* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #531 Date: Sunday 16th September 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. Ayala Vs Sittah Judgment 3. Sittah Statement 4. Las Vegas Casting Notice 5. $500 In Fraudulent Credit Card Charges In Our Store 6. Remarkable Magic #22 - Nick Lewin 7. Children's Magic: Maintaining Control - By Kyle Peron 8. Entertaining On The Ocean #1 - Paul Romhany 9. Ron London Sends His Thanks 10. Celebration Of The Life Of Jerry Andrus 11. Konni Rooklyn - Broken Wand 12. Guinness World Records Have Approved Two New Records 13. MINDvention Update 14. Pinetown's Professional Magic Man 15. Back From The Edge, On To Hollywood 16. The Amazing Orchante Saga 17. e-zine Archives 18. Privacy Policy And Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- Magic New Zealand would like to welcome on board Paul Romhany who will be writing a weekly column on "Entertaining On The Ocean" Refer #8. This week's high light would have to be attending Marc Oberon (UK) lecture.  He opened his lecture performing his awarding winning golden close-up act which was fabulous. ----------------------- Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com ----------------- 2. Ayala Vs Sittah Judgment ----------------- Message from Eric Eswin International President of the FISM Judgment of the presidium of the FISM Concerning the controversy between Ayala and Sittah The complaint On 29th of September 2006 Mr. Joaquin Ayala sent a complaint to FISM about having awarded the 1st prize in the Category "Stage Illusions", during the FISM World Championships of Magic 2006 to Sittah, because her act included the unauthorized performance of a significant illusion, called "The Spears", which is supposed to be the intellectual property of Ayala. FISM's scope Ayala's complaint is based on the following FISM regulations: a. Article 1h of the FISM Contest Rules and Procedures, which states: "A contestant who presents an act that is obviously a copy of the act of another performer will be disqualified." b. Article 2 of the FISM Statutes, stating: "The aims of the FISM are:  ... - to fight against exposure and copies of magic acts, effects or inventions, presentations or original routines." Working method To seriously investigate Ayala's complaint the Presidium of the FISM has asked the confidential advice of independent and internationally acknowledged magicians from different countries. Despite the repeated demand of many FISM member-societies for measures against exposure, "rip-off's" and violation of the intellectual property rights, it was difficult to find qualified magicians who agreed to co-operate in the investigation. In order to achieve their co-operation and to guarantee their independency and objectivity, the FISM Presidium had to promise the experts to withhold their names. The Presidium is grateful for their co-operation. The recommendations of the experts were not in every respect certified, but were nevertheless important contributions in formulating justified conclusions. 4. Results and Conclusions: A. The rightfulness of Ayala's complaint. To investigate the rightfulness of AYALA's complaint several questions were asked and answered. The first question to be answered was whether the effect of the two illusions was basically the same. The answer is YES. They are both elevated sword boxes, using flaming spears instead of swords, that are thrown instead of pushed through the box, with the surprise production of a second girl at the finish. One cannot slightly change the shape of a box, add new choreography and a flash pot, and call it an original illusion. Also, using different building techniques to create an existing effect does not create a new effect. A second question was: Who performed it first? There is substantial and sufficient evidence that Ayala has performed the effect before Sittah. Third question: Is it Ayala's intellectual property? The Sword Box is an old trick. So is the Sword Basket. The use of torches in a Sword Basket has been performed before (The Pendragons). Flaming torches were also seen before. (Mark Wilson's Fire Spiker) The Will Rock Basket (from the 1940s) ended with the surprise production of a second girl. None of these effects are new. However Ayala did not take someone else's illusion. He combined a number of old ideas with some of his own ideas, gave them a new look and presentation and this gives him the right to call "The Spears" his own illusion. Forth question: Could it be that Sittah created her illusion independently? It would be difficult to believe that Sittah never saw Ayala's illusion and created her version entirely on her own. Partly because the two illusions are nearly identical and partly because Ayala has performed his illusion all over the world. Fifth question: Did Sittah have permission to perform the illusion? Ayala claimed not to have given permission to perform his illusion. There is also some evidence (not denied by Sittah) that there has been an opportunity to buy this illusion from Ayala but Sittah refused as she didn't want to buy a second hand prop. Conclusion #1 Ayala's claim is justified. Sittah has performed an illusion of which Ayala is the creator and proprietor, without the consent of its owner. B. Observance of the rules Article 1h of the FISM Contest Rules and Procedures is formulated in such a sense that a violation (and subsequently a disqualification) can only be concluded in the case of a copy of a total act. As Sittah's act consisted of far more than the illusion "The Spears" and that it was her total act and presentation that won her the prize at the World Championships 2006 in Stockholm, one can only come to Conclusion #2 Sittah has not violated the FISM Contest Rules and Procedures, hence there is no reason for a disqualification 'ex poste'. However, although Sittah did not legally violate the FISM rules, in the magic fraternity there is an unwritten rule in the magic fraternity not to use a trick that