* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #296 Date: Sunday 21 November 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. Chuck Jones Breaks Box Office Record 3. The Magic Circle Announces Winners Of Its Top Awards 4. IBM International President Tony Wilson’s Magical Adventures 5. Breaking News From The Magic Capital Of The World!!! 6. Robert Olsen Performed To A Sold Out Crowd 7. Too Many Wands 8. S.A.M. European Magic Convention - 50th Austrian Magic Convention 9. David Copperfield Perform In Vancouver 10. The Amazing Jonathan Simply Amazing 11. Martinka Auction Begins Monday 12. The Magic Circle's Close-Up Magician of the Year Contest 13. The Appearing Barbeque Sauce - Jamie-G 14. The Amazing Orchante Saga 15. e-zine Archives 16. Subscription Management ------------------ 1. Editors Message ------------------- Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One Peter Evens in hospital: On the 11th November, Auckland magician Peter Evans fell down and broke his wrist then on the 23rd November he fell badly again and this time shattered his wrist and arm. He is currently in Ward 7, Auckland Hospital. I know Peter would love to receive e-mail messages of support from his many magical friends. Peters e-mail: peterevans17b@msn.com ------------------------------------- Paul Daniels has two brand new DVD releases: The Magic of Max Malini is the highly acclaimed show that played in the heart of Londons West End theatre district in the Spring of 2004. In his day, Malinis skill was never surpassed, but Paul Daniels recreates the atmosphere and skill of Malinis original performances both on and off stage. An Audience with Paul Daniels - Live in Edinburgh is a very different performance DVD. As well as taking questions from the audience, Paul performs a wide spectrum of magic, from close-up to illusion, in his own unique style. For more information go to: www.the-magic-store.info/ -------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Chuck Jones Breaks Box Office Record ----------------- Message from Chris Price. Co-Producer, 'World Festival of Magic' On Friday 12th November, American Illusionist Chuck Jones, the long-established star of International Entertainment's annual 'World Festival of Magic', was presented with an award by John Thornton, the General Manager of Perth's Regal Theatre Trust. The presentation was given to honour the 100th performance and box office record set by Chuck Jones and Company. In presenting the award John Thornton stated that tens of thousands of Western Australians had been thoroughly entertained by his amusing on-stage trickery and his mastery of the more theatrical 'grand illusion'. The 'World Festival of Magic' continues its Australasian tour with the first New Zealand show of 2004 in Taupo Sunday 21 November at the Great Lakes Centre. ----------------- 3. The Magic Circle Announces Winners Of Its Top Awards ----------------- Message from David Beckley Press Officer - The Magic Circle On Saturday November 13 The Magic Circle presented its top awards to magicians who had demonstrated their outstanding ability in various specific fields of magical entertainment. The occasion was The Magic Circle Awards Banquet and it provided an opportunity for the distinguished winners to receive recognition from their peers in the world of magic. The Awards presented that night were as follows: The Cecil Lyle Award for the best effect submitted for publication in The Magic Circular during 2004 went to David Howarth. The Close-up Magician of the Year 2004 was Andrew Murray. The Stage Magician of the Year 2004 was Duncan Trillo. The Carlton Award for Comedy went to Paul Nardini. The John Nevil Maskelyne Prize was awarded jointly to Anne Davenport and John Salisse. ‘The Maskelyne’ for outstanding contribution to British Magic was awarded to Wayne Dobson. And finally ‘The Devant’, for outstanding contribution to International Magic, was presented to Marvyn Roy. At the same even it was announced that Ali Bongo, a long serving member of The Magic Circle had been elected, by the Council, to become an Honorary Vice-president Our heartiest congratulations go to all the winners and recipients. ----------------- 4. IBM International President Tony Wilson’s Magical Adventures ----------------- Message from Tony Wilson - IBM International President 2004 - 2005 IBM News and Views Thanks to Alan Watson and in response to numerous requests Alan has graciously agreed to allow me to write a regular column for his 9,000 plus subscribers around the world. I can't promise him, or you, his subscribers, that it will appear on a weekly basis but I hope to be able to share with you all some of my goals, dreams and achievements over the next 6 months as I complete my term in early July 2005 as International President of the greatest magical organisation in the world, The International Brotherhood of Magicians. This week what is the IBM? The IBM is a world-wide organization. Although it is based in the United States, I live in New Zealand, and there are board members from England and Canada. We all work together to make the International Brotherhood of Magicians the best magic organization in the world. The simple objectives of the IBM are: to organize and associate together individuals interested in the practice and promotion of the Art of Magic, to foster and elevate the Art, to facilitate the exchange of magical ideas