* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #416 Date: Sunday 4th June 2006 Editor: Alan Watson www.magicianz.com www.Alan-Watson.com e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com ================================ Hi [FIRSTNAME] here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. The Memorial To Billy McComb At The Magic Castle 3. Stars Of Tomorrow Show - S.A.M. Convention In Louisville 4. The Professional Stage Pickpocket By Ricki Dunn 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians #13 - Nick Lewin 6. The Inside Scoop To Cruise Ship Entertainment #2 7. Another Columbian Catastrophe 8. Abbott's 69th Annual Get-Together 9. Australian Centenary Convention July 2007 10. The Dutch National Magic Congress 11. Daytona Festival - Florida State Convention 12. Upcoming Lectures At Fantasma Magic, New York 13. HAPPY To Report - Ed Harris 14. Magicomedy In Parramatta 15. Dai Vernon: A Biography by David Ben 16. 28th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 17. The Amazing Orchante Saga 18. e-zine Archives 19. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Delighted to see that my late good friend Ricki Dunns book is going to be finally published. Toured Australia with Ricki on two separate occasions and I admired his professionalism. Refer item 4. -------------------------------- Message from Magic Christian (Austria) New Magic Stamp - a limited edition Dear friends of Magic. Concerning the 200th anniversary of Joh. Nep. Hofzinser we have the possibility to produce an official stamp by the Austria Post AG for Hofzinser in a limited edition. Whoever is interested in this it in a sheet (20 stamps) or a single stamp please contact me. The sheet will cost 50 ? plus postage at the moment. The single piece 3.00 ? on a letter. Best regards Cordially Magic Christian P.S. Don't miss the celebration for the 200th anniversary on June 18th 2006!!! See www.hofzinser.com You can view this stamp by going to www.watson.co.nz/stamp.html ----------------------- I would like to thank Richard Webster internationally acclaimed author for updating my brief bio for my website. The man is a genius when comes to the written word. www.watson.co.nz/fbio.html ----------------------- Remember [FIRSTNAME] if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. The Memorial To Billy McComb At The Magic Castle -------------------------------------------- Message from Terry Seabrooke (UK) The memorial to Billy McComb at the Magic Castle was truly an unforgettable experience. Thank you all who remembered him in various ways. After over 50 years there is a large hole when you loose your best mate. Billy will never be forgotten for his kind advice, constructive criticism and help, whoever you were in this magic game of ours. I was working a week at the Magic Castle when the memorial took place, and found myself each night in the Palace Bar looking for Billy!!!!!!!!!!!. Thanks for everything old pal, you will always be with us all. -------------------------------------------- 3. Stars Of Tomorrow Show - S.A.M. Convention In Louisville -------------------------------------------- Message by George Schindler - Dean - Society of American Magicians Producer Hope Anderson announced a star line-up for the annual Stars Of Tomorrow Show - S.A.M. Convention In Louisville. The 16th annual Stars of Tomorrow Show will feature another outstanding line-up. Sixteen-year-old Kayla Drescher, of Wallingford, Connecticut, will emcee the show. Kayla is a member of Bill Andrews' S.Y.M. Assembly #42 in Stamford. Sterling Dietz, from Ferndale, Washington, recently won first place at the World Magic Seminar. Twelve-year-old Shari Nelson, from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, will perform her lively dove act. Michael Platt, from Kettering, Ohio, will entertain with a baseball-themed manipulation act. Joe Ray, from Shrewsbury, England, is a member of the Magic Circle's Young Magicians Club and will perform a coin manipulation act. Kevin and Matthew Puckett, from Aloha, Oregon, will close the show with their comical and skilful sibling rivalry routine. This show has always been a highlight of the convention and this year is no exception-Don't miss it -------------------------------------------- 4. The Professional Stage Pickpocket By Ricki Dunn -------------------------------------------- Message from Norm and Lupe Nielsen (US) The Professional Stage Pickpocket by Ricki Dunn This is probably the BEST BOOK ON PICKPOCKETING EVER WRITTEN! Ricki Dunn had an impressive career that spanned over 50 years. Also known as "America's Funniest Pickpocket", Ricki worked at all the major nightclubs, hotels, casinos, and cruise ships around the world. He worked in cities like Miami, Chicago, New York, and Las Vegas. During his 20 minute act he would steal everything from wallets, neckties, glasses, and belts, and have his audience roaring with laughter. This book is the result of his 50 years of experience. In it Ricki reveals how to steal every kind of item. It includes routines that incorporate the different steals, how to develop a pickpocket act, how to market