* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #518 Date: Sunday 3rd August 2007 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/SAM Joint Convention 2008 Update 3. Re America Has Talent - Paul Daniels 4. Re America Has Talent - Nick Lewin 5. Re America Has Talent - John Gordon 6. Remarkable Magic #16 - Nick Lewin 7. Manipulative Magic With Non-Common Objects - Kyle Peron 8. Branson Magic Shows For 2007 9. Nick Lewin's Micro Macro Article 10. Re: Dr Rowe - Melbourne (Australia) 11. Tara In Kolkata (India) 12. Latest News And Schedule For T.A.O.M. Convention 13. The 4th Asian Magic Association Convention In Hong Kong 14. Review - Van Buren's Magic Around The World Magic Show 15. Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist 16. Fire & Magical Passion 17. The New Zealand Shore City Magic Club Presents 18. The Amazing Orchante Saga 19. e-zine Archives 20. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Received 64 messages about Kevin James appearance on "America Has Talent". Most were very polarized with their opinions. As in the past rather than publish all the messages I have published the first three that I received. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. IBM/SAM Joint Convention 2008 Update ----------------- Message from Brad Jacobs & Roger Miller IBM/SAM 2008 Convention Co-Chairs The 2008 Combined Convention web site www.ibmsam2008.com has just completed a major update to include new Quick Links to performers booked, contest information, cash and contract awards, Six Never-To-Be-Repeated Lectures, the East Meets West close-up gala, the Business of Being Funny forum, flying times to Louisville, hotel reservation link, and a preliminary schedule of events. Currently, over 1200 have registered for the July 2008 international spectacular and 53% of the Galt House Hotel room allotment has been booked. -------------------------------------------- 3. Re America Has Talent - Paul Daniels -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Daniels (UK) Piers Wilson?   Is that Piers Morgan? The little boy telling secrets is a good analogy... he is famous over here for not caring about anyone when he was an editor... hounding Princess Di was one of his pastimes! www.pauldaniels.co.uk (always changing) -------------------------------------------- 4. Re America Has Talent - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) It is just a personal opinion but in response to Robert Clarkson's communication about the treatment of the always innovative and entertaining Kevin James on the show America has Talent-- what do you expect from these kind of prefab and commercial talent contests. If you decide to take part in them then you know pretty much what to expect. What do any of these judges have to say of value about an act like Kevin. -------------------------------------------- 5. Re America Has Talent - John Gordon -------------------------------------------- Message from John Gordon MagicWorks Robert Clarkson's biased description of the TV Show may have more credit if he'd also taken some care to get the names correct! I haven't seen the show but I do know of the UK celebrity judge referred to. >> Unfortunately the broadcast television time constraints, >> staging camera angles, and lighting all combined to hint at the method being employed by Mr. James on his last appearance and this fact was rudely blurted out by Judge Piers Wilson, who unprofessionally revealed what he believed was the technical method being employed by Mr James<< That's what he's paid to do! Equally, Mr. James' job is to ensure that what he performs on TV is suitable, whatever the circumstances. >> The disembodied hand effect is a commercial trademarked comedy effect that Mr. James has been marketing for over a decade. The re-animation effect also did not appeal to the other judge as well as earlier effects, however they were both polite enough to not say what they believed was going on behind the scenes.<< Get real ... this is commercial, controversial TV! Piers Morgan and Simon Cowell were totally anti magic full stop on the UK version of Simon's show .... although a magician presented the 'extras' version on cable. And with the acts they broadcast, they were right ... they were appalling. >> All the effects presented this far have been recognizable selections from Kevin James' acclaimed full evening stage performances<< Which is no guarantee that they are great on TV. I LOVE Kevin's work ....so cannot comment any further, but it sounds as though the perfromance wasn't great .... and prior perfromances in Vegas and anywhere else count for nothing. >> Piers Wilson is a close friend of the show's producer<< Who? -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #16 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable Magic. Mark Kornhauser knows more than zip codes. The first time I saw Mark Kornhauser perform at the Magic Castle he was quite simply one of the freshest comedy magicians I had seen. This was back in the time when the success of Steve Martin made it all but essential that every comedy act was a 'wild and crazy guy'. Hey, there were two comedy magicians who even performed in Steve's signature white suit. However even on first glance it was obvious that Mark was a thinking man's 'wild and crazy guy.' He