* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand e-zine
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #162
Date: 16th March 2003
Editor: Alan Watson
www.magician.co.nz
www.alan-watson.com
e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com
================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================

1. Editor’s Message
2. " The First 100 Years" - Now Available
3. Tribute To Richard Ross - Celebration 20 Years Magicartcenter
4. Junge, Junge! On TV, Sunday March, 16th
5. Billy McComb - Few Days In Hospital
6. IBM Ring 85 - 53rd Annual Convention - Ireland
7. Looking For Dick Newton
8. Pauls’ Description Of The Rough Sea Passage
9. Trick That I Can Use To Propose Marriage
10. Re: Saturdays At Reuben's
11. Vince Carmen's 2nd Spring Tour Of North Florida
12. Tim Ellis & Sue Anne Webster Lecture - Las Vegas
13. Reubens Now Maui Taco!!
14. Las Vegas Magic Invitational / Coinvention
15. Michael Grandinetti’s Featured In Pittsburgh Magazine
16. Report From Sweden
17. Canadian Association Of Magicians Convention
18. Lecture Notice: Aaron Fisher - April 4th
19. Toledo Of Sweden, The Ultimate Comedy Magic
20. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga - Page 152
21. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives
22. Subscription Management

------------------------------------
1. Editor's Message
-------------------------------------
Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One

Very please to read that Billy McComb is on the mend after have a
pacemaker fitted - refer item 5 from Terry Seabrook.

---------------------------------------------
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
AW@Alan-Watson.com

------------------------------------
2. " The First 100 Years" - Now Available
-------------------------------------
Message from George Schindler - S.A.M Public Relations

A 12 minute history of the Society of American Magicians, narrated
by our Dean, Jay Marshall is now available in VHS tape or DVD*
formats. This was first presented on July 3, 2002 at the S.A.M.
Centennial Convention in New York City.

If you were at the convention you'll remember the great response it
received. If you missed it, here is your chance to own a copy. The
cost is only $10.00 post paid in the U.S. (Overseas orders add
$3.00) - Order online with credit cards at www.magicsam.com (S.A.M.
Shop) - or - Mail your orders with checks payable to the Society of
American Magicians c/o P O Box 510260, St. Louis, MO 63151

*(Note: for DVD players produced 1999 or later)

Special Notice-Unlimited broadcast rights are granted as a part of
the purchase making it possible for Assemblies and affiliate
organizations to offer it as program material to local television
stations and other groups interested in promoting the history of the
S.A.M.

----------------------------------
3. Tribute To Richard Ross - Celebration 20 Years Magicartcenter
-------------------------------------
Message from Sylvia Schuyer (Netherlands)

On the 13th March there will be a special Gala-Show in Hoofddorp -
near Amsterdam- with the following performers; Jeff McBride, Gaëtan
Bloom, Tel Smit, Sylvia Schuyer, Arjan Grool, Ger Copper, Norbert
Ferré, Valérie , Al Carthy, Dani Lary, Alexandra en Dominique
Divivier, David Goldrake. Lasershow: Michel Povee, Music: Frank
Wilson, MC: Sylvia Schuyer.
All of the artists are performing on behalf of the MagicArtCenter
without any payment, so that the “Magic of Richard” can continue
with his widow Veronique as the director of the MagicArtCenter.

---------------------------------
4. Junge, Junge! On TV, Sunday March, 16th
----------------------------------
Message from Wolfram Bohnenberger (Germany)

On Sunday at 20.15 Junge, Junge! & Andreas Römer are guests in the
popular show “Sonntag lacht”.

If you know us, just zap to SWR. If you don’t know us and want to
learn more about us and our shows, zap to SWR, too!! Relax and enjoy
some amazing magic and hilarious comedy. Have fun!

---------------------------------
5. Billy McComb - Few Days In Hospital
----------------------------------
Message from Terry Seabrook

My best pal Billy McComb has had few days in hospital in Las Vegas
and has had a pacemaker fitted.

All has gone well, and will be back home in Hollywood shortly.
It is not true that the pacemaker has been connected to a rising
card mechanism!!!!!!!.