it. Even if you do not plan to become a pickpocket, the knowledge of timing, and the selection of material is well worth your consideration. This book is the legacy of a full-time professional entertainer, who was one of the best in his field. A partial list of what this book contains: Misdirection Maintaining Audience Control Organizing the Stolen Goods Stealing from Different Pockets Stealing Watches Stealing Neckties and Belts Pseudo-Steals The Shirt Trick 20 Professional Pickpocket Routines Creating a Pickpocket Act Publicity for a Pickpocket Act Thoughts on the Electric Chairs Ricki Dunn was a fascinating person. The book also contains two appendices with a biography and stories by some of his best friends. Ricki is no longer with us. For that reason, we have also included a DVD containing his act (performance only). It is a way to convey a glimpse at his personality onstage, as well as his masterful timing. (Hardbound - 208 pages plus a DVD of Ricki's performance) The first books to be shipped will be the ones ordered from this Nielsen Magic website. Pre-order your book between May 26 - June 30, 2006 and get FREE SHIPPING on Domestic Orders! (Foreign shipping: $10 - Due to the fact that it is a book and it is heavier). Our shopping cart provides a secure server for you to leave your information. Your credit card WILL NOT be charged until your book is ready to be shipped. The Professional Stage Pickpocket (To be tentatively shipped in August or earlier.) Price: $39.95 http://www.nnmagic.com/books/pickpocket.htm -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 13 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Waiting for the PostMan Upon becoming a magician you begin the lifelong pursuit of searching for new tricks to perform. As a youngster this was accomplished by spending endless hours pouring over magic catalogues and deciding on the tricks I absolutely couldn't live without. After sending away for it I would wait for the postman to deliver the precious box to my front door. The best part was the waiting; I would keep re-reading the description in the catalogue, visualizing every aspect of the next addition to my show. Magic catalogues both then and now have a language all their own, partly truth and partly fiction! Certain phrases are special flags to attract youthful customers. My favorites were; 'Packs flat and plays big', 'can be performed surrounded' and 'Needs no resetting'. There was usually a list of ways in which the trick was not accomplished. This often included; 'No threads', 'No magnets' and 'No mirrors'. They often threw in the phrase 'No skill required'. It was enough to keep my mind racing for days. When I finally ripped open the precious parcel my first reaction was usually sheer, stark disappointment. What was inside the package seemed like a waste of time and money and even if it did work wouldn't fool the village idiot. However you were stuck with it, because another ubiquitous phrase in magic catalogues was 'No refunds and no exchanges'. It was enough to make you think of taking up juggling!  Of course magic dealers have to make their living somehow; I am not saying they are unscrupulous but I certainly wouldn't let my daughter marry one! One very early lesson in magic was that secrets cost money. However the strange part was that if you spent long enough working with that secret, rehearsing it in front of a mirror, sometimes you ended up with something that actually worked! Not always, in fact not often, but every now and then you ended up with 'a keeper'. Even weirder was the way that sometimes a fellow magician could fool and impress you with a trick you had long since discarded either physically or mentally. The magic dealer and postman may have brought the trick to your living room but it didn't get much further unless you added a little something of your own.  It would be nice to say it all changes as you get older and wiser but it doesn't. I have a garage full of props that seemed like a good idea when I bought them. The only thing that really changes is that the older you get the more money you spend on tricks you will never perform. Along the way though, something does change, you start to develop a style and personality all you own and then the magic really begins. How does this subtle change happen? I believe that it has a lot to do with the power of visualization. While it is difficult to see the future, with a little practice you can sometimes observe yourself in the present and project that image into the future. Standing in front of mirror you see not just who you are; but who you wish to become. This ability is shared by many performers just watch any actor who doesn't think he's being observed. You will notice they seldom pass a mirror without a very serious glance. Maybe a little bit of time travel is involved in this simple action. Unless I am much mistaken the core message of my teacher is contained in just six words. I am I can I wish. It is the intensity and order of these three forces that creates your future and turns visualization into reality. Maybe we can discuss these three forces in