was also very obviously that he was strictly his own man. Over the years I have had a chance to watch Mark perform in several different venues and each time I have been impressed by how carefully he judges his audience, takes aim and hits a bulls eye. We never get to spend a lot of time talking together as we both keep ridiculous busy schedules. However when we do meet up we seem to effortlessly pick up our conversation where we left of on our last meeting. That always makes me very comfortable. Last week I was booked on a corporate gig in Canada and to my delight I discovered that Mark and I were sharing the bill. From the back of the room I watched as Kornhauser destroyed the crowd with his comedy and magic show. His opening routine was his classic zip code routine that packs a bunch of laughs and a good many gasps too. It is an inspired bit and as I often do when watching Mark my instant reaction was "Damn I wish I'd thought of that!" His act was as smooth and polished as it was quirky and offbeat. I was every bit as impressed as the audience. After the show was over I asked Mark one of my favorite 'magicians' questions: "What three things are the most important to you in giving your best performance?" After thinking about it for a short time he gave me a really great three-word answer. Conditions-Comfort-Freshness. Mark explained that he liked to really know and understand the conditions of the venue that he was working in. Knowing the strengths and weakness of the performing area allowed him to feel comfortable in his performance and that in turn allowed him to explore his show from a relaxed position that invited freshness and a sense of spontaneity. I was impressed at how logically and concisely he had answered the question I had sprung on him. No wasted words and a very clear understanding of cause and effect. Very cool. I thought back to the relaxed but intense way he had handled the sound and light rehearsal and the quiet command he had onstage once the show began. Yes, he had taken a corporate gig and made that one night only stage seem like he performed there every night. His relaxed performing style framed his slightly bizarre material and made it look deceptively impromptu. Even material I had seen him perform for years seemed fresh and 'off the cuff.' I suspect that every magician can learn something by arriving at a gig and pondering those same three words "Conditions-Comfort-Freshness" they certainly gave me a new insight into why Kornhauser is one of the very top comedy magicians performing today. As always send any bricks or bouquets to nicklewin@earthlink.net and check out my website at http://www.NickLewin.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Manipulative Magic With Non-Common Objects - By Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) Magic4u02@aol.com What I have found that when I start to work on a manipulative act (or most any magic act) using non-common manipulative objects, I always go through a process that seems to work for me to generate ideas and methods. I would like to share some of these thoughts with you if I could in hopes they might help you as well. 1) First you must look past the object and see what the object really is. By this I mean you look past that fact that this is a bracelet or that this object is a broach. By looking past the object you then start to break down the object into its most simplest of forms. The bracelet no longer is a bracelet but is a circular object or a ring of sorts. The broach is not a broach but almost like a small coin and circular in nature and solid but also flat. By breaking the object down to its simplest form, one can often start to see how this object can be used. This brings me to phase 2. 2) Once you have looked past the object and brought it to its simplest forms, you can then look back into your manipulative skills and arsenal and see if you can apply certain moves you already know to these new objects. For example, if one looks at the bracelet as a ring, then you can first start practicing any type of ring on string moves. What moves for ring and string could be applied to this bracelet of which has the same type of shape? A similar thing can be said and done with the broach. The broach could be very similar in shape and form to a coin. What type of manipulative moves can be done with coins that you could apply to the broach. This brings me to phase 3. 3) You do not have to reinvent the wheel when you create a custom manipulative act based on objects that are not commonly used for manipulative magic. As discussed above, you can learn to study moves and use moves you already know and apply these moves to the new objects you are using. Moves used for thimbles, CDs, cards, billiard balls and coins can often be used in the same way for new objects (in this case jewelry). 4)Step 4 is where I begin to experiment. This means really studying the object for what it is. It means looking at it, handling it and using some of the methods and moves you already know to see what may work for you. The more you get used to experimenting with the objects through the act of doing, the sooner you can realize what moves you already know may be able to be applied to this new object. It also then allows you to see if any certain move can be adapted in some way to help you achieve what you are after. 