* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #186 Date: Sunday 20th July 2003 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.alan-watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor’s Message 2. S.A.M Convention Competition Results 3. DANTE Memorial Fund Established 4. Predicting The Weather - Ken Ring 5. SAM Convention: Not Your Typical Convention Report 6. New Comedy Club In Melbourne 7. The Magic Circle Young Magician Of The Year Competition 8. Four Elected To S.A.M. Hall Of Fame At Las Vegas Convention 9. To Benefit The Michael Finney Foundation 10. 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 11. `Lance Burton & Friends' To Do Benefit For The Shriners 12. IBM Ring 148 Inc. Adelaide 13. George Schindler Lecture - Chicago 14. Friday Gala At FISM - Raymond Crowe 15. "The Best Of Magic From Down Under" 16. Richard Walls Trip To Las Vegas 17. Joined Forces With MagicCrafters 18. Tony Griffith's 'Lecture/Teach In' On Corporate Magic 19. Sad to report - Jim Cook - Friend to Darren Romeo 20. Two Items From Collectors Workshop For Sale 21. Wanting To Purchase Giant B'Wave Card Trick 22. Treasure Island - Peter Marucci 23. e-zine archives 24. Subscription Management ------------------------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Magic New Zealand would like to thank Peter Marucci for his many commercial tricks and effects that he has very generously shared with us all over the last two years - keep them coming Peter! -------------------------------- Aldo Colombini tells me that he has had to cancel FISM this year where he was booked to MC the close-up and give a lecture as he will be having a hernia operation. -------------------------------- At the National S.A.M. convention in Las Vegas, Brad Jacobs was named S.A.M. Ambassador of Magic and George Schindler awarded Honorary Membership. Congratulations to you both - well deserved recognition. -------------------------------- Ross Skiffington tells me that it’s confirmed he’s working for Bell Shakespeare again in 2004 in "The Comedy of Errors" and the tour may include Auckland and Wellington. (That part isn't confirmed.) -------------------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ---------------------------------- 2. S.A.M Convention Competition Results ---------------------------------- Message from Paul Critelli - Chairperson S.A.M. Contest of Magic The Genii Award (Genii Lamp on hardwood pedestal) + $300.00: Close-Up - Sheldon Casavant Junior Stage - Jayson Morrison The S.A.M. Incentive Award (stone and wood plaque) + $200.00: Darcy Oake The Alaska Award (doesn't really have a name, but it is an invitation to perform in Anchorage during the 2003 Christmas holiday time -- travel, lodging, meals taken care of, not sure if there is a small stipend -- I do think there is after costs. Great time to share with The Magic Kids from SYM 120 and coordinated by Don Russell.): Matthew McArthur Originality Award (A stunning hardwood plaque to be fabricated and given next year to the winner. These awards are specially made and, therefore, not available at the current year's ceremony.): Mirko Callaci Mystic Craig Award for Professional Promise (hardwood plaque with silhouette of Mystic Craig): Derek Selinger Japanese Award -- Invitation to perform in Japan given by Shigeru Tashiro and The S.A.M. Japan Region: Mirko Callaci Brad Jacobs' People's Choice Award in Close-Up (Beautiful Crystal Award + $500.00): Brian Ochab Brad Jacobs' People's Choice Award in Stage (Beautiful Crystal Award + $500.00): Mirko Callaci Close-Up Contest: Second Place Award (hardwood plaque) + $500.00: Sheldon Casavant Chairperson's High Score Award (hardwood plaque) with Silver Medal of Merit + $1500.00 [$1000.00 for highest score and $500.00 for Silver Medal]: Pattrick Przysiecki Junior Stage Contest Chairperson's High Score Award (hardwood plaque) + $300.00: Kyle Scheel Senior Stage Contest Second Place Award (hardwood plaque) + $500.00: Mike Douglas Chairperson's High Score Award (hardwood plaque) with Gold Medal of Honor + $2000.00 ($1000.00 for highest score and $1000.00 for Gold Medal): Mirko Callaci ------------------------------------ 3. DANTE Memorial Fund Established ------------------------------------- Message from Phil Temple (US) DANTE Memorial Fund Established by Byron Walker America’s love of magic and magicians is a matter of record in the history of the United States. As a result, in death, the great names from the Golden Age of Magic - Herrmann, Houdini, Kellar, Thurston, Dante and Blackstone, Sr. - have all been suitably interred and their final resting places duly marked. All except Harry Jansen, professionally known as DANTE. Those traveling to the Pierce Brothers Chapel of the Pines in Los Angeles, California, wishing to pay their respects to the Master Magician who gained international fame as Dante, will be unable to do so. In the basement, which is never opened to the public, are over 30,000 small 4 x 6 inch white boxes in an area referred to as Communal Vaultage. Dante’s name is on one of those boxes. Now, 47 years after Dante’s death, the surviving family members would like to give the great magician and his wife the final resting place they deserve. To this end, The Dante Memorial Fund has been established to purchase an inurnment niche for Harry and Edna Jansen at The San Francisco Columbarium. (Dante’s surviving daughters now live in Northern California). This centrally located, unique 1898 historical building survived the famous 1906 earthquake in San Francisco, and is now one of only two operating cemeteries in the entire city. Additionally, the Honorary Dante Memorial Fund Board has been created, with Dr. Bob Albo, Dr. John Booth, Prof. Edwin Dawes, Mary Jansen Glazier (daughter), David Goodsell, Ray Goulet, Dorothy Jansen Haines (daughter), Jay Marshall, Norm Nielsen, Channing Pollock, Mary Schreiber (granddaughter), Byron Walker, and Phil Willmarth serving as members. 