* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #52 Date: Sunday 17th December 2000 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz e-mail alan@watson.co.nz ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editors Message 2. 26th New Zealand International Magician's Convention 3. Reijo Salminen of Finland 4. MYSTOPHLOSIS - virus 5. "Calling Card Capers" 6. Scams based on Sympathy 7. Bad conduct of performers 8. The world's oldest magic shop 9. Not even acknowledged to my mail 10. Guillotine (2nd Hand) for sale 11. Glen McIvor - off five mouths due to sickness 12. Certainly not a "beggar" 13. Mephisto's in Belgium 14. I love the Singapore people 15. Known Guy and Tommy for more years 16. Have always admired Orchante 17. The Golden jubilee celebration - PC Sorcar Ring # 83 18. Replies to posting issue #50 19. Diarise these events 20. MagicNZ e-zine archives 21. Subscription Management ------------------------------------- 1. Editors Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Reijo Salminen of Finnland was in Auckland, New Zealand specifically to perform for the Finnish yachting syndicate in the Round the World Whitbread Yacht Race several years back. He is a great ambassador for Finland and highly respected by his countrymen. Refer Item 3 by Magic Christian. Cookie The Clown made a stopover and visited Guy Cater and Paul Romhany in Singapore enroute to India for a series of 50 shows in Bombay. Because of the usual Christmas rush it's been a real challenge to get the e-zine out on time. Have not responded to a number of e-mail but promise to reply to all after Christmas. In next weeks e-zine Larry White (US) Magic Editor M-U-M will share a magic routine. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: alan@watson.co.nz ------------------------------------- 2. 26th New Zealand International Magician's Convention ------------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) Secretary IBM Ring 160 "Millennium Magic' Auckland 27 - 31 December 2001 The International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 160 Aotearoa, organisers of the next NZ Magicians Convention, are pleased to announce that they have secured a first rate venue for the next Convention. It will be held at the Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre, Mt Wellington, Auckland. This top quality venue has all the facilities for mounting a successful convention, including the fully equipped professional Cole Theatre seating four hundred and twenty, dealers and workshop rooms, restaurant, bar, full catering services, and an excellent venue for the New Year's Eve function. The committee has negotiated a very favourable room rate at $86.00 per day (including GST). The hotel is set in a 6.25 acre parkland over looking the Panmure Lagoon, with outdoor swimming pool and spa, jogging track and a GYM. Register your interest with Secretary Tony Wilson. twilson@xtra.co.nz ------------------------------------- 3. Reijo Salminen of Finland ------------------------------------- Message from Magic Christian It is great to hear news from the other side of the world. Just I came back from Helsinki, where the Finnish magi celebrated the 70th birthday of their idol Reijo Salminen who was very famous between the Fiftieth and Seventieth in Finland and was something like a culture figure for Scandinavian Magic. Reijo was around the world with his charming manipulations and patter magic. He did 15 Billiard balls in between two hands, holding 6 Balls in each hand and making three additional balls appear between the two out stretched thumbs. I saw a Video clip with lots of pictures and film parts of Reijo Salminen doing his tricks. Unbelievable. The Video was put together by Timo Kulmakko a very good Finnish professional who was taught by Reijo Salminen. He put a lot of effort into this party, which was joined by around 60 friends. On the birthday show was Topper Martyn with some of his well known juggling and rope effects, Finn Jon with his smoke and soap bubbles, which were juggled with a tennis racket without strings, Timo Kulmakko did the emceeing and me with my own newspaper tear and the well known card stabbing on a board. I could not do my manipulation act because of no time for preparation and place. As it was a complete surprise for Reijo that we three were there, the whole show was kept a secret until the very beginning of it. Reijo Salminen was also a very good chess player consulting a lot of tournaments in Finnland. Years ago when we were both on the jury board of conventions or watched the FISM contestants we played blind chess (without a board) during the intermissions. It was lot of fun, to hear the master after my 20th draw. Christian you cannot move the horse as it is not there anymore.....! Next time more about the Silvan Magic Academy were I stayed for four days to teach a group of magicians. Best regards to all, Magic Christian ---------------------------------- 4. MYSTOPHLOSIS - virus ---------------------------------- Message from Ed Solomon (US) There are evil elements of our great society who calculate and who purposely try to ensnare the youth of every country and lead them to a life of addiction. As the person grows older he may be exposed to an Uncle Harry or Uncle Fred who does simple pocket magic which has a life long affect on these young minds. These young people then scour the libraries and hang out in dimly lit magic shops in the back alleyways of our cities and townships. It becomes progressively worse as the victim ages. By the time these young victims see national