and to promote harmony among those interested in magic. In addition, the IBM promotes a code of ethics, professionalism in the magical arts, opposes exposure of magical effects, and supports humane treatment of animals and birds used in the art. The IBM was formed in 1922 by a Canadian and 2 Americans. The magazine, The Linking Ring, was established, and Local Rings were formed where magicians could meet to share magic. Today there are about 14,000 members in 80 countries, many of whom belong to one or more of the 250 active RINGS around the world. Each Ring is independent in its structure and its magical interests. However, all must adhere to the IBM's Constitution and Bylaws having at least 10 members all of whom must also belong to the IBM. Rings generally communicate to the organization via the Territorial Vice President. In Turkey, your TVP is Olzen Tuncer. The LINKING RING is a large and prestigious journal, with outstanding columnists, magic reviews, magic effects, advertisements of the latest tricks and apparatus, and other information. It also includes much information about IBM Rings and members. It is sent each month to IBM members. Our annual 4-day CONVENTION is the largest and most prestigious annual convention in North America. This is where members throughout the world come to see top professional talent, lecturers, contests and dealers. There are 3 types of membership classes. Active members must be over 10 years of age, and are eligible to vote; Associate members must be over 10 and be spouses or assistants of magicians. Youth members are under 10 and are not eligible to vote or serve as an officer. The IBM has a Youth program for young members. We encourage the young to become members, and learn magic from those in the Rings nearby. We believe that magic teaches lifetime skills such as the ability to communicate with an audience, at the same time as increasing magical ability. Many Rings have special clubs for their young members. At these meetings the elders mentor their youth by teaching and passing on their magic to the younger generation. They also encourage and help their young members to compete in stage and close up. The IBM recognizes long-time members through special pins and awards throughout the lifetime of those members. It also recognises the anniversary of its Rings with a special certificate. The IBM encourages many other activities as well: The Healing of Magic in which magicians help patients recover by teaching magic as a therapeutic tool; Benefit Shows for local charities; Hospital visits. The IBM is a wonderful way to network magicians throughout the world. It is filled with members who care about the Art of Magic, and about each other. It is truly a Brotherhood. ----------------- 5. Breaking News From The Magic Capital Of The World!!! ----------------- Message from Rick Fisher (US) Hi Alan! Here is the latest from the magic capital of the world! Plans are already under way for a great 2nd annual Magic Celebration held in conjunction with magic week here in Colon August 2 - 6th..nite before party, lectures, close-up contest and show, auction, flea market,2 public shows and guess what it is FREE! (With the exception of the public shows) NO REGISTRATION FEE!!!! This is going to be the biggest magic party of 2005! and everyone is invited to attend. Our headliner this year is BEV BERGERON! You MUST register early as seating is limited but there is NO FEE to do so. Our talent for the two shows is just about filled and we will be announcing the line up soon..with surprises!! Here is your chance to have some fun during magic week - what a party! We encourage all magicians to help us celebrate magic in the magic capital of the world!!! Additionally, because of so many requests from our customers, we are now starting a monthly newsletter - "news from the magic capital" - all the news plus biographies of the magicians who helped make the magic capital of the world what it is! Plus, monthly specials on new items FAB Magic is introducing..we have over 50 new items about to be released - This is FREE! to anyone requesting it..just e mail us. Let us know early about magic week as registrations are already coming in!!! Visit us online at www.fabmagic.com or phone toll free 1-877-44-MAGIK Thanks for your attention! Rick Fisher, Cheryl Fisher, Marilyn Abbott, Jack Barrows and the entire FAB Magic team ----------------- 6. Robert Olsen Performed To A Sold Out Crowd ----------------- Message from Jane Stuart (US) "Robert Olsen performed to a sold out crowd twice on Sunday, Nov. 14th at the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum in New York City. Among magic notables in the audience was past SAM Parent Assembly President, Richard J. Stuart, who commented that Bob's show was one of the most successful historical presentations he had ever seen. Bob portrayed the 19th century magician, Richard Potter. He used original props, 19th century period dress and original language. Congratulations for a wildly successful engagement." Wish you could have been here to see this fantastic performance. He was brilliant. ----------------- 7. Too Many Wands ----------------- Message from Wayne Rogers (NZ) I have only put out one new product in the last few months. Actually make that two. I forgot TOO MANY WANDS. The newest item, APPEARING GIANT PIN has been in the planning stages for some time. I finally made up a