'Soliciting funds for any cause is never easy.' Fund Chairman Phil Temple states. 'Donations in any amount for this project are welcome, but if every I.B.M., S.A.M., Magic Circle, Collector's Association member or magic enthusiast were to donate just $5.00, we would reach our goal - and rewrite magical history.' Donations may be sent to: The DANTE MEMORIAL FUND C/o WestAmerica Bank P.O. Box 47, Novato, CA 94948 ---------------------------------- 4. Predicting The Weather - Ken Ring ---------------------------------- Message from Ken Ring (NZ) www.predictweather.com NZ magician Ken Ring has turned the world of weather forecasting upside down. Ken is a former three-term president of the NZ Society of Magicians and over the past 14 years has been known for his math-magic MATHMAN shows around NZ and UK schools. But recently it has been his sideline interest in predicting weather and his world first dial-weather website that has hit the jackpot. Meteorologists claim they can only predict weather for five days ahead, but Ken has developed a way to do it for any dates into the future. From a performer's point of view Ken says it is the ultimate prediction because being able to predict weather way ahead appears magical. The secret uses a special set of algorithms that has taken him 25 years to develop, fine-tune and make workable. He explains "This all started in the 1970s when I was living out on the remote East Coast of NZ and needed to know when the fish were biting. That led me to the lunar fishing and planting calendars and I started noticing patterns. Weather was part of the patterns and I realized that a weather calendar would have to be a logical extension, so I worked out the pattern over the next four years. Later I discovered ancient astrology texts that confirmed what I had come up with. I also now realize how the shamans in the older societies would perform this and why they were called magicians. When you look into old weather folklore you can see that people of many cultures knew how to do this thousands of years ago but it has become lost. We can still see their giant calculators like Stonehenge. Farmers and wedding planners are my biggest clients. I have NZ, Australian and UK locations up and running and I'm currently working on a database for the USA. Check out Ken's website on www.predictweather.com. His email is enquiries@predictweather.com ---------------------------------- 5. SAM Convention: Not Your Typical Convention Report ---------------------------------- Message from Steve Dacri (US) I didn't walk around with a notebook and pen. You won't find a listing of who performed what, who won this or that...just my own personal observations and over 40 cool photos by Jan taken in Las Vegas last week during the SAM National convention. You'll see shots of Past Presidents such as George Schindler, Dan Garrett, Jann Goodsell, Brad Jacobs, Craig Dickson, Harry Monti and others, plus current presidents like David Sandy, Jay Gorham and outgoing presidents like Michael Bailey and Ed Thomas. Then you'll catch the UK folks, like Chris Pratt, Ali Bongo, Ray Bradbury, and Terry Seabrooke. And other notables pop up, such as Jeff McBride, Lance Burton, Bob Little and many more. Enjoy the ride. Just like being there! Go to: www.magicwebchannel.com/columnABRA.html It was a very well-run, well-attended affair, Hats off to the organizers, the committee, the volunteers and the unsung backstage heros who made it a success. ---------------------------------- 6. New Comedy Club In Melbourne ---------------------------------- Message from Melissa McCullagh (Aust) Patrick and Melissa McCullagh have opened up a new Comedy Club in Melbourne Presenting The best of Australia’s comedians and Comedy Magicians The Elephant and Wheelbarrow 169 Fitzroy Street St Kilda Every Wednesday Doors open early for Dinner show starts 9pm $10/$8 Book a table 0419 571 704 Next week Wednesday 23rd Marty Fields, Christine Basil, Paddy’s Cabaret, Dave Heaven, David Lennie and many more…… Coming Up …..Dave Grant, Doug Chappel, Patrick McCullagh, Chuck Fayne USA www.comedyknockout.com Any internationals traveling through that would like a spot..... Contact Melissa 0419 571 704 ---------------------------------- 7. The Magic Circle Young Magician Of The Year Competition ---------------------------------- Message from Mandy Davis (UK) I have just returned from the finals of The Young Magician of the Year competition which is held every two years as part of The Magic Circle Youth Initiative. The standard