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: #1686
Date: Sunday 25th September 2022
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. The World Magic Convention
3. Reza On The Magic Word Podcast
4. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode No. 3
5. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #78
6. Broken Wand Mark Raffles
7. Tales from the Fantastic Magic Center - #11
8. Only Time Will Tell - John Carey #172
9. News From The Academy Of Illusions
10. Masters Of Illusion Live!
11. E-zine Archives
12. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice

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1. Editor's Message
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If you would like to read the Magic New Zealand e-zine in HTML format
go to: https://www.magicnewzealand.com/ezine-archive/2022-Jan-to-Dec2022/1686-Sep25-2022.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. The World Magic Convention
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International Brotherhood of Magicians, Sydney, Australia

It's this weekend folks! The World Magic Convention is happening on Saturday.

As it's overnight for those of us in Australia and New Zealand the WMC have announced that a recording of the entire event will be available to AUS/NZ ticket holders!

The World Magic Convention is an online event with 5 superb lecturers from the Magic and Entertainment industry together with a selection of fantastic Dealers, WMC Moments and Workshops.

The event is on the 24th September 2022 and commences at 1 pm London time with the final lecture starting at 10 pm London time.

More information here, this looks to the event of the year!

https://worldmagicconvention.com
https://www.facebook.com/worldmagicconvention

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3. Reza On The Magic Word Podcast
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Message by Scott Wells (USA)

Reza is a name that some of you know, but I'm guessing that most don't. But I expect that will soon change. Reza has been slowly gaining attention as the number one show in Branson, Missouri. He also tours with his illusion show, plus makes TV appearances around the globe. Reza is changing the landscape of entertainment in Branson as the tourist demographic (about 7MM tourists per year come through Branson), he is appealing to the younger families with his "Edge of Illusion" show. Some might think of him as a Criss Angel "wannabe" but he has created his own style, persona, and brand that speaks to a new generation. As everyone seems to be running to Las Vegas to "become a star", Reza has chosen a different path which he talks about in this week's episode of The Magic Word Podcast.

You can watch videos, read the blog, see some photos, get links and listen to the podcast at: https://www.themagicwordpodcast.com/scottwellsmagic/716-reza

Remember that you can really help the podcast grow if you will take a few minutes to give us a five star ranking on iTunes along with a comment on why you like the podcast. If you can't give us five stars, then hold off on your review and listen to a few more episodes from the archives. I'm sure you will soon be convinced like 10,000 other listeners that The Magic Word Podcast is the best magic podcast on the internet.

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4. Magic Museum Bellachini - Episode No. 3
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Message by Wittus Witt (Germany)

In the last episode I wrote about the first Bellachini, who became very famous. Today I report about the second Bellachini, who became even more famous.

His real name is Lukas Strack. Originally he was a bandmaster (conductor), but soon after he found his way to the art of magic when he joined the magician Ernst Basch in his theater as a music director.

Lukas Strack was also appointed a court artist and he received many other certificates from kings.

He was born on April 23, 1861 in a small village near Marburg, where he also died on November 17, 1930. He made it to a considerable wealth.

In the meantime, a plaque has been placed on his home in Marburg, indicating that the famous magician Lukas Strack-Bellachini lived here for many years.

For me personally, Lukas Strack-Bellachini became especially well known because the great-granddaughter lives in Marburg, Fe Strack, who has provided me with a great deal of material about her great-grandfather. She will also come to Hamburg for the opening of my museum on December 18.

It continues with the Bellachinis. See you next time.

Wittus Witt
www.hamburger-zaubermuseum.com

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5. No Stone Unturned - Paul Stone - Article #78
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Message by Paul Stone (US)

As I'm sure that anyone writing a weekly article will attest to, some weeks have more news to report than others. The copy deadlines seem to creep up on you and there are times when you literally don't have a clue what you're going to write about! This week though definitely isn't one of those weeks!

It is rare that one can write about losing two national treasures in the space of a few days, and even rarer that so much love and respect is universally shown for both lives. But that is undoubtedly the case in this instance.

The funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II was a never to be forgotten event, and even people who aren't in favour of the monarchy had to be in awe of the magnificent pageantry and precision of such a huge occasion. The spectacle was quite simply breathtaking, and delivered in a way that made me very proud to be British.

