* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #411 Date: Sunday 14h May 2006 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. Channing Pollock - Memorial In Las Vegas 3. We Remember Billy McComb 4. Michael Ammar Lecture/ Workshop 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians #10 - Nick Lewin 6. S.A.M. Convention Interviews Live On Podcast 7. Lee Grabel To Appear At Louisville S.A.M. Convention 8. Charles Gauci - UK/Ireland Lecture Tour 9. LVMI Close-Up Convention 10. Magic Shows - Police And Fire-fighters 11. Please Be Sure To Vote 12. History Of Balloon Twisting 13. See You In Louisville! 14. Boys Book Of Magic 15. The Amazing Orchante Saga 16. e-zine Archives 17. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editors Message -------------------------------------------- Have really enjoyed listening to Paul Daniels podcast. So far it is the story of his early life and it will move on to the present day. To subscribe go to: http://www.pauldaniels.co.uk/ ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Channing Pollock - Memorial In Las Vegas -------------------------------------------- Message from Norm and Lupe Nielsen (US) We have received many calls inquiring about the upcoming Channing Pollock Memorial in Las Vegas. This is just a brief note to give you the information. Event: Channing Pollock Memorial Date: Saturday, May 13, 2006 Time: 1:00 pm Place: The Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, NV - East Ballroom. Everyone Is Invited. It is meant to be a celebration of Channing's life. We want to make a joyful day in remembrance of Channing. Please bring good cheer and great memories, as it will be an unforgettable event. With best regards, Norm and Lupe Nielsen www.nnmagic.com P.S. We are SOLD OUT of all our autographed Billy McComb prints. We are now making that print with a facsimile of his signature. And yes, we still have a few (less than 10) Channing Pollock autographed prints left. -------------------------------------------- 3. We Remember Billy McComb -------------------------------------------- Published with the permission of Milt Larsen (US) Billy McComb, celebrated Irish entertainer who served for decades as Vice President of the Academy of Magical Arts, Inc. ("The Magic Castle") and was the recipient of the "Masters Fellowship," the highest award offered by the Academy, passed away Sunday, April 30th, 2006 in Los Angeles. He was 84. "We have lost one of the living legends of magic," said Gay Blackstone, widow of famed magician Harry Blackstone, Jr. and current President of the Board of Directors of the Academy of Magical Arts. "Billy's incredible career reached from the intimate music hall and nightclub stages of London to the dynamic contemporary stages of Las Vegas. He was an incredible living repository of magic's history and personalities. We will never again see another like him." Mark Wilson, who served on the Academy's Board of Trustees with McComb and whose 1960s television series "The Magic Land of Allakazam" pioneered the presentation of magic on network television, agreed. "Billy was a walking encyclopedia of magic, equally at ease discussing the bill of an obscure variety show in a northern Irish theater or the history and development of any magical effect or illusion. He served as a magical advisor on countless about the art of magic. He was a truly gifted entertainer who was generous with both his talent and his creativity." As a performer, Billy offered the perfect blend of whimsy and wizardry. He also invented and refined dozens of effects and routines which have became standards in the field of comedy magic, including the McCombical Deck, the Half-Dyed Hank, and the Fire Wallet. "In addition to being a truly original and very funny magician, Billy created hundreds of routines over his many decades on stage and television around the world," added Dale Hindman, former President of the Academy of Magical Arts and long time producer and director of magic and variety programs. "All you had to do was show him a new effect and within minutes he would show you a dozen different variations in presentation and patter. His creativity was legendary." Milt Larsen, co-founder of The Magic Castle and producer of the renowned magical revue "It's Magic!" that introduced Billy to American audiences in 1960, said: "Billy McComb billed himself, suitably, as 'Ireland's Largest Leprechaun.' His comedy was mischievous; his magic was enchanting; his delivery touched with the Blarney. He was a giant in our art, loved by fellow magicians and beloved by audiences around the world. He will truly be missed." Irene Larsen, past President of the Academy and co-founder with her husband Bill Larsen, Jr. and brother-in-law Milt, echoed that sentiment. "Billy was part of our family and loved by everybody. He stayed with Bill and me when he first came to visit California. As long as there is a Magic Castle, Billy's warmth and humor will echo through its hallways." A broken wand ceremony honoring Billy McComb