte Carlo
Resort & Casino.

The show went over so well last year that it is back by popular
demand. The 90-minute show will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12;
Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14th. Doors open at the Lance
Burton Theatre at 7 p.m. Anyone staying at Mandalay Bay Group
hotels, which include the Monte Carlo, Excalibur, Circus Circus,
Luxor and Mandalay Bay are eligible for a $15 discount upon showing
their room card.

Also those with Nevada driver's licenses may receive the $15 off the
ticket prices of $65.95 lower level and $60.45 balcony seating when
they purchase their tickets at any of those hotel box-offices or
ticket and tour counters. For information or ticket reservations,
call (877) 386-8224 or 730-7160.

"Lance Burton: Master Magician" will have an added show at 10 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 28th, Dec. 2-6 is 7 p.m. Tues.-Sat. with 10 p.m. shows
on. Tues. & Sat. Dark Dec. 7-11 & 15-25 - "Lance Burton's Magic &
Comedy All-Stars" at 8 p.m. Dec. 12-14; Dec. 26 thru 30 is 7 & 10
p.m. shows for holidays New Year's Eve 7 p.m. only Wed. Dec. 31 Thru
Fri. Jan. 2 is 7 p.m. only; Saturday, Jan. 3 at 7 & 10 p.m. Tues.
Jan 6 is 7 & 10; 9 p.m. Jan. 7-9 for CES

DECEMBER, 2003
**NOTE: Some Las Vegas production shows close for a few weeks
vacation during the slow month of December. Please call first**

December: Stephan Vanel and the Quiddlers - La Femme - MGM Grand.

December 5 - 7: Bill Acosta (Impressionist) - Suncoast.

December 11: Steve Wyrick opens at the Aladdin's Steve Wyrick
Showroom (formerly Center Stage Showroom).

December 12-13: Wayne Brady - Paris Las Vegas.

December 13: Anthony Cools, Hypnotist Show, closing - Stardust.

December 17: Amazing Johnathan's final show at the Flamingo.

December 19: Anthony Cools, Hypnotist Show, closing - Stardust.

December 20: Funny Bone Comedy Showcase, final show - Golden Nugget.

December 24-January 1: David Copperfield - MGM Grand.

December 31: Xtreme Close-Up Magic will have a special New Years Eve
show - Orleans

JANUARY, 2004
January: The Quiddlers and Stephan Vanel - La Femme - MGM Grand.

January 2 - 4: Wayne Brady - Paris Las Vegas.

January 6: Publicity Stunt - Longest line of people. Lead by Mac
King in Carnaval Court - Harrah's

January 9-11: Wayne Brady - Paris Las Vegas.

January 11-14: World Magic Seminar - Riviera. Information at:

http://worldmagicseminar.com/index.htm

January 13: Amazing Johnathan Show grand re-opening - Golden Nugget.

January 16-18: Wayne Brady - Paris Las Vegas.

January 16-18: Rich Little - Suncoast.

APRIL, 2004
April 2004: New Cirque du Soleil show opening in the old EFX
Theater - MGM Grand.

SEPTEMBER, 2004
September 12-14: The 4th Annual Las Vegas Magic Invitational - San
Remo. Website: www.lvmi.net

www.dnmagic.com

-----------------
5. Finn Jon's Animated Neck Tie Routine
-----------------
Message from Paul Romhany (NZ)

Looking for any information on Finn Jon's Animated Neck Tie routine.

If anybody has any info on where I can get this routine please email
at promhany@hotmail.com

-----------------
6. Ethics, Rip-Offs And Store Ownership
-----------------
Message from Jon Ferrante

One of the things that we as magicians can do to help stop rip offs
is to educate ourselves and those we mentor. So many "new" things
have come from old sources and been represented as new that it is
almost laughable. As has been mentioned the massive explosion of
material good and bad has made keeping track of crediting a modern
nightmare. There were plenty of crediting problems even before then;
but if you will pick up your Tarbell course, Greater Magic, Modern
Coin Magic by Bobo, Royal Road to Card Magic etc., you will find the
basis for almost every trick around. If you want to see the history
of the Bat and the Raven, go to The Magnet under Trick Coin Trickery
in Bobo's.

