* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #295 Date: Sunday 14 November 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. The Magic Circle’s Close-Up Magician Of The Year Award   3. The Universal Message Of Magic   4. IBM International President Tony Wilson’s Magical Adventures   5. Plan Now For Tax Savings   6. Alan Wakeling Passed Away   7. Martinka Auction Begins Nov. 22nd   8. A List Of Comebacks   9. Making Magic Pay Seminar   10. Great Little One Day Convention   11. Title Pole Research   12. Dinner Theater In King Of Prussia   13. Quietus Of Creativity, Volume One   14. "Kotah" Focuses On Bizarre Magic   15. Silk Appearance - Jamie-G The Amazing Orchante Saga   16. e-zine Archives   17. Subscription Management ------------------ 1. Editors Message ------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Happy birthday to Wayne Rogers (The Amazing Chicane) who is celebrating his 60th birthday today. Birthday greetings can be sent to: chicane@nzmagic.com -------------------------- Check out an article on Bev Bergeron on Blindfold Drive. Go to: www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=2529116&nav=2gQcSpDH -------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. The Magic Circle’s Close-Up Magician Of The Year Award ----------------- Message from David Beckley (UK) - Press Officer - The Magic Circle Andrew Murray Wins The Magic Circle’s Close-Up Magician of the Year Award A Lifelong Ambition achieved this week, The Magic Circle awarded Andrew Murray, a London based magician, its coveted title of The Close-Up Magician of the Year - for him it was “a lifelong Ambition - a dream come true” On Monday evening at The Magic Circle headquarters, before a packed audience made up, almost exclusively, of magicians, Andrew Murray calmly walked on and impressed his audience with a superb display of baffling magic that combined pure skill with tremendous entertainment. Utilising simple props - cards and coins - Andrew demonstrated the importance of introducing novel twists into classic routines. Coins appeared by ‘magic’ and Aces defied the laws of physics by changing places in a ‘seemingly impossible’ way. An amazing triple prediction, to close, left everyone speechless. The Judges were unanimous in awarding Andrew The Devano Trophy, Five Hundred Pounds and a special invitation to attend the FFFF magic convention in New York, an ‘invitation only’ event dedicated to the art of close-up magic. Second place went to Larry Barnes who presented an authentic ‘Doc Holiday’ gambling routine and third place went to Bruce Munton who, again, used classic card magic combined with a novel presentation. ----------------- 3. The Universal Message Of Magic ----------------- Message from Winchester Adkins (US) Magic is an art form that bridges all cultures. The beauty of magic is that it communicates to people all over the world. Magic transcends time and space. It teaches us that we are all more alike than we are unalike. The universal message of magic is that what brings us together is more important than what separates us. Of all the art forms, magic has had the most success in uniting different traditions because it is an art form that speaks to the human desire to be amazed and enchanted, to believe in something beyond ourselves. Different languages and cultural expectations all melt away in the face of magic's universal appeal. As a visual performing art, the impact of magic can be felt without barriers. All great magicians make use of magic's universal appeal in reaching an audience. Having grown up in a magic family, I have been privileged to watch magicians from all over the world perform. It is fascinating to discover how magicians incorporate pieces of their own culture into their performances and at the same time manage to entertain and enchant people from all over the world. New Zealand's own Alan Watson is a classic example of this. Alan's special brand of Kiwi magic celebrates the culture of New Zealand but the charm of his act is universal. Though there is a touch of New Zealand in his art, his talent has been recognized all over the world. As the most recent recipient of the prestigious DRAGON Award, Alan Watson's magic has won international acclaim. Other examples of magicians whose performances both reflect and transcend culture include England's Paul Daniels, Hong Kong's Albert Tam and the Czech Republic's Duo Absolom. Each of these great performers uses a part of their own rich traditions to enhance their performance while speaking to an international audience. Paul Daniels injects his own unique brand of British humor into an act that has delighted audiences all over the world. Albert Tam combines his own Asian flair with top of the line performance skills. Duo Absolom makes use of Eastern Europe's fairytale heritage to weave a magical story that appeals to all nationalities. As a member of the Society of Young Magicians, I have seen American magicians incorporate the rich diversity of their cultural heritage into their performances. Miami based Fantasio and Monica brings a Latino flair