T.V. coverage of the advanced addicts in the midst of their fiendish endeavours and delights, they are hooked and can never return to a normal life. This virus, like many others, can be rough on the victim's families, but families sometimes build up immunity to this psychosis. All they can do is put up with the victim. No amount of persuasion can change their one-track mindset. You cannot carry on a normal conversation what the victims as the subject will always center around magic and magicians. If the victim is confined he will most often commit all sorts atrocities with a deck of cards if nothing else is made available to him. Allowing the victim to attend a magic convention is disastrous as the addiction is increased when surrounded with expensive props and books which will lead to further turmoil. They often go into a buying frenzy when left unattended. There is no cure for MYSTOPHLOSIS. The person remains in his or her demented state until death occurs and it is suspected that they return after death to infect others in a similar manner. Strange as it may seem, many victims live to a ripe old age and in their dotage, babble on about the greats that they have seen in their lifetime and lie about the marvellous effects they did in their own shows. Perhaps someday research may come up with a cure but at this time there is no hope for a medical breakthrough. Please don't look down upon these poor souls but rather with good heart, indulge them in their simple ways, after all.... It could happen to you. ------------------------------------- 5. Why do you hand out business cards? ------------------------------------- Message from Salil Kumar Kundu, "Solyl Kundu, The Magician (India) TVP of IBM for India (N) Tools Of The Trade If you are as publicity conscious as I am, and don't mind spending money, then get the 'special' cards custom made on quality Visiting cards, or Double blank playing cards. Well, I'll come to this point later on. Effect: You introduce 4 cards - the first card shows your picture and the other three cards depict the pictures of a Magic Wand, a Mirror and a Magic Spell like "Hocus Pocus"! These, you claim, are the three tools of your trade! You explain - " A magician (show the card with your photo) performs his magic with the aid of one of these three (show the other three cards) - a Magic Wand, or a Mirror or a Magic Spell. Since you are such a special audience (to an assisting spectator), I will allow you to pick the one tool you would like me to use this evening to perform magic." The volunteering spectator comes forward, takes the three cards, and is asked to select any one of the three tools, by merely thinking of it. Now give him the magician card and ask him to place it between the two other tools, which he didn't select. Next advise him to cut the packet of four cards, as many times as he likes. You take back the cards from him and deal them on the table face down, in a row. After some concentration, you identify the thought of 'tool of the trade' card, pushing it forward from the row. Preparation: If you do not intend to go for expense to make this unusually good effect, get 4 blank faced playing cards. Onto the face of one card you stick a suitable size photograph of yourself. Now, over the face of another blank face card you draw with black permanent marker pen, a Magic wand. On another blank card stick an oblong piece of cooking aluminium foil over the face, and with brown ink draw a frame around the piece of foil, t0esemble a Mirror. Finally, onto the face of the third face blank card you write with permanent marker pen, or dry transfer, a Magic spell - like Hocus Pocus. And now for the dirty work. Mark the back of the Magician card in any way you wish, so long that only you can identify it, while it is faces down. Secret: After the basic selection process, as outlined in the effect, the spectator assembles the four-card packet as instructed. The four card packet is cut often as he pleases, but not shuffled. Once the cards are in a face down row over the table, you simply spot the card, which is not on either side of the marked card. This would be second card to the right or left of the marked card. You do this casually, without making it obvious. After a bit of by play, push this card forward, it is the thought of 'Tool'! As an added precaution, have the assisting spectator call out his selection, before turning the card over. Sometimes they forget, and it is better to be sure. Now as discussed in the beginning, you should use some magical design for the back, (if you care to use cards as suggested earlier) this should include your name, address, and phone numbers and some advertising blurb. Any good artist and printer or Silk Screen shop will be happy to oblige you, of course for a decent sum! This will give the cards a personalized look and you could distribute the cards after the performance. This should fetch you good publicity, as well as a few extra bookings. ------------------------------------- 6. Scams based on Sympathy ------------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (US) Glad that several of the members have brought up the problem of "scams based on Sympathy." Have run around several of these here in the States. When I published the Willard the Wizard book I was shocked to receive several letters asking for free books - various reasons were given as to why I should send them free books. Then I was getting request for books that were supposedly order, but they never received. Then another one wanted a refund on the book the he had not