is invented, created or owned by a colleague in magic without his consent. Violation of this unwritten rule can be considered unethical. Conclusion #3 Although she did not violate a FISM rule, Sittah's behaviour is contrary to the magician's code of ethics and must be considered unethical. C. Judgment and advice of the Presidium Summarizing the aforementioned conclusions the judgment of the Presidium is that - Ayala's complaint is well-founded; - Sittah has not violated the FISM Contest Rules and Procedures; - Sittah has performed the illusion "The Spears", of which Ayala is the creator and proprietor, without Ayala's consent and in doing so - she has offended against the ethical standards in magic. The Presidium advises Sittah to apologize to Ayala and try to settle the controversy in common accord with him. The Presidium further advises the members of the General Assembly of the FISM to re-phrase Article 1h of the 'FISM Contest Rules and Procedures' in such a way that a contestant will also be disqualified when performing a trick or significant part of a trick or an act of another performer. Leiderdorp, The Netherlands, 5th of September 2007 on behalf of the Presidium of the FISM, Eric Eswin International President of the FISM -------------------------------------------- 3. Sittah Statement -------------------------------------------- Message from Sittah forwarded on by Eric Eswin International President of the FISM To the Magic fraternity, Sometime after having been awarded the prestigious award of World Champion Stage Illusions 2006 in Stockholm, I have been informed by the International President of the FISM, that Mr. Joaquin Ayala lodged a complaint of me having performed the illusion, called The Spears, of which he claimed to be the inventor and sole proprietor. Of course I have fully co-operated with the FISM Presidium in undertaking a research to the rightfulness of Mr. Ayala's complaint and have immediately agreed to accept the results and conclusions of said research. Informed now that it was concluded that I have been too careless in choosing part of the material of my prize-winning act and in doing so have violated the generally accepted standards concerning unauthorized use of the intellectual property of a colleague in magic, I herewith publicly apologize to Mr. Ayala. I am happy to also agree with FISM's conclusion that my total performance at the World Championships of Magic 2006 in Stockholm, although including the illusion under discussion, was not a copy of an existing act, so that I did not violate the current FISM Contest Rules and Procedures. I do accept the additional conclusion of the Presidium of the FISM, that although not having violated one of the actual FISM rules, my behaviour can be considered unethical. Therefore, I will henceforth refrain from performing the illusion The Spears in my act until I have spoken to Mr. Ayala and we have come to a mutual satisfying agreement. Amsterdam, 6th of September 2007 (signed) Sittah -------------------------------------------- 4. Las Vegas Casting Notice -------------------------------------------- Message from David Neubauer (US) Las Vegas Magician Looking for Kids to Participate in Next DVD Project. Does your child have an interest in magic and would like to appear in an instructional video that teaches kids how to perform magic? Professional magician Will Roya will be filming his next series of instructional DVDs "Magic Tricks R 4 Kids" Friday, October 26 (Nevada Day) & Saturday, October 27. The DVDs will teach kids the principals of magic and some of the most amazing effects they will be able to accomplish with a little practice. Tricks will be demonstrated and taught in an informal class like setting. Kids will then be invited to show off the mastery of the tricks learned after each session. Will Roya, who moved to Las Vegas in 1999, has headlined in multiple shows on and off The Strip as well as entertaining people of all ages and backgrounds around the world. In addition to his performing career, Will started producing and starring in instructional DVDs in 2004. His current DVD titles are Diabolo, Learn Juggling, Float This, Easy Card Magic and the Entertaining with Balloon Sculpting series. In addition to selling his DVDs on his website and after shows, they are also distributed to magic and specialty shops around the world. Children 8 to 12 years of age are invited to audition for this exciting project on Saturday, October 13 between 10am and 2pm at the PM Digital Group Studios located at 5670 Wynn Road, Suite B. Children must have written permission from a parent or guardian and feel comfortable performing a simple magic trick on camera. For more information feel free to contact Will Roya via email at will@willroya.com. You can visit Will Roya online at www.WillRoya.com and PM Digital Group at www.PMDigitalGroup.com. ----------------- 5. $500 In Fraudulent Credit Card Charges In Our Store ----------------- Message from Bruce Chadwick (US) Some months ago, United States Postal Inspector G. C. Carter came into our www.illusionwarehouse.com retail magic shop. He notified us that a Richard Glen Outhier, alias Logan Devine charged about $500 in fraudulent credit card charges in our store. Outhier is a knowledgeable magician and mentalist who has also hit other magic stores here in the United States including sizeable charges through Stevens Magic Emporium in Wichita, Kansas. Inspector Carter has asked me to do what I can to contact the magic community and be on the lookout for Outhier. Any person with information should contact Inspector Carter at the address, e-mail, and other contact information below. Photo attached. Thank you. Bruce Chadwick Phone 817-832-6062 USA mail@brucechadwick.com G. C. Carter, United States Postal Inspector Fort Worth Division 14800 Trinity Blvd, Ste 600 Fort Worth TX 76155-2657 USA gccarter@uspis.gov Phone 817-291-0393 -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #22 