The Queen enjoyed excellent health throughout her long life, and one of the secrets to her continued popularity around the world was her ability to move seamlessly with the times and embrace the changing fashions. She radiated a warmth and kindness that everybody, from all walks of life could relate to.

As I was sitting down to write this week's article, I heard the sad news that Mark Raffles had passed away.

There are very few other people whose life I could write about or could compare in any way to that of the Queen, but Mark Raffles is one of them.

In some ways it seems appropriate that his passing coincided with that of Queen Elizabeth because they shared several common attributes.

Mark had lived a long and healthy life, and had recently celebrated his 100th Birthday. His career was nothing short of incredible and had spanned over 80 years, during which time he had performed under various different names and guises as a manipulator, a pickpocket, a poodle act, and a senile magician!

His ability to move with the times and completely reinvent himself was legendary, and throughout all the years he remained humble, kind and immensely likeable.

I knew Mark as a friend for over 50 years, and he was always a delight to spend time with, and I enjoyed many happy occasions with him and his devoted wife and on-stage partner Joan, often in the company of another dear and mutual friend Bill Thompson.

I booked Mark several times to appear in both corporate and charity shows, and he always scored well. I can still vividly remember one of his classic lines 'Eggo in the Baggo', as he performed the egg bag as only he could do it. And who could forget the live chicks running all the over the place at the end of his memorable cups & balls routine!

Mark & Joan had worked in virtually every theatre in the world, but the one he wanted to play most, had evaded him. It was the world famous London Palladium Theatre. So, when he was in his late 70's, Mark called me, knowing that I was producing a couple of Variety Shows each year at the Palladium, and asked if there was any chance that I could help him to realise his dream.

Mark was inevitably slowing down a little by then, but I was determined to make this happen for him. So, I came up with an idea of a special segment in a 'Variety Live at the Palladium' Show which I called a 'Tribute to Youth'.

This segment had three acts in it, two of which showcased young musicians and singers performing short spots, one of which actually featured both my sons Danny and Ben doing a Buddy Holly and Beatles tribute, and the other was the first ever appearance in a big theatre of a precocious young 12 year old girl with an enormous voice. Her name, Charlotte Church, who very soon after became a huge star.

Mark, assisted by Joan, sailed through his spot, immaculately and professionally, and loved every minute. And of course, he received a great ovation from the sold-out audience. He later described it as 'going to heaven'!

But, Mark wasn't done just yet, not by a long way! Over 10 years later, a couple of years after Mark had sadly lost his soulmate Joan, he contacted me again.

I was, by this time living in Las Vegas, and producing Variety and Magic Shows at a few different Hotels & Casinos. And surprise, surprise, Mark told me that he had one last item on his bucket list … he wanted to appear in Las Vegas!

So, a few months later, at the ripe old age of 90, Mark flew out to Las Vegas, and he performed his hilarious 'senile magician' act in one of my 'World Stars of Magic' Shows at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino.

I'm not sure who was more excited, him or me! It was an unforgettable experience, and one that I'll always remember.

I'll miss Mark greatly, he was above all, a true gentleman, and yes, he really was a National Treasure. RIP.

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6. Broken Wand Mark Raffles
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Message by Tim Raffles-Taylor on Facebook

Our Dad, Mark Raffles, pictured here with his 100th birthday card from the Queen, sadly passed away in his sleep on Sunday evening at 8.45 pm. The staff at his nursing home in Llandudno formed a guard of honour as he left Queen Elizabeth Court yesterday. Deeply loved and greatly missed. RIP Dad.

https://youtu.be/mBSXVFt5Xe4
The Legendary Mark Raffles on the Noel Edmunds show

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7. Tales from the Fantastic Magic Center - #11
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Message by Kent Cummins, Director (USA)

Felonious the Fool

Have you ever worked at a renaissance festival?

My first opportunity came in 1986, my first year as a full-time professional magician. One of my students was going to be Merlin at the Spring Magic Festival in San Antonio, and I was teaching him some tricks that Merlin could do. He invited me to also participate in the festival.

I didn't want to compete with him doing magic, so I created a different character. I figured that a court jester could do some magic, some juggling, some poetry, some physical comedy…just about anything!

Probably inspired by the jazz musician, Thelonious Monk, I came up with "Felonious the Fool." I rented a costume, and was off to the races (well, off to the Spring Magic Festival).

