* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Magic New Zealand * Proudly sponsored by International Entertainment * www.magicnewzealand.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Issue Number: #885 Date: Sunday 18th December 2011 Editor: Alan Watson www.watson.co.nz E-mail: editor@magicnewzealand.com ================================ Hi here is the latest news ================================ 1. Editor's Message 2. Martin Breese Back In Hospital 3. Jerry Andrus's "Castle Of Chaos" 4. Remarkable Magic. #14 - Nick Lewin 5. Flying Carpet/Chair Suspension Tips - #238 - Kyle Peron 6. Tony Brook in Conversation with Ray Parker #6 7. Scholarships to Improve Magic Ability 8. Survival Guide for Magicians 9. Four Original New Silk Designs 10. The Mandala - Special Offer for Magic New Zealand Readers! 11. 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2012 12. e-zine Archives 13. Privacy Policy and Copyright Notice -------------------------------------------- 1. Editor's Message -------------------------------------------- We will be taking a break over the Christmas period and spending time with the family and the next issue of Magic New Zealand will be coming out on 1st January 2012. If something of major importance happens in the magic world before then I will email it out as a News Flash. For all those who celebrate Christmas Michele and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our regular writers Nick Lewin, Kyle Peron and Tony Brook for their major contributions every week in helping make Magic New Zealand the success it has become all over the world. -------------------------------------------- Had a ring from Michael Woolf, Editor of New Zealand Magicana magazine who is still recovering from his operation saying that he was really touched by the amount of kind messages, cards and letters he has received which he found very uplifting. In time he will respond personally to all the messages and thanks you all for your kind thoughts. Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line: Editor@MagicNewZealand.com -------------------------------------------- 2. Martin Breese Back In Hospital --------------------------------------------- Message by Martin Breese (UK) Martin Breese is back in hospital and he only had a short period of remission before his leukemia returned. He has now had a further two courses of chemotherapy and is praying to get home for Christmas. His wife Pang from Thailand spends most of her time in the hospital and as a Buddhist has never experienced Christmas as Martin was in hospital last Christmas as well. Martin's web site-based magic business booms as always and his neighbor and friend, John gets the orders out each day. Any messages to Martin, Martin can pick up on his iPhone: mbreese999@aol.com His replies are brief for obvious reasons. Some clients who normally receive Martin's newsletters seem not to receive every issue. If you normally receive it and it has suddenly stopped please let Martin know and he will take it up with the company who handles the email newsletter distribution. If you normally receive the newsletters and they have stopped email Martin and he will sort it but do not expect a reply but you will get action. Martin has had an eventful 2011 and got day release from the hospital for the day to marry his beloved Pang in February and on the 8th of December, Anthea his first wife and the mother of his two talented children passed away after suffering lung cancer for exactly one year. The Jamie Breese who is frequently seen on TV shows relating to antiques and collectibles and who has had a column in the UK Sunday Mirror newspaper for more than ten years is Martin's son. Martin has the will to live and will be back in action ASAP. ------------------------------------------- 3. Jerry Andrus's "Castle Of Chaos" -------------------------------------------- Message by Michael S. Roth Society of American Magicians Regional Vice President We are sending greetings and thanks to those of you who took time and contributed letters, funds and testimony to support placing Jerry Andrus's "Castle of Chaos" on the National Register of Historic Homes. Research by the committee working on the project point to this being the first known magician's home to be so recognized in America. The building has been lovingly restored by the new owners. The house is also now on the list of historic Albany homes and was on tour this past weekend. Testimony from a host of magicians was instrumental in securing the home on the historic register and in linking Jerry's legacy to the property. Jerry's older brother, George Andrus, now 96 years young, was on hand for part of the tour. A running slide show underscored the monumental task of restoring the aging "castle" as well as images showcasing highlights from Jerry's career as a magician and skeptic were on display. New owners Emma and Jacho Eaton are planning on having a special open house and BBQ in July 2012 for all magicians who can attend. Those who do attend can expect to see the "Box Impossible" and some of Jerry's illusions at the BBQ. The full article on the recent tour and pictures from the article about the restoration project which appeared in the local newspaper can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/7kucdcz or at http://www.gazettetimes.com/lifestyles/a-key-addition-to-holiday-tour/article_cc782096-1d72-11e1-b354-0019bb2963f4.html -------------------------------------------- 4. Remarkable Magic. #14 - Nick Lewin -------------------------------------------- Message by Nick Lewin (US) A few more disasters and pleasant surprises. I am almost winding up a seemingly never-ending tour for the year. It begins again next year though (actually on the 29th