* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #167
Date: Sunday 6th April 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. Thank Everyone For Their Kindness
3. A BIG Thank You From Paul Daniels
4. Greeting From Milt Larsen In Hollywood
5. Bob Jepson Passes Away
6. Giovanni de Francesco Passed Away
7. Terry Seabrooke - Heart Attack
8. British Weekly Newspaper World's Fair
9. www.magicwebchannel.com
10. Hong Kong Convention
11. David Williamson Lecture
12. Gemini Cage For Sale
13. 2003 Magic Moments - Wanganui NZ - Programme
14. Looking To Purchase Room Service By Don Wayne
15. Message from Liam Reid
16. Cheap Copy Of Original Appearing Broom
17. Wayne Rogers' Lecture On Stand Up Magic
18. Bob Fitch Presenting Popular Lecture At The I.B.M
19. Are you the new Magic Idol?
20. Notes - Past International Presidents Abb Dickson And Obie
O'Brien
21. Japanese Close-Up Pages
22. Looking For Haruo Shimada E-Mail Address
23. Melbourne Comedy Festival
24. 134 Linking Rings For Sale
25. Lance Burton's Stagehand Kirk Kalkowski Dies Suddenly
26. My New E-Zine The Eye Of Horus
27. IBM Ring 26 Announcement
28. Dick Barry's Houdini Stamp Escape
29. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga - Page 155
30. Magic New Zealand e-zine archives
31. Subscription Management

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

Very pleased to hear from Paul Daniels that he has recovered from
his virus attack - refer  item 3. Also pleased to hear Terry
Seabrooke is on the road to recovery after his heart attack - refer
item 7.

Re: Paul Daniels Masterclasses
If you have opportunity to attend the Paul Daniels Masterclasses –
this is certainly an investment in your professional magic career.
This lecture is an absolute must for any magician who is
contemplating pursuing magic as a full time career.

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

----------------------------------
2. Thank Everyone For Their Kindness
----------------------------------
Message from Andrew Lock (UK) Assistant to Paul Daniels

Paul and Debbie wish to thank everyone for their kindness in the
last week or so. At times like this, the magic community really
comes into its own, and they are very grateful for all the cards and
messages they have received.

Paul is thrilled that the first Masterclass events in the UK were so
well received (you can read the reviews at: www.pdmasterclass.com)
and he is looking forward to presenting these events in the USA.

------------------------------------
3. A BIG Thank You From Paul Daniels
-------------------------------------
Message from Paul Daniels (UK)

I am so sorry that this has to be such a 'general' thank you letter,
but I have no choice. I would love to be able to write to each and
everyone of you individually for being so caring and for wishing me
well.

As a normally fit guy this last week has come as a big shock to my
system and the infection, whatever it was, knocked my temperature
sky high and therefore made my body so astonishingly weak. One
benefit, however, at least for the first 24 hours I didn't know it
was happening. It must have come as an even bigger shock to the
theatre manager who found, he tells me, my 'grey/white faced body in
the car' with my hands twitching away.

Now I am home again and slowly building back to whatever is 'normal'
for me.

So I hope that you will understand if I reply in this manner to all
you wonderful people who wrote, sent cards, flowers, emails,
telephoned, offered assistance, and some of you even visited! How
many grapes can one man eat???? Considering I was on an island I am
deeply truly honoured.

-----------------------------
4. Greeting From Milt Larsen In Hollywood
----------------------------------
Message from Milt Larsen (US)

The dates for this year's annual “It's Magic!” shows have now been
set. The show will open Nov. 6, 2003 at the Thousand Oaks Performing
Arts Center (north greater Los Angeles) and then move to the Alex
Theater in Glendale (between Hollywood and Pasadena) for three shows
Nov. 7.8 and 9. Acts are now being set.

Additional “It's Magic!” shows will be presented in San Luis Obispo,
Santa Barbara, Escondido, Rollings Hills, Orange Coast and Palm
Desert during October and November. The show has been a Southern
California tradition since 1957.