5) Step 5 is where I see if there is any quality about this new object that I can use to my advantage. For example, a broach may have something on the back that I can use to allow my hands to clip it in some fashion allowing me more possibilities for moves and sequences. A necklace can be rolled up and condensed into a smaller form and so can be concealed differently allowing for further possibilities. Study the object and see if anything about the object may give you an advantage. Often times what some magicians see as a hindrance may in fact actually be an advantage. 6) Step 6 is simply trying things out. Go ahead and try stuff. What would happen if I take a necklace in combination with a Fantasio vanishing wand? Hmm perhaps the wand can change into the necklace. This means you will not know unless you simply start DOING. Try things out and see what works and what may not. 7) Make sure to video tape all your practice sessions. This is very important as most of what you develop will be by a happy accident. You will want it on tape so that you can refer to it after any session. Often times something will happen by accident and you may not realize how you got to that point. The video will allow you to see your progression of ideas. There are certainly more steps that I use and can be used, but I hope these 7 simple steps will help get you started in the right direction for creating unique manipulative act ideas. As always, I encourage you the readers to let me know your thoughts. So if you have any thoughts on my articles or suggestions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me directly at magic4u02@aol.com. I would love to hear from you. Kyle Peron Magician and Illusionist Graphic Designer and Illustrator (Specializing in Logo creation) www.kyleandkellymagic.com Chair Suspension Ebook Author http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html -------------------------------------------- 8. Branson Magic Shows For 2007 -------------------------------------------- Message from Dennis Schick North Little Rock, Arkansas Associate Editor, The Linking Ring Having just completed a series of nine articles for I.B.M.'s The Linking Ring magazine, on the magic and magicians in Branson, Missouri, I thought I should compile a list of all the magic shows in that South Central Missouri city for anyone traveling in the United States during the rest of 2007.  For a variety of reasons, there are more magicians and magic shows there than probably anywhere else on earth, except Las Vegas, Nevada. Branson is a more wholesome tourist destination than Las Vegas, which is why so many families, retirees and veterans flock there. Also, it is smack dab in the exact center of the United States (actually next-door neighbor Kansas is the official center), so is easy to get to, especially by car and tour bus -- a major source of visitors.  Close-by airports include Springfield, MO and Tulsa, OK, and it's not far from Kansas City and St. Louis. The area is also full of tourist attractions, from Silver Dollar City and Celebration City theme parks, to museums, water parks, Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama, and miniature golf courses. Go to www.explorebranson.com for more information. Here are current magicians and magic shows in Branson which I know about.  Most shows will run through the middle of December. The Christmas/Holiday season kicks in November 1, when the city turns into a winter wonderland of lights and decorations. Branson Magic Shows for 2007 Merrill Osmond presents The Magic of Taylor Reed Branson Hall of Fame Theater www.taylorreed.com (417) 336-3263 Hamner-Barber Variety Show Hamner-Barber Theater  www.hamnerbarber.com (417) 334-4363 Kirby VanBurch Kirby VanBurch Theater www.kirbyvanburch.com (417) 337-7140 Bart Rockett Bart Rockett Theater www.bartrockett.com (417) 348-0888 Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo Lawrence Welk Theater  www.sullivanshows.com (866) 337-5454 Mortimer's Magic Box & Show Silver Dollar City Magicians Chris & B.J. Newsom  www.dazzlemagicshop.com (417) 336-7171 Justin Flom's Imaginary Theater & Magic Parlor www.justinflom.com (417) 332-1911 "Amazing Pets." Grand Country Music Hall Magicians Sean-Paul & Julianne, and Chris Stanley www.impactmagic.com (417) 335-2484 "Wings of Magic" in "Wings of the World" Magician David Silverman www.wingsoftheworld.org (417) 272-9464 OTHER MAGICIANS IN BRANSON: 1.  Christopher St. James Showboat Branson Belle 2.  Blake Walker The Club, Lodge of the Ozarks 3.  Mike Bliss Brett Family Singers show 4.  Yak Williams It's Magic, magic store. 5.  Tom Mullica Red Skelton impressionist -------------------------------------------- 9. Nick Lewin's Micro Macro Article -------------------------------------------- Message from Matt  Field Editor, The Magic Circular I enjoyed Nick Lewin's recounting his admiration for Micro Macro and the trick's inventor in the last Magic NZ.  