* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #292 Date: Sunday 31st October 2004 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. Gay Blackstone Looking For “Carney” Style Acts   3. It Is Wrong To Steal Ideas From Others   4. IBM International President Tony Wilson’s Magical Adventures   5. Bev Bergeron's Auction   6. Young Overseas Magicians Sought   7. South Africa's Most Exciting Magic Event Ever Nearly Sold Out!   8. Directory Of Restaurant Entertainers   9. David Charvet On Alexander - Mike Caveney   10. Canadian Association Of Magicians Convention   11. "Pacific Princess" - Paul Romhany   12. The Orange Co, Magic Club - Michael Ammar Lecture   13. Sad To Report -- R.M. Pena -- (Luciano De Pazos' Mother)   14. I Give You A Piece Of My Heart - Jamie-G   15. The Amazing Orchante Saga   16. e-zine Archives   17. Subscription Management ------------------ 1. Editors Message ------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Just heard the Jack Somers at the grand old age of 91 passed away. Jack was a Life Member and past President of the New Zealand Society of Magicians 1957/58. ------------------------------------ The 31st October is a very special day for Debbie McGee (Debbie Daniels) as it’s her birthday - Happy Birthday Debbie. -------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Gay Blackstone Looking For “Carney” Style Acts ----------------- Message from Gay Blackstone (US) I am interested in "Carny" style acts or segments from particularly the U.S. but they could be from anywhere for a potential project. If any of your readers are appropriate would they please send me video and contact info to: Gay Blackstone c/o Associated Television International 4401 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca. 90010 ----------------- 3. It Is Wrong To Steal Ideas From Others ----------------- Message from George Robinson Jr. (US) I read through a great amount of the responses on this site: http://www.penguinmagic.com/discuss/viewtopic.php?t=65517 submitted by Adam McDivitt and I found that an overwhelming amount of people ARE getting it. It is wrong to steal ideas from others and it also seems that most of what MM makes is inferior anyway, so another reason not to support their actions or similar actions by others of their ilk. Those that support the rampant theft of original ideas just don't see the real harm this is causing. It is so deep and wide it is difficult to express it in this forum. It is not a matter of economics as some have said; even though they are providing a cheaper alternative (competition is good, but please understand this is NOT competition-it is theft). You can certainly go to a dollar store and by a brass lock for $1.00 that looks like a Master lock but don't be surprised when that lock rusts or breaks or locks-up and can't be opened. Believe me this happens. Forks bend easily because they are using cheap materials; you get what you pay for and there is no middle road to this. But again, this isn't even worth consideration. It's the MORAL aspect. The originator/creator or the owner of an effect has a right to produce his product without fear of being ripped off simply because he cannot afford a patent. Patents are great if you are selling to the Wal-Marts of the world and are making 10's of thousands of dollars on an item, but this is MAGIC guys.Get it! Our industry should be self-policing and it has been for many years. It is incumbent on the dealers, once they know they are selling a rip-off to stop selling it; it is incumbent on the performer/end-user to support original thought and to spend their money with those that support original thought. Magic creating/inventing has afforded a modest living to those that supply all of us with their original ideas, those same ideas that make us look great in front of our audiences. Part of the payback we owe these creators is our support; they have given us more than just a trick. To thank them by buying a knock-off is a real slap in the face. And how can they afford to continue to produce if they are not rewarded? What have Magic Makers and others like them made that is THEIR creation? What have THEY given back to the Magic community? Cheaper tricks (?). Big deal! Where will you get the next Impossible Penetration; The Die-Cipher; the Pen Thru Anything, Sidekick, Gumball Machine, Ladder Suspension, Floating Table et al, if the creator's are not protected? MM and other's like them CAN'T dream these things up or they would be doing it NOW, saving themselves from this type of ridicule and disdain. When was the last time you saw a new effect from John Cornelius? His entire, read this again, his ENTIRE line has been ripped off. He is essentially out of business. He has a tremendous list of new ideas but he can't bring himself to put them out because he will be instantly ripped off. He has brought us years, over 