Billy McComb and I will once again be the opening acts for The
Amazing Johnathan May 2 - 7 at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las
Vegas. I'll be doing my "Conversations with" lectures and comedy act
for the Stan Kramien Jubilee in Portland, Oregon May 23 and 24. The
24th of May is also my wife Arlene's birthday.

----------------------------------
5. Bob Jepson Passes Away
----------------------------------
Message from Vent Haven Museum & ConVENTion

We are sad to report that the ventriloquist and magic world has lost
one of it's funniest and brightest. Mr. Bob Jepson. Bob's friend
Walt Wormann notified us of the news tonight that Bob passed away
earlier in the evening March 29, 2003.

In July 1999, another late ventriloquist friend Allan Farber
recorded a great interview with Bob and his wife Rosie, where they
discussed their career in theater, magic and ventriloquism as well
as famous figure makers and their works. To hear this interview in
Real Audio, follow this link:

www.barbermedia.com/audio/media/99jepson.ram

We'll miss you Bob.

"I was born too late for vaudeville!" - Bob Jepson

Vent Haven Museum & ConVENTion
www.venthaven.com

----------------------------------
6. Giovanni de Francesco Passed Away
----------------------------------
Message from Wolfgang Messelken (Germany)

Back from the 75th anniversary of Magic Circle of Norway, Oslo, we
got the sad news that Giovanni de Francesco, Ing. Hans Oberleiter,
President of Magic Circle of Tyrol, Austria, passed away, March
29th.

He was born in 1946. To young too die. We lost a close friend. You
can take a look at his picture on our forum:
www.magicmeetingpoint.de

----------------------------------
7. Terry Seabrooke - Heart Attack
----------------------------------
Message from John Wade

Just a line to tell you that Terry Seabrooke is home again after a
week in hospital following a minor heart attack. He is fine and very
much his usual self but will probably be minus his familiar pipe in
future.

That makes it quite a month with Billy's pacemaker, Paul's virus and
then Terry. Things go in threes I suppose.

----------------------------------
8. British Weekly Newspaper World's Fair
----------------------------------
Message from Peter Eldin (UK)

I would be grateful if you could please give the following a
mention for I am constantly searching for news about magicians.

As you may know, I write the magic news page for the British weekly
newspaper World's Fair which is aimed at fairground people, circus
performers and magicians.

World's Fair is seen by some 25,000 people each week, the majority
of whom are not magicians, so it is my aim to keep my page full of
up to date news of magic shows and other events. As a general rule I
will not be publishing any details of forthcoming conventions or
magical lecture tours because the majority of readers are not
magicians. I will, however, be mentioning conventions just before or
after they take place.

I would therefore be grateful if you could please keep me informed
of any of your magical activities that involve the general public.

A biography and a photograph or two (either by e-mail or snail mail)
would also be appreciated.

Whilst I cannot guarantee to use all the information I receive the
more I get the easier my job will be and the page will be more
interesting as a result.

My contact details are: Peter Eldin, 29 Fourth Avenue, Grantham,
Lincolnshire NG31 9TS, England. Telephone: 01476 560657. E-mail:
eldin@tinyworld.co.uk

I look forward to hearing from you.
Many thanks
Peter Eldin

----------------------------------
9. www.magicwebchannel.com
----------------------------------
Message from Jan Dacri (US)

Steve and I have just returned from a highly successful and most
enjoyable Scott Wells-arranged lecture tour, short by our usual
standards, but a fun trip for us, with the first stop in the Gary
Hughes estate in New Orleans, and on to our first return to Texas in
over twenty years.

Highlights included a huge Texas crowd in Houston, where Walter
Zaney Blaney was seen taking notes and joining in the fun, and
additional stops in Ft. Worth, and Austin. Each stop included the
lecture, followed by the much talked about "Insider's Workshop",
where Steve offers a hands on experience in the fine art of close-up
magic, as first presented in London at The Magic Circle. You can
read all about this "mini-tour" in the latest edition of
"AbracaDacri" on www.magicwebchannel.com.