to their legendary work with canes and candles. Victor and Diamond are an African American duo that have developed a dazzling brand of magic based out of Las Vegas. In New York City, Mortician Magician Ted Lee recently became the first African American President of the Parent Assembly of the Society of American Magicians, the cradle of that famous international organization of magicians. As a visual performing art, magic finds its strength in its diversity. From ancient Egypt to imperial China, from Mayan culture to Edwardian England, every civilization has expressed itself through the art of magic. These rich traditions have all contributed to making magic the most international of all the art forms. It is no wonder that every three years magicians from all over the world convene at F.I.S.M. to exchange ideas and honor those at the top of their art. Magicians have a unique gift for speaking to all peoples. There has never been a culture that did not celebrate the magic within the human spirit. The performance of magic allows us to touch that spirit and find the quality within ourselves that expresses the best part of us, the wonder and hope that never cease to amaze. From country to country, from generation to generation, the universal message of magic is the same. Magic teaches us that our similarities are more important than our differences. No matter what our culture or heritage may be, we are all united in the universal wonder that is magic. The ability to touch the hearts and minds of all people everywhere makes magic, in my opinion, the greatest of all the performing arts. --------------------- Winchester Adkins, is a fourth-generation magician who began performing magic at the age of three. Winchester is the youngest member of The J. Marberger Stuart Foundation, which sponsors the DRAGON awards for outstanding teamwork in magic. Winchester is an award-winning writer, having won the New York State poetry contest sponsored by the national Federation of Woman’s Clubs and the National American History High School Essay Contest sponsored by the Italian American Association and the National Society of the Daughters of American Revolution. ----------------- 4. IBM International President Tony Wilson’s Magical Adventures ----------------- Message from Tony Wilson - IBM International President 2004 - 2005 Our flight from Hong Kong to Tokyo was delayed by two hours after a fault was found in the nose wheel after we had all been loaded on the All Nippon Airways flight. In all the flights we have taken since June 12th this was the only delay we have experienced so were not too concerned. After checking into our hotel in downtown Tokyo there was a message from a friend of Albert Tam, Yamamoto Satoru to call him to arrange some sightseeing the next day. Yamamoto works in the TV industry, is a consultant to the Japan Close-up Magicians Society and attends many international magic conventions. While we were in Tokyo he kindly acted as our guide and took us to Magicland, Twin Observatories, Markets, Shopping Centres, Magic Supply Centre and numerous other places. We traveled by subway, train and taxi and felt after a day or so we had really seen a lot of the real Tokyo. We also had dinner with Yamamoto and his friend Hikari, a female magician who had performed at Abbotts and the British Ring Convention we had recently attended. She had also performed at the SAM Convention in Las Vegas last year. Thank you Yamamoto for all your assistance. During our time in Tokyo we were also honoured and assisted by Dr Shigeru Tashiro who spent a considerable amount of time driving us around Tokyo and treating us to a traditional Japanese meal. Dr Yashiro is President of the Japan Close-Up Magicians Association and attends many International Conventions. On our last day in Tokyo he kindly took me to meet Maki Kitami who is President of the Japan Professional Magicians’ Association which has approximately 100 members throughout Japan. We visited Maki at his home which has a purpose built studio where he tutors pupils on a daily basis with his assistant. Maki has been a professional magician for many years and has appeared some years ago at an IBM Convention in San Diego. He is also one of the two Japanese delegates to FISM and one of Japan’s leading magicians. Thank you Dr. Tashiro for your wonderful hospitality which, together with your colleague Yamamoto made our visit to Tokyo memorable and enjoyable and truly illustrates the brotherhood that the IBM symbolizes. As Tokyo was the last city we had on our schedule and Japan the eleventh country it was time to go home which we did with Air New Zealand. As this is the last installment of our four months of magical travel I would like to take the opportunity to say thank you to everyone we have met and contributed to our successful trip on behalf of Mary and I. Thank you also Alan for allowing me to “share the magic” of the experiences with over 9,000 magicians around the world since we left New Zealand on June 12th. We look forward to meeting as many of you in Reno next year at the IBM Convention