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message from Nick Lewin (US) Remarkable magic. Milt Larsen: more magic than the average carpenter. When I arrived in Los Angeles in January 1974 I had exactly 50 bucks in my pocket. I did have more but a certain flood of confidence had caused me to buy 25 Dutch cigars at the duty free shop in Heathrow. Either confidence or stupidity it was a heartfelt statement I truly felt until the 50 bucks ran out. My first night in Los Angeles was spent in Santa Monica. Unable to relax after an eleven-hour flight I took a walk after I arrived and I saw a tiny part of my future; it was a rather nifty looking building on Santa Monica Blvd called the 'Mayfair Music Hall.' I took one look at it and said; "I am going to work there!" I did. What I didn't realize when I made that pledge to myself was that the 'Mayfair Music Hall' was created by Milt Larsen. I did of course know that Milt and Bill Larsen were the creators of the Magic Castle, which was one of the reasons I was so happy to be relocating to Los Angeles. However as a card carrying Music Hall act (who had begun performing long after the death of Music Hall in England) my attention was definitely aroused. The 'MMH' was a great find for me. The $150 a week salary was enough to pay our monthly rent with $70 to spare. It also introduced me to some of the greatest performers I had ever met. Chaz Chase, Ian Whitcombe, Vito Scotti and Bernard Fox were just a sampling of the education I received. It is with great happiness that I remember these gigs. Before the 'Mayfair Music Hall' had become a memory I was a card carrying member of the 'SPVA' or to give it it's full title the Society for the Preservation of Variety Arts.' I was a member before there was even a clubhouse, however Milt is an unstoppable force and I knew there would be. A year later there was a multi-story building in downtown Los Angeles that was the spectacular home to the SPVA. I only have one gripe with Milt and that is about the night he introduced me to Aquavit. I happily sat at the Castle bar with him and foolishly assumed that anything that does not kill me makes me stronger. In the case of an overdose of Aquavit I suspect death may have been the happy ending. I must say that Milt is one of the most enigmatic people I have ever met. You know who he is and what he has done but it is very hard to move on from that point. He always reminds me a little of the Cheshire cat in Alice in Wonderland in so much as that by the time you leave him your last impression is of a feline smile that lingers long after the person is gone. Now the more observant amongst you might have noticed that there has been less mention of magic in my observations about Milt than there was protein in 'Professor Kishmehoff's Famous Chicken Soup' and that may be because in the thirty plus years I have known Milt we have never once discussed magic. The good news is that Milt has told me he will sit down and allow me to interview him about his personal list of Remarkable and Memorable magicians. As soon as I can take a brief break from my current never ending tour I can't wait to do this. If ever there were a man who knows the quirky inside/outside of magic's famous/infamous legends it is Milt. If this prospect interests you as much as it does me then wait for a break in my schedule that will allow me to finally discuss magic with one of it's great architects. For those of you with more immediate centers of focus let me present a challenge. The Phrase 'Professor Kishmehoff's Famous Chicken Soup' has a very specific source and the first person to email me it wins a copy of my latest performance DVD. Send all responses to mailto:NickLewin@earthlink.com -------------------------------------------- 7. Children's Magic: Maintaining Control - By Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message from Kyle Peron (US) Magic4u02@aol.com So you find yourself at your birthday party gig and the young ones are sent into the room to sit and watch your show. All of a sudden the kids get noisy, won't listen, won't sit down, start creeping up on you and before you have even started, you find yourself completely stressed out with the fear of losing total control. Sound familiar? I think for any kid show performer, this has happened to you and is what I call a part of the "learning curve" of kid show performance. So the question this week will be on how do you handle the "balance of power" during your shows? How do you maintain control while still allowing the children to interact with you in a fun way? The first thing I try to always remember is that as a kid show performer I should not always discourage them from interrupting, interjecting, or simply interfering with the entertainment I try provide? I think too many magicians try and set down so stringent ground rules that it does not allow for the children to be children. As a children's entertainer, I want to maintain control in a fun way that also allows me to let the children know what is expected and what is accepted in the show. Most kids do not realize or find that what they are doing is not appropriate for you the performer. They react to you because they want to tell you things and feel special in doing so. In most cases they mean you no harm. So how can you set ground rules to help handle some of this while still making sure you are entertaining them as well? I do this in several ways which I would like to list here: - First, as soon as I walk into any place, I remind myself that I must be professional. This does not mean I turn it on just when the show starts. It happens from the moment I make the first call to the parent or client and continues well after the performance is over. Being a professional means that I must show respect to everyone, if I want to receive that same respect back to me. This even applies to children. I show them respect and I listen to them when I get there. I encourage them to ask me questions if they so