* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #227 Date: Sunday 11th January 2004 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. Gala Show Acts Announced   3. "Magic In Las Vegas" (And Related Arts) For January, 2004   4. I.B.M. Convention FAQ   5. 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention Update   6. Magic From M-U-M Released On CD   7. Visually Yours From Michael Ammar   8. Harry Anderson Taken Over Lease Jazz Club In New Orleans   9. Find The Queen   10. S.A.M - Jay Gorham’s Presidential Tour   11. Treasure Island - Peter Marucci   12. The Amazing Orchante Saga   13. e-zine Archives   14. Subscription Management ------------------ 1. Editor's Message ------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One The Professional Magician's WebRing which was run by Michael P. Randazzo is closing. Michael started the WebRing in 1997 and he put a lot of effort in keeping it up todate. ---------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. S.A.M. Gala Show Acts Announced ----------------- Message from George Schindler - Society of American Magicians - Public Relations Saint Louis - S.A.M. Gala Show Acts Announced Gleasons To Headline Saturday Night Closing Las Vegas favorites Gregory and Kristi Gleason have been booked to headline The Society of American Magicians Gala convention show July 10 in St. Louis. Best known for their appearances at the MGM and Venetian hotels, the team brings their unusual illusions to the St Louis event. The all-star show has a great cast of award winning acts such as Danny Kole and Mirko. Well known Mike Douglas (Mandre) and Steve Bargatz are included in the exciting line-up. Other show acts, video enhanced close-up and lectures will be announced in the coming weeks .The convention will be held at the Adams Mark Hotel in St. Louis. July 7-8-9-10. For further information and rates phone 618-451-9749. Or visit our website at www.magicsam.com. ----------------- 3. "Magic In Las Vegas" (And Related Arts) For January, 2004 ----------------- Message from David Neubauer (US) Playing Until Further Notice: Afternoons: Illusionary Magic of Rick Thomas - Tropicana. Mac King Comedy Magic Show - Harrah's. Ronn Lucas and Friends (Vent) - The Man Who Can Make Anything Talk - Rio. "Two Girls and a Guy - Music, Magic and Comedy." (Scott & Jenny Alexander) 5pm Thur-Mon, Fitzgerald's. Evenings: Amazing Johnathan with various magician openers - Golden Nugget. (Dark Thurs) Anthony Cools - (Hypnotist) - Stardust. Danny Gans - (Impressionist) - The Mirage. Dirk Arthur "New Art of Magic" - Plaza. Dr. Scott's Outrageous Comedy Hypnosis Show. Monday nights - Riviera. Hypnosis Zone 10:00 PM - 7 Nights a week - Le Bistro Theatre - Riviera. Jayden LaCross - TGI Fridays (Wednesdays - Sundays). Jamie Porter's Radio Side Show - every Saturday @ 5 am, KLAV FM 1230. La Femme - Various magicians (see schedule below) - MGM Grand. Lance Burton, Master Magician - Lance Burton Theater - Monte Carlo. Outback Steakhouse (Green Valley) - Erik Allan, Friday & Saturday. Ovation - Aladdin. Jeff Hobson - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara. Joseph Gabriel - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara. Kevin James - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara. Nicholas Night & Kinga - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara. Penn & Teller - Rio, Samba Theatre. Peter J. Shield webcasts- with various Vegas magicians - www.vegaswebcast.com. Richard Muna & Co. - Fox City Show - Tropics Lounge, Tropicana. Scott Lewis (Hypnotist) "Mindblowers" - Riviera's Le Bistro Theatre 11:30 p.m. Mondays. Showgirls of Magic - San Remo. Simon Winthrop - Casino Royal. Steve Wyrick - Steve Wyrick Showroom - Aladdin. Sylvester the Jester - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara. The Majestix - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara. V - The Ultimate Variety Show - Nathan Burton and Sarah - Venetian 6 pm. World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara. Xtreme Close-Up Magic - Steve Dacri - in The Magic Parlor at Sazio's at the Orleans - www.magicwebguide.com. Zadia Lavavootnesh - World's Greatest Magic Show - Sahara. News: The Complete Roy Timeline http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/royhorn/ Jeff Hobson will leave his job hosting "The World's Greatest Magic Show" at the Sahara to have his own one-man show "Jeff Hobson's Money and Madness," at the Excalibur starting February 9. Producer Dick Foster reunites with Hobson to produce his new show. Hobson worked for Foster in "Spellbound" at Harrah's Las Vegas during the '90s. More recently, Hobson hosted "V -- The Ultimate Variety Show" at The Venetian. Just Opened: Scott and Jenny Alexander have opened a new show "Two Girls and a Guy - Music, Magic and Comedy." at Fitzgerald's. It is at 5 pm Thursday - Monday. Amazing Jonathan Show grand re-opening - Jan.13, 2004 - Golden Nugget. Hypnosis Zone Outrageous Hypnosis Nightly! - $17.95 + Tax 10:00 PM - 7 Nights a week - Le Bistro Theatre THE RIVIERA HOTEL & CASINO * LAS VEGAS Dr. Scott Lewis * Mark Yuzuik * Robert Allen * Victoria Wayne For Tickets & Reservations call the Riviera Box Office at: (702) 794-9433 