will be held at The Magic Castle on May 21, 2006 at 4:30 pm. Arrangements are currently being made for donations to be accepted in Billy's name to benefit shelters for the care of abandoned and rescued animals, a cause dear to his heart. -------------------------------------------- 4. Michael Ammar Lecture/ Workshop -------------------------------------------- Message from Jeff Brandon (US) Michael Ammar Lecture Monday, May 8, 2006 7:00 P.M. Conjuror's Corner Magic Club Four Seasons Golf Center 1350 Lake Street Roselle, Il You Will Always Remember!! Don't miss your opportunity to experience Michael Ammar - World Champion performer, award-winning lecturer, and one of magic's most influential thinkers! Featured on the Worlds Greatest Magic, twice on the Tonight Show, three times on the International Magic Awards, and the first ever 6-time winner from the Academy of Magical Arts. The BBC documentary "The Greatest Tricks in the Universe - EVER!" ranked Ammar's Cups and Balls routine as the 7th greatest affect of all time! No wonder MAGIC magazine listed Michael as one of the "Most Influential Magicians of the Twentieth Century." The Magic Of Michael Ammar is now in its 18th printing, and his dozens of instructional DVD's, which have out sold all others worldwide, have forever changed magic instructions for future generations. You will be entertained by his wit and enlightened by his wisdom as he teaches in complete detail many signature routines from his professional repertoire - as well as new favorites never featured in his lectures. Prepare to learn, laugh, and be inspired! Lecture fee is $25 for non-members and is payable at the door. ------------------------- Michael Ammar Workshop May 8, 2006 4:00 P.M. Conjuror's Corner Magic Club Four Seasons Golf Center 1350 Lake Street Roselle, Il Michael has a 90 minute workshop he likes to schedule before the lecture. He covers 3 things not in the lecture - and gives each participant hands-on instruction. Workshop fee is $35 per person. Space is limited to 12 participants so please reserve your seat NOW! Please call Jeff Brandon at 630-842-5309 to reserve your seat. ------------------------- Conjuror's Corner meets on the 4th Monday of every month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Fore Seasons Golf, 1350 Lake Street, Roselle, IL. 630-980-8882 One block east of Gary Ave on Lake Street Thank you Jim Jensen http://www.conjurorscorner.com/ -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 10 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Young Sparky meets Mr. Electric My very first club date in America was at the Elks club in Long Beach, California. A stroke of good luck that was going to add a whole eighty bucks to my worldly wealth. I was very excited and ready to take the 'Elks' by storm. After a one-hour drive to Long Beach I made myself known at the club and was directed backstage to meet up with the other acts. Now it is amazing how often the entertainment bookers of these kinds of organization make truly irrational decisions but this one was in a class of it's own! The committee had determined that four acts would be appropriate for the occasion and the booker had decided that the perfect choice would be two magic acts and two jugglers. He furthermore decided that the ideal running order would be to have the two magic acts in the first half of the show and after a brief break to continue with the two jugglers. Maybe he was drinking too much and instead of seeing double he was thinking double. Of course, there is no payment for the job of booking entertainment at a service club and maybe it is bookings like this that are the reason. Upon arriving in the dressing room I discovered that the other magician on the bill was Mr. Electric and Carol; one of the finest and classiest acts in the magic world. I was very impressed and also somewhat astounded when Marvyn (for that is indeed Mr. Electric's first name) suggested that he opened the bill and leave me to close the first half! I thought my stock in the magic world must be on the rise. This was the evening that I learned the age old secret of variety acts; always go on first or as close to the beginning of the show as you can. To cut a painful story short Marvyn and Carol opened the show with a dynamic set that featured customized versions of every trick I was about to perform; all carefully adapted to the theme of their show. They destroyed the audience. I followed and while I didn't die on stage I was quite sick! I did the floating ball; he floated a lit light bulb. I cut and restored a rope and he cut and restored an electric cord; attached to a line of light bulbs. I did the electric chair and he did the electric chair! It was truly a nightmare for a young magician without the ability to substitute anything in his act. After the show I chatted with Marvyn who was very kind and quite complimentary about my show. Especially my version of the classic Chinese linking rings; maybe this was because it was the only trick I hadn't