desire because it sparks their curiosity. If they ask questions before the show, then I can usually get it out of their system before the show starts. It also builds trust between the children and me early on. Kids probably have not seen that many magicians before and you may be the very first magician they have ever seen. So it is natural for them to be curious and want to share things with you. - I also make sure that I am not "stand-offish" to the kids when I arrive. By this I mean I do not distance myself to them. I shake their hands and I ask them if they are having a good time and if they enjoy magic. By doing so, I am showing that I am a nice guy and that we are there to have fun. In a way they are making friends with me and I with them. I do not want to start my show with the children already seeing me as this scary adult who is going to lecture to them. In this manner, by the time the show starts, we already know each other and I can gain a much better report with them. This also translates well when I want them to quiet down etc. They are more apt to do this if they know I am friendly and a nice guy and have shown them respect early on. - When the show starts, I do my opener number and then my standard verbal intro. My intro is structured in such a way to set the ground rules for the show but in a non-threatening way. Too many magicians lecture to the kids and place demands on them. I do not do this. My method is setting ground rules in a fun manner in which I stay in character, I do not lecture to them and they realize my rules are not really rules to them at all. They find them to just be part of the way to have a great show. I simply state that there are 3 ways in which we select our helpers to come up and help us work our magic. If you would like to be a helper we ask you to follow 3 simple rules. 1) You have to be seated like you all are right now. 2) You have to have your hand raised so we know you want to help out and 3) You have to have a really big smile on your face. If you can follow those simple and fun rules, you might be the person we select to work magic with us. That is pretty much it. It is stated light hearted and it is not lecturing to the kids nor and I coming off as demanding things on them. Notice how I never once said you must shut up, you must be quiet you must not talk. Those to me come off the wrong way to children. I get the children to remain quiet simply by forcing them to smile if they want to help. When a child smiles, they cannot be talking. It works very well for my wife and me. - Use of reinforcement. By this I mean you reinforce your simple rules throughout the show. If the group gets noisy, you simply have to say, "Remember how we pick our good helpers?" They immediately remember and you see them sitting down, hands up and smiling. In a fun way, they recall your rules because they want to have fun with you on stage. It is this simple reinforcement that can gain you back some control if you need it. - The art of talking softly. If you feel the children are still getting too noisy for you, then you do the exact opposite. You start to talk softly. As you talk softly, you will be amazed at how the audience quiets down with you in order to hear what you are saying. It is psychological in nature but it does indeed work. - If a child does say something in the show, do not always ignore it. Sometimes ignoring it can only encourage the child to do it more often. In most cases I will listen and then address their question easily. I might say, "oh your granddad does magic? That is really great. He must be a great and fun guy, but let us get back to our own fun and we can talk about others questions after the show ok? Great thanks." I am pleasant to them and I address the question with a nice calm answer. It works well for me. - When a child has said I have seen this before... it does not always mean I have seen this so there for I do not want to see it again because it will bore me. Quite the opposite is what they really are trying to say to you. I have found in most cases that they telling you they have seen it before, often means that they recognize a trick similar to it and they liked it a lot and they want to see it again. Do not always take this as a bad thing. I hope some of this helps. It by all means is not a golden rule book on how to handle situations of control. These are simply things I have learned over the years that have worked for me and perhaps may work for others. 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. Entertaining On The Ocean #1 - Paul Romhany -------------------------------------------- Message from Paul Romhany This is the start in a series of articles introducing variety entertainers that I have met on cruise ships and some of the wonderful stories they are willing to share. Performers on ships are diverse and range from singers, instrumentalists, comedians, jugglers and of course magicians. With state of the art theatre, lighting and sound technicians, a stage manager and live musicians if you need them, cruise ships are becoming the last bastion for variety entertainers. Night after night you can see live entertainment that rivals any of the large show rooms in theatres and casinos around the world. I am blessed to be able to meet and become friends with many of the acts working on ships today. As of writing this there is still no sign of my Charlie Chaplin Act. I still have contracts to honor so am forced to go out and entertain without my normal act. Last week I was in Iceland for 9 days, and in a few days time fly to Spain for 3 days work. While in Iceland I was able to film my 'lost' luggage show. You can see 5 minutes of it on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QggROX0a6fo I use the above as an example of what to do when you turn up to a ship without any luggage or an act. I always carry a few smaller things in my backpack such as my multiplying bottles and thumbtip. All other props I can pick up