Magic New Zealand® E-zine

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* Magic New Zealand®
* Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment Ltd (New Zealand)
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Issue Number: #1346
Date: Sunday 25th December 2016
Editor: Alan Watson QSM
www.watson.co.nz
E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com
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Hi here is the latest news
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1. Editor's Message
2. Last Call - Save On Combined Convention Registration
3. The Magic Word Podcast - Murray Sawchuck: A Very Murray Christmas
4. YOU Are The Magic - #429 - Kyle Peron
5. 2017 January AMA Show Schedule
6. NZ Magic Convention 2017 - Five Reasons To Register In 2016
7. The House Of Houdini- Budapest
8. The Golden Age Of Magic Posters Part II - Now Shipping
9. AbraCORNdabra 2017
10. MINDvention 2017
11. McBride's Magic And Mystery School
12. FISM 2018 Open For Registration
13. e-zine Archives
14. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Magic New Zealand is taking a holiday break and the next issue will be published on Sunday 15th January 2017.

Michele and I were very impressed with the World Festival of Magic Chuck Jones & Company Show we saw here in Auckland. They have had a successful tour travelling through New Zealand through November and December. Thanks Chuck, Fernando, Mystina and Cassie and all the backup production crew who made a lot of Kiwis fascinated and thrilled with magic!

If you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in a HTML format go to: http://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2016-Jan-to-Dec-2016/1346-Dec25-2016.html

If you would like to write a regular column for Magic New Zealand or have some magic news drop me a line:
Editor@MagicNewZealand.com

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2. Last Call - Save on Combined Convention Registration
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Treat yourself to an early holiday gift. Save $100.00 by registering for the I.B.M.-S.A.M. Combined Convention BEFORE the December 31st price increase.

Still only $395.00
July 12 - 16, 2017

Use your $100.00 savings when visiting the Dealer Room. (19 dealers have already been booked - more to come.) Check the list of great performers and lectures at www.ibmsam2017.com

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3. The Magic Word Podcast - Murray Sawchuck: A Very Murray Christmas
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Message by Scott Wells, M.I.M.C. with Gold Star

This week we return to yet another tradition for The Magic Word Podcast: a chat with Murray Sawchuck. Murray has had a successful, long running afternoon show in Las Vegas as well as being a "YouTube Sensation" having videos with over 1MM views. Most of Murray's days are taken up with promoting his brand through social media including television appearances.

In this year's update from Murray, he tells us how he made one of his dreams come true. After having attended the Hollywood Parade as a bystander since he was a child, he finally got to be in the parade as a participant and perform in the evening show. He tells us how that came about because of his association with the CW networks hit TV show, "Masters of Illusion" where he has appeared numerous times over the years. Among other topics of discussion, Murray tells us a "disaster" story before an audience during a live taping of one of the shows.

You can watch a "behind the scenes" video of Murray at the Hollywood Parade, see some photos, read the blog, enter the new contest, listen to the podcast online, and download the MP3 file at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/336-murray-sawchuck-2016

Last week we introduced our new sponsor, The Great American Magic Company (http://thegreatamericanmagiccompany.com) who offered two free months of At the Table lectures from Murphy's Magic Supplies. And the winner of the contest is: Joe Jubilado. Be sure to enter this week's contest for a "surprise" prize. I will only say that it is something cool and collectible. You can enter the contest on this week's blog on The Magic Word Podcast. The winner's name will be drawn next Wednesday, the day before the next podcast is posted.

And if you plan to purchase anything through Amazon.com, then please use the link on our website to get to Amazon's website. For each of your purchases, some proceeds will benefit The Magic Word.

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4. YOU Are The Magic - #429 - Kyle Peron
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Message by Kyle Peron (US)
magic4u02@aol.com
http://www.facebook.com/perondesign
http://www.kpmagicproducts.com

Here is an interesting thought that has crossed my mind lately. It is just something I have always done but I never stopped to think about just how very important I feel it really is. It is a very simple statement and one I will try and define for you. "You are the magic...always!" What do I mean by that and what is my point exactly? Allow me to explain if I may.