more detail later but right now I want to see if the postman has delivered the mail. I am expecting a package with a new trick that 'packs flat and plays big.' Please send Bricks and bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net -------------------------------------------- 6. The Inside Scoop To Cruise Ship Entertainment #2 -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Requirement of Shows each cruise line will have different requirements from their Guest Entertainers, what I offer is simply a guideline - Length and number of shows I checked the guidelines in the manual for the cruise line I work on and they state that a minimum repertoire of two 30-minute and one 15-minute show is required. On longer cruises it may be necessary to perform three of four 30 minute shows. However, on the ships I work I have never done two different 30 minute shows, rather one full show (45 -50 minute show) and a split show with another act or two different 45 minute shows. On the cruise I am on at the moment, as I am writing this article, I am performing two 45 minute shows and a close-up show. The close-up show is at my suggestion to the cruise director as it gives me another chance to push my DVDs plus I thoroughly enjoy close-up magic. How many shows you are required to perform depends entirely on the length of cruise. If you are doing the short seven day cruises then more often that not you will only be required to do one full show, perhaps maybe another show sharing the bill with another act. On the longer cruises of say twenty four days you can be assured you will need to do two different full shows. This requires a lot of work and it is important that your second show is as strong as the first. Speaking from experience I prefer just to do my one main show as it contains all my number one material, rather than try and split it up between two shows. After experimenting with my act I realized how important it is to make sure your first show is very strong, that way people will talk about you, get to know you and come back for the second. You will hear other entertainers say they have an A and a B show, in my opinion if you want a long career in Cruising make sure both your shows are A material. If you can do a close-up show then by all means mention it to the cruise director as it all helps in the long run keeping your name in front of the passengers when they fill in the comment cards. The general rule of thumb is that you will do your main show twice in one night. Your Schedule Your schedule will vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise. Generally speaking, on a seven day cruise you will be required to work one night with your main 45-50 minute act. This you will do twice, once at the early show, usually 8.30pm and the other at 10.30pm for two different audiences. On the larger ships they are now getting us to work more, so we will work one night with the two shows, then repeat the show again the next night for the crowds who missed it. The large ships now carry up to 2800 passengers so you are required to do an extra show. On the seven day cruise you may also be asked to do an extra ten to fifteen minute spot on the last night, along with other guest entertainers. Because I have two different full 45 minute acts plus the close-up show, I tend to get the longer runs which also means the better contracts where the ships travel to more exotic locations around the world. It makes sense to keep me on a ship longer as I can do two different nights of entertainment and the close-up show on a sea day. However, having said that next week I will be leaving the ship I have been on for three months and transhipping to another ship for a little over a week where I will be on the last part of the cruise and the beginning of a new one, then fly to join another ship for a little over a week, then fly to another ship for only one night before flying home. There is no set rule for how many times you will perform and you usually only find out when you join. My advice is to make sure you are prepared before starting your cruise ship career, otherwise it will be short lived and chances of getting re-booked are very slim. Note: Recently I worked for an English Cruise Line and the contract wanted me to do SIX different 30 minute shows during three weeks. THAT IS A LOT OF MATERIAL!!! So if you get a contract like this make sure you are READY! There somehow seems to be an invisible network amongst the Entertainment Department in the cruise industry and word travels fast. I can't emphasise this enough ... MAKE SURE YOUR ARE READY. Remember that Carnival cruises owns about 70% of the cruise industry including; Carnival Cruise Lines, Windstar Cruises, Cunard Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. That is a huge market and Entertainment is now overlapping with these companies as they all come under one umbrella. Material  I have always made sure my material was never 'adult' orientated or 'blue', unless asked to do the midnight show - in which case you can do routines that are a little more on the edge. Make sure you find out the demographics