* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #808 Date: Sunday 9th January 2011 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================   1. Editor's Message 2. Latest Update - Pendragon Items to Be Auctioned 3. Help Needed - Chuck Jones Illusions Stolen 4. Billy McComb Radio Documentary 5. TV Biography on Vanni Pulé 6. Remarkable Magic #14 - Nick Lewin 7. New Year's Resolutions - #195 - Kyle Peron 8. Tony Brook in Conversation with Ariann Black - (Part 2) 9. The Magic New Year's Resolutions For 2011 10. Broken Wand - Gloria Crawford 11. January 2011 M-U-M 12. Trouble-Wit 13. FISM Oceania - Entries Now Open 14. Teller's & Tobbins Show - Now Running Off-Broadway 15. The Magic Event Of 2011! 16. Kapital KIDvention 17. Magic at the Beach 2011 18. Armando Lucero's Visit to Melbourne 19. Sharing Accommodation - World Magic Seminar 20. "Kidzone" Show January 15 in New York 21. Teen Weekend and Teen Competition 22. e-zine Archives 23. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice   -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- We have made major changes to upgrade Magic New Zealand over the last few weeks to cope with the ever growing number of subscribers worldwide. If you enjoy reading Magic New Zealand please forward a copy to your friends suggesting they might also like to subscribe to this weekly free magic e-zine.    Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: AW@Alan-Watson.com   -------------------------------------------- 2. Latest Update - Pendragon Items to Be Auctioned -------------------------------------------- Message by John R. Browne III (US)   Arroyo Grande Auction--1/19/11   (Message published in full as per John Browne's request)   Dear Alan,   Thank you so much for spending an entire day with Jan and me this past December 6 when we were visiting in Auckland, your fine "City of Sails," and for showing us so many of its beautiful sights that day. The barbeque dinner prepared by you and Michele at your home that evening was fantastic, and you were so very kind to turn over your spot to me at the North Shore magic club meeting later that evening so I could say I performed in New Zealand! Also, Jan and I admire you for giving the younger set so many tickets to the Chuck Jones & Company and Chipper Lowell magic show. Your dedication to the Art of Magic is incredible. Alan, you are truly a credit to the world wide magic fraternity!   I saw the recent article in the Magic New Zealand e-zine which reported that the contents of Charlotte Pendragon's storage locker in Arroyo Grande, California, are scheduled to be auctioned to the highest bidder on January 19, 2011, because Charlotte did not pay her storage fees. Since I am working with Jonathan Pendragon to help him retrieve certain illusions, such as the ORIGAMI illusion now in Trinidad which Charlotte had previously "sold" to my young magician friend Chin-Chin, I thought it would be appropriate for me to contact Jonathan to ask him if he knows anything about what might be inside the cases in Charlotte's storage locker. I felt, in particular, that if there was any way to let prospective bidders know what may or may not be in these cases, this might be a service to any fellow magicians who might be planning on bidding at the January 19 auction.   The following is Jonathan's reply, which he has authorized me to send on to you.--Also, to clear the air, Jonathan wanted me to tell you that the article on Charlotte's storage locker incorrectly reported that Jonathan shot at Charlotte, which Jonathan assures me is not the case, because if this were true it is doubtful that Jonathan would be a free man right now.   Since Jonathan has not been in contact with Charlotte for quite some time now, there is no way for him to know whether Charlotte has changed the contents of the cases in her storage locker. So the below email from Jonathan cannot be taken as any kind of a guarantee as to what is or is not in the cases scheduled for auction.   Kind regards,   Jack Browne   ---------------------------------------- (following is the content of the email from Jonathan Pendragon to Jack Browne dated January 5, 2011:)   "The storage area in question, as of last May, contained several empty cases, some in good condition but one or two that are damaged. There are two illusions; one of them is the box I used for the illusion I called Time & Space (Million Dollar Mystery), however the critical and most valuable component is missing (sold to Lance Burton years ago). The other is a version of LeRoy's Flying Visit that I presented on the World Magic Awards in 1999; this is a large and impractical illusion (due to a method uniquely suited to me). There is a Kevin James snowstorm chair with the mechanism removed; I'm not sure if it's still in the storage area. There are two source-four lights and a few other odds and ends, including some display swords.   I have listed the contents of the storage area from memory. I am in the process of filing for a divorce from Charlotte; it is her storage area and I have no idea if she has been there since the last time I was there. I have no real interest in the contents, since I am developing a new presentational style. My concern here is that magicians do not bid on the storage area without knowing its content. The cases are of value. The illusion requires a more exacting method than that employed in "Things that Go Bump in the Night"-caveat emptor. (signed Jonathan Pendragon)   -------------------------------------------- 3. Help Needed - Chuck Jones Illusions Stolen -------------------------------------------- Message by Chipper Lowell (US)   All Magicians - My friend, Chuck Jones - Illusionist and creator of many well-known illusions out there had his truck and trailer stolen a week ago, containing everything from his show. It's devastating to say the least, especially having created, designed and built many if not all of his own illusions.   