* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * New Zealand's MagicNZ e-zine * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #70 Date: Sunday 22nd April 2001 Editor: Alan Watson www.magician.co.nz www.alan-watson.com e-mail alan@watson.co.nz ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. 26th NZ Magician's Convention - Update 3. Rip-offs 4. Tony Griffith - lecturing the USA 5. Barry Price's lecture tour 6. "Salute to Magic" 7. 2001 South African National Magic Convention 8. Bamberg Magic Auction 9. Homer Hudson passed away - April 11th 10. The Orchante Saga #26 11. Diarise these events 12. MagicNZ e-zine archives 13. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Information / registration forms were mailed out Saturday to all Magic Clubs and people expressing interest in the Palmerton North Magician's Mini - convention. They have already reached the half way point to maximum numbers. Because registrations are limited, you MUST register in advance. Interest in Barry Govan is running high, so anyone keen to attend needs to contact Norm at normtwigge@xtra.co.nz with your address to receive information / registration forms. They plan to celebrate Queens Birthday in STYLE! ------------------------------ Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: alan@watson.co.nz ------------------------------------- 2. 26th NZ Magician's Convention - Update ------------------------------------- Message from Tony Wilson (NZ) - Convention Secretary Over 100 registration and accommodation forms were posted out to interested magicians earlier this week in both New Zealand and Australia. The same registration information is now available (thanks to the assistance of Alan Watson) on www.magician.co.nz/convention1.html Accommodation bookings are to be made direct to Waipuna Hotel and Conference Centre On free phone 0800-924-786; free fax 0800-800-315 email res@waipunahotel.co.nz or web site www.waipunahotel.co.nz to assist in your planning regarding accommodation and flights. Basic details only. December 27th Convention registration desk open 7-9pm only. No formal convention activities that evening. Bars will be open and time to settle in. Meet and greet. December 28th Convention registration desk open 9am.Convention official opening 10am December 29thPublic shows Waipuna Theatre 2pm and 8pm December 30th Convention activities December 31st New Years Eve Banquet, Cabaret and Prize Giving. Convention officially finishes at midnight on December 31st. See you soon. ---------------------------------- 3. Rip-offs ---------------------------------- Message from George Robinson Jr - Viking Mfg. Co./Collectors' Workshop I just thought I would send out an alert and supplication to all our Magical friends to boycott the present trend in rip-offs. Certainly, I am not against fair competition, but blatant rip-offs in a community as small as our Magic Fraternity should not be tolerated. There are but a few real creators in this industry, which support thousands of performers worldwide with their creative efforts. The Steinmeyer's, the Cornelius', the Ducheck's, yes-even Viking and Collectors' Workshop bring the Magic world new and exciting items and they should be supported and rewarded for their efforts. Where would the Magic world have been without the likes of Harbin and his much-copied Zig-Zag, just to mention one very important contributor and contribution? How many of you have not profited by this amazing illusion. What if Harbin would have decided to stop creating because of the rip-offs? What would you and I have lost? Steinmeyers Origami, another brilliant concept, ripped-off beyond belief. Why should they continue to support an industry that doesn't support them? Jay Leslie, James Swoger and myself developed the Kineti-key and Kineti-Key Jr. A completely original effect in concept and execution. This key has been stolen by a multitude of 'manufacturers' around the world (called the Golden Key). None have made it as well as the original and the original is still available. Yet, the dealers of this world support the rip-off, seemingly because it is a few dollars cheaper. Is that all our world is governed by, the all-mighty dollar? What happened to honor and loyalty? Now a dealer in Pa. (USA) is knocking off several of our Collectors' Workshop items. He has a very inventive mind (an exception to the rule) and yet he rips off our items. Should we get into a rip-off war and just rip each other off because we have the tools? Should I retaliate and rip off one of his key items? When and where will all this end? Why should it be this way, just because it is and has been? I don't expect to stop the rip-offs, as I don't think anyone can. BUT, you the purchaser, the magician, the performer, can help a great deal. Educate yourselves and ask questions. Demand