on the ship such as rope, oranges, and newspaper. It makes it harder when you are not in ports for 5 days while on the ship as you cannot visit a $2.00 shop to buy props. Lesson here is to ALWAYS be prepared. If you turn up on a ship you will still be required to do a 50 minute show WITH or WITHOUT your props make sure you have a solid back-up act that doesn't rely on having loads of props. Bottom line is that it's all about YOU and your personality on stage, not your props. This week's story comes in the form of a poem by English entertainer Andrew Robley. It was a little over two years ago that we worked together on a cruise ship called The Black Watch. With six musical albums, performances before all senior members of the Royal Family, starring roles in the Phantom of the Opera and solo performances with the Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew is one of the UK's brightest performers and a favourite on many top cruise lines. Andrew's poem reminds me just how rough it can get out at sea. In most cases they will put the comedian or magician on if the seas are too heavy. At last the ship has stopped it's rolling, I felt like a ball that had spent a day bowling! Into a force eight and then a force nine, It was my show last night too, hey, it was maybe a sign. The guests there were few, you could just take your pick, The rest were like me and kept on being sick! But luckily they came and although not enmasse, The ones that turned up were really first class. They stood at the end and it was difficult to do, Me, I was already half way to the loo! I feel better we`re docked and the motion is past, And to top it all thank God, the sun`s out at last! So in Edinburgh today and to the Castle I`ll go, To see if they want me to do them a show! I`ve got on my kilt, it's better than last night by a mile, 'Cos when I spun round with the movement, you saw more than a smile! So have a great day and I hope you liked my short ditty, And I send all my love from Edinburgh city!!! -------------------------------------------- 9. Ron London Sends His Thanks -------------------------------------------- Message from Ron London (US) I'm out of the nursing home and hospital and back home now. The doctors had me down for kidney failure, fluid on the lungs and a heart attack. Spent four days in intensive care and the rest of August in a nursing home doing some recuperating. After a month of recuperating I'm back to doing shows in the area. Should be better than ever when I totally get my strength back. Thanks to all the magicians who sent cards, made phone and sent e-mails. They truly are a "brotherhood." -------------------------------------------- 10. Celebration Of The Life Of Jerry Andrus -------------------------------------------- Message from Ray Hyman Forwarded on by Richard Levin Celebration of the Life of Jerry Andrus will take place from 1:45 pm until 5:00 pm. The formal program will be between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. The program will be preceded by a special audiotape that Jerry Andrus selected just for this occasion. This will be introduced and played at 1:45 pm. The Celebration will take place at the Albany Senior Center, 489 Water Avenue NW, Albany, Oregon 97321. The details have not been finalized, but here is what is now planned: 1:45-2:00 pm: A brief introduction the Jerry Andrus website and an audiotape of a talk Jerry made and selected just for this occasion. 2:00-4:00 pm: The formal program will consist of: A preview of the documentary on Jerry made by Robert Neary. Robert will also say some words about what he learned about Jerry during the making of this film. Robert will also read a few of Jerry's poems. Steve Dobson and Jeff McMahon, disciples of Jerry's magic, will demonstrate some of Jerry's magical creations. Because much of Jerry's work is for close-up venues, they will also perform some of this magic at a table in the lobby for smaller groups. Various individuals, who wish to do so, will be given a few minutes to relate an anecdote or story about Jerry. The formal program will end with the traditional broken wand ceremony. Dwight Vance will create a version of the ceremony that he knows would meet Jerry's approval. After the formal program (and during), other things will be going on. As I mentioned, close-up magic will be performed in the Lobby. Jerry's optical illusions will be on display along with volunteers from Oregonians for Rationality who will demonstrate them. Also , we will have a display of Jerry Andrus memorabilia and photographs in the Lobby. George Andrus will play some of his musical creations in the lobby. Refreshments will be served. Everyone who would like to pay respects to the memory of Jerry Andrus is welcome to attend. -------------------------------------------- 11. Konni Rooklyn - Broken Wand -------------------------------------------- Message from Contact: Kent Blackmore (Aust) Konni Rooklyn, widow of manipulator and illusionist Maurice Rooklyn, passed away on September 13 following a brave battle against cancer. A past President of the International Brotherhood Of Magicians (Sydney Ring 102), Konni was an active booster of magic, hosting Ring meetings in her home, encouraging the formation of a junior I.B.M Ring and supporting the activities of the Newcastle Society of Magicians and the Geniis Magical Society. She performed magic on cruise ships alongside her husband, as "Konni, Queen of Cards", with a card fanning and manipulation act, as well as entertaining children with magic and balloon modelling. Funeral details are yet to be announced. We have lost both a friend and a connection to an important part of Australian magic; vale Konni. -------------------------------------------- 12. Guinness World Records Have Approved Two New Records -------------------------------------------- Message from Thomas Blackthorne There were six sword-swallowers at this year's Edinburgh festival. Given that there are so few of us