Police have found the trailer, but all the cases were busted open and only a few items were found...No complete illusions, just odds and ends as the bad guys ripped through everything.   PLEASE, PLEASE be on the look-out for anything that might turn up on eBay or Craig's List, etc., that might be one of the lost illusions. Also spread the word to others and re-post this ASAP.   We'll know more of what Chuck wants to do in a few days, but I know the magic community is amazing and quite willing to help him out during this horrible time, be it letting him borrow an illusion here or there, or helping to rebuild some of his earlier creations.   Thanks for your help! Appreciate it, as I know Chuck does.   -------------------------------------------- 4. Billy McComb Radio Documentary -------------------------------------------- Message by John Wade (UK)   I thought you might like to know that a number of us on both sides of the Atlantic contributed to a special hour long radio programme devoted to Billy McComb which aired on Jan 5th in Ireland on 4FM. It can be heard on http://bit.ly/hLiUmm   John Wade www.john-wade.org   ------------------------------------ Originally broadcast by 4fm Ireland and produced by Digital Audio Productions, Dublin The Mysterious McComb is the magical story of Billy McComb, a boy from Belfast who became one of the world's most influential performers and magicians.   Born into an upper-class family in Belfast in the 1920's, Billy turned his back on a career in medicine to follow his dream of becoming a world-class magician. His path to success took him from war-torn Belfast to Dublin (where he spent a night in prison) and on to The London Palladium.   During his time in London he married and performed with his new bride, a former Miss Ireland. From there, Billy set his sights on global domination, traversing the globe performing on cruise ships. He eventually put down roots in Hollywood, setting the stage alight across Los Angeles and Las Vegas.   A charismatic, timeless and indeed iconic figure, Billy McComb changed the face of magic and inspired a generation of aspiring magicians. The producers wish to thank Martin Breese for the original audio of Billy you hear in this production.   Listen To The Mysterious McComb Go To: http://bit.ly/hLiUmm   -------------------------------------------- 5. TV Biography on Vanni Pulé -------------------------------------------- Message by Chris Gove' (Malta)   In a series of biographies, mostly about presidents, prime ministers, patriots and artists of the past, emerged one, this week, about magician Vanni Pulé.   This series is shown on the Maltese National station at peak viewing time and this particular biography had extensive viewing because it was light and full of anecdotes about a very popular Maltese personality.   Interviews with his families, colleagues, artists, magicians from the past and the present, interspersed with archival clips and photos, presented a very human portrait of someone who started quite unassumingly, ended up performing large stage shows, hopping from cabaret to another and appearing hundreds of times on television and is now a household name in Malta and in line to being president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.   -------------------------------------------- 6. Remarkable Magic #14 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US)   A little bit about this and that!   Greetings to all my readers and friends and the very best wishes for a happy and prosperous 2010, may the God's of booking and double lifts smile on you all!   I am currently smitten with a nasty case of pneumonia and still out of action but wanted to write a little note about a couple of items that might be of interest to Magic New Zealand readers. I will keep it brief to give me ample time to cough and splutter for the rest of the day.   Firstly I would like to congratulate Jason Andrews for another amazingly successful week at the Magic Castle. He has got one of the smoothest 9-minute manipulative acts I have ever seen and we are now working on two fifty-minute shows that show the other talents he has to offer. Jason has charm, charisma and is a great talker, I feel confident that he is going to become a huge star in the magic world. Next spring he will be performing in the 'It's Magic!' show in Los Angeles so make a special attempt to catch him.   We are currently lining up dates for Jason next year and I would love to book him 'Down Under,' so if you are looking to catch a performer just on the brink of the big time let us know. We are planning to open up the world market during the upcoming year and Jason will also be featured at next year's IBM convention in the UK. If you are interested in booking Jason contact us at www.nicklewin.com.   People who have only seen Jason's classic manipulative act frequently refer to him as the next Lance Burton; I however think he may well prove to be the next Freddie Kaps. I'm not sure I can think of a higher compliment!   A piece of great news for magic lovers is a trio of releases from the Inimitable Daniel Cros. As many of you will know Daniel is one of the most commercial and successful close-up performers that magic has seen. He performed a 26-year (that's right, year!) run at the Desert Inn in Las Vegas and entertained the crème de la crème of Vegas high rollers during that time.   For the last 8 years Daniel has devoted a truly unique 'Flea Circus' show. He started from scratch, if you will forgive the pun, and his ideas and techniques are quite simply phenomenal. He has now captured the magic on video and it is now available coupled with the re-release of his two books. It is a very reasonably priced and should be available at your favorite magic dealer-if they aren't tell them to call Murphy's Magic Supplies! These are too good for a magic lover to miss.   Once again very special greetings for the upcoming year and a really big thank you to everyone who took the time to email me their 'get well' wishes. This applies especially to Carl Andrews who was the first person quick enough on the uptake to say, "Don't cancel dates-send them to me!'   