----------------------------------
10. Hong Kong Convention
----------------------------------
Message from Chun

After a successful Beyond 2000 Hong Kong International Magic
Convention, the Hong Kong Magicians Association coordinated another
successful Hong Kong 2003 International Magic Convention on March
28 - 30, 2003.

The International Magic Masters included: The Great Tomsoni & Co.
(Poland), Shawn Farquhar (Canada), Sylvester the Jester (USA), Li
Lin (China), Hikari Furuyama (Japan), Magic Fukai (Japan), Lee Asher
(USA), Kelvin Chun (USA), Simon Ma (Hong Kong), Harry Wong (Hong
Kong), and Mr. Magic - Albert Tam (Hong Kong)

The stage contest result was Sum Kun (flower) of China won the
Champion, Roy Tang (cards manipulation) of Hong Kong won the 1st
runner up and Catherine (dove) of Korea got the 2nd runner up.

www.geocities.com/mahk_hk/convention/index_e.htm

 ----------------------------------
11. David Williamson Lecture
----------------------------------
Message from Bill Bishop - President, Ring 161

The Akron (Ohio) Magic Club will be presenting a lecture by famed
comedy magician David Williamson. The lecture will be at 8:00 pm, on
April 23rd at the Spaghetti Warehouse, located at 510 S. Main St.,
in downtown Akron (330-374-0025).

David is one of the most versatile corporate entertainers working
today. Whether he's pretending to be a nervous stress management
consultant for 12,000 McDonald's managers or producing a live donkey
onstage at a top-level IBM meeting, David has the ability to engage,
entertain, and educate any group.

Recently, David was featured on ABC's Prime Time Special, Champions
of Magic, where he appeared with Princess Stephanie as he performed
his miracles at different locations in and around Monaco. David has
also co-starred in several top-rated prime-time network specials
including Magicians' Favorite Magicians (CBS), Houdini:- Unlocking
His Mysteries (NBC), and World's Greatest Magic III (NBC).

As host of the United Kingdom's acclaimed television series The
Magic Comedy Strip, David's irresistible mix of humor and skill
helped make it one of the highest rated shows in the country. He has
created illusions for and performed in several commercials and has
developed TV shows for Walt Disney Productions and ABC, as well as
consulting for illusionists David Copperfield's and David Blaine's
TV specials. Most recently, David appeared on PAX TV's World Magic
Awards special where he was awarded comedy magician of the year.

David recently appeared at both the Blackpool (England) magic
convention and the Columbus Magi-fest. For those of you who saw him
at one of these events, he will be presenting a different lecture
than he gave there. And for those of you who didn't see him, ask
anyone who saw him if they didn't think he was one of the best
lecturers they have ever seen.

Cost for the ~ 2 hour lecture will be only $15 for non-AMC members
and $5 for members in good standing. Please help us by putting out
the word to other members of your club. Don't miss this opportunity
to see one of today's best magic talents.

For more information, contact me at Bishopiil@aol.com or
330-867-5979

----------------------------------
12. Gemini Cage For Sale
----------------------------------
Message from EK Chan (Joe Yu)

I have an Illusion, GEMINI CAGE built by Creative Illusions in June
2002 for sale.

This I believe is the last version they build before they converted
the name to 'Production stageworks' after the late Mr Ken Whitetaker
(inventor of Gemini cage & Impaled illusion)passed away July
02(correct me if I am wrong)

The condition is close to new (Very brand new) & comes with Extra
Sherpherd castor wheels. It comes with a custom Encore ATA case
everything fits in.

I will also include the video cataloge by creative illusions showing
this illusion and all the necessary extra accessories that I bought.

The cage has been only used ONCE for a TV show and a few rehearsals.