30 years of incredible Magic. He has found principles NEW to Magic and has shared them gratefully with all of us, but now, his wonderful creations sit on his drawing board because many of our brethren are supporting the theft of his ideas. How many others, thinking back, have we lost to this. Where is Steve Dusheck, the originator of so many wonderful effects? He has not stopped dreaming, he is selling his wares underground to a chosen few, protecting them from the thieves. But it is all our loss to have these great thinkers go underground or stop all together because someone wants a cheap trick or is making a buck off their sweat and toil. It really has to stop and it begins with each and every one of us in this Magic BROTHERHOOD-NOW. Is this how you would treat someone in your family? We are all in a Magic family, whether we believe it or not. We need to help each other, not pull against those that have given us so much. We should not enrich those that are stealing our dreams, those that are stealing our enjoyment, that are forcing some of us to 'throw in the towel'. Really look at what we stand to loose and what we are allowing to fester. This is an evil creeping weed that will someday destroy our Magical garden if we are not careful. Think about it and reread this. I think it makes sense. Sincerely, George Robinson Jr. Thank you for choosing Viking Mfg. and Collectors' Workshop in your quest for the finest in Magic. George Robinson Jr. george@vikingmagic.com www.vikingmagic.com ----------------- 4. IBM International President Tony Wilson’s Magical Adventures ----------------- Message from Tony Wilson - IBM International President 2004 - 2005 After a 12.5 hour non stop flight from London to Singapore we transferred from Changi airport to our hotel in Orchard Road late afternoon and caught up on some necessary sleep. IBM TVP John Teo had kindly set up members of IBM Ring 115 to act as our daily guides/tour leaders during the four full days we had available in this lovely city and co-ordinated everything. Thank you John. Two radio interviews were also scheduled as well as a newspaper interview and part of the first full day in Singapore with tour guide Sherman Tjiong was spent at the radio studio recording one of the interviews. It was also spent presenting my 20 minute stand up magic and close up magic to a very appreciative audience of approximately 25 Ring 115 members that evening. One member present reminded me that we had met on my three previous visits to Singapore in 1972, 1977 and 1990. Supper and the presentation of Ring banners and gifts also took place. A visit to Singapore Zoo and the Chinese lantern festival (with the bonus of unexpectedly seeing a local magician working to a crowd of approximately 200 people) as well as an Indonesian meal with our host for the day (Pambudi Sunarsihanto) ended day two. Sentosa Island was the visit scheduled for day three with travel to and from by cable car. We watched a bird show and saw most of the main attractions on this “must see” tourist attraction thanks to Ken, our host from Ring 115. That evening John Teo had arranged a traditional Chinese dinner with him and his wife and other members of Ring 115 executive and their partners. After dinner it was our turn to be entertained with close up magic by members present. A photo session and a round of goodbyes completed the wonderful evening. Day four was spent with Teh in Chinatown, Changi Prison Museum, Government funded housing estates and visiting shopping malls. That evening it was our turn to entertain and meet IBM Ring 115 Secretary Enrico Varella. Enrico had been in Cambodia while we had been visiting Singapore, and, as we had to leave our hotel for the airport at 10.30pm to catch a 1.15am flight to Shanghai we enjoyed a meal together at our hotel. Next week Shanghai, China ----------------- 5. Bev Bergeron's Auction ----------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (US) Bev Bergeron's Auction Information: Magic Illusions Auction --- From Bev Bergeron’s Collection --  407-351-1324 7013 Debra Dr. Orlando, FL 32819 www.BevBergeron.com Email: BevBergeron@aol.com The auction will began November 10th to 20th, 2004 on E-Bay. A written, phone or email offer can be made on that date and continued until November 20- then sold to the highest bidder. Bids can be made in person on November 20 at Bev’s home. Payment can be made via cash, check (shipping will be held for clearance of check) or use PayPal. Sales are final - As is! Props can be inspected at Bev’s home in Orlando, Fla. by qualified buyers by appointment only. The following list of magic illusions are from Bev Bergeron’s Collection. They have been used on shows from California, Texas to Florida. All are workable now except where noted in the description. No shipping cases are available. All illusions had covers that protected them