www.HypnosisZone.com Great news - visitors to Peter Shield's site: http://vegaswebcast.com can now view programs 'on demand' - a new menu has been added and viewers world wide can select the program they wish to view by simply clicking on the title. Two current shows feature Dixie Doolie - "Houdini" and "Spirit Communication". If there is enough interest he'll include more magic profiles from Vegas. Let him hear from you! January, 2004 January: The Quiddlers and Stephan Vanel - La Femme - MGM Grand. January 2 - 4: Wayne Brady - Paris Las Vegas. January 6: Publicity Stunt - Longest line of people. Lead by Mac King in Carnaval Court - Harrah's January 9-11: Wayne Brady - Paris Las Vegas. January 10-15: Magician/Mime Arden James will be performing in the Worlds Greatest Magic Show - Sahara Hotel. January 11-14: World Magic Seminar - Riviera. Information at: http://worldmagicseminar.com/index.htm January 13: Amazing Johnathan Show grand re-opening - Golden Nugget. January 16-18: Wayne Brady - Paris Las Vegas. January 16-18: Rich Little - Suncoast. February, 2004 February 9: "Jeff Hobson's Money and Madness" opens at the Excalibur. APRIL, 2004 April 2004: New Cirque du Soleil show opening in the old EFX Theater - MGM Grand. September, 2004 September 12-14: The 4th Annual Las Vegas Magic Invitational - San Remo. Website: www.lvmi.net November 14-16: MINDVENTION - The First Annual All Mentalism Convention - San Remo. Featuring: Bob Cassidy, Alain Nu, John Riggs, Mark Strivings, Terry Nosek, Chuck Hickok, Brad Henderson, Bruce Bernstein and more to come! www.LVMI.net www.dnmagic.com ----------------- 4. I.B.M. Convention FAQ ----------------- Message from Mindy Burden (US) Following are some questions I am often asked regarding the June 29 - July 3 Cleveland Convention. I hope this will help with your planning. How are the hotel accommodations? The Renaissance Cleveland Hotel is a cornerstone of historic Public Square, the heart of the city. The hotel offers 491 guest rooms and suites. Each room is spacious and richly decorated. Room amenities include remote-controlled color television with in-room movies, three telephones, internet accessibility and dataports, safe-deposit box, television and hairdryer in the bathroom, iron and ironing board, complimentary coffee and newspaper, smoke detectors, fire protection system, and 24-hr. hotel security. The hotel lobby is a dramatic focal point featuring a white marble fountain, chandeliers, and grand piano. The comfortable seating lends itself to a large gathering area for sharing magic and friendships. Additional mezzanine and promenade seating provide space for meeting friends or teaching a trick. Guests can maintain their fitness regimen at the fully-equipped fitness center or cool off in the indoor swimming pool. The pool is located in a 10-story atrium, giving the illusion of a spacious outdoor setting. Ample poolside seating is great for meeting, sharing, or relaxing. The hotel lobby conveniently links to the adjacent Tower City Center, a collection of stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and a train station. We are very pleased to offer these facilities to our I.B.M. Convention registrants at a cost of $99 per room, per night. Where can I dine? The Renaissance hotel offers three distinctive dining choices. The Sans Souci is a award-winning Mediterranean cuisine in a charming French decor. The Brasserie features breakfast and lunch with a lighter menu. In the Lobby Court Bar, you can enjoy your favorite cocktail, appetizer, or sandwich with live entertainment. If you prefer to dine in privacy, the room-service dining is prompt and offers a full selection. The adjacent Tower City Center offers restaurants along with the traditional fast-food facilities you would expect at a shopping mall. Cleveland is an ethnically diverse and cultural city. Within a few blocks walking of the hotel, you will find all types of dining choices from express to fine dining at all price ranges. 'The Flats' is a riverfront experience with unique outdoor/indoor dining. You will find chain restaurants, quaint diners, steakhouses, and nightclubs. Your Convention Committee will have restaurant listings available at the Registration Desk. How do I get there? Cleveland is a convenient and readily accessible location. Cleveland is within one hour's flight or a day's drive of 60% of the North American population! Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is serviced by 22 airlines and is a hub for Continental Airlines. From Cleveland Hopkins you can take the RTA (Regional Transit Authority) train, which you will find at the lower level of the airport, to Tower City Center (Renaissance Hotel) for only $1.50. Senior Citizens are also offered a discount. This sure beats the cost of a taxi or shuttle! However, a taxi ride is available at $20 per trip and the Express Shuttle is $11 per person, per trip. Cleveland is ideally situated at the intersection of three major interstate highways: I-77, I-71, and I-90. Ohio Route 2 and Route 6 follow the Lake Erie shoreline through Cleveland. The Ohio Turnpike (I-80) and I-480 fun south of the city. I-271 runs north-south through the eastern suburbs. Amtrak's rail service links Cleveland with the entire United States, including direct/daily service to/from Pittsburgh, New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia. Can I park at the hotel? Parking at the hotel varies according to your needs. It will cost $10/day to simply leave your car parked, $16/day for in-out accessibility, and $22/day for valet. Downtown parking lots are less expensive at a maxiumum of $10/day, but will be at least a 3-4 block minimum walk from the hotel. What else is there to do in Cleveland? Museums tell a lot about what a city is about. In Cleveland, music is important. There is a museum for rock and roll and another for polka. Cleveland also has museums for trolley cars, ore boats, spacecrafts, submarines, car, airplanes, science, gardens, and art! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an 8-story glass pyramid towering above the Lake Erie shore. The museum recognizes the contributions of those who had a significant impact on Rock & Roll. The Great Lakes Science Center is a great place for kids of all ages, featuring 350 interactive exhibits. Next door to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it also houses the OMNIMAX 3-D theater. Both Rock & Roll and Science Center are easy to get to by a quick ride on the RTA for only $1.50. Other places of interest include the Cedar Point Amusement Park, Six Flags World of Adventure, Cleveland Metro Zoo, Cleveland Botanical Gardens, NASA's John Glenn Research Center, and The Underground Railroad Tour. Shoppers will find Cleveland to be a shopping paradise. 'The Avenue' is adjacent shopping to the hotel with over 100 stores, restaurants, and cinemas. Want a view of the city? Take the Tower City Center elevator to the top and get a sky-high view of Cleveland from 60-stories up! Where is the theater? The I.B.M. evening shows will be at the Playhouse Square Center, a truly unique district of Cleveland which houses four theaters. The theater is located 5 long blocks from the hotel. While this is walkable, the Convention Committee will also provide buses making loops from the hotel to the theater. One suggestion is to walk for dinner and window-shopping, then proceed to the theater for a great show. On the return trip, stop for a nightcap or desserts. What can I expect at the Convention? Lots and lots of fun and magic await you! Some of our newest events which have proven to be fun are the Magic Idol Contest, Strolling Olympics, and Linking Ring Hospitality Party. Magic Idol and Strolling Olympics are not to be confused with the I.B.M. Gold Medal and Gold Cups Contests. You need to register with Contest Chairman Jerry Schnepp for those contests. The Magic Idol is similar to the popular television show and the Strolling Olympics is a one-hour, mingle-with-the-crowd affair. You need not register for these; just show up with your act. New to the convention scene this year will be BONK!, the newest game-show sensation hosted by Kerry Pollack. In addition to 4 world-class shows, stellar close-up, and dealers galore you will enjoy lectures, spouse events (3), Junior Member Workshop, youth events, museum, autograph session, collectors' gathering, women's forum, and receptions. The Banquet on Saturday evening is an additional fee, featuring a delicious meal and entertainment. The Order of Merlin Breakfast on Friday morning is for Order of Merlin members and a guest (spouse, close friend, family member). A filling meal and speaker provide nourishment for the day. Who will be the Convention Talent? Rockin' the house this year will be: Jeff McBride, Jason Latimer, Murray Hatfield, Kerry Pollack, Yugi Yamamoto, Ali Bongo, Eugene Burger, John Carney, Henry Evans, Dan Garrett, Mystina, Karl Norman, Alan Shaxon, The Spencers, Rich Bloch, Gay Blackstone, Tim Hannig, Michael Close, Fackelli & Kil, and more to be announced. Do you have more questions? E-mail Mindy Burden: jam3rma@avolve.net She will answer your inquiries here or personally. Check the I.B.M. website, www.magician.org, for a complete convention schedule and to download a registration form. ----------------- 5. 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention Update ----------------- Message from Mick Peck (NZ) The 2004 Auckland Convention is charging full steam ahead! The Shore City Magicians Club are proud to be hosting the 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention. The club was formed in 1974 and will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary next year. The original plan was to hold a small one day mini-convention to celebrate, but as the planning got underway and we received so much encouragement from magicians around NZ who expressed an interest for a national convention in 2004 it was decided to upgrade to a multi-day international event. The Schedule: - Friday June 4 5:30pm The Registration Desk is open until 7:30. 7:30 Michael Ammar - The Super Session. This is a private event for those who are interested in spending time with a world champion magician. Participants will spend two hours with Michael in an intimate lecture and hands-on teaching session. - Saturday June 5 8:00am The Registration Desk Opens. 