AUGUST 2013

Michael Goudeau: The Best Friend A Magician Could Have Page 36

MAGIC - UN ITY - MIGHT Editor Michael Close Editor Emeritus David Goodsell Associate Editor W.S. Duncan Proofreader & Copy Editor Lindsay Smith Art Director Lisa Close Publisher Society of American Magicians, 6838 N. Alpine Dr. Parker, CO 80134 Copyright © 2012

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4 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 M-U-M AUGUST 2013 Magazine Volume 103 • Number 3

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S.A.M. NEWS 6 From the Editor’s Desk 8 From the President’s Desk 11 M-U-M Assembly News 24 Broken Wands 27 cover story page 36 25 Good Cheer List 69 Photo Contest Winner Photo by Bret Sohl 69 Our Advertisers

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES 27 Tech Tricks • by Bruce Kalver 28 The High Road • by Mick Ayres 30 Nielsen Gallery • by Tom Ewing 32 I Left My Cards at Home • by Steve Marshall 34 Focus on Funny • by Norm Barnhart 36 COVER STORY 46 Illusions of Grandeur • by David Seebach 48 Stage 101 • by Levent 50 Ebook Nook: The Vernon Chronicles Vol. 1 54 54 On the Shoulders of Giants • by Scott Alexander 58 Building a Show • by Larry Hass 60 Informed Opinion • New Product Reviews 68 Salon de Magie • by Ken Klosterman 69 Inside Straight • by Norman Beck 70 The Dean’s Diary • by 70 Basil the Baffling • by Alan Wassilak

Cover Photo by Rob Kaz

M-U-M (ISSN 00475300 USPS 323580) is published monthly for $40 per year by The Society of American Magicians, 6838 N. Alpine Dr., Parker, CO 80134 . Periodical postage paid at Parker, CO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to M-U-M, c/o Manon Rodriguez, P.O. Box 505, Parker, CO 80134.

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 5 of Magic.” The idea was to update Ted Annemann’s Five-foot Shelf of Magic, which was published in The Jinx in May of 1935 and which Annemann described as “a working library on the art of mystifying.” In September 2012, Matt wrote to twenty-three members of The Magic Circle, asking them for help in compiling Editor’s Desk a similar list. The list was not to be “my ten favorite magic Michael Close books,” but rather “books that would give an overall grounding in magic as a whole.” Here is that list of books: – The (now 8 volumes), You may be wondering why there is a juggler on the cover of Edwin Sachs – , Maskelyne and Devant – Our a magic magazine this month. The answer is simple: This is no Magic, Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin – The Secrets of Conjuring ordinary juggler. Not only was Michael Goudeau a major part of and Magic, – Mastering the Art of Magic, J.B. ’s Las Vegas shows at the Hacienda and the Monte Bobo – The New Modern , Henry Hay – The Amateur Carlo for almost twenty years, he has been (and continues to be) Magician’s Handbook, Bruce Elliott – Magic Made Easy, Tony a writer, consultant, and all-around go-to guy for many of the top Corinda – 13 Steps to , Jean Hugard and Frederick magicians in the world, including Penn & Teller. Braue – The Royal Road to Card Magic, John Northern Hilliard Over the years I have spent time at Michael’s home, enjoying ‒ Greater Magic, Various ‒ Stars of Magic, Milbourne Christo- the company of him and his family (and especially enjoying his pher ‒ The Illustrated History of Magic, Dr. Edwin A. Dawes ‒ marvelous cooking). I have worked with him on various writing The Great Illusionists, John Fisher ‒ and the Story projects; I have had him hand my butt to me in games of ping of Magic, Hyla Clark ‒ The World’s Greatest Magic, Paul Curry pong at ’s house. And I have seen him remain cool, ‒ Magicians’ Magic, ‒ The Mark Wilson Course calm, collected, and cheerful in the most stressful of situations. in Magic, ‒ The Book of Magic, Dr. He is a remarkable human being. Edwin A. Dawes and Michael Bailey ‒ Circle Without End, Lisa, Ava, and I saw Michael perform during the Christmas ‒ Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic, Patrick season last year as he traveled through Canada as part of the Page ‒ The Big Book of Magic, Henning Nelms ‒ Magic and Murray Hatfield tour. Although he was hobbling slightly (right Showmanship, ‒ Hiding the Elephant, Ken after the tour ended Michael had hip replacement surgery), his Weber ‒ Maximum Entertainment, ‒ Seriously Silly, act was as fresh and funny as ever. We caught up at dinner after ‒ The Five Points in Magic, and the show, and as we chatted it occurred to me that Michael would Stephen Minch ‒ The Books of Wonder Vols. 1 and 2. be the perfect cover subject for M-U-M. Just before the S.A.M. I’m reprinting Matt’s list here because not everyone will agree convention we spoke via Skype. You’ll find my interview with with the choices on this list and it will thus provide an excellent Michael (and some thoughts from Lance Burton, Penn Jillette, starting point for discussions at your assembly meeting. This list and Mac King) starting on page 36. As you read it, you’ll under- is also a good way to judge your own progress through the world stand why Michael Goudeau is the best friend a magician could of magic. How many of the above books have you read? have. I was very sad to read of the passing of Amos Levkovitch The Close family traveled to Washington, D.C., for the S.A.M. on June 27, 2013, after a long battle with lung cancer. Amos national convention. I had the opportunity to hang out with some performed an exquisite dove act, was twice-awarded Stage old friends, including Denny Haney, Scott Alexander, Stephen Magician of the Year from the , and was simply one Bargatze, Rick Merrill, Levent, Steve Marshall, Bill Herz, Bob of the nicest human beings I have ever met. If you saw his act Sheets, Christian Painter and Katalina, and . I also live, you know that the sight of his recently vanished doves flying had the opportunity to make some new friends at the Under- to him from the back of theater is an image that will never be ground Sessions, which were held in an open-air area just above forgotten. Aloha, Amos. You were the best.  the bar in the hotel. These sessions were very popular and were a great addition to the convention. At the S.A.M. convention it was also my pleasure to present the Leslie Guest Award for Excellence in Writing to Levent for his “Stage 101” columns. Levent gave a very thoughtful accep- tance speech, touching on a topic that is one of my crusades – the importance of leaving a written legacy. He has certainly done that with the material he has generously shared with the compeers of The Society of American Magicians. Coverage of the Washing- ton convention will appear in the September M-U-M. In the July 2013 issue of The Magic Circular, Mathew Field published an article titled, “The Magic Circle Five-foot Shelf

6 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 7 Getting Involved and President’s Desk National Magic Week I wasn’t home from the convention twenty-four hours before Dal Sanders I was doing the thing the S.A.M. does best, giving back to the community. This year members of the (Assembly 13) are volunteering their time and talents at the Dallas Wow! The 2013 S.A.M. national conference was fantastic. Advocacy Center. This organization offers assistance and coun- There were so many incredible memories I don’t know where seling to children who have suffered abuse. One of the things we to begin. I enjoyed every minute of this convention, from the are doing is conducting summer magic camps. Led by Dr. Reade Opening Ceremony to the final stage show five days later. I es- Quinton, (Dallas County medical examiner and our assembly pecially enjoyed the late night Underground Magic Sessions, the secretary), the children are learning an art that they may choose Variety Show, and the Comedy show. I also thought that Twist- to pursue for their entire life. The counselors are thrilled when ionary (a variation of Pictionary using balloon sculptures) was we talk about magic secrets, saying it opens the doors for them to great fun. Our convention committee is certainly to be congratu- talk to the children about “good secrets and bad secrets.” Reade lated for a job well done. and I are also planning to work with the Advocacy Center’s coun- Certainly the most noteworthy part of the week was when selors to develop magic scripts and routines that enable them to (now) PNP Chris Bontjes and I laid a wreath at the Tomb of The establish a dialog with the children in their care. This is just one Unknown Soldier. It was a very moving experience that left of the things that Assembly 13 will be doing for National Magic me choked up. I want to thank Chris for including me in that Week (October 25-31). ceremony, and I also want to thank Phil Milstead for setting the As you know, the objective of Magic Week encompasses the whole thing up. spirit of giving. S.A.M. members donate their time and talents We often refer to those who might never experience the wonder of live magic. to our conference as In recent years, the focus has changed from a one-week event to “the world’s friend- a celebration of a year of charity and service. That being said, liest magic conven- a performance of this type during Magic Week might be an tion,” and I believe excellent opportunity to get some media for yourself, this is true. As I’ve your assembly, and the S.A.M. said before, I love We should be planning Magic Week performances right now. magic conventions; Deciding on a performance date, time, and place at your August I generally go to assembly meeting will allow you two months to line up perform- ten or more every ers, organize the show, and contact the news media before show year throughout the time. world. I’m not always It is also important that you let us know what you are doing lecturing or perform- in honor of Magic Week so that we can share your accomplish- ing either, usually I’m ments with compeers around the world. Reporting your activi- just another attendee. ties couldn’t be easier. Just send an email to Jeff Sikora (chair of Rarely do I see the the Magic Week committee) at [email protected]. Please let us camaraderie that I know what you are planning as soon as you decide, so that we Laying the wreath see at the S.A.M. can share your ideas with other compeers. Jeff would also love it annual conference. if you would send him a second email when your performance is In Washington, D.C., I saw the famous, the experts, and the finished, including information like the names of the performers neophytes sharing and enjoying each other’s company in friend- and some pictures from the show. ship and fellowship. I don’t see this everywhere. Many times you If your performance happens to get media attention, let us see the close-up guys hanging with their peers, know. Send us a link to the story so that we can share your success hanging together, and the dealers in another group, while the and inspire your compeers. Be sure to mention the S.A.M. during people who paid to be there are milling around at the periphery your interview – it is a great way to let the public know about wishing that they could be part of the groups. This is just one The Society of American Magicians and it a great opportunity of the things that set The Society of American Magicians apart to showcase your local club, letting those interested in magic from other groups. We call each other “compeers,” a formal know that your assembly is there, ready and willing to accept word whose first definition is “equal” and whose second defini- new members. tion is “companion.” That’s what we are, equal companions. I hope that we display this attitude wherever we travel, not just at our national convention but also at other magic conventions, On the Road the shows we attend or perform, and even our local assemblies. The people who founded this organization were brilliant to call Less than a week after our convention, I got to visit Assembly each other compeers and to charge those who followed them with 138 (the Bruce Chadwick Assembly) in Fort Worth, . This upholding this lofty goal. They made our motto “Magic-Unity- was my first visit as the president of the S.A.M. and I was very Might.” We are brought together by the magic, but we can only touched by the warm reception they gave me. Geoffrey Grimes achieve the might through our unity. wrote a tremendous biography of me in their newsletter, President

8 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 S.A.M. National Officers

Dean: George Schindler, 1735 East 26th St., Brooklyn, NY 11229, (718) 336-0605, Fax (718) 627-1397, [email protected] President: Dal Sanders, 3316 Northaven Rd, Dallas, TX 75229 (214) 902-9200, DalSanders@ StagemMagic.com President Elect: Kenrick “ICE” McDonald, P.O. Box 341034, , CA 90034, (310) 559-8968 [email protected] First Vice President: David Bowers, (717) 414-7574, [email protected] Secretary: Marlene Clark, 274 Church Street, #6B, Guilford, CT 06437, (203) 689-5730, Skype: marlene.clark, [email protected] Treasurer: Eric Lampert, (215) 939-5555, [email protected]

Regional Vice Presidents

New England: CT MA RI NH ME VT Joseph Caulfield (603) 654-6022, [email protected] North Atlantic: NY NJ Eric DeCamps, (718) 896-5861, [email protected] Mid Atlantic: PA DE MD VAWV DC Phil Milstead, (703) 481-5271, [email protected] South Atlantic: FL AL GA MS NC SC Debbie Leifer (404) 630-1120 [email protected] Central Plains: KY TN OH IN MI Jania Taylor, (231)242-8242, [email protected] Midwest: IL MN WI MO ND NE KS SD IA Shaun Rivera, (618) 781-8621 shaun.rivera@ gmail.com South Cental States: TX AR OK NM LA Jeff Lanes, (713)850-1770, [email protected] Southwest: CA AZ NV HI Ron Ishimaru, (808) 428-6019, [email protected] Northwest: WA OR UT ID CO AK WY MT Michael Roth, (503)493-8316, [email protected] Canada: Rod Chow (604) 669-7777 [email protected] Society of Young Magicians Director: Jann Wherry Goodsell, 329 West 1750 North, Orem, Utah 84057 (801) 376-0353. [email protected]

Larry Heil made me an honorary member of the club and Hal Hudgins presented me Living Past with a special badge that has my name and my office in The Society of American National Presidents Magicians. One of the things that makes this different is the fact that this is modeled after a sheriff’s badge. They had been planning this for months and somehow no one Bradley M. Jacobs, Richard L. Gustafson, Roy A. spilled the secret, even though several members of Assembly 138 were at the conven- Snyder, Bruce W. Fletcher, James E. tion in D.C. Zachary, David R. Goodsell, Fr. Cyprian Murray, Michael D. Douglass, George Schindler, Dan August is also going to be very busy. It starts at P.C.A.M. in Southern . Rodriguez, Dan Garrett, Donald F. Oltz Jr., Craig From there I’ll go to the KIDabra Conference in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, followed Dickson, Loren C. Lind, Gary D. Hughes, Harry by MAGIC Live in Las Vegas. Then I go to Orlando for a working conference (yes, Monti, Jann Wherry Goodsell, Warren J. Kaps, I’m still working). The month of travel will be capped off here in Dallas at the annual Ed Thomas, Jay Gorham, John Apperson, Richard Texas Association of Magicians convention (T.A.O.M.) over the Labor Day weekend. M. Dooley, Andy Dallas, Maria Ibáñez, Bruce This year the S.A.M. will have a high profile at T.A.O.M. I can’t tell you more…it’s Kalver, Mike Miller, Mark Weidhaas, Vinny a surprise.  Grosso, J. Christopher Bontjes

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 9 10 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 ASSEMBLY NEWS AUGUST 2013 Volume 103, Number 3 Society of American Magicians Monthly News

Go to: www.mum-magazine.com and use the easy submission form to file your report

coming to an end we turn our ones that were upside down. Rich Horn presented the President’s 1 attention to our after-meeting did a mini-illusion named The Outstanding Service Award in President Magic event. Pencil Without a Middle. A pencil honor of Jerry Remenicky, a.k.a. honored by PA 1 This month we were treated to a was placed into a box. The box’s Professor Rem, to Peter Cuddihy. lecture by the wonderful Albert top was lifted and the sides were A round of applause was then New York, NY— The Magic Callis. So we intently watched the taken off. The pencil’s middle was given to outgoing President Donna Table residing at the Edison Cafe professor as he took us back to the missing. The crowd was shown the Horn for all of her hard work this on 47th Street in Times Square had days of the midway and pitchman box and then the pencil was mys- year as she passed the gavel and lots of visitors this month. Josh selling tonics that could cure what teriously put back together. wand on to incoming President Kane and Max Droges stopped by ails you. It was a historic lecture John Caris did a prediction called Brian Hurlburt. as well as Ronnie Reckseit and his with beautiful bits of magic and Wager, in which a prediction was After the award ceremony, the wife. Albert Callas and I enjoyed insights into this world of “the made as to which coin would be stage show began for which Jeff sharing stories about magic history pitch.” In was in three parts. We left on the table after people made Carson ably served as the masters and his life in magic. The Magic all stayed till the end and had a choices of coins to remove. Lilly of ceremonies. The opening act Table meets for lunch on Fridays great time. —Tom Klem did a trick in which a penny myste- consisted of a beautiful dove at 12:30 in the Edison Cafe. Come Parent Assembly No. 1 meets at riously appeared and reappeared. routine set to contemporary music and join us if you are in town. Mount Sinai Hospital on Madison Ah to be ten again. Safire took a performed by Helene Schad. Our monthly meeting was held Ave, NY, NY. bunch of candies and had Lilly At the conclusion of her perfor- on June 7, 2013, at Mount Sinai choose candies from a pile. Safire mance, Helene enlisted the aid Hospital. After the minutes were 2 had made a prediction as to which of her adorable granddaughter, read and approved by the quorum A Magical Medley one would be left. The color of the Sidney Matthews, in executing a in attendance, committee reports prediction was found on Safire’s colorful Square Circle silk pro- were given. One was a very SAN FRANCISCO, CA— tongue. Bill used a napkin that duction. Following Helene, we complete trustees report by Bruce Present at the June meeting was placed into his right ear and were treated to the magic and Lish outlining the past four years were Stu Bacon, John and Mary then came out of the left. Members comedy of Denny Haney. Denny, of our funds and everything being Caris, Safire, Rich Seguine, Luke and guests enjoyed an evening of whose commitment to the classics in order. It was announced the Perkocha and his young daughter excellent magical entertainment. of magic has been chronicled in workshops that Doug Edwards is Lilly, Dr. John Langdell, Bill —Rich Seguine Scott Alexander’s M-U-M column giving are terrific and all should Langdell, Walt Johnson, and Buzz Golden Gate Assembly 2 meets “On The Shoulders Of Giants: get to one. Lawrence. As we had two new first Wednesday at 8 p.m. at Stage Magic And Theory From With reports finished it was time members visiting, we introduced Community Room of Taraval Denny Haney” over the past for our annual elections; the new each other to the guests and talked Police Station, 2345 24th Avenue, several months, delivered a per- officers were sworn in by President a little about our history in magic. San Francisco. Contact Tamaka formance that baffled, entertained, Richie Magic. David Adamovich Rich lectured about coin tosses [email protected] (415) and made it clear why he is one of (Throwdini) is the new president for Coins through the Table and 531-9332 www.facebook.com/ the top magicians working today. of the Parent Assembly. Then a palming bottle caps for the four groups/249018441875771/ for As an extra added treat, Scott was beautiful plaque was presented caps Matrix. Walt talked about more details. on hand to enjoy and film some of by Throwdini to President Richie rubber bands passing through each Denny’s routines. Magic from the board of directors other. Lilly Perkocha ably assisted 4 for his outstanding year of service him. Walt showed her how to do Annual Banquet to the club and the creation of the the trick. Walt then explained that Featuring Denny Haney Gravesite Restoration Committee he carried blank business cards, and its activities. With the meeting empty on both sides. He tapped PHILADELPHIA, PA— In the card twice and mysteriously June, we held our annual banquet printing appeared on one side. which featured the one and only Buzz Lawrence did a routine in Denny Haney. Following the which he predicted which person cocktail hour during which we had a gold coin that was taken were treated to an array of music by from a purse; he found out which our very own Kurt Garwood, who person had the gold coin. Next, is an exceptional D.J., everyone enjoyed a sumptuous buffet dinner. Buzz had a calculator; he had Denny Haney performing “The spectators put random numbers After dinner S.A.M. National Egg Bag” with the assistance into the machine. They were Historian Tom Ewing handed out of Sherri Lampert (L) and given the choice to hit +/- etc. He the trophies to those individuals Michelle Lampert (R) had made a prior prediction as to who placed first, second, and third what the total would be. Luke did in the close-up and stage contests a card trick where two individu- this year. He then presented the Denny started things off by ally chosen cards were placed into Dick & Joan Gustafson award to performing the classic Torn and a deck at different locations and George Hample for his dedication Restored Newspaper. Next, he Plaque for Richie Magic when the deck was spread, the to Assembly 4 and the art of magic wowed the crowd with his very two chosen cards were the only in general. Thereafter, Donna entertaining take on the Egg Bag,

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 11 Assembly News in which he enlisted the aid of (to him!) ending. The magic long string of jewels that heaped The movie was recently shown as audience members Sherri Lampert continued even after the meeting, up in a pile in front of the stage. a special event in Dallas (which and Michelle Lampert, (the wife and Jeff showed off his newly Donna Roth invited Ryan Thomas raised money for the Dallas Young and daughter of Assembly 4 acquired Animated Alexander to act as a “clucker” in her barnyard Magicians Club), and will soon be Treasurer Eric Lampert). Denny Knows Poster, acquired at auction while she produced an egg from a released to DVD and video-on- performed many fine effects and restored by electronics whiz bag. Of course Ryan couldn’t do it. demand. and ended the evening on a high Joe Harsanyi. —Eric Hoffman Dick Sanders showed us his Book Joe Gold has directed many plays note with Ken Brooke’s wonder- The Kellar/Thurston Assembly of Imagination and turn by turn for the theatre including Dario fully comical Multiplying Bottles 6 meets every first Thursday at showed us how a black-and-white Fo’s The Pope and the Witch and routine. Needless to say, Denny 8:00 pm at the Magic Warehouse, coloring book transformed into OyamO’s A Hopeful Interview Haney was a big hit. Without 11419 Cronridge Drive suite #10 a full-color book with Presto the with Satan. An award-winning question, the 2013 banquet was in Owings Mills, Maryland. rabbit. We had to imagine a carrot magician, Joe also directed one of the best we have ever had. 410-561-0777. Contact Andy that was partially eaten and then Nouveau Magic, which was a —Peter S. Cuddihy [email protected] the finale in which a full-color unique blend of magic, theatre, The James Wobensmith Assembly www.baltimoresam.com for more clown was produced. Jeff Sikora and improvisational comedy. 4 meets the third Thursday at 7:00 details. was the “caboose” and invited Tammy Caplan’s screenplay, 8th p.m. at the Bustleton Memorial Tucker (one of our children in Grade Sucks, was a Nicholl Fel- Post, 810 (American Legion) 9151 7 the audience) to help demonstrate lowship Quarterfinalist as well as Old Newtown Road. Contact: Kid stuff the powers of the “man of steel,” a Script Savvy Screenplay Contest www.sam4.org/ for more details. turning coal into diamonds. He first place winner. She recently for more details. Omaha, NE— Tonight’s had success on the second try. had a recurring role on Showtime’s program was to be our annual He finished with effects using Weeds, and is currently working contest. The theme was “Chil- scarves and then red and yellow as an associate story producer on 6 dren’s Magic.” The rules were loops. While the audience votes History Channel’s Ancient Aliens. KNIFE, FORK the same as those of the Outback were counted we were treated to Joe and Tammy generously took & SPOON NIGHT Steakhouses. The program juggling by Jody Fratelli, plus the time to discuss the making included seven performers color changing silks and coin of Desperate Acts and how the BALTIMORE, MD— Heavy arranged in alphabetical order magic by Dean Walter Graham. reaction to the film is so far. Joe rains from advancing tropical according to height (a la Casey Each performer received a grab discussed how his own experienc- storm Andrea did not keep us from Stengel). The audience included bag of magic recently donated by a es in magic influenced the story in “Knife, Fork & Spoon” night. A invited children. recently deceased local magician. the movie and how it all came to few of us even stuck to the oddball First up was Joyce Chleboun, a The winner of the $50 grand be. theme. Before the meeting started, real competitor. She’s is always prize was the one who laid an egg. The Dallas Magic Club, though, we all viewed the levita- well prepared for our contests. She —Jerry Golmanavich Assembly 13, meets at Theatre tion by Special Head on America’s combined many of the aspects of Assembly 7 meets, usually, on the 166, Crosspointe Community Got Talent and then vigorously children’s magic with an effect third Monday at the Southwest Center in Carrollton, TX every debated the possible method. that included a rabbit, some cards, Church of Christ near 124th St. third Tuesday of the month (see A quick business meeting (electing and chocolate chip cookies. It was and West Center Road, right www.dallasmagic.org for direc- new officers) was followed by our a most clever presentation that across from where Hooters used tions). Contact Reade Quinton raison d’être: to perform magic. concluded with everyone getting to be. Contact jerry golmanavich [email protected] (972) Tony Anastasi kicked things off a chocolate chip cookie and an [email protected] (402) 390-9834 400-0195 www.dallasmagic.org by pulling his punched business Oreo. Next was Steve Cotariu who Contact omahamagicalsociety. for more details. card off of a cord held by a told us about a trip to Scotland to com for more details. spectator, adding his own subtle- see the Loch Ness Monster and ties to this old classic. He followed met Duncan Lennox at his candy 17 with a poker chip color prediction. shop who baffled us with a coin 13 Goodbye For the Mike Schirmer performed an en- vanish and a coin/marshmallow Magic on Television Summer tertaining Chinese flavored Ben transposition. Travis Newcombe Son Bowl routine with a lacquered pulled Josh out the audience to Dallas, TX— Newly elected Springfield, MA— June red bowl, “Chinese meatballs,” help him vanish a Coke bottle and President Derrel Allen welcomed is typically our last meeting of and, of course, a chopstick for produce a glass of the stuff out of the DMC back to Crosspointe after the summer, and we celebrated the wand. Oneil Banks borrowed an “empty” sack. last month’s officer installation with a cake brought in by Vice a $20 bill and used his pocket Pete Petrashek told us the banquet. First order of business President Lenny. We had a smaller knife to show how to double your story about a treasure chest in a was to swear in Brad Ingle, who turnout than usual this month, due money, balance the budget, and castle that started out empty and was unavailable for the banquet, to vacations and the Unknown cut spending. Howard Katz pulled somehow produced silks and a into the Sergeant at Arms position. Magicians’ Conference taking a quarter through a sealed plastic The first portion of the meeting place over the weekend, but we bag (Bag4Life) and followed with was devoted to a discussion about had fun all the same. a smooth silk through cup handle magic on television, hosted by Jeff Pyzocha brought in some of and the self-untying silk. Frank Seltzer and Dal Sanders. his Tenyo collection, and as usual Joe Bruno, our walking ency- This discussion was aimed at the they were impressive. First was clopedia of magic, performed do’s and don’ts of performing Eye of the Idol, in which a plastic an interesting card effect from magic for television or YouTube. head would rotate itself to point the previous month’s M-U-M. The lecture was very detailed and to a named color. Next was Mini- Eric Hoffman did an ESP card informative, covering everything , which is exactly match (Zenvelopes, his favorite from studio lighting and makeup as it sounds. Finally, Jeff showed effect). Our resident to floor directors, time limits, and us Oh No, an odd effect in which cardician, Jeff Eline, performed preparedness. Jeff’s finger was cut in two, shown two card effects, including a Do After this mini-workshop Frank to be separated, but magically as I Do way beyond what we all initiated a Skype interview with restored a moment later. learned as kids. Joe Harsanyi came Joe Tyler Gold and Tammy Caplan, Bob Carroll performed something back to the theme with mental Donna Roth in the barnyard who co-wrote and directed the he doesn’t remember the name of, , with a surprise with Ryan Thomas movie Desperate Acts of Magic. and sort of remembered how to do,

12 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Assembly News but did a nice job with anyway. or was it? one hand to another one at a time. Two cards were shown, and placed Jamie Salinas had Jerry Paul’s Jason Abate had Norm name a 22 together. Somehow, the entire face selected and torn photo predicted card, which proved to be the only 82ND ANNUAL BANQUET of one of the cards vanished and from the beginning. Even the tear red card in an otherwise blue deck. ended up printed on the back of marks appeared to match very (Not sure what this had to do with Los Angeles, CA— The the other card! closely. Marti Stein used Charlie hardware, but we didn’t care; it annual awards and installation Lenny Nadeau performed a four- Dodson to prove a point about was a good trick.) banquet has been a long tradition in person suspension, first having calling 911 numbers. Her variety Norm then showed us Triplets, the Southern California Assembly. volunteers sit in a square, and then of phones at the end was rather in which three washers in his In the early years of the assembly, having them lean back over the amazing. hand vanished, to re-appear at several very formal banquets were legs of the person behind them. Miles Root presented his ring his elbow, knee, and neck. Dan held each year to welcome and One by one Lenny removed their and chain, ring and rope, and then Sclare had two washers of his entertain visiting magicians and chairs, and everyone stayed put large ring routine. Jerry Paul had own, and placed one in Barbara as social events for members, their like a scene out of The Matrix! America call out a card, which Scully’s hand. Dan made the hole wives, and guests. The annual Rich Pinsonnault performed the was then revealed to be the same in his washer disappear and when installation banquet, then as it is Whole Deck, a wonderful new one as Jerry had placed on the Barbara opened her hand, her now, was a time to install newly- effect in which a sticker placed on table earlier. Johan McElroy used washer had two holes. elected assembly officers and to a card to make it look like a hole some quick finger maneuvers to recognize members for outstand- is going through it somehow turns deceive guest David Coffey into ing accomplishments and service into a real hole in the selection. knowing what two cards he had to magic and to the sssembly. This Then, the hole itself is pulled off in his hand. Shane Wilson had year marked the 82nd anniversary the selection and into the deck, Gene Protas help out in a gentle- of Assembly 22. which is then shown to have a hole man’s game cards, which ended up John Engman, president of the running through the whole thing. showing us that neither were the S.A.M. Hall of Fame & Magic Awesome new magic from Rich’s gentlemen we thought they were. Museum, served as toastmas- magic shop! Gene Protas cleverly used a ter for the event, introducing our Finally, P.J. Pinsonnault deck of cards with no two backs honored guests: S.A.M. National performed his take on Dr. Daley’s alike as he matched cards freely President J. Christopher Bontjes Last Trick. He’s turned the effect selected by Marti Stein. He also and his family, S.A.M. First Vice into a game for the spectator, but “showed” us how the Queens are President “Ice” McDonald, and later shows the game to be rigged chosen from a deck of cards that S.A.M. National Treasurer Eric against them from the start. otherwise contained only Threes. Lampert. A “Turning of the Plate” All in all, we said goodbye to Alex Rangel used the power of The big finale ceremony was then conducted our 2012-2013 season in style! suggestion to scam Dick and by Steven Jennings assisted by —P.J. Pinsonnault Lindsay Olson into “feeling” Norm then had Cal Vinick choose Kim Hallinger to commemorate Dr. I.R. Calkins Assembly 17 decks of cards gain and lose a card and rip a piece off. The rest the passing of assembly member meets the first Friday of every weight at will. of the card went into the deck and Louis William “Bill” Chaudet. month at 7 pm at Rich Pinson- David Rangel revealed into a paper bag. A utility knife The ceremony dates back to the nault’s RP Magic Shop; 69 East Johan McElroy’s selected stabbed the bag and punctured earliest years of S.A.M. annual Street; Ludlow, MA Contact card under a coin, literally. a card – but not the chosen card. banquets in . Rich Gilbert rgilbertmagic@ Thanks to all who participated in That card was a note saying to find After the always-excellent meal yahoo.com (413) 210-5725 www. June’s magical performances. We the card inside the utility knife. served by Stevens Steakhouse in assembly17.org for more details. are taking a break from our regular Soll Levine had Barbara put the City of Commerce, Califor- lecture schedule for the summer, several colored silks into a large nia, the newly-elected assembly but Scott Wells has promised that tube, and then cover the tube. When officers were duly installed by 19 our fine lecture series will return uncovered, the silks had changed National President Chris Bontjes. Bar Bets and Scams this fall. Hope you can stop by and into a multi-colored feather boa. Our immediate past President Abound in visit our meetings when in town. Norm then asked Dan to put Jim Callen, opening with some —Miles Root a zip-tie on Norm’s thumbs, humor from his joke file as usual, Houston, TX— The teach-in Assembly 19 meet the first Monday securing him to his table. Norm gave his final presidential address. session for June was by hosted by of every month at the IATSE did some very funny bits while so Tom Meseroll, our newly installed Frank Price and centered on the Local 51 Meeting Hall, 3030 “secured.” president, then gave his inaugural bar bets and scams. All of them North Freeway, Houston, TX. A Cal showed us a model “door” he address. involved getting the victim to teaching lecture begins at 7:30 says he got at Home Depot. He was Speeches and formalities having believe that something that was pm with the meeting beginning able to push a large nail through concluded, it was time for the possible was not, or the other way at 8:00 pm. Contact Miles Root the door’s glass panel without show. The opening act was Ted around. Jamie Salinas actually [email protected] (281) 3347508 harm. Dave Garrity had on his “Suds” Sudbrack, a Los Angeles won some money in one bet, but houstonmagic.com for more table about half-a-dozen nail guns area professional for the past ended up losing it in another. It details. of which only one was loaded forty years; Suds always has an was all in good fun. Thanks to with a nail. Dave then proceeded act filled with fun, laughter, and Gene Protas, Jeff Lanes, Johan 21 to play Russian Roulette, and for- comedy. Next was Phil Van Tee, McElroy, Scott Wells, and Frank Magic from the tunately lived to play this game(!) another very funny act. Phil is a Price for sharing their swindles, Hardware Store another day. frequent performer in the parlor cons, and bar bets. To close out this construc- at the Magic Castle and presented Angus shared an endless chain Hartford, CT— Tonight’s tive evening, Norm opened a a fast-moving and very funny act routine using Frank Price as his theme was “Stuff I Got at the box of huge nails and performed filled with unique rope magic and victim. You already know who Hardware Store.” Theme captain Blockhead. —Dana T. Ring gags. Closing the show was our ended up the winner on this one. Norman St. Laurent chose this Assembly 21 meets at Angelo’s third comedy magician, Kerry Scott Wells showed us how easy one, since outside of magic he’s a On Main, 289 South Main Street, Ross. Kerry Ross is another it was to use jumbo marked cards carpenter and does tricks for his West Hartford CT 06107. Contact Los Angeles area professional without his victim any the wiser. fellow craftsmen. He started with Dana Ring [email protected] magician and was mentored by the The card was so clearly marked it a trick he calls Border Crossing, (860) 523-9888 www.ctmagic.org late Bill Chaudet. Kerry uses some was amazing that nobody saw it, in which four washers travel from for more details. of his inherited Chaudet apparatus