while riding in a truck or trailer. All illusions can be picked up in Orlando, Florida after making arrangements. Temporary shipping crates can be built for each prop. The price of the crate will be added on with the agreed price of the illusion. Photos are available on all props and will be sent by email or upon special request to qualified buyers. Phone calls and emails welcomed for more information on props. Ziz-Zag Built by Bev Bergeron from Robert Harbin’ s plans in 1972 with some changes: No roller blinds, no trap door for viewing stomach, better location for foot placement and center bar across doorway is removed. Heavy blades and top birch plywood used in construction. A prop that has performed well for years with little or no wear showing. A work horse illusion. Used in trade shows with audience with in ten feet and still fooled them. Covered with jacket made from a rug. With Bev’s special routine that Vernon comments after seeing Abb Dickson perform it in 1973: “The first time it was presented as a magic trick and not a puzzle.” Opening bid: $1,000 -- FOB Orlando, Florida Sub Trunk Built by Bev Bergeron -- an Abbott’s Canvas Covered Box type trunk. Two tops for use. One has the standard trap on top. The second top was build so that the Jack Gwynne’s routine could be performed with the trunk. Trunk is made of the finest materials and looks great. Breaks down for shipping. Also includes: Sack, locks (one key opens all), rope, dolly and tent to cover trunk (held by two men from audience). Ready to perform. Will furnish Jack Gwynne’s secret routine with trunk sale. Opening bid: $1,000 -- FOB Orlando. Florida Broom Suspension Abbott’s built harness and brooms. Well made and will work all the time. Brooms were well made and still look new. The base just a simple support for the illusion, was built by Bev Bergeron. Opening bid $1,000 FOB Orlando, Florida Arabian Tent Built by Bev Bergeron from U.F. Grants suggestions. Built strong and covered well with canvas. Has been through many shows producing: Girls, Company Presidents, Santas, etc. Comes with Bev’s routine of producing a second girl from the empty tent after the first girl has taken her bow. Opening bid $300 FOB Orlando, Florida Willard’s Rod-Thru-Girl One of a kind! The illusion described in the Willard The Wizard book where a girl is placed into a stock that covers her waist. A steel rod that has been inspected by the audience (no switch) is pushed through the girl’s body. It is a great illusion that has fooled magicians for years. A glowing neon tube can also be pushed through the girl’s body. The rod is pulled all the way through the girl and a ribbon is left for the magician and his assistant to pull back and forth. Built by Bev Bergeron and used only a few times. Both Bill Siros and Burling Hull had sold plans for this illusion that were wrong. Bev refused to tell them the real workings. It needs a couple hours of clean-up work, but can be ready to troupe in no time. Opening bid $1,000 FOB Orlando, Florida Jack Gwynne’s Temple of Benares Unknown builder but well made. The base is made like an Asrah Table and is very deceptive. Will take a larger girl then most Temples. Faked, but good-looking swords. On a Disney show we used a young man dressed as a ghost. Used in the “Houdini Musical” and many commercial shows. Great shape except one leg will have to be fixed or use attached all the time. Opening bid $1,000 FOB Orlando, Florida X-Ray Double Box Illusion Built by Thayer’s Magic or a good rip off— in early 1930s Harry Blackstone, Sr. had a similar built illusion in which he would produce several girls. At the PCAM convention at Long Beach, Calif. in 1966, we produced three Go Go Dancers out of these boxes. Slats move to form a black art effect. Descriptions from Thayer’s catalog: Here is a combination of mystery quality and beauty. Two handsome boxes with open slat fronts rest on a thin platform (NOTE: no platform with this set). One box is slightly smaller; being made to nest within the larger. All sides are hinged at the bottom to fold downward. The Thayer’s description states that only one girl is produced. Blackstone, Sr. produced several. I was taught to produce one in each box then nest the two together for the third girl’s appearance. This is a collectable illusion — part of history. They were given to me from the show of Prof Pearl Reynolds who trouped from California to Texas from 1880 to 1930s. Would like to find a good home for them. Used two years ago in “Houdini Musical” at a Disney theatre. Opening bid $1,000 FOB Orlando, Florida Duck Vanish — One of a kind: One to two Ducks depending on size, vanishes from a large box. Built by Prof Pearl Reynolds and from his collection and show. The vanish is different from any on the market. The steal of the hidden duck is while removing the back panel. The construction is beautiful. All hand