* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #41 Date: Sunday 1st 2000 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editors Message 2. Next New Zealand National Magicians Convention - December 2001/January 2002 3. 'Women in Magic' 4. Darling Harbour at evenings 5. Regarding Jack Poulter's questions/co mments 6. Further comments on smoke and fire in a magic show 7. Canadian Association of Magicians - accepted as a member of FISM 8. "It's Magic 2000" 9. KC Magic Auction if FREE until 2001 10. Dondrake's Lecture Dates 11. Rowley Storey passed away on Thursday 21 September 12. Update on - Australia "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2000 13. Celebrating "50 Years of PC Sorcar Ring # 83 14. Bloemfontein Magic Society 4 day Convention 15. I Bet It's Your Card 16. Free websites for magicians 17. 'The Great Bamboozl Em'....your very own Edgar Benyon!! 18. Magic News and Magic Web Channel update 19. World's Most Dangerous Magic 20. "Magicana" Magazine 21. Diarise these events 22. News Items 23. MagicNZ e-zine archives 24. Benefit of subscribing to the MagicNZ e-zine 25. Subscription Management 26. Contact Information. ------------------------------------- 1. Editors Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One IBM Ring 160 has taken up the challenge of hosting the next New Zealand National Magic Convention. Conventions are extremely important for the young and up and coming magicians as it gives them a goal to work towards. Read item 2 If there are any New Zealand magicians who have not received the Newsflash bulletins over the past week on the Danny Archer lectures please e-mail me urgently and I'll include you on the list. Danny Archer - lectures Auckland Date: Monday 2nd October 2000 Venue: K. Road Car Park, Newton, Auckland Time: 7.30pm Contact: Alan Watson e-mail: alan@watson.co.nz Palmerston North Date: Tuesday 3rd October 2000 Venue: Awapuni Commuity Hall. Newbury St, Palmerston North Time: 7.30pm Contact: Norm Twigg (06) 357 8232 Wellington Date: Wednesday 4th October 2000 Time: 7.30pm Contact: Michael Woolf e-mail: michaelw@ihug.co.nz Christchurch Date: Thursday 5th October 2000 Venue: Home of Greg Britt, 23 Halswell Junction Road, Halswell, Christchurch. Time: 7.00pm Contact: Greg Britt e-mail: elgregoe@inet.net.nz David O'Connor Kiwi residing in South Africa writes: "Your E-Zine is so popular here as we feel somewhat cut off from mainstream magic" Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: alan@watson.co.nz ------------------------------------- 2. Next New Zealand National Magicians Convention **- December 2001/January 2002 -** ------------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) Secretary/Treasurer IBM Ring 160 As Secretary/Treasurer of Ring 160 Aotearoa I am delighted to announce that our Ring will host the next New Zealand National Magicians Convention in December 2001/January 2002 at a North Island venue yet to be confirmed. This motion was passed unanimously by the fifteen members present at our club meeting on September 27th. The exact dates will also be confirmed in due course but will probably be December 26th 2001 to January 1st 2002.An initial list of 10 members has been confirmed for a committee (with power to co-op) and, once our club has run our forthcoming day of magic in three weeks time we will meet and commence some serious planning with approximately twelve months to do the job. ---------------------------------- 3. 'Women in Magic' ---------------------------------- Message from Sue-Anne Webster (Aust) Thanks to everyone who responded to 'Women in Magic'. It has been interesting to note that some readers are aware of the extremely small percentage of females in the magic world. Unfortunately, some people just didn't read the article properly and responded by enlightening everyone with a "Who's Who" of female magicians. Thank you very much... but as I have an extensive library of magic history books, countless magic magazines, a link to the EG, and regularly attend magic conventions. I am very well aware of many female magicians out there doing their thing. You forgot to mention Melinda, Melanie Kerr, Cath Jamison, Keiko Muto, Katia, Valerie, Roxanne, Elena Akatova, Dina, Yumi, Valeri Bostrokov, Nana Hitomi, Irina, Maritess, The Watson girls, and there are many others. (Like their male counterparts, some are "magicians" while others just have a "magic act".) But it doesn't take a genius to see that the number of females attending magic clubs and conventions (and out of that, those who actually do perform) are very few in number! An educated guess would be about 1 female for every 200 men. What female magician is the equal to Lance Burton... or Siegfried and Roy...or Penn and Teller? The article was intended as a "beginning" to take a look at WHY there are so few female magicians when compared to men. I admire some female magicians for some of their qualities... but I can't think of a single woman in magic that I can look to as a mentor. I don't want to be scantily dressed if I don't need to be... I'm not a dancer, I like to have fun with my audience... give them a good time... to make them think and feel that they're involved, I like to use magic as a vehicle to get a point across, or parody