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 13 Assembly News during his very funny act. hand-drawn set of playing cards he of Magic. Rich has his own presen- presented were sponge balls, The final event of the evening was said his grandchildren drew into tation. John Mintz was next, with sponge eggs, and Dan’s newest the awarding of various trophies real cards, and then performed a what he said involved the speed of effect on the market, sponge the assembly has for the highest stunning two-card transposition. light and the speed of sound. Four hearts. Care and use of the Sanada scoring performances of magic Augie Arnstein offered a comedy signed Aces transported to four gimmick was explained. Dan’s during the competition nights at green sponge ball routine. Buddy different pockets with the last one method for switching a sponge egg assembly meetings. Some of these Smith challenged everyone with a inside a zippered wallet compart- for a real egg was demonstrated. trophies date back to the 1940s coin set using Peruvian and East ment. He was decent enough to During our business meeting, and were won by some legendary African coins. explain it all (no speed of light or our newest member, West Evans, names in magic. It was another sound). was voted into the Atlanta Society. great evening of magic for the Ron Wohl showed his favorite Congratulations, West! Southern California Assembly. four-Ace routine, a nice Al Leech Rick Hinze served as emcee —Steven L. Jennings effect. Then, we were treated to for our evening of magic presen- Southern California Assembly The Emerald Isle Aces, a Herb tations. Jim Driscoll presented 22 meets the third Monday each Zarrow effect, although Hugh a children’s effect with clever month at 8:00 PM, St. Thomas Lambert took credit for it, after rhyming patter using the Strat-o- More Parish Hall, 2510 South seeing Dai Vernon perform it in Spheres. Martin Baratz took us Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, England. The effect is also called into the Bermuda Triangle with California Contact Ed Thomas Revolving Aces in Lorayne’s coins from his pocket. The coins [email protected] (213) Close-up Card Magic. Meir Yedid were placed in a triangle shape 382-8504 for more details. performed a Wild Card routine and a crystal pyramid of sugar with a really wild ending: five was placed in the center. When Lars Klores dazzles author Tens that had dotted labels on each the coins were counted, each side 23 Eleanor Herman changed into court cards and an added to thirteen. When a coin July night provides Ace! Meir then showed a die in was added to a side, they still mystical magic night Jonathan Walker demonstrated a small box, which predicted the added up to thirteen. Even with how he could provide answers number of an invisible die that my poor math skills, that was Washington, DC— A full to complicated mathematical Phil Schwartz rolled. pretty strange. house of Assembly 23 members exercises far faster than a calcu- Del Dixon performed (W)hole, Dan Garrett did a mini Miser’s provided a night of whirlwind lator held by Sam Brothers. Theo based on the original Emerson & Dream with a large coin for the magic on the eve of the S.A.M. Rushin charmed the group with an West effect, now made in jumbo ending. Jim Mangham did an Al national convention on our up-close restoration of a stir stick size by . Then I did Gordon Baker effect from 1946 in which doorstep in Washington, D.C. The from Starbucks that sounded like Bean’s Time Card to see how good a red card was chosen and a card theme was walk-around magic. it was being broken into pieces by a mind reader Gene Nebel was… name had been written on a black President Noland Montgomery audience members. He also did he was a good one. His freely card. A prediction had been made opened the evening’s entertain- an eye-popping ring and string named time appeared printed on a and set aside before the perfor- ment by doing a slick two-card routine with a borrowed ring that selected card. mance. Jim had a deck with half transposition. showed up in a set of “nested” John Henderson did a far-out red backs and half blue backs. He When noted author of medieval wallets. —Jim Flanigan and effect with four dots drawn on had Gene Hendrix choose a card history Eleanor Herman dropped Laurie Curry the back of a selected card. The from each half while it was face by our magical gathering briefly, National Press Club, 529 14th spots all moved magically to one down. The chosen cards were it gave Lars Klores an opportu- Street NW, Washington, DC corner. This was John’s handling placed in opposite halves. The pre- nity to make a penny she initialed 20045 Contact Jim Flanigan of Matrixxxx2 by Mike Powers diction revealed that it was Gene’s disappear and reappear from a silk [email protected] (202) 554-3775 and . chosen cards. When the other he held in his hand. Arnie Fuoco for more details. It’s summertime, and the Jersey cards in the deck were revealed, managed to bring a card placed in Shore beckons. It seems some it was found that they were all a deck to rise back to the top with a people would rather go swimming Jokers. —Carol Garrett simple wave, then exchange places 25 on sunny days than do coin and Assembly 30 meets the second with a second card. Dot, Spots and card tricks. Go figure! See you on Tuesday of the month at Piccadilly Larry Lipman asked an assistant Colors Night the third Friday of July, if you stop Cafeteria, I-85/North Druid Hills to draw a fish on a chosen card that by the Elmwood Park VFW Hall. Road, Atlanta, Georgia. President he then caused to leap up from the Elmwood Park, NJ— —Del Jim Driscoll jim.driscoll@gmail. floor into his hand. Sam Brothers It was “Dots, Spots, & Colors” Assembly 25 meets the third com or Secretary Carol Garrett performed a combination of night, plus four-Ace routines. Friday of each month at the [email protected] Triumph and four-Ace production, Richard Bangs brought in a lot of Elmwood Park Veterans Hall, 6 mixing the cards back to front back issues of Genii magazine to Veterans Place, Elmwood Park, multiple times before coming up share with anybody who wanted NJ 07407 Contact Phil Schwartz 31 with only the four Aces facing the to take some. Paul Cohen spoke [email protected] (973) A Journey up the Royal viewers. Laurie Curry offered an about “Magical Healing,” a new 263-4419 www.livemagicguide. Road old favorite, the Gemini Twins, program he has initiated. It’s a com/sam25 for more details. using just four cards to tell the magic teaching program, currently Indianapolis, IN— story of a King and Queen on a at Parsippany High School. It’s a The evening began with the night out. Jim Flanigan changed ten-week program, about an hour 30 installation of newly-elected two Kennedy half dollars to long. Paul is looking to expand Sponge Pants S officers for the 2013/2014 year. Chinese coins before pulling an to senior centers, hospitals, and quare Bob Incoming President Taylor Martin elongated snake out of the center elsewhere. He’s looking for vol- announced that this will be his of one of the oriental coins. unteers. Atlanta, GA— Dan Garrett second tour of duty as president of Matt Hiller demonstrated a Our first performer was Richard presented our professional de- Assembly 31. His first was in the magical Chinese coin and string Bangs. He showed us a beautiful velopment this month on sponge ’87/’88 year, twenty-three years routine in which three coins with color-changing routine, Eddie magic. Dan presented methods ago! Rounding out the officer holes in the center were magically Gibson’s Casino Coins, a Spell- to make sponge items appear corps for this year are: Don Miller removed from the string, one by bound effect. He concluded with and disappear using the Sanada – 1st Vice President, Aaron Kalin- one. Dwight Redman turned a Doc Daley’s Last Trick, from Stars gimmick. Various items that were owski – 2nd Vice President, Dale

14 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Assembly News

effects. Bob then demonstrated a Check our website to confirm time coin move that was featured in one and meeting location. Contact segment of the video. www.compumagic.com/sam35 for Another fine evening of magic more details. then concluded. —John Jennings The Hersy Basham Assembly 32 meets the third Tuesday at 7:00 37 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Summer Picnic Fun Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, VA. Contact John Jennings Denver, CO— The warm [email protected] (434) days of summer in our beautiful 851-6240 for more details. Mile High City enticed the Mile High Magicians Society to throw Newly elected officers for Assembly 31--MC Joseph Fuller, a grand picnic for its membership Jay Newby, Dale Benson, Don Miller, Taylor Martin, Tom 35 and guests. Devoted club member Winterrowd, and MC Joseph Fuller THOSE WHO CAN DO, Lewis Peacock volunteered to TEACH chair this fun undertaking. He was in charge of grilling both the Benson – Secretary, Jay Newby United Methodist Church, 30 Poughkeepsie, NY— meat and vegi-burgers along with – Treasurer, and Tom Winterrowd Audubon Road, on the east side Our recent Cavalcade of Magic the hot dogs that the club provided – Sergeant at Arms. Joseph Fuller of the city. Contact Taylor Martin fundraiser was a big success for as a perk for being a member. The led the ceremony. [email protected] (317) 894-2554 the assembly. Our June meeting entire standard picnic fair was The focus of the magic was Jean www.sam31.com for more details. began with a huge thanks to Frank then provided pot-luck style by Hugard and Frederick Braue’s Monaco, Ryan Dutcher, Joel the membership. Items were de- The Royal Road to Card Magic. Zaritsky, Michael Bochar, Andy termined by the first letter of one’s Several members performed card 32 Weintraub, Joe Que, and all the last name. tricks from the book and then Don MAGICIANS BUILD other members who went beyond New members and old alike Miller led us all on a Royal Road THEIR ACTS the call of duty for the club. We’re enjoyed the camaraderie that a teach-in. a lot stronger due to their efforts. magic club can offer. Fun members Daniel Lee, not being able to Lynchburg, VA— Our June meeting continued with Lynn and Helen Keir along with decide which trick to perform, did President Patrick Hubble called an election and a big changing Dorothy Possum decided to bring three: Design for Laughter, Do As the Assembly 32 June meeting to of the guard. Joel is our new their lounge chairs and enjoy an I Do, and Three Cards Across. Tom order; a couple of brief business president. Terry Morgan remains afternoon at the Stonehouse Park Winterrowd preceded his card items were handled quickly, vice president. Ryan is second in Lakewood Colorado. Lifetime effect by surprising Phil Dubbs including the consensus to go vice president. Michael is our new members Bruce and Kitty with his own “American Express forward on securing a visiting secretary and Darryl Bielski is our Spangler sat back and enjoyed Credit Card.” After doing a mental lecturer for the September new scribe. And after a decade a marvelous vegi-burger while credit check, the card was mysteri- meeting. More information will be of being the scribe, I’m moving visiting with the club’s past and ously found to have Phil’s name on provided in coming months. to over to treasurer. Long-time current treasurers, Jerry Stoll it...an immediate approval! Taylor The theme for this month was members of the executive team, with lovely wife Louise and Dave Martin then performed his own “Planning and Building an Act,” Frank and Derrin Berger, are Elstun. Members Chris York and variation on McDonald’s Aces which was covered in part by a becoming advisors, now that Todd Orton were there along with using an Ask Alexander deck from group discussion among members they’re big time movie stars. the splendid scenery a Colorado Conjuring Arts. While telling us of the topic. Patrick talked about Our theme for the night was what park can have in the summer. stories about Alexander, the four how he built his effects from small trick do you teach those audience Long-time member John Luong Aces each appeared. Taylor made to large. Bob Staton illustrated members who just won’t leave brought along his entire family a point of reminding us that he was how he felt it was necessary for an you alone until you teach them with his neighbors to boot. The using a move which he learned act to have “moments,” and went something? Derrin showed us children had fishing poles in tow. from our namesake, Harry Riser. on to explain what he meant. Bob a finger trick that got him a big A wild game of horseshoes ensued The final card trick of the evening also mentioned how a “show list” discount on a jacket when travel- and everyone had a wonderful was performed by Rocky Raccoon helps to keep the act on track. ling in Italy (and no, it wasn’t a peaceful day. And like any grand and his trainer, Mike Kohrman. Mike Kinnaird touched on ice- five-finger discount). Joel showed magic club event the magic broke Rocky astounded Karen Miller breakers and a performer’s re- us a rubber band effect. Sam Patton out too! —Connie Elstun by finding in the fanned deck the lationship with the audience. explained a favorite. A visitor, Assembly 37 meets the second card she had previously randomly John Jennings performed several Drew White, taught us a card flick Thursday of the month at selected. examples of good opening effects up that kept students occupied at Riverpointe Senior Center in The performances were then including a silk to an appearing his college dorms. Michael told Littleton Colorado. Contact followed by an excellent Royal cane and also a flash of fire from a us he teaches the floating sausage Chad Wonder chad@Idomagic. Road teaching session led by Don match; both effects were quick and finger illusion. Another visitor, com or call 303-933-4118 Miller. Warning us that it would visual. John then turned the dis- Braulio Duran, showed us a few of Contact Chad Wonder chad@ be ambitious, he proceeded to cussion to how a performer should the things he teaches. A highlight idomagic.com (303) 933-4118 demonstrate techniques taught remain in character and a provided of the evening was youngster www.milehighmagicians.com for in the book including ideas for a simple way that one could use to David Mort performing a couple more details. how to use the overhand shuffle, better understand what character of effects from his box of magic. key cards, and various lifts. was being portrayed. Bob Wallin Thanks to everybody who had a 52 —Dale Benson mentioned magic that would hand in our fundraiser and taught Installation of Assembly 31 meets the first capture an audience’s attention as us something new. See you at the Officers Banquet Monday of the month at 7:00 PM. an important element. BBQ! —Craig Kunaschk If the first Monday conflicts with In addition to the general theme, Al Baker Assembly No. 35 , TX— June a holiday weekend, we postpone Bob Wallin also had a DVD that (usually) meets at 7:30 p.m. on the 7, 2013, Brother John Hamman the meeting by one week. he played for those attending. The second Tuesday of the month at the Assembly 52 held its installation Unless otherwise announced the video featured several prominent Milanese Italian Restaurant, 115 of officers banquet at Aldaco’s meeting location is the Irvington magicians teaching selected Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. Mexican Restaurant in San

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 15 Assembly News

Antonio. Many thanks to Doug Meeting was held on Friday, June several card magic effects, coin crayons and the silk to frog trick. Gorman for making the restau- 21, 2013 at Fairborn Fire Station manipulations, and gave an He then had Fantasio hold up a rant arrangements, and to Paul #2 thanks to Compeer Carl Day. in-depth examination into the target and Amanda threw darts at Amerson for arranging our guest There were thirteen members nuances of his Linking Rings the numbers, which added up to performer. Congratulations to and one guest in attendance. routine. His presentation on the thirty-one. She then counted thir- our new officers: Don Moravits During our business meeting we use of threads was an eye opener ty-one cards down to reveal the Six – President, John Dahlinger – discussed the family show that (and you still couldn’t see!). of Diamonds, which was Nelson’s Vice President, Doug Gorman – Matthew David Stanley presented Everyone learned something new. prediction. Jozeph performed a Secretary/Treasurer, and Geoffrey at the Dayton Funny Bone. The Jeff makes his home nearby coin to finger ring routine. Michael Sadowski – Sergeant-at-Arms. show was well attended and when he’s not on the road, and we Trixx made a bottle cap leap off Outgoing President Paul Amerson another show has been scheduled hope that when he’s able to travel the bottle untouched by human presented three special certificates for October 5. We also discussed a bit less that he can join us as a hands. He then penetrated a jingle of recognition: to George Castillo the Louisville Magic Festival and Assembly 59 member. bell into a bottle and wound up by for being named Honorary Ser- several members expressed what a The evening was rounded out teaching us a little thread work. geant-at-Arms, to Michael Tallon great event it was and how much with ShowTime. Performers Cargoba, dressed in his finery, and Doug Gorman for having they enjoyed it. included Tom Waldrop, Randy entertained us with his multiply- performed at every assembly After our business meeting, we Stumman, and Mel Anderson. ing chrome balls, which eventual- meeting, and to Fran Gorman who broke for delicious refreshments —Glen L. Bledsoe ly enlarged to the size of softballs helps her husband, Doug, with the provided by Jo Ann Kindler. Our Assembly 59 meets every month and finally the size of a bowling secretary duties. Newly elected theme was “Can We Do It Too?” except July and August at The ball. Billy Byron performed President Don Moravits presented Magic was performed by Thurman Beaverton Elks, 3500 SW Monkey in the Middle, and then a Paul Amerson with a plaque of Smith, Barbara Pfeifer, Jo Ann 104th, Beaverton, OR 97005. can full of links became a united appreciation for his service as Kindler, Craig Morgan, Scott Contact Glen L. Bledsoe chain. Among several jokes and president for 2012-2013. Miller, John Love, Bill Hagen, [email protected] (503) limericks he finished with ribbon Oran Dent, Jeff Porges, and 967-9152 www.sam59portland. to cane and a bottle vanish in a Executive Officer Paul Burnham. org/ for more details. paper bag with appearing candy. A good time was had by all. —Ron Olmsted —Matthew David Stanley 76 Assembly 76 meets at the South Assembly 56 meets in various Raining Magic Miami Elk’s Lodge, 6304 SW 78th locations, contact Barbara St. South Miami, FL on the first Pfeifer [email protected] Miami, FL— Our June meeting Thursday of the month. Contact (937) 433-8604 for more details. took place on a rainy evening; we Rick Del Vecchio rickydee@aol. were surprised and pleased to com (305) 992-0703 for more welcome a full house of members. details. 59 After the business portion was Long Time Coming completed, Ronsted took the stage Trixie Bond performing for to introduce the acts. Up first was 77 Assembly 52’s Installation Portland, OR— Alberto Lorenzo, who recently Mystics Annual Dinner Banquet Sometimes it just takes forever won second prize in close-up in was a Hoot and Holler! to make the simplest connection. South America at the FLASOMA After a delicious meal, we were Such was the case for getting Jeff competition. He performed the Massapequa, NY— fortunate, indeed, to have Trixie Martin, the blond, curly-haired prize-winning routine of dice that Usually, I don’t like writing about Bond perform for us. She did her magician, to lecture to members of changed color, size, and quantity our annual dinner, nor our annual children’s show, and before very Assembly 59, but it was well worth before our unbelieving eyes. Rick auction, but change and improve- long we were all kids again. The the wait. Del Vecchio was next as he pen- ment is a good thing. However, I’ll magic was enchanting, and the Why did it take so long? Jeff is etrated a bottle cap into a bottle. only punch up the highlights. laughs were hardy and frequent. one busy magician. He says that he Then, with the aid of a tiny toilet We had our dinner at DJ’s In- You can see why she is one of the and his wife Pam are on the road plunger, he was able to ascertain ternational Buffet in Garden premier children’s magicians in nine months out of the year per- the number of cards cut from the City, NY. The room had a decent the country. Thanks, Trixie, for forming at a variety of state and deck by Amanda and Billy, finally sized stage in the corner that was sharing your talents with us. county fairs, corporate events, and “plunging” out the freely chosen a bit high but workable. After an President Don Moravits spoke various other venues. card from the deck. hour or so, President John Lepre briefly and let us know a few ideas During the lecture Jeff taught Ronsted performed his signature handed over the gavel to new that he has planned for the coming ring and rope routine. Roy Allen president Phil Levy and then they year. It was a great evening of Fischer had everyone take three surprised me! They called me up good food, fun, and fellowship. cards from the deck: he eliminated and presented a framed certifi- Brother John Hamman Assembly all but one person who had the odd cate of thanks for my dedication 52 meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first card and borrowed a finger ring to my “Early Bird Lessons” for Thursday of the month at La from him. The ring was vanished the year. I would come in early Madeleine Restaurant, located and reappeared inside the empty and offer lessons in magic to any at 722 N.W. Loop 410. The res- card case. Xavi entered the stage members (new or old) to help them taurant is inside Loop 410 on and did a vanishing and reap- better understand the presenta- the access road between Blanco pearing silk routine. Ed Harris tions of many classic effects. I Rd. and San Pedro. For more had everyone take any four cards had no idea. I am truly grateful. information, contact from the deck and tear them in More important, our raffle prizes [email protected]. half. Everyone then shuffled the donated by The Mystics and John half card mini deck and by the Reid’s store, Tricky Business, process of one down and one brought in a nice amount to benefit 56 under was able to finish with the David Oliver. More on how the June Meeting two matching pieces of a card. Mystic’s are helping David at the The blond, curly haired Nelson De La Prida showed end of the report. Dayton, OH— Our June magician us his vanishing and appearing Now on with the show: Chris

16 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Assembly News

Allison emceed the evening as troduction, engagement, and inter- Jens Henriksen balanced one nut 104 Coney Island Chris, a human action with the audience, listening on top of the other to end with A night of honored lampoon of the sideshow arts, had and responding to the audience, three nuts joined together as if the tradition and new the audience (and his insides) in providing “space for the magic” or steel penetrated from one nut to techniques stitches. None of us will look at a the creation of a magical moment, the next. balloon, a rat trap, or a light bulb and even eye contact and posture. Dennis Hewson caused a pencil Witch City, Salem, MA— Kim Silverman, Alan Leeds, to penetrate through cards. Henry On June 5, 2013, Assembly 104 Hugh MacDonald, Raahul Srini- Tom penetrated a signed coin gathered behind the tables at the vasan, Joe Caffall, John Jones, through an un-gimmicked bottle. East Sakura Restaurant, in Salem, and Bill Benson all participated Dave Watters performed the pen- . The occasion actively. There were a number was the installation of officers of card routines, including one banquet. This second return en- with Winnie the Pooh math gagement at our old venue proved cards, an empty box from which successful on all fronts: excellent something mystical and colorful attendance, the rolling thunder at appeared, and a strong work-in- the buffet stations, and the per- progress based on Banachek’s formance by guest magician Shin Psychokinetic Time. Lim. Shin kicked things off by John Lepre, Lou Johnson, Some of our members have providing close-up at the tables and Phil Levy been performing on Monday while compeers chowed down. nights at a popular local restau- After second helpings, we were the same way ever again. He was rant, Morocco’s in Mt. View, as privileged to have our officer in- hilarious! President Phil Levy an extension of our Performance stallation performed by S.A.M. took the stage with two comedy Experience Program. Typically, New England Regional Vice predictions that were spot on. Now one or two magicians are available Anthony Young performs on his President Joseph Caulfield, who that’s a sign of a good president: to perform table-side throughout living room floor as Ed came accompanied by wife Kathy, the ability to predict the future. the evening. Participants include SilvaWhite & Tony Chris herself a magician. Joe, always a Ben Nemzer transitioned the show Kim Silverman, Alan Leeds, Phil look on. welcome presence, conducted to more funny business with a Ackerly, Sy Hoff, and John Jones. the ceremony with character- card in impossible location and The rotating crew is augmented etrating bill through four ladders istic dignity. The line-up for the even a turn of the old vanishing by Xander, not yet a member, but of elastic band illusion with Glen coming year: President – Bill bottle by his assistant Cassandra who had performed there in the LaBarre’s bill. Anthony Young Jensen, entering his announced Ruiz. And just after Coney Island past. Alan Leeds and John Jones caused a freely chosen pistachio last term; Vice President – Eddie Chris’s “light snack” (UGH!), our also performed at the opening of nut by Tony Chris to penetrate Gardner; Second Vice President – time-tested formula of a great an expanded patio dining area at from a top glass to a bottom glass. Rob Snider; Treasurer – Jay Fraser, show: close with a comedian! We Morocco’s on June 25th. Monday Ed Silva White from Victoria had taking over for Kathy Forrest; had Peter Bales, comedian from Night Magic at Morocco’s was a everyone write a number from 1-20 Secretary – Bob Forrest; and Ser- channels like HBO, Comedy fairly regular gig for another of on a piece of paper and penetrate geant-at-Arms – Jon Hubbard. Central, and a slew of corporate our members, Hugh MacDonald, a slot in a box with slip. Ed then With tables cleared and members work, who just knocked it out of and S.A.M. Silicon Valley is par- had everyone draw a random slip facing front, Shin Lim proceeded the restaurant for seventy-five ticularly grateful to him for sug- from the box. Upon reading out to mesmerize us with the talents minutes. gesting that our members take the lucky number, it turned out he has developed for competition- The next meeting is September over while he was traveling. And that everyone was a winner of level magic. It became quickly 9, 2013, with a whole new line-up of course, we thank the Morocco’s two DVDs each, donated by Ed evident how Shin’s creativity and of lectures and fun yet informa- ownership for providing this great Silva White! Trevor showed a style had led him on the path to tive meetings. See you all then. opportunity. —Joe Caffall. sharp spike, some non-spikes, and F.I.S.M. In a dazzlingly smooth —Lou Johnson Assembly 94 does not currently several paper cups numbered by parade of effects, cards in Shin’s Long Island Mystics Assembly have a regular meeting location. Jeff Christensen. Jeff covered the hands instantly transposed into 77 meets at 7:30PM on the second Please email jocaff@pacbell. spike and non-spikes with the cups other cards, decks inexplicably Monday of the month at The net for information about an and mixed to lose the location of disappeared, and smoke eerily Community United Methodist upcoming meeting. Contact Joe the spike. In a very tense routine, rose from cups, cards, and even Church. For more information, Caffall [email protected] (408) Trevor smashed cups one by one, the fingers and mouth of the young check www.limystics.org. Contact 5788387 for more details. and managed not to smash the cup prestidigitator. Called S.S.S., Lou Johnson [email protected] with the spike in it. Anthony, in an Shin’s sleeveless smoke produc- ((516)) 978-7735 www.limystics. encore performance, showed a pile tion is his marketed effect that org for more details. 95 of identical coins in a bag, took fully complements many of his Penetrations one coin out and had it marked by other original techniques. Another Jens and put back in bag. Anthony is The Vanishing, a method for 94 Vancouver, Canada— mixed up the coins, and without causing small objects to appar- Performance The June 2013 meeting was held looking, was able to miraculously ently melt out of existence in the Workshop at the home of Anthony Young in retrieve only the marked coin from hands – and then reappear. Experi- Vancouver. Rod Chow performed bag. Jeff Christensen finished off encing Shin Lim’s effects bursting Silicon Valley, CA— We One Night You Cannot Stand by this evening of penetrations by before our eyes in fully formed had a small turnout for our June Card-Shark with Tony Chris as the causing a coin to penetrate his routines that comprise a truly meeting, so we turned it into an unsuspecting volunteer, and with knee. —Rod Chow professional act was inspiring. ad hoc workshop on performance Rod using a play on words of the The Carl Hemeon Assembly This was cool stuff and very well and presentation. Each of us theme. Lon Mandrake hypnotized No. 95 meets the first Tuesday received by a jaded audience. Shin performed an effect and received Henry Tom and Trevor Watters of each month at members’ provided the perfect eye candy to feedback on what the others liked and penetrated their minds with homes. Contact Rod Chow rod@ complete a feast. and suggestions of how the pre- a mind-reading card effect, after rodchow.com (604) 669-7777 On other fronts, plans for sentation might be improved. which Lon then caused their www.SAM95.com for more SAMCON, our annual convention Discussion topics included the in- extended arms to go down at will. details. that will bring Eugene Berger, Bill

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 17 Assembly News

Lou Abbatiello was second, and School Assemblies Agency that third Wednesday of every month at John Segott and Frank Bianco booked appearances for magicians the VFW building I, Pleasant Hill, were tied for third. all over the . California Contact Doug Kovacich The final event of the evening was Following the memorial, Roy douglassthemagicman@hotmail. the Ritter’s Grab Bag Challenge demonstrated the Trick of the com (925) 435-4824 http://sam112. wherein Jack Ritter supplied two Month, a variation of Out of This com/ for more details. identical sacks filled with items World that includes a prediction from his hardware store and other on the number of red cards versus shops around town. The members black that will be separated into 115 are randomly split into two teams piles. The trick can be immediate- Book Review and More Shin Lim leaves his volunteers and are given twenty minutes to ly repeated with a different predic- speechless look over the items in the bag and tion and result. CHAR LOTTESVILLE , VA— come up with magical effects to be Rod McFadden then began the June’s meeting was a mixture of Abbott, and Andrew Goldenhersh presented to the assembly. There is evening’s performances with a book reviews and terrific magic to Peabody, Massachusetts, on no winner in this fun event except card effect demonstrating how effects. The meeting began with November 9, continue to develop; imagination and good humor. a deck of cards is related to the a presentation to our newest more of them will be announced at Try your luck with the following: calendar. A mentally selected card member Everett Anderson. our website. Summer 104 activi- six feet of ¾ inch soft poly rope, turns out to be the only one with Among the books discussed were ties will be ongoing, including our six Styrofoam Coca Cola cups, a message, “This is your lucky The Glorious Deception, Math- second annual S.A.M. 104/S.Y.M. a spool of grow grain ribbon, a day,” written on the back. Chris ematical Magic, More Power 124 bash at Camp Evergreen on spool of black poly string, a roll McConaughy then stepped up to to You – The Very Best of David August 25, where a magic flea of duct tape, scissors, two plastic perform an extended Ambitious Acer, Impuzzibilities, The Last market will be held (so bring doll cloth’s hangers, two wooden Card routine that ultimately Greatest Magician In The World, your most gifted, magical fleas) paint stirring sticks, six squares of finished with card to mouth. and Scripting Magic. This led and huge quantities of hot dogs cardboard, a pack of index cards, Zappo followed by removing to several great conversations will be consumed. Then it’s back a bottle of assorted buttons, a roll a match from a matchbook, about famous magicians, magic to business on September 4. of red white and blue crepe paper, lighting it, and then vanishing it effects, and presentation/theory. —Bob Forrest a roll of white crepe paper, two in a silk handkerchief. The burnt In addition to the books, we also S.A.M. 104 meets the first “mechanics friend” razor knives, match then reappeared from the discussed the upcoming national Wednesday of each month, Sep- a five-foot square of opaque cloth empty silk. Then John Gyllen- convention, the ballot for elected tember-June, 7 p.m., at the First plus many more items that escape haal brought out his magician’s positions, and how to create your Baptist Church of Salem, 292 my memory. retirement fund, which consisted own specially printed cards. Lafayette Street, Salem, Mas- As usual, the group had a fun of a handful of dollar bills. He Several wonderful tricks were sachusetts. Contact Bob Forrest time cheering each other on as magically turned the bundle into performed, including Wes Iseli’s [email protected] they performed whatever they million dollar bills, which he presentation of Understanding (339) 227-0797 www.sam104.com were able to concoct from the handed out to the audience. The Bermuda Triangle and Dan for more details. great “stuff” provided. Thanks Next up was Roy Porfido, who Rowan’s Magic Square. again Jack! showed the Transformo Cards in Assembly 115 typically meets Joe Homecheck, Assembly110 which four Jacks into four Aces, the first Friday of the month at 110 meets second Thursday’s at John’s and then change back into Jacks. 7PM at the Forest Lakes Pavilion After Meeting Diner, 146 Sheraton Drive 17070. Bill Marquardt followed with Building. For more information Email: secretarySAM110.com another packet effect known as please contact Mark Davis at 434- New Cumberland, PA— The Duplicity. 962-3019 or whiteoakcanyon@ after-meeting festivities were gmail.com. New members are started with an “open,” i.e. no 112 always welcome and encouraged theme, performance contest. Six ANOTHER ANYTHING to attend. Contact Mark Davis members volunteered to perform. GOES NIGHT [email protected] Lou Abiatello was up first with (434) 962-3019 for more details. his dice stacking routine. The Pleasant Hill, CA— At routine ended with the pro- our May general meeting we were duction of various loads from pleased to welcome prospec- 118 the stacking cup. John Sergott tive members John Gyllenhaal, Granite State predicted the responses of six Matthew Hill, and Christopher Conjurors members. Al Bienstock was next McConaughy, as well as guests with a Gilbreath poker effect with Jaden and Michael Morgan. Nashua, NH— Assembly Garrick Chow assisting. John First order of business was to Christopher McConaughy 118 has been busy perform- Stover offered a Coins Across complete the auction for Trick of offers cards to Michael ing and planning events for the routine using two coin trays. the Month presentation rights. Bill Morgan as Fred Nelson and summer. Many Compeers from Izzy Schwab gave us an original Marquardt, Rod McFadden, and Roc McFadden look on. our assembly participated in the rhyming patter story about how Bob Holdridge successfully bid Famous Unknown Magician his uncle Harry had entered a for the remaining three months on Four magicians returned to the Convention in Manchester, New Three Card Monte game in New the schedule. stage to perform a second time. Hampshire, on June 7 and 8. On York City. The story also included On a sad note, one of our former Presentations included a psychic August 10, we will be holding our tidbits of interest and history of members, Dennis Loomis, test by Rod, Cutting the Aces by annual cookout. the game as well as some fine card recently and unexpectedly passed Chris, a “right or wrong” card Joseph and Kathy Caulfield handling by Izzy. Following Izzy away. We shared fond memories trick by Zappo, and a demonstra- hosted our monthly meeting at was Frank Bianco, who gave us a of this popular magician and all tion of Three Card Monte by John. Black Sword Estate. Polaroid Money routine in which around great guy. Roy Porfido It was a fun time for all with lots Assembly 118 meets on the third all four bills are printed on both gave an insight into an early of great magic, made even better Wednesday of each month at sides with a change of denomina- period of Dennis’s career, telling with the appearance of several 7:00 p.m. at Black Sword Estate, tion. By vote of the non-perform- how both he and Dennis had new faces. —Bill Marquardt 126 Perham Corner Rd., Lynde- ing members: Izzy Swab was first, been represented by the National Diablo Assembly #112 meets on the borough, NH 03082 Our venue