There was mention of stopping patronage of stores that carry rip
offs. The question becomes, what is a significant change versus a
rip off and how exactly are "manufacturing rights" passed on?
Obviously some things are clearer than others but it can get pretty
murky. Take the case of Hoodwink by Ben Harris and Torn and Restored
Cards by Kenton Knepper. They are EXACTLY the same. Knepper's tape
was published a year before Harris's booklet but in Harris's booklet
he mentions that it is based on an idea he published in 1983, ten
years prior. The internet was abuzz with who had ripped off who. As
it happened, I carried both because my customers where
clamoring for the effect and the video was out first and had some
other great effects on it. When the booklet came out, I carried it
as well since some of my customers only wanted that one trick and
the booklet was less expensive. Oh, by the way, Ben Harris and
Kenton Knepper issued a joint statement to quell all the internet
bickering over who "owned" the effect. Their answer, a case of
simultaneous independent discovery. During the approximate 6 months
to a year this took to straighten out, would you have closed down my
store?

For another less clear case let us take Bob Kohler's Aces in Their
Faces, an effect I like quite a bit. I have seen many versions of
ace assemblies and by far the most common gimmicked variations are
on McDonald's Aces. Kohler's effect would fall in that category. He
credits Burling Hull's Ghost Card for his gaffes and inspiration. He
has a lengthy list of people he credits with either directly helping
with the effect or mentoring him and making him the magician he is
today (one I personally admire a great deal). Yet he makes
absolutely no mention of McDonald. Should I stop carrying the
effect? Samuel Patrick Smith produces Ghost Card and on the cover he
credit's it as a Burling Hull idea, but does he have manufacturing
rights? And if he does, with whom would I check to verify this?
Check and see if he had any children and ask them perhaps. I picked
these two examples because I feel strongly in both cases that the
character of these magician's allows me to assume the proper steps
have been taken and not because I honestly feel that it is an issue.

And when does a trick or move become public domain? The packet trick
industry would be a much poorer place if it weren't for Alex
Elmsley's Ghost Count. You can learn the move directly from the
creator on his tapes or DVDs so should I throw out every tape, book
and packet trick that explains the count as Elmsley's (usually
incorrectly at the fingertips) but does not have direct permission?
When an effect goes out of production because the creator passes
away without anyone to carry on, should the trick be buried for all
time with him?

I "discovered" quite a few moves on my own, Eric DeSouza's
shapeshifter, the slow motion billiard ball appearance/ vanish by
Garcia and many others, only to find out I had not been the first to
get there. Fortunately, in my case, I had some extremely
knowledgeable people around me who could point in the right
direction. The magic world is sadly neither black nor white and all
I can do as a "mom and pop" shop owner is try my best to keep the
"rip-offs" in my 5000 plus effects to a minimum.

-----------------
7. Regards To The Solution To The Knock-Off Problem
-----------------
Message from Marcus Goddefroy

I read the article on rightful owners of tricks. I realised there is
another group of people that aquire tricks, and that is by making
the tricks themselves. I belong to that group of people, and I heard
a lot of strange stories of copyright etc. Often I find a trick for
$2.00 at the discount warehouse type shops. (Just your made in China
nick nack shop). I take the gimmick and if I think I could use it. I
make it bigger, like the 5 nails through coin trick. I use a
stainless steel camping plate, and it works great. Is that nicking
someones trick or rights? I also find that if you look good you
might bump into a book of plans of how to build tricks from the
1920's, those are a great sources for people with a great
imagination and practical ability. Or I see, for example, the head
twister, I just go to my shed and build one. Is that wrong? I don't
feel it is, knowing myself, often I add things or combine effects to
make some thing that works great for me on the show. It sounds like
I am popping out all kinds of things but that is not true, maybe 2
or 3 items a year there I am busy with my puppetry. I live too far
away from good magic shops to even have a look. Most of the small
stuff that I could use, I get from the internet magic shops. Of
course no money back here but I never expect that. Shopping on the
internet does work well for me.