ordered. I was new to this type of business, but I put a stop to all of it quick. It is hard to believe that we have people who will pull things like this for a few dollars. Another scam that is pulled on widows: When the magician dies and "fellow" magician shows up and offers to take the "junk" out of the house this happened to two very close friends. One "fellow" magician said that he was a long friend and just wanted to pick-up something to remember the deceased. That person carried off a truckload of equipment. ---------------------------------- 7. Bad conduct of performers ---------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (US) The message from Eric Leong of Singapore about the bad conduct of performers calling people in the audience "dogs" should not be tolerated anywhere. That is bad conduct on anyone's part to attack an audience that way. I've had talent buyers caution me when working for some companies - I was told that I was not to use any officers of the company. They did not want their officers made fun of. After working with the same company on later dates, was told it was OK for me to use officers. Someone before me had mess-up bringing people up on the stage to help. ---------------------------------- 8. The world's oldest magic shop ---------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (US) Shocked to read from Ted J.Bogusta in #51 "the world's oldest magic shop, Flosso-Hornmann-Martinka (est. 1877) was recently sold." Will have to find out what happened to Jackie Flosso who has been running it since his father died. This was once a great magic shop and to visit it when Al was the owner was an experience that you would long be remembered. The magic was piled high, but fun to find. ---------------------------------- 9. Not even acknowledged to my mail ---------------------------------- Message from Salil Kumar Kundu, "Solyl Kundu, The Magician (India) TVP of IBM for India (N) I write this with reference to your comment on Hristo Kazakov's mail in the 12/03/00 issue of the MagicNZ e-zine. The young man sent me exactly the same mail to me a couple of weeks back. However, as I'm presently not in a position to comply with his request, I sent a reply explaining my inability. In addition, I posted his mail to me in the Ring 2001 digest requesting the ringers if anybody can oblige him. Moreover, I forwarded a copy of MagicNZ Newsletter and some other E-zine to him expecting that could be of some help to him. I' m glad to say that some of my fellow ringers have responded to my request and helped him by sending some gift. Unfortunately, he never wrote me back, not even acknowledged to my mail. I'm sorry to say that my young friend in magic should have some courtesy. I hope he reads this mail in the MagicNZ e-zine and behalves. ---------------------------------- 10. Guillotine (2nd Hand) for sale ---------------------------------- Message from Wayne McEwan (NZ) Guillotine (2nd Hand) stands six feet high on castors, red gloss finish. In good condition, cost appox $1200 selling for $500 plus freight Phone (03) 2162-992 or Email magicguy@xtra.co.nz ---------------------------------- 11. Glen McIvor - off five mouths due to sickness ---------------------------------- Message from Glen McIvor (NZ) Just a quick note to let you know that I'm back in action and doing lots of Christmas shows after five mouths off due to sickness. I would like to thank the Auckland Magicians for their support over this difficult time and I am looking forward to becoming active in the magic clubs next year. ---------------------------------- 12. Certainly not a "beggar" ---------------------------------- Message from Sam Dalal (India) I enjoy the MagicNZ e-zine .. read "head to toe", and normally enjoy the news, and odds and ends that make the fraternity interesting, no matter where one lives. The following item from Ray Haddad seemed rather prejudiced, so I just wanted to present another view-point. Mr. Haddad is perhaps not aware of magicians that exist under the conditions prevailing in many parts of the world, and I offer a perspective from a different set of experiences. I live in a country which has foreign exchange controls. I am not poor, and I do not ask for handouts, but I know of a time only 5 years ago, when I would send somebody $20.00 worth of goods as a gift, to get a "gift" in exchange of a $10.00 trick or book, just because there was no way to get the $10.00 across. But then I can afford it. I know 100s of very good magicians in my country, and others who can't. Does this mean they have no right to a thirst for magical knowledge? What Mr. Haddad is perhaps not aware of are the disparities in incomes and spending power. For one living in the developed world, there is a minimum fixed wage, and social security, and a minimum standard of living. And for a person guaranteed a wage of $7 or there abouts an hour, buying the latest $45.00 Kaufman publication is less than the cost of a day's wages. But there are also places where people work for $20.00 (and less) a month, with no security shields and for them the book is 2 months wages, and they need to think 10 times before buying it. But they are as good as magicians, maybe better, because they struggle harder. They get $ 5.00 per show, not $500.00 If Mr. Haddad's prejudices were the norm, these people would never have a break. I do not know the Bulgarian lad who wrote the appeal, and I hold no specific brief for him. (It is also possible this particular one is a scam, though my instincts tell me it is not !) But I would rather be "suckered" once