First, being a magician is an honor and a privilege and this is something that I feel everyone should embrace and remember. Not everyone can be a magician and not everyone gets the chance to perform magic. To call yourself a magician is something special and not to be taken lightly as some folks do. If I want the art form of magic to be taken seriously, then I first must take it seriously myself.

With this stated, I see so many performers who basically turn it on and turn it off. What I mean is that once the show is over, they stop being a magician. To me if you say you are a magician, then you should be one at all times. Being a magician should not be about turning it on when you want and off when you want.

With this in mind, how do you personally seek opportunities to share your magic even when it is not a paid gig? Some of you may simply choose not to perform unless paid. That is your personal choice. I prefer to take an opposite approach. If I say I am a magician, then I seek opportunities to share my magic with anyone I can share it with.

I always keep on me several things at all times no matter what I am wearing or where I may be going. These are a deck of cards (set up with a few gaffs), rubber bands and my business cards in a business card case. I always have these on me and it has just become habit for me to bring them with me just like it would be putting shoes on in the morning.

I do this because I am a magician and as a magician I should be able to perform anything at any time whether someone asks me or if the opportunity presents itself. How many times have you been somewhere (a non gig) and someone found out you were a magician? Probably a lot of you. Now how many of you stopped to talk to the person and ask if they would like to see something? Maybe not as many of you as people may think.

Some folks are 1) not prepared to perform anything 2) feel they are not getting paid so why perform or 3) just too tired or busy to give the person the time. I always make the time, I always am prepared and I am never too busy to promote magic. This does not mean you need or should do a full 10 minute show. It simply means showing the person a simple little bit of magic that may only be 1 minute. But it is that 1 minute that the person will remember.

There are many chances to be able to perform magic and it does not always have to be when someone asks you. Now this does not mean forcing yourself on someone. It simply means seeking opportunities to show your magic when those opportunities present themselves. Just last week I was standing in line at a store and a child in front started crying. I did a simple 30 second magic trick. The child stopped crying and smiled and the mom thanked me for it. 30 seconds out of my day was nothing compared to the feelings my magic generated for those few people.

It is also a wonderful opportunity to market yourself. The person is going to remember the experience you created for them and giving them a business card at the end helps them to remember you and the experience. Perhaps the person was having a bad day and your bit of generosity really helped. Perhaps you then even get a paid gig from this person somewhere down the road. To me, this little time out of your day is a small price to pay for such great rewards. Besides we are magicians and we should be one always.

As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you.

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5. 2017 January AMA Show Schedule
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Message by Jack Goldfinger
Director of Entertainment
Academy of Magical Arts, Inc.

January 2-8th, 2017
Close-Up Gallery
Early-early: Jesse Dee
Early: Garrett Thomas
Late: Mark Matsumoto

Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Kozmo
Late: Taylor Hughes

Palace of Mystery
Mark Haslam
John Shryock & Mari Lynn

Peller Theatre
Tituo
Joel Ward

W. C. Fields Bar
Mark Collier

Friday Lunch
Garrett Thomas

Saturday & Sunday Brunch - Kids Show
James Skaggs

Lecturer - Sunday 8th
Kozmo

January 9-15th, 2017
Close-Up Gallery
Early-early: HUBB
Early: Jonathan Levit
Late: Alex Conradi

Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Jack Nasher
Late: Jeff Ezell

Palace of Mystery
Kerry Pollock
Mat Ricardo
Rubén Vilagrand

Peller Theatre
David & Leeman

W. C. Fields Bar
Danny Magic

Friday Luncheon - CUG
Alex Conradi

Saturday & Sunday Brunch - Kids Show
David Skale

Lecturer - Sunday 15th
Jeff Ezell

January 16-22nd, 2017
Close-Up Gallery
Early-early: Brian Markenson
Early: Masahiro Yanagida
Late: Jared Kopf

Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Tom Ogden
Late: Stoil Stoilov

Palace of Mystery
Chris Mitchell
Yuji Yamamoto & Mariko
Dale Salwak

Peller Theatre
Christian Cagigal
Paul Draper

W. C. Fields Bar
Jeff Bornstein

Friday Luncheon - CUG
Jared Kopf

Saturday & Sunday Brunch - Kids Show
Stoil Stoilov

Lecturer - Sunday 22nd
Jared Kopf

January 23-29th, 2017
Close-Up Gallery
Early-early: Harrison Lampert
Early: Ferdinando Buscema
Late: Glenn Farrington

Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Chris Funk
Late: Ron Saylor

Palace of Mystery
Jeff McBride & Abigail

Peller Theatre
Eugene Burger
Larry Hass

W. C. Fields Bar
Tim Wise

Friday Luncheon - CUG `
Fernando Buscema

Saturday &Sunday Brunch - Kids Show
The Magic Genie

Lecturer - Sunday 29th - Joint lecture
Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger, Larry Hass

January 30- February 5th, 2017
Close-Up Gallery
Early-early: Siegfried Tieber
Early: Jeff McBride
Late: Karl Heins

Parlour of Prestidigitation
Early: Keith Fields
Late: Javi Benitez

Palace of Mystery
Pop Haydn
The Kalvans
Sebastian Kraine

Peller Theatre
Kerry Ross
Chuck Jones

W. C. Fields Bar
Brian Gillis

Friday Luncheon - CUG
Jeff McBride

Saturday &Sunday Brunch - Kids Show
Keith Fields

Performers are subject to change due to circumstances and availability

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6. NZ Magic Convention 2017 - Five Reasons To Register In 2016
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Message by Nopera Whitley, New Zealand

There is less than a year to go until the NZ Magic Convention, and I'm sure that time is going to fly by. Here's five reasons why you should get your registration sorted before the end of the year.

1. We'll plan a bigger event
The more people who register early, the sooner we can invest it back into the convention - whether that is better tech, better catering or another headliner. The more people who register this year, the bigger our plans will be!

2. Win a $300 Gift Voucher
Everyone who registers in 2016 will go in the draw to win a $300 gift voucher to spend at Magic and More - NZ's Magic Shop. We're expecting there to be less than 100 entries, so your chances are high!

3. You'll get better seating
We will be seating people based on when they registered. Not only will you get better seats in the Saturday Gala Show, but you will also get better seating at the Sunday Banquet (tickets purchased separately).

4. Cheaper Tickets to the Gala Show
If you wanted to upgrade your gala show seat, or purchase extra tickets for your family and friends, tickets are MUCH cheaper if you buy in 2016 (about 50% cheaper). Prices will increase to full retail pricing on the 1st January 2017.

5. Places are Limited
There are only 180 registrations available at this convention and places are filling up fast! Last year there were about 150 people at our convention, and there is certainly a lot more interest this time around.

Always wanted to visit New Zealand? Now you have the perfect reason!

Places are strictly limited to 180 registrations. Avoid disappointment and register before it's too late!

Registrations are now open at www.magicconvention.co.nz

Find out who else is headlining at www.magicconvention.co.nz/headliners/

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7. The House of Houdini- Budapest
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Article forwarded on by Mel Kientz (US)

Budapest, Dec 20 (Reuters) - Even almost 100 years after his death, the name Harry Houdini is synonymous with escapology, but less is known about his first great escape - how he left his Hungarian home as a child for a new life in the United States.

The House of Houdini, a museum in Budapest's historic Castle district, seeks to shed light on the illusionist's roots with a display of memorabilia and a research team tracking down documents about his life.

"He was of course the greatest escape artist history ever had ... but I believe his secret lies from deep inside from his Hungarian roots, when as a poor Jewish family they escaped Hungary," museum founder David Merlini said.
"That was maybe his first escape: to America, in the hope of a better life."

For Merlini, 38, himself a Hungarian escape artist who advised actor Adrien Brody about Houdini for a mini-series in 2014, Houdini has been a major inspiration.

Merlini opened the museum this year as a tribute to the artist who was born in Budapest as Erik Weisz into a Jewish family in 1874.

He left with his family for the United States in 1878 and became an American citizen.

When he became a magician, Houdini started to call himself Harry Houdini after the French magician Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin.

He went on to become the most famous escape artist of his day, captivating massive audiences with his daring escapes. He died in 1926 from a ruptured appendix.

"We are all a little bit Houdinis because everybody has a secret dream that is just waiting to be fulfilled," Merlini said.

The museum displays Houdini's handcuffs and other artefacts, many photographs about his life and performances, and also a Bible from 1883, which belonged to his family.