made pin-hinges and hardware. Sold only under the condition that the prop will remain in its original shape and paint style. This is a museum piece along with several other items: tables, vanishes, boxes, Ink to Water, etc. Will talk about this piece and/or more of the collection. Have already given some illusions built by Reynolds to the S.A.M. Magic Hall of Fame in Los Angeles and the American Museum of Magic in Michigan. Ask about the collection. Hong Kong Dove Production: Prof. Pearl Reynolds built in the 1930s. Will produce a coil of ribbon and then up to seven doves. When I was in high school I also produced a duck from frame - that was another load, which was lost, but have instructions. Opening bid: $100 Nest of Boxes: Prof. Pearl Reynolds built in 1930s. No trick box. Opening bid: $25 Tables and bird vanish with trick top - has to be seen to believed - made from silverware and other parts found in a hotel. Prof Pearl Reynolds built in 1890 - 1920s? Opening bid: $200 Duck Tray Production: Prof. Pearl Reynolds built in 1920s/30s Production holder has the Indian emblem that became the German Swastika, on its sides. Opening bid: $50 Duck Production - Mirror Box - sides fall down This is a one of a kind and was the box that inspired many copies sold under many different names. Originally built to be shown empty (mirror) and then a duck would be shot from a small cannon at the box. As the top of the box would be lifted the sides would fall to show a duck. The doves to duck came from this box. Can be used as such by just loading doves into top. Built and designed by Bev in 1963. $200 Thayer’s Spirit Sack Escape Person put into sack — top tied and person escapes. It was also used as a means to send a lady up to a trapezes in the In Again — Out Again Illusion. Doug Henning used this type sack on TV as an escape where a member of the audience’s coat ends up in the sack. Just basic black sacks. I first used the sack escape in my freshman year in high school. Opening bid $25 FOB Orlando, Florida Ariel Fishing - Okito Bamberg? A fishing pole that will deliver three live gold fish one at a time. They are hidden in the handle, which will drop one fish when wanted. Beautifully made. Opening bid: $500 Signed Card in Balloon: Well-made - metal - signed card is loaded when the deck is set on the base of the balloon holder. Opening bid: $50 Jack Gwyne’s Silks from Bowl: A celluloid bowl with a tube in the center. Jack would pull silk scarves through the tube while circled by dark water. Opening bid: $100 Card Sword: If it is an Abbott’s then it is one of their better made one - top of the line card sword with the three cards hidden and trick can be performed surrounded. Opening bid: $300 Siros One Man Floating Girl This is one of a kind - the first, original one that Bill Siros had built and used to float a girl down Main Street of Houston, Texas in 1957. He got worldwide coverage for this. Bill gave it to me and I used it to float girls all over the country with the killer being over the swimming pool of the Langford Hotel in Winter Park, Fla. The Sentinel newspaper covered the floating with a colored picture two columns by 12 inches - front page. Opening bid: $1,000 Abbott’s Super X This is an Abbott’s Super X with different supports, which give the magician the opportunity to lower the board and walk away from it. Walter Blaney worked out the routine in 1952 with Bev giving a little help. Also the buyer will be taught Bev’s method of passing a sold hoop over the girl - a person from the audience walks the hoop across the girl. When Bev showed the method to Mark Wilson in 1973 at a industrial show, Mark’s comments were: “Why didn’t you come up with this when we were on the air?” Opening bid: $500 Brama Rice Bowls Copper - self-contained bowls that were given to Bev by Harry Willard the Wizard in 1948 when he became the master magicians assistant. Opening bid: $100 Por-Mor-Fil-Mor Merv Taylor The little pot that pours and pours small drinks and then the big one. Given to Bev by Harry Willard in 1948. Also a special routine given to Bev by Tommy Windsor, which allows one to seemingly pour even more drinks out of the container. A box of shot glasses included. Opening bid: $100 Fl-Mt Glass - Merv Taylor A collector’s only item - a lousy trick put out by Merv, but clever in construction. A small glass will fill with liquid with just a flick of the wrist. Over and over. Opening bid: $25 Rebo’s Trunk and Table This trunk that converts into a roll on table was designed and build by Jim Summers and Bev. When Rebo worked a personal appearance it carried his act. When Rebo worked the State Fairs with Mark Wilson this trunk formed his dressing table. Draws pull out and special places for each trick. Sets up and takes down fast. Wheels come off for shipping - when you get there - they snap back on. Seen on “Rebo Nose