a situation. I'm not one to just copy the norm, point and look angry... wow, I've shoved someone in a box for no apparent reason... and oh, look... they're out again, unscathed... whoopee doo! But, even if I wanted to prance about the stage and act the "norm", there are not many girlies doing this... and WHY?!... There are plenty of female singers, actors, dancers, comedians in ratio to their male counterparts... but what is it about the magic world that doesn't attract women like it does men? If you have any note worthy comments on this, I'm sure the magic world would be very interested to find out. http://www.MagicUnlimited.com ---------------------------------- 4. Darling Harbour at evenings ---------------------------------- Message from Nick Nicolas (NZ) I'm busking doing my cups and balls outside the MCA on circular quay 'till the end of the Olympics also Darling Harbour at evenings. ---------------------------------- 5. Regarding Jack Poulter's questions/comments ---------------------------------- Message from Steve Dacri (USA) Good morning from Los Angeles! Jan and I just returned from the latest East Coast trip, this time we were in Boston, Portland, Maine, and Montreal, Canada. More on this in a minute. Regarding Jack Poulter's questions/comments relative to my article on legend Sidney Radner, he brings up a good point, wondering why the really private or good stuff in the Houdini collections, particularly in Appleton, are not on display. I spoke with Sid about this, and he explained that although many of Houdini's actual arifacts are on display, many things cannot be displayed, such as some of Houdini's actual notebooks, letters, and other fragile paper items. These are kept hidden away, but for the proper visitor, Sid usually calls ahead, or the museum itself makes arrangements to show some of this material. Basically, to preserve the paper, many items cannot be on display, so they are kept in files and notebooks safely. True enthusiasts can view them, under supervision and by appointment. Think about it: How could they possibly display such things as Houdini's personal scrapbooks and notes? People could not really be allowed to handle them, and the closed book sitting under glass would only frustrate those wanting to see inside. Sid showed me one of Houdini's actual scrapbooks while Jan & I was at his home. What he did was, he had the scrapbook original pages copied, and the copied pages were assembled into a scrapbook for viewing. To see pages that were from newspapers in the early 1900's, some with Houdini's handwritten notations, and playbills and ad materials from Houdini was quite exciting, and I could understand that the actual papers, which I also looked at, would never last with the oil and dirt that human fingers would deposit on the surface. So, in order to enjoy and read some of the articles and notes, the copies represent a perfect solution. Of course, it's a lot like going to an art museum and seeing a Xerox copy of the Mona Lisa instead of the original. Frustrating, yes. But in the case of fragile paper items such as Houdini collection stuff, quite necessary. The Houdini Historical Center in Appleton is a wonderful place dedicated to protection of the collection, most of which is owned by Sid Radner and on loan. They do a wonderful job, mostly with volunteers, and the support of magic enthusiasts the world over, not to mention the never ending work of their honorary Curator Sid. I highly recommend that everyone who loves magic become a member, it's only $20. per year, and you receive a terrific magazine each month. Send your money to the Houdini Historical Center, 330 E. College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911. Their telephone number is 920-733-8445. Make it a point to visit the place, you won't be disappointed. Just let me know before you go and I will have Sid arrange for you to view some of the items not on display. Jan & I will be planning a visit and video taping in the near future there, which will become part of the hats and rabbits library and will also run as a segment in the weekly MagicWebTV series, "Magic Spotlight". Which brings us back to the East Coast trip. We recently got the go ahead to produce 13 episodes of "Magic Spotlight", which will debut shortly on a computer near you. We will also make the shows available on video. The show can best be described as a "magazine" show, focusing on magic, with segments taped all over the world. The show will originate from an island in the Caribbean, and feature interviews, magic performances, street magic, and visits to many magical landmarks and shops. As you know, we began shooting material for this series during FISM, and so far, Jan & I have logged enough frequent flyer miles to fly around the world 6 times. Now if we only had the time to take that trip... Anyway, our trip to Boston began with the taping of our "MagicMan on the Street" segment, and then we were off to Portland, Maine. Jan was doing her memory lecture for Boise Cascade and 3M, on the same bill as the REAL Patch Adams...what a guy. He loved Jan's memory lecture, which she has been doing for over 25 years. We spend some time with Patch after the show. I played the part of cameraman and video taped her