* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #332 Date: Sunday 15th May 2005 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. A Fine Obituary On Jay Marshall 3. How To Sign The Jay Marshall Guest Book 4. Excellent Article On Jay In The New York Sun 5. Magic Exposed By HSBC Bank 6. John Archer Joined The List Of British Television Magicians 7. 10 Great Reasons To Come To Las Vegas In June 8. Moving Wall Technology Stage Is Up 9. Wanting To Purchase Video On Billiard Balls & 3 Ring Manipulation 10. Magic "Pop Cap" Give Away - By: Jamie-G 11. Dates For New Zealand Magicians To Remember 12. The Amazing Orchante Saga 13. e-zine Archives 14. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice ------------------ 1. Editors Message ------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Jay Marshall (and Lefty) touched the lives of thousands of magicians and tributes have come in from all over the world from his many friends in magic. Below there are links to two newspaper articles that are well worth reading, sent in by Robbie Wilmarth and George Schindler. Refer items 2 & 4. ----------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. A Fine Obituary On Jay Marshall ----------------- Message from Robbie Willmarth (US) The New York Times ARTS | May 13, 2005 Jay Marshall, 85, the Dean of Magic, Is Dead By Douglas Martin Jay Marshall, dean of the Society of American Magicians, appeared 14 times on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and played New York's Palace and London's Palladium.. Go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/13/arts/13marshall.html?ex=1116648000&en=38058998cb32add4&ei=5070 ----------------- 3. How To Sign The Jay Marshall Guest Book ----------------- Message from Chris Marshall, Jay's son forwarded on by Viktor Berry My father passed away yesterday May 10, 2005 at 7:17 pm with me, my brother Sandy, my son Chris and Ali Bongo (his cat) with him. It was very peaceful. He will be at Drake and Son Funeral Home, 5303 North Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625, Phone 773-561-6874. He has requested cremation. There will be visitation Sunday, May 15 from 6pm to 9pm and there will be visitation on Monday May 16 from 10am to 11am. The service, including the Broken Wand Ceremony will start right after this at 11am. Burial will be a family affair in the Showman's Rest section of Woodlawn Cemetery. We thank all who have been in contact for their kind thoughts and all who have asked to perform the Broken Wand Ceremony. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to: The Actors' Fund of America, 203 N. Wabash, Suite 2104, Chicago, IL 60601 or The Jay Marshall Scholarship Fund of the Three Sheeters at Prairie State College, 202 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights, IL 60411 How to sign the Jay Marshall Guest Book: Online Guest Books allow friends and family to express condolences and share memories. An online Guest Book accompanies every Chicago Tribune death notice for one year. To sign the Chicago Tribune Guest Book, go to: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ Click on Obituaries under News | Opinion to reach the Death Notices and Guest Books page. Click on Jay Marshall and write your message in his guest book. Viktor Berry ----------------- 4. Excellent Article On Jay In The New York Sun ----------------- Message from George Schindler Public Relations-Society of American Magicians The Society of American Magicians mourns the passing of it's Dean Jay Marshall May 10, 2005.at age 87. Jay was the most beloved comedy magician and ventriloquist of our time and appeared on the Ed Sullivan show many times with his glove puppet "lefty" and will sorely be missed. He was an S.A.M. Member for 54 years and was chosen as Dean in 1992. More information will follow. Also an excellent article on Jay in the New York Sun. Go to: http://daily.nysun.com/Repository/m2.asp?Issue=NYS/2005/05/12&ID=Ar00600&Mode=HTML ----------------- 5. Magic Exposed By HSBC Bank ----------------- Message from Vanni Pule` (Malta) Vanni Pule`, Malta's Man of Magic, proved once again that he is a household name. His magical persona is currently being used in an aggressive advertising campaign all over the island of Malta by HSBC bank in which he is featured prominently as 'the magician'. His face is flaunted on large advertising hoardings, full-page newspaper adverts, bus shelters, brochures and a short video clip shown regularly in peak viewing time on three T.V. stations. Basically he changes cards to cash and vice versa. Although his name is not mentioned he is immediately recognised by young and old because of his regular appearances, especially on Television for over thirty-five years. www.hsbc.com.mt ----------------- 6. John Archer Joined The List Of British Television Magicians ----------------- Message from TV Magic Ltd (UK) TV Magic Limited is delighted to announce that the star of Sky's Undercover Magic and multi-award winning comedy magician John Archer has joined the list of British television magicians (including Derren Brown and Marc Paul) whose products are available exclusively from their site. John's new big book The Handy Lecture, his Comedy Workshop Guide and tricks DoDeckaDeal and Chinese Choice are all available now from the magicians' only section of www.TVMagic.co.uk ----------------- 7. 