Reason for selling: Singapore stage Unlike USA, we seldom have a
production show mostly dinner & dance show....it is very impractical
to carry the cage with lady in it onto a platform stage with All the
audience watching it. It works best if U have a theatre stage that
can pushed from the side wings.

This Illusion has been performed by Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton,
Rick Thomas, John Shrock...etc

I pay close to US$6000 for the entire illusions, one ENCORE ATA
case. Accessories, video plus shipping to my country.

I am willing to sell it at US$5200/- Plus shipping or trade are
always welcome. (must be practical illusion on D&D stage)

If anyone interested, you may e-mail me for a photo...I am always
happy to provide a few references of US magicians who know me,
please e-mail me at: dovework@pacific.net.sg for further details.

----------------------------------
13. 2003 Magic Moments - Wanganui NZ - Programme
----------------------------------
Message from Norm Twigge (NZ)

Saturday
9:00 a.m. Start
9:30 Dealers Demo
9:45 Morning tea
10:05 Competition - 3 min. Silk routine
11:00 Workshops
12:00 Lunch

1:00 p.m Lecture - Wayne Rogers
3:00 Afternoon tea
3:15 Competition - Close up
4:15 Workshops
5:00 Break - Your own time

7:00 Drinks - Social time
8:00 Show time
9:30 Presentations
10:00 Supper

Sunday
9:00 a.m Lecture - Pat-trick
10:00 Morning tea - Lecture continues
11:00 Workshops
11:30 Bring & buy / Sales Tables
12:00 Finish

Programme may be changed at the discretion of the Organising
Committee.

----------------------------------
14. Looking To Purchase Room Service By Don Wayne
----------------------------------
Message from Bill Reid (NZ)

I am looking to purchase an effect call ‘Room Service’ by Don Wayne.
Can anyone help me please?

Contact me at
bmreid@magicians.co.nz

----------------------------------
15. Message from Liam Reid
----------------------------------
Message from Dad for Liam (NZ)

We would like to thank all of you people that sent me congratulation
e-mails.

My Mum and Dad will reply to each one of them ASAP.

As I came home with my Mum last Sunday, I have made sure that I have
kept them BUSY all week. Dad is putting up a web page with photos of
Me and Us on it. I will send the address out as soon as it is done.

----------------------------------
16. Cheap Copy Of Original Appearing Broom
----------------------------------
Message From Wayne Rogers (NZ)

I wish to dis-associate myself from the cheap copy of an Appearing
Broom being manufactured by JB Magic Ink in the US (Not to be
confused with JBTV of the UK)

My original Appearing Broom was launched onto the market in 1999 and
is still being manufactured by me and selling world wide. A lot of
time and effort went into the original design to make it workable
and different from other production items in the market. I am
personally disappointed that it has been copied.

My Appearing Broom features a unique gimmick that allows the
performer to "pour" the broom from the bag. This reverse-action
feature sets it apart from other "pole" type production items. The
instructions include a professional routine suggested by Paul
Romhany plus additional performing tips that add value to the total
package.

The cheap copy, while it does not have the above features, does have
a "look-a-like" handle that is white with a black end cap, and could
be confused with my original model.

Over the years I have observed that those who copy other people's
ideas, usually make them cheaper by using inferior materials and
discarding the features that made the original stand out as being
different.

One day I might be surprised to see one of my creations ripped off,
actually improved and sold at a higher price. That at least would be
some form of progress.

The ORIGINAL APPEARING BROOM created by Wayne Rogers
Chicane Enterprises Ltd
Auckland, New Zealand.
chicane@nzmagic.com
www.nzmagic.com/productpg.html#broom

Contact Wayne direct
or George Schindler Showbiz10@aol.com
or ask your Magic Dealer

----------------------------------
17. Wayne Rogers' Lecture On Stand Up Magic
----------------------------------
Message from Wayne Rogers (NZ)

Wayne Rogers' lecture on Stand Up Magic will feature a range of
original magic and practical variations on standard effects. The
exact content of the lecture is being finalised, but will include
the following items:

A Brief History of the Appearing Pole
(The New Zealand Connection)

Slide Through Card Switch
(Jumbo Card Switch or Force)

Torn and Restored Crepe Paper Streamer

Magic Quiz . . . fun showcase for small effects
(Spectators can never have correct answer!)