presentation, as well as Patch's. We will talk about him in another column, as he had some interesting comments for magicians and clowns I want to share with you. The next day we drove to Montreal, (who's idea was THAT?), taped magician interviews, and visited Canada's oldest (22 years and still going strong!) and finest magic shop, Perfect Magic, as well as another colourful magic shop, Spectrum Magic. Two shops, different as night and day, one is hidden away from the public, catering only to magicians (Perfect Magic), and one is on the street, with the typical whoopee cushions and doggie doo alongside the magic products and books. Again, more on this trip later... Thursday was spent at the world headquarters of Mark Wilson, putting the finishing touches on our plans to start airing commercials, infomercials actually, for one of Mark's fabulous video magic kits. Hatsandrabbits.com will be sponsoring this campaign, designed to get the word out to magicians and magic enthusiasts throughout the U.S. We will let you know when they hit the air. Mark has accepted our offer to be the Chairman of the Board for the hatsandrabbits.com. This is very exciting, and we are honoured to have one of magic's true icons as part of this wonderful, massive project. We will have more news about this and we will reveal our list of esteemed Panel of Magic Advisors for the magic web channel very soon. We held our weekly web channel meeting yesterday at the Magic Castle lunch, with web master Karen, Design team leader Skid, Jan, Chairman of the Board Mark, and myself, under the watchful eye of key advisor and magic Guru Milt, who really outdid himself on the Friday menu Torial. By the way, Milt's long in the works new book is due in November, featuring magic anecdotes from the past, stories of some of the greats and near greats that have filled the Magic Castle over the years. Priceless stuff I can't wait to see. Drop an email to Magicmilt@aol.com and order an autographed first edition. Jan & I have a date tonight with our dear friend, Mexico's magic sensation Fernando Keops, also a member of the Panel of Magic Advisors. He is finishing up his second week at the Castle, this time in the Palace of Mystery, where he has been knocking 'em dead at every show. Fernando is one of magic's most versatile, and personable entertainers, and we are proud that he is a part of this massive project (did I say MASSIVE again?). In closing, I want to again thank everyone for the words of support and encouragement for this project. Everyone is anxiously awaiting the grand opening of the site, including me, but when I look at the mountain of work it entails, I wonder if we will ever get it done! We will, of course, as we are assembling a team of certifiable crazy people to help. Writers are needed! We are looking for folks to write stuff, magic stuff, funny stuff, serious stuff, etc. It doesn't matter where you live, we are assembling a group of people from all over the world to contribute occasional pieces on anything that has to do with magic people, places, things, or just opinions and rants. According to the latest figures, 76 million Americans and 30 million non-Americans are active Internet users, and it's growing rapidly. That's a lot of people to be able to talk to! If anyone is interested, drop me a note and we'll talk. (Perks are really good!) ---------------------------------- 6. Further comments on smoke and fire in a magic show ---------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (USA) Dan Garrett pointed out in NZ#38 it is best to think ahead in selecting a Dry Ice device like Jay Scott Berry is professing. I've built hundreds of flash pots (mostly using the U.S.A. standard house voltage of 110) for magicians, television and movie use. Back in the 1960s was asked by a magic dealer to publish instructions on how to build them. Turned down the request because of the States liability laws. Did not want to spend the rest of my life paying for someone else's stupid act. However, about that time I started to think of what I had seen a record pantomime act use on a stage show in 1958. The performer sprayed the audience with smoke from a fire extinguisher. It was funny and did no harm to the people. About 1963, Mark Wilson and I were asked to produce Santa Clause at a Christmas show we were doing. Mark was concerned that we did not have a box big enough for Santa to fit in. I told Mark, no problem. We just held up a sheet on the side of the stage, Santa stepped behind it, and I shot a big burst of smoke from a chemical fire extinguisher found back stage, sheet dropped to the floor and Santa stepped through the smoke. Since then, I've used the CO2 fire extinguisher hundreds of times to produce smoke rather then a flash pot. In some ways, it is better then a dry-ice smoke generated machine. The laws are tightening up in the States and the rest of the world. Black gun power flash pots are out. I would suggest that you get your own CO2 extinguisher and get information on how to use and recharge it. Don't do what I did in the early days of "borrowing" one from back stage. That's a No, No. The use of red silk material with shades of black paint and cut to look like flames of fire have been used with a blowing fan for years