of the cruise line you will be working for. Because of my Charlie Chaplin act, they tend to put me on longer a cruise, which suits me fine because they have the better itineraries. There is a joke amongst entertainers when asked the average age of the passengers they say, "between dead and deceased!" I am currently on a 24 day cruise as I write this and the average age would be sixty plus. On the shorter cruises, such as those in the Caribbean, you will find the average age much lower with children travelling. One of my good friends works for a cruise line where he is required to do a 30 minute family orientated show and a 30 minute midnight adult show, so he obviously has his material suited for those audiences. According to marketing the cruise ship attracts a vacationing crowd from a cross- section of North America, the UK and sprinkles of other nationalities so your material will need to be international. I have appeared on cruise ships where the majority of passengers didn't speak English; magicians at least have a slight advantage over comedians in that we have the visual aspect of our shows to help in these conditions. My advice is very simple, chose material for your act that is suitable for all ages. Music For The Act You have the ability to work with a live band on the ship. If you plan on working on ships a great deal you may wish to utilize this lost resource although the way things are changing the idea of having a 'live' band is becoming less and less. There was a time when working on ships that my advice would have been if you currently use no music at all, consider the use of the band on the ship, however, with cut backs and so on don't rely on having a back up band! Most Cruise Director's will expect "play on and play off" music for you and if the band is available then they often have stock 'tabs' that can be used. As a backup I would have all my music on CD or mini disk. There are bands on board the ships, but the way things are changing cruise lines now prefer guest entertainers to have their own backing tracks, either on CD or minidisk. Some of the music acts obviously require the 'band' or 'orchestra' to back them and they bring their own musical arrangements. The more self reliant you are in your act, the more you will keep working. There was a time when there were two different orchestras on ships, one for the main show lounge and the other for the smaller lounges where most Variety acts worked. However, with cutbacks ships are using all backing tracks for the larger shows and a much smaller orchestra for the other rooms having only one orchestra on ships now. I always take back up music and make sure I have my music in a variety of formats. When I give the Production manager my music, s/he gets a mini-disk and a CD of it, just in case something happens during the show and a machine breaks down. This I tell you from experience because it HAS happened! I travel with my laptop, which makes life so much easier for me. If I need to change the show in any way, I can easily record a new audio CD of my show and everything is in order so the production manager isn't skipping from one music track to another. I like to make everything as easy as possible so I can concentrate on my performance rather than worry about technical aspects of the show going wrong. Remember also that you may be transhipping, i.e. going from one ship to another and have little rehearsal time, so having cue sheets and your music all in order will make life that much easier. Discounts This varies from cruise line to cruise line, so again, either ask your agent or check the Guest Entertainer Manual of the cruise line you are working for the discounts you are allowed as a guest entertainer. The general rule for most ships is that there is a 25% bar discount for guest entertainers and a 20% discount in the boutique shops on board. At the end of each cruise when you get your bill, make sure that the discounts have been taken off the final account. It has happened on so many occasions where the final discount was wrong or not taken off. For whatever reason these days, the bills are always wrong and most guest entertainers have to end up going down at the end of a cruise and sorting the problems out. I often believe the problems on ships are due to simple lack of communication between departments! There are the top end cruise lines where you don't have to pay for any drinks at the bar, but that is the minority. There is also a 21-year minimum age requirement for purchasing alcohol on most cruise lines. Everything you purchase is put on to your account so ships are a cashless society, however I always take a few dollar bills and leave them as tips. Paul Romhany is a professional comedy magician who has worked as a Guest Entertainer on cruise ships for the past seven years and continues to work for the top cruise lines as a headline act and also tours the world with his original comedy magic act. He is also author of several books including his new book on How To Get Work on a Cruise Ship. He has performed in over 50 countries and in over 17 National TV specials with his incredible act. His act has been described by many cruise directors as 'the most original' act on cruise ships today! To see Paul Romhany on stage is to witness a magical transformation. While his skills and artistry as an illusionist are unsurpassed, Paul takes his performance to another dimension when he applies makeup as the audience watches, suddenly leaving behind Paul Romhany and becoming Charlie Chaplin. It is a mesmerizing spectacle as "The Little  Tramp", Chaplin's most famous character, emerges to complete the illusion. For More Information On Paul's Book: Entertaining On A Cruise Ship visit www.magicmasterclass.com or email Paul at paul@chaplinmagic.