----------------------------------
6. IBM Ring 85 - 53rd Annual Convention - Ireland
----------------------------------
Message from Bev Bergeron (US)

Bev Bergeron will be appearing at the IBM Ring 85 53rd Annual
Convention in Limerick, Ireland - May 2, 3, & 4. He will lecture and
appear on several shows and pubs. From May 5 to May 12 he will be
working his way across the south of Ireland - Kilarney, Cork,
Waterford, Kilkea Castel in Wicklow and Dublin visiting all the pubs
along the way. Hope to see you down the road, Bev

----------------------------------
7. Looking For Dick Newton
----------------------------------
Message from Eric Spitznagel

Hello. My name is Eric Spitznagel and I'm a freelance writer
currently working on a story for Chicago magazine. The subject of
this article is Del Close, an infamous director and actor from
Chicago's Second City who discovered some of the biggest talents in
comedy, from John Belushi to Mike Myers. There are many wild stories
from Del's past, but some of the most entertaining come from his
earliest experiences in show business. According to one of his
stories, he ran away from home at 17 and briefly joined a traveling
show called Dr. Dracula's Den Of Living Nightmares. Del is no longer
alive, and I have no way of confirming or denying this claim. I was
searching the Web for details on this legendary touring production
from the 50s, and I happened across the name Dick Newton. I recently
spoke with Paul Romhany, and he passed along your e-mail address to
me and suggested that you may be able to help me track down Mr.
Newton.

If you are aware of Dick Newton's whereabouts, would you be willing
to pass along his e-mail address or phone number to me? If nothing
else, would you let him know that I am trying to reach him? I'm of
course looking for proof that Del Close actually participated in
this show. (From what I remember of his version, it was his job to
run through the audience and throw wet spaghetti on them, while Dr.
Dracula shouted out, "A plague of worms shall descend upon you!")
Even if Mr. Newton has no specific memories of Del, I would still be
very interested in hearing his stories and recollections of this
period, if only so I can paint a better picture of what Del might
have experienced.

I can be reached at this e-mail address, SpitzDaddy23@aol.com
or by phone at (707)935-9350.

----------------------------------
8. Pauls’ Description Of The Rough Sea Passage
----------------------------------
Message from Patrick Cordier (Aust)

I can vouch for Pauls’ description of the rough sea passage on the
Regal Princess as I too was on the same trip from Sydney to NZ, but
as a simple tourist and not as a performer this time.

I must add that Paul is a very polished performer and I really
enjoyed his performances especially his Charlie Chaplin routine.

We got together for a coffee and chat during the voyage and as usual
(being Magicians) we exchanged ideas.

My only regret was the fact that my tight schedule whilst on the
various shore excursions prevented me from meeting up with other
local NZ magicians....but there is always next time.

----------------------------------
9. Trick That I Can Use To Propose Marriage
----------------------------------
Message from Peter Marucci (Canada)

Tony O asks, in part:
"I am interested in finding a self-contained trick that I can use to
propose marriage."

The following is a - gasp! - card trick that works especially well
in table hopping, where you are performing for couples.
Enjoy!

CARDS FOR LOVERS
By Peter Marucci

Effect:
A man and a woman both select a card and sign it, the woman on the
front, the man on the back. When one of the cards is found in the
deck, with the signature on it, it is turned over and the other
signature is on the other side.

Working:
You'll need a deck of cards and a felt-tip marking pen. You'll also
need a couple, preferably two who have been enjoying the company of
each other (you could use a couple who have been fighting all
night - but that's another trick!).

Prattle on to the happy couple about the strong and deep emotional
connection some people have with a significant other, as you take
out the pen and the deck of cards.

Have the man select a card from the face-down deck and sign the back
without looking at the face. The card is returned to the deck and
the deck shuffled. Control the signed card to the bottom.

Turn to the woman and have her "freely" select a card, using the
Hindu Shuffle force, so that she selects the bottom card. Turn the
deck face up, to her selected card, and have her sign the face.
Shuffle the deck, rambling on about how a bond of love is able to
overcome all odds and, no matter how the deck is shuffled - or how
mixed up life may become - if that bond is strong enough, two people
will always find each other.

With the deck face down, go through and find the man's signed card;
place it face down on the table.

Turn the deck face up and look for the woman's signed card. It is,
of course, not to be found. Look through the deck a couple of times
to underscore the point that the woman's card is not there.