left, this happens rarely so I decided to mark the occasion by getting a few of the guys together for a stunt: swallowing the four legs of a bar stool at the same time - one leg each! Some friends offered us a guest spot in their show, we had a quick meeting to work out the technical details involved in swallowing such a strange object and on we went: no rehearsals, no proof that it could even be done, just the desire to put ourselves to the test and maybe set a record for the most sword-swallowers swallowing the same object. The result was a blast! The swallow was very hard, due to our different heights and the total lack of space between the stool legs but we got it down and the sedate Tuesday-night crowd went wild! You can see all the fun here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JachIV55WQE As always, if you like the video, leave comments and LOTS of stars to attract other visitors over. The guys at Guinness loved the idea and approved it immediately. The Sword of Swords The other record has been on the boil far longer: I own the world's most swallowed sword. For years I have taken the sword around the world, convincing sword-swallowers to swallow it. To date, 34 of us have. This is a favourite project of mine and I was really happy when Guinness where so enthusiastic about putting their name behind it too. You can find out more about the sword here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sword_of_Swords -------------------------------------------- 13. MINDvention Update -------------------------------------------- Message from Danny Archer (US) Robert Allen & Danny Archer invite you to join them for 3 days of mind blowing fun & mental mayhem MINDvention LasVegas' Annual All Mentalism Convention October 7-9, 2007 Palace Station Hotel & Casino * Las Vegas, Nevada Shows * Lectures * Workshops Featuring: Eugene Burger, Jeff McBride, Ross Johnson, Guy Bavli, John Archer (UK), Patrick Redford, Sean Taylor (Australia) & Joe Atmore (Dunninger Radio Show recreation) is coming up October 7th-9th, 2007 in Las Vegas If you're a mentalist this is the one convention you don't want to miss! (Of course if you're a great mentalist you already knew that!) Register Telepathically or contact: Mindvention@juno.com For more Information on Mindvention go to our web site www.MINDVENTION.com Great Performers! * Great Mentalism! * Great Fun! Palace Station Rooms: https://rooms.stationcasinos.com/cgi-bin/LANSAWEB?procfun+rn+Resnet+PAL+funcparms+UP(A2560):;pcilvmi;?/ Extra added Lectures and Events! Rick Maue!, Jack Kent Tillar!, Booking Corporate Shows!, the Candy Mentalists! . Details below.......................... For people arriving on Saturday or sooner - Mental Deceptions by Rick Maue For the past two years, Rick has been one of the highlights of MINDvention as he has shared some of his best ideas with us-and this year, along with the Denny & Lee Magic Studio, Rick will once again be giving us a behind-the-scenes look into some of his latest creations. This special lecture will be held at the Denny & Lee Magic Studio (located at 5115 Dean Martin Drive) on Saturday Night, October 6th (the night before the official start of the convention) at 8:00. And here is the best part. To help kick off the 2007 MINDvention, this special lecture is being presented FREE-compliments of Rick, Denny and your friends at MINDvention. Rick will be presenting a combination of brand new material (such as his newest release, Imagine) and a few of his best known pieces. (Rick will actually let those in attendance vote on which pieces they would like to learn.) In addition, he will also be sharing several unreleased items that you certainly do not want to miss. Seating is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve your space, call Denny & Lee's at 702-740-3500. -------------- on Sunday afternoon ---------------------------------------------- Jack Kent Tillar of Blister fame, will present a special early bird lecture at 1 PM on Sunday. Jack's sixty minute lecture, (aided by Jheff), will share some fantastic mentalism from a long time practitioner of the mental arts -------------- on Sunday night -- Booking Corporate Shows ------- After his mentalism lecture , Sean Taylor will be presenting a special session about booking corporate work. Sean has been a professional magician and mind reader for over 25 years, more than half that time within Australia. His work has taken him to more than 15 countries around the globe including guest performances at the World Magic Championships in Holland, The Monte Carlo Casino and London's famous Magic Circle. He will share his methods and techniques for getting and retaining corporate clients and how to expand and maximize your marketing efforts. He will also cover how to customize your presentation for effective sales meetings and product launches. Sean has launched and promoted more than 200 different products from mobile phones to pharmaceuticals, cars to razors, chocolates to software and printers to footwear. Companies such as Fuji Xerox, BAT, Singletons, Qantas, Roche, Toshiba, 3M, Ricoh, Core and Zenith are just a few of his recent clients who have delighted in his tailored presentations. -------------- on Tuesday afternoon ----------------------- The Candy Mentalists will be in Las Vegas on display (Hope it's not too hot for the little guys). What are Candy Mentalists? They're delicious all-edible confections made of sugar-paste, which is a kind of British marzipan-like fondant icing you roll out and cover cakes with or make decorations with like these. It tastes just like the marshmallow charms in Lucky Charms breakfast cereal! It dries hard but it still smells yummy even after two years. They are created by Cindy Atmore, artist and writer. She is absolutely no relation to Joe Atmore, the famous Dunninger expert and star of the DVD Joseph Atmore is Dunninger, and I kind of wish people would stop asking about that. -------------------------------------------- 14. Pinetown's Professional Magic Man -------------------------------------------- Message from Arthur Reed (South Africa) Pinetown's Professional Magic Man He claims to be able to make your nagging spouse or mother-in-law disappear.  .Arthur Reed is much more than a comedian, his passion is magic, and for over three decades, Pretoria- born Reed has been a professional magician. An engineer by trade, the Pinwtown resident spoke about his love for life. "I worked as an engineeer for about 13 years. In 1975 television was introduced to South Africa. I saw a magician perform, and I said to my wife, this looks like fun and interesting hobby" Reed said that he became extremely drawn into his newly found hobby and eventually turned professional. He was the president of the Durban Magic Club and is a member of the London Magic Circle, among other accolades. Apart from indulging in trickery, some consider Reed to be a creative guru. "I repair and restore violins and cello's and I also make miniature musical instruments. One of my pieces won first prize at the Royal Show. During my childhood I realised that I was a gifted artist, but only recently did I focus my attention on painting." Reed has an art gallery stocked with oil paintings. He claims that he is inspired by the various African and Asian tribes and wildlife that he and his assistant wife, Avril, come across during their travels. Is magic real? Reed humorously replied that if it were, he would have chosen the winning Lotto combination. "Magic is not real. It involves trickery and hard work," he said. Reed shared some sound advice to budding magicians. "Magic card tricks is the starting point. If you remain interested then you know that magic is for you. I once met a young man who showed interest in becoming a magician. Unfortunately his aspirations were dashed when a fellow magician wanted to charge him an exorbitant fee. When he contacted me I invited him to my studio and taught him the tricks of the trade." Reed claims that his protege later relocated to London. "I cannot remember his name but I do remember telling him that I would teach him under one condition, and that was if anyone showed an interest in magic, he must impart the knowledge I shared with him without any financial implication." The practicing Tibetan Buddhist concluded that the secret to living a happy and fulfilled life is to try to be a good human being. Arthur Reed will be entertaining at the Twin falls Spur in Floof's Field Shopping Centre every Wednesday and Friday nights from 6pm to 8pm with close-up magic at the tables. -------------------------------------------- 15. Back From The Edge, On To Hollywood -------------------------------------------- Message from Jeff & Abbi McBride (US) "There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment." -- Norman Vincent Peale, The Power of Positive Thinking Shhh! Jeff is about to begin taping a new series with VH1. It's all very hush hush - but we'll fill you in on the details just as soon as we can! Greetings Friends, I wish I could tell you all about it - but for the moment suffice it to say I'm very excited to be working with the folks at VH1 on what promises to be a very exciting project. Back From The Edge It's strange to think that I've been performing for Donald Trump for almost twenty years. I started at "the Donald's" birthday party bash in 1988. I was the opening act with co-stars Liza Minnelli and Billy Crystal. Now, almost twenty years later, I am the headliner and Liza is appearing next door at Trump Plaza.. Feels like we've made it to the top! All of us here at McBride Magic have continued our magical relationship with the Trump organization and it was a pleasure to be the featured headliner this summer. What I learned on my summer vacation: give your audience more than they expect! The biggest improvement in our show this season was adding one extra hour of pre-show street magic and improvisation before the show. Our audiences, made up of old and new friends, were able to share more magical time with our cast, not only before the show, but after the show as well. Abbi, Jordan, and I were blessed to have many of our Magic and Mystery School students join in the pre-show festivities. Hats off to: Chad Juros, RJ Lewis, Michael Carbonaro, Michael Trixx, Mike Hankins, Russ Clark, Benjamin Corey, and many others, for helping to make the show wonderful! Magic at the Edge also hosted a post-show friends and fans party in the lobby outside the theater after each show. Not only did this give us an opportunity to meet and greet and spend more time with our friends, we also utilized the pre- and post-show parties to work in new material that will be featured in next season's shows. Love and magic have a great deal in common. They enrich the soul, delight the heart. And they both take practice. -- Nora Roberts Back To School I learned a lot of new lessons about interactive street magic and walk around mentalism this summer. knowledge and wisdom that I will share with you at our next class! You can learn a lot about your potential audience participants by just meeting and greeting them before the show, seeing if they make and hold eye contact, and how energetically or softly they shake your hand. With younger audience members, seven to teen, I ask them "Are you a big magic fan?" If their eyes light up, and they energetically shake their head yes, they are more likely to find their way on stage. I also, in casino environments, pay very close attention to the kind of beverages that are in front of people who I am considering for selection. I never select audience participants or "volunteers" without meeting them and engaging them in conversation before the show. I suggest, if you are doing a stage show, to take the time, pre-show, to meet and greet your audience participants. I feel that this is one of the most important lessons I can share with you. Abbi and I will be working out of our home base here at the Magic and