in theatre to simulate fire. Disney as other theme parks, uses this method to simulate fires in many of their rides with an oil smoke machine. And if anyone would like to hear how I got and still get away with doing my lighted cigarette act you'll have to ask ------------------------------------- 7. Canadian Association of Magicians - accepted as a member of FISM ------------------------------------- Message from Joan Caesar (Canada) The Canadian Association of Magicians was accepted as a member of FISM during it's convention in Lisbon this past summer. It's the first time Canada has been represented although we have had magicians such as Greg Frewin, Carl Cloutier and Juliana Chen compete and win awards there. I don't know if it's too early to mention this or not. The Canadian Association of Magicians is holding it's first convention in Waterloo Ontario June 8-10, 2001. The entertainment is not confirmed yet, but we plan to have top performers from a variety of countries. I'll let you know further details after contracts are signed. ---------------------------------- 8. IBM Ring 160 Day of Magic ---------------------------------- Daryl Will Be At IBM Ring 160 Day of Magic At The Dolphin Theatre Onehunga, Auckland On The Sunday Of Labour Weekend 22 October 2000 10 Am - 10 Pm Mini Magic Convention Daryl the world famous "magician's magician" will give a lecture, a close-up demonstration, and will feature on the Evening Gala Show. He will have new magic for sale. He will not be lecturing anywhere else in New Zealand. This will be your only chance to meet him. The Gala Show will also feature Bill and Marie Seagraves with their hilarious "Not so Act", and some of New Zealand's top magicians. Registrations are filling fast, and late registrants cannot be guaranteed a seat for the Gala Show at 7:30 pm. There will be Quick Trick, Close-up, and Stage Competitions for Seniors and Juniors. (Juniors : under 16 years of age on 22.10.2000.) Re-cycle your magic at the Swap Meet. Your Registration Fee covers the whole day, the Gala Show, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea for the magicians of New Zealand. Registration Fees: 1st person $40.00. 2nd person/partner $30.00. Children/student $20.00 Competition Prizes: Close-Up 5 minutes Seniors: 1st $100.00 2nd $50.00. 3rd $25.00 Juniors: 1st $ 50.00 2nd $30.00 3rd $15.00 Stage Act 10 minutes Seniors: 1st $150.00 2nd $75.00 3rd $25.00 Juniors: 1st $ 75.00 2nd $50.00 3rd $25.00 To Register for "It's Magic 2000" and to enter the Competitions, contact Tony Wilson Secretary/Treasurer IBM Ring 160 14 Roadley Ave, Pakuranga, Auckland. Ph (09) 576-9581. Mobile 025 771-240. Fax (09) 572-0504. E-mail twilson@xtra.co.nz IBM Ring 160 Day of Magic Is Sponsored By IBM Ring 160, Aotearoa, For All Magicians. ---------------------------------- 9. KC Magic Auction if FREE until 2001 ---------------------------------- Thats Right Sellers.. It's Free.. Say NO to Ebay Fee's .. Say Yah to KC Magicauction... \ Just look at us now!... http://www.kcmagicauction.com We here a KC Magicauction would like to Thank You for your support! We are excited about our new LOOK! http://www.kcmagicauction.com Now for that Special Magical Announcement............. NO LISTING FEE'S UNTIL 2001......... That's right Sellers! NO fee's will be charge on your account until 2001. Just let us know when your account runs low and we will filler up FREE!!!!!! *** Dutch Auction's are always welcome... and now are FREE! *** Proxy Bidding is now in place for you BUYERS!!!!! *** Don't miss this special offer. With the holidays coming up fast. SAVE MONEY!! KC Magic Auction if FREE until 2001.. http://www.kcmagicauction.com Thanks & Good Selling and HIGH Bidding! K.C. Magic Auction ---------------------------------- 10. Dondrake's Lecture Dates ---------------------------------- Message from Dondrake (USA) Dondrake will be performing and lecturing on the history and modern use of "Black Art Magic" in your area soon! The following dates are scheduled. Colorado Springs, Sept. 26, 2000 7:30pm Wichita, Kansas - Sept. 30, 2000 Chicago, IL at Magic, Inc. Oct. 3rd, 2000 St. Louis, MO - Oct. 6, 2000 Chicago, IL - Midwest Magic - Oct. 7, 2000 Indianapolis, IN - Oct. 9, 2000 7:00pm Garden City, MI - Detroit area - Oct. 17, 2000 Northern, VA (pending) Oct. 19, 2000 Colon, MI - "Day of Lectures Festival" Oct. 21, 2000 Knoxville, TN - Oct.23, 2000 Milwaukee, WI - Oct. 25, 2000 - IBM Ring 41, 7:30pm Hartford, CT - Oct. 30, 2000 Rhode Island - Society of Magicians - Nov. 7, 2000 - 8:00pm Boston, MA - November 10, 2000 Raleigh, NC - November 15, 2000 (pending) More lecture dates and times coming soon! Don will also be demonstrating his world famous "Wizard's Table" as well as the "Wizard's Curtain" and also his amazing "Diminishing Card" routine! Don's new "white card table" act is now included in his lecture. Picture yourself walking on an empty stage with only a white card table. The legs of the card table are opened up, one at a time, facing your audience! When the table is placed in position, the audience can clearly see your legs under the table, so they know there are no mirrors, false partitions, etc. You now proceed to produce a large foulard from thin air! With the help of the foulard, you can