Again hammer home the point that, while they may have selected
separate cards (okay, they didn't; but they don't know that!), the
bond between them is so strong that it drew them together.
Turn over the man's signed card on the table to show the signed
selection of the woman on the other side.

Second Thoughts:
For a "proposal" routine, you -- the magician -- would be the signer
of the card in the second place.

This is a great use of those practice cards that you have drawers
full of, since you destroy a card ever time. Simply replace the used
card with any card from another deck (with the same back). It
doesn't matter what the face is, since the couple only see the face
of one card.

You could slap a sticker on the card, giving your name and other
pertinent business information - although some may consider this a
bit tacky. In any case, leave the card with the couple as a
souvenir.

They will love you for it; you will have a warm feeling inside;
everybody goes away happy.

Who could ask for anything more?

Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com

----------------------------------
10. Re: Saturdays At Reuben's
----------------------------------
Message from Jack Poulter (Canada)

Rick Stuart (US) commented:

>Pity that restaurant closed recently. I'm not sure where the city
>crowd meets now, as I don't get into the City on Saturday mornings.
>I know they've found a new home though.
-----
From the alt.magic FAQ, Part 1:

New York

Cafe Edison
"The New York Magic Table" meets daily, M-F, from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
in the cafe of the Hotel Edison on 47th Street, off Broadway, in New
York City.

Visiting magicians are welcome Reuben's - Now extinct. Replaced by:
Maui Tacos, 330 Fifth Ave. (at 32nd Street) Saturdays, 2 - 5 p.m

----------------------------------
11. Vince Carmen's 2nd Spring Tour Of North Florida
----------------------------------
Message from Vince Carman (US)

Vince Carmen's 2nd Spring tour of North Florida produced excellent
results in regards to ticket sales, attendance and concession sales.
Thanks to the mention in your publication, other magicians have
contacted me for services concerning promotional consulting for
their shows...this service shows anyone how to promote ticket sales
successfully.

Opening March 15, Six Flags Amusement Park in Atlanta, returning by
popular demand for 6 months...VINCE CARMEN AND "AMERICA'S FIRST
FAMILY OF MAGIC". Appearing daily in their U.S.A. theatre...also
visit Vince at his magic shop in the park, magic friends are always
welcome for a chat, thanks.

----------------------------------
12. Tim Ellis & Sue Anne Webster Lecture - Las Vegas
----------------------------------
Message from Don Drake (US)

I just had to post this. We had the most wonderful lecture I have
ever had the privilege of attending. Being a professional lecturer
myself, I don't say this lightly. Tim Ellis & Sue Anne Webster are
the most energetic, funny and entertaining couple I have ever seen!
Not only are the tricks good, but the method of teaching is
hilarious.

There's never a dull moment. So PLEASE, if you ever get a chance to
see them, don't pass it up. Yours in Black Art Magic,
The Magic of DONDRAKE

----------------------------------
13. Reubens Now Maui Taco!!
----------------------------------
Message from Jerry Wiesenberg (US)

Just read the Rick Stuart article on Reubens and thought I would
offer the following:

New York City magicians celebrated their one year anniversary of
meetings at Maui Taco on Fifth Avenue, between 32nd and 33rd
Streets. Noted magician, Doug Edwards sponsored a catered luncheon
last week to celebrate that occasion.

Maui Taco is now the Saturday afternoon (2PM to 5PM) meeting place
of the magicians. The downstairs room of the restaurant offers a
venue for meeting other magicians, purchasing magic items, seeing
magic videos, and having lots of laughs. The get-together is open to
all who share an interest in magic. There is no charge for
attending, but I am sure that the restaurant management would
appreciate you purchasing some food items.

As one of the frequent attendees, I would look forward to meeting
and greeting any visitors.

----------------------------------
14. Las Vegas Magic Invitational / Coinvention
----------------------------------
Message from Danny Archer (US)

Las Vegas Magic Invitational / Coinvention
Hang out with the coolest guys in the desert!

Robert Allen & Danny Archer are proud to present 3 days of close-up
fun and magical mayhem in the most magical city on Earth; Las Vegas
Nevada. Presenting the third annual west coast magic convention with
the very best Close-Up & Cabaret Magic you'll see at any convention
anywhere!