Signed Card On Blue Stake
(Prize winning comedy card trick)

Russell Crow and Friends
(Puppet/Sponge ball routine)

Simple Electronics applied to magic

Automatic Monkey Bar

And more . . .

Lecture notes and a small range of magic items will be available to
purchase.

Wayne Rogers
Chicane Enterprises Ltd
Auckland, New Zealand.
www.nzmagic.com
www.nzmagic.com/productpg.html

----------------------------------
18. Bob Fitch Presenting Popular Lecture At The I.B.M
----------------------------------
Message from Mindy Burden (US)

Bob Fitch, the performance pro, will be presenting his popular
lecture at the I.B.M. Convention this summer. In addition, he is
offering a special, additional fee required Workshop. The Workshop,
to be held on Sunday, July 6 from 9:00am till 12:00noon, is titled:
Applying Theatrical Experience to Close-Up.

The workshop is limited to a maximum of 10 registrants, allowing Bob
to give each person very individualized instruction. Registrations
will ONLY be accepted at the Convention Registration Desk after
2:00pm Wednesday, July 2. The cost of the Workshop is $65 and
includes the booklet 'Ten Secrets', which is a value of $20.

----------------------------------
19. Are you the new Magic Idol?
----------------------------------
Message from Mindy Burden (US)

The I.B.M. Convention Committee announces the newest event added to
the already exciting Convention schedule. On Tuesday, July 1 at 10pm
we will crown the 'Magic Idol'. Your host for the evening will be
the dashing, effervescent Jerry Schnepp Jr. Contestants will present
5 minutes of magic, then hear opinions from our panel of judges.
Ues, we have OUR Simon---Simon Lovell, that is. And, Gay Blackstone
will also offer her candid remarks. The audience will have the final
say as they vote on their ballots. The winner will receive a gift
certificate for $100 to spend in the Dealers' Room at the
Convention.

This contest is limited to the first 15 applicants. All others will
be put on a waiting list in the order of receipt. You may enter the
'Magic Idol' contest by e-mailing Mindy Burden at jam3rma@avolve.net
or sending a note to her at PO Box 24, Thornville OH 43076. All IBM
contest rules of ethics apply for this contest.

----------------------------------
20. Notes - Past International Presidents Abb Dickson And Obie
O'Brien
----------------------------------
Message from Mindy Burden (US)

I received the following notes from Past International Presidents
Abb Dickson and Obie O'Brien I'd like to share (with their
permission):

>From Abb Dickson:
"Hey, it's ABB DICKSON, Past International President of the
IBM...and I'd just like to put in my 'two cents worth', and invite
you all to come to the IBM Convention in Kansas City this summer.
First, I look forward to seeing some of my old Midwest Magic Jubilee
Friends from long ago, and also getting to meet a few new ones.

It's been a long time since I've been to Kansas City...probably the
last time was with my old Partner in Fun KARRELL FOX. We always had
a fondness for the Midwest-you were always some of the kindest
audiences we worked for. Hope you remember the fun! You know, the
IBM Convention is still one of the greatest values in magic. The
line up of talent is always superb, and you simply can't beat the
Dealer's Room-where you'll get to see magic from all over this
globe!

I look forward to seeing you at this great convention!" ABB DICKSON

>From Obie O'Brien:
Obie was asked by the British Ring magazine, "Have you any final
words of wisdom for newcomers today?" His reply: "I think the best
thing to tell magicians is to attend a big convention every year as
this is where they will meet, see, and learn from today's Stars of
magic." He adds: "The IBM is one of the biggest and best magic
conventions for your money. You will learn from and see the Stars of
today and the Stars of tomorrow. So, get to Kansas City for this
year's big event.