produce, vanish or change anything you wish, up to and including people sized objects! The white card table has become a black art table, with no visible props! For complete details on this routine and many others, order Don's video today, or come see the lecture! Be sure to purchase a copy of Don's book, "Black Art Breakthroughs" Inside are all the secrets you will need to perform black art magic in your show! If you would like to book Don for a "Black Art Lecture" at your magic club, please contact him via email DONDRAKE@aol.com ------------------------------------- 11. Rowley Storey passed away on Thursday 21 September ------------------------------------- Deane Le Cornu (Sec Ring 148) Rowley Storey passed away on Thursday 21 September aged 88 years. Rowley came to Adelaide in the late 1950's and joined Garden City Ring 148 in 1958. He had been in continuous membership since that time. His flamboyant nature made him a natural for emcee roles during his earlier years. Sadly he had been unable to attend meetings for some years due to mobity problems, but still took a keen interest in the Adelaide Magic scene. ------------------------------------- 12. Update on - Australia "World Festival Of Magic" Tour 2000 ------------------------------------- Message from Chris Price (NZ) Friday 29th BRISBANE 1pm - 4pm Saturday 30TH BRISBANE 1pm - 4pm - 7pm Brisbane Entertainment Centre Sunday 1st OCTOBER GOLDCOAST 12.30pm - 3.30pm Palmbeach Currumbin High School Monday 2nd LISMORE 5pm - 7.30pm Lismore & District Workers Club Wednesday 4th NEWCASTLE 4.30pm - 7pm Thursday 5TH NEWCASTLE 2pm - 4.30pm Civic Theatre Friday 6th BONDI 11am - 2pm - 5pm Saturday 7th BONDI 11am - 2pm - 5pm Enmore Theatre Sunday 8th ST GEORGE 11am - 2pm - 5pm St George Leagues Club Monday 9th GOSFORD 2.30pm - 5pm - 7.30pm Mingarra Recreation Club Wednesday 11th PARRAMATTA 2pm - 4.30pm - 7.30p Blacktown Workers Club Thursday 12th PENRITH 12.30pm - 4.30pm -7pm Penrith Panthers Entertainment Centre Saturday 14th WOLLONGONG 2pm-4.30pm-7pm Woonona Bulli RSL Sunday 15th FAIRFIELD 2pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Monday 16th FAIRFIELD 12.30pm -4.30pm-7pm Mt Pritchard Community Centre Tuesday 17th CANBERRA 5pm - 7.30pm Llewellyn Hall Wednesday 18th ALBURY 4.30pm -7pm Performing Arts Centre Friday 20th MILDURA 4.30pm - 7.30pm Chaffey College Hall Saturday 21st BENDIGO 5pm - 7.30pm Eaglehawk Secondary School Sunday 22nd GEELONG 2pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Geelong High School Tuesday 24th BURNIE 4.30pm - 7pm Town Hall Wednesday 25th LAUNCESTON 5pm - 7.30pm Princess Theatre Thursday 26th HOBART 2pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Wrest Point Hotel Casino Friday 27th DEVONPORT 4.30pm - 7pm Town Hall Sunday 29th MELBOURNE 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Monday 30th MELBOURNE 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Tuesday 31st MELBOURNE 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Wednesday 1st NOVEMBER MELBOURNE 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Melbourne Town Hall Friday 3rd BALLARAT 5pm - 7.30pm The Civic Theatre Sunday 5th ADELAIDE 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Monday 6th ADELAIDE 1.30 - 4.30 - 7.30 Norwood Concert Hall Thursday 9 KALGOORLIE 2pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Kalgoorlie Town Hall Saturday 11th PERTH 1pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Sunday 12th PERTH 1pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Monday 13th PERTH 1pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Tuesday 14th PERTH 1pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Wednesday 15th PERTH 1pm - 4.30pm - 7pm Regal Theatre ------------------------------------- 13. Celebrating "50 Years of PC Sorcar Ring # 83 ------------------------------------- Message from Salil Kumar Kundu (India) " We, the members of the I.B.M. PC Sorcar Ring # 83 -- Calcutta India are celebrating the "50 Years of PC Sorcar Ring # 83" since April 1999, with various magical activities. Now the Curtain-Call Ceremony will be held on November 5, 2000. The Fun-filled day of Edu-tainment will include 3 Lecture/ demonstrations and two magic shows titled, 'Magicians of Yeaster-year' and 'Magicians of To-day's'. A very valuable souvenir will be published to commemorate the day of celebration which will contain various informative/educative and interesting articles from the pen of magical giants from around the world. If you are, by chance or by sheer magic, in and/or around the city on that day; please join us and enjoy the fun. I assure you that you will be thrilled with the Indian hospitality. So for details, e-mail SALIL KUMAR KUNDU, 'Solyl Kundu, The Magician' at solylkundu@vsnl.com " ------------------------------------- 14. Bloemfontein Magic Society 4 day Convention ------------------------------------- Message from David J O'Connor (South Africa) Dear fellow N Z E-Zine members, I have just returned from attending the Bloemfontein Magic Society 4 day Convention held at the Masselspoort Resort Centre. Masselspoort can best be described as like large New Zealand Motor Camp with accommodation in self contained chalets, called rondavels. The Convention was a tremendous success where 70 