9:30 After signing in and collecting your registration package it's time for the official convention opening and to see magical equipment from around the world demonstrated onstage by our dealers. 10:00 Morning tea. The Dealers are open. 10:30 Take your place in one of our close-up rooms as the magic gets underway in our International Close-up Show! You'll see acts from Michael Ammar, Tim Ellis, Alan Watson, Tony Wilson, Sue-Anne Webster, and others. 12:00 pm Lunch. The Dealers are open. 1:00 Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster take the stage. The "Ellis in Wonderland" lecture received rave reviews when it toured Europe and the USA, and now it's your turn to see it in person. 3:00 Afternoon tea. The Dealers are open. 3:45 The Walk On/Walk Off Competition. Entrants will be announced, walk on, perform their magic, and walk off to thunderous applause. 4:45 A surprise variety performance from a well known New Zealand magician .. 5:00 The Stage Magic Competition kicks off. Between acts you'll be entertained by the comedy and magic of the entrants in the MC Competition. 8:00 Our "Shore is Magic!" evening show will feature magic onstage by our headliners as well as acts by local talent - and we have a few surprises in store as well. One ticket is included in convention registration. 10:00 It's not over yet! It's back to the lecture room for a lecture by DeLarno, including anecdotes from a performing career that has spanned fifty years. - Sunday June 6 10:00 am The Strolling Magic Competition gets underway - entrants will perform their walkabout acts at several designated spots in the mall. 11:00 Time to bring out the comedy wands, as the Children's Entertainer Competition is held onstage in front of a real live audience to bring about all the joy, laughter, and unexpected moments that come with entertaining children. 1:00 pm It's back to the Spencer on Byron for a lecture on comedy magic from a working pro that spends forty weeks a year on the road. More details soon. 2:00 Afternoon Tea. The Dealers are open. 2:30 Get comfortable in one of our close-up rooms because it's time for the entrants in the Close-up Magic Competition to perform their acts. 4:30 David Ginn hits the stage for his lecture on Commercial Kidshows. Even if you never perform a children's show in your life you will still walk away with a ton of information and insight on giving an entertaining and engaging magical performance. 6:00 It's our anniversary - and you're invited. The Shore City Magicians Club 30th Anniversary Event will feature a banquet, performances by local talent and our headliners, and so many surprises you'll remember this night for a long time. One ticket is included in the convention registration. 10:30 Join us back in our lecture room for a late nite lecture. More details soon. - Monday June 7 9:00am He's back! Join David Ginn for a lecture on do-it-yourself magic and performing to music. 10:30 Morning tea, and the trading tables - buy, sell, swap or trade your goodies .. keep an eye out for bargains! 11:00 Michael Ammar - "Magic, Mastery and You". A two hour lecture by one of the biggest names in magic, and you won't want to miss a minute of it. 1:00am Join us for a Kiwi Lunch. The Dealers are open for one final session. 2:00 Award presentations for the competitions and the convention wrap-up. 3:00 End of event. Times Approximate. Convention committee reserve the right to modify the programme. Registration: Have you registered yet? You do not want to miss this convention! Registration Forms are available for download now at www.aucklandmagician/convention/ The Early bird rate is applicable to all registrations received before February. - We expect the Super Session event to sell out within the next few weeks. ----------------- 6. Magic From M-U-M Released On CD ----------------- Message from George Schindler After two years of preparation Warren J Kaps and George Schindler have searched the archives of the M-U-M Magazine to compile the best effects and articles published in the past 50 years. Edited by Warren J. Kaps, the CD-ROM is ready for March 1 delivery and sales to S.A.M. members only. Here is a selection of over 400 tricks and articles from M-U-M, which have appeared from 1951 through 1989. Over 900 pages of great magic by leading professionals and dedicated inventors cover some of the best magic published during the past fifty years. Some are self-working and others require dexterity. More than twenty separate categories are represented including cards, coins, ropes, mentalism, rubber bands, rings, ropes and stage, children's effects, history and presentation and more. Price will be $25.00 available only to SAM members. The CD will be shipped after March 1. Order now at the special Pre-Publication price of $15.00 (Offer expires March 1) (Click here to order or remit to Richard Blowers P O Box 510260) ----------------- 7. Visually Yours From Michael Ammar ----------------- Message from Jason Byrne (US) I'm interested in obtaining an old card effect named Visually Yours from Michael Ammar. It is about 15-20 years old and no one is currently marketing them. The effect: Pips of the card visually move (or multiply) in what looks like all directions. Ammar said it is best from the number 