in a while, than shut the door on the less privileged members of the fraternity. I know the number of old magazines and books I distribute to magicians here, and the books and videos in my collection I give them free access to, because they have a much greater thirst for, AND MAKE MUCH BETTER USE OF, the material they find so difficult to acquire. I know at least a few dozen magicians who read a borrowed copy of the Linking Ring magazine cover to cover, but can't become members of the IBM because it means 2 months earnings, and they need that to eat. Does this make them "exempt" from the privileges some of us "elite folk" are entitled to? The "rare-book scam" Mr. Haddad outlines is the product of a very fertile imagination that would make a good story for a Roald Dahl. A rather elaborate excuse to just say NO or ignore the appeal, which he is perfectly within his rights to do. I would much rather take the appeal at face value, for what it is, and respond to the best of my ability. I just wanted to get across the point that because one belongs to a 3rd world country doesn't automatically make him a 3rd rate person, or a 3rd rate magician. Certainly not a "beggar" or some one to despise, and I'd rather believe most magicians are a fraternity that doesn't get prejudiced by who and where the members are or come from. And give a helping hand freely, when they can, (and are inclined to do so!) ---------------------------------- 13. Mephisto's in Belgium ---------------------------------- Message from Peter J. Levins I just returned from a weekend at Mephisto's in Belgium and I must say I was very impressed with the studio and the hospitality. The studio showroom is by far the largest in Europe, from the street entrance to the back of the studio is about 35 metres and this leads into another showroom where the illusions are displayed, behind the illusion showroom there is a very nice 75 seater theatre, this is where the close up competitions took place. To the right of the Theatre was originally a yard but this was covered in with a fabric and heated and so converted to a very comfortable lecture theatre which was heated and had about 130 seats. The Showroom was about 10 metres wide and on each side there were display cabinets in Glass and inside the cabinets was a remarkable display of magic props and books and video tapes and right down the centre of the showroom was another display of the Magic Hands stock. There were two lectures, one was by Cyril Harvey and the other was by Tony Griffith there was also a close up competition. I am sorry but I cannot remember the names of the winners but there was one thing that I did notice and that was there were no steps to trip on everything was geared to facilitate wheelchair users, I did compliment Dirk on this, it shows that he thinks of other people. ------------------------------------- 14. I love the Singapore people ------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) I think that Eric Leong from Singapore emphasized the point that Guy was making in that audiences around the world are different. One of the reasons I love the Singapore people is because they are conservative and afraid to lose face, they are a race with a lot of respect and I think that we could all learn from them (and I'm in love with the food and a particular female event organiser:)) What I am learning myself is how each race of people is different and has a different sense of humour. My comedy show here is now designed specifically for Singapore ... it is quite different from my show at home. 80% of my comedy that I would do in NZ just wouldn't work here. It has taken me almost 2 years to build up a comedy act just for Singapore and the Asian market. It is the same in any country. My comedy show in Dubai, London or LA is different also, that is what being a professional entertainer is all about, being able to adapt to your environment. All of those 'put' down slag off gags people use in NZ just wouldn't work here. If you did you would be working to silence and onstage by yourself. As Eric said, those performers who 'put' audiences down will not go down at all here in Singapore. ------------------------------------- 15. Known Guy and Tommy for more years ------------------------------------- Message from Derek Metzger (UK ex-pat Kiwi) I feel compelled to reply to a recent message published in MagicNZ e-zine. It was written by Guy Cater in relation to articles Tommy Orchard has been submitting. Guy's message specifically concerned events involving hypnosis of me by both men. My wife, Sally and I have known Guy and Tommy for more years than we care to recall and consider both to be close friends. I remember all of the incidents recounted by Guy and as Sally was present at each one, I can say with certainty that my memories are accurate. Unfortunately, it would seem that Guy's memories of these events differ from mine.....and Sally's. One incident in particular has left me concerned, distressed and not a little angry. It involves Guy's account of Tommy hypnotising me in London ........ QUOTE: Then they went out. They went out other nights too. Derek said that he was puzzled because he seemed to spend more than he meant to. Anybody guess what Tommy's suggestions to Derek had been .... Yep....."You buy all the drinks" UNQUOTE. This statement is totally untrue. I have spoken to Tommy and he is, as you can imagine, extremely distraught. He would never do anything so unethical. In fact, Tommy was the first person to hypnotise me and I would never have consented to becoming his subject had I not trusted him implicitly in this regard. I have tried to contact Guy without success, but in his defence, and knowing him as I do, I think it could all be put down to an innocent, albeit badly judged attempt to poke some fun at a larger than life colleague. In closing I would like to say that I have always enjoyed my 'hypnotic' experiences with both Tommy and Guy. I'm sure if the two ever meet they would have much in common as they are both extremely talented and generous people. ---------------------------------- 16. Have always admired Orchante ---------------------------------- Message from Guy Cater (NZ) Paul Romhany and I had the most wonderful night with John and Betsy Teo and the members of Ring 115 (The Great Wong Ring) here in Singapore the other night. Was also great to see Alfred Hayes and Patrick. The local magicians hospitality was awesome and we thoroughly enjoyed the meal at the New Kheng Sun Seafood restaurant and the fellowship (and magic) afterwards. On behalf of Paul and I a big thank you to John and we look forward to seeing more of you. Now the sad bit I really am sorry that I have upset Tom Orchard and his wife and Derek and Sally Metzger. More saddened that I may have lost the friendship of two very special people. Sally was most instrumental in helping me early in my career and Derek sang (beautifully) at my wifes funeral .. and I will always love them both. What I wrote, I wrote as I believed and with No Malicious Intent. It was meant to be fun!! I have always admired Orchante and I never meant to question his integrity. I don't believe there is a hypnotist in the world (Stage or Therapist) that has not had a bit of fun with a close personal friend at some time. Tommy wants an apology .. sure .. why not. I apologise for writing the story and reiterate that it was done for fun not to put him down and written as I remember it......so that's done.. At the same time the people that know me well know that I believe the two most important things in the world are honesty and honour and I feel I have not compromised my beliefs in anyway!! ---------------------------------- 17. The Golden jubilee celebration - PC Sorcar Ring # 83 ---------------------------------- Message from "Solyl Kundu, The Magician". (India) The Golden jubilee celebration of International Brotherhood of Magician' s (USA), PC Sorcar Ring # 83 -- Calcutta India, was ended on the November 05, 2k. It was a fun-filled day with lots of entertainment and learning for those 130 plus magicians and magic lunatics who participated from Bangla Desh, Nepal and around the country. A souvenir was published to commemorate the occasion. It contained the encouraging goodwill message from the International President Jack Greenberg, Executive Editor of the Linking Ring Magazine Phil Willmarth, Executive Committee-Board Director Tom Vorjohan and International Secretary Don Wiberg. This souvenir had a valuable section on Magic, Ideas and Tips form the eminent Magic-practitioners (to name but a few are: Aldo Colombini, David Ginn, Diamond Jim Taylor, Jon Racherbaumer, Peter Marucci, Sam Dalal, Solyl Kundu, Tom Craven, Tony Econ, Tony L Lewis) from around the world, who understand their Art. ---------------------------------- 18. Replies to posting issue #50 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Message to Jim Fish's 'Pardon my Density' Re; running wires up the side of Neon Light tube If you were to do as you suggested, and, !!insulate the heck of that part that goes into your gullet!! - and, right down your oesophagus, almost the entrance to your stomach - (around 18 - 20 inches) you wouldn 't see the glow of the neon, because you've just 'very cleverly' taped it up!! The last thing you want is a wire carrying electric current, going down a 'wet passage' - electricity and 'water' don't mix! The reason sword swallowers wipe their sword after withdrawing it, is because of the acids in the stomach juices and oesophagus which pit and corrode the steel blade - insulating tape wouldn't stand a chance. Also the tape is not slippery, as is glass, which you need in order for the tube to slip down easily. Experiments were done using perspex or acrylic, but this medium won't slide- like glass will -it tends to 'stick'. The Neon tube is dangerous enough without exacerbating matters!! The Neon Tube act has been performed - well, practically since they were invented. The 'U' shape has been found to be the easiest, simplest, and safest (if you can call it that) way of doing it. Remember, it is not a 'magic trick' - your life is at stake! Message to Bob Loomis (U.K.) "Hi, Jim, you are absolutely correct" Hello Bob, I'm not sure what you saw at the side-show at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, but I can tell you that, from a very short distance it is impossible to tell that the neon tube is doubled - especially when it is switched on - it looks just like one big glowing length of Neon, and I should know!! See my reply to Jim Fish's 'pardon my density' ------------------------------------- 19. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- New Zealand National Magicians Convention - Auckland 27th - 31st December 2001 ------------------------------------- 20. 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 ------------------------------------- 21. 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 MagicNZ e-zine is published weekly, late on Sunday night. The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors. Neither MagicNZ or 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