for the heats back in April was so high that instead of awarding six places for the finals eight people were chosen. Today's final showed that these eight acts had improved even more and I was glad I wasn't a judge for this. The results were as follows: 1st Place - Paul Dabek 2nd Place - Edd Crafer 3rd Place - Joe Tracini All the finalists were members of the Young Magicians Club which is a national club with monthly workshops held at The Magic Circle HQ in London. Regional workshops are also held at one day conventions across the UK. All three winners were amazing acts; the first two were silent and the third was a patter act with some fast talking comedy. I am sure that across the world you will join me in offering congratulations to Paul, Edd and Joe - three names to watch for as I predict big things for them in years to come. ---------------------------------- 8. Four Elected To S.A.M. Hall Of Fame At Las Vegas Convention ---------------------------------- Message from Ed Thomas - S.A.M. Past National President At the National Council Meeting held during the S.A.M. Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, four new members were elected to the S.A.M. Hall of Fame. Joining the nearly 200 men and women previously elected to the Hall are: Anton Kratky-Baschik, Louis "Pop" Krieger, Irene Larsen, and Andre Kole. A formal induction ceremony will take place at the Hall and Magic Museum at a later date when the Living Members can be present. Also at the convention, during the Banquet ceremonies, an Honorary Membership was presented to George Schindler, P.N.P., and the title S.A.M. Ambassador of Magic was conferred upon Bradley Jacobs, P.N.P. ---------------------------------- 9. To Benefit The Michael Finney Foundation ---------------------------------- Message from Michael Finney (US) I am very proud to announce that Lance Burton will be making a guest appearance at the Mike and Mark Dry heat Classic in Phx AZ To benefit the Michael Finney Foundation. This helps the gift of life do open heart surgeries on children with heart problems through the Arizona Heart Institute as well as The Phz Fire Fighters charities on August 3rd and 4th. He will be opening the big show at Celebrity theatre along with 13 other comedians the rat pack from the Sahara hotel doing Frank Dean and Sammy. ---------------------------------- 10. 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention ---------------------------------- Message from Mick Peck - President The Shore City Magicians Club Shore City Magicians Club to Host 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention The Shore City Magicians Club are taking up the national challenge and are proud to announce the 27th New Zealand International Magic Convention, to be held in conjunction with the 30th anniversary celebrations of the formation of the club. The convention will be held on Auckland's North Shore from the 5-7th of June 2004 - Queen's Birthday Weekend. Featuring international guests, competitions, workshops, lectures, sales tables, dealers, "Shore Is Magic!" evening show open to the public. We look forward to the continued support of local and international magicians. More details will be published in The Magic New Zealand e-zine and in Magicana magazine over the coming months. ---------------------------------- 11. `Lance Burton & Friends' To Do Benefit For The Shriners ---------------------------------- Message from Wayne Bernath - Lance Burton’s Director of Publicity Monte Carlo Resort to host show in Lance Burton Theatre to aid Zelzah Temple "Lance Burton & Friends" will perform in a benefit magic show at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 20th at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino in The Lance Burton Theatre. This year's magic stars are Jeff McBride, Rick Thomas, Victor & Diamond and Bill Smith. There will be a table in front of the Lance Burton Theatre from 9 a.m. on until show time at 6 p.m. Tickets are $22.50 for the lower level and $20 for the balcony and can be purchased in front of The Lance Burton Theatre from 9 a.m. thru 6 p.m. Sunday prior to the show. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Zelzah Shrine Temple so that the non-profit organization is financially able to continue helping Las Vegas area children who are in need of medical care. Lance Burton's special guest stars will be a surprise this year. They will all be world-class magicians. Originally Bob Hope and Red Skelton performed for the Zelzah Shriners Christmas party for the kids and now Lance Burton has been doing that for the past seven years. Past Potentate Harvey Williams said, "Call (702) 382-5544 and ask for Carol or Sandy to reserve your show tickets. We will accommodate show goers in any way that we can. We're located at 2222 W. Mesquite on the corner of Rancho and Mesquite. We'd like to see all of Lance's friends and all of those who want to help the Shriners in the Las Vegas area." ---------------------------------- 12. IBM Ring 148 Inc. Adelaide ---------------------------------- Message from IBM Ring 148 Inc. Adelaide Michael Krantis appears back on Radio this Monday 21st July 2003 performing more Bizarre Magick and Mindreading. Listeners can tune into Adelaide