the originals from your suppliers, support original thought and reward those that are helping you make a living; support those that are creating the tools you use to have fun in the world of Magic. Keep the fun in it for everyone. Once you find out you have purchased a rip-off, send it back to the dealer asking for the original. If they don't comply, buy from someone else. Show them you care; be proud to be an honorable person. Sure, we all want to save a buck; we all can't afford an Owen or a Johnny Gaughan, but we don't have to lower our moral and ethical standards to keep up with the Jones'. We do what we can with what we have. We work hard and we build up. Theft has been a common practice in Magic since time immemorial. Kellar stole from Maskelyn and so on. But it doesn't have to be this way. One inventor I contacted told me that he sometimes sees an effect he wished he had invented (don't we all), but he doesn't steal it. He studies it and works out a different version, using different properties and even a different system. He uses the original effect as a catalyst to produce a new and unique effect. Just changing the color of the item doesn't make it different. I had a thief once tell me that he was not stealing my TransMental effect because I used a VM on the logo/gimmick and he was using a "A"! Oh, I see, it is a new effect when you put it that way. What a bunch of crap! Another thing to think about as a performer and purchaser of Magic: You may some day come up with an original effect and you may want to market it. Do you want the lion's share of the profits and fame going to someone else? I think not. I have had dealers tell me that they are not watchdogs for the industry. That they cannot keep up with who invented what, etc. I have no problem with part of that, but once they are notified and shown that they are selling a rip-off, and they agree with all the evidence, then they should stop selling the rip-off... But they don't. Too bad. The only way others and I retaliate against those dealers is that we don't let them know when we have a new item right away. We sell this item to reputable dealers first, giving them the chance to make the first, fast money, then we tell the others when most of the lion's share of sales have been taken up by the good guys. So dealers, if you wonder why you didn't hear it first, check your morals. Thanks for the listen. I had to get this out. Hope one or two of you will feel the urge to pass the good word and to help in the fight. Watch for new and exciting items from the few that can still stomach to create, even if the rewards are few. ---------------------------------- 4. Tony Griffith - lecturing the USA ---------------------------------- Message from Tony Griffith (UK) Tony Griffith will be lecturing in the USA at the following venues in the Month of May 2001 Saturday 19th - Raleigh NC Sunday 20th - Greenborough NC Monday 21st - Norfolk VA Tuesday 22nd - Lynchburg VA Thursday 24th - Washington DC (Al Cohen) Friday 24th - Baltimore MD (Denny & Lee) ------------------------------------- 5. Barry Price's lecture tour ------------------------------------- Message from Barry Price (US) I am planning an eight country European tour in late May. Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium. Switzerland, Italy and Holland. ------------------------------------- 6. "Salute to Magic" ------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler (US) Movie Actor, Magician John Calvert Named 2001 "Magician Of The Year" At 92 Year Old Magic Show. "Salute to Magic" the oldest continuing magic show in the United States States celebrates its 92nd annual performance on April 28, 2001 at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, 199 Chambers Street at 8:00 PM. The show originated in 1908 bringing well known and new magical talent to the attention of the general public. In accordance with tradition, the Parent Assembly #1 of the Society of American Magicians makes the presentation to its "Magician of the Year" at this show. This year's recipient is a living legend. John Calvert the 90 year old movie actor, adventurer and magician will receive the award and present segments of "Magicarama" the longest touring magic show in theater history. Mr. Calvert is famed for his movie appearances originating the role of the "Falcon" in such films as "Devil's Cargo" (1948); "Appointment with Murder" (1948) and "Search for Danger"(1949). Mr. Calvert has appeared in dozens of other films and began his film career as a stand in for Clark Gable.. As a magician he has travelled the globe and last appeared in a New York theater in 1947 where he broke all records at the Loew's State. Arriving in New York in a 60 ft .trailer filled with illusions ,he will present many of his famous mysteries featuring his wife Tammy, and several assistants. Calvert will fill the second half of this famous family show. Other star magicians performing are Jay Sterling a manipulator magician from Pennsylvania. David Oliver, famous for his work with doves and the "Floating Ball", Also appearing is comedy music and magic performer Todd Charles . The show will be emceed by "Magicomedian" George Schindler. SALUTE TO MAGIC SHOW April 28, 2001- 8:00 PM Tribeca Performing Arts Center 199 Chambers St NYC Tickets $35.00 and $ 25.00 Advance Sales 516-826-3660 Box Office day of show only 212-346-8510 Additional information on John Calvert - Salutemagic@aol.com ------------------------------------- 7. 