Clowning” videotape. Opening bid: $300 Owen’s Wooden Phantom Tube Carl Owen built in the 1960s - a wooden Phantom Tube that hinges in the middle to show empty before the production. Natural finish - beautiful! Opening bid: $100 Passe Passe Cigarette Packages This was from the 1940s. Unknown builder. Two containers - one is used to cover a package of Luck Strikes. The package jumps from one container to the other. When the audience yells that there are two packs the magician agrees and pulls both containers up at once to show to packages of Campbell cigarettes. Opening bid: $30 Linking Ring Tray The type used by Blackstone, Sr. in his act. A tray of one inch in diameter rings is shown - rings poured into glass - magic and the rings are tossed onto the air - linked together. Wooden tray with well concealed trap door - natural finish. Opening bid: $50 TV Card Frame Two pieces of glass held together by rubber bands are put into a  “TV” frame. Without cover a selected card returned to the deck is tossed at the glass panels - the chosen card in found between the two pieces of glass. An old-timer and worked many times, but still ready to perform. Opening bid: $50 Botania - BIG - Abbott’s A large botania flower production by Abbott’s. Two of the flowers need fixing, but ready to work. Flowers are still in good shape and look good. Opening bid: $200 Fire Bowl to Flowers Abbott’s - bowl is ignited by a chemical reaction of water and metal potassium. Once the fire is going a trap door lips over to put out the fire and releases a bouquet of spring flowers. Not practical for everyday use, but a good collectible - you can tell stories about how many times I set myself a fire with this thing in one week while working a NCO Club. Bowl only - no chemicals and no spring flowers. Opening bid: $25 Three Card Monte The large stage size by Abbott’s. Made of thin wood with the dropping panels. Also a stand to place them on. Was a standard for school shows back in the 1940s/50s. Opening bid: $50 Appearing Ladder from briefcase Built by Wayne Rogers - well built and funny. A six foot ladder is pulled from a briefcase. Opening bid: $200 Appearing Spade A real looking spade (shovel) is pulled from behind a banner that shows the wrong card. The banner was “one spade” short. I’ve been carrying the Spade in my carpet bag and pulling it out at the right moment. Opening bid: $100 Dove Pan Classic with small legs to hold up pan - maker unknown Opening bid: $10 Standard pan Opening Bid: $10 Fold-Up Table Billy McComb/Harbin idea - builder unknown Opening Bid: $25 Vanishing Candles - Fantasio Candle-Lite - Haskell’s Shooting thru Girl - parts - Burling Hull - P & L type Multiplying Cigarette Lighters Appearing Bird Cage - Abbotts Vanishing Bird Cage (3) Linhorst & Abbott’s - Special Vanish and Appearing routine finished. Gimmick for Mail Bag escape - bar ----------------- 6. Young Overseas Magicians Sought ----------------- Message from David Beckley (UK) - Press Officer The Magic Circle A Magic Circle Youth Initiative The Young Magician of the Year Competition 2005 The Magic Circle today launched an initiative to encourage young overseas magicians to enter the prestigious Young Magician of the Year competition. The Competition, held biennially since 1961, attracts the very highest calibre of talented young magicians between the ages of fourteen and eighteen who all hope to become The Magic Circle’s Young Magician of the Year 2005 Derrick Speight, Chairman of the organising committee said “This years competition is particularly significant as it coincides with The Magic Circle’s Centenary Celebrations. We do have a large number of overseas registrants coming to the celebrations and this represents an ideal opportunity for their talented offspring to show the panel of judges just how good they are. We are also, of course, encouraging more of our ‘home grown’ talent to enter as well.” The grand Final will be staged at the sumptuous Headquarters of The Magic Circle in July 2005. In addition to the trophy, the winner will receive, at the age of eighteen, four years membership of the world’s premiere magic society and also have the opportunity to be seen by some of the world’s greatest names in magic during the four day celebration. No doubt it will be ‘the thrill of a lifetime’. For full details of how you can enter this unique competition contact Dr.Michael Colley Tel: 01367 252482or e-mail - cmcolley@pmhcpath.demon.co.uk ----------------- 7. South Africa's Most Exciting Magic Event Ever Nearly Sold Out! ----------------- Message from Craig Mitchell (South Africa) The College of Magic in Cape Town celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2005 and we're celebrating in the best way possible - three days of non-stop magic from Feb. 25 - 27th 2005 . with our best friends in attendance and in the company of some of magic's greatest performers ! It's truly a celebration of world-class magic - and to kick off the excitement, some of magic's top international stars will be jetting into Cape Town exclusively to attend this phenomenal event. And speaking of stars - we've got the ultimate stellar line-up! Shawn Farquhar, Nicholas Einhorn, Pit Hartling, The Evasons and more! You'll see breathtaking stage shows, dazzling gala performances and close-up jams. You'll learn magic from the experts, take part in award-winning lectures, undergo hands-on workshops and experience first-hand some of the most mind-blowing magic ever in the most beautiful city on earth . Visit www.25yearsofmagic.com before it's too late . ----------------- 8. Directory Of Restaurant Entertainers ----------------- Message from Bryan Lizotte (US) My Name is Bryan Lizotte in Shelton CT and I am a magician, balloon sculpture artist and a restaurant entertainer. I have developed a new website; Directory of Restaurant Entertainers; www.restaurantentertainers.com Check it out! Right now there are about 20 restaurants listed across the USA with entertainers. I have also just added Canada. And hopefully it will go worldwide if there is enough interest. There is a ONE TIME nominal fee of $5 to be listed (to help pay for hosting costs, etc). For that ONE fee, you can list every restaurant you perform at, and change your listings at anytime. Check it out and give me your feedback. Thank you. Bryan Lizotte MagicPresto.com www.MagicPresto.com 1-866-31MAGIC www.restaurantentertainers.com Also contact me for your Real Estate needs at Carey & Guarrera Real Estate in Conn. 203-925-0058 x3065 ----------------- 9. Mike Caveney - David Charvet On Alexander ----------------- Message from Mike Caveney (US) For the past few months I have been working on the publication of a book by David Charvet on Alexander - The Man Who Knows. Most magicians are familiar with the image of Alexander's turbaned head that peers from his posters, but few know anything about his absolutely incredible life. Besides being perhaps the highest paid magician working in America during the 1920s, his story includes, extortion plots, bootlegging, bigamy, multiple murders and prison sentences. David Charvet's recent presentation on Alexander at Magic Live in Las Vegas started the buzz and his article in the current issue of Magic Magazine has helped fuel it. This book will be released at the Yankee Gathering in Cambridge, Mass, Nov.4-6 following David's talk. He will then bring his Alexander lecture to the Magic Castle on December 12. This is the 12th biography in our series of Magical Pro-Files but the first that reads like a movie script. In fact, there is already talk of an Alexander documentary under way in New York. You can read more about this book on my website mcmagicwords.com. ----------------- 10. Canadian Association Of Magicians Convention ----------------- Message from Joan Caesar The Canadian Association of Magicians is holding their CAMaraderie Convention June 16-18, 2005 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (1-1/2 hours north of Buffalo, N.Y.) Scheduled performers are: Owen Anderson, Aldo Colombini, Gerry & Leonora Frenette, Murray Hatfield, Ardan James, FISM Grand Prix winner Jason Latimer, Martin A. Nash, OBIE O'Brien, Shoot Ogawa, Glenn Ottaway, Rocco, Romaine, & Jay Sankey. There will be both stage and close-up competitions, 7 lectures, Close-Up Show, Gala Show, Awards Banquet and a special extra workshop by Aldo Colombini for registrants only. The dealers room is full, and our hospitality suite is waiting your arrival. More information and a registration form is available on our website: www.CanadianAssociationOfMagicians.com or e-mail jcaesar@sentex.ca ----------------- 11. "Pacific Princess" - Paul Romhany ----------------- Message from David J O'Connor (South Africa) On Saturday October 23 the cruise liner "Pacific Princess" berthed at the port of Durban. On board were fellow New Zealand magician Paul Romhany and his lovely fiancée Natalie. Some difficulties were encountered in getting down to meet them, as port authority now forbids visitors to enter any ship's arrival terminal, as part of world-wide port security upgrade. It was a great experience to meet again after staying in contact since we first met at the 21st I. B. M. Magicians Convention in Auckland in 1990. Paul is looking good and his Charlie Chaplin act has taken him around the world twice in the past few months alone. He and Natalie have visited some wonderful destinations from exotic tropical islands and port cities, to the more obscure off the beaten track yet fascinating ports of call, like Easter Island, Tahiti, and Pitcairn. Although it was only a one-day stop over, they had visited Cape Town, East London, and called at other African ports while on route to South Africa. Paul has a week left on the Pacific Princess before