of December!) so I want to write a brief column this week to tie together a few odd points and stories. I got a couple of great emails about disasters that have happened to some fellow performers. One of my favorite's came from Martin Saunders in England, Martin is the manager of the brilliant quick-change artists, David and Dania. If you haven't seen David and Dania's act then you really need to do so. They are more magical than most 'pure' magic acts. Martin was performing in South Africa in front of 300 Sugar Farmers. He performed the Bra trick with a much different reaction to the one that our editor Alan received with the 'flashing' that his audience received. Martin was performing the trick with a guy instead of a girl assisting him, a nice twist that doesn't telegraph the finish, certainly not in this case... At the conclusion of the effect, the lights went out, not for the entire audience but just for Martin. His assistant decked him! By the time he came to he was alone on the stage and instantly eliminated the effect from his repertoire. You can't mess with a burly Boer, a great story Martin! Keep up the good work with David and Dania---they seem destined to become international stars in my book. I had another note from Michael Aslan, with a story that really tickled me. Recently he was enquiring about the available sound system at an upcoming gig and was assured that the venue had an adequate and up to date sound system for his show. Upon arrival he discovered that it was an 8-track player! They assured him they normally had a converter plug so you could play cassettes through it, however they had lost the converter and lead-----did it matter! I really loved that story and could just see it happening. I recently reviewed in these pages the new book 'Al Koran; The Unique Years.' Actually, it was more of a rave than a review and subsequent readings of the PDF have only made me more enthusiastic in my appreciation. I just received my 'hard copy' of the book and it is a superb publication of a wonderful book. As everything that seems to be released by Martin Breese, the quality of the material and the quality of its manufacture seem to be way above any standard that you normally find. I am personally and professionally grateful to Martin for his re-examining and completion of the written legacy of the great Al Koran, indispensable reading for serious mentalists and magicians alike. Check it out at his website www.abracadabra.co.uk Another great magical surprise was the release of Carl Andrew's new iPhone App, 'True Lies.' It is another very fine addition to his long line of digital magic for us Apple fans! This is a smart and effective piece of magic that is a steal at the price and deserves the real estate space on any magician's smart phone. He keeps topping himself, and this trick along with his 'No Freakin' Way,' are at the top of my impromptu trick list. Check it out in iTunes. I am writing a full article (with a few photos) detailing Andrew's dual career as a live magician and a digital creator, for Magicana magazine. You do subscribe to Magicana don't you? If not you should, it is a great magical read and maybe it should be on your Christmas wish list! Email me at nicklewin1@mac.com -------------------------------------------- 5. Flying Carpet/Chair Suspension Tips - #238 - Kyle Peron -------------------------------------------- Message by Kyle Peron (US) magic4u02@aol.com http://www.kyleandkellymagic.com I received this question the other day and felt it is probably a situation that affects many of us. I wanted to address it here in the hopes that my information, tips and techniques may help you as well. Question: "I was just after any advice people would like to share while performing the Flying Carpet or Chair Suspension Illusion. Best way to get the child on as it is quite high, avoiding movement when child gets on and off." First I would like to say that this is a great question. It happens to a lot of entertainers and this key element alone can make or break a great performance of either illusion. I would start by utilizing a small step stool in the front of the illusion. This way it makes getting on and off very easy for the child and easier for you. As the child step up on the stool, they then turn to face the audience. They usually can just sit down on the illusion. As they sit, hold on to the back part of the illusion for added support as your hand (closest to the audience) guides and helps the child up. If the child is too small and cannot easily sit on the illusion with the usage of the step stool, then have them come and stand on the stool. Than ask them to hold their arms out straight to the side. This is to help them imagine they are like an airplane and lighter than air. Then at this point ASK if it is ok for you to help the child up. I always ask as you never want to touch a child without permission first. They will say yes and then I reach under the arms (since they have them out any ways, and I gently lift them up and down onto the illusion. The key is to take this in parts or steps and do not rush it. Rushing it only makes the child nervous and causes too much movement. So I would always do this in a few key moves: - have the child stand on stool - have them place arms out to side and imagine they are an airplane and lighter than air. - have them sit down on the illusion facing audience and feet still hanging down. If they cannot sit easily, then ask them if you can assist them. - as they sit, hold onto the back of the illusion for stability - when they are seated, then ask them to bring their legs up one at a time and sit criss cross applesauce. - remove the stool once they are seated properly. - reverse the process at the end. This usually works very well and allows the child to trust you and gives you a much easier and better looking presentation. As always, as you are doing this, watch the child, if the child becomes nervous or scared, then you must be willing to handle it and not force the child. If a child gets too scared or nervous, I have them stand there and I make them the magician. I bring up another child (older) to do the trick and the first child becomes the magician that makes the magic happen. This way everyone ends up looking like a star and no one's feelings are hurt in the process. Hope this helps. Although I do the chair suspension a lot, these steps work ideal for the flying carpet illusion also. I cover off on a lot of this information and more in my chair suspension eBook available at www.kpmagicproducts.com. 