"We grew up hearing stories of Houdini and his escaping," said David Orenstein, a tourist from Israel.

Six magicians take turns in entertaining visitors in a small theatre within the museum. (Reporting by Krisztina Fenyo and Krisztina Than; Editing by Alison Williams)

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8. The Golden Age of Magic Posters Part II - Now Shipping
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Message by Gabe Fajuri

The second full-color, deluxe, hardbound volume featuring the magic poster collection of Norm Nielsen is now available!

Potter & Potter is proud to announce the release of The Golden Age of Magic Posters o The Nielsen Collection Part II. This handsome cloth bound book provides rich detail and stunning color photographs of this historic collection, complemented by fascinating biographies and information about the performers the posters depict.

Choice items from the collection of Norm and Lupe Nielsen featured in the book - and going up for sale - include a Houdini three-sheet featuring the Water Torture Cell, rare Chung Ling-Soo images, a Kellar Cassadaga Propaganda one-sheet, images advertising, Thurston, Powell, Professor Anderson, and many, many others.

A few copies of the first volume are also available from Potter & Potter.

Don't miss your chance to own a piece of this significant magic collection. The auction takes place on Saturday, February 4th, 2017 at 10am (CST).

For more information or to order a copy of the deluxe hardbound catalogue, visit www.potterauctions.com

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9. AbraCORNdabra 2017
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Message by Steve Daly (US)

The Midwest's Premier Magic Convention
May 19th, 20th, 21st, 2017
Des Moines, Iowa
www.AbraCORNdabra.com

This is one of the Magic Conventions Lance Burton recommends! He even talked about it while on stage at Magic LIVE in Las Vegas!

We have a money-saving deal with a special registration offer for the 7th annual convention!
A special, one day only/24-hour early bird registration offer!

On Thursday January 19th, 2017 - from 12:01 AM until 12 Midnight
Early Bird Registration is only:
* $135.00 for a Single Adult Registration, or take advantage of our super special, "Room & Registration Offer"!
* $350.00 - includes One Single Adult Registration AND One Hotel Room for May 19th & May 20th.

Registration goes up January 20th!!!
No registrations will be sold before January 19th, 2017.

January 19th and beyond registrations may be made via our website:
www.AbraCORNdabra.com

Registration for Spouse or Parent/Guardian is always $99.00

Young Magicians aged 20 or younger, may register for $100.00 - Young magicians may also perform in our exclusive "Kernels Young Magicians Showcase Show"

We do offer a special free registration to Magi aged 20 or younger!
We are the only Magic Convention in the World to offer this!
Young magicians actually perform magic to raise money to attend the convention!
We have two performance magic levels we offer everyone!
(No matter what age they may be, as long as they are 20 or younger)

* First completed level gets a young magician free registration.
* Second completed level gets a young magician a free hotel room, (with a registered ADULT Magician, parent, or guardian), AND a $50 free gift card to the World's FIRST & ONLY "magiK-MART" Spectacular Dealer's Room.
(Featuring "Blue Light Specials" throughout the convention!)

So what makes AbraCORNdabra the Midwest's premier Magic Convention?

This is NOT your average Magic Convention!

* Unique Shows, displays, events, lectures, and activities rarely (if ever) seen at other conventions.

* Registrations are limited to no more than 200 attendees. Once we sell the 200th registration - we are full - no registrations will be sold after that time!

* Due to the small amount of registrations offered - each and every attendee is treated as a V.I.P. - with plenty of one-on-one time with the magic stars!

* Free gifts, snacks, pizza & pop parties, etc are given throughout the convention, including the first ever S.A.M. & I.B.M. hosted parties side-by-side with both Presidents of those fine Magic Organizations hosting the parties themselves! (S.A.M. - Jeff Quinn & I.B.M. - Oscar Munoz)

* Featuring more than 10 of the top names in magic during this three day convention - you never know who you will see at the convention!