June 26th to July 2nd. Take care and “share the magic”. ----------------- 5. Plan Now For Tax Savings ----------------- Message from Steven Pradell (Alaska) As we enter the busy holiday season it is important to spend some time strategizing for tax savings, since the end of the year is soon approaching. Consult with a tax professional who is licensed to practice in your area. For those of us in the U.S., there are certain tax advantages that will soon expire. For example, you may be able to deduct up to $100,000 of the cost of the purchase of business related equipment placed in service before December 31, 2004. . Rules created in 2003 change the amount of deductions for business vehicles, with certain extra benefits for cars weighing more then 6000 pounds, light trucks and vans, and special tax breaks for certain energy-efficient vehicles. Be sure to purchase the equipment in time to qualify for tax savings, and make charitable contributions before December 31, 2004. For those of you who don't report your income for tax purposes or take advantage of tax savings, you may want to rethink your position after speaking with a professional. Depending on your situation and the applicable laws, you may be able to deduct the costs of your illusions, wardrobe, vehicle, mileage or gas, marketing costs and a portion of your rent, mortgage and/or utilities. And failing to report income may be illegal. Copyright 2004 by Steven Pradell, Esq. This article is not intended to provide legal or tax advice and is for illustrative purposes only. Consult with a professional licensed in your area for advice which addresses your specific situation. ----------------- 6. Alan Wakeling Passed Away ----------------- Message from Abb Dickson and forwarded on by Tony Wilson The world has lost America's Premier Illusion Designer. 78 year old Alan Wakling, who worked many years for Mark and Nani Wilson on The Magic Land of Alakazam and The Magic Circus as well as for scores of industrial and amusement park shows died peacefully on November 10 in a hospital in his hometown of Westlake, California. He is survived by his wife Helen and 3 Sons. ----------------- 7. Martinka Auction Begins Nov. 22nd ----------------- Message from Ted Bogusta (US) The 15th Martinka online magic auction begins on Monday, November 22nd. There will be hundreds of items listed initially and more will be added daily. If you are not already registered and wish to bid, please fill out the simple registration form at: www.martinka.com/register This auction will have some wonderful paper from LeRoy, Talma & Bosco, also Powell, Blackstone and Houdini. There's a great selection of books including The Thurston Workbooks, Books on close-up, and some nice antiquarian titles. The poster area will have a fine assortment and will include stone litho. posters from Alexander and Helmann, these are believed to be unique examples. You'll find apparatus from Thayer, Owen, Milson Worth, P&L, Martinka and others. We've also gathered a nice selection of original magic 8X10s, postcards, throw outs and advertising pieces. And finally, a good assortment of recent tricks, books and videos at bargain prices. If you are not already registered and wish to bid, please fill out the simple registration form at www.martinka.com/register The first batch of items will be online Monday, November 22nd, I hope you enjoy browsing through and find something you've been searching for. ----------------- 8. A List Of Comebacks ----------------- Message from Troy Murphie (Aust) After running into another “Expert” while I was street performing, I decided to make a list of comebacks that might come in useful to my fellow performers. Here’s a short list of some of the better ones under the title - Comebacks for “I know how you did that!” 1. Of course you do. Where do you think I learned it! 2. Yeah so do I, but I bet you already knew that too! 3. Oh really, do you read the Bible often! 4. Oh, you’ll have to write a book! 5. Well maybe you can stand in for me when I’m sick! 6. Yeah, so does everybody else, but they’ve got manners! 7. Hey, you could start up your own show! Only thing is you’re gonna need more than one trick, so here I’ll show you another one! 8. Didn’t your mum ever tell you not to talk to strangers! 9. Well you’re a bit late. Show and tell was last week! 10. Welcome to reality. Why don’t you just tell everybody that Elmo’s a puppet! 