Carl was also telling me some of the updates to his 'No Freakin' Way' iPhone app. In my opinion this was already the best iPhone app on the market and is now going to be better than ever. At a cost of $2.99 it is also the least expensive way to 'knock 'em dead' when you don't even have a deck of cards with you. If you don't have an iPhone then buy one of them too, you will never regret it!   My personal email address is at nicklewin1@me.com   -------------------------------------------- 7. New Year's Resolutions - #195 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com   As the ball drops in Times Square, the dawn of a new year begins. It is a fresh start and a time to not only reflect on the past year but to also set resolutions (goals) for the coming year. As many of us entertainers set goals for ourselves, how many of us really stick to them? How many of us really take action to seeing that we accomplish what we set out to do?   Have you ever tried setting a goal for yourself simply to realize later on that you never accomplished it? The first step in obtaining a goal is simply realizing that there is value in it. As magicians we get too set in our ways and too comfortable being where we are currently. However, one never learns and grows and becomes more successful if one is afraid to keep walking forward. There is much power and success that comes from seeking to obtain goals and making them happen.   One common reason why folks do not obtain their goals in magic is because we get too easily distracted and lose focus. We forget the important steps that need to be taken to reach our destination. You need to keep your goals on track and be able to measure your progress as you go along.   The problem most entertainers make is to create goals that are unrealistic or so large that they look like climbing Mt. Everest. There is nothing wrong with determination and ambition to seek great success. However, the key is to take large goals and to break them down into obtainable action plans that are simple steps that can easily be accomplished. In other words these action steps become stepping stones to get to the end goal. By simply breaking the larger goal into smaller action plans, the goal becomes much more obtainable.   One of the first steps you need to do is to simply get organized. By writing down your goals and where you want to be with your magic will help you to stay focused and not drift. The simple task of having them written and hung up in an area you see every day will inspire you to stay the course and motivate you forward.   The next step to effectively obtaining your goals this year is to set what they call S.M.A.R.T goals. Some of you may have heard this before. These are goals that are (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound). For example a common goal a magician may make is "create a new act". However, a S.M.A.R.T goal may look something more like "work with my magic friends to develop concepts by the end of the month. Have brain storming session and critique reviews every week and aim to try out new act at my local magic club contest in June." See the difference here?   So you have written down your goals and you have made sure they are SMART goals. The next biggest hurdle is to make action plans. In other words you want to break down each goal into steps that you can obtain. Each step then has a time attached to it. By breaking the larger main goal into steps that can be taken, it keeps you more accountable and makes it easier for you to stay the course.   However any SMART goal and actions steps will not do you any good this year until you realize the most important thing to reaching any goal....taking massive action. You have got to want to get there. You have got to drive yourself to take action towards your own success. Many magicians never reach their goals because they often tend to delay, put off and find many reasons or excuses not to ACT. Make sure you place your smart goals and actions steps clearly where you can see it each and every day and have a support system of people that will hold you accountable for them.   Another great way to motivate yourself is to create a Goal Journal. This simply means that you write each day the things you have accomplished so far and write down your own thoughts that are aimed at inspiring yourself. This starts to allow your mind to be trained to think in a more positive manner.   As you reach each action step towards the goal, reward yourself. Give yourself something that motivates you and allows you to feel good about reaching each step. This positive reinforcement will only drive you to learn better goal setting habits.   So this year, do not settle for being stagnant with your magic. Do not set goals that you know you will never obtain. Instead, take the steps listed above and create goals for your magic that you know and will obtain in the new year. You deserve it and your audiences will thank you for it.   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.   - I would like to let everyone know that I just released a NEW book and E-Book to the magic community. "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working the Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an e-book download. http://www.magicenhancer.com/Blue/Gold.html - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" Ebook. Order online now at: http://www.magicenhancer.com/ChairSuspension.html   -------------------------------------------- 8. Tony Brook in Conversation with Ariann Black - (Part 2) -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA   AB: As you say Tony, it is better in 2010 but there is still some reluctance. Nowadays there is an acceptance of Female Magicians that wasn't there, but there is still a way to go.yes. Celeste, Dell O'Dell, and many more did wonders not only for female Magicians but for Magic as an art. Celeste was elegant, glamorous and very talented. As for myself, I was lucky to be one of the featured acts in the Las Vegas revue show SPLASH, a show known for hiring the best magicians from around the world.   