2001 South African National Magic Convention ------------------------------------- Message from David O'Connor (South Africa) The Johannesburg Magic Circle will host the 2001 South African National Magic Convention at the Maccauvlei Conference Centre Johannesburg, from Friday September 21 till Monday September 24. Highlighting the convention will be the winner of the Best Original Act at the Formosa International Magic Convention in 1998. This performer is also the winner of the stage category of the Japanese Magic Convention in 2000, and has performed in Singapore, Korea, and Taiwan. He will lecture and perform, and there is much excitement about the presence of an oriental performer of this category to visit South Africa. There will be the usual local dealers, lectures, gala shows, close-up, stage magic, late night sessions, and friendly South African magical hospitality. Why not make it a magic safari to this exciting country, the gateway to Africa. Your dollar / sterling exchange rate will be highly beneficial to you. Further details and copy of convention registration forms at magicart@mweb.co.za and the South African Magical Society web site at: www.sams.org.za Come magish with us. ------------------------------------- 8. Bamberg Magic Auction ------------------------------------- Message from Martin Pacheco (Argentina) It is widely known by everybody that David Bamberg, known as Fu Manchu, spent the last years of his life in Argentina. Coming from a dynasty of hundreds of years and history, the Bambergs has become one of the most attractive stories of magic of all times. For more than 15 years I have devoted myself to the study and research of Fu Manchu´s life, his father's Okito and all concerning his ancestors. My passion for Fu Manchu is such that I have named my shop Bazaar de Magia, after the most famous Fu Manchu´s act. Some years ago I had the opportunity to buy part of the Fu Manchu collection. Although there were left only a few props made by Okito, there was everything that Fu Manchu did not want to give away during his lifetime. Nowadays I only spend my free time and effort collecting old posters and Magic books in Spanish. I have decided to make an auction with some of the little treasures that belonged to the Bambergs. I sincerely believe that many of the pieces I will immediately describe deserve to be in important collections or in a museum. The auction is going to take place at Ebay (http://www.ebay.com). The items will be available since April 21 and the auction will last for 7 days. You will be able to find the items according to categories: Collectibles / Pop Culture / Magic. You will also have the possibility to find them under my user's name: matrusk, or the following key words: Okito , Bambergs , Fu Manchu All the items will have the price reserved. My intention is to sell them at the price they really deserve. If some of the items do not reach the reserve they will continue in my collection and they will not be at an auction ever again. That is the reason why this is a unique opportunity to buy some of these pieces. If anybody is interested in buying the whole collection, that person can make me an offer before April 21. The offer could be made in money (or) in a very good poster selection These are the items to be at the auction: 1) Manuscript of the Bamberg family by Papa Bamberg. Papa Bamberg handwritten manuscript (Okito´s Father). Dated and signed by Papa Bamberg in 1909. The title is "Biography of the Bamberg Family". It is written in Papa Bamberg´s letterhead paper and has the Netherlands Kingdom coat of arms. It is written in Old Dutch and has six pages. This document is mentioned in the book Illusion Show by David Bamberg (Fu Manchu). Foreword: A letter from Robert Bamberg, page XVIII. This document is the first written testimony by one of the Bambergs. It narrates the history of the first Bamberg (Eliazar Bamberg 1760-1833) until Okito´s first time. It does not include information about Fu Manchu because he was still a toddler. It tells, for example, the story when in 1807 a gunpowder ship exploded and Eliazar Bamberg was found under the debris, among the injured people. In