-----------------
8. 29th Australian Convention Of Magicians Update
-----------------
Message from Tim Ellis (Aust)

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Multi-Mo award winner
PHIL CASS to a galaxy of stars at the 29th Australian Convention of
Magicians. Phil is undoubtedly the busiest magician in Australia and
we are pleased that he has been able to put some time aside to join
us at the June 11-14, 2004 convention and headline our All-Aussie
Stage Show. Phil will also be available in the Dealers Den where all
of his exciting products and merchandise will be on sale. Keep up to
date with the latest additions to the convention on the official
website, via www.MagicUnlimited.com

-----------------
9. 49th Austrian Magic Convention 20. - 23 May 2004
-----------------
Message from Hanno Rhomberg (Austria)

Mayrhofen in Tyrol / Austria

A part of Tyrol and a part of the world at the same time, that's
Mayrhofen in Zillertal.

In this idyllic village (3600 inhabitants, 630 m above sea level)
rustic farm houses and old crafts and trades are in perfect tune
with luxurious hotels and fashion boutiques.

In May 800 magicians from all over the world will meet here.

Top Magicians have been booked:
Paul Daniels - England
Paul Potassy - Spain
Norbert Ferré - France
Jason Latimer - USA
Armando Lucero - USA
Jean Merlin - France
Patrick Page - England
Tony Binarelli - Italy
Blub - Russia
Sabrina Fakelli - Germany
Manuel Muerte - Germany
Reed Mc Clintock - USA
Andy Mc Joy and Chris Joker - Germany
Markus Zink plays SCHROTT - Germany
David - Hungary
Brando & Silvana - Argentina

So why not join us?
See our homepage for more information: www.zaubern.at
Price: payment till 31. Dez. 2003 150,-- Euro
After 31. 12. 2003 170,-- Euro
You can register online here: www.zaubern.at

Info:
Hanno Rhomberg
Baernstetten 19
A-6380 St. Johann in Tyrol
Austria
phone: +43 664 6144687
mayrhofen@zaubern.at

-----------------
10. Fukai Lecture
-----------------
Message from Michael Canick Booksellers, L.L.C.

1) Fukai Lecture
2) David Ben Book Signing

Fukai Lecture October 25th
The award-winning Japanese magician Hiromasa Fukai gave a lecture at
our store on October 25th.His style was humorous & his magic was novel.
People had a good time. All attendees received a FREE trick from
Fantasma Magic!

David Ben Book Signing
David has been a good friend & most generous with his time & support
at our store. On October 6th, he signed copies of his new book,
"Tricks."

Having read the book, I can strongly recommend it for it's
clear/concise writing, the sheer amount of tricks suitable for 
various levels & the creativity & love David brings to his work. 
Some SIGNED copies are still available from us for $40 ($32 for 
Book Club members).

Michael Canick Booksellers, L.L.C.
E-Mail: canick@panix.com
Website: www.canick.com

-----------------
11. Magician Of The Year For The South Carolina
-----------------
Message from Michael Bairefoot

Hello, I have been nominated for Magician of the Year for SC for the
South Carolina Association of Magicians. Please take a look at my
site at www.bairefootmagic.com If you get to Myrtle Beach look me
up.

-----------------
12. Super Coin Melt - Super Coin Melt - Jamie-G
-----------------
Message from Super Coin Melt - Jamie-G

EFFECT: You take a large coin and visably change it into a million
little pieces. If you do it right it almost looks like the coin
melts into little pieces.

PROPS: A larger coin for me works the best. Example: 50 cent piece,
silver dollars.(pretty well any silver coin)

Also you will need silver foil(I use the well known cigarette
foil)If your using normal tin foil just make small mini tin
balls(the more you make the better)If you are using the cigarette
foil make sure you take the paper off the one side before you make
the small little balls.

SET-UP: If you are right handed, the small little tin balls are in
your left hand. (don't call any attention to this hand.) The silver
coin is in your right hand. You can use misdirection by keeping the
silver coin moving in your hand while talking at the same time.

METHOD: The method for this effect is so easy that I hope I don't
fall on the floor and die of a laughing to death. You show the coin
in your right hand, you go to put it in your left hand and you thumb
pinch the coin with your right hand(you make it look like you put
the coin in your left hand but really the silver tin balls are in
your left hand.) All you have to do is blow in your left hand and
open it at the same time and the little tin balls go every were.
(when I bring my hand up to blow in it at the same time my other
hand is ditching the coin in my pocket.)

NOTE: If this is done right it almost looks like the coin melts into
these little steel balls and it looks real magical.(I've been doing
this coin effect for a few years and I get a pretty good reaction
out of people).