I have also been an Opening Act and starred in my own shows as I currently am again starring in a show starting May 2010. It is an all-female show, myself and three fabulous dancers and yes dare I say it, it is very glamorous and sensual but it also has good Magic. I happen to think that it is not enough to be glamorous but it is also necessary to provide my audiences with Magic that is every bit as good if not better than any equivalent male performer. By the way, for special events and long weekends we will have a specialty spot with a stand-up comic in the show.   TB: You are so right about doing good magic. I have personally sat in the audience and been completely blown away not only with your entertainment value but also sat in awe and admiration of your superb technical and stagecraft skills. It is obvious you have a passion for our Art.  This began when you were a child .right?  Do you recall us chatting about this late one night well early morning with some Vegas friends over waffles and ice-cream? Share some of that with us please ..   AB: As you know I was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and began to appreciate magic at an early age. I began doing magic tricks at the age of five when my cousin, a magic enthusiast, showed me various card tricks. I was fascinated with the tricks and would spend hours attempting to learn their secrets. I hounded my cousin to show me more and more tricks until his knowledge of the card tricks was exhausted. I was 6 years old and got the flu; as a reward for a visit to the doctor, my Mom took me to a nearby magic store. I still vividly recall the thrill and passion I felt when I entered the store. I guess for most children of that age a candy store or an ice cream parlor was a remedy for the flu, but for me, the magic store was everything, a real treasure under the rainbow.   My eyes lit up as I became fascinated and enchanted as they roamed over each item on every shelf. I remember gazing at the pictures on the boxes and being mesmerized by the feathers and silks. The Magic kicked in. I was hooked. I began to envision myself performing.   After a hard choice in this Aladdin's wonderland, I finally selected a rope trick.   However, when my Mom went to buy it, the store owner said he wouldn't sell it to her. When my Mom asked why he told that that he believed women were only the magician's assistant and weren't the magician.   TB. Good grief! What a dreadful experience .not just for your Mom but also for a 6 year child . can you recall how you left? Stupid question I know .but share your answer anyway.   AB. In a single word. Devastated. I was also very confused as to why this could be. I had the desire. I knew I could develop the skills and I really couldn't understand why. I was a determined child and did not like to be told I could not do something. I still have that determination in me and love it when people tell me "No" ... I love to prove them wrong.   TB: But the story has a happy ending ..doesn't it? End of Part 2   (Hidden in this article are deliberate grammatical & spelling mistakes. After much hard work, my proofreader & I have included these to please those who enjoy finding them.)   Send comments & corrections to:- tbrook47@gmail.com   -------------------------------------------- 9. The Magic New Year's Resolutions For 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by Wayne Kawamoto (US)   It's another new year. Time to look back on the past year and look forward to the coming year. As you vow to lose weight, exercise, make serious financial decisions or take on new ventures, please don't forget to include your art of magic.   Here are some magic resolutions for consideration:   Protect Magic I believe that online videos provide the greatest and most devastating source of magic exposure. Here are several ways to combat the problem. If you post a video of yourself performing magic, monitor the viewer comments. Viewers like to study magic videos and then post what they think is the secret, usually with a time stamp at a crucial moment. And other viewers chime in with feedback of their own to contribute to the group effort. To stymie the system, simply check your online videos regularly and remove the offending comments.   Perhaps most harmful are videos of prominent television performances that have been dissected by viewers. But if a performance aired on television, it's copyrighted material that probably doesn't belong on YouTube. If we alert the copyright holder, perhaps we can have the videos removed. Sure, it means that we magicians won't be able to watch online and enjoy the magic routines that air on television, but I can accept not viewing the latest routine on "America's Got Talent" if it protects magic.   And if the copyright holder has legally posted the video, we can contact them and ask to have any offending comments removed. Together, I think we can make a difference.   Always Perform the Most Entertaining Magic That You Can Good magicians have to constantly make up for the many awful clowns and incompetent "magicians" out there who present something that vaguely resembles magic and offer little to negative entertainment value. And please don't get me started with the costumed characters - the Sponge Bobs, wizards and others - who carry five bucks worth of cheap tricks and actually show them to paying audiences.   Unfortunately, it's the performances by these inept entertainers and their abuse of audience members that most lay spectators long remember and make them conclude that they dislike magic. It's up to magicians to make up for these so called "entertainers" who desecrate our art.   All working magicians have accepted shows that didn't pay enough, required too much travel and were in parts of town that everyone tries to avoid. And to top it off, were greeted by surly and even unreasonable hosts.   