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Another Columbian Catastrophe -------------------------------------------- Message from Dan Birch (US) On Sunday, February 28, 1999, I traveled from Los Angeles to Bogota, Colombia (through Miami). The American Airlines flight 2175 arrived into Colombia 1 hr. late at approx. 11:53 P.M. I was going there to work in a popular annual Magic Show. Upon arriving, the Colombia Agriculture wanted to do some paper work to clear my Doves and Poodle, which took an additional 30 minutes. In passing through Customs, I recall a strange feeling. The Customs agents were very young, maybe 18 year old. They could not make eye contact with me, and they seemed to have a bit of an embarrassed giggle about them. That just seemed odd for Customs..My employer had 2 men at the airport waiting to pick me up and take me straight to the theater where the show was going to be. My equipment barely fit in the (economy) car that was brought, so our 3rd man had to use a "taxi" to get him back to the theater. I noticed that there was a very angry brawl from the plain clothes taxi drivers over who was going to take our man, and it was much more than bartering, but a fearful hatred in their eyes, I noticed. I had no idea exactly what was being said, as they were talking in Spanish. After making a deal with one of the "drivers", we proceeded towards the theater. After about 5 minutes, a car pulled up alongside our car, on our left side. There were 6 gunmen inside the car, pointing about their guns at us (outside their windows) as they drove alongside us. They then sped up, and as they were passing us, they continued to point their guns at us, then came over slightly in our lane, and opened the 2 passenger doors in their car, slowed their car down so our car was forced to stop. The guns continued to point at us. Four of them quickly came out of their car, as we ducked in our seats. I hid my wallet (with approx. $400) under my seat. Two of the gunmen came up to us, one on each side, and insisted we get out of our car and forced us to get into the back seat of their car, at gunpoint. There was a gunman sitting next to each window, me and my driver were centered between them, and a gunman in the front passenger seat with their driver in the drivers seat. They held multiple guns to (and touching) my head. They made us cover our eyes. Their other two men got into our (original) car and followed our car with all of my belongings in it. They took us to a dark quiet alley. When we stopped they said they wanted to know where our money was, so I told them I had it under my seat. They told their man, and he went to our car (now behind ours, parked) and got my wallet. They also made my driver (a Colombian) give them all of his money. His Cellular phone went off, and they stole it and our watches also. The gentleman sitting on our left, (a fat guy with a fake beard) strongly elbowed my driver in the gut, and insisted to be told where the "rest of the money was". He said he didn't have anymore, and so the fat gunman then turned towards me. He put the gun to my head and said he wanted the rest of my money. I answered I had no more money. He then hit me swiftly on my forehead, and rammed the gun up under my chin and said, "I Want the Thousands"! I told him I valued my life more than my money, and there was no more money. They mentioned something about seeing the police, so they said we should cover our eyes, and get out of the car and not look back. We proceeded to do so, and they drove off. I feel I was very lucky, as there were many valuable things in my luggage, which appeared to have never been touched by them. My boss (of the show in Bogota) kindly re-imbursed me for the damage the thugs did to me, so I was very lucky. There were no police reports made in Bogota regarding this, as everyone has the attitude you should just be glad you have your life. They seem to be concerned about "negative publicity". So these thugs continue to prowl on innocent American Tourists entering their country. It happens so fast, you have only arrived at the airport, and in only about 8 seconds from the time you notice gunmen alongside your car, they kidnap and have you hostage inside their car. I hope Americans can be aware of this, as we are singled out and targeted for the U.S. Dollar, which is a gold mine to these people, and there appears to be no one in Colombia willing to defeat this criminal action against