few for a friend to take to Australia for a lecture. The bag I use in my own act to produce the PIN is a portable CD player case with a compartment for carrying CD's. I have not supplied the bag because of the extra cost involved. Some of you may already have one of these bags. Check out the APPEARING GIANT PIN at www.nzmagic.com/productpg.html#giantpin There are limited supplies, but I will have a few available in about a weeks time. Over the last few months I have had several inquiries about my APPEARING HAT STAND. Originally I made up 6 and they have all sold. Once I get my December Christmas shows out of the way I will make up to 6 more in January 2005. Here's the deal. If you are interested please email me (even if you have done so before) and towards the end of December I will request a small deposit. Full cost is $US700.00 plus postage. The Appearing Hat Stand package includes the carry case fitted out for the production, plus a spare central pole. The pole section is a double, so you actually receive 4 pole sections in all. The stand will hold your hat or a light jacket. A heavier jacket can be hung if you put it on a coat hanger first. The color is a reddish brown and passes for polished wood when viewed from the stage. Have a good holiday season. Sincerely, Wayne Rogers chicane@nzmagic.com ----------------- 8. S.A.M. European Magic Convention - 50th Austrian Magic Convention ----------------- Message from Andreas - wr.zaubertheater@aon.at Dear magic friends, The "2nd S.A.M. European Magic Convention" / "50th Austrian Magic Convention" will take place in Eisenstadt from May 26 until May 29, 2005. Eisenstadt, as you probably know, is the capital of the Burgenland. The convention will be organized by "S.A.M. - AUSTRIA" and will also besupported by the Tourist Section of the Federal Government of Burgenland. We’d like to invite you to this outstanding event: We offer you 4 days crammed with all kinds of magic combined with a lot of surprises. You also will be able to enjoy the famous Austrian hospitality. Eisenstadt is only 30 minutes away from Vienna and it is easily accessible via the eastern highway. This picturesque city combines art with culture. Various museums invite you to come and numerous pubs and restaurants offer the typically local "Austro-Hungarian Cuisine". With all these ingredients we will conjure up unforgettable days of pure magic! ----------------- 9. David Copperfield Perform In Vancouver ----------------- Message from Paul Romhany Last night Natalie and I went to see David Copperfield perform in Vancouver. Without a doubt the most incredible illusion show I've ever seen. His very laid back personality was a real hit with the crowd as he received several standing ovations. As this was the first time I have seen him perform live, I felt like a little kid going to my first magic show, what a wonderful feeling that was. I head out today to perform in the Murray Hatfield Tour finishing mid January. Also featured in the tour are Oscar Munoz and Dan Sperry. It is great to be working back on land after performing ships for quite a few years. In February it's back out to see for a few months. ----------------- 10. The Amazing Jonathan Simply Amazing ----------------- Message by Don Drake (US) If you are coming to Las Vegas this summer, the one show you don't want to miss is The Amazing Jonathan at the Riviera Hotel and Casino. The show is in the La Cage Theater located at the very top of the Comedy Club Showroom. Amazing has added a fantastic Black Art show to his already popular comedy! Jonathan has put together one of the best black art shows I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing! It works so well, it's positively scary! You won't want to miss Bad Karate Theater, nor any other part of this Zany, Crazy, and wonderful show. Take it from me, I'm an expert, and I've never seen a better black art show. So you'll be kicking yourself if you miss this one. ----------------- 11. Martinka Auction Begins Monday ----------------- Message from Ted Bogusta (US) The 15th Martinka online magic auction begins this Monday, November 22nd. There will be hundreds of items listed initially and more will be added daily. If you are not already registered and wish to bid, please fill out the simple registration form at http://www.martinka.com/register Here are a few highlights: * A wonderful letter written by Chung Ling Soo on an early Kellar letterhead that is believed top be unique * Several great items from Okito, a humorous letter, a set of his seal, a signed 8X10 and an actual wooden clamp that Okito used to build his famous magic creations. * A nice collection of Milson Worth made magic. * Posters from Kellar, LeRoy Talma Bosco, Alexander (unique image), Hellmann and more. * Also magic sets, postcards, books, photos, videos and lots more! If you are not already registered and wish to bid, please fill out the simple registration form at www.martinka.com/register The first batch of items will be online Monday, November 22nd, I hope you enjoy browsing through and find something you've been searching for. ----------------- 12. The Magic Circle's Close-Up Magician of the Year Contest ----------------- Message by Bob Loomis (UK) In issue #295 David Beckley, the Press Officer of The Magic Circle announced that Andrew Murray had won The Magic Circle's Close-Up Magician of the Year Award. As President of the Association