One's initial inclination is to finish the show, collect the money and get away. But somewhere at each party, there was someone who wanted to see magic and believed that magic was the best entertainment for their event. And you never know when your magic may create a new fan for our art or inspire a kid to one day learn and perform magic.   It's our job to always provide the best magic that we can under any condition. We are ambassadors for our art and this applies to every time that we perform.   Always Respect Your Audiences and Volunteers Many people hate magic because they had a bad experience with it. Some boorish performer used magic to show off, or worse, humiliated and embarrassed an audience member on stage.   While there's little we can do about those obnoxious magicians who don't know any better, but for those who care about our art, we need to always respect audiences and volunteers.   How about getting rid of those irritating magic bits that try to get laughs at a volunteer's expense? Can we please stop asking kids to hold a handkerchief up in the air until their arms hurt? A pet peeve of mine. Please, retire that awful bit where the magician gestures for a kiss on the cheek and quickly turns his head to catch one on the mouth. It's not funny in our era of hand sanitizers. And finally, can we please stop performing "20th Century" with the lady's undergarment.   Put Together That Effect or Show That You've Been Thinking about There's no time like now to study that effect or put together that show that you've been thinking about. If you're so inclined, make a plan. Set March as the time when you've mastered the sleights and built the props. By May, have your routine choreographed and the patter written. In August, test your routine in front of friends. By next New Year's, you'll be performing it.   If you're a beginner, use the new year to study and build your magic foundation. Read and study the classic texts by Mark Wilson, Bill Tarr, Corinda, Anneman, Bobo and more.   Give Back to the Magic Community The magic community needs your participation to remain healthy and viable and maintain a strong and positive presence among the lay public.   Use the new year to not only learn, practice and improve your magic, but be active in the magic community. Join the Academy of Magical Arts (Magic Castle) or Magic Circle and participate in your nearest IBM Ring, SAM Assembly or local magic club or organization. These organizations can use your support. And in the long run, you'll benefit as a magician.   With a membership, both IBM and SAM include a subscription to their excellent magazines (respectively, "The Linking Ring" and "M-U-M"). Other worthy investments are subscriptions to the major magic magazines such as "Genii" and "Magic Magazine."   And if you're an experienced magician, take the time to encourage and help a magic novice. Chances are there were influential people who helped you begin in magic. You can return the favor and make a world of difference to someone who is starting out.   Be Civil in All of Your Dealings with Other Magicians The art of magic brings us together. Just because radio and television commentators are rude doesn't mean that we as magicians should be equally rude at meetings and when interacting online. Criticism is a part of all good discussion. Personal attacks are not.   Don't Support Magic Ripoffs It's human nature to want to save money or get something for free. But when you knowingly purchase an un-licensed, rip-off item, you're robbing from the magic inventor and supporting a castoff, notorious industry. And illegally copying a DVD or downloading a pirated video is just plain stealing.   You'll probably pay more for an original magic item, but you'll be doing the right thing. And better yet, you'll be supporting the inventor who will be financed so he or she can create and market more magic. It's these inventors and creators who offer us new possibilities and routines and make us look good.   -------------------------------------------- 10. Broken Wand - Gloria Crawford -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler (US)   Life Member Gloria Pinola Crawford died at age 86 on January 1, 2011. She was well known as part of the magic team of Crawford and Gloria, stage illusionists for over 25 years. (Harry Crawford died in 2007) Gloria was one of the early members of the famed " Magigals" and was one of the first women in magic to design her own illusions.   She was an active member of the Wilkes Barre/Scranton. PA. Assembly #160, aptly named the Harry Crawford Assembly Gloria was an SAM member for 32 years and belonged to the IBM.   Gloria majored in sociology at Cornell University and met and married Harry in 1949 when he was a Naval Reserve officer. After the World War II she shared Harry's love of magic and the team played dates on the East Coast from Boston to Miami plus many magic conventions.   She is best remembered for her charming demeanor and excellent work in the act having been cut into " sixths" and for her famous doll house from which she produced "Emily " the largest English Sheep dog in Pennsylvania.   Gloria Crawford is survived by her daughter, Dr. Carol Crawford of Maryland. A broken wand ceremony was performed by David Jenkins Assembly Secretary.   -------------------------------------------- 11. January 2011 M-U-M -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler (US)   By Michael Close, Editor   Our January cover story features an in-depth conversation with Joshua Jay. Josh has made some remarkable accomplishments before his thirtieth birthday, including a large catalog of books and DVDs for magicians, a long-running column in MAGIC magazine, and two books for the general public. I spoke with Josh at length about his career and the choices he made along the way. There's a standard magic quip that is glibly spoken by close-up magicians as they nonchalantly perform flourishes with cards and coins: "Evidence of a misspent youth." As you will read in the January M-U-M, Joshua Jay's youth was anything but misspent.   