* Previous Magical Guest Stars include:
* Lance Burton
* Fielding West
* Jade
* Christopher Hart
* Johnny & Pam Thomson
* Banachek
* Joseph Gabriel
* John Carney
* Tom Mullica (R.I.P.)
* Oscar Munoz
* Losander
* Celeste Evans
* Alan Ackerman
* Michael Finney
* Stan Allen
* Mickey Silver
* Master Payne
* Murray Sawchuck
* Lupe Nielsen
* Christopher Carter
* Nick Lewin
* Stephen Bargatze
* Alex Ramon
* Xavier Mortimer
* Jay Scott Barry
* Michael Goudeau
* Chris Capehart
* Patrick Kun
* Wayne Houchin
* And the list goes on & on & on!
(And that's only our guests over the last six years!)

Who's coming to AbraCORNdabra 2017?
Well, we won't release the names yet - but our list of magical stars is huge!
We will let one name out for our friends here at the Magic New Zealand e-zine

Direct from FOOLING Penn & Teller on the smash-hit TV show - "Penn &
Teller's FOOL US"...

"A rare gentleman and scoundrel who palms without palms, shuffles without fingers and is living proof that Nothing Is Impossible!"
The amazing close-up artistry of Mahdi Gilbert!
Mr. Gilbert will not only perform for our attendees in our intimate Sangrene Close-up Parlor (limited to no more than 40 attendees per performance!) - He will also give an insightful lecture on showing Nothing Is Impossible! We are thrilled to have Mahdi Gilbert join us this year - along with AT LEAST nine other Great Magical Stars!

You Won't Believe Who Is Coming To The Midwest May 19 - 21, 2017!

Mark your calendar for our special one day early bird registration offer!
Thursday January 19th, 2017
24 hours only!
Registration rates go UP at 12:01 AM January 20th, 2017!

www.AbraCORNdabra.coM

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10. MINDvention 2017
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Message by Danny Archer (US)

Mentalism is extremely popular right now and many people wonder they go to learn about this fascinating topic. MINDvention is the only open mentalism convention in the US and the thirteenth annual convention is coming up this November 13th - 15th in Las Vegas, NV. The special guest of honor and recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award is Rick Maue.

For one night only, Rick Maue is coming out of retirement to present his show, "A Fine Li(n)e". As many folks know, most of Rick's time is spent battling a series of serious medical conditions. However, as a major part of his ongoing therapy, Rick created this very unique play, and he has been performing it in a very intimate parlor setting in his own home.

"A Fine Li(n)e" is a tasteful blend of autobiographical monologue and mentalism. As Rick says, "The show is certainly more Spalding Gray than Derren Brown...but both art forms are treated with great respect and presented with pride." This will be your only opportunity to see Rick perform "A Fine Li(n)e"...unless you visit him at his home in Pittsburgh. So make your plans now to see his show in Las Vegas at MINDvention.

This year, in addition to the lectures on effects and techniques by performers; John Archer, Ted Karmilovich & Menny Lindenfeld (plus more to be announced) we will be focusing on the business and performing sides of mentalism.

Jamie Salinas and Robert Allen -The Business Side of The Seance Business.
Mindpro - Business Techniques for Mentalists
Bill Gladwell - Finding and Booking Your Show into Theaters
Willam Rader - Promoting your show and how to sell tickets
Joshua Lozoff -Theatrical Techniques for Mentalists
David Gerard - Performance of Mentalism
Plus more presenters to be announced.

There will also be a show each night and two workshops being offered the day after the convention.

Bob Cassidy will be holding court in Jack's Irish Pub there is a great dealer's room with all the latest props and effects, and I can promise you three full days of mentalism and business and performance techniques for mentalists. More info on our website... MINDvention

Danny Archer
MINDvention producer
www.mindvention.net

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11. McBride's Magic And Mystery School
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Message by Jeff McBride (US)

A documentary on Jeff McBride's Magic and Mystery School in Las Vegas.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBJHYhkch9s

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12. FISM 2018 Open For Registration
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Message by Joan Caesar (Canada)

FISM in South Korea

The 2018 FISM website is now open to take reservations. It will be continually updated with information about the convention. Now is the time to book your reservation in order to take advantage of the lowest fee and to be given the best seat possible for the Gala Shows:
www.2018fismbusan.com

I look forward to seeing you there.

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13. E-zine Archives
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Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to:
www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right "Archives"

When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order in folders for each year and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)

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14. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice
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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.magicnewzealand.com

Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.

The opinions and statements expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson QSM 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 QSM, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions or statements contained 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.