* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #427 Date: Sunday 16th July 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. IBM Convention 2006 Contest Winners 3. World Championships Of Magic 4. New Houdini Movie 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 18 - Nick Lewin 6. Resumption Of The Dice Stacking Articles, #17 In The Series 7. News From Italy 8. Bev Bergeron Is Back Home 9. The Inside Scoop To Cruise Ship Entertainment #6 10. British Ring Convention 2006 11. Sam Powers Live On CH9 Footy Show 12. The Hawaii Theatre http://www.hawaiitheatre.com 13. Juliana Chen In Las Vegas Next Month 14. Midwest Magic Jubilee - 50th Anniversary - Special Offer 15. Claire Busick Newton Has Died 16. Lecture - Miracles For Mortals 17. Magic Mountaineering M&M'S 18. 28th New Zealand International Magicians Convention 19. The Amazing Orchante Saga 20. e-zine Archives 21. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- We had a few teething problems last week with upgrading of software for Magic New Zealand. If you didn't receive the e-zine last week go to the Archives at: 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 ----------------------- Ross Skiffington's Magical Moment (ex-pat Kiwi resident in Melbourne, Australia) Last week was Ross's niece's birthday, and for those who don't know she is intellectually challenged and is a great fan of Ross's. The family had arranged a birthday party and Ross had organised for her and the rest of those present to view a video on a laptop where Ross sent his birthday greetings and then proceeded to show her around his house and the dogs she loves. He sang happy birthday to her and then said "Well I'm sorry I can't be there but if you make a wish sometimes things can happen, I'm going to really wish hard" and he disappeared from the chair he was sitting in the video and said, "I guess I'll have to reappear somewhere else in the world". As this was being said he physically walked into the room and came up behind her touched her shoulder and she turned in great surprise - the moment was absolutely magic and there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Ross has just updated his website go to: www.rossskiffington.com and view the events he has been working this year. ----------------------- For those that are attending the 28th New Zealand International Magicians Convention in October the early bird registration is closing off in TWO weeks time. For more information about the convention refer item 18. ----------------------- The Luck Factor by Professor Richard Wiseman Member of The Magic Circle, London Professor of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire, UK. The Luck Factor lecture tour was sponsored by the British Council throughout New Zealand this month and had a very successful tour. Michele and I were fortunate in catching it at the Auckland Museum last week on Wednesday night and it was great to see him using some of his special magic within the lecture. Why do some people lead happy successful lives whilst others face repeated failure and sadness? Why are some people always in the right place at the right time, while others are always unlucky? For many years psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman has worked with some of the world's luckiest people to answer these fascinating questions. Discover the results of his work and find out how 'The Luck Factor' can change your life. Professor Richard Wiseman started his working life as an award-winning professional magician and was one of the youngest members of The Magic Circle. He then obtained a first class honours degree in Psychology from University College London and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Edinburgh. Go to his website: http://www.psy.herts.ac.uk/wiseman/ See all the reviews ----------------------- Link for Jay Sankey's lecture notes. http://www.sankeymagic.com/freenotes/ You only have until midnight on July 31st to download Jay Sankey's 2006 "Immaculate Deceptions" lecture notes for FREE! After that, they will be removed from this website and you will have to pay $20 like everyone else! ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com -------------------------------------------- 2. IBM Convention 2006 Contest Winners -------------------------------------------- Message from Jerry Schnepp (US) Close-Up Contest - Youth Category First Place Trophy - Leo Michaels. Miami, FL 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque - J. P. Wilson, Norman, OK Close-Up Contest - Adult Category First Place Trophy - John B. Born, New York City, NY 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque -- M. C. Chow, Hong Kong, China Finalists Awards 1) John B. Born, New York, NY 2) M. C. Chow, Hong Kong, China 3) Billy Ray, Naples, FL 4) Raymond. Macao, China 5) Donavan Deschner, Calgary, AB, Canada 6) Rod Chow, Vancouver, BC, Canada FFFF "Peoples Choice" Award - M C Chow, Hong Kong, China Gold Cups International Award Of Excellence In Close-Up Performance - No Award Stage Contest - Youth Category First Place Trophy and $500 Savings Bond - Eli Portala, Toledo, OH 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque - Horyu Nishimura, Tokyo, Japan Fantasma Special Youth Award -- Eli Portala, Toledo, OH Stage Contest - Adult Category First Place Trophy and $1000 - Koyko Maebeya, Tokyo, Japan 2nd Place Award Of Merit Plaque- Dan Sperry, Schaumburg, IL Finalists Awards 1) Latko, Buenos Aires, Argentina 2) Futuyama Hikari, Tokyo, Japan 3) Dave Kaplan, Columbus, OH 4) Wookie, Seoul, Korea 5) Kyoko Maebeya 6) Eli Portala, Toledo, OH People's Choice Award and $300 - Dave Kaplan, Columbus, OH Gold Medal International Award Of Excellence In Stage Performance - No Award Karrell Fox Comedy Award - No Award -------------------------------------------- 3. World Championships Of Magic -------------------------------------------- Message from Henry Lewis MIMC I am happy for you to share my pleasure and knowledge with you that John Fisher MIMC has agreed to act as Executive Producer to the FISM-sponsored 'World Championships of Magic' to be recorded in Stockholm and then to be distributed throughout the world as a Television Special. John has done so much for Magic as a film producer in the past that I felt I had to share this good news with you