PATTER: After showing the coin,(playing with it in your hand)you ask
the spectator if they know what happens to metal when you add
heat.(of course they say when you add heat to metal it melts). You
say watch what happens when I add a little heat to this coin. (of
course this is where the coin effect comes in). Like most effects
that I do the spectators always say "HOW DID YOU DO THAT" and I
always come back and say "QUITE WELL I THINK" O.K. enough with the
terrible puns.

This is a little different effect with the foil then what I usually
use the foil for. (Its almost wasting the foil but I think that this
coin effect is worth using the foil once or twice. (usually I use
the foil in a real magicial way, in this effect your just making
small little tin balls).

Give this effect a try it's not like its going to cost you anything.
And there isn't any big killer moves to do it either.

-----------------
13. Time Marches On . . .
-----------------
Message from Tim Quinlan

www.insidemagic.com

As I look at Magic tonight, I am confused. I am not sure which
issues will be with us forever and which will leave us as soon as
the next fad comes into town. Will we care about “knock-offs” in
five years? Will it matter that David Blaine was in a glass box for
44 days? Will we assume, perhaps ten years from now, that there will
never be a better magic show than (fill in your favorite nominee)
and that Magic had reached its zenith?

Right now there is much to be concerned about. The most successful
magic show in the history of the United States, Siegfried & Roy,
will likely never be seen again. The problem with live magic is that
it is live.

If you didn’t see Doug Henning at the Court Theater in New York
during his run in The Magic Show, you never will again. If you never
saw Dai Vernon perform his card magic, your chance is over. If you
failed to see Harry Blackstone, Jr. perform the Floating Light Bulb,
you will never have another opportunity.

Many of our special events are saved on film or, now, in digital
format but no recording device can capture the excitement that comes
when the lights dim, the music builds and the curtains part. If you
weren’t present when a young David Copperfield began his career in
Chicago as the Magic Man, you’ll never see him like that again.

That’s the problem with living in a linear/time-based world. Even as
I write this, there are magicians I know and love who are growing
older and moving closer to the point in their careers where they won
’t perform six nights a week 48 weeks a year. Each time I am
anywhere near Las Vegas, I see Lance Burton precisely because I
believe he is mortal and there may come a time when he no longer
performs. As it is now, I can only see his FISM act as part of his
Monte Carlo presentation.

I wasn’t there when the young Lance won at FISM - I missed that
opportunity.

So what are we to do in this seemingly unfair world of linear time?
We can go to every convention available, watch with our eyes
wide-open, tape and even do an artist rendering of every nuanced
move by every magician. We can breathe in the special air that fills
the theaters in Vegas, Los Angeles, New York or where we happen to
be.

I recall walking across the parking lot of the Rollins College
Campus in Winter Park, Florida in 1974 and seeing Harry Blackstone,
Jr. moving from his truck to the stage door. He looked normal,
perhaps a little strange with his goatee.

Minutes later when he took the stage during the Florida State Magic
Convention, I was lost in his magic. I became convinced that he
could really do magic. Even though I knew he couldn’t, I was
convinced for that night that he could. His voice and image will not
be done justice by film or video tape. When he announced that he was
about show us (me) something that “for so long as you live, you will
never forget,” I believed him and have found his prediction to be
correct. I will recall the image of the floating light bulb always.

This was a moment that transcended time and reality. With all of the
knowledge I have, I think I recall the bulb floating slowly above me
and even passing within inches of my face.

Years later I had a chance to be called from the audience to assist
Harry Blackstone, Jr. on stage at a downtown Chicago bookstore as he
promoted his newest book. I couldn’t stop smiling. I did as he
whispered in a stage whisper for me to do and the trick was a
success.

He signed a copy of his book to me and thanked me for being a great
assistant. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any money and had to leave
the book at the check-out stand as I walked away from him. (Someone
has a Blackstone book with my name in it).

I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Gay Blackstone years
later at the Magic Castle after her husband had passed beyond our
ability to see him perform. I slurred my compliments and excitement
to her about their show and how much she and Harry meant to me in my
life.

She was gracious - I am sure that she has heard this so many times -
and said she was happy that they could have had that effect. I
wanted to hug her for no other reason than to thank her and keep her
from changing. I wanted to stop time from taking away another
influence.