duplicated. In fact, in what I later discovered was pure Marvyn he planned an entire act for me based on the theme of linking things together. In fact I was to change my name to Link Lewin. What I should do, said Marvyn, was buy the Himber Ring Trick, which would allow me to link rings borrowed from the fingers of audience members. It sounded like a great idea and the next day I drove into Hollywood and paid fifty dollars to Joe Berg as down payment on this very trick. Thank you Marvyn; it was the best investment I have ever made in magic. Every magician needs one special trick to make his own and thanks to Mr. Electric I had found mine. I never did change my first name to Link, but due to my encounter with the gracious and friendly master magician I had taken a huge step forward in my career as a magician. Oh, and I never again felt flattered at being asked to close a variety bill, like a true pro, I just say; "You know, It might be better for the show if I open." Send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net -------------------------------------------- 6. S.A.M. Convention Interviews Live On Podcast -------------------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibáñez Society of American Magicians First National Vice President S.A.M. Convention Chair, Michael Douglas, is at it again! He has started broadcasting the podcasts and putting them live on the web for download. These are available for download from http://samconvention.blogspot.com If you own an iPod and use iTunes, just log in and subscribe to: http://samconvention.audioblog.com/rss/new.xml During the last three weeks, Michael has interviewed Jann Goodsell, Past National President and Director of the Society of Young Magicians; R.G. Smith who produces all the evening shows for the S.A.M. conventions; and lastly the writer, Maria Ibanez as Special Sessions Coordinator for the S.A.M. A new podcast each week will bring you the latest and greatest plans for the upcoming convention in Louisville. If you haven't yet made your plans to be there, now is the time, contact John and Virginia Apperson at sam@appsmagic.com and make your reservations today. Be there to cheer Andy Dallas as he becomes President of this most prestigious Society of American Magicians, RSVP his invitation to see you there and pick up a poster from him (if I were you I'd make sure he autographs it for you) and don't miss a single moment of this year's convention. Why? Because it is promising to be one that will go down in the record books as a great one and you won't want to be one of the ones who missed it. Want a hint of what you will be missing if you don't come? Go to the above site and listen to the podcasts, we're sure you will be pleasantly surprised. -------------------------------------------- 7. Lee Grabel To Appear At Louisville S.A.M. Convention -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler - Dean - Society of American Magicians S.A.M. Producer Michael Douglas announced the addition of Lee Grabel to the roster of lecturers to appear at the Louisville Convention.(July 12-15). The 87 year old legend in magic was best known for his Floating Piano trick. He will talk about his life in magic which will include an audio visual presentation. See the complete list at www.magicsam.com -------------------------------------------- 8. Charles Gauci - UK/Ireland Lecture Tour -------------------------------------------- Message from Charles Gauci (Aust) I am in the process of organizing my second lecture tour of UK/Ireland in Sept/Oct this year with my "Reputation Makers II". If any club is interested please e-mail me at charlesg@ozemail.com.au and I will send you my flyer. I am releasing some of my most cherished effects which are practical and very commercial as I use them myself professionally. No finger flinging, you will be able to perform these effects within minutes as they rely very heavily on subtleties. I lectured at 32 clubs in 2003 in both the UK and Scotland and I am looking forward to catching up with old friends again. -------------------------------------------- 9. LVMI Close-Up Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Danny Archer (US) For info on the upcoming LVMI close-up convention (June 11th-13th) and the 1 day coin convention CoinCon 2006 June 14th please visit LVMI. Danny Archer Magic 1911 Yosemite Street Denver, CO 80220-2254 303-321-6267 www.dannyarcher.com -------------------------------------------- 10. Magic Shows - Police And Fire-fighters -------------------------------------------- Message from Mike Miller (US) There's a magic show going through out Pennsylvania to benefit the Local Police and Fire-fighters. The show stars: Dick Gustafson Clive and Tracy Allen Jeff and Lynn Nelson Mike Miller Shari Nelson Jason Bishop Show dates and times are: May 1st 4:30 PM & 7:30 pm at George Washington H.S Philadelphia Pa. (Phila. Fire-fighters) May 19 nth 7:00 PM at Eagles Club Banquet Hall Lebanon, Pa.