all. -------------------------------------------- 4. New Houdini Movie -------------------------------------------- Message from Stan Kramien (US) I have known for some time now, that a good friend of mine Kirk D'Amico, who is a movie producer in Hollywood was doing a movie on Houdini. This is a movie with a entirely different story line than you might expect. It is being shot in London as we speak and the female lead is Catherine Zeta Jones. Houdini is played by Guy Pierce. -------------------------------------------- 5. Meetings With Remarkable Magicians # 18 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Piet Paulo; Master Illusionist and much more! Some of my happiest memories of Los Angeles in the '70's involve driving around Hollywood in the longest, blackest Cadillac I had ever seen. The Cadillac had a fascinating history to it just like the magician who owned it. The man behind the wheel was a master magician called Piet Paulo. Equal parts Southern Gentleman and Hollywood hipster, Piet is my dear friend, confidant and teacher. When I was a kid I had a Chinese box that looked like a patterned block of wood until you explored it a little further and found the one strip of wood that slid to the side. Once you had moved that first piece then another area was unlocked, then another and so on; eventually you achieved access to the little secret compartment at the centre of the box. Piet reminds me of that box. You have to puzzle with Piet a little and then gradually he unlocks and you get a handle on the next piece of the puzzle. I first started to get to know Piet in the late seventies when we were in Calgary, Canada taping a magic special. The weather was very cold and we were isolated in our hotel. An adjacent Chinese restaurant the only place to escape to; it gave you plenty of time to talk. One aspect of Piet is his mastery of the metaphysical side of magic. Along with Jeff McBride, Jack Goldfinger and the late Channing Pollack when you sit and discuss magic, science, philosophy or religion with Piet you will learn something. His knowledge is extremely wide and wonderfully eclectic. I also learned a great deal of priceless tips about the real secrets of presenting and traveling a big magic show from Piet. We began working together and had a simple and incredibly effective partnership. Piet performed the big illusions and I performed the small comedy routines between the big tricks; we closed the show by performing the Mis-Made girl together. It was a fast paced show with plenty of laughs and magic and every time we worked a gig it led to more. What did I learn from Piet? I learned plenty of tiny and practical tips; such as traveling my working shoes inside old socks to avoid them getting scuffled. That may sound insignificant but just look at performer's shoes at the next magic convention you attend! I learned some real magical secrets too. Piet taught me his routine for the Broomstick suspension. If you haven't seen Piet's handling of the Broomstick's then find a tape and study it if you have any real interest in illusion. I will state unequivocally that his routine is second only to the late Richiardi and Piet doesn't need to travel a carpenter with him! It isn't just the big tricks that Piet performs; his dove work is immaculate and his manipulation superb and original. Maybe he eventually got sick of seeing me work gigs with just a briefcase because he thought out a comedy act that was unique and really funny. Billy McComb considered his vanishing cabbage routine one of the funniest bits he had ever seen. There is much more I could tell you about the many lives of Piet Paulo but maybe you will be lucky enough to find the sixty-foot boat he is living on since he retired and then you can hear his stories first hand. You will be amazed because when I say 'the many lives of Piet Paulo' I use the words carefully. That long black Cadillac we drove around Hollywood in was a gift from Jimmy Hoffa when Piet was editor of the Teamster Union magazine! Just another twist and curve in the puzzle that is Piet Paulo. -------------------------------------------- 6. Resumption Of The Dice Stacking Articles, #17 In The Series -------------------------------------------- Message from Tony L. Lewis (US) Additional meetings with Clarke, "The Senator," Crandall In my prior article I described my return to the bar where Clarke "Senator" Crandall dispensed both drinks and magic. I almost blew our new relationship by inadvertently upstaging him. However, I managed to smooth things over before I departed. For the next few months I continued to practice my dice stacking technique. As I improved, I taught myself some new manipulations with the dice. Once again I will say that although my dice stacking skills were considered advanced in the early 1960's, I have now resigned myself to the fact that an ever growing number of the current generation of stackers have clearly surpassed me. But isn't that the way that magic is supposed to develop? First the pioneering magician develops a promising effect. Afterwards, other creative conjurors improve and refine it. The ethical ones always give credit to the originator, while those with lower standards attempt to pass off the trick as their own. Of course, over time, knowledgeable magicians figure out which of their brethren are truly creative and which are the rip-off artists. Forty-five years ago my income was quite low. Since I greatly enjoyed the social scene, I did my best to arrange dates with various young ladies that would be both entertaining and economical. Hence, every three months or so I would escort one of these sweet young things to the bar where The Senator worked. If he took a fancy to my date, The Senator would enchant her with his unique magic effects. One time this was definitely not the case. In his inimitable style he made it clear that this current companion of mine did not merit his efforts. So he would very slowly respond to a request for a refill and that was it. No magic was forthcoming. About three months later, when my next date went to the powder room, Clarke made it clear that this young lady was a marked improvement over the last one. In my over sixty years of watching various other magicians perform, I can state unequivocally that Clarke Crandall was the most interesting one that I have