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No longer; balloon “sculpture” done by the members. Many of 2000 East Lloyd Street has arrived. Three or four balloon the figures were delivered to the Pensacola Florida. Contact creations are the norm and some bar portion of the Libero Pensiero Beau Broomall beaumagic@ require many more and the number Italian Club where we meet in the bellsouth.net (850) 994-1060 keep growing, including many summer months. The bar patrons www.|gulfcoastmagiciansguild. specially imprinted balloons. must have been as delighted to com for more details. Matt Martin, prospective S.A.M. get these as the kids at a birthday and Assembly 127 member, party. provided the June after-meeting Thanks, Matt, for bringing all the 131 The Granite State Conjurors activity: Balloon Magic. About six necessary supplies and for the fun Danbury Top Hatters at Black Sword Estate months ago, mainly to learn some evening. And a thank you to Adam June Meeting one-balloon animals that he could Parisi for his input, assistance, rotates, so contact us first. Contact add to his kids’ magic show, Matt and those amazing sculptures. Danbury, CT— Our June Robert Granville sam.nashua@ started watching online videos —Dick Hodes 17, 2013, meeting went well. Bob gmail.com (603) 505 8749 http:// and liked working with balloons Assembly 127 meets at the Libero Able, Magic Des, Bongo the sam118.com for more details. so much that his focus now is on Pensiero Italian Club, 91 Dudley Silent clown, Zookey the Clown, learning bigger and more compli- Ave., Wallingford, Conn. during and yours truly, Magic Marty, cated sculptures. He offers balloon June, July and August. Meeting performed for our Methodist 120 sculpture as an add-on to his starts at 7:30 p.m. Contact Dick Church special care group. What a A Variety of Magic magic show, and also does an all- Hodes [email protected] (203) great audience. This makes being balloon show. On the latter, he’ll 287-1635 www.magicsam127.org a magician or a clown worthwhile. Champaign, IL— The bring completed multi-balloon for more details. Following the show members of meeting opened with discussion creations to the party. our club gathered and discussed of last month’s Get-Together. We Matt showed some basic balloon our planned BBQ on August 10, lost a little but over all came put technique to the members and 129 2013, 12:00 to 5:00 at the Home of pretty good and everyone seemed was kind enough to bring many Magic Marty and Gail Steinberg. to enjoy it. I know I learned a lot. balloons and balloon pumps to the June Meeting Future lectures were also Chris Bontjes has set up a club meeting. Some magicians in the discussed and a joint lecture with show at the Danville VA on Pensacola, FL— Eighteen Stanford’s SYM Group, with dates August 25th at 2 p.m. Contact him members and friends showed up to be announced in the near future. if you would like to perform for for the June meeting of the Gulf Bubbles the clown gave us a this deserving group. Coast Magician’s Guild. Jeff mini lecture on sight gags; it was Garret Trimble opened the Sobel was back in the area and loads of fun, complete with foam magic portion of the meeting attended this month’s meeting letters, a green p, a blue j, etc. with a very nice with his family. Welcome back —Magic Marty Steinberg routine followed by Do as I Do, Jeff. Ronnan Carrero is home for Assembly meets at the Methodist and a card disappearing from the summer from his studies at church 3rd Mon of each Month. under a hat. Professor Higgins John Hopkins U. Nice to see him Clapboard Ridge Rd Danbury Ct. exploded onto the stage area with back with his father Raul. Special Contact Contact Magic Marty Silk through Chair and a floating news from Brian Drake: they are (845) 797-8363 Facebook Danbury ring. Andy Dallas showed his torn expecting an addition to their Top Hatters for more details. and restored bill and Dale Farris family soon. That may slow up his followed up with his Ring off box jumper for awhile. Chain. The meeting was opened by 157 After the meeting, we sat around Matt Does Balloons President Nate Nickerson with a Picnics, New Shirts, telling horror stories about flying discussion on fire magic and how Other Stuff with, or without, magical items group have never handled balloons things can go wrong. Several as well as other stories of our and needed to start with a basic stories were related on this subject Beaver, PA— President Ray beginning days. There were some balloon dog. He also showed a few along with things to avoid when Lucas of the Mystic Magicians great stories and I am relatively novelty moves with the balloons – using fire in your act. This was of Beaver Valley (Assembly 157) sure most of them were true. the well-known “reverse” blowing followed by a discussion on being thanked Rich Howard for the club See you at the meeting. up, whereby the bottom becomes prepared for the unexpected in picnic – lots of fun, food, and —Ken Barham inflated as air is blown into the your own act. Try to visualize magic. Several members put on a Andy Dallas Assembly meets the balloon. Another consisted of a what could go wrong with each pick-up show. Ray has set up the 3rd Wed. 7pm, (except Nov. and small “ball” inflated in the middle of the effects in your act and be elections committee. New shirts Dec.) For location call Jim Percy at of a balloon that vanished and re- prepared for it. This was a most commemorating club’s sixtieth 217-494-2222 or Ken Barham Sec, appeared inside the balloon. Our informative discussion on these anniversary were presented for 2318 Winchester Dr, Champaign, card expert, Adam Parisi is also an subjects and I believe enjoyed by purchase. A flea market has been IL 61821. Phone: 217-841-5616 expert balloon sculptor. He showed all. Thanks to all who contributed suggested for the GPMN picnic in email: [email protected] how a balloon figure could “find” a their input. September with 10% of sales to go selected card, and he also created a Nate had a collection of playing to the club. number of balloon hats as well as cards and other items from the two Performances were emceed by 127 several colorful (and complicated) Chicago World’s Fairs. A raffle Jim Tate, who also did an ESP card Twisting at the June balloon creations, including the followed with some neat things trick. He spread the cards, had a Meeting popular “alien” balloon. going to the lucky ticket holders. card chosen and placed on bottom. Matt led a discussion of which The theme for the meeting was When he went through the cards, Wallingford, CT— Matt balloons to buy and where they “Impromptu Magic”; several they all said “No,” except last one, Martin Does Balloons. Time was could be purchased. At the end of members came up with some really which said “Yes”. Don Moody did when some magicians augmented the session, tables were littered good ones. —Beau Broomall his version of Mirroraculous, dis- their birthday party magic show with a variety of balloon animals Assembly 129 meets the third playing three Kings. He rubbed with a few balloon animals, and hats, a few creations that Thursday of each month at and tapped the back of cards and perhaps a balloon hat or sword. Matt and Adam had left and some the Bayview Senior Center a different one showed up on top.

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 19 Assembly News

With the last one, he pushed it up, producing a jumbo push pin! Great assist him in selecting a single and then the backs changed color close up magic with a “point!” face-up card that turned out to and the faces were all blank. Ray Dave Tryzenski re-enacted a be the only blue-backed card in a Lucas also performed a card trick dream/nightmare about horror stack of red playing cards. Dean with a blank-face kicker. films using mini movie posters also showed Sara his thirty-six- Tom Chidester performed a trick and Elijah’s and Mark’s imagina- cent trick using nine cards and a from a past member, consisting tions. Both spectators were asked pocket full of change. of a plastic tower with two blades to mentally choose a movie time. Nick Bradley had all our guests that slide through the sides. He They were shown various movie on their feet for a five-card placed a block into the tower and posters and asked to remember mentalism effect, the presentation it magically went through blades the film at their thought-of time. of which I'd never seen before. It to the bottom. Sean Evanick had Eerily, they were both thinking of left me wondering, “Why didn't I someone pick a card and replace the same horror flick! Spooky! think of that!” it in the deck. He placed a card Resident mentor-ist Dave Jaye With everyone invited to come Mitch Geier in the participant’s hand; it was gave us all a mini lecture/perfor- up front, Mr. Jay Rene presented the chosen one. Eric Davis had mance of cold reading as applied a coin vanish to end all coin little creativity, those moves can someone pick a card, sign it, fold to palmistry. Give the man a big vanishes. With a penny, a dime, be translated to a Coloring Book it, and place it in his mouth. Eric hand on an excellent presentation! a nickel, and a quarter – four routine. That was the challenge then did the same thing. The —Dave Jenkins coins flat on the table – they were given the workshop attendees: cards then changed places. Bill Assembly 160 meets brought together with the eraser come up with a premise for a Cornelius used his Smartphone, regularly on the first end of a pencil, and the dime dis- Coloring Book routine. which he held in his hand. It THURSDAY of each month at appeared. Part of the workshop included showed a spider crawling across The Iron Skillet Restaurant located Matt Musgrave ended the evening a coloring prediction, in which screen toward his hand. The trick inside the Petro Stopping Center, by helping Klay put a bottle cap random color choices by Mike ended with an artificial spider 98 Grove St, Dupont, PA. back in his beer bottle, swindling Dziubas were predicted by Mitch. stuck on the back of the hand. Bob Meeting time is 7:00 PM Contact (not really!) Ryan out of $5, and This was more of a demonstration Mullins stated he is going to end Dave Jenkins djen9999@ thoroughly confusing Kadish and of routining than of method. the show with a bang. He placed gmail.com (570) 822-2460 Sara with a story of color-shifting Rocco Giovacchini, who is po- bullet shells in his elbows, pointed www.nepamagic.8m.com/ for Queens. See what happens when tentially a new member to the his finger, straightened his arms, more details. guests show up – everybody's a assembly, presented his signed and shells flew out. —Judy Steed star! What Fun! card on lanyard, his original The Mystic Magicians of Beaver Audience participation and routine of a card to impossible Valley (157) meet the second 172 member participation, it works location. Thursday of every month at the A Full Moon in June for me! See you next time. Assembly Vice President Dave Towne Square Restaurant in (Gee, I hope they come back!) Zboray started the “teach a trick” Beaver, PA. Contact Judy Steed Port St. Lucie, FL— I —Dean F. Devitt portion of our meeting by present- [email protected] (330) guess June's mega-moon brought Assembly 172 meets at 7:00pm on ing a couple of effects using a 525-5389 for more details. them all out for the June 25, 2013, the fourth Tuesday of every month red and blue gaffed card. One of meeting of the Donald E. Lea (except December) at The Saint the effects was the first trick he assembly here in beautiful, sunny Lucie Lanes on Route 1 in Port learned using a gaffed card, many 160 Port St. Lucie. It was either that, St Lucie. Contact Dean Devitt years ago, from visiting a local Saying Good bye and or it was the guests who brought [email protected] (772) brick-and-mortar magic shop. saying Hello out the best in us. Suffice it to say, 466-1942 for more details. As a free gift, each attendee was once Klay, Ryan, Sara, and Kadish given two free gaffed cards to take Wilkes-Barre/ were introduced, not one of them home. remained seated for long; every 181 Our president, Stephan Sloan, Scranton, PA— In April, one of the evening's performers Workshop on showed the process of creating a Assembly 160 lost stalwart required their assistance in some Creativity Yes/No deck. Steve’s a perfection- member George Heid to pancreatic shape or form. ist who went through more than cancer. In June, Bill Dickson, Joe Al Chiaverini started off with Hightstown, NJ— The a half dozen decks perfecting its Hussey, and Dave Jaye performed offering Ryan a chance to win May meeting was the last in our construction, and he shared all at a benefit for the Heid family $1 by choosing any one of three season. We will have a pizza party, of the nuances of the construc- to help with some of the medical small purses. Ryan chose a purse but that will be in a restaurant and tion process, showing how each costs from George’s illness. and, of course, won his dollar. Un- will not include a workshop or modification improved the per- At the June meeting, we fortunately, the other two purses lecture like our regular meetings formance. As a special gift, he welcomed new member Elijah contained a $5 and a $10. Dan do. This meeting’s workshop gave everyone a handmade plastic Miller. Elijah is a high school Warnke challenged Kadish with a was on creativity, presented by gaff that improved the handling student interested and well versed toilet paper roll bar bet (yes, you assembly member Mitch Geier. of the Yes/No deck. Now that’s in magic whom we are told does an read that correctly); as magicians After retiring from years of per- something that you can only get an excellent Tossed-out Deck routine. usually do, he won the bet. Kadish forming comedy magic in Las assembly meeting like ours. Welcome aboard Elijah! did, however, go home with a Vegas, Mitch then worked with a The meeting wrapped up with We also welcomed visitor Mark prized souvenir; an empty toilet friend managing comedy shows Ralpho showing some powerful Hunsinger, who is consider- paper roll. throughout the greater New Jersey performances with a memorized ing membership. He is a college Our beloved senior compeer, area. Since magic and comedy are deck, inspiring those among us student from Wilkes-Barre who is Al Greenwood, performed a nice often structured the same, Mitch who might want to take on the very interested in magic. We hope rendition of Color Deception, was able to share that knowledge mental challenge of memory work. he will join us. what I have come to refer to as and his experiences to help present And so the season ended. See you We had three performers who The Ring of Pearls, and a well-ex- this workshop. in September. —David Zboray shared their talent with the group. ecuted Professors' Nightmare, all Keith Warner was called to assist Assembly 181 of Hightstown Dan Kosloski did a slick close-up to the delight of our distinguished in the workshop. Keith knows a lot meets the first Thursday of every routine using pushpins in the place guests. Dean Devitt, yours truly, of cigarette moves and they work month, September thru June at of sponge balls, and finished by invited Sara up to the stage to just as well with crayons. Using a the First United Methodist Church

20 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Assembly News

187 Stockton Street Hightstown sculpture designing and Shalomi climaxing with the production of final performer was yours truly, NJ 08520. Doors open at 7:00PM. lectured about a medical clown. two lemons. who then proceeded to mess up Contact Stephan Sloan lands10@ It was one of our best events. The very versatile magician, his two offerings, Silk-n-Egg and optonline.net (732) 757-5337 Shalom! —Yosi Notkowitz ventriloquist, and Elvis imper- Key-Rect. One more lesson in http://www.magicsam181.com for Contact [email protected] for sonator Kerry Summers brought “stuff happens!” more details. assembly information. laughter to the show with his giant The highlight of the evening was rabbit puppet full of jokes and a presentation by Sara Crasson, even a song that Kerry and the lawyer, magician, and daughter 184 188 puppet sang together. Kerry was of member Dave Crasson, who Magic Competition A Great Lecture and a the perfect finale to a great show spoke on the on-going problem of Great Show enjoyed by all. magicians copying another’s act — The joint summer Other members of the assembly or material, what each performer’s kid’s performances meeting of the Or em, UT— Our June meeting who attended were Dave right to “ownership” should entail, Israeli S.A.M. members and the featured a wonderful lecture by “Magical” Johnson and his wife how to copyright and patent an Israeli Magic Club members took Jay Scott Berry. He began with Catherine, and Ron Carasco and invention and how effective the place on June 11, 2013, at the Tel a beautiful manipulation routine his wife Connie. —Steve Dawson process can be in this area, and Aviv American Zionist House. with coins, balls, and silks, set to Assembly 188 meets at 7pm on the other aspects that basically deal The competition was opened by music he composed himself. He second Thursday of each month with ethics and honor (I nearly Yarden Shalev, a fourteen-year- also performed a new variation at the COurtyard at Jamestown, wrote, “among thieves”). This was old boy who performed with an on the bill switch and an amazing 3352 North 100 East in Provo, more than a lecture, however. It original magic show about a kid ring and ribbon routine. He then Utah. Contact Brian South brian@ involved a good deal of interaction who is sleeping and wakes up to explained all the effects he had teachbymagic.com (801) 916-2442 with and among the members that be a magician. demonstrated. utahmagicclub.org for more was very informative and chal- Berry also shared some excellent details. lenging and involved all present words of wisdom. “We tend to in one of our longer and highly overemphasize the tricks, and un- 194 interesting evenings. Sara will be deremphasize the performer and Newcomers and making this presentation at the the performance. We forget the Old Timers Night S.A.M. convention in Washington, reason for the tricks themselves. If D.C. I would advise all those truly we know how the audience thinks, Yonkers, NY— We began interested in protecting creativity we can use that to our advantage. our meeting with the election to attend. —Fr. Dermot Brennan Use anything that will get you of officers for the next term. Assembly 194 meets on the third from where you are to the moment The results were as follows: Fr. Wednesday of every month of wonder. The effects are illusion; Dermot Brennan – President, John (except July and August) at 7:30 the experience is real.” Zygmunt – Vice President, Roger PM at the Slovak Catholic Club on The next evening, several Burchard – Secretary, Michael Lockwood Avenue, Yonkers, NY members of the club performed a Piacente – Treasurer, and Jim Contact Michael Piacente magic show for the residents of the Stranges – Past President. We [email protected] (914) Courtyard at Jamestown in appre- will hold a meeting in August to 709-2947 for more details. ciation for the facility allowing the appoint at-large members to the First price winner (third time) club to meet in their building free board and to plan multiple activi- Tomer the magician of charge. Emcee for the fifty-min- ties for the next year. 206 ute show was Al Lampkin, who It was time for our newest The Sound of Silence: In the bedroom show, Yarden performed short bits between the member and several long-time The Magicians Worst did silk, wand, and confetti acts by other magicians. members to perform. Our newest Nightmare effects, and vanished a radio. First on the bill was Keoni member, Oscar Capel, was first The show was accompanied by Chuang who borrowed a ring and up and he did quite well. He had Austin, TX— With hands in two girl dancers. Vitali & Arik proceeded to put it on and off a a different presentation with pocket, James Caldwell took the gave a comedy magic show with piece of rope by magic. A playing a Change Bag resulting in the stage in Austin and then – very a parasol, glasses, and cheese. card was selected and later found vanish of a large white silk that powerfully – said nothing and did Papo the Magician performed in his pocket. Jason Carling switched with a multicolored sock nothing. with fire wands, silks, and a next performed some amazing that then was vanished to appear There was only silence. And it comedy kid’s burnt shoe. Yaniv stage magic set to music that on one leg, with the white silk on was awful. Levi offered card manipulations, a included the production of several the other leg. He also used several This was Mr. Caldwell’s simple disappearing radio, and a comedy parasols, a floating handkerchief, sight gags. opening demonstration during his moving table, and he changed a and many other effects, finishing Next up was Dave Crasson, who lecture for Assembly 206’s June silk to a live goldfish. Geni the with a streamer thrown over the did some nice smooth card effects meeting. The veteran tech expert magician did a guest show with a audience, earning for himself a using jumbo cards. Then Ted explained how unanticipated comedy glasses routine . well-deserved round of applause. Lee entertained with one of his silence can be the working magi- Chris La Artist won a special Walter Webb, a resident of the patented effects, this time with cian’s worst nightmare, but also prize for his many years of making facility, brought mentalism into cards, in which nothing seems to how magicians can relieve painful audiences happy and changing play as he accurately predicted work right until a surprise ending. silences with the deft use of music, so many figures and costumes. what another resident would Andrew Bieber followed with a and how music can turn an already The first price winner was draw on a slate. Curtis Hickman different presentation of What’s good show into a great one. Tomer the Magician who won presented a whimsical routine ex- Next with a set of two black The theme of Mr. Caldwell’s the first prize for the third time. plaining how he could never win in cards with bright red luminous lively, hands-on lecture was per- Tomer performed with his new Las Vegas because the cards were spots. Dennis Barlotta offered an formance technology and its uses. show: wonder boy, with a talking always stacked against him. He excellent routine; For an hour he demonstrated how parrot, wands, and a new floating demonstrated his dilemma using the final loads were a different magicians fill the gaps with sound. boy. a very large display of playing colored ball and the bag in which He also demonstrated lighting, In the second part of the event cards. He concluded his act the whole set was carried. And and provided his views on when to Zivi Kivi lectured about balloon with a one-ball and cup routine, he did it in excellent Italian. The use technology and how.

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 21 Assembly News

Some of the technology Mr. opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. sent to us a copy of his lecture each month at the IHOP, Hwy 98 Caldwell had on hand was with the following members notes and bibliography. and Interstate 4. Come eat dinner expensive, but not all of it. For present: Tom Armentrout, Bill Larry displays such a convinc- with us at 6:30; the meeting starts instance, he brought a number Baber, Alexander Goldberg; ing, solemn, and authoritative at 7:30. Acting secretary Elmo for of affordable amplifiers to the Amy Goldberg, Ron Grossman, demeanor during his performance. regular secretary Al D’Alfonso assembly meeting and explained Michael Heckenberger, Watt Hyer, It would be easy to believe that —Elmo Bennett how magicians can combine such Howard Karnes, Penn Russell, that he does, indeed, have extraor- The Jim Zachery Assembly devices with an iPhone and an Philip Thorp, and Harold Wood. dinary powers. Bravo! 266 meets the second MOnday electronic fob to add music to Guests were Mary Armentrout, The evening was concluded of each month at 7PM at the any show, even the most modest Jackie Karnes, Larry Lessner, with member performances. I-Hop on Rt-98 and I-4 Contact ones. For more ambitious shows, Adam Queen, David Ostrowski, —Phil Thorp Al D’Alfonso keeper0499@ a magician may want to use a and Michael Ostrowski. The Baker-Temple Assembly embarqmail.com (321) 4373814 for mixing board or a spotlight, he Howard Karnes will be responsi- 226 meets at 7:00 p.m. on the 4th more details. said. He also advised magicians ble for cutlery, napkins, cups, etc. Wednesday (except December to hire a tech expert, when at the upcoming picnic. Howard and January) room 009, Williams- appropriate. also mentioned that assembly dues burg Presbyterian Church, 215 274 are due. Richmond Road, Williamsburg, AUCTION We give a hearty welcome to VA 23185. Contact Phil Thorp Michael Ostrowski, who has [email protected] (757) BOCA RATON, FL— At our completed his membership form. 229-2329 https://sites.google.com/ June meeting we had two special We couldn’t be happier that he is site/samassembly226/Home for auctions. First we auctioned the joining our ranks. more details. magic of Howard Hyat. Howard We have all looked forward died recently from bladder to Larry Lessner’s “lecture- cancer. He did not have a lot of performance-workshop” on 266 apparatus, but he did have a nice mentalism. In his introduction Summer magic collection of books. The second to Larry, Michael Heckenberger invades Lakeland auction was mostly of DVDs from mentioned that Larry is a member our late president Arnie Rosen. of the I.B.M. in Richmond. He has Lakeland, FL— The —Marshall Johnson performed at the Magic Castle. meeting was called to order by The Sam Schwartz Assembly 274 Veteran tech expert James I first saw Larry at the Jerry our president at 7:30. The business meets on the 1st Monday of each Caldwell provides Assembly Blount auction last year and later meeting was very short and we month at the JCC in Boca Raton, 206 with great tips on the use at Harold Wood’s annual January went right to some of the greatest FL For further information call of sound and lighting. bash. He performed early in the magic of all time. Marshall Johnson (561) 638-0043. line up. It was most impressive. Bob Macy started the magic E-mail [email protected] Mr. Caldwell shared a number of Larry began by passing out with a card trick called Duplicity tech tips. For instance, magicians copies of his business cards to all by John Bannon. If you haven’t can use the volume control to the members and guests present. seen this effect you have just been 291 change the mood of a perfor- Each was to write or illustrate deprived. Master of the paste- Show and Tell mance. He also advised magicians on the back of the business card boards Ed Mc Gowan was next to arrive early to gigs to learn the the name of a playing card. The with a beautiful trick featuring our Venice, CA— The meeting for venue and determine what sort of business cards were folded in guest Andy Lino. Without looking June was full of fun, even though technology is appropriate for the half and placed in a bag. Larry at the cards, a spectator picked a we were short on magicians per- space. Also: have a backup plan. drew one out at random. After card and Ed told Andy what his forming. The preliminaries started The assembly welcomed its much effort he revealed the name was card was without even looking off with President Bill Bedecarre newest member, seventeen-year- of the card and the author. He at the cards. informing us of all the general old Sofia Dyer, who has a regular then revealed how the effect was Andy Lino was next with a business going on in our assembly street performance under the achieved. trick with the King of Hearts. and upcoming local Los Angeles name “The Girl Who Knows.” Larry performed (with the as- A spectator is given the king of magic shows and stage perfor- Sofia’s proud father, Assembly 206 sistance of Adam Queen) a card Hearts and another fifteen cards. mances. Les Cooper inquired Secretary Jake Dyer, shared with to envelope routine. He discussed This is repeated with the Queen for help with upcoming children members a recent article about the switch craft. He concluded with a of Hearts. The cards were mixed, magic shows. Frank Padilla, Jr. act. The article appeared in the delightful Q & A session. He also separated, and eliminated until gave us insight (being a former Austin newspaper. He also told only two cards remained. The two judge) as to what the judges at the members about a brief Girl Who remaining cards were the King of PCAM look for, and therefore how Knows radio documentary that Hearts and the Queen of Hearts. It to “bring home the gold.” Dave aired on the local NPR affiliate. was a very complicated and enter- Cotelessa talked about the news of Assembly 206 meets at the Omni taining trick. what is happening with the prep- South Park Hotel, 4140 Governors We had a visiting magician from arations for the PCAM and his Row Austin, TX 78744. Contact Toronto, Canada, on tour doing brochure designs. Jake Dyer [email protected] lectures. We talked him into doing Now, on with the show and tell, (512) 6580017 http://sam206.com/ a lecture; he accepted and did the in no particular order: Egbok index.html for more details. greatest lecture on , Kogbe entertained with manipula- featuring sponge balls, Cups tions of cards. To further educate and Balls, and card tricks. The our group, he gave us a handout 226 meeting adjourned about 10:00, on “The Ten Categories of Magic.” Mentalism Lecture by when we broke into small groups Donald Kuehne entertained with a Larry Lessner and did some real magic. routine on money magic using one If you are a visiting magician of our national founding fathers. visiting the Lakeland area, we Raphael Monsch entertained with Williamsburg, VA— Larry Lessner teaches the would love to have you join us. his routines with rubber bands. President Michael Heckenberger Real Work of Mentalism We meet the second Monday of Frank Padill, Jr. educated us about

22 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Assembly News his mystery box. Harold Sweet which he usually closes a show, entertained by doing his rendition using music and “happy thoughts” of with money. (Sorry patter with the DaVinci floating if I missed anyone in our lineup table. He also demonstrated and because the dog ate my notes this raved about HappieAmp’s wireless month.) “Ultimate Control,” which he uses Last, but not least, were all with a Fender MP3 player. He looking forward to our Fourth closed by discussing the differenc- Annual BBQ, in which Frank is es between the Losander floating famous for his smoker and tri-tip table and his DaVinci. that he will be slaving over all The closing act was a surprise: day. Included will be family and another floating table, but a beauty friends of the S.A.M and S.YM. to none of us had ever seen before. enjoy Frank’s fruits of labor. All From left: Alex Acosta, Rich Nakata, Lloyd Worley with It turned out that Alex Acosta check, James Lopez, and Lew Wymisner. the additional food and what addi- and his cousin had made the table tional fun will be available for all themselves. He used a stunning ages. —William Dow Jr. performed in a show for parents, program in his inimitable way. cloth in floating it. Then he added Assembly 291 meets the second and earned both a certificate and After considerable hilarious a fast-paced theatrical routine Tuesday of every month at the a magic wand. At a later date, by-play with props that included in which he “followed” it all the Boys and Girls Club, 2232 Lincoln children who wanted to take the The Magic Company’s sharp “toe- way around the room. His table Blvd, Venice, CA Contact Les course but could not get in were pincher coffin” for the old finger- certainly looked very heavy. Then Cooper [email protected] (310) invited to “Meet the Magicians,” in-a-box trick, the teach-a-trick he and Rich Nakata kindly let 4721820 www.westsidewizards. see some effects, and learn a trick finally turned out to be a cards-in- people come up and compare the org for more details. themselves. the-pocket effect. Lew closed by tables’ weights by lifting both of Lew Wymisner reported on the demonstrating the best ways to do them. The DaVinci weighed about Magic in the Rockies convention several useful card sleights. four ounces; Alex’s just a bit more. 292 and its new dates of October 3 The program theme was —Ron Dutton ILLUSIONS FUN through 6. “Illusions” (of any size). Worley The Dr. Ronald P. Dutton In a book review and handout, the Wizard opened with a story- Assembly 292 usually meets at Greeley, CO— The highlight Ron Dutton recommended a based routine to music. He used Kenny’s Steak House, 3502 West of our brief June business meeting gorgeous new book on Harry the Mak Magic version of a wrist 10th Street (corner of 35th Avenue), over lunch was accepting a $250 Kellar by Gail Jarrow. It covers in which the specta- at 11:00 A.M. (lunch optional) on check to celebrate a very suc- the early golden age of stage tor’s hand visibly drops. James the second Saturday of the month. cessful three-session magic magic, featuring the S.A.M.’s first Lopez started by introducing his Contact Dr. Lloyd Worley lloyd@ course at a local library, taught Dean and a number of his con- gracious and lovely assistant (and worleythewizard.com ((970)) jointly by Worley the Wizard and temporaries. It is a well illustrated girlfriend), Kendall Perez. Then 356-3002 www.SAM292.com for “The Amazing James” Lopez. bargain. he performed Jay Sankey’s “Block more details.  Eleven of the original twelve The Great Loudini handled Buster.” children completed the course, the teach-a-trick section of the Rich Nakata did the illusion with

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AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 23 Broken Wands