5 to 9 or 9 to 5. If you can help please e-mail me at: Jasonbyrne@aol.com ----------------- 8. Harry Anderson Taken Over Lease Jazz Club In New Orleans ----------------- Message from Mike Martin (US) Hi Alan .. and "Happy New Year" from Las Vegas. Friends here seem to keep you up to the minute on our magic news, but here's a piece you might want to include next issue. My old friend, magician Harry Anderson (folks round the world will remember him for numerous appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, guest starring on "Cheers" or as the star of "Night Court" and "Dave's World") has taken over the lease of an old jazz club in New Orleans where he lives. He plans to renovate the popular night spot and re-open it as a magic club with live stage performances. No date has been set for the opening, but the current operators will be closing before the end of January. Harry has run "Spade & Archer Curiosities by Appointment" on Dumaine St. in the French Quarter now for several years for his corporate clients and recently opened a new retail store across the street catering to the magic-inclined tourist crowd. Both shops are loaded with artifacts and collectables, sideshow banners, props and curiosities and are well worth a visit with the genial proprietor. Wishing you the best for '04. Mike Martin .. in Las Vegas ----------------- 9. Find The Queen ----------------- Message from Solyl Kundu (India) The title clearly suggests the effect. In performance, Queen say, Queen of Hearts is shown and placed facedown on the table over your working surface. Two more cards, any cards will do but spot cards look better with the picture in between, are placed besides on each side of the Queen, of course faces-down making a neat row of 3 cards with the Queen in the centre. The onlookers are asked to remember the position of the Queen. To confuse them, the positions of each card are interchanged quickly. Now the onlookers are asked to spot the Queen. But the card indicated as Queen is found to be a spot card. This is repeated for a couple of times and they fail to spot the Queen. Finally, two cards are turned over and shown as spot cards. And with a comment like, "So you think this is the Queen? Sorry to disappoint you, really this is a King --- the Monarch of Magic. Yes, it's ME!" the facedown card is turned over to reveal the picture of the performer, complete with his advertising blurb and phone numbers. 1st surprise! The deck of cards that was placed aside at the beginning is ribbon-spread over the table and the face-up Q of H is seen amongst the facedown cards. 2nd Surprise!! Preparation: You need a deck of cards and a face-blank with matching backs. Over the blank face fix your photograph and with dry transfer print your name, phone numbers and some blurb like "A 'MUST" in your next party" or "Book early to avoid disappointment" or similar garbage. Put this card facedown atop the face down deck and you are ready to go. Presentation: Shuffle your deck of cards without disturbing the top card. Turn the deck faces towards your self and look for the Queen of hearts. Bring it to the second position while you talk about the Find the Queen, Three Card Monte and similar gambling. By the time you finish talking the deck is face down in your hand. Now you make a double-turnover, show the Queen of Hearts. Make another double turnover and put the Q of H atop the deck. Immediately slide it off the deck over your working surface. Now openly remove two more spot cards and put on each side of the Queen, facedown. While you adjust the cards over the working surface, with your right hand, your left hand drops down with the deck of cards on your lap or side depending on you are performing seated in a table or standing. Turn the top card of the deck, the Queen over and execute a one-hand pass burying the Queen in the middle of the deck. The dirty work is finished and you place the deck aside over the table for a moment. Now play around as already explained and finish the effect. But what happens if someone keeps track of the Queen (supposedly) while you are busy interchanging the position of the cards and picks the right card? In that case, which is rare doesn't delay - show the other two cards as spot card and finish with the comment as told above. Finally, ribbon-spread the deck faces up over the working surface and a facedown card will show up. Turn the card face up - that's the Queen of Hearts. Finis! Well, if you are as publicity conscious as I am, and don't mind spending money, then get the special card custom made. And you could leave the card with a spectator (a probable booker) after each performance. This should fetch you good publicity, as well as a few extra bookings. Good Luck! Afterthoughts: After the special card is ready, take the Queen of Hearts out from the deck. With a Chap Stick, (or Vaseline) put two dabs on the back at diagonally opposite corners of the Queen. Finally, place the special card squarely, facedown on the Queen over the treated side, and press a little hard. That's all. You will find you can handle this card(s) easily and freely as a single card - Queen of Hearts. Now you can safely place the Q of H card(s) anywhere in the