10 Great Reasons To Come To Las Vegas In June ----------------- Message from Danny Archer (US) 10 Great Reasons To Come To Las Vegas In June 1. Michael Ammar 2. Daryl 3. John Bannon 4. Gazzo 5. Allan Ackerman 6. David Solomon 7. Chris Randall 8. Earl Nelson 9. Gaetan Bloom 10. Paul Harris The Las Vegas Magic Invitational You're Invited! Palace Station Hotel & Casino June 12-14, 2005 "The most fun you can have at a magic convention" ************************************* Check out our Web Site for details www.LVMI.net or E-mail us at LVMI@juno.com If you have already registered or can not attend please send this to a friend ----------------- 8. Moving Wall Technology Stage Is Up ----------------- Message from Don Drake (US) My website now contains the pages for the moving wall technology (MWT) stage. I use the black art method only to operate the stage, but the stage will do ANY illusion, it doesn't have to be black art. http://blackartsecrets.com/catalog/utility_stage.html Check it out: This link will take you straight to the page, where all the information on this new and exciting way to save thousands of dollars on your illusions. You don't need a stage, and you don't need special lighting most of the time. It will work just about anywhere, including corporate and platform. What better way to produce the CEO who only has to stand there. ----------------- 9. Wanting To Purchase Video On Billiard Balls & 3 Ring Manipulation ----------------- Message from Ken Bates (NZ) kbmagic@xtra.co.nz I am teaching a young lad the art of magic and I wondered if any magician in NZ has a tape on teaching billiard balls and 3 ring manipulation that I can buy from them? Have tried two magic dealers but they don't seem interested in looking through their stock! ----------------- 10. Magic "Pop Cap" Give Away - By: Jamie-G ----------------- Message from Jamie-G (Canada) Effect: The magician calls some children over and asks them if they want to see a magic trick. The magician removes a white plastic pop cap from his pocket, explaining that this pop cap is very magical. The magician tells the children that, when he was about their age, a magician showed him this very magical pop cap and said that, if he believed in himself and knew he was a special person, then he could keep the pop cap and maybe become a magician, too. The magician puts the pop cap flat on his empty hand, and picks a child to help him (I usually pick the smallest child). The magician asks the child if they believe in themselves and know that they are special. When the child nods yes, the magician declares they are ready to do some magic. The magician slowly covers the pop cap with his other hand and has the child blow gently on his cupped hands. The magician slowly opens his hands to reveal that the pop cap has turned solid gold. The magician congratulates the child on believing in themselves and knowing they are special, and then gives the pop cap to the child. The magician tells the child to take good care of the pop cap so the magic doesn't wear off. The child leaves with a permanent smile and your job is done. Props: You will need two plastic pop caps and some gold foil from inside packs of Canadian cigarettes. Not all brands will work for this, so please refer to my magic foil system for more information on the foils that work best. Silver foil can be used instead. Set-Up: You have to apply the foil to one pop cap by slowly and gently rubbing it onto the cap. You must take your time putting the gold foil on the pop cap as it is very hard to get the foil onto rounded corners. If you are patient and take your time rubbing the foil on, you will find that the foil will mould itself and adhere to the cap. Method: Tell the story above or make up a story that works for your style of magic. Pick a child. I usually pick one of the smallest children or, if there is a special needs child, I will use them. I use a thumb pinch to switch the caps, but you can use any method that works for you. If you have put the white cap onto your left hand, you can palm the gold cap in your right hand and, when you bring your hands together, switch the caps inside your closed hands, removing the white cap in right hand palm and casually ditching it as you display the gold cap left behind on your left hand. The moment of revelation is a good chance for you to demonstrate your theatrical abilities. Note: This is a great effect and costs nothing to produce. The work involved is well repaid by the smile on the child's face. You don't even need foil, as you could just paint the pop caps. I think the foil makes a more striking appearance, though. Magic Foil System: I have come up with hundreds of effects with the Magic Foil System, and have sent this system to over 2000 I.B.M. members. Give it a try and you may find new and fun ways of doing your magic. ---------------- 11. Dates For New Zealand Magicians To Remember ------------------ Friday 2nd September 2005 Chuck Hickok's Lecture - Auckland Time: 7.30pm Sunday 23 October 2005 Kiwi Magic Day Venue: Dolphin Theatre, Onehunga Auckland Registration form - go to: www.watson.co.nz/magic.html 20-23 October 2006 28th International New Zealand Convention of Magicians Palmerston North Convention website - go to: www.joel.co.nz/convention.htm ----------------- 12. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 51 On Page 34 of my Saga, titled 'It Was Fun-tastic', I wrote about Johnny Cooper, a New Zealand Promoter/Singer from the 50s/60s. I have just received an e-mail from Eddie O'Strange, of the Blue Smoke Music Co. in New Zealand, who says, Quote:  'I'm pleased to update you on Johnny Cooper QSM. Yes, in the Queen's Birthday Honours list Johnny was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for service to the community. There has been a bit of media attention, especially great was the front page article (with photo) in the Evening Post, Mon 4 June 2001.' Unquote. I know Johnny that you are reading my Saga, and I just want to say personally, how proud I am for you, as you must justifiably be. A well-deserved honour that has been far too long time in coming. Good on you mate! Page 52 Tex Morton plus The Great Orchanté Potshots' - but first, a little more history about Tex. Since 1932, he had been a famous folk-singer. In 1936, throughout Australasia his records sold more than all the artists in the world! His sales were in the millions, long before 'gold' records were heard of. His programmes of folk songs, poetry, and country music had been a feature on A.B.C. (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) and overseas networks, for many years, and he had become known as a combination of Burl Ives and Charles Laughton (the famous actor/poetry reader). Ranging from 'Cowboy Folk Songs' and 'Sea Shanties', to readings of - Shakespeare, Kipling, Dickens, and the like. One classical critic when reviewing a record of Tex's readings from Kipling, 'Banjo Patterson' etc., wrote; 'He has a voice like a quartet of cellos!' My old friend Johnny (The Maori Cowboy) Cooper (now QSM) - aged 71, started his musical career listening to country stars like Tex Morton, copying and singing his songs. Marksmanship! Get set, steady, s-t-e-a-d-y, take aim, FIRE! Tex was regarded as one of the finest snap, standing-shooters in the world. Night after night, I watched Tex's sharp-shooting act - he never missed - Tex never 'got set', or aimed - it was simply, from rifle held at his side, to - up, point, fire - hitting the target, whatever it may have been, with unerring accuracy. He was a holder of many championship titles, cups and medals, in several parts of the world, and originally developed his sharp shooting act for presentation for Rodeos and 'Shooting-meets' before the public. He often doubled in difficult shooting scenes, for film stars in Hollywood, where he lived for a time, becoming well known as a fine character actor on Television and Radio, and also on films, plus doing a tour each year to some part of the world. Whangarei - First night, we bowled into town, and Tex, ever the showman, to drum up publicity (which he didn't need, as the Town Hall was completely sold out) headed for the best, biggest local pub for a drink - with me in tow - to meet 'the boys'. When Tex walked into any pub/bar, the place would be in an immediate uproar. He and his famous hat were instantly recognisable - every man and his dog wanted to shake his hand. Although he was world famous, he was just 'one of the boys' - that's how he came across, and how he was accepted, but with the greatest respect. Anyhow, this particular pub, that was right across the road from the local police station, sported one of the longest bars I've ever seen, and the place was packed with drinkers. I guess we'd been there around half an hour or so, with me doing Close-up Magic at the bar, in between Tex regaling everyone with his stories, when Tex said quietly 'Hey, Tom - go out to the car and get my rifle and stand!' Tex used a .22 rifle for his sharp-shooting act. It broke down into 3 pieces and fitted into a wooden case. His target was about two & half feet in diameter; steel backed, and sat upright on a special stand. I Knew What Was Coming! I just could not believe what he was about to do, in a pub that just happened to be opposite the local 'Cop Shop'. Tex grabs some poor, hapless bloke, who seemed to be reasonably sober, and plants him to the left hand side of the target - gets him to hold a playing card by the bottom corner, his arm outstretched, with the card in front of the target, and edge-on to Tex. Tex, down the other end of the lengthy bar, slots a .22 bullet into the rifle, warns the chap not to move. He tells everybody to stand still, and then, in a blink of an eye, he lifts the rifle and fires all in the same instant; the playing card, hit by the bullet, split down the middle, as though carefully peeled apart! It was an amazing feat, which I saw, time and again; and this was After he'd had a few drinks. Astonishing! One day, we were driving between towns on a dusty road, somewhere up Kaitaia, Kerikeri way, and a pheasant flew across the front of the car and landed on the road behind us. By the time Tex pulled up, we must have been 100 yards or so down the road. Tex jumped out of the car, grabbed the rifle case from the back seat, put the rifle together, and - talk about timing - by the time he got the rifle loaded, the pheasant took off, and Tex, like a skeet-shooter, (except this wasn't a shot-gun) with one ---------------- 13. 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) ------------------- 14. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice ------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson 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 they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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 2005 Alan Watson