11. Hey, if I wanted another person in the show I would have hired one! 12. It finally sinks in! I’ve only told him how to do it ten times! Whenever my wife comes past when I’m rehearsing at home I get her to say, “I know how you did that”. It’s a great way to practice your comebacks! ----------------- 9. Making Magic Pay Seminar ----------------- Message by Mandy Davis (UK) A Seminar initiated by Paul Stone Wow! I mean wow! At the end of a long but enjoyable day I defy anyone to have left the ‘Making Magic Pay’ seminar without being totally inspired to go out and promote themselves, get more work and earn more money. Paul Stone organised an excellent seminar and twenty-eight delegates attended, including some from Ireland and the US. It took place in the glorious city of Bath, in luxurious country hotel surroundings – but there was hardly any time to appreciate the venue. We were too busy listening to the speakers and then discussing it all. I do remember, at some point, an excellent hot and cold buffet lunch though! Paul himself started the day with some advice on being professional and dealing with clients before handing over to Phil Jay. Phil has an extensive background in trade shows, an area where there appears to be inexhaustible opportunities. He told us exactly how to get work at trade shows and also how to perform on the stands and interact with both clients and delegates. This was very comprehensive and invaluable information but, he warned us, to do trade shows you need stamina! Jonathan Jay, taking time off from his latest TV re-location programme, talked to us about selling ourselves and appreciating our worth. He feels that magicians undervalue their craft and can achieve far greater fees and prestige. He spent two hours telling us how to achieve these and, for me, his contribution to the day was the most inspiring of all. However each speaker gave a different focus and each delegate took away a different message depending on their own circumstances and outlook. The final speaker was Paul Zenon who chatted about performing corporate stand up and the best ways to present this. He showed us a ten minute video of his work which was interesting and fun – although he hid outside the room until it was over! He talked about sound equipment and stated, categorically, that every magician should be able to do a stand up spot as well as close up. In summing up, Phil Jay advised us to ‘get your act right’ and to pause before leaving each table at a function; Jonathan Jay told us to ‘never ever ever give up’ and Paul Zenon wanted us to take on board our overall image. These final bits of advice were small fry compared to the oceans of information, ideas, plans and suggestions we had been handed throughout the day. In fact, this seminar is a must for any professional magician. ----------------- 10. Great Little One Day Convention ----------------- Message by General Grant (US) Here is a great little one day convention that I have been going to for a few years now. A great line up of acts go to: www.sam104.com/sancon.htm ----------------- 11. Title Pole Research ----------------- Message by Wayne Rogers (NZ) chicane@nzmagic.com To help me with some further research into the history of the "Appearing Pole" I would like to contact someone who has a copy of John Ferrentino's lecture notes dating back to the 1970's. John Ferrentino and Joe Silkie lectured at some conventions around this time, and first introduced the pole system to the magic community. I would be interested in purchasing a copy of their notes. John Ferrentino's "Original Pole From Box" is still being marketed by George Schindler of Show-Biz Services. ----------------- 12. Dinner Theater In King Of Prussia ----------------- Message by Matt Marcy (US) I’m doing a comedy-magic spot in a show in the Lily Lantry’s Dinner Theater in King of Prussia, PA (outside of Philadelphia) through December 5. The show features myself, holiday ice skaters, and juggler/impressionist Jason Neistadt. Info is online at www.lilylantrys.com. ----------------- 13. Quietus Of Creativity, Volume One ----------------- Message by Dean Montalbano Dean Montalbano all but vanished from the magic scene almost 15 years ago, but before that he was a very prolific magic writer and inventor with articles in Genii, Mum, Linking Ring, Tops, Magi-Gram, and invocation magazines. Now he is back with a Limited Edition book, due out December first, called Quietus of creativity, Volume One. This books is his close-up material, some if it never released. The book is hard cover, limited to 500 copies OR 365 days after which any remaining unsold copies will be recycled by the publisher. Published by Leaping Lizards Magic Publishing, you can view the full table of contents, download a generous sample, and order it for $20 off the normal price before December First, by going to: www.LeapingLizardsMagic.com ----------------- 14. "Kotah" Focuses On Bizarre Magic ----------------- Message by Dean Montalbano Dean's alter ego, Rothchild Starke, his bizarre counterpart, has just finished editing a new book by Ronald J. Dayton. Ron's name may be familiar to you for the MANY books and effects he has marketed over the years, well now, as "Kotah" he focuses on bizarre magic. Ron's newest book, "A Darker Light" will be out by February- but if you order it now you will get it for $10.00 off the usual price. Again, a visit to: www.LeapingLizardsMagic.com will show you details of Ron's book as well. A Darker Light is different than most magic books. First, it focuses on bizarre magic, which for those unfamiliar is performed with a bit of a dark theme and more as if it were REAL. But Ron's book is also a piece of literary gold; filled with stories, poems and atmosphere pieces designed to inspire