Fresh FM 92.7 at 10.00am. Michael has already sent a prediction to the station via courier services containing an insight into events that already have not occured. ---------------------------------- 13. George Schindler Lecture - Chicago ---------------------------------- Message from George Schindler (US) August 4 - (Monday) - Assembly #3 of the Society of American Magicians hosts a lecture by George Schindler at 7 PM at the American Legion Hall at 6431 Pershing Rd in Stickney, Illinois (Chicago area). There is a $15.00 charge for non members. Members are free. For other information contact Neil Tobin at 708-308-1280 (neiltobin@hotmail.com) George will also be appearing at the Abbott's Get-Together, hosting the Vent-O-Rama and performing close-up (August 9-10-11-12) ---------------------------------- 14. Friday Gala At FISM - Raymond Crowe ---------------------------------- Message from Ross Skiffington (Aust) Just a note to say that I have been working with Raymond Crowe for the past week, as his director, on his performance for the Friday Gala at FISM. What a joy to work with such a hard worker and of course the pleasure of seeing something grow from a good idea to a great one I have worked with and directed Raymond before. In fact I engaged him as a supporting artist for my first touring casino show back in 1984 (Electricks) when we toured Australia for almost a year. More recently I wrote and directed a show for him at Cairns Casino (Firefly Magic). However, working on this project was somehow more rewarding because of the delicate nature of what he is presenting. It is different and unusual and I believe will engage people in a surprising way. The power of simplicity should never be underestimated and add to that truth and emotion, it makes for an extraordinary entertainment. It has been a pleasure and a privilege. I am not saying what he is going to do, but believe me you will always remember the potency of a single light bulb and the majesty of two hands. Don't miss it. ---------------------------------- 15. "The Best Of Magic From Down Under" ---------------------------------- Message from Fast Jimmy (Aust) When the Y? series was shot on location at channel nine studios in Brisbane it was filmed by a separate television production company however the show is being broadcasted on air by channel nine Sydney so the order of the segments are different to what I have been told. However I am on the show every Thursday at 4.00pm on channel nine for the next several weeks if any Australian magicians want to watch the segments. I am also conducting talks with a television production company about an idea I have had for several years now - filming a one and a half hour TV special called "The Best of Magic From Down Under" showcasing the finest magic acts from all around Australia - including a segment for "Children’s Entertainment". Hopefully exciting things ahead for the art of magic in Australia, I will keep you posted on its developments. ---------------------------------- 16. Richard Walls Trip To Las Vegas ---------------------------------- Message from Richard Walls (NZ) I didn't much like Las Vegas when I visited 20 years or so ago, but now that I have family living there - including a 1`6 month old grandson - there was a reason to make a recent visit. Wow! Has the place changed. No need to gamble, it's worth going just to see the adult 'Disney World' that is now 'the Strip' .... you need a week at least, to take all the spectacular buildings, the shopping malls, including BELZ, the world's biggest factory fashion shopping centre that stretches the length of three rugby fields! Then there are, of course, the shows. As befitting the biggest illusion city in the world, magic abounds. Couldn't get into Siegfried and Roy (book in advance of getting there) and Lance Burton was 'black' (on holiday) but June and I were thoroughly entertained by Steve Wyrick at the Sahara and I also took in Rick Thomas, who is at the Tropicana in the afternoons. Steve Wyrick's show is in the manner of Copperfield and company, big illusions (well, he comes from Texas, I recall) with helicopters and planes coming and going (the auditorium is fitted out like a rural aircraft hangar), all well presented and mixed in with some smaller effects including some excellent table card work.....thanks to technology, television and a big dropdown screen, we could all see what was going on. Rick Thomas's show was quite a contrast ( and a mix of the old and the new with a tiger or two too help. For a man of big physical stature, he moves extraordinarily well (thanks to his early passion for ballroom dancing), has a winning personality (must be due to his Aussie family connections) and does the classics well....including a stunning levitation that brought the audience (we couldn't all be magicians) to its feet! Afternoon shows are 'big' in LV (it's pretty hot night and day) so don't overlook them, Highly recommended and say 'hello' to Rick - he's in the foyer after every performance and obviously likes saying hello to fellow magicians. Oh, Showgirls Of Magic ... forget it ... there was a whole new cast of ladies presenting 'the tricks' (the previous lot had been sacked) and easy-on-the-eye though