Keith J. Branch 2013. Born in Los Angeles, California, on November 10, 1920, professionally Leland was a tool-and-die Keith J. Branch passed maker with North American Aviation. He was proud away suddenly on April 18, that he even made a major support beam for the 2013, at the age of eighty- space shuttle. two. He was an active After graduating from member of the S.A.M. since Los Angeles High School joining in October 1998; and Junior College, Leland he was also active with proudly served in World I.B.M. Ring 58 in Knoxville, War II, and later became Tennessee. He is survived by an active member of the his wife of sixty-two years, Fullerton and Fort Worth Vivian, and sons David and branches of the American Les, daughters Gwyl Wright Legion. Raising his family and Paula Krawczyk, along with six grandchildren and in Torrance, California, six great grandchildren. his passions were fishing, Keith’s love of magic began in 1948; he enjoyed photography, carpentry, working with doves. In more recent years, Keith camping, and being an all became interested in different forms of mentalism. He around fix-it man. had a great sense of humor, and he went to various One of his greatest passions, however, was magic magic conventions around the country with travelling and illusion. Leland was president of the Orange companions Charlie Fenn (of Dancing Spring Magic) County Magic Club in California; later, the Fort Worth and Roger Reeves. Magicians Club in Fort Worth, Texas, made him He was born and spent most of his life in Michigan. Magician of the Year. Known as “Van the Magic Man,” Keith served in the U.S. Marines as a Staff Sergeant Leland enjoyed performing on a regular basis for chil- and demolitions specialist in the Korean War. He dren’s and family groups, and particularly in church was a retired carpentry superintendent for forty-two settings. He built a lot of his own magic apparatus, and years with the Wunderlich Company, Inc. He was a particularly enjoyed performing his thimble manipula- consummate carpenter, volunteer fireman, and an tion routine. avid golfer (which is one reason he retired down to Leland’s sustaining Christian faith was a major part Fairfield Glade, Tennessee). of his life. His daughter Ruth would later say, “We Keith will be remembered as a gentleman who was never missed church, even when we went camping.” always considerate of others – a man who was the Leland B. Van Deventer is survived by his daughter epitome of “kind and gentle,” who always had a smile Ruth Porter and son-in-law Walt Porter, step-daugh- on his face and endeared himself to both family and ters Sheral Sly and Linda Kisner and their husbands friends. Dan and Toni, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Leland outlived his two wives Myrtle Leland B. Van Deventer Van Deventer and June Van Deventer. Ruth says, “Everyone who met him thought of him as an extra Leland B. Van Deventer passed away peacefully at sweet man, and indeed he was.” —Bruce Chadwick Kindred Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 22,

24 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Good Cheer List Please take a minute to spread a few words of cheer with a card or note to one of our less fortunate members. Send additions, changes, or deletions to: Anthony Antonelly, Chairman, Sick and Convalescent Committee, (215) 820-3192 ext. 1512. [email protected]

Roger Barr Roy Horn Frank J. McNaughton, Sr Harry Riser 883 B Leverpool Circle, c/o Siegfried & Roy 1926 Apple Street, 11755 N. Michigan Rd #313 Manchester, NJ 08759 1639 N Valley Drive, Williamsport, PA 17701 Zionsville, IN 46077 Las Vegas, NV 89108 Tony Corrao James J. Morrisey Pat Ryan 100 Daly Blvd. #2804 Bob King 24 Grove St. 43 Fairbanks Rd. Oceanside, NY 11572 304 Suburban Court, Wayland, MA 01788 Churchville, NY 14428 Rochester, NY 14620 Daniel Cudennec Anthony Murphy Matt Savin “Dany Trick” Robert D. Knigge 11 Angel Rd., P.O. Box 7693 225, Stang-ar-Veil- PO Box 5, North Reading, MA 01864 Alhambra, CA 91802-7533 d’an-Traon, Mellac-29300, Jones Borough, TN 3765 Quimperle, France Nahmen Nissen Sybill Simons Stanley R. Kramien PO Box 1856 65 West 95 St. Apt 3A Dan A. Dorsey 11205 SW Summerfield Dr. Colfax, CA 95713-1856 New York, NY 10025 98 Woodvalley Dr. Apt 161 Fayetteville, GA 30215 Tigard, OR 97224-3391 David Oliver Hank Strasser 141 Audaubon Rd. #201 46 Bordentown-Chesterfield Rd. Joseph H. (Ben) Grant Richard Laneau Weymouth, MA 02188 Chesterfield, NJ 08515 400 Commonwealth Ave, Unit 9 4020 55th St. N. Warwick, RI 02886 St. Petersburg, FL 33709 Larry Poague Mario Susi 34221 West 90 Circle 6 Bristol Rd. Charlie Gross George Gilbert Lott Desota, KS 66108 W. Peabody, MA 01960 16745 Gertrude Street, 1725 Great Hill Rd. Omaha, NE 60136-3023 Guilford, CT 06437 Jim Relyea Jack White 241 W. Lakeshore 4288 Arguello St. Rockaway, NJ 07866 San Diego, CA 92103

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 25 New Members & Reinstatements

New Members Pastula Jr, Frank Lowell, MA Tucson, AZ Glendale, AZ Dicharry, Ryan Mason, Larry D Becker, Bobbie Perkocha, Luke Saint Gabriel, LA Sarasota, FL Savannah, TX San Francisco, CA Fraser, Jay K. Maturen, Mike Betancourt, Jorge Pieper, Robert Danvers, MA Harrisville, MI Laredo, TX Granite City, IL Fraser, Jay K. Mayate, Mark Blaylock, John Recine, Savino Danvers, MA Tucson, AZ West Chester, OH Mclean, VA Gomes, Russ A Nussbaum, James Ford Casino, Capaso Rose, Tevell Old Lyme, CT Randolph, NJ Burke, VA Chicago, IL Goodin, Robert E Pagnucco, Frank J Commini, Michael Schneiker, Conrad Overland Park, KS San Ramon, CA Santa Fe, NM Littleton, CO Goodin, Robert E Pickard Iii, Bert Cooley, David Siepielski, Robert Overland Park, KS Beaver, PA Glendale, AZ Waynesboro, PA Grayson, Daniel F Richard, David Christopher Currin, Chad Simmerman, Scotty Rochester, NY Merritt Island, FL Glenville, NY La Habra, CA Heller, Kevin Roady, Jimmy Gallant, Joe Spurr, Buck Auburn, IN West Haven, CT Somerville, MA Stoneham, MA Heller, Kevin Roady, Jimmy Giles, Steve Trombley, Michael Auburn, IN West Haven, CT Melbourne, Australia Kannapolis, NC Jeno, Thomas Rosenthal, Daniel Gonzalez, Jason Welch, Lawrence Elk Grove, CA Santa Rosa, CA Fort Collins, CO Macomb, IL Johnstone, Robert J Runyon, Terry S Gorton, Elliot Wheeler, Andrew Candiac, QC Canada San Marcos, CA Jeresey Village, TX Beckley, WV Kaduce, Steven Salinas, Alfredo Grubbs, David Wiley, Barry H Forest City, IA Tucson, AZ Mckinney, TX Marina Del Rey, CA Kampf, Philip Santana, Gary Guagliumi, Arthur Wolf, Robert Channelview, TX Lexington, KY Northford, CT Shawnee Mission, KS Kampf, Philip Saucier, Wayne Hampel, Dennis Wright, David A Channelview, TX Fairfield, NJ Lebanon, IL Lakeville, CT Kaye, James Seaver, Robert C Hearn, Charlotte Scarsdale, NY Croton-On-Hudson, NY Houston, TX Reinstatements Kelly, James Smith, David B Holland, James Halcottsville, NY Camby, IN Funabashi-Shi, Japan Agree, Alan King, Jeff Stewart, Richard R Hunsberger, Steve Flint, MI Oak Ridge, TN Valencia, CA Pennsburg, PA Alfred, Frank Kramer, Seth Sturk, John Jackson, Gilbert El Mirage, AZ Huntington, NY Chicago, IL Bethesda, MD Blood, Nathan V Labarre, Glen A Thighe, Craig Jones, Jeff Rochester, NY Coquitlam, BC Canada Centennial, CO Raleigh, NC Brown-Rosner, Sheree L Labarre, Glen A Thighe, Craig Kelley, Robert Baldwin, NY Coquitlam, BC Canada Centennial, CO Vanderberg Afb, CA Campbell, Robert Lee, Raymond H Tobo, Gregg Kildow, Bryn Florissant, MO Folsom, CA Lafayette, CO Olympia, WA Carpunky, Christopher Lee, Raymond H Wallach, D.A. Lighthiser, Allen Alton, IL Folsom, CA Fox Point, WI Salem, MA Carpunky, Christopher Linker, Jordan M Ward, John Lubinski, Joseph Alton, IL Elmont, NY San Antonip, TX Portsmith, VA Chirico, Angelo Lipman, Larry Wilson, Mark C Mitchell, Darlene Hartford, CT Falls Church, VA Georgetown, TX Erial, NJ Chirico, Angelo Lipman, Larry Wu, Esteban Molina, Santos Hartford, CT Falls Church, VA East Greenwich, RI Delhi, NY Clayton, Bob Loyd, Riley Nece, Anne Marie Silver Spring, MD Vancouver, WA New Port Richey, FL Crasson, Sara Martin, Knox Offer, Sean New York, NY New York, NY Los Angeles, CA Deich, Donald C Martinez, Christopher

26 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Can Be Used as a Flotation Device allows you to perform some cool magic tricks. During my recent Tech Talk, I This is cool. Want some magical reminded the attendees of a quirky, fun promo photos, especially if you do the trick that is on the app. Balducci ? Check out Levi- This effect is a fun revelation of a tagram. This is an app that easily takes card by some very famous magicians. A pictures that makes it appear as if you card is selected and placed face down on are floating. How does it work? First the table. To read the spectator’s mind, take a photo of yourself lying down we need something to concentrate on. on a chair. Then take a second photo Since a crystal ball is not available, the without you and the chair. The two magician has another idea. He takes out photos blend together. Now use the his iPhone and shows the spectator a simple tools to remove the supporting photo of the magical monument Stone- chair from the photo. Voila! You are henge. The magician stares at the stones and announces the floating in the park! Once the photo is card. How did he know? He saw it in the stones. If the spectator made, you can send it to someone or post it on your favorite doesn’t believe him, he’ll show him. social sites. It’s a lot of fun to use; I’m sure you’ll find a use for As the magician zooms into the photo to get a closer look, it it. Levitagram is available on the iTunes App Store for $1.99. is noticed that two very famous magicians are standing by the rocks holding up a card. and are Dots That Stick holding up the selected card. Here’s the secret. First, force the Six of Clubs. Now go to Glue Dots are a very useful tool. Whether you are sticking the Magic section of the magicSAM app and click on the trick cards together or making a spider secretly stick to a person’s AlakaZOOM. There you will see a photograph of Stonehenge. hand, Glue Dots have found their way into a magician’s arsenal. The photo is not gimmicked, and because of the distance you If you use them a lot, they can be very pricy. have to zoom, the two Harrys are not seen in the beginning. I spoke with Cindy Chadwick at the Washington S.A.M. When you zoom in, (by spreading your fingers apart) be sure convention, and she told me how much she enjoyed looking at to go between the last two set of rocks on the right and you will things on Pintrest. She recently learned how to make find them. her own Glue Dots. My ears suddenly perked up The photo is specially made so that the two Harrys are and she shared the link with me. It’s easier than always in focus. Don’t underestimate the value of this effect. you think and worth the minimal effort. Although simple in nature, people seem to enjoy the outcome. Simply go to Michael’s Crafts and buy a magicSAM is available on the iTunes App Store for free. bottle of Aleene’s Tack It Over and Over Glue for about $4. You will also need the Using Trick Photography backing paper from a sheet of computer address labels. This is that waxy paper you While we are talking about the throw away after you peel off your printed magicSAM app, be sure to have some labels. fun with Tricky Photography. It’s also Now squeeze in the Magic section of the app. Click little dots of glue on on the camera and you’ll be able to the backing sheet take some tricky photos. Press the in rows. Go to bed. EFFECTS button to scroll through the In the morning, the different choices. Have the ghost of dots will be clear and Houdini appear next to your subject. sticky. You can peel Have Harry hanging upside down over them off the sheet and use them. The great their heads. You can also put them in thing about making your own is that you can the famous Kellar Levitation poster or make them any size. I use pinhead-sized, dime- on the cover of M-U-M magazine. Once sized, and quarter-sized dots. You can get thousands in a single the photo is taken, you can email a copy to the person you have bottle. photographed. As usual, all photos taken with your phone are stored in your Camera Roll.  Help from Some Past Presidents Found a cool gadget, app, or website for magic applications? The official S.A.M. app, magicSAM, does a variety of Share your discovery with Bruce to include in a future column. things. It gives you a reference guide for all things S.A.M. and Email him ([email protected]).

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 27 The High Road script writing, character development, and act construction for the modern conjuror

By Mick Ayres

the magic exists. once did something crazy by attempting In a review about the magic-themed to reverse the plot of some classic effects, A magician was invited to dinner. After film Now You See Me, critic Reed Tucker just to see what could happen. One suc- the meal, the host graciously inquired from the New York Post bluntly wrote: cessful result of this odd approach is Stan’s about the possibility of some conjuring. “With the possible exception of ventrilo- delightfully visual Rope & Restored Cut. The magician obliged and presented a quists and mimes, magicians tend to reside The point is, you won’t know until you try. few brief card mysteries of high skill. at the very bottom of the entertainment Another easy first step for conjurers The host exclaimed, “Amazing! That is a pyramid when it comes to cool factor. is to embrace a more bold and theatrical fantastic pack of cards!” After a pause, the David Copperfield might be the exception approach with our presentations, even the magician replied, “Dinner was amazing, – we’re guessing Claudia Schiffer dated simplest of them. Be careful here though; too. You must have a fantastic stove.” him less for what he could pull out of a hat the last thing any audience wants to watch The industry of conjuring is selling its and more for what he could pull out of his is an amateurish display of enthusias- clients a phony bill of goods. Within our wallet. The new movie Now You See Me is tic over-acting. Remember that even the world of websites, Internet forums, magic looking to change all that. It hopes to make easiest effects still require a relevant plot, shops, conventions, dealer rooms, and magic hip.” good scripts, and plenty of rehearsal. lectures, we promote the simplicity and Please understand, in today’s world a For example, early on most conjurers ease of conjuring. Across the board, these film by itself cannot change this perception learn to make a coin vanish using the varied sources of supply and knowledge of magicians held by the public at large sleight-of-hand technique called the focus exclusively on the what and how, but – at least not for any respectable length . But these young magicians rarely the why – and never the where. of time. However, it is quite possible for quickly realize a problem: when you make A conjurer’s life is spent in theatrical magicians themselves to accomplish that the coin vanish, the guest always wants to settings. It makes no difference if your goal by regarding their art seriously and see the other hand. The problem is a false performance platform is flanked by pro- improving their performances. transfer of a coin is not magic. Rather, it scenium arches on a grand stage, potted Successful people know that every is a challenge for the guests to learn what plants in a living room, trash cans on a overwhelming goal is reached by reducing happened to the coin. So they do – and street corner, or salt and pepper shakers it down to executable steps and handling quickly. on a restaurant table; to do well in the them one at a time. Make a list of the To fix it, some magicians wrap a plot mystery arts one is required to have at effects in your act. Meditate on the pre- around the sleight. Show the coin. The least a general understanding of stage- sentations and evaluate each one carefully coin is taken and put into your ear. The craft. It also makes no difference whether for strengths and weaknesses. Be your other hand now tugs gently on your nose you are a professional or amateur. Regard- own worst critic. This can be difficult (and and the coin drops out. Do this without less, magicians and mentalists stubbornly sometimes challenging to your ego), espe- saying a word and it is cute and mystify- refuse to embrace the disciplines of stage- cially with favorite routines. Here, honesty ing enough. Now take it a step up. Ask the craft. Seriously, that’s like wanting to be will take you far. Ask yourself if the person with the most authority in the room an expert at billiards but refusing to study audience is truly mystified with that four to assist you and do it to them. It becomes angles and physics. Ace trick…or is that just polite applause much funnier, especially to a child who To be fair, conjuring’s appeal as a hobby because the guests have anticipated the sees it happening to his grandfather or an is often adopted early on by awkward conclusion? employee watching his boss. teenagers desperate to cope socially. At Take notes as you make each ob- However, there’s still room for im- that stage, a few self-working effects that servation (even if you later decide it is a provement. Magicians now add a script to are acquired easily can go a long way non-issue) and immediately write down the plot. Borrow a quarter and say, “Do toward “setting the hook” for any magic any possible solutions that come to mind you want to see the Dancing Coin trick? enthusiast. But, even at that level, mentors no matter how silly, absurd, or minute. Okay, the coin goes into Grandpa’s ear. would do their protégés a grand service by Sometimes the smallest detail – an added Sir, please nod your head once. This makes teaching that learning a secret only makes pause, a change of tone, a turn of a phrase – the coin seek out the light at the end of the one knowledgeable – but understanding can be just the thing to push your presenta- tunnels. Here, I’ll get it. Ta-da! Do you how to entertain with that secret is where tion to the most effective level. Stan Allen know why this is called the Dancing Coin

28 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 trick? It has a little boogie in it.” Pretend for this experiment, we need an object to Say, “Here is where the rubber meets to pluck something off the coin and wipe it focus upon – in this case, a random card the road. Telepathy is about the transfer of on Grandpa’s sleeve and his grandchildren from a shuffled deck. thought from one person to another. From will groan and laugh every time. Yes, the “First, please remove the Jokers and this point on, everything gets easier for plot is silly, the antics are absurd, and the put them aside. They have no real value you and harder for me. My job is to learn jokes are corny, but it is also a lot of enter- anyway and may confuse things later.” which group holds your card. I will hold tainment mileage from one simple move. Watch as she searches the pack. She will my hand over them one by one. If your card Similarly, in the world of mentalism the quickly locate the Joker and remove it. She is not in that group, simply think the word better performers must rely on a combi- will continue to search the pack complete- ‘No’ in your mind. If it is there, however, nation of relevant scripts with strong and ly to find the second Joker, but to no avail. just think the word ‘Yes.’ Are you ready?” appropriate acting skills if they hope to This innocent dodge lets you clearly see By this time, you should already know make their presentations less tedious and the card at the back of the deck. Remember the location of her card. Now it is time to more believable. In a mindreading per- it because this is your key card. channel your inner actor. Hold your hand formance, keeping the guests focused and Continue by saying, “You only found over each group of cards and look expec- holding their attention is paramount to a one? Okay, I suppose the other Joker got tantly at the guest. Discern her “thoughts” successful act. A long-winded monologue tossed already. No matter; hold the pack and respond appropriately by commenting, filled with intellectual jargon is a death up and spread the cards so only you can “I am sensing a clear ‘No’ for this group. knell for mentalists. Keep the plot simple see them. Allow your eyes to settle upon Would you please remove them from the and the explanations brief and your mind- any card near the middle and focus your table? I am not receiving any thought here reading experiments stand a better chance mind while you gaze at it. yet – but this group…is…a…definite…No! of making believers out of a naturally “Now, to be fair, I did see some of the Please put them aside, too. Now we’re skeptical audience. cards while you were searching for the down to two…” Continue in this fashion To illustrate this concept more clearly, Jokers, so let’s stir the pot a little more. until one pile remains. consider the following demonstration of Look at all the cards in front of your The pace is picked up a bit as the guest telepathy. From the audience’s perspective, selection. Take about half of them and put is asked to split this final group in half. the proposal is clear, easily understood, them face down on the table. Likewise, Reveal which half holds the target card by and uses a common item found in every look at all the cards behind your selection. reading her Yes/No thoughts. Again, she home. From the performer’s perspective, Take about half of them and drop them is asked to discard the “No” group. Keep the emphasis here is on presentation, not on top of the tabled pile. Next, pull your dividing the remaining cards by color, odd/ technique. The experiment is completely card out and lay it on the tabled pile as even, high/low until you have whittled it hands off; all that is required is to speak well. Finally, place the remaining cards down to two cards. The excitement should clearly and act well. down as well. This changes the location be palpable as you oscillate between the of everything and buries your card. You choices. Finally, point to her card and Hummingbird have to agree, that card of yours is now shout, “Yes!” lost somewhere in a deck you have mixed Pick up the target card and hold it high Years ago, Max Maven created Mock- several times. for all to see. Smile broadly at your guest ingbird, a brilliant effect that allowed the “Now that you have a target object in and say, “It wouldn’t have worked without performer to gradually identify a selected mind, your next task is to guide me to it you!” It will not be lost on the audience card by reading the spectator’s mind every mentally. I apologize for making you do that this is the first time you have touched time a group of cards was displayed. Even- all the work, but if I handle the cards at any cards during the entire experiment.  tually, one card was isolated from the others any point it nullifies the whole experiment. – a card that was the matching color-mate Please cut the deck into four piles and turn Hummingbird copyright 1998 by to the selection. In developing Humming- each pile face up. Spread each group so Mick Ayres. Previously published in bird, what I borrowed from Max was his every card can be seen.” Cardworker (c. 2001). intriguing presentation. Otherwise, this As she is spreading the packets, scan mental drama remains widely different in them quickly for your key card. Her Mick Ayres enjoys an eclectic career as a both effect and handling. selection will be immediately behind it. parlor conjurer, storyteller, and You will need a deck of cards that Take your time. In a moment, you will – and now, as a writer for M-U-M includes one Joker. To begin, ask a guest begin the search using a spread that does magazine. For the past thirteen years, he to shuffle the deck thoroughly. Once she not have the target card. Since three of the has performed over 1,300 shows annually is finished, leave the pack with her and four packets qualify, finding one is easy. entertaining guests from all over the world say, “I’d like to perform an experiment Remember, this is a mental experiment, at the exclusive Walt Disney Resort on in what scientists call ‘telepathic instruc- not a card trick. So, don’t rush the revela- Hilton Head Island…and is still at it. Mick tion,’ where one person mentally shares tion. Theatrically speaking, it is far better welcomes input (and dialogue) and can be thoughts that guide another person to to locate any lost card with believable reached at [email protected]. complete a specific task. To set the stage tension and drama.

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 29 The Nielsen Gallery Shade “Cabinet” Dimensions: Half-sheet: 27.5” x 20” • Lithographer: National Date: circa 1920s • Nielsen Rating: Rare

Shade the Magician with his pant legs pushed up and a bucket on his head, with the still tightly tied Shade sitting If you’re a magician looking for an intriguing next to him. stage name, “Shade” works very well. In litera- He can also be included among the very short ture and poetry, a shade is often taken to mean a list of magicians who performed the spirit or ghost from the underworld. In the case that killed or maimed so many magicians over of this month’s featured performer, it is both the years. In the 1920s when Sawing a Woman the stage and birth name of George W. Shade, in Two was the rage, Shade also presented his an innovative illusionist, enthusiastic supporter version. It was built by Dave Swift but ap- of magic organizations, and all around fan of parently Shade improved the method. Leslie conjuring. Guest, a former editor of M-U-M visited Shade Shade was born in 1891 and spent the majority and recalled that his version had “…no room of his life in the central Pennsylvania town of for an extra girl or dummy feet either, but he Shamokin. There is no account of how he first gets all the effects.” At that time Shade was also became interested in magic, but by the mid to performing The Man Who Walks Away From late 1920s his name starts appearing in The His Shadow and an entirely automated Spirit Billboard, the leading entertainment magazine Paintings routine. Guest observed fourteen in the country, with references to him taking illusion crates in Shade’s garage and said the out his own illusion show. Prior to this he and house was filled with magic. his wife appeared in vaudeville on the Keith Shade was very involved in the I.B.M. and circuit. attended every annual convention from the I have been unable to find any program very first in Kenton, Ohio, in 1926. He was one listing illusions he performed, but I discovered of those who first voted to approve the constitu- some tantalizing clues. Reports in the magic tion of the organization, held various offices in magazines always reference his outstand- Ring 20 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and also ing performance of the Spirit Cabinet. In this served on the Expose Committee. Most magic effect, Shade was tied to a chair and placed in a organizations of that period fought furious curtained enclosure on stage. On a chair next to battles over the exposure of even the simplest him sat a tambourine, a hand bell, metal dinner magic effect to the general public. Many of plates, and a horn. No sooner were the curtains these appeared in newspapers or magazines. In closed than the spirits rang the bell, shook the the case of Thurston, these exposures came in tambourine, tossed the plates over the top of the his “Magic Box of Candy.” enclosure, and caused a great ruckus. When the Shade took a sanguine approach to such curtains were thrown open Shade was found matters,telling fellow magicians, “Advertising still securely bound. that reveals secrets of magicians is not objec- A volunteer was then selected and, after tionable. This form of advertising helps the being blindfolded, was placed in the cabinet on professional sell entertainment and does just as a chair next to Shade. The curtains were closed, much good as Thurston does when he reveals another ruckus of noise took place, and upon the magic; only the amateur who tries to sell tricks curtains being opened, the spectator was found is affected.”

30 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 The Nielsen Gallery

Eventually Shade retired from both vaude- and family were killed by pirates off the coast ville and presenting his illusion show and, as of Yucatan. Alexander Herrmann acquired the the saying goes, “got a real job.” For many illusion and presented it as The Maid of the years he operated a drug store, and from 1938 Moon, with Dot Robinson being levitated. to 1946 served as the mayor or “burgess” of his In closing, Shade’s close friend Edwin Bloom hometown. And he took the job seriously. A writing his obituary said of him, “He was brief article in the Gettysburg Times for April genial, generous, ever ready to help the young 27, 1940, reports Shade giving himself a ticket magic enthusiast, a fine showman, and an and paying a fine for illegal parking. accomplished magician. Our art has lost a great One last item before we conclude this article. booster.”  The town of Shamokin had another famous son, —Tom Ewing Will B. Wood, an extremely talented magician who created a levitation called Edna. Wood was on tour in Mexico when he and his wife

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 31 I Left My Cards at Home By Steve Marshall

a Parade editor for .) Paul had been a good friend of Stewart Wrapping the Straw Judah, and he showed me several Judah creations, including The Judah Straw Drape the shoelace over the straw. The Trick. In fact, Paul had socked away “A” end should be on your right. The right several boxes of waxed-paper straws just hand grasps the portion of the lace that is to Michael Close so he could continue to perform the trick. the right of the straw; the left hand grasps The Stewart Judah routine is almost the left portion. The grip is with the thumb Our guest contributor this month is totally unknown to magicians of my and first two fingers. The right hand brings Michael Close. Michael’s interest in magic generation and younger. As originally its portion under the straw. The wrap is began at age six when he was given a few conceived, it used a pencil, a paper straw, toward your body. Take control of this tricks as a birthday present. The bug bit and a string. The string was wrapped portion with the left third and little fingers. and held, and magic remained an important around the pencil and the straw. When Then grab the “B” portion with the right hobby for him through high school and tugged, the string penetrated the pencil hand and bring it under the straw and to the college. but still ripped the straw. Unfortunately, right. The ends have changed sides, and the In 1972, Michael was lucky enough the trick became the victim of the develop- straw has been wrapped once (Figure 1). to make the acquaintance of Harry Riser. ment of space age polymers – when straws Being able to spend time with Harry was started to be made of plastic the trick a treat and an education and provided became impractical. My contribution is Michael with an expert example of what the realization that with modern straws the magic was supposed to look like. Harry straw serves the function of the pencil, the Figure 1 imparted a philosophy of magic influ- wrapper the straw comes in acts as the old- enced by Dai Vernon, Charlie Miller, and fashioned paper straw, and, of course, a Stewart Judah. shoelace does duty as the string. I checked Michael is the author of the Workers this out with Swinford and believe that I series, Closely Guarded Secrets, The Work was the first to revive the trick in this form. Volumes 1-3, and several other instruc- To learn this you’ll need a shoelace, a tional ebooks. For ten years he was the plastic straw in its paper wrapper, some product reviewer for MAGIC magazine. He masking tape, a pen (the latter two items has lectured and performed for magicians are just used for learning purposes), and around the world. In 2009 he became the a patient friend (this may be the hardest The left hand now brings the “A” end editor of M-U-M. thing to find). Using the pen and the up and over the straw. It crosses over the The following routine first appeared masking tape, make a small tab and attach straw and is allowed to hang down to the in Workers 2, where it was used as an it to one end of the lace. Label this tab right. Again, the wrap is toward your body. “encore” for a three-phase effect called “A.” Label the other end “B.” Because the Now the right hand brings the “B” end The Ring, Shoelace, & Straw Routine. It ends of the lace continually change sides up and over and lets it hang down on the is an easy and amazing penetration effect, during the wrapping process, it becomes left side of the straw. The straw has been perfect for restaurant situations. too confusing to refer to “right” and “left” wrapped twice, and the ends of the lace are ends of the lace; by labeling them we can hanging free at this point (Figure 2). The Judah Straw keep track of the ends. Obviously, this is Trick just for explanation purposes. Okay, here we go. When I was in my early twenties, I met Tear off the end of the wrapper and John Railing, a magician from southern remove the straw. It is important that the Figure 2 Indiana who was attending I.U. law school wrapper not be destroyed in the process. in Indianapolis. Through John, I was Remove the straw carefully, and then able to meet Cincinnati magician Paul smooth out the wrapper. Lay the wrapper Swinford. Paul was a knowledgeable and on top of the straw and have your helper clever magician, and he was very generous grasp the straw and the wrapper at one in sharing information with me. (Older end. Fold back the wrapper toward the readers may remember Paul as the author helper. The straw should be more or less at of several books on the faro shuffle and as right angles to your body.

32 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 The right hand now comes up and over straw or the wrapper that the straw came I Left My Cards at Home Wrapping the the straw and the wrapper with the “A” in? This is not a trick question. The straw Wrapper end and lays its portion over the straw and is, of course, stronger, because it is made wrapper. The wrap is toward your body. of space-age plastic; it is almost impos- You will now wrap up both the straw The left hand lays its portion up and over sible to tear. The wrapper tears easily. and the paper wrapper. Fold down the the straw and wrapper. At this point the Now, do you know why they don’t make the wrapper, so it runs the length of the straw. “A” end is on the left and the “B” end is on straw out of paper and the wrapper out of It will cover the wrapped portion of the the right (Figure 5). plastic? Because you could never get the straw. Ask your helper to hold the wrapper straw out! You’d die of thirst before you’d against the straw with his other hand, so rip this sucker open! It’s my job to think of both ends of the straw and wrapper are things like this.” held securely. I now enlist the aid of a nearby spectator Figure 5 The right hand controls the “A” end, the and wrap up the straw and the wrapper as left hand the “B” end. Bring the “A” end explained above. My patter during this up and over the straw and wrapper and let part is mostly explanatory and need not it fall to the left-hand side. As before, the be detailed. When the wrapping process is wrap is toward your body. The left hand done, the patter continues as follows: brings the “B” end up and over and lets “It would seem that there are two ways it fall on the right side of the straw. The to get the shoelace off the straw: either wrapper has been wrapped once and the unwrap it, or have you take one of your ends have changed sides (Figure 3). hands away and slide the shoelace off Now the left and right hands grasp the end. But I have developed a theory their respective portions of lace by the that goes like this: If I pull real hard on thumb and first two fingers. The left hand At this time make sure your helper has the ends of the lace, it will try to break the moves under the straw and the right hand a firm grip on the straw and wrapper. Grab straw, since it’s wrapped around it. But the grabs the “A” end with the third and fourth the “A” end with your left hand and the lace can’t break the straw; so instead, the fingers. The wrap is toward your body. The “B” end with your right hand. Sharply tug lace will pass right through the straw and left fingers can then take the “B” end from the lace between your hands. The shoelace will rematerialize just in time to rip the the right hand and bring the “B” end back will rip the wrapper and will now be wrapper. I feel that this theory is so obvious to the left, under the straw (Figure 4). stretched above the straw as if it has pene- and easily visualized that I need not do it. trated through it. (This, of course, assumes (I begin to walk away.) Okay, okay, I’ll do that you didn’t screw up. If you did screw it for the skeptics. Do you have a good grip up, you probably broke both your helper’s on the ends, Mary? Good. (I do the pen- arms. Find a new helper and keep trying.) etration.) Because I have found that when The principle is that when you wrap up the lace comes through the straw people the wrapper you are in effect undoing are too stunned to applaud.” Figure 3 the previous wrapping of the straw. The The routine is over. wrapper, however, keeps the lace from falling off. When the wrapper rips, the lace Coda comes free. This is quite an amazing trick considering how fair the wrapping process The Judah trick is especially good and appears. Here now is the patter that ac- is now very practical through the use of companies the above moves. The correla- the straw and the wrapper. I still enjoy per- tion between words and actions should be forming this routine and the response from obvious. an audience leaves nothing to be desired. “People sometimes ask how I got in- Even though this routine appeared in Figure 4 terested in magic. When I was about to Workers 2 more than twenty years ago, graduate from high school I wanted to be was included in my L&L videos, and a physicist. But just before the commence- was demonstrated and explained it in all ment ceremonies my parents sat me down the lectures I gave in the 1990s, very few and said, ‘Michael, how can you think of magicians seem to have latched on to it. throwing your life away trying to develop a This is surprising, because the trick gets clean, inexpensive source of energy, when a great reaction from both laymen and you could be doing magic tricks in a noisy, magicians, although it reads like a horrible dingy bar? Let’s get some purpose to life!’ cross between macramé and origami. Be So here I am. But I still love physics, so sure to give it try, especially if you work here’s a trick based on physics. in a restaurant, where a straw is a very “Which would you say is stronger: the organic prop. 