delegates shared in fellowship, fun and magic. Special credit must go to the organizers Louis Muller and Geppie Fourie, the only 2 members of the Bloemfontein Magic Society who managed to put the whole thing together so successfully. There was a tremendous spirit of camaraderie and friendship, excellent lectures, workshops and gala shows. After registration and Thursday night cocktail party get-to-gether, Friday saw the Dealers demonstrations begin. They were represented by, The Magic Shop Capetown, Theatrix of Johannesburg, Jimmy Ritchie of Johannesburg, and Exor of Johannesburg. There was a large display of used magic and props from the late Jimmy Boje estate as well which drew good crowds of curious buyers. The first lecture featured Martino, (SA) and Steve Sandormierski (USA) on Close-Up magic with a "hands on" workshop approach. From the Elmsley Count, The Classic Force, Top Changes and other card sleights were covered. Good practical stuff. The second lecture featured Martino again, with Marco the clown who displayed the differences between a magician acting as a clown, and a clown acting as a clown. Marco is a highly skilled circus background clown, who displayed his many talents and skills, to an enthralled audience. Marco is South Africa's answer to Paul Rohmany's Charlie Chaplin act. Brilliant ! Later, yours truly delivered a hands on lecture on Psychic Entertainment and mentalism, while promoting my new book on mentalism, A Mental Legacy. Friday evening featured the Gala Show, highlighting some of South Africa's best entertainers. Notable acts featured, comedy & juggling by Colin Underwood, Ted & Dorothy Grffiths little people marionettes, Gareth Lush, ventriquiloquist supreme with Bobby the baboon. A marvelous act. Steve Sandomierski a recent competitor from FISM, dazzled us with superb card manipulations. Adrian Smith from Durban presented a very nice dove act, while a slightly tipsy Jimmy Ritchie (South Africa's Frank Sinatra) presented an hilarious Multiplying Bottles, and laugh attracting magic. Terry and Gordon, (Exor), recently returned from Switzerland, presented their Yapping Yorkie Show to a delighted audience. Mystrix baffled with, Through the Eye of a Needle illusion, while Jannie & Zureka DuBruin completely mystified the audience with their mysterious ESP and telepathic powers. Theirs is a world class mental act. Geppie Fourie working to music, used colored liquids and silks, to present a very colorful stage show. Guest artist Pat Levey from the U K presented a classical act using a huge Multum & Parvo where all the liquid vanished in a thimble. He did a classic Zombie routine, and the mutulated parasol was done very convincingly. South Africa's most accomplished man of magic, Martino held the show together as MC with audience participation, mystifying front tab magic. The Gala Show was repeated on the Saturday night, again to a very appreciative audience. Saturday saw the Dealers doing business again, then Pat Levey, member of the London Magic Circle spoke to us on various aspects of the art of magic, touching on ethics and principals, and the protocol of Magic. A most in-depth and highly enjoyable, yet practical talk. Between lectures many were observed trying their newly learnt sleights or moves, or discussing various methods of performing different effects. It was a very relaxed Convention with input and sharing. For those that did not attend the Saturday evening Gala Show, the Funny Man of S A Magic, the inimitable Lawrence Ginsberg brought tears to the eyes of his audience with his bizarre comedy cabaret act. Lawrence does relatively simple effects, with high impact humour, one-liners, gags and nonsense, which never ceases to bewilder and amaze. His comedy is very infectious, (and at times a bit naughty), but one can't help but love the man to bits. He has become an institution, and gets so much out of his volunteers. Tony from Cape Town then introduced us to his marionettes with a variety of figures, one of which as a stripper, removed all her clothes! The late night sessions drew the usual finger flingers and close up workers well into the wee hours, each one anxious to try and bewilder their friends.. Sunday saw chaps rushing off to the Dealers again while the SAMCO delegates met briefly to discuss the business of magic. Brian Marshall perhaps one of the country's most experienced and learned magicians, delivered his lecture titled, The Psychology of Magic. Once again we were treated to a variety of subjects, touching on often neglected sensitive subjects and an overall view of where magic is headed for the future. Brian's wisdom and insight were greatly appreciated. After lunch one of South Africa's best loved country singers, Charley Dicks entertained us in concert with a variety of English and Afrikaans songs and medleys, to a foot stomping, and sing along crowd of magicians. Charley was assisted by her husband Andre on keyboards. Then we boarded the bus for a grand tour of the city of Bloemfontein, which is the heart of Afrikaans culture. It is the only city in the world to have a nature reserve in the centre, where antelope and giraffe roam freely. We had a panoramic view of the city below from signal hill, then went on to view the various