(FOP Lodge #42) May nth 4:00 PM & 7:00pm at Lincoln Middle School Lancaster, Pa. ( Fire-fighters Local #319) May nth 1:00 PM & 5:00 pm at Benjamin Franklin H.S Philadelphia, Pa. (Fire-fighters Local #22) May nth 7:30 PM at Phoenix Middle School - Phoenix, Pa. (F.OP) May nth 7:00 PM at Beverly Hills Middle School - Upper Darby, Pa. (Police Relief Association) May nth 7:00 PM at Elizabeth Forward H. S - Elizabeth, Pa. (Mon Valley Police) June 1st 7:30 PM at Catskill Area H. S - Catskill, Pa. (Police Benevolent Association) June nth 7:30 PM at Potts town Middle School - Potts town, Pa. (Police Athletic League) June nth 4:00 PM 7:00 PM at Roosevelt Jar. H. S - Altoona, Pa. (Fire-fighters Local # 299) June nth 1:00 PM at Carnegie Library of Homestead Auditorium - Unhallowed, Pa. (Pittsburgh Fire-fighters) Aug. 21st 7:00 pm in Bethlehem, Pa. site to be determined. - (Bethlehem Fire-fighters Local # 735) If your in the area of one of these shows please stop in and say hi. -------------------------------------------- 11. Please Be Sure To Vote -------------------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibáñez Society of American Magicians First National Vice President Greetings everyone: This just in from Mike Miller, candidate for 2nd Vice President of the Society of American Magicians. He is correct, every vote counts so please make sure you vote. Respectfully Maria Ibáñez  --------------------------------- Dear Compeer: I know this is getting redundant and it will be the last time you hear from me until the convention in Louisville. I'm not writing to tell you what I've done in and for magic. I've sent e-mails and letters to everyone with that information. I'm writing to let you know that the race for 2nd V.P. will be a tight one and that every vote will count so please make sure you and your Assembly get their ballots in. I hope you place a check next to my name so I can help promote the S.A.M. Remember I'm not a politician I'm a magician. Thank you for your time and patience and hope to see you in Louisville. Mike Miller Philadelphia, Pa. #4 -------------------------------------------- 12. History Of Balloon Twisting -------------------------------------------- Message Keith Lawrence (Aust) Following my request several months ago for historical facts on balloon twisting I received a lot of useful information from various people, for which I am very grateful. However most of this related to USA, Great Britain and Australia. I would like to expand the information sources to the rest of the world. Mainly as to when, where and who the pioneers were. Also any special skills or records. For example "The Largest Model". (I have seen a photograph of one that stands 25 feet (7.6 meters) tall and is about 80 feet wide.) Whilst it would be helpful to receive any information in English, I can cope with French, German, Spanish and Japanese if necessary. Regards, Keith Lawrence k_jlawrence@yahoo.com.au -------------------------------------------- 13. See You In Louisville! -------------------------------------------- Message Maria Ibáñez Society of American Magicians First National Vice President Greetings: Still deciding whether or not to come to the S.A.M. National Convention this year? Wondering if there will be enough for the family to do? Besides the lectures, evening shows, SYM activities, special sessions, pin trading, fantastic dealer's room, an installation banquet that will be one to remember, and the terrific camaraderie that comes from meeting colleagues from other places, Louisville also has a great deal to offer those who are coming with their families -- plan now to attend the convention and make a vacation out of it. Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Where you can ride the latest and greatest rides just look at a partial list of what's there, or visit the following website for more details: http://www.sixflags.com/parks/kentuckykingdom/index.asp Tornado - Greezed Lightnin' - Chang - Twisted Twins Hellevator - Thunder Run - The Penguin's Blizzard River T - Road Runner Express - The International Carousel Bluebeard's Bounty - Breakdance - The Zeppelin - Tin Lizzies - Great Race - Giant Wheel - Himalaya Thrill Park Theater - The Enterprise Thrill Karts - Roller Skater - Bumper Cars - Flying Dutchman - The Frightfully Funny Free-Falling Fire Engine No. 9 Rainbow - The Wall - Hurricane Bay Water Park - Hook's Lagoon - Hurricane Bay Wave Pool - Barefoot Cove - Mt. Slide Hai - Caribbean Cruise Into baseball? Visit the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum The place where they have been crafting the Official Bat of Major League Baseball since 1884. Boasting of a gift shop carrying personalized bats, a museum dating back to the late 1800s when the Slugger's began and more, this should be a planned stop on your trip. Want to read more? Visit their website at: http://www.sluggermuseum.org/ If animals are your weakness -- the Louisville Zoo is something you won't want to miss. Gates open early and close at 5:00 daily giving your family more than enough time to get back to the hotel for