I didn’t hug her. I would have been attacked by her bodyguards. Plus
she would have thought I was more than drunk; she’d assume I was a
weirdo too.

But my point is not that I have had wonderful experiences, but that
all of our collective experiences are just moments in time. We can’t
get them back. We can’t make them anymore rich than they are. Our
shows are short. The longest I’ve been on stage was 45 minutes and
according to the audience and the folk backstage, that was about 40
minutes too long. Our lives, though, are even shorter. (Proof: I
have often died on stage).

So what is the answer? Hey, what is the question? Is the question,
“how can we stop time from moving forward and causing things to
change?” If that’s the question, the answer is “you can’t.” If the
question is how can I learn to appreciate that which I enjoy more
intensely? The answer is, “I don’t know but even if you don’t, the
event will slip away.”

We are not here forever. In the time that I have taken to write this
essay of strangeness, the University of Florida basketball team has
lost in overtime to Maryland and Notre Dame just lost to Indiana. I
am different than I was when I began this. I’ll be different
tomorrow.

So how can I possibly expect to view Magic in the same way as I do
now? Or as I did just three hours ago?

I don’t know. I know that no matter how much I want to hold on to
each of my experiences as they happen - short of hugging Gay
Blackstone - I can’t. Time is moving on and I’m along for the ride.
The only thing I can do is enjoy each moment as it comes as fully as
I can.

This was not meant to be a New Age text. On the contrary it fits
into the theme of Jesus’ statement that we should not worry about
tomorrow. The problem, though, is that I can’t help it. I can’t help
worrying that I will not appreciate that which is before me now.

What if I don’t see the latest or greatest as they appear on the
stage? Will I have regrets? What if I miss the moment when a young
magician makes his or her big break?

Not that it completes this essay with some semblance of sense but I
recall another moment that I can never again experience. I was
poolside at the Florida State Magician Convention in 1974 watching
the great Dai Vernon perform and talk.

He turned to me and asked with a smile, “Do you want to see a great
pass?” I said that I did. He smiled and called to the pool waitress
and offered a “pass” along the lines of he would like another drink
and that he enjoyed watching her walk. I didn’t understand how this
constitutes a “pass” but now I do. I wish I could have appreciated
it better now.

-----------------
14. The Lepre-Coin - Peter Marucci
-----------------
Message from Peter Marucci (Canada)

One of the truly irritating things in magic (to my mind, at least)
is when the performer has to ditch something in his pocket and uses
the excuse that s/he's getting some "woofle dust" to make the magic
work.

What's this woofle dust, anyway? Does it come from dusty woofles?

Okay, so you have to ditch the whatever, but at least come up with a
logical and valid reason for going to your pocket.

I got an Irish 50-pence piece from a coin shop "junk box" and use it
to make the magic happen. It's a seven-sided coin, about the size of
a half-dollar, with an Irish harp on one side.

Keep the coin in the pocket where you are going to ditch the
whatever and, when you reach in the pocket, say: "And now, to make
the magic work, I'll use something given to me by a real leprechaun
(ditch the gaffus and take out the coin) -- my lepre-coin."

You are now clean and can continue with the trick.

This little subtlety has two things going for it:

First, it gives you a logical reason for reaching into your pocket
and a gag (small, I admit) when you pull the coin out.

Second, on this side of the Atlantic, the coin is strange enough
that it focuses the audience's attention on it, rather than on the
move that did the dirty work.

Try it; I think you'll like it.

Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com

-----------------
15. The Amazing Orchante Saga
-----------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

Page 25

Back on page 21, I managed to sidetrack myself (you may have noticed
that I have a tendency to do this at times), re our cockatoos. I
thought that I might ruffle the feathers again, and try to wrap it
up - the story that is.

If you remember, we had the sulphur-crested cockatoo, ‘B B B’ - ‘Big
Bastard Bird’, then there was ‘Little Bird’, more commonly known as
a Little, or Short Billed Corella. Then ‘Beauregarde’ joined our
family. He was a ‘Long Billed’ Corella, also known as the ‘Slender
Billed’ cockatoo and the ‘Dampier’ cockatoo. In the wild, Long
Billed corellas have a ‘sentinel’ warning system like that of the
Sulphur-crested cockatoos. While the main flock is feeding on the
ground, a few birds remain in the trees above, on the lookout for
danger. Now that is intelligence!