ever encountered. He was definitely the W. C. Fields of Magic with a touch of Will Rogers thrown in. However, the acerbic part of his personality was definitely dominant. Nevertheless, I felt that it was more entertaining to be adroitly put down by The Senator than it was to be complimented by many other people. Fortunately, for the most part, I managed to escape his scathing criticism. The Senator was surely not the best technician I have ever seen, but he never failed to greatly entertain his audience. In my opinion that should be the main objective of every one of us. Expert manipulation may impress your fellow conjurors, but the magician who consistently delights his/her audiences is the one that gets the bookings. A couple of years after I first met The Senator, I decided it was time to join the corporate world and start accumulating the tuition necessary to send my two children to good colleges. This move resulted in my magic getting badly neglected for about fifteen years. In my next article I will fast forward to the mid 1970's when my interest in magic was rekindled. Regards, Tony L. Lewis email: tonylew@concentric.net -------------------------------------------- 7. News From Italy -------------------------------------------- Message from Thomas Blackthorne (Italy) Although it's happening on the other side of the world here's a snippet of Magic news for you: Magic is not enjoying a golden era in Italy at the moment. Television producers realised some time ago that, given the reality TV boom, it was more profitable to show an incapable magician and make fun of him messing up the tricks than it was to pay a professional to perform his act. Thus the most famous magician currently on Italian TV is a complete disaster - a figure of fun for the audience and an embarrassment for other magicians who are finding it increasingly difficult to be taken seriously. Television work is now almost non-existent and when it does happen it is badly produced because nobody believes in magic as a viable form of entertainment. However, a small seed of hope has been sown: a young magician called Walter Rolfo went to work for RAI, Italy's state television network, as a presenter and writer. He applied for space to produce a show on magic called "ArcanA" and, by a lucky series of coincidences, was given it. The project was pitifully under funded, the studio was tiny and the broadcast slot was very late at night. Initially, Walter and his team thought about throwing in the towel but bit by bit they started working around the problems. First, they got round the studio size by substituting the audience with 7 expert witnesses from various professional fields to ensure that there was no camera trickery and to give the magicians a foil to bounce off. Then they collected a lot of documentary footage to add some strong content between the live acts. The final hurdle was to somehow entice magicians to contribute to a show without a budget. All the local performers agreed to work for free in a one-off attempt to give magic in Italy a kick start. Even international stars like Juan Tamariz, Stevie Starr and Max Maven showed immense generosity by accepting the challenge and worked out special deals that kept the production costs low. The result is a triumph: 4 of the 7 episodes have been aired so far and the overall quality has been very high. General poor summer audience levels and competition from world cup football have meant that good viewing levels have been very hard to achieve but the show has performed very well considering. More importantly, the magic community held strong and the generosity of its members resulted in a high-quality show that sent a clear message to TV executives: when current TV formats wear thin, there is a body of professional performers ready to offer some quality entertainment. I know some of you will be frustrated that you can't see the show: well you can (albeit in a limited way) by going to http://www.arcana.rai.it/ and clicking the "VIDEO" link. Each week the performance sections are uploaded to the site. They are in Italian but most are enjoyable for their magic content even for those who don't speak Italian. -------------------------------------------- 8. Bev Bergeron Is Back Home -------------------------------------------- Message from Bev Bergeron (US) I would like to apologize to everyone who has been trying to reach me for the past two weeks. The Orlando Medical Center found it fitting that I be a guest of theirs for a week. After having several parts of my body removed - I was told that I had no need in these items, I am now home trying to figure out how to remove staples from my body. Please do not try to call me. Having a tube in my throat for over 5 days has made it difficult for me to speak. Alouise thinks this is great and maybe I should just keep my mouth shut all the time. I'm told that in a few weeks all will be well and I'll be available for the dates booked over the Labor Day holidays. Once I get my voice back I will be found at the Red Fox Lounge doing all my comedy magic antics. See you down the road, Bev-b New e-mail address: Bev@BevBergeron.com www.BevBergeron.com -------------------------------------------- 9. The Inside Scoop To Cruise Ship Entertainment #6 -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany (NZ) Lost luggage This week I talk about a topic that is very important and as I write very dear to my heart .. your luggage. Let me explain what happened this week . We flew home from the UK having just worked for a new cruise line and had a nice relaxing few days at home. Then I was up at 4am to get a 6.30am flight to Chicago from Vancouver then to Stockholm. The good news is that because I travel so much I am a gold elite member of Star Alliance so they often upgrade me if there are available seats. So it was that I flew business class all the way to Stockholm, very nice indeed. When you start working for cruise lines I highly suggest getting ALL the available flying airport cards such as Star Alliance, One World etc. Comes in handy as it also allows you extra luggage if you are an 'elite' member. After a long flight I arrived in Stockholm, unfortunately my luggage didn't. Usually when this happens, and it DOES, they are able to track it down on their computer system and tell you where it