Americans. -------------------------------------------- 8. Abbott's 69th Annual Get-Together -------------------------------------------- Message from Hank Moorehouse (US) Abbott's 69th Annual Get-Together will be held Aug 2, 3, 4, 5, 2006. Every year it gets bigger and better. Five Stage Shows, Five Lectures, Close Up Gala, 2 Vent o Rama's, the Best in Dealers and a Magic Ministers Session. The village and Chamber of Commerce go all out with Magic on the Streets, a Craft and Art Fair, Friday Night Fireworks after the big show, Lakeside Park and NO politics, just Fun. The list of performers this year include, Wednesday, Gordon Miller, Terry Elton, David Kaplan, Stuart MacDonald and Jamahl Keyes. Thursday, Mark & Sue Holstein, Marty and Brenda Hahne, Chris Capehart, Bob Bloenk and from Japan Fukai & Kimika. Friday, Ken Mate, Michael P. Lair, Jade and the Illusions of Aaron Radatz. Saturday, Peter Scarlett, from England, Bill Abbott, Todd Charles, Bob Rumba and George Sateriale. Saturday Matinee, Tomas Medina, Elvis Presto and Zubrick Magic and Illusion. Abbott's can be contacted at 269 432 3235 or at www.abbottmagic.com. Your magic life is not complete unless you've attended the Abbott's Magic Get Together. -------------------------------------------- 9. Australian Centenary Convention July 2007 -------------------------------------------- Message from Charles Gauci (Aust) The ASM Centenary Convention will be held in Melbourne beginning Sat 7th through to Monday 9th July 2007. This will be the biggest convention ever to be held in the southern hemisphere. Every club in Australia and New Zealand is being invited to participate. International guests are currently being contracted to perform at our public show, lecture and perform close-up. This is a historic occasion for Australian magic and Brian McCullagh has been commissioned to write a limited edition of "History of Australian  Magic" which will be included in each convention kit. The entire convention will be held in a centre that contains a modern theatre with tiered seating and a large stage which is ideally suited for performing illusions. There will be Stage and Close-up competitions and the winner of each competition will be declared "Australian Centenary Convention Champion Magician 2007" for each category. This will be a very prestigious addition to any magician's CV. We look forward to welcoming delegates, competitors and performers, from all over the world. Full details and registration forms will be available on our website beginning 1st July, at http://www.magicians.org.au Initial inquiries can be made to: Charles Gauci ASM President E-mail. Charlesg37@hotmail.com Phone Int. +61 3 9431 2900 -------------------------------------------- 10. The Dutch National Magic Congress -------------------------------------------- Message from Joop Schobben (Holland) The Dutch Magic Congress will take place 16-17-18 June 2006 Organised by the members of the Goochelclub Rotterdam There will be a gathering of 300 - 350 Dutch and Foreign Magicians. Dealers (12) from (6) different countries will present there latest tricks, props and routines. Friday 16 June 20:00 hour, there will be a night before party with a special concourse of Table Magic. Saturday 17 June 10:00 the official opening by the Mayer of the City. Concourse for stage by 10 Dutch, French an Belgian magicians Concourse for 15 Close-up Dutch and Belgian magicians. The Grand Gale will take place at 20:00 with the following artist's: Viktor Voitko Ukraine Illusion. Paul Morak Holland Manipulation Tamara Russia Antipode Christian Farla Holland Illusion (Winner of the Merlin Award 2006 for Illusion. Toni Binarelli Italy Mental Magic Dion Holland Manipulation Monastyrski Costume change Patric Page England The walking encyclopaedia Menno van Dyke Holland Juggler There will be lectures of Axcel Hecklau Germany, Binarelli and of course Patrick Page. Sunday night we will have the awarding at 17:00 o'clock. More information can be found on: http://www.goochelclubrotterdam.nl/congres.php -------------------------------------------- 11. Daytona Festival - Florida State Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Hary Allen (US) We have booked Franz Harary to the Daytona Festival- Florida State Convention. (November 3-4--5 2006- www.daytonamagic.com) He will be doing "never seen before illusions" he wrote me. He does not make many Convention appearances. We are glad to have him. Thanks, Harry magi@daytonamagic.com -------------------------------------------- 12. Upcoming Lectures At Fantasma Magic, New York -------------------------------------------- Message from Thorsten Happel David Roth Lecture Wednesday, May 31, 2006 7:30 pm Jeff McBride Lecture & Show Saturday, June 10, 2006 7:00 pm Jeff McBride Workshop Sunday, June 11, 2006 12:00 noon - 5:00 pm $100 per person (Only 20 seats available) Darwin Ortiz Lecture Wednesday, June 21, 2006 7:00 pm All lectures will be held at Fantasma Magic 421 Seventh Avenue, 2nd Floor, Entrance on 33rd Street Right across from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station New York, NY 10001 Phone: 212-244-3633 All lectures $25 per person Very limited seating. Jeff Mc Bride workshop: $100 per person (Only 20 seats available) Four ways to get your ticket: 1. Phone Registration. Please call 212-244-3633 and have your credit card information ready. 