they were .... it became rather boring. The whole thing simply proved to me, if it was needed, that magic should be presented by - wait for it - A MAGICIAN! Of the other shows...well, the free evening performance in the casino at the Rio just has to be seen to be believed .... much of it is in the space above you, I won't spoil the surprise ..... then there's the fountains at The Pelagio and, of course, the renowned sea battle at Treasure Island. I could go on! My last thought .... everyone should visit LV once in their lifetime. But, remember it is an illusion! Oh yes, there's 'Houdini' Magic Shops all over the place ... but if you want to meet a local, go to The Venetian and check the one out there. Regards, Richard PS: Yes we will be visiting family again next year for family reasons, of course, but hope to see Siegfried and Roy (it's about NZ$180 a ticket to get in) and Lance Burton. ---------------------------------- 17. Joined Forces With MagicCrafters ---------------------------------- A message Don Drake (US) It gives me very great pleasure to announce that I have joined forces with MagicCrafters (Ross Horowitz) of Tucson AZ. Ross is the guy who makes all those great personalized backdrops, and is also responsible for our new Portal Materialization (appearance). For those of you who attended the SAM convention at the Riviera Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, you probably saw our booth. MagicCrafters will also be manufacturing my new stage set-up, The Wizard's Curtains. The sewing is with my material (Triple Velvet) and is done to my specifications. So nothing will be lost, and everything will be gained, except that the seams will now be straighter . Ross Horowitz is truly an amazing man, and a very creative one. I will still be making my own tables, and close up boards, as well as doing my own books and DVD's. All orders will come from my website as usual. With this new merger, I have gained more quality, and lost nothing. Looking forward to seeing you all at my next lecture, I remain, yours in Black Art magic, 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 ---------------------------------- 18. Tony Griffith's 'Lecture/Teach In' On Corporate Magic ---------------------------------- Message from Tony Griffith's (UK) Tony Griffith's 'LECTURE/TEACH IN' on Corporate Magic held at his home on Sunday 6th July was a great success. The magic sessions lasted 4 ¼ hours and were only interrupted by a fantastic lunch provided by his wife Judith. Adrian Burholt,, President of The Bath Circle of Magicians said "A first class day of highly useable and practical material. The definitive course on Corporate magic' Tony intends to hold another such 'Day' in November. Those who would like to attend are advised to get in touch with Tony as soon as possible. ---------------------------------- 19. Sad to report - Jim Cook - Friend to Darren Romeo ---------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibanez (US) It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Jim Cook -- close friend and person responsible for casting Darren Romeo in The Fantasticks in 1995 passed away this past July 13th. He and Darren were responsible for penning an original musical "Dreamscape" Darren sends the following personal message: "My friend, I will miss you!. Alas...one final Dreamscape. Trust that dreams will guide you, and you'll do what few have done. You will soar beyond the sadness, And your heart will feel the sun. -Lyrics by Jim Cook Co-author of "Dreamscape" So, soar my friend....and feel eternal sun. Love, Darren ---------------------------------- 20. Two Items From Collectors Workshop For Sale ---------------------------------- Message from Malcolm Silverman (NZ) As new - Chuck Faynes 'Jumbo Card on seat' - includes both chairs, video tape and case. Great routine NZ$1000  Kyber Kobra - Snake in the basket routine, fully automated, great for Kids parties NZ$950 Contact: malconi@xtra.co.nz ---------------------------------- 21. Wanting To Purchase Giant B'Wave Card Trick ---------------------------------- Message from Tony and Juleen (Aust) 'We are looking for any Giant B'Wave Card Tricks and the variations of the several force cards. If any magicians who receive your E-zine have any which they would like to sell, we would love to hear from them. Our email address is magic@tonyandjuleen.com ---------------------------------- 22. Treasure Island - Peter Marucci ---------------------------------- Message from Peter Marucci (Canada) One of the biggest problems with any effect that involves the magician beating the spectator is that the spectator is left looking like a jerk. Not good! The following takes an old theme, puts it in a new dress, adds a little humor, and leaves the spectator -- if not a winner -- at least feeling good about having taken part. TREASURE ISLAND Effect: The magician shows a half-dozen drinking straws, one of which he says contains a map to a hidden treasure. The spectator or spectators pick five of the straws -- but they don't find the treasure. The one left for the magician contains the map to the fortune. Working: You'll need six opaque drinking straw, the larger around the better (milk-shake straws are ideal). And you'll need a