is. However in this case, they couldn't find it in their system. So somewhere my luggage is sitting in an airport. Because I am a 'fly on' act and only here for a week the chances of me getting my luggage in time to perform aren't looking great. There is of course nothing I can do, it's not my fault and out of my hands. The ship is doing what they can to try and locate my luggage and if it arrives in Stockholm get it shipped to one of our upcoming ports. However the problem with this of course is that we are in a different country everyday so it may not arrive in time even if they do find it. The lesson here is to always carry some magic that will give you some time so you can at least do half a show. The problem with my show is that the props aren't typical magic items you can just 'put' together on the spot or go in to a magic shop and buy. They are all hand designed and built by various people all over the world. If the luggage doesn't arrive I will have to cancel work for a month just to try and put the show back together . not a pleasant thought, plus of course there is the special costume. When I add up the cost the show is probably valued over $10,000 in special props. The last time I lost my luggage like this was when I was working a corporate job in Singapore. The luggage NEVER showed up! Well, actually that's not true. Six years later after I lost the bag, I got an email from a friend saying my props were for sale in a 'Salvation Army Shop'! He managed to purchase them all for me and I got them back . but it was SIX years later. How it got from Singapore to a second hand shop in the South Island of New Zealand I will never figure out! The moral of the story here for any cruise ship entertainer is simple, always carry a 2nd show that you can do without all your props, in your hand luggage. Think about a show that you can put together with just a borrowed suit. Stay tuned and I'll let you know how it all turned out!! Paul Romhany Paul Romhany is a professional magician whose unique and highly original act has taken him around the world. You can find out more information on how to get work on cruise ships including the latest up to date contact information from his book which can be found at www.magicmasterclass.com -------------------------------------------- 10. British Ring Convention 2006 -------------------------------------------- Message from Bob Hayden (UK) Three of the confirmed acts, Mac King, Paolo Giua and Les Black Fingers make a welcome return to our Convention. How many of you were at the 1991 Convention held in Great Yarmouth remember a youthful likeable American attired in a plaid suit whose humour was original if sometimes bizarre and who spoke like a young James Stewart? 15 years later Mac King returns having spent the last 7 years continuous performing in Las Vegas. In 2000 Mac started his Mac King Comedy Magic Show with a two-year contract at Harrah's Casino and Hotel in the Improv Theatre. That contract has now been extended to 2011 with the show no longer in the Improv Theatre but due to its huge popularity in the much larger Clint Homes Theatre. Mac's act is an excellent combination of quirky humour, visual gags, and good sleight of hand. His routines are carefully constructed in such a way so as to get laughs at every opportunity. He depends a lot on members of the audience willing to join him on stage. Because of his easygoing manner this never proves to be an obstacle. With his boyish good looks, friendly demeanour Mac King does not embarrass his 'assistants' simulating surprise and bewilderment when tricks work. His success stems from that he, along with his audience has fun with it all. Another reason is that he makes it all look so easy. Mac King is also lecturing. Reviewing the lecture given by Mac in 1991 Anthony Owen said 'the trick lovers may have been disappointed, but the tricks were well described, entertaining and very strong for lay audiences and various sight gags are beyond description. These sort of reviews are pointless - if you were there you know it was great and if you weren't there you should have been.' This time take Anthony's advice and don't miss the Mac King lecture this time. Paolo Giua is an Italian manipulator, but a manipulator with a difference as will be remembered from the time he was last with us in 2003. The nimbleness of his fingers alone as he manipulates is a joy to behold, but when spectacular productions are encompassed the effect is terrific as the act climaxes into a thrilling finale. Paolo's posture is at all times elegant and the manner of his approach to his audience tranquil. When watching Paolo Giua you sit back and relax in your seat and enjoy his magic. A skilled art that is not often seen these days is that of shadowgraphs. A duo that keep it alive are The Black Fingers from France. This attractive couple with two pairs of hands and unlimited talent provide a different unusual magic in a fast moving shadowgraph show. In a presentation packed with classic and modern features coupled to music and sound effects they transport the audience through a number of different scenes to create a delightful interlude. Some disappointing news. Regretfully Johnny Thompson has had to pull out of our Eastbourne Convention due to an important client of his changing the date of a contract. Unfortunately Johnny had no choice but to honour it. However, Johnny and Pam have promised to be with us next year without fail. Instead we will be meeting, for the first time, the multi-talented Charlie Frye & Co. Acknowledging America's rich vaudeville tradition they synthesize the skills and a passionate love of their art into something classic yet definitely fresh - something that astounds as it entertains. For the past twenty years Charlie and his wife Sherry have been delighting audiences worldwide with their singular blend of silent comedy, slapstick, magic, juggling and acrobatics. This is what the Las Vegas SHOWBIZ Weekly has to say of them when reviewing the 'Folies Bergere' show at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. 