CLOSE-UP SHOWS * MAGIC WORKSHOPS
GREAT LECTURES * CABARET SHOWS
DEALERS * JAM SHOWS (where you perform)

The 2002 Las Vegas Magic Invitational (LVMI) convention was
acclaimed far and wide not only for the excellence of it's paid
performers, but the outstanding contributions from special guests
and attendees.

Now, in only it's third year, the LVMI is promising to be THE magic
event of the year for the close-up crowd. Booked to perform and
lecture in 2003 are; Shoot Ogawa, Joe Givan, Simon Lovell, Jamy Ian
Swiss, Geoff Williams, Armando Lucero, Curtis Kam … private
workshops will be offered by David Roth

The special guest of honor will be the "Charming Cheat", Mr. Martin
Nash … (and if these heavyweights aren't enough, wait until you see
the talent coming to the Convention (info below) the day after
LVMI).

The fun starts 9/13 on Saturday evening with an Open House at the
incredible new, state-of-the-art Magic School hosted by Jeff McBride
and Eugene Burger. Then Sunday afternoon at 1 PM, LVMI kicks off and
Robert Allen and Danny Archer introduce the first fantastic lecture
and the fun begins.

Dealers include;
Presto Magic Studio, Andy Greget Books, Showplace Magic, Denny &
Lee, Todd Lassen Coins, Mark Strivings, Dean Dill and Doug Malloy,
Thomas Wayne & Joe Porper.

Every registrant will have a chance to win a custom crafted magic
wand designed and made by master craftsman Thomas Wayne (value
$250).

The 2002 LVMI convention had in attendance such prominent names as:
Allan Ackerman, Lee Asher, Doug Brewer, Dan and Dave Buck, Eugene
Burger, Joey Burton, Mike Close and Lisa Moore, Daryl and Alison,
Dean Dill, Steve Fearson, Aaron Fisher, Bob Fitch, Michael Forbes,
Bill Goodwin, Paul Harris, Brad Henderson, Scott Hitchcock, John
Kennedy, Chris Kenner, Mac, King, Roger Klause, Bob Kohler, Nathan
Kranzo, Chris Korn, Todd Lassen, Homer Liwag, Doug Malloy, Jeff
McBride, Eric Mead, John Moehring, Gary Norsigian, Shoot Ogawa,
Chris Randall, Apollo Robbins, Adam Rubin, Peter Studebaker, Howie
Schwartzman, Garrett Thomas, Dan Watkins, Thomas Wayne, Paul Wilson,
Phil Varricchio, Frank Zak, Rick Wilcox.

Don't read about LVMI in the magazines or on the boards and wish you
were there … BE THERE!

The 2003 Las Vegas Magic Invitational will be held September 14th -
16th at The San Remo Hotel and Casino in exciting Las Vegas.

Coinvention is a separate admission event held on September 17th.
Registration fees are as follows:

LVMI Registration*
Before July 1, 2003 After July 1, 2003
Magicians $135 $150
Spouses $ 75 $ 85

Coinvention Registration
Before July 1, 2003 After July 1, 2003
Magicians $75.00 $85.00
Registration is limited and we expect a sellout so Act now!
No refunds after 8/1/03.

The San Remo Hotel is offering a special discounted hotel rate of
$55 per night to all those registered for LVMI 2003. Room
reservations must be made before August 1, 2003. For room
registration call San Remo Reservations at 1-800-522-7366. Be sure
to mention that you are LVMI.

LVMI 2002 was the most talked about close-up event of the year. Read
the November 2002 issue of MAGIC magazine and check out our event
photos.

LVMI 2003 will be even hotter … and don't forget to stick around an
extra day for the most incredible, cutting-edge Coin Magic you've
ever seen from a veritable who's who of Coin Magic.

Register on the web site (all credit cards accepted), or contact
Robert Allen 702-434-2210 lvmi@juno.com
Danny Archer 303-321-6267 lecturenet@aol.com

=================
Coinvention
Never before has there been a magic convention dedicated exclusively
to coin magic .. until now … on September 17th, the day after the
Las Vegas Magic Invitational at the San Remo hotel .. the world's
first Coinvention takes place …

24 hours spent working with the world's greatest sleight of hand
coin magicians, Dean Dill, Kainoa Harbottle, Curtis Kam, Bob Kohler,
Reid McClintock, David Neighbors, Shoot Ogawa, David Roth, Michael
Rubenstein and more great coin workers to be announced.