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. - "Blue and Gold! The Complete Guide to Working The Scout Market!" is now available as a soft cover printed book as well as an eBook download. http://kpmagicproducts.com/Blue_and_Gold.html - "Encore! Creativity in the Art of Magic" EBook. Order online now at: http://kpmagicproducts.com/Encore.html - "Tips and Techniques on the Chair Suspension" EBook. Order online now at: http://kpmagicproducts.com/Chairs.html -------------------------------------------- 6. Tony Brook In Conversation With Ray Parker #6 -------------------------------------------- Message by Anthony Darkstone Brook - Europe/USA ADB: Reads like a movie script. What a wealth of talent and experience. So tell us about the early years in Canada. RP: Thank you Tony for your kind words. My first job in Canada was singing in a restaurant with an organ and violinist accompaniment but soon I was getting work with Off the Record. In 1966 two things happened that really kicked off my Canadian career. I got my first acting role in a TV series called Magistrate's Court as a car thief . I also formed a show based on the British pub show format that worked very well for a North American audience which I named The Carnaby Crowd. This show has changed over the years and is now called British Music Hall, Palace of Varieties. In 1968 I went full time pro and toured as emcee, vocalist with a 4 piece band and comedian for an hypnotist show. The show opened on Vancouver Island that part of the tour concluded in a 10 day run at the McPherson Theatre. Then the financial backer fell out with the hypnotist and withdrew funding. The show was downsized, the band let go. Being under a 5 year contract I continued with the tour. Finally in Dawson Creek after being owed 6 weeks wages I was able to cancel my contract. I returned to Vancouver and resumed booking myself in night clubs, Legions, etc. ADB: This is when you love of characters was born from the necessity to stay in work . RP: Yes Tony. I acquired an agent and soon was fully booked. One specialty being, whenever my agent required a special character, I was always able to provide it. I became an old prospector, a town crier, a secret agent disguised as an Arab named Ali Kadabra, a financial advisor, a river boat gambler, the oldest Canadian postie, etc. ADB: Your background in stunts and falls helped too. RP: Yes it did. It was during this time I incorporated a stunt in which I fell off the stage during the act, using my acrobatic skills, appeared to trip summersault and land on my back. I did this for many years, even on a Variety Club telethon, when host Ronnie Prophet, told the audience that I had been doing it at a venue he was working, to raise donations for the telethon. He asked me if I was prepared to do it off the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Theater from an extension built over the orchestra pit. It was the highest distance I had ever done that fall and required me to angle the fall, to miss the front row of the audience, but I agreed on the condition viewers sent in donations. I was fortunate everything went well and I pulled it off. ADB: You are well known for your one-liners which now have a great following on Facebook - myself included. Where does the inspiration come from? RP: Various sources but mostly from a keen observance of human nature. I am at the stage of my Life when I truly can see the humor in most things. I am also a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. That helps. However, it is a separate part of my Life. I do not perform stage hypnosis. End of Part 6 -------------------------------------------- 7. Scholarships to Improve Magic Ability -------------------------------------------- Message by Warren J. Kaps For further information contact: Warren J. Kaps Hackensack, NJ 07601 Tel.: 201-489-5277 Fax: 201-489-0477 E-mail: kapsmagic@optimum.net Scholarships to Improve Magic Ability The Magic Endowment Fund is providing scholarships to youngsters between the ages of 12 to 18 years to attend Magic Camp at either Bryn Mawr College, in Pennsylvania or Halliburton, Ontario, Canada. The Magic Endowment Fund is proud to offer the scholarships which it has done for the past 20 years. Involvement in the magical arts not only makes a crucial difference in the lives of youngsters during their formative years, it develops character and good traits and combats juvenile delinquency. Applications are now being accepted for the 2012 Summer season for full tuition scholarships plus travel expenses to attend magic camp at either Tannen's Magic Camp at their location in Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania for the week of July 7 to July 14, 2012, or the Sorcerer's Summer Safari located near Toronto in Halliburton, Ontario, Canada, for the week of August 28 to September 2, 2012. Both camps are wonderful places for youngsters to learn new skills, improve their