'Charlie Frye & Co. star as the show's lone specialty act. Charlie and his wife Sherry have created a most unusual segment for the 'Folies'. It is one of the funniest pieces of business you'll ever see. Charlie performs magic and impossible juggling feats to win the heart of his glamorous assistant (Sherry). It's great visual stuff and a clever scenario in which to present Frye's endless talents. Their act is the result of years of hard work and ongoing refining and polishing'. Charlie Frye will also be joining the International Close-up team and delivering a lecture. If you want further confirmation about the talent of Charlie Frye & Co. ask the opinion of anybody who attended the resent IBM Convention in Miami. Attention all you Junior Magicians. Each year the organisers of the British Ring Convention include in the schedule of events a workshop for Junior Magicians. This is held on the Saturday afternoon and is arranged by Mandy Davis and the YMC. She makes contracts with a number of the star names that are appearing during the Convention and asks them if they would give a private session to you, the magicians of the future. She can be very persuasive. This year she approached John Calvert and Mac King and both have confirmed they will be pleased to do so, although Mac King has made the reservation that his presence is subject to him not being wanted at the International Gala Show rehearsal. For those of you who aspire to being magical entertainers this is a great opportunity to listen to and learn from two of the greats in the world of magic. Their advice will be invaluable to you. If it is not possible for you to attend the whole convention, why not plan to spend the weekend of 23rd and 24th September in Eastbourne. In addition to the Workshop you will be able to witness the International Close-up Gala, the International Gala Festival of Magic and a star lecture by Mac King. The mammoth Dealers Exhibition will be open for your inspection where a wide range of props and gimmicks, books, videos and DVD's are available. However you only have Saturday to make any purchases. Sunday morning features 'The Stars of the Future Show' where the up and coming magicians of tomorrow display their skills. Mandy Davis is looking forward to seeing you at Eastbourne, as are the President, Officers and Committee of the British Ring. Remember reduced registration rates for all junior magicians of 18 years and under are available. Go to the Online Payment page of this website for details or contact the Registration Officer Neville Johnson on 01202 8733234 or by e.mail Nevillejohnson25@aol.com -------------------------------------------- 11. Sam Powers Live On CH9 Footy Show -------------------------------------------- Direct from Las Vegas Australia's young, edgy illusionist Sam Powers performs live around Australia on the Channel 9 Footy show, next Thursday night JULY 20 9.30pm EST. Sam will be showcasing two of his most popular and energised illusion acts while also having fun and sharing some magic tips with the stars and panellists of the NRL footy show. Sam Powers LIVE GIGS at the Madness and Mayhem Theatre Restaurant: Book Now For Your Special Christmas In July - Featuring World Class Guest Artist Sam Powers When: Friday June 30th, July 7th, July 14th July 21st & July 29th Starts 7pm Where: Windsor Function Centre (Macquarie & Dight Streets Windsor) New Management New Chef - Great Live Show!! Cost:    $65 - Delicious 3 Course Meal Includes Wine / Beer/Soft Drink!! $49.50 - Dinner & Show Only Drinks Not Included **Group Discounts For 10 Or More** (5%) Groups Of More Than 20 (10%) A Night Of Comedy, Magic, Song, Fun & Dance Christmas In July & Pre Christmas Booking Filling Fast Call Now 1300 55 75 80 Sam Powers Enterprises Australian Head Office 244 Campbell Pde, Apt 2, Bondi Beach NSW 2026 Cellular/mob: +61 (0)411 244 783 United States Office 8542 Saturn St, Apt 2, Los Angeles CA 90035 Cellular/mob: (+1) 702 326 4685 www.sampowers.com.au -------------------------------------------- 12. The Hawaii Theatre http://www.hawaiitheatre.com -------------------------------------------- Message from James Stevens MURRAY Guest Stars with Illusion/Designer Franz Harary July 15 - 24, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He will be at the Hawaii Theatre http://www.hawaiitheatre.com for two weeks. This will be Murray's first trip to Hawaii and he will also guest lecture at one of the colleges to students about the business. If you are in Hawaii please contact us and we would be happy to have you as a guest at our show. For any questions please contact JamesStevensLV@aol.com Other Links: http://www.hawaiimagicclub.com/clubnews.htm Sincerely; James Stevens Publicity Murray Productions, Inc. http://murraymagic.com http://murraysawchuck.com http://myspace.com/murraymagic (702) 303-8992 -------------------------------------------- 13. Juliana Chen In Las Vegas Next Month -------------------------------------------- Message from Clive Court (Canada) Canada's Magical Superstar Juliana Chen To Shine In Las Vegas Next Month Las Vegas, Nv. (July 12)---The World's First Lady of Magic, Canada's world champion magician Juliana Chen, will be the featured guest star in the World's Greatest Magic Show, July 17--August 20. For a number of years, the show at the Greek Isles Hotel and Casino has featured an elite line up of the world's top magicians. Most of Chen's performance work is based in Europe and Asia, more particularly in Germany and Japan. A Canadian citizen, Chen migrated to Vancouver from China in 1988. At the end of August, Chen returns to the German vaudeville circuit where she will play the fall-winter cabaret season in Stuttgart. This will be her ninth Christmas season in Germany since winning her world championship title in 1997. On September 17, for one night, she returns to Hollywood to join the world's top magic stars for a one night celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of California's It's Magic show produced by Milt Larsen, president of Hollywood's famous and exclusive Magic Castle nightclub. This night of magic stars will be held at Kodak (Academy Awards) theatre. Next spring, following an appearance and lecture at the world's largest magicians' convention in Blackpool, England, Chen will renew her contract as artistic director for her second Art and Illusion festival in Athens, Greece. This follows her successful experience with the six-week festival this past spring. Juliana is currently resident in Las Vegas until Aug.20. Tel: (702) 368 1184 NOTE: Juliana will