the evening shows. http://www.louisvillezoo.org/ Scientific mind? -- The Louisville Science Center is for you. Fantastic and fun place to visit with your family -- visit the website and you will be pleasantly surprised about how much there is to do here. http://www.louisville.com/news1385661.aspx Louisville Waterfront Park Over 85 acres of fun made up by shopping, restaurants, children's play area, adventure playground, walkways, joggers areas, picnic areas, esplanade at river's edge, Brown-Forman amphitheater, docks for boaters, rowing facility. http://www.louisville.com/news64091757.aspx Prefer sightseeing? Here are just a few of the sights that you can take in while in Louisville: American Printing House for the Blind - www.aph.org Belle of Louisville - www.belleoflouisville.org Caesars Glory of Rome - www.caesars.com Cathedral of the Assumption Cave Hill Cemetery Churchill Downs - www.kyderby.com Conrad/Caldwell House - www.conradcaldwell.org Crane House - www.cranehouse.org Culbertson Mansion State Historical Site - www.ai.org/ism/sites/culbertson 851 Mansion Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center - www.fallsoftheohio.org Farmington - www.historicfarmington.org Hadley Pottery - www.hadleypottery.com Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Joe Huber Family Farm & Restaurant - www.joehubers.com Locust Grove - www.locustgrove.org Louisville Science Center - www.louisvillescience.org Louisville Stoneware - www.louisvillestoneware.com McApline Locks and Dam Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing - www.riverside/landing.org Scribner House Star of Louisville - www.staroflouisville.com Waterfront Park - www.louisvillewaterfront.com Want to know what else is up our sleeves? Want to know what you'll be missing if you don't register and attend? Go to the S.A.M. website at www.magicsam.com and see the list of talent, the special session line up, the cruise that is being offered FREE of charge to those who register early and more. Don't be left out wishing you had been there! Call today and register before it is too late. Hotel Information Louisville Marriott Downtown 280 West Jefferson Louisville, Kentucky 40202 USA Phone: 1-502-627-5045 Fax: 1-502-627-5044 Toll-Free: 1-800-533-0127 Registration Information Virginia Apperson Convention Registrar E-Mail sam@appsmagic.com 2812 Idaho Granite City, IL 62040 (618) 451-9749 Fax: (618) 451-9334 Hoping to see you in Louisville as Andy Dallas becomes President and gets everyone to sign the Sluggers that he will be donating to our museum -- is your signature going to be one the bat? Accept Andy's invitation and pick up your poster (make sure he autographs it) and the other gift he's bought for all those who attend the convention ... sorry, can't tell you what that is, you'll have to come to get one. See you in Louisville! Respectfully, Maria Ibáñez -------------------------------------------- 14. Boys Book Of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message from Jon Zealando (NZ) Many thanks to all those who responded to my enquiry re "The Boys Book of Magic". It seems Harry Clarke, a Vice President of the London Magic Circle actually authored the book back in 1949. He was only mentioned in the 1962 publication, that had a different cover to mine, and that also acknowledged Harry Stanley of Unique Studio fame, for assisting in that publication. It would be a real bonus to hear more about Harry Clark, and those who were inspired, into becoming successful performers pros & semi pros. One such person was Tony Wilson immediate pass International President of the I.B.M. and also my "Best Man". He came to the rescue of my dreams, with a pristine copy of the book, in its original jacket, protected by plastic cover. It was certainly thrilling to see the original coloured cover showing a good looking well dressed boy in shorts, formal jacket and tie, that any mother would have been proud of. Tony had treasured his copy as it was a present from Jack Read a favourite magical entertainer in New Zealand, who later received our highest New Zealand. accolade the "Grand Master of Magic medallion," which was presented by the late Great Edgar Benyon on a nationwide TV show. ----------------- 15. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 100 Timaru - Big Stereo Sound, a Top Country Singing Star! Driving on to Timaru in the Humber Super Snipe - with its long bonnet stretched out in front, was an absolute pleasure. It sat on the road as if it was glued to it and, it had a 'magic' switch called 'overdrive', which essentially was a 5th gear - when you flicked the switch 'on', the motor dropped by several revs and the car just rolled silently along. We, or rather the car, got many admiring glances! When I was describing the haunted house in Timaru (page 62, [now 86] 4th paragraph), I also mentioned that we shared the large parking space out the back with the St John's Ambulance station, which was next door. It didn't take long before they noticed the 'new?' car, with the 