deck and by cutting of H could be brought on top of the deck. The rest is easy and the same as explained above. Oh yes, with a little care you can separate the card whenever you wish. ----------------- 10. S.A.M - Jay Gorham’s Presidential Tour ----------------- Message from Maria Ibanez - S.A.M. Regional Vice President, SA States The first stop of the tour was tonight, Monday, January 5th at the Sam Schwartz Assembly 274, Boca Raton, Florida -- and what a stop it was. Members and guests started arriving a half hour early for a 7:00 p.m. meeting, stayed till well past 10:00 and then the entire group went out to dinner at the usual nearby restaurant; it is now after midnight and I am just now getting home to write this brief summary. The meeting was attended by well over 50 magi from the area who were very appreciative of the visit and thoroughly enjoyed themselves with the presentations. Marshall Johnson was recognized and awarded a plaque and special pin for his 50 year membership in the S.A.M., Presidential Awards were given to Assembly President Harold Greenbaum, Vice President Keith Baldinger and a very special one to Sam Schwartz. The SAM is Magic show by Jay Gorham was not just well received, it was fantastic! Everyone was commenting on his ingenuity at the presentation and I dare say there was not a major aspect of the S.A.M. and membership benefits that was not covered. He spoke through the use of magic about the Lifetime Membership, S.A.M. Liability Insurance, M.U.M. and its meaning, gifts and insignia, film and tape library and much more. His presentation of the M.U.M. was great as well and he showed what a terrific publication it is and gave credit for it to Dave Goodsell, editor. Tomorrow morning will see us in Ft Lauderdale attending a luncheon which is held every tuesday by magicians in the area. Non-political, not club-affiliated, no club business to be discussed there, it is a most enjoyable weekly event that I attend whenever possible. It is the inspiration of Al Meyer who originally came up with the idea for the luncheon, organized it, has found the two or three locations where it has been held through the years and has seen his idea grow. Here is the summary of day 3 of this tour. Jay and I had gone to bed around 2 in the morning after spending quite a few hours discussing the events of the day, S.A.M., magic and the future of the tour -- as you can well imagine we were exhausted. The following morning came too soon as I had to get up at 5:30 a.m. to see my husband off on the road to Ft Myers. Jay actually got a couple of extra hours of sleep but, there was no rest for the weary as it was a day of go, go, go. Phone calls to return and answer, e-mails to send and some to reply to and then it was off for Jay and myself for brunch. A nice leisurely brunch for about an hour and it was then back home to do some printing that needed doing, meet up with my husband who was now back in Miami, a change of clothes and loading of the S.A.M. is Magic suitcase into the car. By 2:45 we were back on the road and out to the airport to pick up Jann who was flying in at 3:30. Jann, trooper that she is, was already out of the terminal and waiting road-side at the baggage claim area when we pulled up. We loaded her luggage and goodies into the car and off we went to the S.A.M. Assembly 76 meeting at the Miami Shores Country Club, where we were met by Bruce Kalver who came south from Sunrise with his father Ed. Jay's show was prepared and covered up, Jann set out the SYM flyers and brochures, Bruce and I did the same and we then took out a few minutes to have a cool drink. An hour later the six of us, Jay Gorham, Jann Goodsell, Bruce and his father Ed Kalver and my husband Jay and myself were sitting to a sumptuous dinner in the restaurant. The appointed hour of 7:30 came and so too did our presentation to the club and its members. President Mike Shelley was most gracious at cutting the business portion of the meeting to less than 2 minutes with just the mandatory quick announcements, Ed Harris produced the treasurer's binder and welcomed anyone to look through it at the break if they wished. Mike then asked me to introduce the guests and their presentations. A most delightful and enjoyable presentation to a very intimate group, we were well received and made to feel welcome. The first to perform was Jay Gorham who after his presentation called Mike Shelley up to receive a Presidential Citation. The evening ended at approximately 10:00 p.m. and the magi disappeared either to a nearby restaurant or back to their homes, as was the case with the visiting contingent. Bruce and Ed back up north to Sunrise and Jay, Jann, my husband and myself south to our home in Cutler Ridge. Rest and much needed sleep was not to come too quickly as arriving at home found us spending over an hour talking with our son Jason who was just getting home. Around midnight Jason and my husband Jay went off to sleep and Jay G, Jann and I kicked off our shoes and talked and visited until after 2:30 a.m..boy, and who said this was going to be a relaxed tour with sleep time permitted? All kidding aside, this has been a terrific time so far and we are excitedly looking forward