be in Louisville, Ky. July 12-14 to headline an all-women's gala show at the Society Of American Magicians' Convention and lecture on her card-shooting technique. (Her instructional DVD was released in North America last year) Because Juliana rarely performs in Canada, Las Vegas is one of the nearest places traveling Canadians have the opportunity to see her. Also in Stuttgart in the fall. Like so many of Canada's top visual entertainers, she works mainly overseas and returns to Canada for the occasional convention, corporate event or fundraising show. See her website for biographical information: www.julianachen.com email: julianache@aol.com (not her favorite form of communication) Milt Larsen www.magiccastle.com From: Clive Court (416) 730-8390 -------------------------------------------- 14. Midwest Magic Jubilee - 50th Anniversary - Special Offer -------------------------------------------- Message from Steve Zuehlke Midwest Magic Jubilee - 50th Anniversary - Special Offer Just Announced The Midwest Magic Jubilee The Convention Where The Stars Meet! August 17-19, 2006 St. Louis, MO If you didn't get in on the Free Registration offer, all is not lost. It is not free but it is almost Free. For a limited time, there is a special registration offer. With your registration, your spouses will receive a special registration offer of only $40 for full access to the convention and all evening shows! Don't miss out on this outstanding offer. It might just disappear before your very eyes at any minute. It is a limited time offer. This Jubilee is shaping up to be one of the best conventions in the nation! More lectures than 2 conventions combined! Check out you will be there: Jay Sankey, Oscar Munoz, Whit Haydn, Aldo Colombini, Jimmy "Cards" Molinari, Howie Schwarzman, Mike Powers, Mandre, Bill Pryor, Jania Taylor, Julie Sobanski, Terry Elton, Chris Rayman, Larry Taylor, Tony Miller, Jason Dean, Troy Roark, The Great Reynaldo and the Amazing Alexa, Terry Richison, Seth Kramer and Tom Frame. This is the convention that all the stars show up just to have a good time. There is no telling who you might run into or possibly sitting next to in the shows! If you haven't experienced the Midwest Magic Jubilee, this is one year you definitely don't want to miss! See all the details at www.mmjubilee.com. Register online! Stay tune for more important announcements. Hope to see you there. Steve Zuehlke Midwest Magic Jubilee -------------------------------------------- 15. Claire Busick Newton Has Died -------------------------------------------- Message from Matthew Scherer forward on by Sam Martin It is with our deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Claire Busick Newton, 77 of Aurora, IL, Monday, July 3, 2006. Surviving are her husband, Bruce, of 59 years; her children, Sandy Bailey of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Kim Newton of Highland, Illinois, Robin Newton-Iacono of Newport Beach, California and Tammy Katus of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter Darry Heenan in 1995. Claire delighted children and adults alike for 54 years by performing all over the Chicago land area with as many as 150 puppetry shows a year. Their most famous puppet was Garfield Goose that was the self-proclaimed ''King of the United States,'' on the Garfield goose and Friends show on WGN-channel 9 from 1952 to 1976. She was born in Oswego, IL and attended the Little White Schoolhouse there. She graduated from West Aurora High School in 1946. She earned a scholarship while attending the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. It was there she met Bruce and they married in 1948. Easily recognizable around Aurora, Claire's bowler hat and her trademark of red, black and white clothing that she would wear from head to toe. Claire thouroughly enjoyed decorating and having tours of her historic West Park Avenue Queen Anne home that she decorated with antiques from all over the country. In 2004 Claire and Bruce were inducted into the Fox Valley Hall of Fame. Former Mayor David Stover declared ''Bruce and Claire Day'' on March 15, 2000 in appreciation for all they have done for the city over of the years. In 1983 Claire was YWCA Aurora ''Woman of the Year'' for her community achievements. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Childhelp USA Claire Newton Memorial Fund, 15757 N. 78th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. ChildHelp USA, 800- -------------------------------------------- 16. Lecture - Miracles For Mortals -------------------------------------------- Message from Geoff Williams I'll be presenting my latest lecture at the MagicFest Magic Shop in Jantzen Beach (Portland), Oregon, on Wednesday, July 19th. The lecture starts at 7pm. $16 in advance, $20 at the door. For tickets, call 503-735-0600 or get them online at www.magicfest.com. It will feature some of the material found in my current 2-DVD set "Miracles For Mortals" (garnering rave reviews since being released by Murphy's Magic Supplies last December). -------------------------------------------- 17. Magic Mountaineering M&M'S -------------------------------------------- Message from Chuck The magic by these Mountaineers was outstanding. Great magic by a great group including Pat Raskind, Pat Wagner, Harry Shaffer, Glenn Vodhanel, Albert Raskind and Dr. Harvey Rosen. If these guys and gals had decided on hockey instead of magic the USA would have won the finals. Dr. Harvey Rosen explained that most mentalists when performing card effects will say "Think of a Card." His system is quite different. Doc fanned a deck in front of a volunteer (V) and asked that he "select a card rather than think of a card remember it but not to remove the card from the deck." Doc shuffled and cut the cards then advised the V to take the deck and start to deal them face up onto the table. "After you see your card continue to deal three more cards and remember the value of the card when you stop dealing." The V was told to pick up the face down cards and place them in a face down stack on the table. "Deal down from the top of the stack the same number that was on the face of the card when you stopped and turn over that card." The V did as directed and turned over his SELECTED CARD. Doc Rosen's next effect consisted of a children's jump rope with