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 33 Focus on Funny

By Norm Barnhart

Very Cool Snowflake

Myste ry I like fast and flashy magic. Kids do too. They want to see some magic, so get to it! A long drawn out routine that ends with a bit of magic is probably not as in- teresting as a surprising trick that gets to the point and knocks their socks off. Kids don’t want to wade through a long drawn out plethora of patter in the presentation. Magic should be visually interesting. That really is the point. Add some comedy along the way and you have a winner. Here is a fun and quick little trick I created that makes the kids’ eyes light up. The response is usually “oohs” and “ahs” with a few “wows” mixed in. If done for a special event, such as a birthday party, the child gets to keep a nice gift from you finger help to fold the paper. It is good to breast pocket of your jacket and they are in the end. keep both hands looking casual. Fold the brought out. Basically, you just hold out What They See: A four-inch-square paper until it reaches the shape shown in your two fingers like in the Rock, Paper, sheet of 20-pound office paper is folded step 5 of the illustration. Once folded, this and Scissors game. You then clip around up; the performer makes a clipping motion sheet is held next to the cut sheet. Slide the the paper in your left hand with the finger- with his fingers. The paper is unfolded to uncut sheet back as you pretend to press scissors. reveal a snowflake. and fold the paper. At that moment the Unfold the “clipped” paper and reveal Preparation: Two four-inch-square switch has been made. You can keep the tip the snowflake. sheets of paper are needed. One is prepared of the cut paper in full sight as you slowly Give this unique surprise gift to the by folding and cutting it into a snowflake. squeeze and switch. birthday child and watch the smiles. The paper snowflake is hidden in your hand The snowflake sheet is casually This is especially amazing to the and a billet style switch is done to switch retained in the right hand along with the younger kids. It is simple and direct and in the snowflake. You ditch the folded plain uncut sheet. They see the paper poking leaves them wondering. It gets the “oohs” sheet as you reach into your pocket for out of your right hand and assume it is the and “ahs.” I like to talk about how kids are invisible “scissors.” The scissors that you same uncut paper you just folded. The left like snowflakes. Each is special because no use are your fingers, which gets a chuckle. hand is casually shown empty; it goes to two are alike! I’ve had difficult-to-please When these magic finger-scissors actually your pockets on the left side of your body nine-year-olds to teenaged kids be amazed do magically cut the paper to make a as you search for a pair of scissors. This is by this simple effect. snowflake, the children are amazed! . No scissors are found. I add comedy by talking about how I How It Is Done: Two sheets of identi- The right hand places the folded am learning to do origami. I explain that cal-sized paper are required. A snowflake snowflake paper over into the left hand, I can make a few items. The four-inch is made before the show in the traditional retaining the uncut paper. The paper is po- square of paper is folded in half once. “A way of clipping a folded sheet of paper sitioned in the left hand so the tip protrudes hat.” Folded again. “A boat.” Folded again. (See Figure 1). This is folded and placed in from the top of the hand. “A rocket ship.” They are all basically a pocket next to the folded sheet of uncut The right hand now checks the side triangles, and the kids think, “Wow, this paper. In performance, the right hand pants pocket for the invisible scissors. The guy knows nothing about origami.” When holds the folded-up snowflake hidden by uncut paper is left behind as you remove the snowflake appears, their jaws drop!  bottom three fingers as the uncut sheet of the empty right hand. You check your paper is removed. side jacket pocket, again bringing the This is from Norm’s latest book The plain sheet of paper is shown hand out empty. Finally, you then “find” Cool Kid Show Magic. Check out and folded. The right thumb and first the invisible scissors in the left inner www.NormBarnhart.com.

34 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013

Michael Goudeau: The Best Friend A Magician Could Have A conversation with Michael close

everal years ago, Michael Goudeau and I sat around a and is the go-to problem-solving guy for big name magicians table with Penn Jillette, Teller, and around the world. Sbrainstorming ideas for a TV special called Penn & To top it all off, Michael Goudeau is one of the nicest people Teller: Off the Deep End. Creating material for this special was I have ever met. He is also one of the cheeriest people I’ve ever challenging because much of the magic would be performed met. I could try to attribute this cheerfulness to the fact that under water. he doesn’t really understand what’s going on, but that isn't the Someone (it might have been me, I don’t recall) suggested case; Goudeau has a deep intelligence and has an amazing that we experiment to find out whether a Squirmle (the slum knowledge of an amazing number of things. magic item) could be manipulated under water. I was put in I spoke to Michael via Skype. —Michael Close charge of this particular project, and Lisa and I spent several days trying to construct a large version of the Squirmle Close: Let’s start at the beginning that would work. (The slum-item Squirmle fell apart when Goudeau: I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Good old submerged.) We finally made one that did the job. Red Stick. Let’s quit trying to pretend it’s something fancy. My In the meantime, Michael Goudeau came up with a gag to parents are both computer programmers. My dad programmed showcase the newly-dubbed “Bahamian Sea Slug.” The idea computers for banks; my mom wrote the instruction manuals was that Teller (while under water) would manipulate the slug for early software. I have one sister who is a mom and is in a as Penn explained that they were harmless, except during band in Sebastopol, California. mating season. At that moment, forty more sea slugs would I was in Baton Rouge until I was twelve; then my parents swim out from behind Teller’s back and between his legs, all (who were wannabe hippies) moved to Marin County to be trying to mate with the slug Teller was manipulating. close to San Francisco, to be close to Haight-Ashbury. Perhaps To accomplish this, Goudeau designed a harness that Teller correctly, they had discovered that Louisiana was not the place could wear that would hold forty slugs all attached to fishing to be hippies. That was 1968. We moved right in the middle of lines that could be pulled while he hid out of frame. The harness it. was built, the extra slugs were manufactured, a couple of extra “hero” slugs were made, and the whole thing was shipped to C: What got you interested in juggling? Nassau for the shoot. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, G: There were a couple of things. The first one was that we the bit was never taped. bought a unicycle at a garage sale when I was about fourteen I learned two important things from this experience: 1) years old. It was four dollars. One of my friends and I spent the Never do a magic show under water. 2) If you need a guy to summer competing to see who could ride the farthest. I won. So create and build great gags, a person who can keep his cool re- we spent an entire summer unicycling and playing ping pong. gardless of how crazy a situation gets, go to Michael Goudeau. About a year later my dad got me Carlo’s The Juggling If you ever saw Lance Burton’s full-evening show in Las Book and I learned from that. I didn’t really practice that hard. Vegas, you probably saw Michael Goudeau. He worked with I read the book and thought, “That’s kind of interesting.” A Lance for nineteen years. This alone would make him an few months later I was at a Renaissance Fair and a friend was interesting subject for a magic magazine, but there is much working at a game booth where you had to knock down fluffy more to Goudeau than just being the variety act in a magic stuffed cats. He got me a job at the booth. There weren’t a lot show. Goudeau has been a writer for many Penn & Teller of people coming to the booth, so there was plenty of time to projects, was the co-host for Penn’s syndicated radio show, practice juggling.

36 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Two guys who did an Italian juggling act with lots of And this would work into a funny clown gag. We were the screaming came by. They seemed to be having a great time and fourth or fifth in line, and the people before us had all done this people loved them. And I thought, “That seems better than this long drawn-out thing. So Frank and I decided that we would cat-booth thing.” So I found a friend of mine and taught him to just walk out and shake hands, and with what had come before, juggle, because the only juggling I’d ever seen was a duo act. this would be funny. So we did that and walked off, and it got We practiced four or five hours a day for the next six months a huge laugh, because everyone expected the other thing. But and we started doing shows. We didn’t learn to juggle for any the boss clown went nuts yelling at us, “What’s the matter particular love of it; we just wanted to do a show. We were with you, can’t you follow directions? This isn’t the place to be near San Francisco, so we started doing street shows. The great monkeying around, this is Clown College.” (Laughter) But they thing about that location was that it was conducive to street did accept me into Clown College; unfortunately, my partner performing. There were places to do shows without having any didn’t make it. real talent or having to audition. And the cops didn’t hassle you; it was very rare that you got into any trouble for busking. We C: What goes on in Clown College? just started doing it. G: Back then it was an incredible amount of work – eight The odd thing was that by this point there were four of us in the morning until ten at night, at least five days a week, and doing the act; I was the oldest at sixteen. We called ourselves more days if you wanted to stay ahead of the curve. They picked Fly-by-Night. We practiced and practiced and got ready to do shows. There was a street fair coming to San Francisco, and we thought, “This is the one; we’re going to start doing shows.” Two of the guys chickened out. So the third guy and I went to San Francisco and we made up an act on the spot, because we had enough juggling skills at that point. We made about eighty or ninety bucks for a full day of juggling, which for a little kid in 1976 was a pretty good pile of change.

C: Were you a good student; were you an athlete? Did you participate in activities or did you hang around on the fringe? G: I was one of those middle ground guys. Even though I was in California, I played ice hockey; and I played soccer, at a time when no one really did. I was involved in organized sports, but not in the normal ones. I did enjoy school. I’ve always been a science geek. My friends at school were all science geeks. Like most jugglers, I got straight Bs with no effort. Rather than do the tiniest amount of work and get straight As, I did no work at all and got straight Bs. I tested out of high school a year and a half early, which made my soccer coach very angry. I knew what I wanted to do: I wanted to be a forest ranger. So I headed to the College of Marin in Kentfield, California, (and later to their Indian Valley campus) – they were kind of hippy colleges. But I was juggling pretty much full time. We started doing shows at the Cannery in San Francisco, which was a terrific venue. There was a stage, there were lights, and you actually had to audition to perform there. We were there two or three days a week. Michael Davis and Whitney Brown were there. It was a really good time to be there. You could make a good amount of money doing shows there because there were three or four rows of seats and it had a balcony, so you could gather a big crowd in a small spot. We were riding unicycles in the show and juggling torches and knives. I spent my entire early career doing a multi-person act. The first fifteen years was either a four-person act or a two-person act. In 1979, I learned that the best jugglers I knew – Michael Davis, Greg Dean, and Michael Marlin – had all graduated from Ringling Brothers Clown College. I applied and got into the Clown College. In 1979 I saw in the newspaper that they were having an audition in San Francisco. The audition was in August, and college started shortly after that. In the span of about a week, everything in my life changed. At the audition, my juggling partner Frank Miles and I got into trouble for being funny. There was a gag in which we were supposed to walk toward each other; as one of us extended his hand the other one tipped his hat, and then this was reversed.

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 37 you up in a bus in the morning and took you to a circus arena where you had classes all day – mime, juggling, makeup, how to make your own costumes, how to build props, just every possible clown thing you could think of. They’d take a break for lunch and dinner, but the arena was open in the evening if you wanted to work on the stuff you had learned during the day. At that time there were six thousand people applying for Clown College and they had sixty spots available. Of those sixty, they would hire twenty or twenty-five people. So you had to somehow manage to be better than two-thirds of the class if you wanted to make the show. It was a lot of fun, but very competitive and exhausting. I still use the prop-building skills I learned and I’m happy that they taught me how to sew, which has been very useful. The main thing about Clown College was that it was the first time I had to sit down and write a lot of material. They expected the students to write their own gags for the class graduation. I had to create a bunch of gags that I would be in and that other people would be in. That was the first time I had done a lot of that. At the end of Clown College there was a mortifying day when you wait around and they pick people up in car, two or three at a time, and they take them to the arena to offer them jobs. You have no idea how many people they’re going to hire or who they’re going to take. Everybody stands around in the hotel lobby; every hour a car comes up and takes two or three people. It’s a long and intense day.

C: You’d think they’d bring a car around and twenty of you would get in it. G: It’s funny; we would do that if we went out for ice cream. There was a clown car at the arena that (at that time) was legal Goudeau and Frank Miles to drive on the street. So we’d pile in and go to Carvel for ice Fly-by-Night cream; but not in makeup. It’s much funnier that way.

C: How long did you stay with the circus? G: I was with Ringling Brothers Blue (there used to be two day they called us; we had twenty-four hours to get everything troupes) for two years. I got a job offer from a circus in Mexico. ready to go. We didn’t have an act; we’d only been juggling As great as Ringling was, at that time it was a very low paying together for a couple of weeks. But we thought, “Sure, let’s go job. My take-home pay was about 120 dollars a week. It was to Japan.” We managed to get passports and visas in twenty- difficult to make a living. The Mexican circus paid a good deal four hours and got on the plane. We knew no Japanese and we more; in fact, the contact I signed for eight weeks paid what didn’t have a show. This was 1981 or ’82. Ringling would have paid me in a year. In Ringling, there were On the flight over we tried to write out a show. And it ended twenty clowns in the circus; in Mexico, there were three. So up going really well. We stayed in Japan for six months and then there was a great deal of focus and attention on the clowns. It went to Taiwan for a month. And we managed to put together a just seemed like a better deal to perform there. So I jumped relatively slick and funny juggling act set to music. It was fun ship. and an interesting and entertaining thing to do. Unfortunately, there were some frightening stories When we came back from that I discovered that two of the associated with the Mexico gig. I’m pretty sure the circus I was guys I had worked with in Fly-by-Night had continued to do with was actually running guns into Mexico. They talked me shows, and one of them decided to quit, so I took his place and into driving the truck. It wasn’t quite what I thought it was at joined back up with my old partner. the time; it dawned on me that this was something more than I spent a month or two performing at Magic Mountain and just a circus. doing street shows in Westwood with Barry Friedman (of the Raspyni Brothers). He and I did street shows together for a C: Where did you go from there? short time, but then Frank Miles called me. He was in Houston, G: I came back to the US and was practicing with a friend Texas, working in AstroWorld. of mine named Greg Barnes. We were hanging out and juggling I went to Houston and worked with Frank for a long time. together just for fun. We got a call from a winery and did a show The gig in Houston was great. It was in a review show, a Las there. We didn’t have a show; we just juggled and talked. Then Vegas style show in an amusement park. It was a great show a couple of days later we got a call from an agent in Japan. He and we had a great spot. Jeff Dunham was in that show. We said he needed a juggling act in Sapporo, Japan, but we would had a contract for nine months and six of those were weekends have to get on a plane the next day at noon. It was noon on the only, for which we received full pay as if we had worked the

38 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 full week. (We had a good agent.) So for six months a year But then when she started with the show, it was during the time we’d work two days a week doing two shows a day. It was just when we were laid off and they only had two variety acts. I the greatest job. On our days off we took acting classes, dance wasn’t there. By the time I returned three months later, she classes, and improv classes and got hired into a sketch comedy had already told everybody the story. When I got back, Johnny improv group. So we’d work our two days at AstroWorld and Thompson was backstage and said, “Hey, that girl singer thinks the other days we’d work in an improv show. It was great for us. you’re cute. You should ask her out.” He talked me into it. So I went downstairs and asked her out, and it worked out okay. C: So you’re getting paid and broadening your skill set. G: Obviously, my dance skills did not improve. So some of C: We should talk about that great photo of you and Lance it was an exercise in futility, but the improv was great for us. changing costumes for the finale of the Folies show. While we were working in Houston we got an audition for G: We were just hanging out backstage. In most shows you the Folies Bergère show in Las Vegas. Frank and I and a friend have a lot of free time. When you’re doing a ten-minute spot in of ours, Kurt Larson (who had a magic act called Dexion), had the show, you have a lot of time to monkey around. And that’s seen Lance Burton on the Tonight show; we videotaped it. We what we did. Lance is still furious at Frank and me because we watched Lance in slow motion over and over trying to catch set off an explosive in his dressing room and burned up part of him loading birds, and we never did. We were just astonished; his carpet. And we tossed juggling knives and throwing stars it was the greatest magic act we’d ever seen. About a month or into his walls. We were just rambunctious. two after that, our agent called and said he had an audition for One day after our set we had an hour until the end of the us in the Folies Bergère. They hired us and put us in the show show, so we switched costumes. I put on the collar and did my with Lance, who at that time was doing the Dracula character. hair up as much like Lance as I could. He put on my suit and He was pale, with a giant black pompadour hairdo; he glared mussed up his hair as much as he could. And we went up to at the audience while he did these amazing tricks. This was the stage to wait for bows. People would come up and when 1983. We moved to Vegas and started with the show just a few they saw the three of us together it wouldn’t register what the months after Lance did. problem was. They’d look at us for a second and then walk on We worked on and off in the Folies for about five years. by. One of the singers in show actually did a triple take as he During the busy times they’d have three variety acts in the walked by, stopping between each look back. Backstage there show; during the slow times they’d only have two variety acts. were only a few people who saw us. They announced Lance’s We were the third act, so we’d get laid off. They always kept name and I walked out all serious; the audience didn’t recognize Lance on and they always wanted a comic to close. We were that anything was wrong, but all the dancers cracked up. Then the middle act. Frank and Lance walked out with Lance bouncing like me. I’m The Folies gig turned out to be a good one for me, because not sure the audience noticed it, but we laughed a lot. I met both Lance and my wife in the show. C: How did the solo act come about? C: I assume you and Lance hit it off pretty quickly. G: On the last day of our final run at the Folies, Frank and G: At that time Lance was Dracula and he didn’t talk much. I had gone out paragliding. He crashed and broke his ribs and He was pretty reserved and quiet. Frank and I were loud and punctured a lung. I carried him down the mountain and took obnoxious at that point. We were young kids in the Folies him to the ICU. But we had a show that night, so I went in making pretty good money and raising a fuss. We joked around as a solo, which I had never done before. It was a big shock. a lot. Lance got into that. He enjoyed hanging out with us. At the time I was a very good club passer and a good two-act There were two things that changed Lance’s life. The first person, but I really had no solo skills at all. A week later we thing was the Funkenring. He would get into an elevator with were supposed to be on the Smothers Brothers TV show and I someone, ask what floor she wanted, press the elevator button, had to cancel that, which was heartbreaking. Two weeks after set off the Funkenring, and fall on the floor screaming, with that we were supposed to get on a cruise ship. I knew that Frank sparks shooting out of his hand. He went nuts over this. If he wasn’t going to be ready, and I knew that as a solo act I’d have could get you ten times in a day with it, he would. to go back to doing street shows to get booked. And then Jeff McBride made a great suggestion. Lance was So I practiced and wrote a solo act, but I didn’t tell the doing the paper tear; he tears a triangle out of a paper and then cruise ship about Frank. I was supposed to leave on the ship on restores it. When he tears out that triangle and folds it, it sort a Sunday afternoon. That Sunday morning I called the director of looks like a bird. McBride said to Lance, “That looks like a and said, “Terrible news: Frank has had an accident and he’s not dove; you should make it flap for a second.” Up to this point in going to be able to do the gig. But I can do a solo.” They said, the show Lance has been so serious and scary to the audience “Okay, you jerk, come on and do a solo.” But it went well and that when he folded the paper and made it flap, the audience they kept me on as a solo act. went nuts. It was hysterical. Lance got a taste for being funny. They weren’t going to hire me back at the Folies as a solo This led to him talking and extending the act, which eventu- act; I really hadn’t impressed them that much the day Frank ally led to him developing his own show. Getting those laughs got hurt. Unlike the street, the Folies actually expects you to really woke something up in him. have an act, and I didn’t really have one. But I managed to keep I also met my wife in this show. The romantic version of the myself booked on the cruise ship. Frank and I discovered the story goes like this: Theresa was a singer, and her agent was same thing from this: bookers pay for a variety act spot, not trying to get her to audition for the Folies, but she was already the number of people who do it. Whether there is one of you or working in a show she liked. The agent convinced her to at least there are ten of you, the money is the same. So by working as a go to the Folies to check it out. She saw Frank and me in the single, the money doubled for me. show and decided she wanted to meet me, so she auditioned. I did cruise ships for a while and then I was in a show called

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 39 Hitz at the Hacienda before Lance opened there. A friend of Lance Burton on mine who was a burlesque-style comic had worked in the show Michael Goudeau previous to Hitz, and they really liked him. So they decided to keep him even though they were switching to a modern, hip-hop show. It wasn’t a good fit. He was extremely unhappy I first met Michael Goudeau in the early with the show. During one of my breaks from the cruise ship I ‘80s when we were both appearing at the stopped in to see the show; afterwards I sat at the bar with him. Tropicana Hotel in the Folies Bergère. Goudeau He said, “I really hate this show; tomorrow morning I’m going and his juggling partner, Frank, were doing a to call in and quit.” So I asked him, “What time are you going two-person comedy/juggling act that was very to call?” He called at 11:30; I called at 11:45 and asked if they funny and amazing. The three of us became needed a variety act in the show. They said, “Oddly enough, we good friends and remained so, even after they do.” (Laughter) They basically hired me sight unseen and put left the show a couple of years later. me in that show. At that time, juggler Kris Kremo held the It was a big cut in pay from what I made on the cruise ship, record for the longest running variety act in but the Hacienda show gave me more flight time: I had more time on stage to work on my act. I hadn’t been doing a solo act Las Vegas. He had been in the Lido at the Star- that long and I knew from the street that I needed to do as many dust Hotel for about a decade. When I opened shows in as short a time as possible. So I went from the ship, my show at the Hacienda Hotel I brought where I might do two shows a week, to the Hacienda, where I Goudeau on board as my special guest star. worked six days a week doing two shows a night for half the He stayed with me throughout the run at the money. Hacienda and then went with me to the Monte Melinda’s brother David Saxe saw me in Hitz and asked me Carlo Hotel. For those keeping track, that to be in her show, which I did for about a year. I did a short is a total of nineteen years – a new record! stint at the Lady Luck downtown and then I moved into Lance’s Congratulations Michael Goudeau! show at the Hacienda. Back in the ‘80s Goudeau and I went to the movies to see Groundhog Day staring Bill C: Did you have much input on the structure of the Hacienda show? Did Lance ask you for advice? Murray, a wonderful film about a man who gets G: I worked on jokes, mostly. Lance had all the tricks in stuck living the same day over and over again. place. All the stuff he wanted to do he’d been working on for Michael immediately began using Groundhog a long time. He’d spent the last couple of years at the Folies Day as a metaphor for show business. He putting new things in at the end of the bird act. He worked pointed out that performing a variety act was out illusions there; the Folies were pretty lenient about those exactly like the movie. We do the same act things. So by the time he got to the Hacienda, about two-thirds over and over again. We relive the same day of the illusions had been worked out. I helped write jokes or sat over and over and we find out everything that in the audience and watched for sight lines while he rehearsed; can go wrong, and we try to figure out what the type of things that good magicians ask other people to do to do to correct the situation. Goudeau has an for them. inventive mind and always notices things like C: Were you the first to do beanbag chair juggling? this. That is why he has been so successful. G: Absolutely. I was the first to do that trick by a long shot. I Here’s to many more years of comedy was walking through Walmart and saw the beanbag chairs and and creativity from my good friend Michael thought, “Hey, I bet I can juggle those.” I picked them up and Goudeau! juggled them right there in Walmart. I was in Melinda’s show at the time, and I put them in the act that night. Melinda’s mom Bonnie said, “What a horrible, stupid, amateurish trick.” So it was in and immediately out. I invented it and then didn’t do it for a year. When Lance opened at the Hacienda I put the trick back in.

C: Here’s something I’ve always wondered about: How do you travel with those things? G: I will tell you a trade secret. Normally when I traveled what I did was to purchase Styrofoam in whatever town I was in. I traveled with the valve that those giant peanut loaders use. But then I found some eight-foot diameter beach balls. I put the beach balls inside the beanbag chair skins and blew them up about a third of the way. It took some experimen- tation to figure this out. With the partially inflated beach ball Lance (as Goudeau), Goudeau (as Lance), and Frank inside, the beanbag chair handles and looks like the genuine Miles (as himself) article. C: So you were with Lance at the Hacienda and a deal was

40 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 worked out with the Monte Carlo; there was no doubt that you would move with the show to the new hotel. G: Yeah. They showed me the blueprints for the hotel and the theater, and I was involved with that from the beginning, which was very nice of them. The Hacienda was a very small hotel. The first day we walked into Monte Carlo I looked around and said, “We’re in trouble. This place is much nicer than our show.” The Hacienda was kind of a grubby old hotel. People who came to see Lance there were surprised that such a great show was in such a little, tiny, horrible room. I thought, “Man, we’re going to lose that element of surprise at the Monte Carlo.” But Lance is a genius; he pulled it off. He upgraded the show so it didn’t feel like us doing our crappy little show. Being with Lance at the Monte Carlo provided me with something few variety artists ever attain: job security. I also had health insurance and a retirement plan. These are things that jugglers never have. It was great, and I thank Lance for that.

C: One of the other bits in your show that cracks me up every time I see it is the samurai joke with the rubber band. Where did that come from? G: When I was in the Ringling Circus, one of the other clowns, Tuba Heatherton, was playing with rubber bands and discovered that a rubber band would pull your hair up like that. This was around the time when John Belushi was doing the samurai thing on Saturday Night Live, so I just tied the two things together. I was already doing some samurai jokes about juggling knives, so it was a very easy fit; it just fell into place. I steal those rubber bands from broccoli in the grocery store. They’re the best kind to use. I’ve never been able to find another source for them. I’ve written to broccoli producers to find out where to get them, but they never respond. So, until they respond, I’ll keep stealing them. I beg them, “Please make an honest man of me,” but they don’t write me, so I continue to started working Vegas full time. They came to Lance’s show steal them. and we hung out after. We hung out a lot and became friends. When Penn and Teller were doing pre-production for their C: It must have been through Lance that you met Mac King. show Sin City Spectacular, they had to write twenty-four G: Yes, I met Mac through Lance; he’s one of Lance’s best hour-long shows, and they invited me to join the writing team. friends. I met him when Mac first came to Vegas. He’s one of They hired everybody they knew for one week to crank out my best friends in the world, and my life is better for knowing the scripts for these two dozen shows. At the end of that week, him. Our daughters are best friends; we hang out with them I thought, “Man, this is great. I’m going to keep coming in.” and our families take vacations together. There is no funnier They told me I could keep coming in, but they weren’t going to or kinder people in the world than the King family – as you pay me. A couple of weeks later they changed their minds and know. They are also some of the most normal people in the hired me to stay on through the completion of the project. magic world. C: You did something for that show that was pretty chal- C: When did you meet Penn Jillette? lenging. A lot of people don’t realize that there are often delays G: When I was doing street shows in San Francisco, the (sometimes major delays) when TV shows are taped. You were Asparagus Valley Cultural Society – Penn, Teller, and Weir the audience warm-up guy for Sin City Spectacular. Chrisemer – was also performing. They had great advertising, G: A one-hour episode could take anywhere from four hours really funny, clever stuff. They’d have Bald Guy Night – all to twelve hours to complete. One night I believe I was on stage bald guys got in free. That would get all this free press in the for eight hours, keeping the audience warmed up because there newspaper because it was funny. I had heard it was a magic were so many complications and things going wrong. Now, no show, so a couple of friends and I went to see them. The show one has eight hours of material. Being cheerful is a very useful was in a very small theater in San Francisco. skill in this situation. I came out and had the audience do a sev- After the show, I introduced myself to Penn as a juggler. enth-inning stretch and sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Penn yelled to Teller, “Hey, this guy claims he’s a juggler, Then we’d do it again but shift the tune off by one beat (which but I don’t believe him because he isn’t dressed like a hippy.” is very funny to hear and very hard to do). I had a joke-tell- (Laughter) That was the first time I met the guys. I would run ing contest, with the audience competing. Every single thing I into them every now and then. Eventually, Penn and Teller had ever thought of, or had ever seen, or had ever read about,

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 41 I used in that eight-hour marathon. It was a long, long night. We were there until four or five in the morning trying to tape that one-hour show. But it was a great experience. I got to work with a lot of my heroes: the Smothers Brothers, Lyle Lovett, Gilbert Gottfried – some really great people. We not only had to write the show, we had to build all the props. It was a fun, busy, hard-working time.

C: And there was at least one bit from that show, the knife- throwing, which became a major hunk in the P&T Vegas show. G: I always try to take an undue amount of credit for that bit. There’s a clown gag that the thing is based on, and Penn and I knew we wanted something that played like the Paper Balls over the Head. It became a big bit. Another was The Inflatables, which was inspired by an inflatable mascot that I saw at the Triple A World Series. Silverfish (Teller’s Miser’s Dream solo spot) also came out of the Sin City Spectacular. Penn and I went to Lake Mead to catch carp, because an earlier version of the trick used gigantic full-sized carp.

C: I assume it came as somewhat of a surprise to find out that you and Penn had so many other things in common besides juggling. G: We were both Ringling clowns. We have very similar political interests, religious interests, and comedic interests. We are both curious and inquisitive; we both have been cheerlead- ers for science all our lives. I think the only thing we disagree on is celebrating Christmas with our families.

C: Many of the people reading this will not be aware of some of the other things you have done and I’d like to talk about those Mousetrap pancake now. You are one of the finest cooks I’ve ever known. When Lisa and I lived in Las Vegas there were many occasions when we would go over to your house for a feast. How did this interest develop? G: Well, you have to eat every day, and I just took the same attitude that I have with my act. I’m going to have to do this every day, so I might as well get good at it. I really got into it once I found science-related cookbooks, not books of recipes, but books that explain the science of it: what makes something taste good? What causes a sauce to thicken?