2. Fax Registration: Fax your credit card information to 212-924-8126. Don't forget to mention what lecture you are interested in and how many tickets you need. 3. E-Mail Registration: Send an e-mail to thorsten@fantasmatoys.com 4. Walk in registration: You can also come by the store (421 Seventh Avenue, 2nd Floor, Entrance on 33rd Street) and pay by credit card or cash. Fantasma Magic is open Mon.-Sat. 11am - 7pm and Sun. 11am - 5pm. -------------------------------------------- 13. HAPPY To Report - Ed Harris -------------------------------------------- Message from Maria Ibáńez Society of American Magicians First National Vice President Greetings: After a couple of scary weeks and many, many prayers, I am happy to report that I've just received the following word through Mike Shelley with regards to Ed Harris: "Dear Maria, I talked to Ed for a short while today and he had three different opperations. He sounded very weak and told me that today was the first day he was taking any calls. He is due to be discharged at the end of the week, but is not up to company for at least 10 days. Hope all is well with you. Magically, Mike: We will continue to keep Ed in our family prayers for a full and speedy recovery. Respectfully, Maria Ibanez -------------------------------------------- 14. Magicomedy In Parramatta -------------------------------------------- Message from Steve Walker (Aust) Following the tradition of Monday Night Magic in London, Boston and New York Wednesday Night Wizardry comes to Sydney (Parramatta) for a limited Season on June 7th ,14th [sold out] , 21st and 28th. Why not organize a party of 10 ????? Ring Bill Walsh (02 96541112) or Steve Walker (02 96342208) for Tickets. The Laugh Garage Comedy Club transforms into a Parlour Of Prestidigitation for Wednesday Night Wizardry Magicomedy A Conglomerate yet Cohesive Concoction of Consummate Confidence in Cabaret and Close up Conjuring Completed with Considerable Craft and Carefully Contrived to Captivate the Connoisseur yet Confound, Confuse and Convulse the Castigator Come and C for yourself! Sleight of Hand meets Sleight of Tongue A Night for all ages from Stone(d) age to Ice-age ...Eighteen to Eighty National and International Multi-Award Winning Magicians Appearing and Disappearing Nightly June 7th * June 14th (Sold Out) * June 21st * June 28th Close-up Sleight of Hand from 8-00pm Stand-up Sleightly Different from 9-00pm Bar and Doors "Open Sesame" from 7-30pm Tickets $20 per person, Double $15 per person, Parties of 10 (or more) $10 per person Pay On The Door, Book through the Club or tickets from Taylor's Magic Shop. The Laugh Garage Comedy Club 02 8883 1111 Cnr. Church St. & Phillip St. Parramatta. -------------------------------------------- 15. Dai Vernon: A Biography by David Ben -------------------------------------------- Message from Gabe Fajuri Dai Vernon: A Biography by David Ben is now at the printer. We expect to take delivery of finished copies in approximately 5 to 6 weeks. As recent reviews in MAGIC and MUM can attest, this long-awaited volume is one worth waiting for. "A marvelously told story for anyone interested in magic history or in the absorbing life of, arguably, its greatest star." Michael Claxton MAGIC "This book is a compelling read and an example of scholarship that will likely survive as the Vernon biography. It surely ranks among the very best of magic biographies and autobiographies given us to enjoy." Stephen Minch M.U.M. Here is a brief synopsis of the book: Dai Vernon: the last great undiscovered artist of the 20th century. His medium was magic and with it, Vernon turned the clandestine world of conjuring on its ear with virtuoso sleight-of-hand and a dogged pursuit for perfection. Born in 1894 in Ottawa, the son of a Canadian civil servant, Vernon moved to New York - Manhattan - in 1915, and never looked back. Miracles flowed from his fingertips - effortlessly. The source of his secrets? The underworld and the gamblers, husters and con-men that roamed back-room dens of iniquity, bunked in jail cells and walked the streets of America. Vernon sought them out, befriended them, and made their work, their covert methods, his. This book, the first in-depth examination of Vernon's life, traces the first half of his remarkable journey - through Ottawa, Coney Island, Chicago, Manhattan, Kansas City and Colorado Springs - and the celebrities - Houdini, Billy Rose, and Roosevelt, that Vernon encountered along the way. Dai Vernon: A Biography also details the evolution of magic in the 20th century. From the stages of London and Paris to the back rooms of magic emporiums where secrets were bought and sold, Vernon's life and work escort the reader through vaudeville, Broadway theaters, grand magic spectaculars, New York nightspots and the dawn of television. Here, cornerstones of the craft have finally been laid bare for all to see. Hardbound, 370 pages with over 40 rare photographs and a full-color dust jacket. Should anyone be interested in ordering this book, magic shops will have it in late June or early July. It can be pre-ordered from the publisher at the web site or address below. Best Regards, Gabe Fajuri Squash Publishing 2903 N. Richmond Chicago, IL 60618 www.squashpublishing.com. -------------------------------------------- 16. 