Trust me, you will want to attend every year after that. I have only
missed 3 IBM conventions since 1968 (2 because I attended the worlds
biggest convention, FISM, which comes every 3 years, and the other
because of my daughter's graduation). I hope to see you there!" Obie
O'Brien

----------------------------------
21. Japanese Close-Up Pages
----------------------------------
Message from Loch David Crane, Bafflin' Bill Cody

I looked up both Japanese close-up pages you recently mentioned and
found no links at all.

Would you please ask Japanese Magicians to write to me about where
and when the conventions meet so I can visit from California?

I would like to donate shows while in Japan to local charities and
bring along a handicap-adapted 3-wheeler to drive also. Are there
any trike drivers in Japan, or do they even allow specially adapted
vehicles to enter the country? See me and the STAR TRIKE at
<www.star-trike.com>

Loch David Crane, Bafflin' Bill Cody
capnkirk@adnc.com

----------------------------------
22. Looking For Haruo Shimada E-Mail Address
----------------------------------
Message from Alfred Hayes (Aust)

Haruo Shimada recently received two awards in Japan.

My friendship with him goes back over 3 score years, when he first
appeared in Australia with a Japanese Revue. Since then we have
"met-up" many places around the world, but over recent years his
where-abouts completely vanished. I would delight getting once more
in contact with him.

If any magic minded person has his postal address, or e-mail
contact, I would be most appreciative. My e-mail contact is:
alfredandpatrick@hotmail.com

----------------------------------
23. Melbourne Comedy Festival
----------------------------------
Message from Fast Jimmy (Aust)

Last year in April I had the pleasure of going to see Patrick and
Melissa's very entertaining show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival. I
hadn't met them at that stage and ended up being pulled up on stage
to for them to learn later after the show that I was infact another
magician.

Their show was very entertaining, unique and several of their
effects left me wondering on how they did it. I thought it was a
great night out and I guarantee magician or
laymen will enjoy their great work in the comedy festival this year.

I have seen Patrick’s video and the close-up effects were nothing
short of amazing. If you get the chance to see Patrick’s
performances at the Comedy Festival I guarantee it is something not
to be missed - go and see it for yourself and be amazed.

----------------------------------
24. 134 Linking Rings For Sale
----------------------------------
Message from Peter Rawstone (NZ)

FOR SALE on behalf of the junior section of HB Magicians. A total of
134 Linking Rings. Dated from 1986 to 1997. The years 1988 - 1993
are complete. $50NZ.

Contact Peter Rawstrone. phraw@xtra.co.nz

----------------------------------
25. Lance Burton's Stagehand Kirk Kalkowski Dies Suddenly
----------------------------------
Message from Wayne Bernath, Director of Publicity for Lance Burton

Long-time stagehand Kirk Kalkowski, 46, who worked for Lance Burton
as a stagehand at the Monte Carlo Resort died suddenly Thursday,
March 27 in Las Vegas.

Memorial services was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 1 at our Lady
of Las Vegas Catholic Church. The family requests memorial donations
should be made to the City of Hope or The Katrina Kalkowski
Educational Fund, c/o Bank of America, account #4965906931. He is
survived by his wife, Linda; daughter Katrina; parents, Ronald and
Kathy; sister, Kelly Caudle and brother Kris all of Las Vegas. He
was born on Jan. 22, 1957 in Grand Island, NB but was a lifetime
resident of Las Vegas. The City of Hope in Los Angeles helped him
tremendously.

In addition to being a Las Vegas entertainment stagehand and head
flyman for "Lance Burton: Master Magician," he belonged to Sigma Chi
Fraternity and was a former volunteer with the Las Vegas
Metropolitan Police Department Search and Rescue Team. He was a
member of the Stagehand Union IATSE Local 720.