It would have enjoyed it even more if he had gotten the name of the creator correct. Micro Macro is the invention of Bro. John Hamman, and you can find it described in Richard Kaufman's Book "Secrets of Bro. John Hamman" (which  I edited) as well as correctly credited in the book Nick mentions, Ron Wilson's  "Uncanny Scot" also by Kaufman. I counted Alex Elmsley among my friends  and he was a genius, but he didn't invent Micro Macro. -------------------------------------------- 10. Re: Dr Rowe - Melbourne (Australia) -------------------------------------------- Message from Alfred Hayes (Aust) Last issue HUDSON (USA?) made mention of Dr Rowe - a name far back in Australian Magic History - Yes, he lived in Toorak and was an elderly showman/entertainer when I first came across his name, some 60 years ago. His magic outlet (from home) was run by his daughter (whose name now slips my aging memory) but I do recall, they truly put themselves out to serve the magic fraternity (mail order) - I was approaching my teens and made a few enquiries that were given healthy answers, as well as purchasing the "Any Drink Called For from Kettle" (complete for two pounds two shillings - which equates to $AUD4-20 today) - This is one of the effects that The Great Levante and The Amazing Mr Rooklyn featured in their stage presentations (with changes to suit their styles and personalities). I do still have his small catalogue somewhere in the depths of my library. Regret further details I cannot bring to mind. -------------------------------------------- 11. Tara In Kolkata (India) -------------------------------------------- Message from Taradivya Okan Tara here a bit out of touch as have just got back to Kolkata (India) I have been performing in remote villages in India ( no electricity etc let alone internet - clean water - toilet paper and so on) - home in a couple of weeks still having another great adventure in extreme magic. Next one will be another trip to the Tibetan monasteries in Himalaya in Nepal in Jan 2009 so should be home all next year. I know I am not the usual type of magic business but I cannot deny it has given me a wonderful and adventurous life in this craft for which I am very grateful. -------------------------------------------- 12. Latest News And Schedule For T.A.O.M. Convention -------------------------------------------- Message from Joe Douglas T.A.O.M. 2007 Entertainment Chairman The latest T.A.O.M. Schedule is now posted on the www.taom2007.org website. Note: The late registration fee has been waived. The convention hotel rate of $110 is available until August 10, 2007. Check out our website and don't miss seeing our opening night show featuring Jaramy and Sissy from Mexico City.  Our Saturday and Sunday night shows will feature Dale Salwak, Robert Baxt, Lou Leventhal, Aldo Colombini, Stoil and Ekaterina (the quick change magicians), and many, many more.  J. C. Wagner is our feature close-up performer and lecturer.  Plus Brent Morris will lecture on the faro shuffle including the triple...a featured special lecture not to be missed. Come to Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S.A. for magical fun by the sea and have a great vacation along with your magic from August 31 to September 3, 2007. -------------------------------------------- 13. The 4th Asian Magic Association Convention In Hong Kong -------------------------------------------- Message from Albert Tam (Hong Kong) The 4th Asian Magic Association Convention will be in Hong Kong this year. The date is 2nd - 4th November, 2007. The convention is now a major event in Asia which presented by Asian Magic Association aka AMA. AMA is an organization similar to FISM in Asia which established in 2003. It  is now have close relationship with FISM. The AMA Convention is now an annual event which is hosted by one of the AMA member societies, and this year will hosted by Magicians' Association of Hong Kong. The convention chairman is experience magician Albert Tam, who had organized 2 successful international conventionsin Hong Kong in 1999 and 2003. He has invite masters to the convention this year and be sure it will be another successful one. The guests of The 4th AMA Convention are Shimada aka Legend of  Oriental, Tim and Anne Ellis, Dale Salwak, Amos Lev., Simon Lovell, David Roth, Magic Fukai, Danny Cole, Michiaki Kishimoto, Harry Wong, Kenneth Chan, Liao Xiao Run. The dealers room will be pack with International magic dealers like Mahka Tendo, Kikuchi Magic, Domenico Dante, Fantasma Magic, UGM, Seo Magic, Black Hat Magic, Sugaya Magic, Alan Wong, F/X Magic Workshop and others. The program of the convention will be The 4th Asia Magic Contest in both Stage and Close-up Magic, International Magic Masters, Fantasy Gala, International Close-up Magic Gala, Masters magic lectures, Magic Sport by Tim Ellis, Late Night All Stars Magic Jam, Farewell Banquet, Farewell Strolling Magic Contest. The Early Bird of the convention is US$180 before 15th September 2007, and US$200 after the date. Please contact convention@magic.org.hk for further information. -------------------------------------------- 14. Review - Van Buren's Magic Around The World Magic Show -------------------------------------------- Review by Andrew Sherratt MMC Van Buren's Abracadabra! Magic Around The World. The Blackpool Tower Circus. Large-scale magic shows were once a thing of the past but now Andrew Van Buren and Laci Endresz have brought the magical revue back to the British Public with this superb family show at the famous Blackpool Tower Circus. Impresario producer Laci Endresz must be congratulated in persuading