But with all these achievements, Joshua Jay has not forgotten how important local magic clubs were to his development. He is also acutely aware of the unique challenges a young magician faces. To address these issues, he wrote a book, Under Over: An Inside Guide to Young Magicians and Their Parents, a valuable resource that answers questions, provides guidance, and offers insights from someone who has successfully made the journey. Starting this month, M-U-M will be serializing Under Over.   Also in the January M-U-M:   Steve Marshall's begins his new column, I Left My Cards at Home, which will feature non-card close-up magic. It is good to be able to do magic with a variety of objects, and you'll be able to do just that if you follow Steve's column. Steve's initial offering comes from bar magician extraordinaire and Magic Castle award-winner Doc Eason.   In his column A Magician Prepares, Dennis Loomis discusses the scallop-short card, a very useful variation of the short card. For those of you who are not experts with a pair of scissors, Dennis offers a practical way to prepare the card.   The Quick Look Book Nook features an excerpt from John Moehring's new book Del Ray: America's Foremost. The first printing of this book sold out almost immediately. Del was a private man, who kept his secrets tight. John's book gives you a look into the life of a great magician.   Ian Kendall's Basic Training column covers coin transformations, which are generally known under Dai Vernon's title, Spellbound. This is a classic effect, one that should be in the repertoire of all close-up magicians.   Christian Painter offers a review of the new Teller/Todd Robbins New York play Play Dead. Christian writes, "If you are a mystery performer, you owe it to yourself to watch this show."   Tom Ewing writes about Nicola (with a beautiful accompanying poster) in the Nielsen Gallery.   The Balloon Guys are back with a delightful model that's perfect for the snowy season we're in the middle of. It's a penguin, and it's really cute and simple to make.   Bill Duncan and the staff of Informed Opinion give you the lowdown (ten pages worth) on the recent products released to the magic marketplace.   Plus more great columns from Nathan Kranzo, George Schindler, Larry Hass, Aldo Colombini, and Rod Danilewicz.   All this and more is available to members of The Society of American Magicians in the January 2011 M-U-M. Membership information is available at www.magicsam.com.   -------------------------------------------- 12. Trouble-Wit -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler (US)   Last week's post on Trouble-Wit reminded many magicians about this unusual device one of the oldest in magic which is still being used. The pleated paper origami-like prop had long been unavailable since Jim Reilly of New Zealand retired.   Others have taken up the task of recreating it and there are dealers who still have them for sale. My Show-Biz company distributes them to many dealers such as Abbotts Magic, Morrissey in Canada, Stoner in Indiana and others.   Andrew Pinard custom makes them as well. The late Pat Page did an excellent video on it and there are a few good books available. For those not familiar with it, a ten or twelve inch stiff pleated paper is folded by the performer making dozens of shapes and designs.   The first English reference to this was in 1656 and later cited in a book in 1700 by someone named Kenneway. Stanyon sold these in 1905. David Devant popularized it according to Houdini it was used by Trewey - A monk named Pre Mathieu introduced it in France as Trouble-Wit. In more recent times it was performed by Jay Marshall, Tom Ogden, Frank Herman and Bill Ragsdale who reminded us that it is still an entertaining tool for magicians.   -------------------------------------------- 13. FISM Oceania - Entries Now Open -------------------------------------------- Message by Tim Ellis (Australia)   Entries are now being accepted for the first ever FISM Oceania Championships.   To be held in Melbourne, Australia from July 5-9, 2011, the Championships will offer two prizes:   Oceania Champion of Close Up Magic Oceania Champion of Stage Magic   Both winners will receive sponsored entry to FISM 2012 in Blackpool, England, including convention registration, competition entry fee, and return airfares to London.   Details can be found at http://fismoceania.com/oceania-championships/   Entry forms can be downloaded here: http://fismoceania.com/oceania-championships/how-to-enter/   -------------------------------------------- 14. Teller's & Tobbins Show - Now Running Off-Broadway -------------------------------------------- Message by Teller (US)   Some info on the show Todd Robbins and I created in NY, now running off-Broadway:   www.playdeadnyc.com   -------------------------------------------- 15. The Magic Event Of 2011! -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Stone   I just wanted to let you and your readers know that I will be releasing full details next week of what I believe will be THE Magic Event of 2011!   I can tell you that it is NOT a Magic Convention.   Taking place in London on 18th and 19th September, it will be a completely unique and one time only event, which will undoubtedly become part of Magic history.   Keep the dates free if you can, this will never happen again!   Watch this space!   -------------------------------------------- 16. Kapital KIDvention -------------------------------------------- Message by David Ginn (US)   David Ginn will make his first appearance at the Kapital KIDvention Jan. 27-30 in Washington DC. During his Audience Participation Magic lecture, David will not only pull a rabbit out of a hat, but he will also present his No Mess Cake Bake routine for the first time in 10 years. Yes, his animated sheepdog Sherlock Bones will appear in his Comedy Magic lecture to the delight of young and old alike!   