The day will be comprised of workshops, lectures, panel discussions,
formal shows, breakout sessions and a chance for everyone who wishes
to conjure with coins. A DVD will be filmed live for release to the
magic community. To help get you in the mood for coins … LVMI will
spotlight coin magic on Monday, with coin lectures by Curtis Kam and
Shoot Ogawa. Even the close-up show that day will feature coin
magic. The world's first coin only convention will be an historic
event … join us and be a part of history …

Coinvention Registration
Before July 1, 2003 $75.00 After July 1, 2003 $85.00

----------------------------------
15. Michael Grandinetti’s Featured In Pittsburgh Magazine
----------------------------------
Message from Michael Grandinetti (US)

Los Angeles, CA - March 10, 2003 – Imagine a room filled with steel
spikes, power saws, goldfish tanks, torches, and stacks of some of
the oldest books ever written. It sounds like a scene from a movie,
but it’s actually the boyhood storage and rehearsal area of
illusionist Michael Grandinetti, featured in Pittsburgh Magazine’s
March “Personal Space” column.

Each month the magazine features a former or current Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania resident with unique accomplishments in one of their
most memorable city spots. This month they chose Michael, who,
although only 25, has spent the past twenty years striving to break
new ground in the world of illusion.

The space itself even has a bit of magic to it - magically
transforming from the family garage to a rehearsal area complete
with mirrors and historical store room.

Growing up in Pittsburgh, Michael spent every waking moment in this
area studying, rehearsing, and designing new illusions for his shows
ranging from small sleight of hand effects to large scale illusions
such as an appearing motorcycle and “The Tower of Flaming Spikes”,
which led to his appearance on NBC’s “The World’s Most Dangerous
Magic II” television special. As a matter of fact, it was in this
area that Michael and his crew had a sudden 11:30pm meeting when
they first found out they were accepted onto the NBC show.

“As our illusions and shows grew, we had to find larger rehearsal
halls and stages,” Michael said. “But this area always remained our
meeting room and home base.”

In addition, the area contained Michael’s collection of over five
hundred videos of magic from around the world, illusion books dating
back hundreds of years, and memorabilia from masters of magic
including Harry Houdini and Doug Henning. It also contained
souvenirs from Grandinetti’s own shows, including a 9-foot high
painting of the illusionist escaping from fire used on the
“Dangerous Magic” set.

As he continues to push forward in his career, Michael Grandinetti
has never forgotten where he comes from.

----------------------------------
16. Report From Sweden
----------------------------------
Message from Curth Ekgren (Sweden)

On 14-15 of February we had a magic conference in Stockholm, the
capital of the Kingdom of Sweden. We haven't had so many competitors
in many years and most of the acts were very good. During the gala
dinner we had a very popular close-up competition. Every table was
visited by each magician and the judges were laymen. The winner was
Tom Stone who surely isn't unknown to the international world of
magic.

The winner of the stage competitions was Malin Nilsson who did a
beautiful and stylish act. This is the first time a woman magician
won the Swedish grand prix! And we had even more women participants:
Kristine Hjulstad from Norway who has been taking classes in the US
with Jeff McBride. If the Iraq crisis doesn't prevent it she will be
going to Singapore during the end of March.

Whoops Entertainment had a great hit. Their performance of D'lite is
the best ever, period, and their "hypnosis act" had the audience
screaming with laughter. Martin Hansson from Whoops also gave a
seminar on how to approach people during strolling magic and how to
treat audience volunteers: the drunk CEO, the extroverted secretary,
the bad guy who's looking for a fight and so on. Alla these
characters were played by Leif Olberius who has a solid acting
background. To all conference organizers: If you want something
different, book Whoops Entertainment. If you're interested drop me a
mail at curtelle@curtelle.com.

On 28-30 of March there will be a big conference in Oslo. The
Norwegian Magic Circle is celebrating its 75 year anniversary. I'll
be back with a report in due time.