'Spick-and-Span, Showroom Gleam', in the yard. Now as you might imagine, their mechanics were top-notch - they had to be, keeping the ambulances mechanically sound and in perfect running order, so when it came to - "Open up the bonnet and lets have a look at it then", they were suitably impressed with all the chrome, saying - "It sure looks 'SNAZZY', but what does the engine sound like?" I said, "let me put it to you this way, the only way you can tell if the engine is running, or not - is to either stick your hand into the radiator fan or wrap your mouth around the exhaust pipe!" They stopped laughing when I fired it up. "Sounds like a Rolls Royce engine" they whispered, "you can't hear anything!" From then on, we were forever getting knocks on the back door with requests to, 'start up the engine' so that - 'so and so' could inspect the mechanical wonder and 'listen' to how an engine should really sound! 'Mechanics'!!! Back on page 36 (now p 50), headed -'A Perfect Storm Is Brewing In Paradise', I spoke about how I was a bit of a 'NUTTER', in regards to exotic, rather expensive stereo hi-fi systems. I had such a system, set up in the massive lounge room in Timaru. NOBODY, on 'Pain of Death', was allowed near it! If anybody wanted a particular record played, they had to get me to put it on for them. My 'record-player' wasn't your normal - 'stack 10 records and push the 'ON' button' type, it was a 'State Of The Art', 'Technics' direct drive turntable, with a separate 'Shure' S M E precision pick up arm (rated as the best in the world) fitted with a Broadcast Quality 'Stanton' phono magnetic cartridge (alternating with a 'Shure' V 15, type three); delicate, precision equipment, definitely not for the heavy - handed! The speakers were professional 'J B L' Studio Monitors; the bass speakers were 15 inch, and that is massive - it took two strong men to pick up just one of the speakers cabinets -they weighed a 'ton', it was a BIG sound! The professional 'Sansui' separate amplifier and pre-amplifier - rated at 110 Watt's R M S per channel, actually tested out at 150 watts a Ch.! Most people are happy with a 'normal' home stereo system of around 10/20 watts. I've always considered myself as normal - most people seem to disagree! One night, during a music session with some friends, there was a knock on the door - it was THE POLICE! No, it wasn't the neighbours complaining, THEY WERE, and demanded that I turn the volume down - THEY COULD HEAR MY MUSIC AT THE POLICE STATION, which was - oops, A BLOCK AWAY, on North Street! We were on King George St. I lowered the volume - FAST! Suzanne Prentice - A most attractive young lady and, one of New Zealand's Top Country Stars! Endowed with a Strong, Distinctive Voice, she had a huge recording hit called -'SNOWBIRD', which put her well and truly on the road to stardom. We haven't seen or heard of Suzanne for many years; in fact the last time was back in Australia when she appeared at the famous 'Tamworth International Country Music Festival' and caused quite a sensation there! We can't remember how we met Suzanne, more than likely on some show in the South Island; I think she lived in Invercargill. She used to drive - accompanied by her mother, up to Timaru - where I was giving her some therapeutic treatment, using hypnosis; can't remember why now, but even if I could, I wouldn't say, that's strictly confidential. One of my favourite songs from yesteryear is - 'The Wayward Wind', and I was always asking Veronica, who just happens have a nice singing voice herself, to sing it for me, along with 'High Noon', and 'The Man From Laramie', both from the films of the same name. I asked Suzanne if she knew 'The Wayward Wind' as I thought it would be a great song for her to cover, especially with HER powerful voice. She didn't, so I persuaded Veronica to sing it and teach her the words. I don't know if Suzanne ever got around to actually recording it commercially, but I did record (on reel to reel tape and cassette) Suzanne and Veronica singing together - playing their guitars for accompaniment, in our lounge room in Timaru. Fantastic! Wish I knew where Suzanne is now, I'd love to send her a copy - I think she would be 'tickled pink'! What 'magical memories' those old recordings bring back. -------------------------------------------- 16. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.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) -------------------------------------------- 17. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- Our subscriber list is NOT made available to any other companies or individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy. You can subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand® E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html. Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson 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 they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 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 2006 Alan Watson