swizzle stick or some other type of rod that will easily fit inside the straws, and run the full length of them. Finally, you'll need 12 slips of paper about 4 inches wide and 2 inches deep. Six of the slips have a "treasure map" drawn on them, with a large X showing the location of the treasure; the other six have a message on each, saying things like: "You're a gem of an assistant but you didn't find the jewels." "You've got a lot of 'cents' but you don't get the money." "You have a sterling character but you missed getting the silver." "You made an Olympic effort but you didn't get the gold, sliver, or even bronze." "You're a peach of a helper but that doesn't win you the cash crop." "You're clutching at straws but, unfortunately, you got the wrong one." Roll up the map slips and put one each in one end of a straw; subtly mark that end with a small nick, so you can tell which end is which. In the other ends, insert the rolled-up message slips. You now have six straws, each with a map in one end and a message in the other -- and only you can tell which is which. Presentation: As you show the straws, you tell the story of a fabulously wealthy Eastern bandit, the Kemal of Azurban, who hid his vast, stolen fortune to keep it safe from those who would take it away from him. Select five spectators and say: "I'm going to give you a chance to find the Kemal's treasure. You will have a free choice and each of you has a chance to win." Lay the straws on the table and ask the spectators to select one each. When they have selected five of the six straws, point out that there is one left for you. "You may now switch any of the straws you have for the one I have." If they want to switch, do so; if not, continue. "You have had a perfectly free choice to select any of the straws that may contain the map to the Kemal's treasure; and you were free to switch straws. But you have now ended up with five of the six straws that may lead you to the fortune. Pretty good odds! Now, let's find out how successful you were." Pick up the swizzle stick and insert it into the marked end of one of the straws, sliding it down the straw until the slip sticks out the other end. This will be the "message" slip. Don't push the swizzle stick too far or you'll expose the other slip! Have the spectator take the slip out of the straw and read it. It will, or course, have one of the above messages on it. Repeat this with the rest of the straws that the others have chosen. Finally, push the swizzle stick into your straw -- from the unmarked end. This will force the "map" slip out of the straw. Ask a spectator to remove it and unroll it. It will be the map to the treasure. As you thank the spectators for helping you, tell them, "Well, you didn't find the Kemal's treasure but I hope you had fun making the magic work. "And you can now tell your friends that you saw the actual straw that (get ready for the groans!) broke the Kemal's bank." Second thoughts: You can have a lot of fun with this, building it up into a feature part of a close-up act. It doesn't reset immediately, but it's no big deal to get ready to repeat it. If you are publicity-minded -- as I am -- you can have your name, phone number and other pertinent business information on the back of the message slips and give them to the spectators as souvenirs. The important thing here is that the message and your attitude leave the spectator with a good feeling; you aren't going to score any points with a wise-guy attitude that implies, "Ha, ha; I got it right and you didn't." While this presentation may not be perfect, it goes a long way to take the "sting" out of this sort of routine. Try it; you'll like it! ------------------------------------- 23. 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) ------------------------------------- 24. 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 Magic New Zealand e-zine: www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html Magic New Zealand e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday. The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual contributors and not those of Magic New Zealand. Neither Magic New Zealand or Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand e-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree that they will not hold Magic New Zealand and/or Alan Watson liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed herein. We reserve the right to edit, correct or, in our discretion, choose not to publish any submissions provided to Magic New Zealand for potential publication. Magic New Zealand welcomes readers to submit timely articles or news items which appear to be of interest to our readers. Those submitting to this e-zine agree that we have permission to publish their submissions and that they have the full copyright to the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand are fully protected by international copyright as provided by law, and articles cannot be published for profit by anyone other than the individual author without the written permission of Magic New Zealand. >>This publication may be freely redistributed (but not sold) to other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer.<< © Copyright 2003 Alan Watson