C: A few years ago you wrote a book about pancakes called Extreme Pancakes. Is this a book people can track down? G: Barnes and Noble sells it, but I think it’s sold out online. You’d have to go to a Barnes and Noble store to find it. I wish they’d print more of them. Christmas tree pancake

C: The other thing that people may not know is that you have designed barbeque covers. G: The BBQ Zoo (www.bbqzoo.com). I was sitting in my mother-in-law’s backyard in her Jacuzzi with my wife. It was dark; their barbeque was off to the side and I could see it through the bushes. I thought, “That thing looks like a rhinoceros; how hilarious is that?” And then I thought, “Why couldn’t you make a barbeque cover that really does look like a rhinoceros?” And that’s what I did. It has been a delightful money-losing project ever since. My kids’ college fund has been tied up in renting a warehouse here in Las Vegas. But recently the Food Network featured it as one of their fun summer things, and sales have picked up. I’ve gone from selling two a month to selling five a week, which is almost enough to cover the storage cost. Cow BBQ Cover

42 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 C: For almost twenty years you had a performing situation that was almost like going to the office every day, which gave Mac King on Michael Goudeau you a lot of time to be with your kids. G: For the last two years of Lance’s show we did five shows • Michael Goudeau likes to juggle just for a week, so I would leave my house at 6:30 and I’d be home by fun. 9:00. There’s nothing better in the world than that. I stumbled • Michael Goudeau likes to play croquet. head-first into the greatest gig in world. Even Lance didn’t have • Michael Goudeau likes to bake cakes. it better than I did because he had to babysit the show and deal with the cast and the crew. Me, I just walked in, changed my • Michael Goudeau likes to go to fancy clothes, did the show, and went home. And this freed me up restaurants. to work on other things like the pancake book and writing for • Michael Goudeau likes to go to dive Penn & Teller’s Bullsh*t! restaurants. • Michael Goudeau likes people. C: You did eight seasons of that show? • Michael Goudeau really likes to laugh. G: Yeah, we did eight seasons and received twelve Emmy • Michael Goudeau is a great writer. nominations for writing. But we never won because no presenter • Michael Goudeau will try almost anything. on TV is going to say, “And the winner is Bullsh*t!” (Laughter) There was just no way that was going to happen. There is no one on earth more giving than Michael Goudeau. If I call him and say, “I’m C: The closing of Lance's show a couple of years ago had to have been met with a certain amount of wistfullness. wondering if you could help me; I need…” G: People ask what the difference is and I say, “I don’t work before I even say what it is I need help with, any less, I just don’t get paid.” he answers, “Yes, of course.” And he means it. Michael Goudeau is the most good- natured fellow in the entire world, actually in the entire universe. And if there are, in fact, multiple universes, Michael is the most amicable guy in any of ‘em. It’s not that I’ve never seen him angry; I’ve never even seen him unhappy. Michael Goudeau is one of the most interesting people on the planet. Not only is Michael Goudeau one of the most interesting people on the planet, he’s also one of the most interested. He is the most curious person I know. And not only is he inquisitive, he also puts the wisdom gained through his keen thirst for knowledge to good use. If I want to know something C: Lisa, Ava, and I saw you at Christmastime here in about anything in the world, I almost always Canada when you toured with Murray Hatfield. What else is start by asking Michael. As a matter of fact, keeping you busy these days? G: Just recently I did a TV spot that I can’t talk about, but they should change the name of the search which will air soon. It involved a very familiar part of my engine from “Google” to “Goudeau.” When juggling act. I’ve been doing festivals and magic conventions, I first met Michael he’d say something and I’ve been doing a lecture on comedy writing. I did one in about an obscure topic that I was certain Finland last year and it was voted the best lecture they’ve had was fallacious. I’d think, “There’s no way he in Finland in many years. I’m going back to Finland for a month knows what he’s talking about now. No one in November. has that depth of knowledge about broccoli.” But then, sure enough, it’d turn out to be C: Because there’s nothing more fun than Finland in winter? true. G: Well, I survived the Canadian winter, so I guess they The only thing I’ve ever known Michael thought I could survive it over there. Goudeau to be wrong about is sour cream C: The Hatfield tour was your last set of shows before you and cilantro in guacamole. He says yes to had hip replacement surgery on both hips. Was this a con- the sour cream and no to the cilantro, but genital condition, or did you beat your hips to hell with all the he’s wrong on both accounts. activities you like to do? Michael Goudeau is a great father, G: I don’t think the activities did it, although the rock husband, and friend.  climbing, unicycling, kite boarding, and snowboarding may

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 43 With Teller on the set of Bullsh*t! have had some effect. I don’t think anything I’ve done is more strenuous than being an NBA player, and they rarely have hip problems. So I think it was a congenital problem. But the surgery went great. I was only off for four months. Again, this is one of the reasons I’m a science cheerleader. Had this happened twenty years ago my career would have been over. It’s only the latest version of artificial hips that can withstand the impact of my jumping off a unicycle. After four months I told the doctor that I was going back to riding and jumping off a unicycle, and I asked him how likely I was to break the new hips. He said that my legs would break before the prosthesis would. I’m walking at full speed; it’s an amazing thing.

C: Before we wrap this up I’d like to briefly address one more topic. There was a panel discussion at the S.A.M. con- vention about magic and ethics that focused on the appropria- tion of intellectual property and how difficult it is for creative magicians to protect themselves. I assume the same thing happens in the juggling world. G: There are two opposing sides in the juggling world. There are those who advocate for originality and creativity. And there are those who say you should just do the best show you can, even if this means taking this bit from that guy’s show and this hunk from some other guy’s show. In the marketplace, Michael and Theresa Goudeau on the doing the best show you can (even if it isn’t yours) generally set of Dancing With the Stars works. That’s the bad news. Talent bookers don’t seem to care about whether you’ve appropriated the hunks that make up your Penn & Teller’s Blast Off. It’s hysterical for us to watch, but for act. That would seem to be an argument against the side that I P&T that has to be really annoying. want to be on. My comedy lecture is well received because it’s Here’s a very good piece of advice from Penn’s mother. about how to create new material, how to write your own jokes. Some years ago Penn was very upset and angry because someone had ripped off some of his material, and he talked C: And when the stuff you come up with is personality to his mother about it. Very gently she asked him, “Can’t you driven, it makes it very tough for someone to steal it. write more?” (Laughter) And, you know, Penn’s mom is right. G: Yeah, but they do take it. There’s a guy in Italy who’s Yes, he could. And that’s what has made him successful. He’s doing my entire act, almost exactly. That’s true for a lot of our made a career out of creating more. That’s what creative people friends. We’ve been lucky to hang out with successful people. do, and it’s the advantage that they will always have over those But there are a couple of guys in Korea who have ripped off who simply take. 

44 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Penn Jillette on Michael Goudeau

Writing a TV show is a high-pressure situation: me that much anymore. That annoying giggle is temperamental stars, harried producers, broke the sign that my most trusted friend is nearby and line-producers, network suits purposely kept we’re gonna come up with something funny. in the dark and then blamed for not getting it, He would have been a great park ranger. In a weather, loud airplanes, “drop dead,” “wheels up,” parallel universe there’s some empty environ- and “losing light.” mentalist figurehead writing how he couldn’t run When I’m in that situation I do everything in my the U.S. park department without Goudeau and power to have Goudeau there by my side. There’s his giggle. On the way to being a park ranger, always some trick that isn’t working and some Goudeau started street juggling. He got good moment that needs a joke or a gag. Goudeau is and he made money and he had fun. That wasn’t in there with gaff tape, some fish line, saying he really a fair test, because Goudeau can have fun can hide inside the hassock and jury-rig the trick burning fudge. I’ve been fired with Goudeau, I’ve to work from there. When everyone else on the cried with Goudeau, I’ve failed with Goudeau, I’ve set has nothing, been injured with Goudeau has ten and by Goudeau, I’ve jokes and five sight injured Goudeau, I’ve gags. Six of the been scared for my jokes just plain life with Goudeau, suck, two of the but I’ve never seen jokes the suits won’t Goudeau not having allow, and two could fun. I don’t think of almost work if we Goudeau as a juggler do them perfectly. or a comedian; I think Three of Goudeau’s of him as someone sight gags involve who loves life so big things – a big much, it becomes chicken, a big art. Goudeau is a rock, and a giant good person. You mousetrap. One pick any definition of of the sight gags how a good person involves a cream should live his or her pie being thrown at him, and the last gag could life and Goudeau will fit that definition. He’s a be okay funny if we do it perfectly. Everyone else great entertainer, a great father, a great husband, on set has exactly nothing. Wait a minute...nope, a great partner, and a great employee, and he we’ve got nothing, but by then Goudeau has ten will beat you at any game you play with him. more ideas. Don’t even think about beating him at ping pong. Goudeau never has nothing. I’ve never seen him Goudeau is the man your parents wanted you to shrug. I’ve never seen him run and hide at craft be. Yup, he’s that good. services pretending he’s jonesing for some trail mix Mac King, Lance Burton, Penn & Teller, Johnny with carob M&Ms at that exact moment. I’ve not Thompson, Amazing Jonathan, David Copperfield, experienced enough pressure that Goudeau stops Apollo Robbins – we’ve all gotten gags, jokes, giggling and stops trying to help. I can imagine and pieces of business from Goudeau. And those him wounded, in the front lines of ‘Nam, with the are just the ones you’ve heard of. Everyone that Cong still coming at him, saying, “Could we just crosses Goudeau’s path gets some help from him. name the dog ‘Chunks?’” He’s a genius at showbiz and at life. Goudeau was supposed to be a park ranger. He He was on a jury with eleven fellow jurors voting even has the hat. He’s outdoorsy. He’s physical. for guilty and just Goudeau on the side of “not He’s knowledgeable. He’s tough. He’s strong. He’s guilty.” Goudeau turned them all around with logic smart. He loves learning and teaching. He loves and compassion. It was One Angry Juggler...with science and nature. He’s not even slightly crazy. a giggle. He sticks up for what’s right and he does He has an annoying giggle that wouldn’t bother it with joy and that annoying giggle. I hate that the flora and fauna. The giggle doesn’t even bother goddamn giggle.

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 45 by David Seebach Not the Dr. Pepper pizza or that Jeff will come to your table late at night at the Legion Yo u’d Dri n k to share some new card tricks. There is a “sameness” to all the other magic conventions. That’s If my supposition is accurate, most of you will be reading this not an insult, just an observation. Colon is different, but you won’t at the very end of July or in early August. That means it’s not know until you have experienced it. (Confidential: There’s quite a too late! I shall now endeavor to select my words very carefully, nice “night-before” party at a beautiful modern home right on the because I want to pitch some praise in a manner that does not water on August 9. I might be able to get you in…) cause any reader to presume something beyond what I intend to convey. The seventy-sixth annual Abbott’s Magic Get-Together will take place from August 7-10, 2013, and I think you should be there It’s Not Exactly a Mirror in tiny Colon, Michigan. You should especially be there if you The act and apparatus we know of as Pepper’s Ghost was have never attended before. And, yes, in our modern age of jet actually invented by Henry Dircks over one hundred years ago. travel, you can easily get from Colon (via Detroit or Chicago) to Few of us have ever seen what was staged back then, but almost Las Vegas on the 11th to attend MAGIC Live and not miss a thing. all of us have seen its modern incarnations at a Disney theme park I have attended other magic gatherings; whether it’s called or on a carnival midway. a convention, a jubilee, a fest, a symposium, or something else, When you stand in a brightly lit room on a dark night and they all are fun and all offer many reasons to participate. But, attempt to look out the window, you often see a reflection of the annual frolic in south central Michigan is unique in the true yourself and the room you’re in, not the exterior panorama. If you dictionary sense: “one-of-a-kind.” I began attending in the 1960s; dim the light in the room the pane of glass that had been reflec- while I cannot boast to have gone every year, it is the only magical tive gradually becomes transparent. This is how magicians have event that I try to never miss. turned a sheet of glass into a mirror. Why? I think there’s a different atmosphere when hundreds The original concept (which must have required a massive of magicians converge on a tiny town without a single hotel or piece of glass by anyone’s definition) allowed live actors on a motel and limited dining options (even more limited in 2013 stage to duel with skeletons and phantoms that were actually in after last spring’s downtown fire). I actually believe that if the the orchestra pit. The reflection of these “ghosts” became appari- Abbott Magic Company decided not to host this annual retreat, tions that could appear, disappear, and even fade away. the faithful would still show up to see each other. I hear so many At Disney’s popular Haunted Mansion you pass by a banquet magicians refer to this pilgrimage as “coming home.” scene where translucent ghosts are waltzing about. They must be Jeff McBride is one of the big stars this year. Let’s use Jeff as ghosts because you can see right through them! An unseen pane an example. If this was the typical assembly in a big city with a of glass, at a forty-five degree angle, is in between the patron and hotel as its anchor, it is entirely possible that the star attraction the banquet room. The “ghosts” that you see are the reflections could remain in his suite, appearing only onstage and avoiding of brilliantly-lit mannequins on the glass. I believe this principle the hoi polloi. But, this is Colon. That’s not going to happen. It’s is also used on their Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction as entirely likely that you’ll be seated with Jeff as you wait for your you look down a long hotel corridor. A piece of glass can reflect another, duplicate corridor, set at ninety degrees, for a mysterious disappearance. And, who hasn’t seen the sensational Gorilla Girl on a midway in which a gal in a bathing suit morphs into a hirsute ape right before your very eyes? Decades ago, when Carl Owen worked for Floyd Thayer and there was a craze in America for anything Egyptian owing to the discovery of King Tut’s tomb, Carl developed a compact and self-contained illusion called Reincarnation that used the Pepper’s Ghost principle. Some years later, Percy Abbott reversed the Owen/Thayer illusion’s effect and released the Frame of Life and Death. You can still order either of these unusual props. The Abbott version is $2,500. The more elaborate Owen effect is at least three times that amount. I own one of these and have handled both of them. But, I’ve never seen anyone perform one in a show. The Abbott model resembles a 1950s table-top television set. A spectator is coaxed to sit and place his (or her) head into the con- Reincarnation set-up on stage traption from behind. The box that the volunteer’s head is in has

46 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 a couple light bulbs that are flicked on. The head remains in full no longer an option view. The performer manipulates some controls and we witness for them. We staged it the head gradually transform into a bleached-white skull. The at Halloween, but the performer may even reach into the prop and withdraw the bony stage and theater were remains. When the skull is replaced, the controls are adjusted and too big for this illusion. the flesh, color, and vitality return to the helper. We did add a live TV You’ve seen this sort of visual when a vampire is staked and camera and screen to the undead fiend rots away to a skeleton…or less. The impact here enlarge the magical is that it’s not a movie trick, but a live-action special effect. transformation, but I understand that the celebrated Dr. Neff, in his Madhouse of that only made it look Mystery show, made this into quite an attraction. It seems like a more like a movie/TV natural for a midnight spook show. I rescued one of these props effect. Hollywood’s from an estate and cleaned it up a bit so that Detroit’s Keith special effects wizards Stickley could purchase it and add it to his Dr. Scream’s Spook can do this much Show. I hope I see him perform this someday. better…but on film. The Thayer/Owen Reincarnation has a slightly different plot. This is impressive only The performer introduces a fancy Egyptian chest. It is placed on seen firsthand and live. top of a two-fold screen with a beautiful scarab design. The design To this day, though, is a cut-out so the audience can clearly see through the screen as I think our staging was the performer or his assistants walk behind it. dramatic. We obtained A skull is introduced and placed into the chest. Again, interior three backdrops, all Reincarnation at Owen Magic Supreme lighting makes the skull easy to see. Slowly the color, flesh and painted in forced per- hair return to the skull and it comes to life. This “reincarnated” spective to suggest the interior of a long-shuttered tomb. From an individual can talk, but its vitality is short-lived for the process architectural art company I bought lots of Egyptian “décor” to set reverts and the head again becomes a skull. the stage. I found the music composed for Universal’s 1939 Son of A piece of glass at a forty-five degree angle is used in both Frankenstein that was later used over and over again in all of their illusions. The skull is actually below the opening that we look Mummy movies with Lon Chaney, Jr. We used the motif of the through and it is positioned on its back so it is staring straight up. charging – but shuffling – mummy and timed the transformation The compartments for the person and the head are painted identi- perfectly to the music. I also had San Diego’s Doug Higley make cally and each has its own illumination (narrow showcase bulbs). a mummy’s head for me; something other than a bleached-white, If the bulbs behind the glass are at full intensity the audience will pristine skull. be looking directly through the transparent glass to see the live When I put all the components together I realized that head. But, if those bulbs are off and the ones in the compartment something just wasn’t right. with the skull are on, then the pane of glass becomes a mirror and I had created a presentation that suggested that somehow I reflects the image to appear on its surface. The Owen model also had obtained an actual Egyptian relic, the mummified head of uses glass that is partially silvered for a better effect. someone dead for thousands of years. I was going to pour “water This more elaborate apparatus also uses a black-art component. from the Nile” over the sacred tana leaves and brew an elixir that Two black velvet curtains are concealed at the top of the two-fold would restore life to a disembodied head. And, I would carry on a screen. They are rolled up when the illusion commences. The conversation with this reincarnated individual! cut-out pattern insures that the audience can see through the Can you imagine a more far-fetched scenario? screen. When the chest is placed on the screen, the curtains are So, I swung for the fences. I decided it was all so ludicrous that rolled into position and now the screen is opaque. Performed in I would start heavy and dramatic and then make an unexpected front of a black background this cannot be detected. The assistant turn and take the presentation into a different direction. I wrote a then enters from behind, sneaking into position. There is a script for our conversation that, I think, was more like a ventrilo- complex arrangement of hinged panels that she must operate to quist’s routine. It consisted of “zingers,” one after another, with assemble the chamber that the head will be placed into. It’s all the head insulting me at every opportunity. quite clever and works just fine. We preserved the magic, but added additional entertainment. I The illusion has a controller that, when operated by the hidden still maintain it would have been better at the smaller venue. And, assistant, reduces the power to one circuit and increases it to the both of these illusions were probably more sensational decades other. This expensive gizmo is more exact than the two dimmer ago before this kind of wizardry was commonplace on TV and at switches in the Abbott version. No controls are visible in the the movies. Owen version; the transformation just happens. The photos will show you the complex nature of this illusion When I commissioned California’s Owen Magic Supreme to concept and how beautiful the Owen apparatus is. We used it for build Reincarnation for me almost a decade ago, I had an annual one edition of my Halloween show. It now sits safely cased up. I relationship with two Milwaukee theaters. One was a small hope I get the opportunity to stage it again in the future. suburban venue with a compact stage and less than five hundred And, I hope to see you in Colon for the seventy-sixth annual seats. The other was our home at Halloween and was a grand Abbott’s Magic Get-Together!  theater from the 1920s with a balcony, over two thousand seats, and had been a regular stop for Francisco’s midnight spook show David A. Seebach long ago. www.davidseebach.com I wanted to stage this at the smaller theater, but it never [email protected] happened because their management changed and magic was

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 47 Stage 101 By Levent

Cognitive Illusions sleight, see this month’s Ebook Nook.] The next trick that we will look at There is however another kind of is the coin production routine that first illusion that is cognitive in nature. By the appears in Robert-Houdin’s 1868 book les word “cognitive” I mean the processes secrets de la prestidigitation et de la magie in the brain that relate to such things as under the title “la pluie d’or.” This simple memory, reasoning, problem solving, yet effective routine utilized a handful In this month’s column, I will be language, etc. Sometimes in cinema, a of coins and a small receptacle such as a covering fundamental rule of magic “cognitive illusion” can manifest itself. For top hat (and much later a pail). The trick number seven, which was: instance, pretty much everything you see pre-dates Robert-Houdin; it went under in a film is faked. The people you see on various names until T. Nelson Downs built “Deception can be enhanced by lengthen- the screen are paid actors, making believe an act around it and called it The Miser's ing the time between the secret move and they are the characters that they portray. Dream. the magical effect.” The words the actors say are actually At its simplest manifestation The dialog written by a screenwriter. The Miser's Dream requires the following Illusionary Arts locations are often film sets, so when you preparation: the magician holds a container see a scene with an actor who is alone in a in his left hand with his thumb on the Conjuring is an illusionary art, which small room, the actor is actually in a huge outside of the container and his fingers on means that the magic itself only exists in studio with dozens of sound, light, and the inside. At the same time the left hand the minds of the spectators. To express camera technicians nearby. But if a film is secretly holding a stack of coins hidden this more artfully, I sometimes say that, has a good script, a believable cast, and is against the fingers that are inside the “Magic is in the eye of the beholder.” It is shot and edited artfully, we can feel as if container. The right hand retains a single interesting that conjuring is not the only what we are seeing is real. This is because coin in a thumb-palm position. illusionary art form. For instance, some our brains can create a “cognitive illusion” To perform the trick, the right hand of the figurative paintings made by the that gives us emotional involvement in a makes the coin magically appear from the Old Masters are illusions. When seen in film that we know to be a completely false air by secretly transferring the lone coin person, these portraits and still lifes seem representation of reality. from the thumb-palm position to the fin- real enough to touch. But in reality, they gertips. After the coin is shown to have are only pieces of stretched canvas fabric, appeared, the right hand goes above the covered with smudges of paint. Cinema A Tale of Two Coin opening of the pail and makes it seem as can also be considered an illusionary art. Tricks if the coin is dropped into the container. In reality, the coin in the right hand is Sensory Illusions Now that we have defined the dif- secretly transferred into the thumb-palm ference between sensory and cognitive position while moving downward as the But in cinema there are two separate illusions, let’s take a look at how these two left hand lets a single coin drop into the factors that create illusions: the way types of illusions relate to the art of magic. container. This creates the illusion that the motion pictures are captured and projected, There is sleight that appears in John coin that had appeared has been discarded coupled with the visual processing of the Northern Hilliard’s 1938 book Greater by dropping it into the container. Next, the human eye and brain. Magic under the title A Coin Vanish right hand once again produces a coin from Take for instance a film (or digital) (which is Dai Vernon’s improvement of a the air, and the entire process is repeated cinema camera, which does not shoot sleight from T. Nelson Downs’s 1909 book until there are no more coins remaining in a “moving picture” per se, but actually The Art of Magic). In current parlance it is the left hand. shoots a sequence of still photos at the called a Vanish; it is When analyzing this version of The frame rate of about twenty-four images a very deceptive move in which a coin is Miser’s Dream, I will freely admit that per second. These images are ultimately seemingly placed into the closing fingers it has two sensory illusion components. projected onto a screen in rapid succession, of the left hand while it is secretly retained The first component is visual, because the yet we perceive it to be a moving image. by the right hand. Regarding the move, in spectators actually see the coin appearing The reason for this is because the human Greater Magic Hilliard writes, “...there is at the fingers of the right hand. The second eye exhibits a biological phenomena that nothing in the entire realm of coin sleights sensory component is auditory, because the causes the human brain to retain a bit of an so deceptive. The whole action is based on sound of the coin is heard in the container. image for a tiny duration after the visual the optical illusion known as the persis- But I submit to you that with The Miser’s exposure to the image has stopped. There tence of vision.” In other words, because Dream there is also a cognitive illusion is also another phenomenon called “short of the previously mentioned “after-image” component that is actually more important! range apparent motion,” which causes the phenomenon, the coin appears to remain And the heart of this cognitive illusion is sequence of the images to blend together. in the left hand as the fingers close around causality.  For these two reasons, cinema is a sensory it. But in reality the coin is stolen away illusion that causes us to believe we are and the spectator is fooled by a sensory [To be continued next month.] viewing a moving picture. illusion. [For expert instruction on this

48 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Stage 101

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 49 EBOOK NOOK from The Vernon Chronicles Volume One. The first is a thorough explanation of one of the most visually extraordinary coin Excerpt From: vanishes in the literature. ( performed this vanish The Vernon Chronicles expertly.) The second excerpt is a routine that I have used since I was a teenager. There are no illustrations that accompany this Volume One routine, which means (I hope) that most will overlook it. Written By: My thanks to L&L Publishing for allowing these excerpts to Stephen Minch appear in M-U-M. —Michael Close Description: Ebook, 268 pages The Persistence-of-Vision Available From: Coin Va n ish www.llepub.com Those of you who were not actively interested in sleight-of- The persistence-of-vision coin vanish is now a recognized hand magic way back in 1987 may not be able to understand why staple of the advanced coin-conjurer. This outstanding vanish, the publication of The Vernon Chronicles series was such a big often called the “retention-of-vision” vanish, gives one the deal. Vernon material had appeared in print before, in Stars of illusion of having actually seen the coin in the hand from which it Magic, the classic Dai Vernon Book of Magic, the four-volume vanishes just moments later. The sleight creates an optical illusion Inner Secrets of Card Magic series, and the special Vernon issues that is extremely potent. of The Pallbearers Review. But there was a large amount of This type of coin vanish may be over a century old, but it Vernon material that had not seen print (not to mention the fact was not widely known to magicians until more recent times. that many of the previously published descriptions were incom- Mr. Vernon was one of the persons instrumental in popularizing plete or incorrectly described). The fact that the two men who the sleight. He learned it, when a young man, from Hilliard and spearheaded the new book ( and ) Downs’s classic, The Art of Magic. There, on pages 243-245, is were intimately familiar with the Professor’s work and that the given a description of the sleight as performed by T.J. Crawford. writer and the illustrator (Stephen Minch and Tom Gagnon) were In introducing the vanish, Mr. Hilliard wrote at the time (1909), two of the best in the business made The Vernon Chronicles series “We cannot claim that this pass is original, or even new; but it is one of the most highly anticipated events in magic history. not generally known to the profession.” Almost thirty years later The Vernon Chronicles: The Lost Inner Secrets Volume One is Mr. Hilliard, under the guidance of T.J. Crawford, redescribed the a treasure trove of information, information that (as was pointed sleight in more detail in Greater Magic (pp. 717-719). Earlier in out to me by a well-known performer) many magicians uprooted the same tome (pp. 666-667) Mr. Vernon’s handling of the vanish and moved to the West Coast to acquire. Included in the book is a was also explained. handling for a standard procedure that (back in 1977) I was eager There is an amusing anecdote concerning this sleight. to learn (and which my mentor Harry Riser could not recall). When Attending an early Abbott’s Get-Together years ago, Mr. Vernon Vernon lectured in Indianapolis as part of his $1,000 Lecture discovered that T.J. Crawford was present. Introducing himself to Tour, I racked my brain to figure out a way to ask Vernon about Mr. Crawford, Mr. Vernon praised his coin vanish and requested the technique without making it seem too important (so nobody that he perform the sleight. Mr. Crawford suggested they retire to a else at the lecture would pay much attention to it). This is how secluded spot, away from the crowd. This they eventually did and highly prized this information was to those of us who adopted the Mr. Crawford asked that Mr. Vernon first perform the sleight for Professor’s approach to magic. (And if you think I’m going to tell him. This Mr. Vernon did. Mr. Crawford was highly complimen- you what this piece of information was, you’re wrong.) tary of the illusion created by the vanish in Mr. Vernon’s hands That the Vernon repertoire was recorded at the time it was and, saying that he had never achieved a better one, refused to is fortuitous; such a series of books could not be done today. In perform the sleight. Therefore, Mr. Vernon was never to witness the twenty-six years since the publication of Volume One, magic this vanish in the hands of its best known exponent. has lost Vernon, Jennings, Cervon, , Mickey Hades, Since Greater Magic is sadly difficult to obtain at the time this Roger Klause, Gerald Kosky, , Conrad Bush, Milt is being written, it seems worthwhile to redescribe Mr. Vernon’s Kort, Faucett Ross, Michael Skinner, and Herb Zarrow, all of handling of this valuable coin sleight, taking the opportunity to whom contributed to the accuracy of the books. Some of those compile all the fine points and add several that did not appear in who were taken into Vernon’s confidence are still alive, of course, the original description. For though this sleight has been published but for the most part they prefer not to discuss publicly what they in several places (first in Five Close-Up Problems [see Early know. Because of this (and because so many magicians only judge Vernon, pp. 48-49]; also Bobo’s Modern Coin Magic, pp. 30-32), magic by what they see on video, and the video record of Vernon a complete dissection of it has never been offered. This will ne- catches him in old age), there are magicians who doubt the value cessitate the discussion of many details. The element of timing in of the lessons offered by Vernon. Let me assure you of this: every the vanish is paramount, and timing is a difficult enough thing to expert magician I know has absorbed and exemplifies the Vernon teach in person. On the printed page only careful detailing can approach. hope to give the reader an idea of the goal for which he must strive. In this month’s Ebook Nook I have chosen two short examples It is best if the coin used is brightly polished. The glint of the

50 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 coin aids in creating the desired visual impression: Apparently with the coin. this is a momentary afterimage of the coin left on the retina, after The right hand flexes or hinges inward somewhat at the wrist the coin is out of sight. The coin is pinched between the tips of the as it moves out of the left hand. It almost rolls over the tips of right forefinger and thumb. As much of the coin as possible must the left fingers. This action points the right fingertips slightly in be exposed while retaining it in a secure grip. The right second, toward the body, so that the rim of the coin is shielded from the third, and fourth fingers are drawn back somewhat, so as not to extreme left side (Figure 3). Please note that the inward turn of the cover any portion of the coin. However, they must not be curled hand is small – just enough to move the exposed portion of the tightly in on the palm. They are bent only minimally inward. coin from the audience’s sight. The left hand is held open and palm-up, fingers out straight and together. The right hand approaches the left and lays the bottom edge of the coin directly onto the base of the left fingers (Figure 1). Those fingers now bend up, as if a solid wall, in the first action of closing over the coin. The fingers bend mostly at the inner, or proximal, joints, while the fingertips point upward. This, for an instant, creates a screen behind which the right second, third, and fourth fingers can invisibly extend over the coin. The timing of the right fingers’ action must be considered. Too soon, and the

Figure 3

The “breaking” of the wrist is an important detail, one that distinguishes the Vernon vanish from its parent. Since the turn at the wrist effectively hides the coin, the fingers’ movement can be minimized without hazarding the deceptiveness of the Figure 1 pass; rather, the illusion is strengthened. Mr. Vernon developed the wrist-break action after carefully observing the actions used to place a coin genuinely in the hand. He saw that the hand that deposits the coin relaxed and dropped slightly at the wrist once movement will be detected, destroying the illusion; too late, and the coin had been relinquished. Indeed, a stiff-wristed action an unwanted hesitation will be created. As a gauge for governing looked unnatural. This breaking of the wrist, when not overacted, the precise moment to extend the fingers, wait until you feel the communicates to the observer’s subconscious mind the impres- left fingers touch the backs of the right (Figure 2); only then should sion of an honest transfer of the coin. The same subtle action can they be straightened. be incorporated into the vanish of any small object. As the right hand draws away, the left fingers continue to close, apparently over the coin, and the left hand drops an inch or two. The right fingers should curl in slightly, giving the back of the hand a relaxed appearance. The fingers act as a ledge upon which the hidden coin is supported (Figure 4). The rightward and slightly upward action of the right hand is sustained only until the hand is about six inches away from the

Figure 2

Figure 4

The movement of the right hand as it separates from the left is simple, and yet complex to describe. It moves to the right and away from the left hand. It also moves slightly upward and outward at the same time, drawing itself from under the left fingers. Si- multaneously, the left fingers continue to close, actually brushing across the backs of the right fingers as the right hand withdraws

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 51 EBOOK NOOK closed left hand. The right hand then falls to your side. How it falls is important. It must be relaxed, but not lifeless or limp. A fault often seen in coin vanishes is overcompensation, a ham acting of an unoccupied hand. Instead of relaxing to a natural position at the side, the hand and arm drop and hang like a felled python. Such an action calls attention to itself, rather than avoiding it. Study how you and others naturally hold the arm at rest beside the body; then mimic that posture. An important point always stressed by Mr. Vernon is the judgment of the proper moment to palm a coin after the vanish. Most performers are anxious to push the coin into classic palm immediately after the right hand is withdrawn from the left. The Figure 7 finger motion is visible and can betray an otherwise faultless sleight. The coin is securely hidden on the tips of the right fingers. There is therefore no need to rush its transfer to the palm. Mr. Vernon will often execute the palm as the right hand moves to Opening the hand in such a manner sustains the suspense of the adjust something; for instance, the left sleeve is tugged up a vanish and is pretty to watch. bit, or something on the table is picked up or shifted. Here it is One further detail: There is an appearance of certainty in natural movement that conceals the palming actions. Another the way the coin is placed in the left hand that is impossible to good approach is strong misdirection. During the placement of describe. Quite simply, it is put there. The action is wholly natural the coin into the left hand and the subsequent vanish, your gaze and deliberate. There is no hesitation or posing as the coin is and all attention should be focused on that hand. Only as the left placed. The instant the coin contacts the base of the left fingers hand slowly begins to open, revealing the vanish, should the right those fingers close over it. It is as much the manner in which the fingers press the coin into the palm. coin is placed as it is the persistence-of-vision illusion that makes It is also recommended that the left hand should be opened this sleight effective. There is one way in which you can acquire in an artistic manner when a vanish is performed. Do not simply this manner: Study the genuine action of placing a coin into the open the fingers and jerk the hand palm-down and up again to hand and learn to imitate it perfectly. Then sit down with several show the coin gone. Instead, slowly and dramatically trace the children and do as Mr. Vernon did: tips of the fingers over the surface of the palm, curling them ever He would often test the effectiveness of his technique on his more tightly in on themselves until they cannot curl any farther. two young sons. When the boys would come to ask him for some Then open them gracefully outward to display the entire surface spending money, he would propose a small gambling game. Each of the hand empty. Figures 5, 6, and 7 give a sense of this action. boy was handed $10.00 and it was explained that they could keep a dollar for every time they could correctly tell their father when he had really put a coin in his hand and when he had not. For each time they were wrong they forfeited a dollar. He would then place a coin in his hand, sometimes performing the genuine action and other times the sleight. He knew that he had created the most critical audience imaginable: two young boys with keen eyes, strongly motivated to catch their father so that they could keep the money. It should be recorded that Mr. Vernon always allowed them to catch him at least once before the game ended, so that they each had a dollar to spend.