to the days yet to come. Here it is, day 4 of this tour and it was a day of peace..yeah, right! Jay Gorham, Jann and myself spent the better part of the day having a great time, sitting around the family room and talking about every subject under the sun, including magic. My parents came by and not just met, but spent time visiting with us. Both Jann and Jay spent a great deal of time listening to the stories of Cuba pre-Castro and the hardships we endured there as well as tribulations in getting out of the country to make it here. Jann was very interested in the stories and did just insist that we have to record them for posterity, but she also stated repeatedly that Dave would be sorry he had missed the opportunity to hear them first hand. Jay and I took off for lunch and light shopping while Jann stayed in and worked on some new ideas for the S.Y.M., worked on a soon to be released guidebook for S.Y.M. groups and caught up with some of the paperwork. The group answered e-mails and phone calls upon returning home and then kicked back to enjoy some snacks and sodas. Husband Jay came home and joined us for snacks as he prepared dinner for all of us. A most enjoyable evening followed with us talking about mutual friends, magicians and effects and more. We called it an early evening - meaning before 2 a.m., so we call catch some zzzs for an early morning drive down to visit with Bill Grosscup at Paladin Magic in Key West. My, oh my! What a day of excitement this has been. Jay Gorham, Jann and myself headed out at 9:30 a.m. down AIA (US 1). We took a short tour of historic Cauley Square, the last stop before reaching Key West in the "good old days" of travel by train only. The next stop was at the Coral Castle - built way back in the very early 1900s by a lone man without any tools, it has become quite a mystery as to how he could have maneuvered all the heavy large boulders and cut and shape them into a fully operational coral rock castle. The doors are perfectly balanced on the openings and perform just as real doors, except they are made out of solid coral rock. We continued south through Homestead, Naranja, Florida City and on to the 18 mile stretch. We stopped for a little while in Key Largo to visit a gentleman who carves figures out of trees with a chainsaw and then it was quickly off to a stop that both Jay and Jann truly enjoyed -- feeding the tarpon. They had a fun time trying to pick out which tarpon they wanted to feed regardless of which one came up to grab the fish they were offering and all the while the fish were competing with the pelicans for the aquatic morsels. Shortly after the feeding frenzy, we were back in our vehicle and it was off to the Waffle House for breakfast and more laughing and giggling as has become the norm with this group. The gastronomic needs having been met, we were off to Fiesta Key for a visit to the campground where my family and I camp for 4 to 6 months every year. Jay and Jann were taken on a tour of the campground, met a few of our summer neighbors and even got some shopping in at the store. We were finally on our way to Key West down the overseas highway past the airport in Marathon, past Duck Key, Big Pine and even managed to get all the way accross the famous 7 mile bridge to our original destination -- Key West. What a thrill it was to see their smiling faces while standing next to the marker for the Southern most point of the US. Photos having been taken, we turned the car around and drove straight to Greene Street for a vist with Captain Bill Grosscup at Paladin Magic. The surprises continued. Frank Everhart Jr was also visiting Bill and we were fortunate to be treated to a private performance of Sam the Bellhop by Frank; what a treat that was. A couple of hours at the magic store, several photos taken and lots of fun having had by all it was time to head back home. Our good byes were said and all too soon the afternoon had ended. For a day that started at 9:30 a.m. and hasn't ended at this hour of almost midnight, we can honestly say it has been full of excitement and new experiences for Jay and Jann, so, where's Bruce Kalver through this day? Bruce has been spending the day with father Ed and his family, but, we will be meeting up with him first thing in the morning for the trip to Ft. Myers which will also now include a stop along the way in Marco Island to visit with Jann's brother who by simple coincidence happens to be visiting from Georgia. ----------------- 11. 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 By Peter Marucci 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 straws, 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! Peter Marucci 270 St. Andrew St. East Fergus, Ontario, Canada N1M 1R1 ----------------- 12. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 50 A ‘Perfect Storm’ is brewing in Paradise In 1969 I went through a terrifying ordeal that still affects me emotionally today! I was a little apprehensive writing this episode of my life, because I’m having to reach into the depths of my soul - some may find it difficult read - in ‘Kiwi culture’ as in many others I guess, it is not the 'done thing' for a man to bare his soul, or show too much emotion. Doing so somehow implies that you are - less than a man! What bullshit!!! When in situations of extreme danger, many people panic, while others freeze in abject terror! Then there are those who become strangely calm, accepting what appears to be - FINALITY! This is about a terrifying incident which had such an impact on a young man’ s Life that, many years later, the memory of it still reduces that same (now elderly) man to unashamed tears. I had better commence at the beginning - usually a good place to start. I'm amazed how I have managed to keep 'things' together, considering how much I/we've travelled and put down what goes for 'grass roots’ in this business. From Auckland to Wanganui then to Wellington; next was Timaru. Then to Whakatane and, in 1976, immigrated to Sydney Australia via Fiji - up to Brisbane (near the Gold Coast), and ten years later, in 1985, departed from ‘down-under’, to the other side of the world - Edinburgh, Scotland. Bought a 35foot Chevy Cobra, American Motor Home, lived in that for 2 years; it had everything, 240 volt generator, full size fridge/freezer, full size stove/oven, central heating, air-conditioning, separate bathroom with bath, shower, hand-basin, flushing toilet - you name it, it had it. Absolute luxury - I loved it! One major drawback - 12 miles to the gallon - cost of petrol for one year, NZ$30,000. OUCH! Sold it and bought a house and now, here we are in Doncaster, England, a total 19 years in the United Kingdom. About time we went home to New Zealand - I've had itchy feet for some years now. From the depths of my bottomless aluminium trunk, I dredged up a letter dated - le 12 Novembre1969, from Hubert Wayliff, Societe Polynesinne d’Organisation Theatrale (they speak French in Tahiti). In brief it states; “I confirm you our phone conversation and the deal we made” (I just love the way they write) “We hire your talent for maximum 8 or 10 shows before Christmas. You leaving Auckland on Thursday 11th December by UTA Flight 2345 Auckland time, arrive Papeete Tahiti 6.30 am local time” - (6.30 am - bloody hell, in those days I was just getting to bed - entertainers hours - not so bad these days, around 3 - 4 am - old habits die hard) “We pay all expenses, Hotel food, no Drink!” Damn! - Well, you can’t have everything. My accommodation was in the latest, newly opened, luxurious Maeva Beach Hotel. Glad I wasn’t paying for it - the prices were exorbitant, even by Tahitian standards, this isn’t exactly the cheapest place on the planet to stay. Now, a temporary, but necessary, change of course. I was one of those ‘Nutters’ who, when it came to ‘exotic’ sound systems, went - ever so slightly - overboard! (Excuse the pun). The money I spent on the latest hi-fi Stereo equipment over the years, is unprintable - buying just the latest needle/cartridge for my Turntable cost more than most would spend on an entire sound system - it’s a wonder Veronica isn’t bald. Fortunately, I’m out of that particular madness. Now, I’ve gone crazy with ‘Home Cinema’ - large, widescreen Television, and not one, but two surround sound systems - I don’t go to the cinema/pictures any more, the cinema comes to me - the next step is to install an ‘IMAX’ system into the lounge room. (I am kidding). The gut-wrenching bass that emanates from my sound system is so powerful that I’ve had to have the house foundations strengthened, and put a notice up with the warning ‘beware of falling roof tiles’. (I am kidding - again - but it is mightily powerful). The point I’m making is - when I’m watching Blockbuster movies/films, such as ‘Titanic’ or ‘The Perfect Storm’ etc., I AM there - it is real! I have a powerful imagination (developed through self-hypnosis). Right now, it is evoking such an intensive image of that incident, which happened so long ago; tears of emotion are welling up in my eyes, even as I write this. I just hope I can find the words that will convey to you the full import of - ‘Twelve Hours of Terror’! Page 51 Over the years, I have on occasion, narrated the story to various close friends (Murray Hobson and his wife Margaret, being the last. I choked up, telling them the story at a tiny country hotel I had taken them to for a few drinks etc - thank God, there were only the four of us in the bar. The full import of what happened, back in November 1969, really came home to me about 2 months ago, while I was watching a video of the film ‘The Perfect Storm’. Those of you who have seen this Movie/Film will more fully comprehend the full impact of what happened - not just to me, but also, three others. There is a particular scene in ‘The Perfect Storm, which hit me like a ton of bricks. My true-life ‘adventure’ rushed back - I went icy cold and started sobbing my heart out. It came from nowhere. Suddenly, I was re-living in real time - or so it seemed (Big Surround Sound and a widescreen TV,) the full, terrifying ordeal - I could even ‘smell’ the salty sea air. CONTINUES ------------------ 13. 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) ------------------- 14. Subscription Management ------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or individuals. 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