this catastrophe he lost one of his legs and since then he had to perform on crutches and a wooden leg. This wooden leg was precisely his success, since nobody even imagined that Eliazar Bamberg had hidden his secret servante in this leg from which he could produce or vanish all kinds on things. It also narrates the experiences of the Bambergs in the Netherlands Kingdom. It tells anecdotes and even says that the Bambergs where the Bag and Egg inventors. The letterhead paper says the following: PAPA BAMBERG AND SON Specialists in the organization of any kind of private party ------------------------------------------ Academy for Magic Art Classes on all the Magic branches with or without apparatus. Also parlor Magic according to the latest method. PAPA BAMBERG EMILE BAMBERG Certified court artist Parlor conjurer Since 1870 in illusory miracles Awarded declaimer and mime Antispiritism, clairvoyance, etc An incredible document. Kept along generations. This piece is like a book issue of only one number. Note of the translator from Dutch into Spanish. On the right top margin we have the coat of arms of the Netherlands Kingdom, the national coat of arms, which is also the coat of arms of the reigning king. King William I established it in 1815. It was modified in 1907 and 1909. The document is translated in a 90%. The remaining 10% are those very small parts that are missing because of a loss of paper or damage, but the document is clearly understandable. There are also words in very old Dutch that are not to be found in modern dictionaries. Some word in Old French also appear. By all means, with a little research and patience the document could be recovered completely. 2) Certificate that belonged to Okito when he was named Great Master of the Freemasonry. Certificate that belonged to Okito (Tobias Bamberg) when he was named Great Master of the Freemasonry. It is signed by Okito in London 1905. The Bambergs belonged to the freemasonry. Papa Bamberg mentions it in his manuscript that . Okito belonged to the free masonry as the document shows it. Fu Manchu also belonged to the freemasonry in Argentina. This unique document (since it is given only once in the life of freemason) is dated in London in 1905 and has Tobias Bamberg signature (Okito) Rose Lodge Nº 1622. It is in perfect condition I can provide further information about Fu Manchu and the freemasonry in Argentina to the person who buys this piece. 3) Wig that belonged to Okito in it original headstand. 4) Aerial Fish Trick Made by Okito, this excellent collection piece was kept by Fu Manchu until his last days. The drawing that are in the book "The Oriental Magic of Bamberg" page .... were designed taking this piece as a model. 5) Extr Extra front for a kimono (robe) that belonged to Okito This silk front that belonged to Okito is more than 100 years. It was examined by experts in textile antiques who verified its authenticity. You can see Okito with this front in the picture of the German book: DAS WUNDERBUCH DER ZAUBERKUNST (the book is also included in the lot) This lot also includes an Okito´s profile drawing signed by Sealtiel and dated in 1929. Both articles are professionally framed and are ready to be hanged. 6) Okito on Magic by Okito The famous Okito´s book signed and dedicated by himself to his son, Fu Manchu. It also includes the Fu Manchu dedication to Vernet. This book came to me when I bought the Vernet collection. 7) Kimono that belonged to Fu Manchu. This beautiful kimono is mentioned in his book Illusion Show. It also comes with a picture of Fu Manchu wearing it on the stage. Some of the original Okito´s Certificates will be also for sale. Each piece will have an authenticity certificate with my signature. Thanks for your attention Martin Pacheco Fax: (54-11) 4307-2909 Email: luni@matrusk.com.ar Buenos Aires - Argentina You can send me a fax to my office in Miami-USA: (305) 574-7707 ------------------------------------- 9. Homer Hudson passed away - April 11th ------------------------------------- Message from Joyce Basch (US) Homer Hudson passed away on Wednesday, April 11, 2001. A memorial service in his honor and memory will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2001, 2:00 p.m., Mountain View Mausoleum 2400 N. Fair Oaks Blvd. Altadena, CA 91001 (626) 794-713 Directions will be given after the service for the location of a get together celebrating Homer's life. Homer Hudson combined his profession of sign painting and silk screening with his love of magic. His is best known for his beautiful Rabbit, Dragon, Genii, and Serpent Magic Tables. Homer manufactured and distributed the largest number of Di Boxes, Alphabet Block Boxes, Little Vampire boxes and over 40 additional effects. Homer was a Life member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians, Rings 96 