Figure 5 The Fingerprint Card Trick

Effect: Mr. Vernon has performed the following effect for over fifty years. The presentation is intrinsically interesting to people, and this fact is used to advantage. The trick is introduced with a brief story about the science of fingerprinting in criminology. Every person’s fingerprints are unique and can be identified. A demonstration of this fact is given. Someone is asked to take a card and remember it. The card is returned and the pack shuffled. The performer now runs through the face-down deck, trying to detect the spectator’s fingerprints on the backs of the cards. Because the cards have been handled Figure 6 previously, this proves a bit difficult, but several likely cards are shifted to the top from different spots in the deck. These cards are

52 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 then examined further, both faces and backs. the deck, so that the left thumb can push over the top three cards One by one, the cards are eliminated by the performer. Even- and the fourth finger can catch a break beneath them. tually he identifies one as the spectator’s selection. This causes “That’s most interesting. You have beautiful hands, by the some mild dissension in the audience, for they know that the card way, young lady.” This bit of flirting flattery is charming and specified is not the one that was chosen. Rather, the selection was amusing when Mr. Vernon delivers it. Of course, the compliment seen to have been eliminated several cards earlier in the search. is varied to suit the person. If working with a male spectator, some Despite this, the performer is adamant in his judgment. When comment about “a strong hand” would be more appropriate. the card he holds is turned face-up once more, it is seen to have The next card is now turned up on the deck. Actually, a triple changed to the selection. Examination of the discards shows, as turnover is executed, bringing the selection into view. The card might be expected, that the chosen card is not among them. is named and the triple card is turned face down. The back of the Method: This trick is extremely entertaining. It is of the same top card is studied. “No, that’s not your thumbprint. It doesn’t engaging family of “sucker” effects as the Partigas “Sell” (ref. match at all!” The top card is dealt onto the table. This denial of Farelli’s Card Magic, Part Two, pp. 42-43). the chosen card surprises the audience. It appears as if Mr. Vernon In 1945, Dr. Clyde F. Cairy contributed a trick to My Best by has failed. J.G. Thompson Jr. that is almost identical to the Vernon Finger- He does not give any helpful soul the opportunity to correct print Card Trick (see pp. 11-12). It is certain that Mr. Vernon was him. He immediately turns over the next card on the pack and performing the trick some years before Dr. Cairy published his names it. This card is turned down again, and its back is studied. Dick Tracy Card Trick. Dr. Cairy was known to be scrupulously “No, that is a man’s thumb – not a bit like yours.” The top card is honest. Therefore it can only be concluded that this similarity in tabled with the rest. tricks is a remarkable example of independent invention. Because When the left thumb pushes over this card so it can be dealt, the trick has been so closely associated with Mr. Vernon, and the two cards below it are pushed over as well. While the right because the Vernon handling has a number of details in technique hand tables the top card, a break is secured under the card now and presentation not featured in the Cairy version, it is felt that it second from the top of the deck. Unsuspected by the audience, the warrants a full description. selection is on top of the pack. Mr. Vernon begins the presentation with the story of a tour “Well, this is the last one, so it must be yours.” The top two through the Fingerprinting Department of the FBI. He explains cards are turned face up as one and named. The double is turned that no two finger or thumbprints are identical, and that a careful face-down and the top card taken into the right hand. examination of such prints will identify their owner. “Yes, yes. Do you see your print there?” The card is held out A demonstration of the science is suggested. A card is freely toward the spectator and some spot is indicated on its back. “See, chosen and noted by a spectator and those around him. The card it matches your thumb exactly.” is then shuffled back into the pack. Through whatever means This is the cue the spectator needs to deny, often with a mixture preferred, the selection is brought secretly to the top of the deck. of commiseration and satisfaction, that Mr. Vernon has made an Mr. Vernon now begins to spread through the cards, closely error. In the face of this, he remains convinced of his success. examining their backs as he attempts to locate the spectator’s “No, no. It’s your card. The print matches perfectly.” thumbprint. As he does so, he is thinking out loud. “No, that’s After a short amount of baiting, he turns the card over so that not it. This one could be it, but people have been handling these the face of the selection is revealed. The dealt cards on the table cards.” This sort of vocal rumination continues as he runs through are almost always reached for at this point, so that the spectators the deck and transfers any four cards to the top along the way. The can assure themselves that they saw the selection discarded. Of exact number of cards shifted is not emphasized. It is simply done. course the card is not found. These cards are understood to be cards he thinks likely to be the Notice how cleverly Mr. Vernon has with presentation solved selection. an old problem of the multiple lift and turnover. There is always a The deck is squared. The selection is now fifth from the top. mild air of illogic in the action of turning a card over on the deck Mr. Vernon explains that he has narrowed the field down to one and then dealing it. The normal procedure would be simply to of five. He turns his attention again to the cards. The top card is deal the card as it lies, or turn it over in the action of dealing. Mr. flipped face up onto the pack and named. “This one is the Nine Vernon provides a reason for turning the card down on the pack of Clubs [or whatever]. It might be yours.” The card is flipped after showing its face. He must examine its back for thumbprints. face down on the deck again. The pack is tipped and tilted as Mr. This same psychology, though not the exact motivation, can be Vernon apparently looks for thumbprints on the back of the top applied to other tricks to strengthen the logic of the action. card. “Let’s see…It’s a little hard to tell in here. The light is so Another admirable piece of construction shown in this trick is dim. No, there’s no print here. No, that’s not your card.” The top the application of the triple lift. Note how this stratagem exposes card is dealt face down onto the table. the selection three cards before the trap is sprung. It is a curious The next card is turned face up and named in the same way. fact that even persons well aware of double lifts will be fooled by It is turned face down again on the pack and its back is scruti- the triple lift. In the context of this effect the use of the triple lift nized. “No…well, there is a little smudge here that misled me.” is exceptionally cunning. The second card is dealt onto the first. I can only repeat that this is a most entertaining effect with “Let me see your thumb for a moment.” When the spectator a plot that immediately claims the interest of any group. If the complies, Mr. Vernon grasps her hand and examines the tip of her reader learns and uses it, the trick will prove itself a solid favorite thumb. This byplay provides powerful misdirection away from to his audiences. 

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 53 On the Shoulders of Giants Stage Magic and Theory from Denny Haney By Scott Alexander

Wakeling book you can see photos of him tion to tackle almost all phases of show working some of these swanky upscale business.” venues. It’s like an episode of Mad Men The Club Date Act – everyone looking aloof while smoking The Formula for the and drinking martinis. The cream of the “I’ll work anywhere. I get up in the crop worked these gigs, including Norm Club Date Act middle of the night and open the fridge, Nielsen, Marvin Roy, Johnny Thompson, Denny has a set of lecture notes about the light comes on...I do ten minutes.” Jack Kodell, and Channing Pollock. These performing in the real world and what you – Anonymous clubs are still around (sort of) in one form have to do to get your act together. He or another, although they have morphed defines the act this way. “The club date If your goal in magic is to be the next and changed over the years. The closest act is an act that can work in almost any and have billions of dollars modern equivalent would be the techno condition. It could function as an opening to blow, appearing shirtless in a huge pumping dance clubs that sell overpriced act for a comic, as part of a three- or Vegas theater with a cast of dancers and drinks while creating opportunities for four-act show, or can it stand on its own as throngs of adoring loyal pre-teen fans... the young and over-privileged to bump an evening’s entertainment. You should be stop reading now. However, if your goal and grind against one another in a sea of able to entertain adult or family audiences is to make a successful and rather nice sweat-drenched humanity. Vegas is full of with a likeable personality, doing good living doing what you love (magic), then them. In fact, most major cities in America clean material and strong magic. In order allow me to reveal the ultimate show biz have them. Like most magic tricks released to succeed in this field, you must be able secret...build a club date act. For almost today, these clubs are overpriced and to talk. You must have some audience two decades Denny made a ton of money lack any substance, but they have cool participation, and you must have at least in what he calls the club date circuit. one-word names like Haze, Ghostbar, one spectacular trick or illusion that will There are real workers today doing the and Pure. Some of these clubs are classier really blow them away. You must be able exact same thing, making tons of money, joints that still employ bands and a few to do time. You should have at least a for- whom you have never heard of. They are variety entertainers on a regular basis. But ty-five-minute presentation that can work entertaining tens of thousands of people a by Denny’s wider definition, club dates anywhere, from the local Moose Club year because they have an act that can play can also mean performances for various new membership night at the nominal fee anywhere. It is a segmented, interactive, community service clubs like the Lions of $200 – $500, to an after-dinner enter- and fun program that can be performed in Club or Moose Lodge, where people gather tainment for the twenty-five year mem- any and all venues, for any length of time together to serve the community and put bership of the Ford Motor Company at necessary, without any large demands for on functions. They can be coffee houses, $3,500 – $7,500 plus first-class expenses. lighting or sound; the show can even be comedy clubs, small corporate events, The amount of money you make per show performed in the round. parties, banquets, and even cruise ships. is directly proportionate to how good you So what exactly is a club date act? What are most of the magicians who work are, and how good your publicity materials Nowadays, it is a catchall phrase Denny cruise ships doing? Floating club date acts, are. There are many “magic stars” working uses to cover lots of scenarios, but “back in myself included. Anywhere people are this field today. There are also many the day” the club date was where showbiz gathered and have the need for entertain- acts you have never heard of. There are was happening. According to Blumen- ment has the potential for a club date act to expensive acts, moderately-priced acts, feld’s Dictionary of Acting and Show work according to Denny’s model. and low-priced acts working in this field. Business, the “club date circuit” is a series Denny says, “Probably the best thing They all have a place. There is no definite of nightclubs, clubs, rock clubs, etc. about being in this field is that once you amount of money to quote when working that book cabaret entertainers and bands. can be a success with club dates, you can this field.” Likewise, a “club date” is a booking for a fit into any of the other fields with very The potential amount of money to singer, comedian, or other performer at a little change. From this forty-five-minute be made is based on how good you sell cabaret, etc. act or show, you can delete routines or add yourself; the longevity in the field is based The club date, as I imagine, gets its routines to make this show an opening act, on how good of a product you deliver on name from the heyday of the various a children’s act, a comedy act, a traveling a regular basis. Cream rises to the top, as nightclubs and cabarets in the ‘50s and illusion show, etc. Once you get a good they say. But let’s leave the money aside. ‘60s. If you page through the Alan club date act, you have all the ammuni- It will always be there. As long as we are

54 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 human beings with beating hearts in our would follow this with the Hindu Sword for a closing effect. It can be an illusion, a chests, no matter how advanced technol- Basket routine, which is also fast-paced manipulative effect, or basically anything ogy gets, we will have a need to gather and interlaced with hilarious comedy skillful or amazing enough to make the together, in person, with other human bits throughout; it can also be done audience sit up and take notice.” beings; when that happens, those people surrounded. By adding a few illusions like Like Johnny Aladdin, Denny does a will need live entertainment. Let’s focus this to your core club date act, you can card manip routine here. We covered it in now on putting that act together. demand a higher fee. the March and April issues (Photo 1). It is The basic idea is to create chunks of a beautiful routine with a fanning deck and material/time segments that can be inter- The Personality intricate card flourishes and productions. It laced and interchanged, added or removed, fits perfectly here because it shows a level to create any type of show. Whether it be Trick or Tricks a ten-minute opener for a band, a twenty- Denny continues, “I call the trick that five-minute after-dinner act at a corporate goes in this slot a personality trick because event, or a full blown evening show in it is here that you really get your first chance a theater, by taking a “plug and play” to talk to your audience and relate to all approach you can create programs tailor those who you may have missed during made to each venue you encounter. Below your opening. Preferably, this should be a Photo 1 is Denny’s trick selection and categories good, strong effect, because you don’t want for building his club date act. Just change to lose the audience after your opening. A the names of the tricks and substitute ones strong effect to open followed by a strong from your own arsenal that fit the bill, effect to further develop your personality and you are well on your way. According lets them think that everything you do is to Denny the act is constructed using the going to be good. You can do more than following framework. one trick here if you really need the time.” of skill and lets the audience know, sub- Torn and Restored Newspaper: By consciously through observation, that this The Opening doing the Torn and Restored Newspaper guy really has amazing hands and can do (which we discussed in the June issue), that “magician stuff” too, not just jokes In his notes, Denny describes the Denny has the chance to convey the three and gags. Even though Denny’s manip opening effect as, “Something to get the P’s to his audience. He conveys his per- routine is peppered with comedy bits, he is attention of the audience, show them what spective, his point of view, and his person- doing some serious old-school manipula- you do, and let them know your show has ality to the audience. He lets them know tion; the audience appreciates the skill and started and that you are on. It does not that he is not just a regular magician who years of practice it must have taken him to have to be a musical opening or a flashy comes out and doesn’t tell them what he pull this stuff off. They now like him and opening. Any number of things can work is going to do before he does it. He tells respect him. Here is the place to put that here as long as it gets them to like you.” them he is a rule breaker and that he wants fancy finger-flinging routine that sucked Here are Denny’s openings he has used them to know that he is going to tear up the away so many hours of your life (Photo 2). throughout the years. paper and they will see it visually go back A Grave Mistake: This is the routine together again. The audience is getting to we touched on in last month’s issue. It’s know his personality and they begin to like Denny’s current opener. This allows him him. This routine is a core component of to introduce himself to the audience and Denny’s club date act. By “core,” I mean let them know he is a seasoned performer it is always one in the mix, whether it is with a good sense of humor about his a ten-minute set or a full evening show. advanced years. Develop some core tricks for yourself that Photo 2 Crystal Box or Sword Basket: During really show the audience who you are. the heyday of big money gigs, Denny would cycle these two illusions in and out The Feature as opening tricks. He would do the Crystal Box as an “add on” to make the show : This is the routine bigger, if the money was bigger. These done to music that breaks up the talking. Sword Suspension: Again, if the two illusions are perfect for a club date act This is where Johnny Aladdin (whose money was right Denny would add in the because they can both be done surround- work inspired Denny) used a card manipu- Sword Suspension here. Denny performed ed in the middle of a dance floor with no lation routine. But this could be any routine a beautiful routine, but again it was chance of exposure. They pack relatively that is visual and strong. Denny says, “A sprinkled with bits of comedy, including small and play big. The Crystal Box is a good move here is to do something strong a parody of Indiana Jones complete with fast-paced, stunning illusion that gets enough to be a closer but that does not have a sword-wielding ninja who antagonized people gasping right off the bat. Denny the applause-getting finish that is needed him through the presentation. One of my

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 55 on the shoulders of giants favorite lines was, “Tonight I present The Element of the Oriental version of the... (he looks at a guy in the crowd) ...I said ‘ver – zhun’ Danger sir! I present the Oriental version of Razorblades: Although Denny doesn’t the suspended lady.” This illusion was mention this in his lecture notes, when dis- carefully selected because it, too, could be cussing this article we agreed that there done completely surrounded. Plus people can be one more ingredient to the club date always love it when the magician does the act, an element-of-danger effect. Denny floating lady shtick, which is something to did this in his act for years and I think it keep in mind when structuring your club deserves its own category. Include this Photo 4 date act. type of effect toward the end of the show, when the audience already likes you. This The Audience way, if you are in some kind of danger, they are really rooting for you to overcome Participation Bill in Lemon: Denny used the Bill whatever this dangerous effect might This is the heart of the show. It is your in Lemon routine he developed in a be. This kind of trick is not something chance to interact with the audience now longer set. His routine consisted of Mihn, everyone can pull off, but if you think that they know, like, and trust you. Denny his assistant, teasing and taunting him you can, it is a valuable added effect that says, “Now you can go into your lengthier throughout the routine. He used a grenade can spice up the end of your show. Maybe routines and some heavier comedy. By that was a cigarette lighter and a Chaplains you do the Needles or a Russian Roulette now you should have the audience in the Tipping Candle on a tray that Mihn held routine. This could be just the place for it. palm of your hand. Your can do one, two, that accidentally burned up the envelope For years Denny has been doing the or three routines here and have a real ball with the bill inside. He even had a gag Razorblades Trick. You eat the blades and entertaining your crowd.” It is here that in which he demanded a knife, and from some string and pull them out threaded Denny has a few really strong laugh-get- off stage a steak knife came whizzing by ting (but amazingly deceptive) turns. The and itself into the tray Denny was tricks in this part of the act have varied holding. A lengthy routine like this turns over the years, but the ones below are the a short thirty to forty minute show into a standards. Here are Denny’s main audience program of almost an hour. participation pieces. Cards Across: Another great trick Egg Bag: This is another core Denny sometimes adds to his set is the component to Denny’s club date act. We Cards Across. Based on the Zen’s Cards covered Denny’s handling and touches on Across effect from J.G. Thompson’s book the Egg Bag in the January and February My Best, it is a funny comedy of errors in issues, and if you go back and re-read those which two guys seal cards in envelopes Photo 5 you will see why this has been a staple of and stick them in their pants. Three cards Denny’s act for most of his career (Photo 3). selected by the audience travel from one guy's pants to the other. Denny recently gave me permission to release my spin on his routine. I have changed some of the handling and added some new jokes; it’s called Super Fly. You can now get it direct from Denny or my website. A longer piece like this or the Bill in Lemon is perfect to plug into your act to get that bump from a cabaret-style act to a full evening show of entertainment without switching or changing your whole line-up. Just drop a Photo 3 segment like this in the show and poof! When considering what tricks to use for your club date act, you should use your This type of trick gives him a chance to get bread-and-butter tricks here. You might two people up on stage. The audience loves put your Bill in Lemon routine here, or to see representatives on stage watching perhaps a Confabulation routine, or maybe the magic. It makes them feel as if they are a Cut and Restored Rope. Pick stuff you right there with you. The reactions that he know will kill. Choose some things from Photo 6 gets from audience members onstage help your repertoire that get people up on stage to amplify the reactions from observers in and get everyone laughing and having a their seats (Photo 4). great time.

56 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 together (Photos 5 and 6). It came into Set for Microsoft’s Geek of the Year Denny’s act as a necessity while doing Photo 8 Awards Banquet (twenty-five to thirty his eight-minute act in the Officers Clubs minutes) while stationed in California. Unexpect- edly, they asked him to do a full, thirty- • Sword Basket (3 minutes) minute show on his own. He dug around, • Torn and Restored Newspaper (5 minutes) scrounged some razor blades, and cobbled • Card Manipulation (5 minutes) together a performance from his memories • Razor Blades (5 minutes) of reading about the trick at age fifteen. • Canvas Covered Box (10 minutes) The Razorblades Trick was the talk of the show, and Denny continues to do it to this Headliner Show on a Cruise Ship day. Don’t overlook the danger category; Because of the nature of the prop (which (thirty to forty-five minutes) it can add drama and excitement to your uses the bottles and the gag table), this also program. gives an added “furniture factor” to your • Grave Mistake (2 minutes) show, making it appear bigger, with more • Torn and Restored Newspaper (5 minutes) The Closing production value. When performed with • Egg Bag (6 minutes) Denny’s timing, facial expressions, and • Card Manipulation (5 minutes) Effect pacing it is a real winner (Photos 9 and 10). • Cards Across (12 minutes) Multiplying Bottles or Canvas • Razor Blades (6 minutes) Covered Box: According to Denny, “This • Multiplying Bottles (4 minutes) is where you really let them know you are Photo 9 through. Many times this should be the Full Evening Show at the Big Time absolute strongest thing you do or at least Performing Arts Center the thing that leaves them talking about your act the most.” Denny has always • Crystal Box (2 minutes) closed his club date act one of two ways. If • Sword Basket (3 minutes) it was a solo show it was always the Multi- • Torn and Restored Newspaper (5 minutes) plying Bottles, which we covered in June’s • Egg Bag (6 minutes) issue. If they paid the big bucks, Denny • Bill in Lemon (10 minutes) always closed his bigger club date show • Sword Suspension (5 minutes) with the Canvas Covered Box. This is a • Card Manipulation (5 minutes) trick that Abbott’s Magic produced, but • Cards Across (12 minutes) that magicians rarely do, or have ever even Photo 10 • Razor Blades (6 minutes) heard of. But if you saw the Denny and Lee • Multiplying Bottles (4 minutes) Show in the ‘80s or early ‘90s, this was all • Canvas Covered Box (10 minutes) you would have talked about. It’s the Sub Trunk, but old school style. This again fits There you have it: Denny’s whole core the bill of being both totally amazing and act laid out for you in these few pages. performable under the harshest working This is show business gold! It’s a sparkling conditions. Guess who Denny taught his cocktail of powerful entertainment that Canvas Box to and who still does it to this can be mixed, poured, and consumed in day: yours truly. Breaking Up Isn’t any order, under any conditions. Choose Also on the bill, to close a more modest effects you already do and play around show, is the Multiplying Bottles. Denny Hard to Do with this concept. For those of you who can gets so much out of this routine it is strong Now that you have the formula, let’s not only read the lines, but read in between enough to use as a closer (Photos 7 and 8). take a look at how Denny’s club date act the lines, this formula offers a time tested can be segmented and laid out for a variety road map to creating a successful program of potential performance scenarios. Think and a successful career in magic that can about your tricks and how you could earn you untold returns. This formula will rearrange them to form these different allow you to live a comfortable existence, Photo 7 sets. rake in the bucks, and enjoy a fruitful and stress-free retirement. Just don’t decide to Opening for a Name Comedian open a magic shop.  (ten-minute set)

• Torn and Restored Newspaper (4 minutes) • Egg Bag with Shot Glass ending (6 minutes)

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 57 Building A Show By Larry Hass

walks to the mic, the spotlight comes up on she hasn’t been but always desired to go. his face, and he softly says, “Boo!” Another audience member collects and 2. After words of greeting, Max borrows mixes the cards, and brings them to Max. a pack of cards and then brings a gentleman Working one card at a time, Max names on stage. With escalating humor, Max the location on the first three cards, “reads” proceeds to psychologically force the Three the participants to determine whose card Max Maven of Spades on him in six different ways. At it is, and then provides detailed informa- the end, the last selection is revealed as the tion about their actual experiences at the Most magicians know Max Maven as a Four of Spades – an apparent miss. With location. Since it is now obvious who wrote legendary creator of magic and mentalism. a touch of disgust, Max tears off one of the final card, Max crumples it in his fist It may, however, be less widely appreciated the four corners: now it is a Three. Then so he can’t see it, asks the fourth person to that he is also a master of the stage. he removes a giant card from his pocket, visualize her location, and then describes For one thing, watching Max Maven folded into quarters, and reveals it to be in detail the mental picture she has created, perform is immensely entertaining. As a another Four of Spades that is torn to be a culminating with the revelation of the city! total stranger once exclaimed to me during Three. (As a coda, Max gives a new pack of “Thank you!” Max briskly exits, and comes an intermission, “I had no idea he was this cards to the person from who he borrowed back for a warm wave. Show over. funny!” Max’s shows are fun and funny, it.) but they also provide a graduate-level 3. Welcoming monologue: “It has been education in making a good show. a good season for this image.” He discusses Observations His character is strong, clear, and his life in Hollywood, his travels around specific, not weak, vague, and generic. And the world, some of the countries he has I have already mentioned how much we his stagecraft is impeccable – blocking, performed in recently, and his television can learn from Max about show making, voice, eye contact, body and hand positions, program MAXimum Dimension, in which but how about show building? acting, entrances and exits, fluid handling he teaches children about the fun of math- Well, one thing we learn from this show of props, and so on. To be perfectly honest, ematics. As a tag, Max warmly converses is to take our time. It is so common to see I have learned more about magic stagecraft with a young person sitting the audience, magicians pack their shows full, to rush by watching Max than I have from any finishing with, “It is important to eat your from trick to trick, and to rush through other person or book in magic. vegetables...or you end up looking like tricks. Breathless and trick-full, such shows This is why I go see Max whenever I this!” (He points to his face.) have less impact. can. I have gotten on airplanes to see him 4. “Now we get to the mindread- Max presents us with a very different perform, and I have produced shows by ing portion of the show.” Max brings model. This sixty-minute show had only him on two occasions. One of these was two people up and hands one of them the three “tricks” in it, but it was totally com- his current work, Thinking in Person: An “anchor list” and the other the “tertiary pelling. How does Max do it? I could go Evening of Knowing and Not Knowing. I list.” Laughs abound at their confusion. on at length, but a big part of it is that Max recommend that you see this show the next Explaining those meanings, Max has each trusts his character. He understands that time Max performs it anywhere. Don’t let it person study their list, confirm that all the his character is one of the major “effects” be the best show you have never seen. items are different, and memorize an item in the show, and he allows plenty of room I would love to discuss Thinking on it. Slowly, while discussing the nature for it to be expressed. Notice how much we in Person here, but being equal parts of thought, Max reads the mind of the first learn about Max as the show unfolds: he is mentalism, comedy, and monologues, it is participant; he is thinking of a yellow tooth- witty, wry, intelligent, aware of his “look,” too complicated to honor in this context. brush. (He is sent back to his seat.) Turning funny, a show business pro, a star of stage Instead, I will discuss the one-hour show to the woman, Max mimes taking her item, and screen, and great with kids. Oh yes, Max created for the 2011 I.B.M. convention sends her back to her seat, and then slowly and his “tricks” also show he is a master in Dallas. reveals the imaginary object in his hands: of psychology and can read minds. Wow! The room was set with cocktail tables a shot of whiskey! (He mimes a little toast Who doesn’t want to spend time with such surrounded by chairs; the stage was on a and drink.) a person! platform with a subtle shiny curtain; and 5. After thanking the convention’s And so I ask: do your shows allow there was a complement of lights, pre-show technical crew, Max closes with his classic enough room to let your character breathe music, and a mic stand at center stage. In routine “Desire.” Four business cards and develop? Do you use your scripts and other words, the venue was the equivalent and pencils are distributed to audience segues to reveal more and more of who you of a nightclub – a venue in which Max members. Discussing the nature of our are? Are you being upstaged by your own excels. emotions, three of the participants are in- tricks? Max Maven, I.B.M Convention Show, structed to write the name of a city where Max Maven offers a powerful reminder Dallas, June 30, 2011 they actually have been; the fourth person that a well-constructed show is one that 1. Max’s signature opening: he briskly is told to write the name of one to which really allows you to shine. 

58 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013

INFORMED OPINION Latest Product Reviews Compiled and Edited by W. S. Duncan

Too Hot for the Devil Book sword routine without the sword, and some more techniques that By Tom Gagnon and Matthew Field will give your fingers a rest after all that table spreading. My Available from: www.tomgagnonmagic.com favorite items in this chapter are Si of Relief, a utility technique Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies for controlling or calculating the position of any card in a Si Price $60.00 Stebbins stack (which should bring a smile to the face of anyone who still can’t bring themselves to memorize a stack); the Slug-o- Review by Antonio M. Cabral matic Deck, another utility idea that uses a well-known gambler’s artifice to control a small stock while allowing a spectator to riffle Tom Gagnon’s latest book, shuffle the deck (check out Shuffling Monkey for a really nice Too Hot for the Devil, took me application of the concept); and the Z-Box, a way to gaff up a by surprise. His previous book, card case to turn it into a switching device for cards or any small Avant-Cards, was such a treasure objects. Most of the ideas in this chapter swap the practice and trove of novel techniques that I elbow grease of the previous material for gaffing and preparation, couldn’t believe a whole other so either way you’re going to put some work in ahead of time. book arrived in such a short time. After all the card work, there’s a full chapter of Tom’s coin What I didn’t appreciate is Tom work. Most of these routines are coin assemblies (of the cards- Gagnon’s ability and willingness and-coins Matrix variety). I’m certainly less of a coin worker than for exploration with his tech- a card worker, but Tom’s applications of the Tenkai pinch to these niques – a silly mistake on my routines may actually have me busting out some half-dollars to try part. (when no one’s looking, of course). There’s also a cute coin pro- The field of card magic is duction and a devious ending for the Kangaroo Coins. Following so vast that it’s often difficult that there’s a whole chapter devoted to reprinting Tom’s Radical to reconcile the various facets Rebound routine from The New Stars of Magic. Younger coin and niches. One could spend a lifetime just studying the myriad workers unfamiliar with this routine might take this opportunity techniques and mechanics, and many do. We were introduced to to get to know it. Topping off the book is a handful of “catch- Tom Gagnon’s explorations into tabled ribbon spread controls in all” ideas: a Cups and Balls subtlety, a rubber band penetration, Avant-Cards, and Too Hot for the Devil continues tapping that a quickie with a lit match, and advice on what to do about a bent vein. Where Avant-Cards gave more of a general overview of coin shell. Tom’s various techniques, Too Hot for the Devil rolls up its sleeves The book is full of Tom’s top-tier illustrations, and the writing and digs deeper into the many varied applications of Tom’s spread assist from Matt Field gives this book a much more consistent controls. voice than its predecessor while a very clear in- The first half of the book is dedicated to exploring Tom’s struction style. Between the two books, I personally prefer the Versatile Spread control as a control, a switch, a revelation, a variety of Avant-Cards over the variations on a theme contained sandwich load, and other applications. In many ways this is disap- in Too Hot for the Devil, and I would recommend that book first. pointing for the reader, because part of the pleasure of learning a However, if Tom’s unique style of card work got you chomping at new move is discovering for yourself the various ways you can the bit in the first book, you’ll likely enjoy tucking into Too Hot apply it to different situations. From the look of things, Tom’s for the Devil. Recommended for the card enthusiast. covered a lot of that ground. What’s left to the reader is to have the light bulb go off on the perfect place in a routine for any of Magician’s Choice Novel these techniques. The tricks in Too Hot for the Devil are simple By Todd Gipstein and direct to the point where they feel like dealer demos to me. Available from: www.amazon.com The moves themselves are so intriguing, though, that I have to Price: $19.95 think that in a more developed trick or routine they would help to create some heavy miracles. In addition, like the material in Review by David Goodsell Avant-Cards, these moves require a good deal of practice to get the knack. Over a year later, I’m still trying to get the knack of the Do you believe in fate? Do you believe in fortunes? Do you basic Spread Control move on which Tom built this vast pyramid believe that you control your own destiny? Everyone wrestles of techniques. But as I said, that’s part of the joy of being a card with such questions from time to time, but mostly we plod along magician: finding something novel, beautiful, and flat-out difficult without thinking about the whys and wherefores of life. In Magi- to get under your fingers. cian’s Choice, his recent fiction book about magician Guy Borden, The second half of the book is where most of the variety is. author and magician Todd Gipstein has played a little magician’s There’s one more chapter of card concepts that contains some choice not only with Guy Borden’s life, but also with us, the really cool ideas. There’s a bottom card cover pass, an Open Pre- readers. diction, a “Cancelled Deck” card stab that’s essentially a card The result is a delightful story of a young man growing up