bright orange handles. Unfortunately, Dr. Rosen did not use the jump rope as it was intended, instead he produced a pair of scissors and cut the rope in two pieces. There were now two jump ropes, however, each was half the size of the original. That's right he now was holding two pieces of rope. After a few magic gestures the entire rope was completely restored. Albert Raskind placed 5 paper cups on the table and a wad of paper in front of them. He asked a V to place the paper under one of the cups but wait until Albert's back is turned. The V complied. Albert turned back around and while looking the V directly in the eye asked that he turn over any one of the cups. The V complied, however, it was not the cup with the paper inside. The cup was placed to the side and Albert asked the Volunteer to turn over another cup. Once again there was nothing under the cup and the cup placed aside. It was repeated a third time but this time the wad of paper was under the cup. The cup was placed next to the other two cups that had not been chosen. Albert asked the V to read what was written on the wad of paper. The paper was unfolded and the V read, "there are now three cups lined up on the table." Harry Shaffer recently returned from a PEA (Psychic Entertainer's Association) conference in New Jersey and informed us there are a total of 350 members. 97 members, from different parts of the world, showed up at the meeting. It is Harry's opinion that Mark Salem is the world's #1 mentalist. Now for his magic. Harry showed us two decks of cards still in the boxes -- one blue deck and one red deck with a piece of paper attached to it with a rubber band. A V was told to take the red deck and hang onto it. "Now take the blue deck open it and deal about one third to one half of the cards face down on the table." "Now make two stacks from that one stack. Hold your hand over either one of the stacks -- it's your choice." "Now turn over the top card on your selected stack." The face up card was the four of hearts. Now for the magic: "Read the note that was attached to the red deck." The V read the note: "You will select the four of hearts." Harry then opened the red deck the V had been holding and told us, "So sure I was of my accuracy that I took a marking pen and drew a large 'X' across the card I predicted would be chosen. Harry performed a face down table spread and only one of the cards had a huge 'X' marked across the back. The card when turned over was the FOUR OF HEARTS. Albert Raskind stepped to the front with a sheet of 8X11 plain paper with four rows of numbers on the paper. The top four numbers were 1, 2, 3, 4 the next four numbers were 5,6,7,8 the sequence continued until the number 16 -- the last one. The sheet of paper was given to a V who was told to fold the paper in half and then fold it again and again and again. After very ambitious folding, the paper was returned to Albert who used a pair of scissors to cut circle around the folded paper and around the top number. After the circle was completed he removed the numbers and dealt them onto the table -- one paper with a face up number and the next with a face down number. This procedure was continued until there were eight numbers face up and eight numbers face down. Albert asked the V to take either of the stacks of numbers and add them but do not announce the sum. Albert looked the V directly in his eyes and without flinching a muscle announced the correct sum -- 68. Pat Wagner sang many beautiful songs from 'south the Pacific' and other musicals at a recent performance in Beverly Hills. Glenn also performed magic at the event. Pat is full of information about the Great Names in music. I never knew that Irving Berlin could not read music and only played by ear. Pat Wagner showed us some humorous effects with cards including a poker bit that included a full house, four of a kind and even the Jackson 5. She told us about an Alligator that was very concerned about Reptile Dysfunction. Albert Raskind read in Reader's Digest about the affinity of identical twins. "If one suffers pain the other twin sometimes feels pain. One twin quite often knows what the other twin is thinking." Albert showed us two, 'TWIN BANANAS.' These were Ralph's Market Twin Bananas. They looked delicious. The bananas were attached to each other, however, Albert carefully separated them. One banana was handed to a V who was told to hold the banana high for all to see. Albert took a knife and cut the other banana in half and then placed the knife on the table. Albert made a few magic passes in the direction of the V's banana but did not touch it --  the skin was mother nature sealed. The V's banana was handed to Albert who carefully removed the banana skin and By Golly he was right about twins. As he slowly removed the skin of the banana we saw it was also cut in half. Albert had another clever effect with a small card wallet -- no room for money only for business cards and/or credit cards. He opened the wallet and removed one of his business cards and asked a V to write the name of her mother on the back of the card. The card was returned to Albert with the written name on the opposite side of the card so he could not see it. Albert returned the card to his wallet and then closed the wallet. He placed the wallet in the hand of the V and stretched a rubber band around the wallet and her hand. After deep concentration Albert named the V's mother. He then removed the card from his wallet and we saw the V's mother's name was correct. Glenn Vodhanel showed us a beautiful knife holder. The base was stained wood about 10 inches long x 4 inches wide and two inches thick. There were two vertical holders for the knife -- one attached to the left end and one on the right end with an opening in each that would allow the knife to be placed through. Two, 10 inch long x 1 inch diameter brass vertical rods were on the left and right of the base. It was in Japan that Glenn purchased this knife holder. While in Japan he asked a karate master "the secret of karate." The master threw a knife at a fly and cut it in half. Glenn was overwhelmed and told the master how great he was but the karate master replied that Yamamoto was even better and introduced Glenn. Glenn asked the same question regarding the 'secret of karate.' Yamamoto threw the same