Check the website for all the great presenters at the Kapital KIDvention! http://www.kapitalkidvention.com/   -------------------------------------------- 17. Magic at the Beach 2011 -------------------------------------------- Message by Mike Heidtman   Happy New Year to you all from Magic At The Beach !!   If you haven't already, now is the time to register for South Carolina's Premiere Magic Convention, Magic At The Beach 2011. What would be a better way to start the New Year than a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the 2011 Magic at the Beach Convention, January 20 - 22, 2011?   By mail, phone, and internet, the registrations are coming in everyday. Could it be the great line-up of talent? Or maybe the amazing venue? Maybe it's the diverse Dealer's Room? Or possibly the fact that it's one of the most affordable weekend conventions ever offered?   Whatever your reason may be we want to encourage those of you that haven't registered yet to do so. Check out our website at www.MagicAtTheBeach.org for all the latest information including a newly added highlights video from MATB2010.   We at MATB2011 are committed to bringing you the best event that we possibly can. If you have any questions feel free to shoot us an email or you're welcome to reach us at the office between the hours of 10:00am until 9:00pm EST at the contact number provided on the website.   Parties, shows, workshops, lectures, contests, great dealers and more. Meet new friends and revisit with old friends - they are all going to Magic at the Beach 2011. This is one of the most affordable conventions ever with all room rates $49/US a night and all rooms are ocean front.   Ocean Dunes Resort and Conference Center, 75th Ave. North and the ocean, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA, January 20 - 22, 2011.   The public show, "Champions of Magic", Saturday, January 22nd at 7:30PM will be at the beautiful Gilmore Auditorium, Home of the Carolina Opry. This show is a benefit for the Children's Museum of South Carolina. Your registration also includes a premium, reserved seat for this show.   Topas, Shoot Ogawa, Jay Sankey, Levent, Charlie Frye & Company, Christian & Katalina, Nathan Kranzo, Chris Capehart, Brandon Wagster and Coney Island Chris are ready for Magic At The Beach - are you?   Sure you are ... see you soon at MATB2011.   Mike Heidtman, Director MATB2011   www.MagicAtTheBeach.org info@magciatthebeach.org   -------------------------------------------- 18. Armando Lucero's Visit to Melbourne -------------------------------------------- Message by Charles Gauci President ASM Melbourne   Sorry for the delay in reporting this, but you know it happened at the busiest time of the year. Those who attended his lecture were not disappointed. He is without doubt the greatest exponent of close-up magic in the world today.   Four people attended his Pasteboard Devices. One came from China for both workshops. The other from New Zealand plus some locals.   Three people attended the Coin Menagerie workshop.   It was nice of him to come to our Christmas break-up meeting and very generously performed and killed everyone. Do not take my word for it, here's a sample of some of the e-mails I received from those attending his workshops.   I recently attended Armando's five day "Coin Menagerie" workshop and found it to be one of the most exciting, inspiring, and informative five days that I have ever experienced in magic. During the course of the five days we learnt his incredible five phase matrix routine, all the moves, all the misdirection, and all the choreography. Armando leaves nothing out, and he is an excellent and very patient teacher.   But we also learnt much more, we began to absorb Armando's philosophy on magic, and to understand how he structures his routines to create an emotional experience so strong, that people sometimes shed tears of joy after witnessing his performances. Dai Vernon said that most magicians stop thinking too soon. Well, Armando NEVER stops thinking about his routines. They are gems which he continues to polish and refine on a daily basis. His workshops, quite simply, are superb. I recommend them unreservedly to any serious student of magic. David Jones,   ************************ I had a brilliant time at the workshop, and enjoyed every minute spent learning from such a master of magic. Armando's creativity, thinking, and passion for the craft is evident in every single detail of his magic, and whenever he performs, it is clear that people watching know they are witnessing something truly unique.   Quite simply, the lessons I have taken away with me from the workshop have changed my approach to magic forever.   Greg Chapman   ************************ I watched Armando on a TV clip in December and had no idea that a few days later I would be sitting directly opposite this masterly magician at the Christmas meeting of the Australian Society of Magicians. At the end of the evening programme Armando produced an impromptu performance of card and coin magic right under my nose and soon I was surrounded by most of the club members, all agog. We were simply amazed at the 'impossible' sleights and movements as cards and coins appeared, moved and disappeared with apparently no effort. Although I am not a close-up magician I have promised myself that when he returns to Australia to run more workshops I will be first in the queue to secure a place.   