I enjoyed the experience of street performing, and later auditioned for Scarborough Faire, a spring renaissance festival in Waxahachie, Texas. Not only was I accepted as a paid performer, I was also allowed busking privileges (working for tips) and even became part of the performing company.

So, I commissioned a professional costume, and added "Oliver the Baby Dragon," a hand puppet that I had purchased from a toy store in Munich while on Army active duty. Scarborough Faire used the court jester as their symbol for that year's event, so Felonious the Fool would trumpet his horn to open the gates, and then lead the parade throughout the festival grounds.

I did 71 paid shows, and lots of impromptu performing for tips. Because of my brightly-colored costume (red and yellow with lots of bells), guests wanted to have their pictures taken with Felonious the Fool…often resulting in generous tips.

I have heard that most men are fools…but I am a professional fool!

The Fantastic Magic Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of magic. Check out my free weekly podcast at:

www.FantasticMagicCenter.com
kent@magichotline.com

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8. Only Time Will Tell - John Carey #172
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Message by John Carey (UK)
http://www.johncareymagic.co.uk/

How would you like to reveal a time, both the hours and minutes, that a spectator thinks of without any props? Well now you can! This effect is a joint collaboration between my great friend, the super talented Mick Wilson, and me. Recently via the phone I outlined a method
to Mick which he really liked. Within minutes he had designed a beautiful presentation for what you are about to learn. I will give you an outline of the script first, and then we will discuss the piece in detail.

"Mick, I would like to play a little mind game with you, using words and numbers. Firstly I'd like you to quickly think of a simple shape, like a star, but obviously not that. Got one? Now I'd like you to imagine seeing a clock face out in front of you in that shape, but it's completely blank.

We need an hour, so can you imagine that shape you are thinking of as a word please? Spell it out in your mind, letter by letter. Jump to the last letter again please, Mick. We did say we'd be working with numbers, so can you make a number that is spelt beginning with that letter? That's
great. You are doing well.

Now further imagine drawing in that number as an hour on the clock face that resides purely in your mind. Now we need some minutes. Can you double the number you are thinking of please? Now double it again, providing it doesn't take you beyond 60 minutes. Now mentally fill in those minutes for me Mick. Just concentrate and see that time you are thinking of and say it over and over in your mind and project it to me. Can I ask you a question? What is your favorite TV
program at 8:32?!"

So there's the script, which is very loose, relaxed and conversational in style. With propless effects, this is far better than a heavy and rigid monologue. So method wise, we are using a classical psy-force of a shape to make the clock face. When you ask a participant to quickly think of a simple shape, like a star, you are pretty much guaranteed they think of either a square, circle, triangle or rectangle. All four of these shapes when spelt end in an E.

From there we will use what Joshua Quinn calls thought chunneling to force the number eight on them as you ask your participant if they can think of a number that is spelt beginning with that letter, which of course, they can. Finally you ask them to double that number in their mind and
then double it once more to force 32 minutes. From there on it's pure effect. You can do it as a pure divination or maybe have a photograph in an envelope or an old pocket watch as predictions.

A huge thank you to Mick Wilson for his beautiful presentation he created for this effect. Now go out and frazzle some minds...

Additional Applications
Using the concept taught in the previous effect you can do so many other effects! Here's a list of stuff to get you started.

1. Spectator cuts to the Eights!
2. Have a numbered one-to-ten list of objects. Force eight and have them remember the object at that number. Then do a drawing duplication or divination.
3. Think a card. Once they are thinking of eight, have them add a suit to it to form a card. Then fish for the suit and reveal their thought of card.

You truly are only limited by your imagination! up we have...

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9. News From The Academy Of Illusions
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Message by Jay Scott Berry (Australia)

One of the benefits enjoyed by Magic Castle Junior Members is being allowed to attend the regular lectures. The first one I saw, in 1979, was presented by a magician that I'd never heard of, named Patrick Page. At the time, I was a cocky young buck, working at Hollywood Magic, quite certain that I knew everything. Well, it only took 15 minutes for this clever Scotsman to show me how little I actually knew! He was impeccable, in every way. I recall being completely blown away by the miracles he effortlessly performed. Then, when he explained them, I was even more impressed. The simplicity and sheer genius was like nothing I'd ever seen. As an entertainer, master magician and teacher, he was the epitome of a consummate showman.