knife twice very rapidly at another fly and cut the fly in thirds, however, he told Glenn, Yamashiro is the best. Glenn was introduced to Yamashiro who was quite elderly but took the knife and threw it at yet another fly. The fly continued its flight. Glenn asked if he had missed. Yamashiro said, "That fly will never produce again." Glenn explained that speed and accuracy are also very important in magic as he placed the knife in the holder via the opening of each end of the vertical holders. He showed us a three foot yellow rope and then borrowed a V's ring. The rope was threaded through the ring and then encircled Glenn's hand several times --  the ring was on the part of the rope inside Glenn's closed fist. He placed the silk scarf over the two brass poles completely encompassing the knife. We then heard a "ping" that sounded as though the ring had fallen. Glenn removed the scarf and we saw the ring had somehow removed itself from the rope and now ENCIRCLED THE CENTER OF THE KNIFE Albert Raskind was in Bideford, England during 1976 and purchased a red rope while there. He showed us the rope and then borrowed a ring. He threaded the rope through the ring. He encircled his fist with the rope several times and then knotted the ends of the rope together while holding the ring inside his closed fist. With his other hand he removed a pad from his breast pocket. The pad had stickers attached. Albert wrote a V's initials on one of the stickers and applied the sticker to the knot. Albert opened his fist and, to our amazement, we saw the ring had disappeared from the rope. Next, he then removed a leather key chain holder from his pocket and THE MISSING RING WAS FASTENED TO THE KEY CHAIN. See you magic guys and gals on July 16, 2006 at 1:00. -------------------------------------------- 18. 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 Information on the convention Go to: http://www.watson.co.nz/convention.html The Schedule of events Go to: http://www.joel.co.nz/convention/timetable.htm 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 VERY limited. ----------------- 19. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 109 Kids Xmas Shows and ABE PHILLIPS - A EULOGY! Like most professional magicians etc. in New Zealand during the sixties, particularly Auckland City, most of my work was derived from local nightspots/Cabaret shows, private parties and shopping centres. Doing kid shows during December was particularly lucrative, when all the various firms/factories put on their Staff/Children's Christmas parties. I called it the 'RATRACE' TIME! Every weekend saw you criss-crossing across Auckland City on stinking hot summers days, driving like a demented maniac from one Christmas Party to another, with barely enough time to get from one to the other. You could be booked for anything up to ten or twenty shows a day, starting at 9 am and, having finished that lot, you then had your Evening Shows! I always had somebody else to do the driving while I, sizzling in the boiling heat, was in the back seat frantically resetting the magic gear ready for the next show. Yes, it was good money but, I hated it and all the 'skiting' that went on - "I'VE DONE 'X' MORE SHOWS THAN YOU . MORE MONEY."Etc. etc. IT MADE ME SICK! Thankfully, I gradually 'weaned' myself out of that 'Rat Race'. I moved onto the Hotel circuit (which was the exclusive providence of Pop Bands and Singers), where the remuneration for just ONE show a night for TWO nights work could be worth the same as a whole day of ten or more maddening kid's shows, and the frustratingly inherent working conditions! 'YES'! One of the first, if not THE first Hotel I worked, around 1968/9, was the 'Mayfair Hotel', in Hastings (On the East coast of the North Island - Hawkes Bay, 20 kilometres south of Napier), which was owned by Bill Franseen, and managed by Peter Bure - both Dutchmen. As far as I know, I was the First and Only 'Speciality Artist' to crack and hold this market for years through out New Zealand, although I do have an old advert. From 1970, showing Silvia Sevana - Fire Dancer (See page52 [now p.73] 2nd paragraph) and myself together, at the Mayfair Hotel! My last performance at the Mayfair in the Carousel Lounge Bar was on Monday, June the 7th, 1976 - just one month before Veronica and I left for Fiji/Australia. I was recently informed that the Hotel no longer exists. It is truly a sad thing when you discover that one of your favourite old haunts/ stamping ground, is - 'No More'! The 'Shadracks' were the band at the Mayfair Hotel; actually, it's an injustice to say that they were 'just a band' - SHOWBAND is more like it, they were Fantastic! Each member could play the others musical instrument and, they could all sing! I remember Tom Greening, who was the group's brilliant drummer - playing exhilarating, exciting solos that had the crowd screaming for more, as did his deep singing voice! But the chap who really brought the house down was their featured vocalist: - 'BIG' ABE PHILLIPS TO WHOM THIS EPISODE, AND THE NEXT, IS DEDICATED! For years, various promoters had tried, without success, to 'sign' Abe up, because THEY KNEW that he, and his incredible voice, had the potential for - WORLDSTAGE 'SUPERSTARDOM'! ABE WASN'T INTERESTED IN 'FAME AND FORTUNE'! Abe was quite happy working as a slaughterman at the Whakutu freezing works with his mates, and singing with the 'Shadracks' at the Mayfair Hotel, which is how we met and became friends, not surprising really - I practically 'lived' at the Mayfair, off and on, for a time! Abe was a big, strong, well - built individual, a gentle unassuming family man - and naturally friendly, as most Maoris are. WHAT A MAGNFICENT VOICE HE POSSESSED - IT WAS PURE MAGIC!!! The year is now 1971; IT IS NOVEMBER. Veronica and I have gone to see the 'Grand Finale' of the 'Schweppes' $2000 talent quest that was being held at the massive 'Thunderbird Valley Inn' at Glenfield (On Auckland City's North Shore - over the Harbour bridge), which was incidentally, another one of my regular gigs - Haaa, memories of the 'VOODOO GIRLS'! I'll relate that one later. -------------------------------------------- 20. 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) -------------------------------------------- 21. 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