28th New Zealand International Magicians Convention -------------------------------------------- Hosted by Palmerston North Magic Circle (Inc) Palmerston North, New Zealand. 20th to 23rd of October 2006 For the registration html form to print off Go to: http://www.joel.co.nz/convention/reg_form.htm For more information on the convention Go to: http://www.watson.co.nz/convention.html Convention headliners: David Williamson (USA) Lisa Menna (USA) Duane and Mary Laflin (USA) Joel Howlett (Aus) Alan Martell (UK) If you are planning to attend and have not booked - BOOK NOW - as seats are now limited. ----------------- 17. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 104 As we spiralled down we were completely encircled by towering, black mountains that appeared to be only feet away from the Cessna's wing tips, you sure wouldn't want to be claustrophobic! Continuing on a permanent steep bank angle, downwards - he pointed to the valley floor far below and says to me, "We're going to land down there, on that strip". "What strip?" I queried as I desperately searched for anything that resembled a runway, and not seeing a thing - "There's simply nowhere that you can possibly land this aircraft!" Again pointing down he says, "See that strip of brown down there, that's it". "You must be kidding," I said, staring down at what looked to me as, an insignificant pencil mark! Now I'm not sure of my facts here. I think he said that it was the top of a new hydroelectric Dam that was being built. I can't find any references regarding a Dam being built there during the early-Seventies, although a power-station was built, 700 ft under the mountains at 'West Arm', which is across the other side of Lake Manapouri and, a road was constructed from there to Deep Cove, but I don't know when, or what year it was built. The other possibility is that it was the top of the 'Homer Tunnel', northwest of Lake Te Anau, not far from Milford Sound. Dear me, this narrative has turned unintentionally into a - 'TRAVELOGUE'! The New Zealand Tourist Board WILL be pleased! Eventually, we were just a few hundred feet off the valley floor as he flew over the 'landing strip', circled around - lined up and made a perfect landing on a length of dirt that was not much wider than the aircraft itself. The Cessna's wingspan is 36ft (10.97m) and requires 1570ft to takeoff, so I would guess that the actual length of the dirt strip was about 2000 ft, because there wasn't much left of it when we did eventually lift-off! No wonder then, that from five or 6000 ft up, the 'landing strip', to my eyes, was nothing more than a mere - insignificant 'Pencil Mark'! One really does have to admire the flying skills of those pilots who practically every day, fly in and out of these beautiful but extreme conditions; not just in New Zealand, but other places of the world as well, Canada for example! I have always wanted to learn to fly but was never in one place long enough to learn. Many years ago Peter Telling, a qualified pilot and an Auckland radio announcer/personality - I think he used to be on either 'Radio Hauraki', or 'Radio I'. He took me up flying out at the Ardmore aerodrome. Peter was an accomplished aerobatics flyer, and decided that it would be great fun if he could make a Sword Swallower - SICK! He threw the book at me! 'Aileron Rolls', 'Barrel Rolls', 'Loop Over's and Unders', 'Falling Leaf' (which is particularly disconcerting and scary to a non-pilot), the lot! Fully expecting me to be a tad 'Green around the Gills' after putting me through his idea of 'Aerial Torture' he said, just a little too gleefully I thought, "How are you feeling now"? He was rather exasperated when, I replied, "Brilliant, when can we do it again"? It was the truth - I loved it! Peter gave me some rudimentary instructions on how to fly straight and level, make left and right turns using the rudder pedals and the yoke; he told me that I had natural 'Co-Ordination', and that learning to fly an aircraft would be relatively easy for me. Unfortunately, my constantly touring with my 'Show-Biz' activities meant that I was not around enough to take regular lessons, so that put paid to that, mores the pity. Who knows, I might have ended up being an airline pilot! Oh well, never mind, I have my 'Microsoft - IT'S AS REAL AS IT GETS', SIMULATOR -2004, and if that is good enough for the professional pilots to 'play' around with at home, it sure as hell is good enough for me! -------------------------------------------- 18. 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) -------------------------------------------- 19. 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. 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