performance abilities and make new friends with similar interests. The campers study under some of the leading professionals, receive helpful critiques of their performance ability and attend classes which improve their skills. All candidates must demonstrate existing talent and dedication to achieve improved magical performances and skills. Applications may be obtained by writing to the S.A.M. Magic Endowment Fund, Suite 39, 15 Warren Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. A copy of the application and instructions may also be downloaded from the S.A.M. website, www.magicsam.com and then click on "Special Programs" or by e-mail, stating your mailing address, to warren@kapsbarto.com. The deadline for receipt of applications is May 15, 2012 -------------------------------------------- 8. Survival Guide for Magicians -------------------------------------------- Message by Paul Romhany (NZ) Calling all magicians - I am currently working on a new book which will be tips and advice from other magicians. The book is all about surviving gigs from close-up, birthday parties, and comedy clubs to stage shows. We have a long list of wonderful contributors but I'd like to include as many magicians from around the world as possible and make it One Big Book!! For example - in one year while performing around the world the airlines lost my luggage (or misplaced it) 14 times - I had to improvise and still perform a full 50 minute show. By the end of the year I was able to carry this 2nd show in my backpack and was ready to go. In the book I'll talk about the act and the props I found to do it. I am looking for any advice or tips performers have they would like to share - as well as stories and how you overcame 'issues'. I would love to hear from everybody. If your contribution makes it in the book then I will be sending you a copy once it's complete. Send articles to info@paulromhany.com ------------------------------------------- 9. Four Original New Silk Designs -------------------------------------------- Message by David Ginn (US) David Ginn USA announces four original New Silk Designs made by Goshman/Ginn in his December issue of Autumn's Leaflet, which can be viewed at: http://www.ginnmagic.com/December2011.html There are other surprises including new magic and DVDs, plus a free DVD offer good until January 15, 2012. If this link does not take you directly to the newsletter, go to www.ginnmagic.com (homepage) and click on Latest News. You might also check out the specials on the homepage, good until years end 2011. David wishes all magic and clown friends worldwide a Very Merry Christmas! ------------------------------------------- 10. The Mandala - Special Offer for Magic New Zealand Readers! -------------------------------------------- Message by Shawn McMaster Magic's hottest new magazine is also magic's first all-digital magazine. "The Mandala" offers compelling reading told in a straightforward and edgy style not found in most magic magazines, coupled with contributions and columns from some of magic's top names! "The Mandala" is committed to relevant, timely, and frank reporting covering topics and personalities that should matter to you.only you might not yet know it. A number of "The Mandala's" articles and essays have been picked up and reprinted in publications like MAGIC and Genii, but you can read them FIRST by subscribing to the original source. Don't Miss Another Issue. Subscribe Today And Take Advantage Of This Special Offer: Use this link http://themandalamag.com/subscribe-mnz.html to subscribe and not only will you receive our most current issue featuring a cover story about Jon Armstrong's new comic book venture being released in March, but we will also send you Volume One, Issue One (featuring our now infamous Charlotte Pendragon interview) and Volume One, Issue Two (featuring Doc Eason and excerpts from his upcoming book) for Absolutely Free. Don't wait! This offer is limited so subscribe today! http://themandalamag.com/subscribe-mnz.html "The Mandala" Magic with an attitude. -------- Shawn McMaster Conjured-Up Creations P.O. Box 973 Newbury Park, CA 91319 (805) 480-0703 (Office) (805) 990-0600 (Cell) www.conjuredupcreations.com www.themandalamag.com -------------------------------------------- 11. 31st New Zealand International Magicians Convention 2012 -------------------------------------------- Labour Weekend 2012 (19 October to 22 October 2012) in Christchurch, New Zealand We have four headliners confirmed Nick Lewin, Mark Mason and Ken Scott. Convention registration is now open and you can download it from http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7578/registration%20form.pdf Competition forms can be downloaded from http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7515/competitions%20.pdf For full information go to: http://www.ibmring160.com/media/7626/christchurch%20nz%20labour%20weekend.pdf -------------------------------------------- 12. e-zine Archives -------------------------------------------- Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to: www.magicnewzealand.com click on the red button center right "Archives" When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order in folders for each year 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) -------------------------------------------- 13. 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 and statements 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 or statements contained 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 www.magicnewzealand.com www.facebook.com/magicnewzealandnewsflash http://twitter.com/#!/magicnewzealand www.watson.co.nz www.corporatemagic.co.nz www.magician.co.nz www.magicianz.com www.balloon-twister.co.nz