Lance Burton said, "He was a wonderful person and great worker. I
will miss him dearly."

----------------------------------
26. My New E-Zine The Eye Of Horus
----------------------------------
Message from Dave Boyd (Aust)

My new e-zine The Eye of Horus is now ready for going out into the
wide world of magic.

It is a free, monthly e-zine for the mentalist, bizarre or
paranormal type performer. With more and more magicians including at
least some mentalism in their shows, I thought it was time for an
E-Zine to cater to this market.

If you have anything to contribute, or sell, let me have it ASAP, I
will now be starting on next months edition. If you could give me
your address for persons wishing to sign up for your publication. I
will place a link on subsequent editions of The Eye of Horus

The preferred email address for Horus is horusezine2@hotmail.com
mailto:horusezine2@hotmail.com oror you could still use my usual
email. boyddp@hotmail.com

Regards
Dave Boyd
BE LISTED FREE IN THE WORLD WIDE MAGICIAN'S DATA BASE
http://magicianandclowndatabase.homestead.com

Check out Web Page for International Entertainment available.
Also Magicians can find a great range of magic for sale
http://mountainmagicaustralia.homestead.com

"THE EYE OF HORUS E-ZINE" for the mentalist.
http://horusmindmagic.homestead.com

----------------------------------
27. IBM Ring 26 Announcement
----------------------------------
Message from Jerry Wiesenberg (US)

IBM Ring 26 is pleased to make the following announcement:

Garrett Thomas, one of the featured lecturers at the 2002 Las Vegas
Magic International, will present his lecture in New York City on
May 9, 2003. His handling of a few classic effects will breathe new
life into some old favorites, and his original creations break new
ground. He uses props like cards, coins, silks, sponges, fingers,
matchbooks, Rubik's Cubes ... truly something for everyone!

The lecture will be held in New York City's, Soldiers, Sailors and
Airmen's Club, 283 Lexington Avenue (between 36th & 37th Streets) on
Friday, May 9, 2003 at 8 P.M.

The cost for Ring 26 members is $5. Non-member magician guests will
be admitted for $20.

This is a lecture not to be missed! For additional information
contact: Ring 26 President Jerry Wiesenberg at: magicwies@aol.com

----------------------------------
28. Dick Barry's Houdini Stamp Escape
----------------------------------
Message from Don Drake (US)

I am now selling Dick Barry's Houdini Stamp escape, with a great
ending. If you are not familiar with the trick, it's one of the best
tricks I've come across in years.

Houdini escapes from a stamp while the stamp is handcuffed to a
spectator's finger, leaving only a silhouette. In my ending, he
re-appears laminated to the back of your business card, which you
have previously shown blank on the back! I am asking $19.95 plus
$3.85 Priority mail shipping. There is no handling charge.

You get the handcuffs, Dicks instructions for the trick, two
specially mounted Houdini stamp cut-outs, mounted and laminated, two
pieces of self sealing plastic for your business card, and the extra
Houdini portrait carefully cut from a stamp, with the sticky paper
still in place, so you can place it on the back of your business
card!

Once you have done this effect, the corporate client will NEVER
throw your card away. I have a limited supply of these, so if you
want it, please order as soon as possible. Once you buy the first
one, you can easily make more of my endings for yourself. (See? I'm
not greedy <g>.) Anyway I hope you will like this trick, I did. I
sell these with Dick Barry's full permission.

Dick has a brilliant mind, and IMHO, this should be the close-up
trick of the year! DONDRAKE

The Magic of DONDRAKE
1412-A Santa Margarita St., Las Vegas, NV 89146-9306
Ph. 702-880-5370 dondrake@blackartsecrets.com
See us at http://blackartsecrets.com

------------------------------
29. The Amazing ‘Orchante’ Saga – Page 155
----------------------------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

G’DAY, AUSTRALIA!