of International Magical Spectators (AIMS), I want to congratulate Andrew on his well deserved win. Secondly, I want to amplify one of David's paragraphs. He wrote: > On Monday evening at The Magic Circle headquarters, before a > packed > audience made up, almost exclusively, of magicians, Andrew Murray > calmly walked on and impressed his audience with a superb display > of > baffling magic that combined pure skill with tremendous > entertainment... It is the second line that bothers me. For those who did not attend, the magicians did not actually see Andrew performing in person. They watched the performance on a video screen, that was relayed to The Circle's packed out theatre. The people who saw Andrew perform in person were the magic judges, AND 20 members of our AIMS organisation. Yes, real laypeople who love magic. The magicians saw three people on the video screen during Andrew's turn. Two of them were AIMS members, who reacted in the way that Andrew's fellow magi seldom do. To cap it off, 20 of our members had also attended the heats, a few months earlier, and helped pick the magicians who would go on to the finals. So, the next time you see the words "almost exclusively", spare a thought for the non-magicians who also count. ----------------- 13. The Appearing Barbeque Sauce - Jamie-G ----------------- Message from Jamie-G (Canada) Effect: The magician tells a child to look in his hand, there is nothing in it. The magician says watch very close, the magician say loud 1..2...3...Puts his hands together and blows on his hands. When he opens his hands there is a McDONALDS barbeque sauce in his hand. The magician than closes his hand with the sauce still in it this time the magician goes into his pocket and pulls out a pocket wand, the magician than waves the wand over this hand and now when he opens his hand the sauce magically turned into a plastic coin. The magician than gives the coin to the child and all is well. Props: You can use a sauce package from anywhere but I like to use the McDONALDS one because they are big and square and easy to palm, and you need to find fake plastic coins found at most toy stores. (Sometimes I get lucky and find these plastic coins at the all famous dollar store. Method: First of all you already have the sauce package palmed in your right hand (you just never call attention to his hand)you show the left hand from the palm side than turn the left hand and show the back of the hand than turn the hand palm up again. You can take the pointer finger of the right hand and rub each side of the left hand as you are showing it. (This makes it appear that the right hand is empty and to a small child they are not thinking that some is in your right hand unless you give it up for example you look at your right hand or if you exposed the gimmick.) Now at this point you bring your hands together and blow on both hands and when you open your hands just leave the sauce in the left hand. At this point place the sauce in your right hand as you are still showing it, and now you going to do a fake transfer to the left hand. (You are going to make it look like you are putting the sauce back in your left hand but you are really holding back the sauce in your right hand.)YOU MUST REMEMBER TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE STILL HOLDING THE SAUCE IN YOUR LEFT HAND. Also look at your left hand when you do the fake exchange because the child will follow your eyes and look were you look this is very important. Know once you are at this point you say know I'm going to use my wand, when you reach into your pocket ditch the sauce and pick up the plastic coin as you are taking your pocket wand out. I usually have the plastic coin in a thumb pinch and when you pull the pocket wand out your hand is pointing down ward so there is no way of seeing the coin.(from this point you can go into different methods.) Method #1: you can wave the wand over your left hand and than place the wand threw the hand and come out the other side and transfer the plastic coin like that. I don't use this method that much for this effect but I still have done it this way. Method #2: This is a better way of doing it because it gets the child more involved in the magic. Once you are at the point of were you just took out your pocket wand (with your hand towards the ground) the coin is in thumb palm you give the pocket wand to the child. This way there they get to wave the wand around your hand and the think that they did the magic and when you give the coin to keep it makes this effect much stronger. When the child takes the wand from your right hand your hand is towards the ground so the won't see the coin in finger palm just place your hands together let the child wave and tap and when you open your hand just leave the coin in the left hand. Note: I cannot explain the look on the child's face when they see that barbeque package turn into a plastic coin and that they did it all on there own very, VERY, strong. All so you must remember that this is two effects in one first you make the sauce magically appear and than by the child’s magic changes it in to a coin. Real Time: You can use any type of sauce you want also you don't have to use a plastic coin you can use a real one I just think the plastic one's are neat and you get a bunch of them for like two dollars. Also you don't need a pocket wand you can use magic dust a real big coin like a 50 cent piece or just about anything you can think of. ----------------- 14. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 26 ‘SO YOU’RE A FIRE-EATER! NAME YOUR POISON!’ - THE FUEL - Back in the ‘Dark Ages’, fire-eaters used petrol, until they started turning a lovely shade of blue – from Lead poisoning. These days most use Lighter fuel, and some mix up exotic combinations. Kerosene, which is very slow burning, makes for great fireballs, but it stinks. Many years ago I realised that blowing the biggest, longest fire-ball DID NOT mean you were a ‘great’ fire-eater – presentation and entertainment value rode high above all other factors. The biggest complaint I’ve heard continuously, for years, from bookers the world over, is the terrible black smoke, stench, blackened ceilings, and soot that fire-eaters left behind in the venues – and on the customers. I resolved to find a fuel which was practically smokeless, and which did not stink out the venues. In Sydney Australia, I spent considerable time with the Chemists at the Shell Refinery discussing the problem - they mixed up all sorts of concoctions – finally came up with one they called, appropriately, ‘Shellite’, which worked very well – enabled me to perform in venues which wouldn’t normally touch fire-eaters with barge poles. When we immigrated to Britain in 1985, I could not find ‘Shellite’ in the country, so started the whole process over again at a big Refinery in Edinburgh, Scotland. They finally came up with a product called Petroleum Ether -– it was fantastic – far better than the Australian Shellite, but, it was lethal, in more ways than one, as I was to find out ten years later. It was so volatile and had such a low boiling point that static - or a decent sneeze - could set it off; it had to be transported in a special container! It was totally clean burning and odour free, burnt very brightly, and produced an extremely hot flame. The heat was unbelievable. It took some time, even with hypnosis to get used to it, and oh boy, was it fast, deadly fast. I used to blow fireballs 20 feet plus, no problem, with the Shellite, but with this stuff – maybe 10 feet. If you tried to hold more in the mouth, to spray out, you just wouldn’t get it out quick enough. Blowing multiple fireballs was totally out of the question. You couldn’t just buy the stuff at a Hardware store – it was only available at chemical Laboratories – had to sign for it, as it is supposed to be for professional use only in Laboratories. Over the ten years, I used this stuff; I must have gone through countless gallons of it. 1995 – I’ve gone to a supplier, as I am running low, and the chemist says ‘oh, by the way, you had better have these’. He gave me a large envelope on which was written in large red lettering IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS! AS REQUIRED BY LAW: - HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK ACT. The Chemicals Hazard information and packing for supply regulations, 1994. THIS ENVELOPE CONTAINS SAFETY DATA SHEETS FOR CHEMICALS SUPPLIED ON YOUR ORDER. There were four A4 sheets; most of the information was way above my head, and intended for laboratory technicians. Here are the ‘bits’ that are relevant to me: ‘Petroleum spirit’ (Ether) 40 – 60 degrees C. Skin contact: Wash skin thoroughly with water. OBTAIN MEDICAL ATTENTION Page 27 Handle with gloves; High grade PVC Eye Protection; Goggles or face shield Other precautions; Plastic apron, sleeves, and boots. Flash Point - 45 degrees C Explosion limits; Lower 1% Upper 8% Toxicological information: After inhalation of vapours; Irritation symptoms in the respiratory tract. After ingestion: nausea. Risk of aspiration upon vomiting. Possible symptoms; pneumonia. After absorption; Headache, dizziness, agitation, spasms, unconsciousness. Cardiovascular failure, respiratory paralysis. ----------------------------------- For those who may be interested, here is an excerpt from a letter written to my doctor by the Consultant Physician; Quote; ‘I saw this interesting man in the clinic today, and spent some time discussing with him our clinical findings… Going back into the history, he certainly has variable symptoms, and his wife feels he has been breathless on exertion for about 7 years, but symptoms have obviously increased since… He has also inhaled significant fumes in his fire-swallowing activities. He is going to give me details of the fuel he has been using over the last 10 years… His transfer factor for carbon monoxide is very low at 25% and I am sure this is explained by significant emphysema’ Unquote. I CURSE THE DAY I STARTED USING THE PETROLEUM SPIRIT – IT HAS COST ME MY LIVELIHOOD AND MY LIFE. However, I still have my sense of humour - a little sick at times - okay, okay, very sick - and warped! I’m still breathing, with Nebulised drugs, oxygen tanks on hand, and after that, well, we all have to go sometime. Self-hypnosis and a positive attitude keep depression at bay 99% of the time. I’ve got a loving wife; my mate Martin, helps keep me happily insane with our own brand of medicine, and a lot of folks around the world seem to enjoy my misadventures via Alan’s E -Zine. Thank you All. NOW, WHO WANTS TO BE A FIRE-EATER? ------------------ 15. 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) ------------------- 16. 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 2004 Alan Watson