and 21, the Society of American Magicians, Los Magicos, the Magic Castle and other magic organizations. He will be missed by the magic community and all who had the joy of knowing him. ---------------------------------- 10. The Orchante Saga #26 ---------------------------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Memories Recap - I've met Peter Taylor, Auckland Juggler/Acrobat. We're heading back to Auckland after a 'gig' - it's New Year's Eve 1964/65, five minutes to midnight. Door opens, and there looms the large, solid form, of a New Zealand farmer - 'Yeah - what you want?' I explained that we - Peter and I - were professional entertainers, he, a juggler, me, a magician - had just done a show at the Thames Memorial Hall, and no, our car hadn't broken down, but could we bring in the New Year with them? In return, we would royally entertain them; how could he refuse - according to me, we were the two biggest talents in New Zealand. Well, I believed it myself, and had long given up blushing, years ago. 'Come on in' he roared 'Hey', he tells his wife and kids 'We've got a couple of blokes here who're going to put a show on for us' Peter growls in my ear 'It's alright for you with your magic tricks and stuff - what the Hell am I going to do?' 'Improvise' I said. After the usual midnight drinks and the shaking of hands, Peter and I, for one hour, put on 'the show' for our audience of five - Mum, Dad, and three kids. Peter juggled anything 'juggleable' - fruit, eggs, etc. He balanced chairs, a table, a broom, and performed some gymnastic feats, using the chairs to balance on. In between his bits, I performed Close-up magic, with sponge balls, thimbles, coins, etc., during which Peter ambled out to the car, and got three swords - two were his, one was mine - actually Peter had one sword, the other was a dagger. The sword was about 3 feet long, very heavy, and the point was needle sharp. He gripped the dagger in his teeth, and placed the sword, point to point on the dagger. With the sword perfectly balanced, and from a standing position he gradually lowered himself to the floor, until he was flat on his back. He then gently pushed the blade so that the sword slowly revolved on the tip of the dagger. The slightest slip or misjudgement, and the heavy sword would have plunged straight down and penetrated his throat. It was a most dangerous and breath-holding feat. And what did I do with mine - why, swallowed it, of course I'll bet, that that farmer, his wife, and their now adult kids, recount the tale every New Year's Eve to their children and grandchildren and friends, about that wonderful night when two strangers, on the last minutes of 1964, appeared at their door, and..............., then vanished into the stillness of the night. Over the years, the telling of the yarn has probably turned into some sort of folklore type legend. Peter and I became great friends - we would meet up in Auckland City on Friday nights (if we weren't working), and stand on the corner of Queen Street and Vulcan Lane (there was also a small Pub a few yards away, which helped keep our whistles wet), watching the passing parade of long legs, and mini-skirts, go by. We figured that if we waited long enough, the tops would get lower, the minis, shorter, and eventually they would meet in the middle. Never happened, which was a shame, as for the sake of modesty, I'd invented a bikini which came straight from my wild, youthful imagination; it was going to make me a fortune. I called it the 'Brewery Bikini' - two bottle-tops and a cork - the de-luxe model had convenient tassels, tastefully attached, to ease removal/extraction! I didn't get rich! The Orchantê Saga is about my life, as a globe-trotting New Zealand magician/entertainer - originally to inform other New Zealand magicians what I've been up to, over the last 30 years, and as Alan Watson succinctly put it, to make aware to the younger magicians, of my contribution to New Zealand magic, and my proud 'flag-waving'. It is also turning, at times, into a brief history of New Zealand 'show biz' folk, and others, who were, and are, a part of my life - so, more of Peter Taylor next week, with Sally Phillips, Peter Newberry, and David Baylis. ------------------------------------- 11. Diarise these events ------------------------------------- Palmerton North Magician's Mini Convention Sunday 3rd June 2001 Joshua Jay (US) NZ Lectures: Auckland Friday 10th August 2001 Christchurch Monday 13th August 2001 The 26th NZ Magician's Convention Thursday 27th to Monday 31st December 2001 ------------------------------------- 12. 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 ------------------------------------- 13. 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, on Sunday. 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 <<