historical buildings like the law courts, city hall, theatres, museums, monuments, the waterfront, noting the unique style and sand stone architecture. The city has a feeling of deep historical significance. Then as it darkened we made our way to the zoological gardens for a braaivleis (barbecue) in the thatched Lapha. All around us were the night sounds of the animals, and then it was off on a guided tour to see the big cats under floodlight being fed. Lion, Tiger, Cheetah, Leopard, Jaguar, Puma and the famous White Lion, all in magnificent condition. Then it was back to the log fire, a little impromptu magic, and then back on the bus for our last night at Masslespoort. I vaguely remember some singing on the bus, others practicing with the inevitable pack of cards while others just dozed. Monday morning's farewell breakfast saw hugs all round and promises to return for the next Convention scheduled for Johannesburg in 2001, to be hosted by AIM and JMC. Bloemfonteins Convention will long be remembered as the "friendly" convention, where we all learnt something practical and of value. Magic is alive and well in South Africa, and whether we are magicians in New Zealand or South Africa, we can all be proud to belong to the worlds greatest brotherhood. ------------------------------------- 15. I Bet It's Your Card ------------------------------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) This is an outrageous bit of nonsense that I have used, on and off, for more than 40 years. It's a trick with cards (although I'm no great fan of card tricks) but, more importantly, it has a twist ending that will stick in your audience's memory long after that sponge ball routine that took you a year to learn is gone. It works best in an informal situation - around the table after dinner, at the bar, that sort of thing - when you have not-so-subtly turned to conversation to magic. I Bet It's Your Card Effect: The magician has a card selected and the deck shuffled or cut several times. He then turns a number of cards over, stopping at one point and telling the volunteer: "I bet you that the next card I turn over will be your card." The volunteer takes the bet - for obvious reasons - and the magician does what he said he would do - with a twist. Presentation: There's no set up here and it can be done with a borrowed deck. Have the deck shuffled and returned to you, glancing at the bottom card as you take the deck. Yes, the whole thing works with a bottom key card. Have a card selected, noted, and returned to the top of the top half of the deck. Put the bottom half on top of all that. The chosen card is now directly below the key card. False shuffle the deck or have a spectator give it a series of complete cuts; the cuts will not change the cyclical order of the cards; the key card is still above the chosen card. Deal the cards face up on the table, spreading them around in a sloppy pile, passing the key card and noting the next card - the chosen card. Don't rush this; deal fairly slowly. Without saying anything or changing rhythm; deal about another 10 cards to the table, then stop, holding the next card off the deck but face down in your right hand; look at it as if you are not quite sure, then say to the spectator: "I'll bet you a drink (or whatever) that the next card I turn over will be your card." Having seen the chosen card already dealt to the table face up, the spectator will almost always agree. Put the card in your hand back on top of the deck face down, reach to the pile on that table and turn the chosen card - face down! Collect your drink (or whatever). Second Thoughts: If, for any reason, the spectator doesn't want to bet - and this will happen sometimes - don't press the issue; simply say something like, "Then we'll do this as a test, for an imaginary bet," or something like that so you can continue with the trick. But, as I said, don't force the issue. More importantly, don't make the spectator look like a sucker after you turn down his card. Defuse the situation by adding something to the effect that, "Boy, this must be my lucky day - I nearly missed it that time. "But, most of all have fun with it and your audience will, too. (For the past six or seven years, I have been lecturing to magic clubs, groups, and conventions in Canada and the U.S. If you think you might be interested in the notes from one or more of these lectures, or some of the effects I market there, just e-mail - address below -- for a copy of the catalogue list and I'll e-mail it e-mail: showtimecol@aol.com www.partydirectory.com/pages/marucci ------------------------------------- 16. Free websites for magicians ------------------------------------- Please let all your magicians know about our free websites for magicians at: http://www.partydirectory.com/pages ------------------------------------- 17. 