Mystery School for September and October. If you're going to be in town, check the www.magicalwisdom.com site and book your private session, or scheduled Master Class. We'll look forward to seeing you soon! Your friends in magic, Jeff & Abbi Quick Note From Tobias: As luck would have it, we still have 2 slots left for the September Master class. This is the last non-themed class of the year. It's the perfect time to tune up your act for the holidays, and to spend some time thinking and learning about the best ways to promote those holiday season shows. Be there! Tobias Beckwith tobias@yourmagic.com ----------------- 16. The Amazing Orchante Saga ----------------- Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi) Page 16 Queenstown, the leading tourist centre of the South Island of New Zealand, is an old haunt of mine. First worked there in 1960 and performed there regularly over the years until we left for Australia. So we are staying in a motel (just outside of the town), which was set well off the road and surrounded by numerous tall trees - quite a charming setting. It was our last day in Queenstown and had arranged with the motel to book out late in the afternoon. We head off into town to do some shopping, leaving Brigitte behind which didn't please her at all; we could hear her 'mouthing off' as we got into the car. We get back around 3pm and the owners come running up to say that Brigitte was up in one of the trees. As we later discovered, she had found a small louvre window in the bathroom that was open slightly and had flown out, taking off after us as were heading down the driveway but we were well away by then, so she planted herself in the top of a tree and gave vent to her feelings about being left behind, flitting from tree to tree - 'swearing' her little heart out. I don't know if you have ever heard a cockatiel in full cry but when they get wound up the whole neighbourhood knows about it! The owners said that it was quite obvious that she was utterly 'Pissed Off' and that whatever she was spouting forth in bird language -'It sure wasn't polite and, it sure was loud'! Oh boy, did she punish us! No amount of cajoling could entice her down from her lofty perch and when I say lofty, those trees where at least forty feet high - no way I could climb up to reach her. An hour has gone by and Brigitte resolutely refuses to come down and I'm starting to get mad. We go and pack the car, hoping that seeing us doing that will bring her down but NO! 'The Little Bitch'! Now it's getting late and I'm fuming - It's 'caveman' time. I start throwing stones, sticks, anything to get her down; if she'd had two fingers she would've given me the time-honoured - 'Up Yours', salute! How can something so small create so much grief? I'm going from, 'C'mon Brigitte, I'm sorry, we all love you', to - 'you rotten, little so and so, guess what's for dinner tonight'? I'm beginning to feel like 'Wily Coyote' from the 'kids' cartoon, 'The Road Runner'! Finally she flies down to a lower branch; as I approach her, expecting her to use my shoulder as a landing pad as she always does; she takes off again - up into another tree, bloody hell, I could have 'killed' her! It is starting to get dark and we have to hit the road soon. We make arrangements with the motel owners that if she is still around the following day, and if she comes down to them, they would care for her until we can get back. A final cup of coffee, I start the car, it is almost dark now - in a last desperate attempt I climb out of the car and roar - 'Brigitte, we're leaving now, are you coming or not'? A flutter of wings and the Brigitte lands on my arm twittering away, you could almost hear her saying, 'What's all the fuss about'. We didn't know whether to laugh or cry, or wring her bloody neck! Looking back now, I find it strange that in all of my years in show business performing magic etc., I've never had the inclination to use doves or parrots in my act. I guess that it's because to me, and Veronica, they have always been pets, to love and cherish as you do (or should) your cats and/or dogs. So, crossing back over the Tasman Sea to Australia, we have been residing in Sydney for quite a few months and have been accepted and are fully entrenched on the club scene, working our little butts off and making good money. We decide to get a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, something we have always wanted but could never afford in N.Z. Apart from that, you really need to get one while it is still a chick, rear and hand feed it so that it grows up as part of your family. We didn't know that then. We head off to a market and buy a young bird, but not young enough as we were soon to find out. All parrots have one hell of a nasty bite. Sulphur Crested Cockatoos in particular, can take your finger right off quite easily, and if they haven't been tamed early on, are very vicious. The problem is finding a pet shop that has more to offer in the way of advice to newcomers, especially in regards to potentially dangerous birds etc. than just making money as a priority by selling pets. I guess we were wide open to an unscrupulous Australian pet seller at an open market - our New Zealand accent was a dead giveaway as to our more than likely lack of any real knowledge of large cockatoos. In our case, going to a market because "You can pick up a cockatoo really cheap there", was the wrong one, and the seller took full advantage of his assumption that we were as green as hell when it came to Australian cockatoos. Continues next week We, Tommy & Veronica Orchard (The Amazing Orchanté & Kim) are devastated by the news that our dear friend Konni Rooklyn has passed away - God bless you Connie. -------------------------------------------- 17. 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) -------------------------------------------- 18. 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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