they return to Vancouver for a much-deserved break from cruising. Paul is hoping for a short season at the Magic Castle before his next contract takes him around Canada, then a South American cruise. Although I have never seen his Charlie Chaplin act, fellow passengers gave me glowing reports of Paul's unique act. He incorporates magic, mime, and plays piano featuring the music Chaplin composed, one of the numbers being 'Limelight.' The whole act is choreographed with carefully scripted music and he makes use of a video sequence of scenes taken from old Charlie Chaplin movies. His finale utilises a floating broom illusion (similar to Norm Neilson's floating violin) that uses one of Wayne Rogers Appearing Brooms to good effect. It was nice to hear Paul give credit to Wayne for being his inspiration when a youngster and mentoring and encouraging him with his magic. Despite Paul's success and worldwide travels, he remains down to earth and the glamour of show business has not altered his genuine love for magic and the people involved in our art. Although now domiciled in Vancouver, he is very much a Kiwi at heart. Paul also does close up magic on board, featuring the cups & balls and they lower video screens in the lounge to enable everyone to see his magic. Paul is also working on a mental act suitable for cruising, so we were able to exchange a few ideas. The day went all too quickly though. We were able to visit the Pavilion Shopping Complex, to purchases some South African wines that they both have developed a taste for, took a walk along Durban's famous golden mile beach promenade and visited the newly opened Ushaka Marine World. The afternoon was taken up with a visit to the Tala Game reserve a few miles out of the city to view the wild life that is so characteristic of Southern Africa. He and Natalie recently met up with Tony and Mary Wilson on their travels and met with Richard Webster at the Los Angeles Book Fair. Paul mentioned that Richard had a huge line of people waiting for their palms to be read and seemed to draw more followers than other well known renown authors who were also present. Nice to know that Kiwis like Richard, Paul and Bernard Reid are so successful and manage to stimulate and keep the art of magic alive in their own special ways. Paul sends his kind regards to his many friends in New Zealand and it was a real pleasure to spend some time together. Warm regards. David J. ----------------- 12. The Orange Co, Magic Club - Michael Ammar Lecture ----------------- Message from Frank & Laberta The Orange Co, Magic Club will have Michael Ammar for a lecture on Wednesday November 17th at the Garden Grove Calif Women' s Club at 9501 Chapman Ave at Gilbert in Garden Grove, Calif.7:30 pm sharp. Guests: $10 Members No Charge. For more info: www.ocmc.8k.com ----------------- 13. Sad To Report -- R.M. Pena -- (Luciano De Pazos' Mother) ----------------- Message from Maria Ibanez - S.A.M. National 2nd Vice President It is with a great sadness that I report on the passing of this gentle, kind and loving lady. Maria was an angel on earth and lived a very magical life as she helped bring happiness to others through her costume designing abilities for Disney; having had the distinction of receiving personally written letters and notes from him in appreciation for her work on the costuming for the character that started it all as well as awards and recognition too numerous to list. Her doors were always open to any and all who would knock and she served a table like few others I've met; always, of course, with the well known smile that went ear to ear. Son Luciano, daughter Adriana and grandsons Luciano Jr and Adam as well as numerous relatives and countless friends will miss her and have suffered a loss they will not soon adjust to. Jay and I as well as other magicians and friends from the Miami area will drive to Orlando to bid farewell to the woman we all called "Mami". Notes of condolence may be sent either to me at merlina17@aol.com and I will print and get to Luciano and the family or you may send them directly to him at LucianoMago@aol.com. Services will be as follows: Sunday, October 31, 2004 --- 2:00 p.m. Family Funeral Home 13001 S John Young Parkway Orlando, Florida 32837 407-812-5988 She will be buried on Monday but there are no details at this time on what time this will take place. She will be buried at Woodlawn Cemetary in Orlando. Luciano is a long time member of both the IBM and the SAM and serves as President of S.A.M. Assembly 99 in Orlando; he is a Past President of the Florida Magicians Association. ----------------- 14. I Give You A Piece Of My Heart - Jamie-G ----------------- Message from Jamie-G (Canada) Now I have been using fans instead of magic wands and I find that they work for me better I'm not going to get into detail why they just do.