the Van Buren's to appear this year in The Blackpool Tower Circus Ring with their large-scale magical revue, the likes of which has not been seen in this country for many years. All performed totally surrounded! The Tower Circus is an ideal arena for The Van Burens as it has always been their principle objective to perform their magic and illusions surrounded by the audience. This truly amazing show transports you around the world with each part of the journey being fully themed, with amazing themed props, costumes & music to suit each port of call, including London, Cairo, New York, Vienna, Budapest, and Paris. It is fast paced and well themed with the colour and spectacle fitting in with the Blackpool Tower circus's ornate surroundings. Many of The Van Buren favourite illusions are in the show including their Vanishing Motorbike & Rider & Disembodied Princess along with lots of new material created for this particular production. Andrew Van Buren and his principle assistant Allyson lead a cast of 24 performers, and during the 9 themed scenes present 24 magical effects and illusions all backed up by six technical staff behind the scenes. The show is compered by Bubu Endresz. Do make the effort to go and see this wonderful unique show, you won't be disappointed and not only do you get to see the show but you also get access to all of the other Towers attractions for one reasonable admission fee. Show times are: Fridays at 2.30pm but I have been informed that later in the year more performances are going to be added. More details can be obtained from The Blackpool Tower & Circus 01253 622242 or visit the website:  www.blackpooltower.co.uk -------------------------------------------- 15. Gerry McCambridge - The Mentalist -------------------------------------------- Message from Dan LaRosa 8:00 PM nightly, Saturday at 6:00 PM - Hooters Casino Hotel. http://shop.vegas.com/shows/showtimes2.jsp?show=1056&lang=en Wanted to see Gerry's show but, HOOTERS tells me he's no longer performing there... ----------------- 16. Fire & Magical Passion ----------------- Message from Jeff & Abbi McBride (US) "Any media-brainwashed automaton can summon the insipid courage to peer into the horrifying abyss. But it takes a freaking genius with a fearless imagination to peer into the maw of happiness." --Rob Breszny Greetings Magical friends, Seekers Of Mystery These Magic and Mystery School faculty had the pleasure and rare opportunity to explore David Copperfield's fabulous private magic collection last week. For two and a half hours, David led us on an incredible journey through the history of mystery. David also performed some rare and exotic vintage magic, including the Carl Germaine Blooming Rose Bush illusion, culminating with live roses being presented to the ladies. Special thanks to David and his staff for allowing us this rare privilege! Magic & Human Sacrifice Jeff McBride on A&E MINDFREAK, August 21st. This photo of Jeff and Criss was shot on location, during the "TRIAL BY FIRE" episode, which will air 8/21/07. Jeff not only consulted on this "Burned Alive" illusion which will be the feature of the episode, but also performed some thrilling fire magic as well. Check your local listings for details. Criss was a special guest at our recent Master Class here in Las Vegas. He dropped in during our Las Vegas magic party, and spent time answering questions and sharing his life with our students. One of the things he shared that was how keeping a positive attitude has been a major key to his success; whatever was going on, he held onto his vision and his dream and stayed positive, and that has helped his to make his magic a reality. Magic At The Edge This final photo is Jeff's new billboard for the upcoming show at the Trump Marina in Atlantic City, NJ. We'll be there August 2nd through September 2nd. We hope to see all of our East Coast friends at the show. Get your tickets now at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/16496 This will be a last call for anyone who wants to attend the August 8 - 14th Master Class in Atlantic City. Two spaces are available. If you want one of them, move quickly to MagicalWisdom.com. We will not at the Burning Man festival this year due to our show schedule, but wish Bryce Kuhlman and the wizard Gary Stadler lots of success with their amazing installation, The Inner Mind! To take a peek at their genius, go to http://www.heartmagic.com/garylinks.html Summer magic and blessings to all! See you on the road... Jeff & Abbi McBride ----------------- 17. The New Zealand Shore City Magic Club Presents ----------------- Message from Nathan Grange (NZ) There's Magic in the Air! The Shore City Magic Club Presents: Shore is Magic Join us for a night of magic, comedy and surprises. Our family-friendly show features performances by some of the top magicians in New Zealand as well as special appearances from our award winning junior performers. This will be a night to remember. Join us for a night of comedy, magic and fun. Rose Theatre (Belmont) - 28 & 29 September Dolphin Theatre (Onehunga) - 26 & 27 October Evening shows - 7:30pm Saturday matinee - 1:30pm http://scmc.co.nz/shoreismagic.html ----------------- 18. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 8 Grafton - Plus A True Legend Monday November 1st 1976. We have now been domiciled in Sydney Australia for exactly three months to the day. We had arrived in the country totally unknown and within that short space of time had been integrated into the Club circuit and, Wonders of Wonders, had also performed on Australia's most Networked, Live TV Show; all with the help of - 'The Powers That Be' (God, or whoever, whatever you believe in - if anything), that had put us into contact with Bill Godfrey and hence Clive Herring and consequently our Agent/Manager, Brian Fogarty. Also on that Monday the 1st, we had been booked for our first engagement outside of Sydney - four nights at the Grafton Ex Services Club. The rich agricultural capitol of Grafton is 665 Km. (Approx. 407 miles) north up the Pacific H/way, and straddles the Clarence River. In the first week of every November, Grafton celebrates its 'Jacaranda Festival'; approaching the town, a strange, light purple haze seems to reflect off the sky - then as you enter the outskirts, you are greeted by the sight of flowering Jacaranda trees that 'magically' multiply into hundreds then thousands, all blooming in magnificent splendour. Every street as far as you can see, is lined with them and the astonishingly breathtaking vision of the beautifully exquisite mauve/lilac colour, the sheer enchantment of it all is something that, believe me - remains with you forever! As part of the Jacaranda festival that year, the Grafton Ex Services Club had arranged for a very special fishing boat, to be in attendance on the river. So what was so special about this boat, and what was its connection to Grafton, and why is it 'special' to me? Are you ready for a history lesson? It's an action-packed, enthralling story of brave men with real guts that would make a great film; take note any Film Directors/Producers out there who may be reading this. Here Is The Story Of An Australian Legend Krait In the hard times of 1942 and 1943, when the Australians, British and Americans were struggling to contain Japanese expansion, some vessels became little legends in their own right. Kuru, a minute motorboat of just 55 tons, made a hero of herself on the "Timor Ferry Service" in early 1942, along with the auxiliary patrol vessel 'Vigilant'.  She ferried refugees, commandos, stores and equipment between Fremantle and small, dark bays on the Timor coast - a round trip of more than 6,000 kilometres. But perhaps the best known was Krait, originally the Japanese Kofoku Maru - a 70-foot wooden motor fishing vessel of 1920 vintage. She was seized at Singapore and sailed away before the place fell to the Japanese on 15th February 1942. An excellent type of vessel for raiding, she was taken into service and carried out many daring intrusions into enemy territory. The most famous was Operation "Jaywick", the successful insertion of canoe-borne Commandos into Singapore Harbour (26th September 1943). Of all the units to serve in World War II, one of the most unusual and in all probability the bravest was the extremely top secret and highly trained 'Z Special Unit', often referred to, incorrectly, as simply - 'Z Force'. In actual fact, they were two entirely different units. All of its missions were cloaked in absolute secrecy and even now, sixty years after World War II, little is known of its 182 clandestine missions.  Although most of the recruited men of Z Special Unit were Australian, there were also Dutch, New Zealanders, Canadians, French, Americans, Malays, Chinese and Indonesians, about as different a bunch of guys as you could get. Recruited from various branches of the Armed Forces, all were experts in particular fields of covert procedures. Of all the missions 'Z Special Force' carried out, two raids against Japanese shipping in Japanese Occupied Singapore Harbour were the most fantastic and well known. The first of these, and the one that is relevant to this story, was: Operation 'Jaywick, on the 26th September 1943 (I was eighteen days old), resulted in 38,000 Tons of enemy shipping sunk. The second - Operation 'Rimau' on the 11th September 1944, involved the use of small one-man submarines. The raiders, compromised before arriving at their destination - were consequently captured and ceremonially beheaded by the Japanese. Continues next week -------------------------------------------- 19. 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) -------------------------------------------- 20. 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 ZealandŽ E-zine at www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html. Magic New ZealandŽ E-zine is published each Sunday. The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New ZealandŽ. Neither Magic New ZealandŽ nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New ZealandŽ E-zine. Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New ZealandŽ or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein. Magic New ZealandŽ reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted. Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New ZealandŽ the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted. All works published by Magic New ZealandŽ are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New ZealandŽ. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer. Š Copyright 2007 Alan Watson