This wacky looking cockatoo (because of their long curving beak),
makes a wonderful pet, being docile, intelligent, and amusing, and
is perhaps the best talker among Australian parrots. It has one
exasperating fault, as we quickly discovered - they are extremely
destructive to woodwork. Most parrots and cockatoos are, but this
particular species, including the ‘Short Billed’ cockatoo, are
bloody demons; I was forever patching and rebuilding windowsills
that had been chewed to pieces! I must have spent a small fortune on
wood putty etc. Aaaah, the things we put up with for the love of our
‘kids’, which, I suppose, they were.

Somewhere along the line, we ‘acquired’ another Sulphur Crested
cockatoo, whose name escapes me now; then along came ‘Jackie’; he
was a ‘Galah’. Also known as the ‘Roseate’ or ‘Rose-breasted’
cockatoo. As with ‘Little Bird’, Jackie was just a baby - a tiny
bundle of fluff when we bought him. Veronica played ‘mother’ and
handfed him, with a specially formulated mushy mix for very young
birds. It was, by necessity, a dedicated job - feeding time around
every three hours! I have some wonderful video footage of Veronica
feeding Jackie, taken with my semi-professional betamax video
camera. (Stolen - because of a burglary, another story I will relate
sometime).

Apart from budgerigars, Galahs are probably the most common bird
seen in the Australian wilds. They are very distinctive with their
back, wings, rump, face, and under tail-feathers grey, contrasting
strongly with their cheeks, throat, breast, and all of the
under-parts - which are a gorgeous, deep rose-red. When you see a
huge flock of them flying, as we often did while travelling to
various gigs out in the country, it was quite a dazzling sight,
watching as they twisted and turned - performing their aerial
acrobatics. Unfortunately, farmers consider them a pest, trapping
and shooting them in the thousands - protecting their crops, which
the birds delight in feeding on. I can understand the farmer’s
dilemma, but it was still heartbreaking to watch, whenever the TV
news broadcast it during the season.

Galahs are fun-loving birds, and get up to some crazy antics, both
in the wild and as pets. One of their favourite ‘tricks’ is to sit
on power and telephone lines and, while gripping the line with their
claws, rapidly turn continuous summersaults. Power lines, are a
particularly dangerous spot to ‘play’ this amusing game. It often
results in an electrifying and shocking finale! Australians have a
common saying when referring to somebody who has done something
stupid or silly: “…Bloody stupid Galah”!

‘Tutu’ was our next acquisition. He was a ‘Peach Face’, African
Love Bird. Although not an Australian species, they are, non-the
less, a very popular bird/pet in that country. He also, was handfed.
Although only a tiny bird, Tutu feared nothing, no matter the size,
and he had one hell of a powerful bite! They have the shocking habit
of biting the feet off other birds! And they rarely miss! Tutu would
take on anything that came near him, including the dogs. We had a
toy poodle, ‘Misky’, and ‘Shannon’ a standard poodle; she was huge.
That didn’t stop Tutu from taking swipes at her as she walked past.
In fact, Shannon would deliberately take pretend bites at Tutu, just
for fun; if she’d wanted, she could have swallowed Tutu down in a
flash, and the bird would not have touched the sides on the way
down. Did that stop him, did it hell! As far as Tutu was concerned,
the bigger they were, the harder he would bite, and the harder they’
d fall! Then we had two Siamese cats, well one to start with -
‘Sheba’, then much later on, her son ‘Spook-Easy’ joined the family.

Must tell you how Sheba came into our lives. Back in ‘The Good Old
Days’, one of my best mates was Robert Gennari. As you have no doubt
guessed from his surname, Robert is Italian, and he became one of
New Zealand’s most popular singers. (Oh No, is this another
diversion coming up? Afraid so.)

Page 26

Robert Gennari, having made a huge name for himself in New Zealand
during the 60’s, and with several recording hits under his belt,
decided that it was time to cross the Tasman (sea), thus adding to
the kiwi performers’ invasion of Australia, as had so many other
N.Z. entertainers’ before him. My old friend Allison Durban (she
used to baby-sit my son Jason - he’s in his thirties now, Oh dear -
that dates us all, doesn’t it!), another ‘Top of the Pops’ Recording
Star - had already made the journey. Maria Dallas, Dinah Lee, and
Bill and Boyd were also amongst the earliest of kiwis’ to exodus to
‘Aussie’. Robert, as had my late pal Peter Taylor, did his damnedest
to persuade me to go with him to Australia as well. He failed to
sway me too.