'The Great Bamboozl Em'....your very own Edgar Benyon!! ------------------------------------- Message from Wallace The following is not, I'm afraid 'News' but more in the realm of 'History'. I thought you might be interested! Many, many years ago (63 to be exact!) a touring Magic show arrived in a market town called Coleraine in the North of Ireland. Great anticipation and excitement resulted and on the opening night one small 4 year old boy sat in awed silence waiting for the curtains to part! A show of wonders began...colourful miracle followed colourful miracle and the small boy's eyes grew wider and wider! Suddenly the 'Wonder Worker' on the stage requested the assistance of two boys and before his parents could grab him our small boy was off!! Being rather small he was helped up on to the stage by a beautiful lady in an oriental costume and seated on a stool on the stage. The Magician then proceeded to hold a funnel beneath the boy's ear and, wonder of wonders, the child was totally convinced that he 'felt' milk pouring from his ear, at least so he told his amused parents and friends for quite a few years after the great event! This magic was a marvellous thing to him ...and so was born in our 4 year old the love of magic which has remained with him ever since!.......That touring magician has a lot to answer for!! You can guess who the boy was (!!) but it might be of interest to the folk in New Zealand to know the name of the magician...none other than 'The Great Bamboozl Em'....your very own Edgar Benyon!! I recently succeeded in getting a copy of James Reilly's excellent book "Same Man- Different Clothes" and it brought back the memories of that wonderful experience that started me on this fascinating path!! ------------------------------------- 19. World's Most Dangerous Magic ------------------------------------- Message from Edward Hall (NZ) Friday 6th October, 9:55pm, TV3 Special hosted by magician Robert Gallup and featuring magic by Kalin and Ginger, the Pendragons, Gary Kurtz and Dean Gunnarson. Also, Discovery channel (Australia and NZ version) is showing a short series called 'MAGIC'S GREATEST ILLUSIONS' starting on the 21st October with what I assume are repeats spread over the following week. I will post times closer to the date. Further details of the programmes available at http://shopping.discovery.com/product/2-16-164186.html -- http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~edhall/magic/ ------------------------------------- 20. "Magicana" Magazine ------------------------------------- Message from Michael Woolf - Editor "Magicana" Magazine "Magicana" Magazine for October-November will be mailed this week. Contents include: an interview with ex-patriate New Zealander Ross Skiffington; book reviews by Jim Reilly; latest news from Paul Rohmany; the latest in Bernard Reid's series of International Portraits plus regular columns by Bob Klamm, Roderick Mulgan, Alan Watson, Henrique, Richard Webster and Wayne Rogers. It's a BIG read! Annual subscriptions - 6 times a year - (credit cards OK) from Michael Woolf Editor/Publisher "Magicana" Magazine Box 38046 Wellington Mail Centre Wellington New Zealand 64 4 587 0045 fax 64 4 587 0042 mobile 25 577774 ------------------------------------- 21. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- Monday 2nd October Auckland - Danny Archer lecture Tuesday 3rd October Palmerston North - Danny Archer lecture Wednesday 4th October Wellington - Danny Archer lecture Thursday 5th October Christchurch - Danny Archer lecture Sunday 22nd October - IBM Ring 160 Day of Magic - Auckland If you require more information about the above events go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine-archive to research for more information. ------------------------------------- 22. News Items ------------------------------------- If you have any news items that you feel the majority of our subscribers would be interested in please e-mail me so I can include them in the next e-zine. The magician who e-mails me a particular news item FIRST will receive full credit at the top of that item. If the news is of major importance I will send them out immediately as a Newsflash. ------------------------------------- 23. MagicNZ e-zine archives ------------------------------------- Back issues of the MagicNZ 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: ezine Password: newzealand When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are coded. Eg 001nov0699.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (nov06) and the last next two numbers the year (99) If you want to print copies of MagicNZ e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/ezine-archive ------------------------------------- 24. Benefit of subscribing to the MagicNZ e-zine ------------------------------------- You will now be informed well in advance of coming events and kept right up to date with the latest news. MagicNZ e-zine is published weekly, late on Sunday night. ------------------------------------- 25. 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 MagicNZ e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors. Neither MagicNZ nor Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via MagicNZ e-zine. We reserve the right to correct any errors or omissions as we see fit. >> This publication may be freely redistributed to other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY << (c) Copyright 2000 Alan Watson ------------------------------------- 26. Contact Information ------------------------------------- Alan Watson Ph. (9) 483-9274 Fax. (09) 483-9274 Mobile 025 95-7070 e-mail alan@watson.co.nz www.magician.co.nz www.magicianz.com