When he came into the store the following day, I introduced myself, thanking him and gushing about how amazed I was by his lecture. He just smiled, shrugged his shoulders and let out a hearty laugh. That was the beginning of an incredible lifelong friendship.

We met again many times over the following years and I always learned something from watching him. He was jovial and gracious in sharing his latest effect or offering helpful suggestions. What impressed me most was that he was always in top form; each performance filled with boundless enthusiasm.

Patrick was a regular at the 4F Conventions, which showcase the world's finest sleight-of-hand performers. It didn't matter whether he used cards, coins, rings or ropes, they were always magic in his hands. He was one of the few master manipulators whose personality transcended the effect, and technique. Moreover, he always seemed to be having fun on stage and, as a result, was fun to watch!

In 2003, I invited him to join us for the Palace of Magic Festival in Scotland. Without even asking about the fee, he agreed. From then on, he was part of the Festival Team, and we performed dozens of shows together at Falkland Palace, Dalgety Castle and Stirling Castle.

My most treasured memory of Patrick was in 2006, in Poland, of all places. He and I were co-stars of the Krajowy Klub's convention in ?ód?. We flew in on the same plane from London, and neither of us knew what we were getting into. I had met the organizer, Jerzy Stanek, at the Dresden FISM in 1997. Patrick, as usual, had just accepted the gig, sight unseen.

I recall it was a pleasant flight, with a few drinks and Pat's inimitable stories. We arrived at the Warsaw airport, and what followed was simply the best, and most carefully conceived, ruses, I've ever experienced. Jerzy had told us to meet him at a cafe just past Customs. When Pat and I arrived, nobody was there. After about 10 minutes, Jerzy showed up, clearly flustered and asked us to wait a few minutes before running off. Pat and I looked at each other, both thinking that this whole thing might not have been such a good idea.

Jerzy showed up again, explaining that our ride hadn't arrived and asked if we were OK with driving in the back of a pick-up truck. I asked how far it was. He said, "Oh just a few hours." Mind you, it was mid-October, already past sunset. Patrick looked at him, then at me, as if to say, "You've got to be joking!" Well, Jerzy ran off again and we were left at an utter loss, thinking, how could this guy possibly be so disorganized. I recall even discussing getting back on the next plane and flying home!

As if on cue, Jerzy reappeared, again quite flustered, saying that he had arranged for a friend to drive us, apologizing that it was a very small car and we would have to squeeze in. Without even a hint of what was to come, he beckoned us to follow. What happened next was something I will never forget. Pat and I walked through the doors to a full-on, VIP, Red Carpet welcome, complete with Paparazzi, Bodyguards and Stretch Limousine! Needless to say, Pat and I were utterly floored. Jerzy just smiled, beaming from ear to ear, knowing full well that he had completely fooled us! From there on, everything was first class and we were given the royal treatment. The convention was great fun and, on the flight back to London, we were still laughing and shaking our heads in disbelief.

Every time we met after that, we would relive the story of our unbelievable visit to Poland. Some years later, when Patrick left us to journey on to the Magic Castle in the Sky, I could only wonder, and hope, that he received a similar, red carpet welcome.

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10. Masters Of Illusion Live!
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Message by Steve Moyer (US)

Masters of Illusion Live! - 2022 Fall Canada and U.S. Tour

Masters of Illusion Live!, America's largest touring magic show featuring the greatest magicians of our time will tour Canada and the U.S. from September 27 - October 16, 2022. This tour stars magicians Dan Sperry, Michael Turco and Naathan Phan, each of whom has appeared multiple times on The CW Network's hit television series of the same name. Magical assistants Kanoe Mann and Tiffini DeNinis will also be featured in the show.

Now's your chance to see these show stopping magicians up close and in person at select theatres in Canada and the U.S. on their fall tour. The family fun show also features audience participation, as well as a Meet and Greet with the magicians in the lobbies of theatres after each performance. Here is a sizzle reel of what to expect in the touring show: https://vimeo.com/747051129/16cc606b05

These modern masters of illusion display skills that have taken a lifetime to perfect, and audience members will be baffled by their astounding skills, large-scale illusions, sleight-of-hand, perplexing interactive mind magic, comedy and dangerous escapes.