What a contrast! Flying over New Zealand you are captivated by a
panoramic view of the cool velvety green of the countryside below.
Looking out of the windows of the aeroplane as we flew over the city
of Sydney heading for Kingsford Smith International airport, we were
greeted with millions of sizzling red roofs, and a myriad of various
shaped and sized sparkling blue patches - swimming pools that
appeared to be in every other backyard. We knew Australia was a hot
country and from our viewpoint at two thousand feet up, it looked
like it – phew!

Sunday 1st August 1976. We, like many other New Zealand entertainers
before us, have landed on Australian soil. Ten years earlier, two
good mates had practically begged me to leave N.Z. for Aust. with
them. One was (the late) Peter Taylor, juggler and acrobat (see
pages 34 –37, were 25 –28) the other was top kiwi/Italian singer
Robert Gennari. Mind you, if I’d gone with them, I wouldn’t have met
my first wife Sharon, and my two sons Jason and Darin, wouldn’t have
happened; neither would I have met Veronica, my wife of 27 years (we
have been ‘an item’ for 32 years). The ‘Master Planner’? sure does
has a strange way of doing things!

Bill Godfrey was there to meet us in the customs hall and being a
security officer for the airport, we whizzed through customs etc,
picked up our luggage and equipment in no time at all, and were soon
on our way to Bill’s home. It's the old story - its not what you
know, it's who you know. What a relief - I was still seething over
our treatment at the Nadi airport in Fiji, apart from the problems
of we’d had with the ‘officious ones’ in Suva, in to regards our
non-existent work permit.

My God, the traffic! Well let's face it - the largest city I had
been in at that point in time was Auckland New Zealand, my
birthplace. I don't know about now, but back in 1976 the entire
population of New Zealand (not counting the sheep) was equivalent to
that of Sydney - around 3 million. As far as I was concerned,
Sydney-ites in cars were total maniacs and it was every man for
himself - at breakneck speed. Up to then, my driving experience had
been ambling along the length and breadth of New Zealand (albeit on
some pretty hair-raising roads), and the laid-back South Pacific
Islands.

How frightful was the Sydney traffic to me? Let me put it this way.
When we bought our first car a few weeks later, I didn’t have the
nerve to drive it from the car sales yard to home; I had to ask Bill
to drive it! From there on, I drove it around the back streets of
Fairfield, a suburb west of Sydney central where Bill and his family
lived, until I got used to the fast paced Sydney drivers. That
probably explains why I became a fast driver myself, it was
self-defence – I learnt to out-drive the ‘Nutters’ for my own
safety, and to get away from them. The worst drivers I’ve had the
misfortune to encounter are in London England, but that is another
story.

We stayed with Bill, his wife Betty and children for two weeks,
while we looked for a place of our own, then discovered that their
neighbour had a garage that had been converted into a flat, and that
it had become available; perfect! In the meantime Bill (sadly, he
died many years ago), a most engaging, upfront character, with an
enormous personality to match, was a member of just about every RSL
(Returned Services League) club for miles around, as well as various
football clubs, and he knew all Secretary Managers, at every one of
them! He dragged us around to every one of them – introducing us to
everybody. I damn near wore my fingers to the bone doing close – up
magic, and getting ‘very happy’ on Australian lager most of the time
in the process.

In Sydney, these clubs, which number in the thousands, were the
‘bread and butter’ venues for the equally thousands of fulltime
professional entertainers – singers, dancers, comedians, speciality
acts, you name it; artistes from all over the world who worked in
them. Sydney was rated as second only to Las Vegas for volume of
work within one city, and Sydney had a hell of a lot more venues to
work in than Vegas’. It was said that you could work a different
club every night of the week in N.S.W. (State of New South Wales)
for ten years without going to the same one twice. Maybe a slight
exaggeration, but not much!

- CONTINUES -

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30. 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.

-------------------------------------
31. Subscription Management
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© Copyright 2003 Alan Watson