----------------------------------
17. Canadian Association Of Magicians Convention
----------------------------------
Message from Joan Caesar (Canada)

The second Canadian Association of Magicians Convention,
CAMaraderie, is being held June 12-14 in Kitchener Ontario (1-1/2
hours north of Buffalo, N.Y.).

It will feature:
Canadians Shawn Farquhar, Derek Selinger Owen Anderson, David Merry,
Ryan Joyce and Paul Wild.

Special guests include Jeff McBride, Gene Anderson, Jamy Ian Swiss,
Chris Capehart and Karl Norman.

There will be:
Close up and stage competitions with trophies and $1000. in prize
money.

Dealers from Canada, The United States and Australia.

A special Tribute to Canadian, James Randi, is being prepared by Tom
Baxter. This Banquet will give people a chance to meet this icon of
magic, as well as Canadians Dean Gunnarson, Banachek, and author
Pierre Burton along with Michael Shermer and others.
Our Hospitality Suite is a further opportunity to enjoy nightly
CAMaraderie and magic.

Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

For further details, and a convention registration form, visit our
web site: www.CanadianAssociationOfMagicians.com

Canadian Association of Magicians
Box 41, Elora, ON N0B 1S0
519-846-2605
www.CanadianAssociationOfMagicians.com

--------------------------------
 18. Lecture Notice:  Aaron Fisher - April 4th
----------------------------------
Message from Michael Canick (US)

On Friday, April 4th, at 8 p.m., wunderkind Aaron Fisher will give a
lecture at our store, featuring card magic from his highly
successful book "The Paper Engine" as well as other material.  Mr.
Fisher will also be selling books, videos, cd's & lecture notes.

Come see why this 26-year-old has already been featured on the cover
of Genii magazine.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. so attendees can enjoy refreshments,
shopping and  magical camaraderie.

Admission fees for the lecture are $25 in advance; $30 at the door;
$20 for members of our Book Club.  PLEASE reserve in advance to
avoid disappointment.

Michael Canick Booksellers, L.L.C.
200 East 82nd Street, #3B
*  New York, NY 10028
*  Phone: (212) 585-2990
*  Fax: (212) 585-2986
*  E-Mail: canick@panix.com

--------------------------------
19. Toledo Of Sweden, The Ultimate Comedy Magic
----------------------------------
Message from Danny Launert (Sweden)

One or two years back I find in this e-zine good reviews of a
magician named Toledo from Sweden.

I'm a musician professionally and have the last 3 years played on
cruise ships with our orchestra. Now we are playing east of USA.

I have heard rumors about a very funny magician performing in USA
and a couple of weeks ago I found him. He was doing his show at a
big private party in Washington where we was playing. There was an
acrobatic duo, Mr Toledo and the famous singer Celine. And of
course, our orchestra. The acrobats was very good and Toledo, what
to say other than that was the most fantastic, clever, completely
new and astonishing, hilarious comedy magic I have ever seen.

In fact, it was the funniest performance on stage ever for me. Half
the boys in the orchestra (big band) stopped playing and was
hysterically laughing all the time when Toledo did his balls popping
up and down, his bottles doing 'all', his amazing Zombie and  his
most enormous trick with a rabbit and three cylinders where the
rabbit did half the show when he popped up and disappeared in the
cylinders in a way not possible to describe. It was . . FANTASTIC!

Then after Toledo it was said that the singer Celine was coming. But
the toastmaster announced 15 min interval since it was technical
failure. Then the singer entered the stage doing her first song and
after that she told the audience that there was no failure. It was
she who was responsible for the break. She said they had told her to
see the funny magician so she was standing in the wings watching
him.

The problem for her was that she laughed constantly and her tears
destroyed her make up. That's why the 15 min. And then she said to
the audience: Wasn't he marvellous! And they gave Toledo a big hand.
I have never seen or heard a big star giving credit to another
artist in that way. But he really deserved it.

If you ever have the opportunity to see Toledo of Sweden and his
crazy comedy magic, I guarantee you the happiest nine minutes of
your life.