you to create and get you in the "ookie" mood and certainly, there are effects, LOTS of those as well! ----------------- 15. Silk Appearance - Jamie-G ----------------- Message from Jamie-G (Canada) Effect: The magician unfolds a calendar to show that it is a normal calendar. The magician then rolls up the calendar right in front of the spectators, when the calendar is all rolled up he then takes his magic wand and touches the calendar and the magic happens. The magician then starts to produce large colourful silks from the rolled up calendar. Props: You get a special gimmicked calendar that does all the work for you. (This is a new calendar and it should last a long time. Note: You must watch your angles with this calendar. NEVER show the back of the calendar or you will expose the gimmick. When you drop the calendar open you don't really show the back BUT by the way you start the trick the spectators think they did. Method: The calendar is folded in this way: Take the bottom of the calendar (the bottom stick) and bring it to the top one. So now the calendar should be folded in half. Now the front should be white and the back with the gimmick. Now take the bottom and bring that end to the top stick of the calendar. Make sure the folds are neat and even. Now bring the bottom to the top one more time. Now if you did the folds right you should have the front a white side and the gimmick on the back. Now fold the rest around the calendar and we are ready to go. You must remember where the front is. Now all you have to do is drop the calendar piece by piece with the front towards the spectators and you don't have to show the back doing the method this way makes them think that they already seen the back but we know better. Once you let the calendar fall open, show the front of the calendar by stroking your hand up and down the front of it. Then start rolling up the calendar only showing the spectator the front of it. Grab your wand or fan and touch the calendar with it then you reach in and produce your silks. Note: You don't have to just use silks. BUT whatever you can fit into the gimmick. Also when I use this calendar it is always to music and it always worked out well. You must take your time with this effect because if you do it right it makes you look real good. I have used this effect in both children’s and adult shows. Very.nice. Plus we are using new 2004 calendars they should last a long time as long as you take care of it. ----------------- 16. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 25 Fiery Flett I have a four-inch scar on my right arm, the result of a newspaper reporter’s attempt at ‘roasting’ it (my arm), with one of my fire torches; trying to prove that I was a fake. Although self hypnosis controlled the pain, the skin still eventually burnt, hence the scar! In fact, this reporter wound up giving me a brilliant review, and I can’t think of a better way to finish this episode, than to quote his review, word for word. It is from the Auckland Star’s 8 O’clock News and Features, Sat June 23rd 1973 - Headed: ‘Eating Out With Fiery Flett’ Quote; ‘I USED to think there was a trick to most stage acts – until I tried fire eating. It was when the flaming torch was level with my teeth that it suddenly dawned on me that there was no trick to the art. Now I won’t have to shave for a month and I’ve a permanent 5 o’clock shadow of charcoal. Auckland fire-eater, hypnotist, magician and sword Swallower Orchanté showed me this week how to do it. He swallowed two burning tapers – held the fire in his throat, then re-lit them by blowing out. He let me hold a burning taper under his forearm, he didn’t mind, and I swear there was no trick attached. He swallowed a 3 ft chrome sword, ran flaming sticks across his stomach, and then, lying on a bed of nails, placed another bed on his chest and asked two men to jump on it. Unlike some similar acts, the nails were all sharp enough to draw blood. He claims he does it with self-hypnosis. Well, if he could do it, I could…. The 30 year-old entertainer handed me a taper dipped in white spirit and showed me how to hold my mouth. I should have held my mouth three hours earlier when the editor handed out the job. Flames The flames from the taper flared about 18in into the air, blackening the ceiling in the process. I tilted back my head, opened my mouth, and tentatively poked the flaming mass towards my face. Only the smell of burning eyebrow made me stop. Then I tried again. The torch was lower this time and it passed lips, singing off excess skin, and reached my teeth. If you’ve ever held a burning torch against your teeth, you’ll know how it felt. That’s when I decide there was no future in fire eating. But Orchanté does that much and more. He plunges flaming torches into his mouth and closes his lips around them. His head, lights up like a Chinese lantern. Personally, I prefer eating crepes-suzette. Unquote. ------------------ 17. 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) ------------------- 18. 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 2004 Alan Watson