(example of the kind of fans I use are like Michael.P. Lair uses) Now if you go to a dollar store where you find the see thru rocks that are shaped like a coin these rocks are made for fish bowls well I found rocks in the shape of a heart matter of fact they look like little glass red hearts and you get 26-30 of these hearts in a net like bag. Soon as I saw this I said wow and Valentines day is coming I put together a cute effect that is low cost and is magical and is a perfect giveaway. Effect: The magician opens a red beautiful fan waves the fan front to back while at the same time showing both hands empty. The magician than brings the fan and the other hand together and asks the spectator to blow where to two meet while moving the hand and the fan away from each other you magical produced a pretty red glass heart from magic. And now you give them the magic heart to keep. (This just wants to make me cry it is just too perfect and to let them have the heart is the best part of all) No word of a lie I went and bought all the red netted hearts I got like 13 netted bags of them and I must of went through at least 2 of them. Method: All I do is palm the glass heart in what I call the first finger pinch with the hand that is holding the fan. By waving the fan and showing both sides of the fan you’re showing the spectator that the hand is empty and you show your other hand empty just by showing it. When you bring the fan and your other hand together just at the point where you ask the spectator to blow in the middle you let go of the heart the fan covers the heart to fall in to your other hand and it’s the perfect illusion. I have done this to children and adults and the both love the effect. Note; If you are going to do this to a young lady make sure there is "NO" ring on finger or at least make sure she is single. As you all know I love magic that has to do with give away magic I feel it is stronger and it just makes the effect look better, When you are working for children you want them to enter that special magic land that only people like us can do and if your doing magic and you can not get a child to that magical place than you are doing some thing wrong. Also this trick is dedicated to a friend of mine named "Mona" she knows who she is.JAMIE-G ----------------- 15. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page - 23 The Mime Act I stopped using a record player off stage, switching to a Cassette Deck. Bought a semi-Professional, 4-track, stereo Tape recorder of near Broadcast quality. Also, a Technics Direct drive variable speed turntable - you could alter the speed with total precision. Using editing, dubbing, and ‘Sound on Sound' facilities, plus various sound effects from records that were specially produced with just about any sound or noise you could want (commercially available from BBC and others), you could then splice in other recordings into the original and turn it into something very funny. The finished recording(s) were then transferred onto a high quality cassette tape. Example; ‘Mule Train’, as sung by Frankie Laine. There is one part on the record where he sings ‘Clippity clop, clippity clop, through the hills and rain’…etc. Using the editing facilities, I had this ‘clippity clop’ repeat itself, creating the impression of a - ‘Needle Stuck in the Groove’. This always got a big laugh. By using ‘Sound on Sound’ I ‘Clomped’ off-stage to the sound effects of footsteps thudding across the floor. Once I got into the wings, the audience would hear a loud ‘thump’ then, the ear piercing sound of a needle ‘screeching’ across a record. I then clomped back on stage with the ‘clippity clop’ still repeating, leapt into the air, and THUMPED down onto the stage. The needle then apparently ‘jumped ‘out of the groove’! I cannot tell you the amount of practise that went into getting my body movements, lip synchronisations and timing exactly right to the sound effects and singing. I’m told that it was very funny! I guess you had to be there. My ‘whip’ was a short stick, about 12" long, with a 2 foot length of red ribbon tied to it. When the 'CRACK' of the whip sounded on the tape, (enhanced by adding more volume during the recording). I would twitch the stick slightly, so the end of the ribbon curled up a few inches, and then dropped straight down at the precise moment of the ‘Whip cracks’. The incongruous sight of this little piece of ribbon apparently producing the sound of enormous ‘cracks’ would have audiences in stitches! You would not believe what I did to ‘Jerry Lee Lewis’s ‘Great Balls of Fire’, or ‘Charlie Drake’s’ ‘My Boomerang won’t Come Back’ ‘Stan Freberg’s’ ‘John and Marsha’, or ‘Spike Jones’s’ ‘Beedlebomb’ ‘Tea for Two’, or the ‘Hawaiian War Chant’, among many others. Nothing, no recording, as far as my Mime act was concerned - was sacred! ------------------ 16. 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