Brian Pleasants   ************************ Here are my thoughts after completing the workshop:   Art that truly transports people is a gift. For me, it happens most often in music, poetry and occasionally film. Rarely do I feel transported in watching "magic" - entertained, yes; puzzled as to a new technique, yes; appreciative of a person's hard work, yes. Absolutely. But not transported. Armando's magic is the exception. It is truly art, and, simply, is an experience that I will never forget. If I had spent 2 days with Picasso in "Paintbrush Devices" or Monet in "Monet Menageries", I would be getting close to the experience of Armando's lecture and workshop. Even when the paintbrush types are explained, the brushstrokes and techniques detailed and repeated, in slow motion from all angles, it still remains a mystery and inspiration as to how the beautiful rendition was achieved. Even when it is explained we are left with the sensation of the closest thing to magic we are ever likely to experience. It was and is perfect   Thank you for all your support in making Armando's visit possible.   Richard Jones.   All I can say is, if Armando ever heads your way, "Don't walk, Run."   -------------------------------------------- 19. Sharing Accommodation - World Magic Seminar -------------------------------------------- Message by Andrew Gill   I am speaking to you in the hope you may know of anyone who is going to be attending the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas at the end of February.   I am wishing to attend the seminar and have also been accepted for the Teen weekend and to compete in the competition, but I have to stay at the Orleans Hotel which requires a room booked by a person over 21, of which I am only 19.   I am trying to find someone who can have the room booked in their name obviously of which I would still pay for.   If you don't know anyone, would you be able to put a small section in your next news letter asking for anyone who is attending the WMS and who could help.   Kind Regards   Andrew Gill www.agillmagic.com   -------------------------------------------- 20. "Kidzone" Show January 15 in New York -------------------------------------------- Message from George Schindler (US)   If you will be in the New York City NEW vicinity you are invited to the "KidZone" great magic benefit show where young magicians who range in age from 9 to 16 will mystify and astonish you. Members of SYM #69 had an audience of adult magicians applauding madly while shaking their heads in disbelief at their last show in December.   This performance is a fundraiser for "KidZone", a closed circuit TV studio wholly devoted to producing entertainment for Mount Sinai's pediatric patients. It's the only such show in the U.S.   The show is at 1pm, Saturday, January 15, 2011. It will be held in the Goldwurm auditorium at Mount Sinai hospital's Icahn Research building, 98th St. and Madison Ave. in New York City,   Tickets are only $10.00 each. An outstanding entertainment bargain.  To reserve E-mail Albert Lasher at ACLASHER @aol.com or phone (212-280-2703)   You can pay at the door. If you're driving, the hospital has a low cost, indoor garage around the corner on 99th St., between Madison and Park Avenues in New York City.   -------------------------------------------- 21. Teen Weekend and Teen Competition -------------------------------------------- Message from Bob Rossi   There are still a few spaces left for our Teen Weekend and Teen Competition. The classes begin during the weekend just prior to the opening of the World Magic Seminar. Details are on our website at www.theworldmagicseminar.com   The Teen Weekend is absolutely free to any teen registrant of the World Magic Seminar and consists of a weekend of intensive study of the art of magic. Headed by Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger this is an event that is attended by teens from around the world. Many of the greats of magic either lecture or drop in to say hello and answer questions from the teens. A pizza party at Lance Burton's home culminates the weekend and usually found in attendance are Johnny Thompson, Fielding West, Criss Angel, Mac King and a host of other magicians.   The Teen Competition is headed by Nick Saint-Erne and a jury of well known magicians score the teens who are in competition for cash prizes and a chance to perform on our Awards show and mingle with some of the greats of magic including Siegfried and Roy, Lance Burton and a host of other magical greats.   It is urged that any teen wishing to attend register for the WMS and Teen Weekend now as space for the Teen Weekend is very limited. Teen must be accompanied by an adult who is also registered for the WMS and staying at the Orleans hotel. Bob Rossi   -------------------------------------------- 22. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.watson.co.nz/fezine.html   When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are Coded, e.g. 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)   -------------------------------------------- 23. 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.magicnewzealand.com   Magic New Zealand® E-zine is published each Sunday.   The opinions expressed therein are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Magic New Zealand®. Neither Magic New Zealand® nor Alan Watson vouch for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other information reported via Magic New Zealand® E-zine.   Subscribers to this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree they will not hold Magic New Zealand® or Alan Watson, jointly or individually liable or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed therein.   Magic New Zealand® reserves the right to alter, correct or disregard any articles submitted.   Readers are encouraged to submit timely articles or news items which may be of interest to subscribers. By submitting articles to this e-zine, the authors grant Magic New Zealand® the right to publish such articles and such authors confirm their copyright of the material submitted.   All works published by Magic New Zealand® are protected by international copyright legislation and articles must not be published for profit by anyone other than the individual authors without the written permission of Magic New Zealand®.   Notwithstanding the foregoing, this publication may be freely redistributed, but not sold, to other magicians if copied in its entirety, including the copyright notice below and the above disclaimer.   © Copyright 2011 Alan Watson