Danny Launert
Musician  (always doing coinmagic on our travels)
Falconer NY 14733

--------------------------------
20. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga – Page 152
----------------------------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

Sun Kissed Fiji – a Brief Return

Wednesday 14th July 1976. We flew out of Auckland, New Zealand, at
11:35am, and arrived at Nadi international airport 2:10pm. Got
through customs with no more than a cursory look through our hand
luggage, and this was only because I'd got into the wrong queue - 50
% chance of being right, and I got it wrong! In this case (excuse
the pun) it depends on how you look at it, because my secret
gloating for unintentionally getting into the domestic queue, and
whipping ourselves and cabin cases through customs so quickly was
about to come to a swift end.

In those days Veronica, thankfully, kept a diary and had written a
daily record of events of the time. She has managed to keep it safe
all these years - so I can now relate things from her point of view
directly from that diary, as if it was happening today.

“I've been waiting, ‘patiently’, FOR AN HOUR, while Tom went to
claim his trunk of equipment, and Bed of Nails from Air Cargo. My
God, what a to-do! He finally came back utterly furious, because
some: ‘Pig Bloody-Headed Hindu was being officious, and demanding a
written list of EVERY ITEM in his trunk, with the approx. value of
everything’! I went with him, wrote down and valued the lot, which
even had to include the strips of sheeting that he has wrapped
around the ends of his fire torches, the number of feathers in his
turban, right down to the little screw and nut that holds the
fire-cross together. It is stinking hot, and so are our tempers!
About an hour later, he takes the list off to the ‘Officious One’,
and the bastard clears the whole lot with a mere glance at the
list - not even looking into the trunk to see if the list, which he’
d made quite obvious he couldn’t be bothered to read, was a true and
accurate declaration’! This is not a good omen”!

It is most interesting reading someone else’s diary; they have a
different slant on things that you both did, or what they have
written about oneself - personal memories that you have forgotten
about. I’ll carry on with Veronica’s reminiscences.

 “By 5pm, we were booked into the Hibiscus Hotel and playing pool.
Tom has beaten me twice. Smart-ass! Everyone smiles and greets you
as though they have known you for years. Great! And so far, the only
thing I have seen both the Fijians and Indians do fast - is talk!
The Fijians speak a heavily accented English, which takes some
tuning into; it is obviously their secondary language, and makes one
realise what the Maoris have lost, culturally and nationally. The
temperature was about 28 degrees centigrade this afternoon, but at
dinner (besides the swimming pool) there was a cool breeze blowing.

 “It is now 9:15pm and Tom, ever restless, is downstairs (seeing
what's it going on). I can hear the local entertainer doing his
thing in a bar. So far he has sung island songs, Maori songs, and
pop songs, all by himself, with electronic sound equipment, all
definitely off key and flat - his voice I mean. Far from the
‘Romance Of The Island's’, one hears about. No doubt Tom’s at the
bar by now, doing his usual - magic, and getting pickled on free
booze! Everybody wants to buy him a drink, to see more of his
close-up magic; I wish they’d pour the cash into his pockets
 instead”!

15 . 7 . 76. “Spend the day in Nadi, shopping. On the way back to
the hotel, saw a 12-man work team fixing the road. 11 of the team
stood on or round their truck, gaily waving the traffic on, while
the 12th member took experimental jabs at the ground with a shovel.
At that rate, it’s going to them forever to fix the road. I guess
that’s what is meant why they say, ‘Everything runs on - Island
Time”.

16 . 7 . 76. “Tom did a magic show last night for the hotel guests.
Naturally, there was some smart ass Kiwis in the audience,
wisecracking and playing around (not one was under 40). One in
particular was worse than the others, so Tom asked him, after making
a ping-pong ball disappear, to look between his legs for it. His
comment ‘No, I've nothing there!’ broke Tom and the audience up”. We
boarded an air-conditioned bus to Paradise Point resort, about 60
miles along the coast. This took about three hours, along dusty,
unsealed roads. Eric Petford, Paradise Point manager, met us at the
Korolevu hotel, where the bus stopped for lunch, and which turned
out to be just a 2-minute walk from the Paradise Point Resort.
-CONTINUES –

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21. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives
-------------------------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand 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: magic
Password: kiwi

When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are
coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue
number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)
Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to
gain access.

-------------------------------------
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© Copyright 2003 Alan Watson