By the time we arrived in Australia, they, and many others, had all
become well-established ‘Names’ on the club/ entertainment circuit.
Robert was no exception. Apart from our respective entertainment
businesses, Robert and I had a very hungry and money-consuming
hobby - Stereo/Hi Fi; it drove our wives to distraction and despair!
Veronica more so, because Robert was making twice what I was
earning - all bloody ‘Pop Star’ singers do; it’s not right.
Speciality Artistes, work just as hard, if not harder than singers,
and most have of us have a ‘ton’ of gear to cart in and out of
venues as well, not just a bloody suit-pack and some sheets of
music. Unfortunately, agents, promoters etc, and all the rest of the
‘wolves’, don’t see it that way - bloody ‘Show-Biz’, don’t you just
love it!

Anyway, Robert and I were forever trying to outdo the other with the
‘latest’ equipment; speakers, amplifiers, tape decks - both reel to
reel and cassette - turntables, cartridges, tone arms etc. and so it
went on, and on and…! I remember buying what was the very latest at
that time, ‘Shure V15’ Magnetic cartridge; ‘Was it expensive?’ Just
replacing the needle - magnetic, not ceramic, cost more than most
would want to spend on an entire stereo system!

I remember one time when Veronica and I were working cruise ships;
Robert gave me a bundle of cash to buy him the very latest, all
singing, all dancing, top of the range, ‘Nakamitchi Cassette Deck’,
in Hong Kong for him. It was yet to be been released onto the
Australian market, but Robert found out what it was going to cost
when it did hit the shops. Even buying it in Hong Kong at around
half price, it still cost several hundred Australian dollars and,
what made it worse, I couldn’t afford one for myself! That put
Robert 1 up on me, but hey, he was my mate - and you help your
mates.

All this talk about ‘New’, ‘The Latest’ and Robert Gennari, reminds
me of a brand new nightclub that opened up in downtown Auckland
City, back in the late 60’s. It was called - ‘The Mocambo’. Situated
somewhere behind Shortland St., possibly Fort St. I think - c’mon,
it was one helluva long time ago! I can’t remember now who the
principals were behind it, but they spent a small fortune on it. The
décor and furnishings were way beyond anything else in Auckland at
the time. Quite simply, it was pure plush, chic, and elegance.
Robert got a permanent residency there and I, after performing my
fakir show a couple of times, talked the management into employing
me as the resident close-up magician. Come to think of it - that may
have been my first professional booking, working close-up magic.

The club had been up and running for almost two months, when it
mysteriously burnt down. Rumour had it that it was deliberately
torched by jealous rivals, but then again, many looked at me
sideways for a while because, only a few days before, I had
performed my fakir show onstage, which included of course, my
fire-eating act - “Perhaps a stray spark from Orchanté’s fire…?”
Bollocks!

Back to Sydney Australia; one day Robert comes around home to listen
to some ‘sounds’, and to criticize my stereo system as, to be fair,
I did with his; all very friendly you understand. He says, “ I’ve
got something to show you both”, and with that, he opens his coat
and hauls out - a kitten! It was a pure-breed Siamese. Well,
Veronica and I go all gaga over this gorgeous bundle of fur that was
only a few weeks old. I have always wanted a Siamese cat, so I told
Robert that there was no way in hell he was taking the kitten with
him when he left. He didn’t! I have a sneaking suspicion that was
his intention all along. His ‘gift’ made two people very happy and,
dare I suggest it, the cat also. Robert, and his wife Sue (a former
Miss New Zealand runner-up), had a young son at the time; I don’t
think a very young kitten would have gotten much peace, if you know
what I mean, and I’m pretty sure that they both realized that also.
So that is how ‘Sheba’, came to join our ‘family’. A bit of a
diversion, but I got there in the end. Of course, with Sheba growing
up with the cockatoos, she never considered them as ‘food’; they all
played and had fun together, just as a family should. Sheba was very
special to us.

------------------
16. 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)

-------------------
17. Subscription Management
-------------------
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© Copyright 2003 Alan Watson