Master of Illusion Live! is a huge stage phenomenon born from the multi-award winning television series Masters of Illusion, which celebrated its 8th Anniversary Season airing on The CW Network in 2022. The stage show, Master of Illusion has been presented live in front of tens of thousands of people across the U.S.A. and around the world. It has been seen by over 100 million viewers on The CW Network and in 126 countries around the world. Master of Illusion tours American cities annually, and has had residencies in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and Atlantic City.

The 2022 Tour Schedule for Masters of Illusion Live! in Canada and the U.S. is as follows:
Sunday, September 27, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, 130 Navy Street, Oakville, ON L6J 2Z4, Canada
Wednesday and Thursday, September 28 and 29, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Flato Markham Theatre, 171 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, Ontario, L3R 8G5
Friday, September 30, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. at The Vine at Del Lago Resort and Casino, 855 del Lago, 1133 State Route 414, Waterloo, NY 13165
Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Community Arts Center, 220 West 4th Street, Williamsport, PA 17701
Sunday, October 2, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, 21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg, PA 15601
Thursday, October 6, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts, 2 Southbridge Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Friday, October 7, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. at Wind Creek Event Center, 77 Wind Creek Boulevard, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. at NYCB Theatre at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590-1718
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. at Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004
Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Count Basie Center for the Arts, 99 Monmouth Street, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Friday, October 14, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. at Bergen Performing Arts Center, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. at Lynn Memorial Auditorium, 3 City Hall Square, Lynn, MA 01901
Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. at St. George Theatre, 35 Hyatt Street, Staten Island, NY 10301

The tour of Masters of Illusion Live! premiered in September 2011 and is in its 11th season. The tour has played 225 shows in 147 venues, 29 states, 6 countries and 3 continents. Please check with each individual theatre for information about the pandemic protocols. For more information and a complete Fall 2022 Canada and U.S. tour schedule and to purchase tickets, please visit the official website: www.mastersofillusionlive.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MastersofIllusion
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mastersofillus

About The Magicians appearing in the Fall 2022 Canada and U.S. Live Tour:

Dan Sperry, the Shock Illusionist and Anti-Conjuror, who hails from Las Vegas, NV has been described as David Copperfield meets Marilyn Manson and is the only illusionist to ever be awarded the title of most original magician on FOX's "World Magic Awards." His show combines illusion and the bizarre with satirical macabre humor.

It is non-stop mayhem set to an industrial musical score with razor blades, buzz saws, voodoo, blood and more. Sperry has toured with Masters of Illusion Live! and was featured in the 6th and 7th seasons of the hit television series Masters of Illusion on The CW Network.
Website: https://dansperry.com/
Twitter, Instagram: @dansperry
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZz78woNJHoCnBoTiEW8XZQ

Michael Turco fell in love with the mystery of magic when he was just five-years-old, growing up in Wayne, NJ. Spending his summers just miles from the strip in Atlantic City, Turco saw every magic show in the area and was intent to master each trick and illusion on his own. He has had his own show in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood casino and brought a little bit of Jersey to the strip.

The press describes Turco as "a natural born talent… a true success story." Michael Turco has been with the Masters of Illusion tour for several years now and has appeared multiple times on the award winning TV series Masters of Illusion on The CW Network. (Please note, Legendary Magician, Jonathan Pendragon will be appearing in the show on at the Lynn Memorial Auditorium on Saturday, October 15th, not Michael Turco.)
Website: www.turcomagic.com
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @michaelturco

Naathan Phan is a multi-talented, award-winning entertainer, hailing from Anaheim, CA who has headlined stages across the globe, appeared in films such as Superbad, has been regularly featured on national television networks including NBC, Syfy, The CW, and Comedy Central since the age of 23. He is also a regular performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA. Phan has wowed audiences around the world with everything from his high-energy, close-up magic and stand up comical shenanigans to this theater-shaking opera singing and his mind-blowing stage illusions and celebrity impressions. He has appeared on Masters of Illusion and Penn & Teller: Fool Us on The CW, Don't Blink, The Hollywood Christmas Parade, America's Got Talent and Wizard Wars.

Website: https://www.magicasianman.com
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @magicasianman

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11. 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 centre 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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12. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice
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Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.

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