60 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 in New London, Connecticut, in the Roger Curzon’s Blood on the Tricks Volume 2 DVD 1930s, where he discovers the world By Magic Direct and Magictricks.co.uk of magic as a result of a birthday trip Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies to Harry Blackstone’s Show of 1001 Retail Price $30.00 Wonders. Yes, he is called on stage to help Blackstone with a card trick, Review by Jamie Salinas but that is the only predictable part of the occasion, for two days later Guy On the case of the DVD, meets The Great Blackstone once Roger Curzon is described as again in Guy’s father’s barbershop, “one of the UK’s real hidden which happens to be in the hotel treasures in card magic.” I am where Blackstone is staying. Guy is not familiar with Roger and his thrilled, of course, and the next day work, so I came to this review he meets Blackstone one more time looking forward to see what he in the hotel coffee shop, where the has to show us. The DVD covers two strike up a conversation. Black- a series of many card effects. stone teaches young Guy the retention vanish with a Morgan silver The DVD is recorded with dollar, which he gives to Guy as a memento, with the admonition Roger and Matthew Johnson to “practice until your fingers bleed!” That retention vanish has in a setting where Roger is many roles to play in the next fifteen years of Guy Borden’s life. teaching Matthew several card That occasion is followed by Guy receiving a Mysto Magic Set in routines in a one-on-one session. Matthew does a great job in the mail from none other than Blackstone, himself. Is this Guy’s asking questions and repeating as well as clarifying steps during first encounter with destiny? the instructional portion. The DVD follows the “perform a trick, Gipstein skillfully unfolds Guy Borden’s life, as he graduates teach a trick” format. Since this two-DVD set is a collection of high school and lives a short time in New York City, working as variations on standard card trick themes, it’s important that you a stagehand at a Broadway theater, while practicing magic on the know what makes up the collection. side. This begins a time of discovery for the young man, who visits Roger teaches the following effects on the first DVD of set: Tannen’s Magic Shop and catches glimpses of the great wonder his version of a Larry Jennings trick in which a selected card gets workers of the day and even invents a unique illusion, only to lose left behind as two halves of a pack are pushed together in face-up it by trusting too much. Pearl Harbor and World War II lead Guy and face-down fashion; a version of ’s trick in which to a stint in the Army that, through a novel twist of fate, results a selected card appears in a stack of all Diamond cards in the in Guy going to work for a traveling carnival as the resident location the spectator names; a very straight forward prediction magician. The next several months are filled with adventure, effect with two decks; a packet trick with a gambling theme in romance, danger, and tragedy, skillfully woven together with our which a bad hand changes into the four Aces (with a sucker finish); friend destiny and a sensitive portrayal of Guy Borden finding his a card sandwich routing in which a selected card appears between way as a person, not just as a magician. Doors close as others open, two cards that are rubber banded together (this is very straight and we, the readers, wonder what fate has in store for his future. forward and easy to follow); a very strong card stab routine using We hope, but Gipstein leaves us just enough room for doubt. an odd-backed card; a routine using a one-handed shuffle in which When the carnival closes, Guy returns to New York City, a selected card is found with an indifferent card that is stabbed finds work as a bartender (where he begins to hone his close-up into the pack as it is shuffled; and finally another card stabbing skills), establishes friendships with a number of New York City effect in which a prediction is written down and an odd-backed magicians, and even becomes a student of The Professor, Dai Joker is initialed and stabbed face down into a deck shuffled by Vernon. Blackstone reappears in his life once again, as well. the spectator. The card next to the initialed Joker matches the pre- Sketched in outline, the plot might seem a bit improbable, but diction. Gipstein has cleverly couched these events in the cloak of fate, The second disc teaches: another card stab in which an indif- fortune, and destiny. If there is such a thing as destiny, there is no ferent card is stabbed into the deck to find a lost selected card; such thing as improbability. three random cards are removed from a face-down pack by the In the final chapters of the book, Gipstein nicely brings the magician then the spectator shuffles and removes three random story full circle, neatly tying together the subplots of Guy Borden’s cards from a different-colored pack of cards and all three match; life. His best writing, in a well-written book, is in this section, in a “magician fooler” demonstrating sleights; a mind-reading effect which the character of Guy Borden deepens as he learns several in which a thought-of card is revealed; a two-deck routine in enduring lessons about life while at the same time coming to which a simple process reveals matching cards similar to an Any maturity as a magician. He is called upon to question the place Card at Any Number effect; a poker-themed routine demonstrat- of fate, fortune, and destiny in his life and, indeed, the role of the ing card control; and finally a bizarre routine using cards. magician’s choice. We might wonder about our own lives a bit as Card workers will delight in the quantity and quality of material we turn that last page. presented on these DVDs; all of the routines presented here are Magic has been a life-long hobby for Todd Gipstein, whose very strong and straightforward. This is not for the beginning own life has been an adventure, as well. A good portion of his card worker; the sleights and moves are more suited for the in- life has been as a photographer, writer, and producer for National termediate-to-advanced card worker. Many of the sleights are Geographic. He and his wife collect vintage magic apparatus and only briefly covered here. I really like Roger’s teaching style; you posters. His knowledge of the history of magic, and especially will feel like you are participating in a private session of learning of magicians who lived in the Thirties and Forties, is evident in some advanced card magic. Roger is a very good performer as Magician’s Choice, his second novel. well as a teacher of the material presented here. For $30, this is a

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 61 good value for the money (for the intermediate and advanced card Oscar Munoz Live Two-DVD Set worker), and I highly recommend the set. By Oscar Munoz Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies 6 by Six DVD Price $50.00 By Michael “Six” Muldoon Available from: www.System6Magic.com Review by Jim Kleefeld Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Price $30.00 I have enjoyed Oscar Munoz’s work since I saw him in Review by Dan Garrett person at Magi-Fest many years ago. He is a strong performer, In addition to being a fine and a busy worker, doing tons magician, New York City’s of school shows, club dates, Michael “Six” Muldoon also parties, and corporate close-up. does active humanitarian work I believe this is the first time he with his conjuring skills for has released a live show DVD. If Magicians without Borders. On you have not seen him work, it is this DVD you will find a col- well worth it to watch his show. lection six card effects. If you On disc two (I’m not sure why it like performing card magic, is labeled number two – watch it you should check out Six’s first.) Munoz performs a forty-five-minute show at a family res- offering. taurant/club. He presents a short, efficient Linking Rings routine, The first effect was his award-winning Billiard Balls routine, his version of the Sand- developed while in the hospital Sational Rope Trick, Swallowing a Balloon, and more. His witty receiving a blood transfusion, hence the title New Found Blood. banter is so smooth you are not sure what is scripted and what is It’s a sandwich effect that ends with the surprise revelation of a adlibbed. He makes clear and effective use of timing, pauses, and four of a kind. Michael teaches three variations of the routine, facial expressions to the point of leaving his audience in stitches. including a version done entirely in the hands. You’ll also learn a This is truly a fine presentation to watch to give you an under- couple of very nice card switches that are both invisible and easy standing of what audiences want to watch. Although most of the to do. A small set-up is required, but Michael also gives a method magic is amazing, his character, audience interaction, and comedy for setting up on the fly if you prefer. are what keep the attention of the crowd. You know he would be You can probably guess the effect (and possibly method) of Two just as entertaining with a different set of tricks. Ton Triumph. It’s a pleasing presentation. I like Six’s variation in If you are looking for some hot new material to steal and which the back of the selected card changes color at the end. The present, you won’t find it here. Most of his repertoire consists of third offering is called The Invisible Flush. The effect of Invisible classics. But he does teach his routines with those classics on disc Palm Aces becoming a royal flush at the end plays quite well. one. (Again, oddly numbered – watch these explanations after Fourth is a dealing trick with a payoff that is worth the dealing. you see the show.) His Sand-Sational rope routine pares the best If you use a set up, there is almost no skill involved. But with basic and is not overly long. His Professor’s Nightmare plays more like overhand shuffle controls (see Royal Road to Card Magic) you Sympathetic Silks and gets a strong reaction. His Linking Ring can do the slightly complicated stack right under their noses. It’s routine features three rings and a few simple on-off moves. That called Royal Tantalizer, and if you set up right after performing is, “simple” as in clear to the audience, not “simple” as in easy The Invisible Flush, you can have a double miracle on your hands. to do. He teaches a silent link and a spin unlink that will take The penultimate routine has received the most buzz in the you some time and a bit of a knack. I had the moves down after magic community over other effects on this disc. It is called Fool about fifteen minutes of practice, but I’m going to add a lot of Me Once, and it uses a freely cut selection chosen under seemingly rehearsal time before I perform these moves under show pressure. impossible conditions; inexplicably, you are still able to divine The moves are worth it because they add a beautiful “sell” to the the card. Six uses this routine to fool magicians during late-night premise of your being able to pass solid matter through solid. sessions. Needless to say, the laity doesn’t have a chance. For Munoz’s instructions on swallowing a long, fully-inflated 260- years, I have been using almost the same idea to blow away some balloon are clear and concise. At first it seems like there isn’t much of the best minds in magic. I used an unpublished faro sandwich to it, but you will want to really work out before you routine shared privately by David Solomon. Now, the secret is out put that much latex that close to your windpipe. It’s a clever trick there for you to use, either for great good or terrible evil. Try to that audiences love. Be sure to consider his entire routine. His stay away from the dark side. acting when he finishes “swallowing” the entire balloon provides Finally, No Stopping Me is a stop effect inspired by Asi Wind. a much-needed emphasis – that the audience just saw an amazing It got one of the strongest reactions from the female spectator in magic trick, not a geek feat. You don’t want kids to go home and the studio shoot. At the very least, all the effects require some try emulating putting half a long balloon down their throats. basic skill with the cards. Anyone who enjoys performing card Besides the wonderful comedy and routines, Munoz sits with magic will probably have the skills needed. Kozmo and discusses creating comedy, the business of show Perhaps the fad of one-trick pony DVDs is fading, as discern- business, costuming, characterization, and working for many ing buyers of new magic see the value of multiple effects in their audiences. He comes across as a hard worker who is also likable purchase. With 6 by Six, the odds are greatly in your favor of and friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed this set. I’ll probably never be finding one or more items that you will like and actually use. able to master his billiard ball moves, but I caught quite a few decent ideas watching him work a crowd.

62 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 F#@*ing Coins DVD the spectator’s hands, and which is easy to do. There are some By Philippe Bougard and Clement Kerstenne very nice subtleties used here that take their cues from moves Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies with cards, and which should be useful for other effects. Later Price $35.00 on, Phillipe also offers a quick and funny version of Lyn Searles’s Cannibal Cards, done with coins. Review by Curtis Kam I have to mention Les Amants (The Lovers), in which the performer illustrates the nature of human attraction with two This is a collection of provocative coins that at first seem magnetically drawn to each other (using coin magic, and by provocative, I don’t a little-seen technique of mine, no less), and then seem to repel mean the mildly scatological word in each other just as strongly. The ending is a bit predictable for the title that has apparently scandal- magicians, but I suspect that this is a fun piece for lay audiences. ized a certain segment of the magic Warning: the presentation requires that the performer be able to community. What I mean is that this convincingly claim to have experienced genuine human interac- material will challenge you and make tion. If you’ve never had a serious relationship with a significant you think. You will either agree or other, you might want to wait on this one. Or do the routine, but disagree with the approaches taken by talk about something else. Philippe and Clement, and that’s a good Also worth your consideration is Travelo, which is a shelled thing. This is magic created by two Coins Across in which both sides of every coin are initialed by young men, with the youthful tastes the spectator at the outset. I’m not sure this adds that much to the and sensibilities that are reflected in the overall effect, but it’s an interesting problem, a clever solution, title, and a soundtrack that features the word in the title repeated and considering both will benefit any thinking coin enthusiast. over and over. There are also scenes in which coin magic is done And while we’re talking about gaffs, $ is a Copper/Silver/Brass in order to impress pretty girls in a bar, and one in which a young routine with a surprise finish. I won’t tell you what that is, because lady emerges from a trunk, where she apparently lives. During I want it to fool you, as it did me. the explanations, there is implied vomiting. Other scenes involve Special Travel is a very commercial handling of Gary Kurtz’s coin magic being done on an abandoned construction site, in the Four Fisted routine in which four silver coins are produced one middle of a field, and other places where we usually see young at a time. The spectator holds one in each hand, as does the people doing magic in magic videos. This might not be to ev- performer. Suddenly, they all change to copper. There are other eryone’s liking. However, Philippe and Clement also bring fresh feature length routines that are worth your consideration, as well. perspectives to some classic coin tricks and strategies, and for me, They feature a Chinese coin that penetrates on and off a rubber that excuses a bit of adolescent rudeness. band, a re-handling of ’s Twilight, and a fingertip pro- For instance, Bobo’s Modern Coin Magic has entire chapters duction of three silver coin that change to copper, all at once and devoted to techniques based on clothing people were wearing in then singly. This resembles my Beijing Coins Across from Palms the 1950s. While you probably don’t have much use for cuffing of Steel 2: Fists of Fury. today, you might find yourself wearing a hoodie. If so, you should All of which is just disc one. The second disc is chock full of like Sweetstreet, a three-coin flurry that starts with the coins shorter bits, sometimes moves, or quick tricks, and one of which being produced from the strings hanging from the hood, and then is an amazing visual change of a silver dollar as it’s spinning on continues using effects and techniques that make use of the par- the tip of your thumb. This is the first thing that I saw Clement ticularities of this garment, including the oddly placed pockets. do at the very first European Coin Magic Symposium, and even The ditches are well designed, and the routine is well constructed. just the flourish is worth learning. The change is excellent as well, Like several of the routines on these discs, this one ends with the of course, and you would be wise to learn both. There are other production of a cigarette and lighter, or a cell phone. Three Fast is interesting bits on the second disc, but I don’t have the space to another routine designed to take advantage of the hoodie. In this mention them all here. case three complete vanishes are accomplished. Warning: in these The credits are embarrassingly, even insultingly, brief and and many routines here, there is sleeving involved. unhelpful. The explanations are all delivered silently, so it’s im- The boys also update Al Schneider’s seminal Matrix, using possible to tell what, if anything, Philippe and Clement have “improvised” items – in this case, a pack of gum, a Smartphone, added to existing techniques. All credits are given in a separate a deck of cards, and a pack of cigarettes – as covers instead of section, hidden in the “bonus” area. There, the names of all the the usual four playing cards. In addition to making the routine people the boys give “thanks” to scroll by, with no indication feel more organic (which is important to some), the use of these of what any of these people are being thanked for. If you find objects adds interesting visual elements. For instance, when the some technique or effect interesting, you have no way of continu- coin is covered by the phone, the image of a coin appears on the ing your research. Worse, the list that scrolls by is incomplete. phone’s screen. When it’s time to vanish that coin, it is done by Standard sleeving techniques by Derek Dingle are completely un- wiping the image off the screen. The cigarette pack covers the credited, for instance, as is a Coin under Watch routine, and while destination corner, and the coins arrive under, in, and under the the Catapult is named in text that flashes on the screen during an cellophane wrapping of the pack. There are other secret advan- explanation, there is no credit to Joaquin Navajas. tages, and this routine also is nicely constructed and designed to In short, if you’re an adult who likes innovative coin magic, take advantage of the particularities of these props. and you don’t mind a bit of cussing, I think you’ll find this set Recently we’ve seen card tricks done with coins, with Joe worth your time and money. If you’re a serious student of the ideas Rindfleisch, Dan Harlan, and Juan Luis Rubiales all tackling that are propelling coin magic, you’ll find these discs interesting, the Ambitious Coin, and Michael Rubinstein, and now Phillipe but not very helpful in your study. If you’re one of the rare indi- adapting Oil and Water. Here, you’ll find a very commercial viduals who are actually creating those valuable ideas, you might handling that’s very deceptive, has a lot of magic happening in find these discs insulting. If, however, you are not an adult, I

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 63 cannot recommend these discs. Not because of the language used, was able to come up with a good alternative to lapping and I think but because there are effects in which you are invited to literally most performers who would be willing to tackle this routine will play with fire. be able to do so as well. The release of this routine is the crown jewel in the published The Mirage Trick works of a man who has quickly ascended to the throne as the By Dani DaOrtiz King of Cards. As noted, the effect is difficult and long, but for Available from: www.essentialmagiccollection.com those willing to put in the work, the reward will be a routine that Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies few will be able to top. The deck of specially printed cards should Price $35.00 inspire someone to come with other routines that may be easier to do, and I am already thinking along those lines. I will recommend Review by Danny Archer this routine for anyone who aspires to the pinnacle of card magic and to the rest of us who will enjoy seeing a master perform and Luis De Matos produces, Dani explain his thoughts on trick construction. DaOrtiz is the talent, and assisting him are Richard Wiseman and Yanni Deutch. The Mechanic Pro-Tool Kit Props And the routine is straight from Dani’s By Mechanic Industries professional act. So, I’m interested. Available from: www.mechanicindustries.com The effect Hofzinser’s Everywhere and Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Nowhere, but on steroids. I am going to Price $64.00 explain the effect in a moment. But do yourself a favor and watch Dani’s per- Review by Curtis Kam formance on YouTube so you can truly experience the impact that this routine Here are the items you get in has. I’ll wait. Following is the column- the Mechanic Pro-Tool Kit: one required trick description. mechanic deck, one mechanic Two cards are peeked at in the deck (we’ll say the Jack of Clubs metal card guard, four grinder and King of Hearts). Three Aces are produced and tabled face coins, and a black Sharpie. And down. One at a time each Ace changes into a Jack of Clubs. Then that’s just about all a reasonably re- the entire deck changes to the Jack of Clubs. The second selection sourceful performer, or a beginner is named and the three cards that were the Aces, but are now with a limited repertoire, might the Jacks, change into the Kings of Hearts. Then the entire deck need to perform an evening’s worth changes to the King. Then the mirage is over and the deck and the of close-up magic. So it’s a nice Aces revert to normal. little kit. Frankly, the clip and the The effect runs about nine minutes, and if this isn’t Dani’s Sharpie are just there for you to look cool while you’re perform- closer I would love to see the card trick that could follow it. ing, so let’s look at the deck and the coins first. The routine is extremely visual, and with the deck very cleanly The Mechanic Deck: Everything in this set features an in- changing three times, it’s without a doubt one of the most amazing dustrial, mechanical look, done up in a gunmetal gray motif. routines I have ever seen. That’s the good news. The bad news The cards are printed on good quality stock, with a snap and a is the routine is very difficult from a technical point of view. finish that feels like a new deck of Bikes, but the stock feels a bit Passes, multiple card top changes, lapping, and more make this thinner. (The ads say it is Bee stock with a “magic finish”.) The a demanding routine; it will test the chops of most performers. faces are traditional, with the colors subdued, in keeping with the The included deck is gaffed to the hilt. It is a special deck that gray palette. The Hearts and Diamonds are dark, mottled red. The combines elements of Hofzinser’s Transformation Pack and Rob- Clubs and Spades are gray/black, not a crisp black. The face-down ert-Houdin’s Protean Pack. deck faros more easily from top to bottom, if that matters to you. Most of the time, a gaffed deck is used to make things easier The pack includes a blank card along with two Jokers, and an for the performer by eliminating sleight of hand (e.g. Invisible advert card that provides the very valuable link to the Mechanic Deck). But in this case the gaffed deck’s potential has been Industries website; more on this later. maximized by combining it with Dani’s beautiful sleight of hand. Before we go any further, if you’re wondering what all the ref- As I watched the explanation, I was fascinated listening to Dani erences to machinery have to do with magic or card flourishing, it describe different points at which he decided to do something goes like this: The traditional inside term for a guy who cheats at a particular way based upon the way he feels the spectator will cards is a “mechanic,” hence the Mechanic Deck, and the slogan, think. Whether you can perform this routine or not, it is worth- “Fixing Games Since 2012.” Since 2012 was just last year, so that while to see Dani explaining the how and why of the choices he isn’t much of a claim, but it’s honest, which is a peculiar thing for makes when constructing a routine. a company making cheating apparatus to be. The only quibbles I had were that at times the sound was not as Of course, the artwork is mainly on the backs, which are, no loud and as clear as it could have been. Dani performs the effect surprise, gray. They’re also white-bordered, and show layers of over background music and this may not have been the best choice interlocking gears. The neat thing is this: when you flip through for this performer, whose first language is not English. I would the cards, as if the deck were a flip book (the way you would if have also liked some discussion of the way he handles lapping you were checking for marks or performing Card-Toon), the gears in the real world. In the video shoot, he performs for two seated appear to turn and move. There are two large gears where you’d spectators, with no other audience at a table that is not draped. find the circles around the angels on Bicycle Rider backs, and parts Since the trend in close-up has been for the performer to stand, of other gears are visible in each corner. There is a border made an alternative to lapping would have been nice. That being said, I of links, like a bicycle chain, going around the design. When the

64 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 cards are in their new deck order, the gears turn smoothly, and the Sharpie, but it does have the Mechanic Industries logo and website chain appears to move smoothly around them – pretty darn neat. printed on it. I suppose it coordinates with the coins, cards, and But let’s think about that for a minute. The gears move guard, if people bother to read what’s written on your marker. smoothly once the cards in order. That means the precise location More important, the website information will come in handy of the images on the back of every card is directly tied to its when it’s time to reorder. Let’s face it: the deck will wear out location in the deck. That’s pretty close to the definition of a before the coins will. And on the Facebook page, they promise marked deck, isn’t it? And if you really could tell each card from videos of routines you can do with the coins and marker. its back design, then not only would you have a marked deck, So, even if you usually work with real silver coins, the re- you’d have a marked deck in which the marks are “explained.” In sourceful professional can find a use for the Grinder coins. Even I other words, you’d have a deck of readers that could safely “go to did. The deck is attractive, to my eye, and it handles well, despite the movies.” But, is that the case? Well, the cards come with no the fact that it faros in the wrong direction. Plus, the deck provides directions, and the variations on the backs aren’t obvious. The ad a definite visual punch to the typical magic gesture of riffling the copy states, “Because of the different back designs, you can also cards. If, for example, you riffle the deck to cause the ambitious identify the values of the cards at a glance, making this an incred- card to rise to the top, the audience can actually see the machinery ibly affordable marked deck!” That’s all the information that’s turning. It’s like having a magic moment built into the deck, or available right now. However, if you go to www.mechanicindus- a wand that’s only there when you need it. If the value of that’s tries.com you’ll find links to Facebook, YouTube, and other sites not clear, see how they use this feature on the videos. As I said, where there is an impressive amount of support being provided, the customer support is impressive, and I hope they continue to including video tutorials of some really clever tricks you can do develop this line. only with the Mechanic products (pulling the Grinder coin off the Joker was especially cool), and they promise to put up a video The (W)Hole Deck Trick\ explaining how to use the marking system. By Marc Arthur The Grinder Coins: These coins are apparently intended to Available from: www.kozmomagic.com compete with the Artifact coins made by Ellusionist. Like those, Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Grinders are supposed to be an affordable alternative to silver Price $30.00 half-dollars and dollars. (Although at seven to nine bucks per, they’re more expensive than clad Kennedy halves or Eisenhower Review by Danny Archer dollars, at least in the US.) Grinders are not identifiable as coins used by any nation. They seem more like tokens – abstractions Marc Arthur is the creator and of the concept of a coin. Whether you prefer them to Artifacts host for this DVD from Kozmo or real coins is mostly a matter of taste. I can tell you that these Magic. The picture, sound, and coins are a pewter/gunmetal gray, but the ads say that they’re DVD navigation are first rate. Marc “100% copper,” speaking directly to those who were nervous begins by welcoming you and intro- about prolonged exposure to the unstated makeup of Artifacts. ducing the hole/deck concept. The Grinders clink against each other sharply and loudly enough for idea of having a hole in a playing click passes, but they do not ring like silver coins. The dollar-sized card has a long history and Mark coins (the only ones I have had the opportunity to handle) are as mentions several predecessors. thick as a newly minted Peace Dollar, which is pretty darn thick. Here is the basic effect: A pack The edges are sharply milled, making these coins easier to palm of cards is shown front and back than worn coins. They are remarkably “soft,” given how deeply and a spectator selects a card. A portable hole (a sticker with the engraved they are, which is to say they slide over each other with back of a deck showing) is removed from the card box and placed hardly a sound. The coins look pretty much the same on both onto the selection. The hole in the selection becomes real and then sides, so there’s no obvious heads or tails. Although Grinders are visibly jumps to the deck, where every card now has a hole in it also available cast in bronze, or with a bronze finish, I haven’t had except for the selection. For the climax, the box is opened and the opportunity to handle one, so I can’t comment on the clarity upended and the missing card holes pour from the box. of the contrast. You are supplied with the special deck (available in red or Personally, I can’t think of a reason to prefer the dull gray blue) and the holes. The deck can be shown front and back via finish to the shine of a solid silver dollar. However, there are times the pressure fan or you can spread the cards on a table and even when a cheaper coin would be better, for instance, on stage where do a spread turnover. Marc explains everything clearly and the the point is the production of a lot of coins, or in instances where camera work is excellent in capturing the important close-ups. you’re likely to drop or lose coins. For those reasons, I do have The sleights needed (slip cut, , twirl change) are, for the one stunt in mind for which Grinders are the perfect choice: Ron most part, standard. There is one odd move and one discrepancy MacMillan’s Over the Head. If you’re a stage coin manipulator, that will need to be addressed, but nothing that can’t be handled you might want to give these a look. with a properly prepared presentation. If you want to include the The Card Guard: This is a thin metal (the ads say stainless circles-from-the-box ending, you will need to do a box switch. steel) card guard, silver/gray in color, featuring the Ace of Spades The trick will play without it, but it adds a nice touch of visual design and the Mechanic name and slogan. It does not have the comedy at the end. gripping power of a proper Porper Clip, but it’s lighter, easier to No mention is made of how Marc gets into the effect. Does he carry around, and the look matches the cards and coins. If you sit do a deck switch? When he is finished does he put this away and on it, you’ll have to bend it back into shape. But if the whole gritty use another deck? Marc mentions that he performs at a restaurant. industrial look works for you, why not go all the way? By the way, I would have liked to see a little more about the before and after, tee shirts and other merchandise are available, too. ideally in the restaurant with a live audience. If you are a hobbyist, The Sharpie: Finally, the marker appears to be just an ordinary this is a really cool effect to perform. For workers, it’s a one-trick

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 65 deck (with a extra box if you do the holes ending), and that is this and then let them “burn” you. They will be fooled badly. The something to be considered. DVD comes with a dozen rubber bands so you can get started But wait, there’s more! There are two bonus effects using right away. the special deck. (CH)Angel is a trick in which you have a card selected from a blue deck (say the Queen of Clubs). Stuck to the Hug DVD box is a circle from a red deck cut from a Joker. You pass your By Nefesch hands in front of the card circle (ala Spellbound), and it changes Available from: www.nefesch.com into a blue-backed circle showing a Queen of Clubs. When the Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Queen of Clubs is removed from the deck, there is a circle of a Price $50.00 Joker from a red deck that is then popped out showing an unusual transposition. This was a fun effect and the image of the Joker Review by Jim Kleefeld circle in the queen was quite arresting. Hollow (W)Hole is an effect based on an Aldo Colombini File this one under “Not for trick. The deck and the case have a large hole in the middle, and Everyone.” Nefesch, who has a long loop of yellow ribbon runs through the hole. The ribbon produced a couple of decent is around the performer’s neck and the deck hangs from the books on mentalism, offers this ribbon. The deck is uncased and a card is selected by dribbling one-trick DVD that teaches you the cards while the spectator says stop. The deck is re-cased and a how to present a sort of arm- balloon is inflated. Holding the deck and the balloon in the same twisting illusion. It is similar to hand, the balloon is popped and the performer is now holding the the one in which you place both selected card. This is a great effect and not much changed from hands palm down on the floor and Aldo’s original handling. This trick is fantastic; it will play great twist one 360 degrees. Or perhaps in either close-up or stand-up shows, and its inclusion makes me closer to the one in which you recommend this DVD wholeheartedly. have everyone in the audience try to rotate their arms after they straighten their arms and interlock their fingers with their thumbs Melting Point Trick pointing to the floor. In Hug, you ask the spectators to copy you By Casshan Wallace as you show them how to wrap your arms behind your back as if Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies to hug yourself from behind. Then you bring your arms straight Price $19.95 forward without untwisting them, a feat not possible by the spec- tators in their position. Review by David Goodsell The hour-long video starts with three almost identical perfor- mances, one close-up, one at a live stage show, and one appar- Build a better mousetrap? How ently in his living room. He goes into great detail as to how to many ways are there to link and set up your audience, how to place your arms around you, how unlink rubber bands? Can you and when to accomplish the secret move (yes, there is a move), really improve on what has been and some performance tips. It is taught well, but that does not developed so far? Take a look at mean you will learn it well. As you can imagine by visualizing Casshan Wallace performing his the prospect of hugging yourself from behind, you have to have a version on YouTube. A red rubber pretty fair degree of flexibility in your shoulders, arms, and wrists band is stretched between the to pull this off. The creator is quite thin, which also helps a lot. fingers of both hands and a blue, un- He insists that it can be done by people of normal weight or even stretched rubber band is held by the heavy people, but offers no examples. thumb and forefinger of one hand This type of stunt is a quirky and interactive feat that says to just slightly in front of the stretched the audience, “I am a magician and you are not.” It has been used red band. That is exactly what to great advantage by Copperfield on several tours, as, with a wink it looks like. The setup is a near and a nod (and a bit of self-deprecation), he ingratiates himself to perfect illusion all by itself! Then the audience. Much of the effect it has on the audience is because slowly, with just a simple twist of the blue band, it passes through of the feat’s placement in the show. He does not open with it or the bottom strand of the stretched red band. After showing the use it as a big closer, but carefully places it after a big illusion linked bands in an apparently very fair manner, the blue band while the curtain is closed and he kibitzes with the audience in unlinks from the red. Superb! one. Nefesch suggests it as an opener, but it does not really work If you are already skilled in rubber band work, you should be there, as is evidenced by the very audible amount of chatter and able to follow Wallace’s instructions and master the effect in a day movement going on at his live show. Many in the club (or bar?) or two – perhaps less. If you do not do much, or any, rubber band where he is performing are talking, milling about, and generally magic, be patient, for it may take a lot longer to learn this effect. not participating. And since he has not started his “real” act, they That is the great thing about DVD instructions, though; you can do not know him. Insisting that people follow your directions and go through the complicated setup step by step until it becomes “do as you do” without first establishing your personality, gaining clear. Young Casshan Wallace has come up with a good one here, their trust, or connecting with them is risky. and, recognizing that the effect by itself is almost too good and I had a little trouble with his presentation, although if you too quick, he also teaches his approach to Crazy Man’s Handcuffs want to perform Hug, you can certainly change your wording, and a nice rubber band through finger. Run through these with patter, or story line to fit your personality. Nefesch tells a rather your spectators and you will have their attention, which is what long anecdote about visiting with a friend who complains that you want, because Melting Point deserves close attention. Master Nefesch is using his arms and hands too much when he talks.

66 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 To accompany the story, Nefesch makes many broad and varied himself as one of the finest conjurors of our time. He has won arm and hand gestures, as if to accentuate that he is indeed using every award possible from the Magic Castle and is one of the a great deal of upper extremity movement. In other words, he very few magicians who have mastered stage, platform, and positions himself as a bit eccentric and a drama junkie. Then he close-up magic. And through it all he has remained a student performs Hug. Then he reverts to a non-eccentric, non-dramatic of magic – respecting the past, honoring those who have shared persona for his regular magic act. I suggest you do not use his their knowledge with him, and constantly seeking to improve and patter. Why set yourself up as a nitwit, just to show an illusion, perfect the routines he performs. and then revert to a different type of character? I assume that the name is familiar to all of you. The DVD also contains five similar feats, including one where His effect The Logical Bill Trick from Carneycopia appeared in your linked arms penetrate your knee and one where you appar- the February 2013 issue of M-U-M. Carneycopia was written by ently pull your hands from behind you through your neck. None of Stephen Minch; it contains many of John’s earlier creations. John’s these are quite as strong as Hug. Performed by Nefesch, the visual second big book, The Book of Secrets, appeared in 2002. In my illusion Hug provides is very quick, but startling. It looks great. review of that book in MAGIC magazine, I wrote, “John Carney is For $50, though, you ought to be assured of getting something passionate about magic, and he wants you to be passionate about that you can do, and not everyone will be able to physically ac- it, too. John was fortunate enough to be mentored by some of the complish this. It looks good on the creator, but, as I said, it may greatest magicians who have ever lived. He has absorbed their not be everyone’s cup of tea. influences and now shares that insight with you. John would also like you to consider taking the road less traveled, to present magic RE Trick in a way that emphasizes the mystery rather than the cleverness By Chris Webb or skillfulness of the performer.” Both of these books should be in Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies your library, and you should refer to them often. Price $30.00 John’s latest project is Carney 2013, a series of online conjuring lessons. Twelve lessons are offered, with a new lesson available Review by Norman Beck around the 15th of each month. These lessons are presented as pre- recorded, streaming videos; they come to the purchaser through RE is a single trick DVD the Revissit software platform, which imprints a “digital finger- with a gimmick that allows you print ID” on each video to curb piracy. This software is available to do a Torn and Restored Card for Mac, PC, and iPad. I had no problem installing the Revissit effect. You tear a card into four software and it worked fine on my Windows 7 machine. Be aware, pieces and put it back together however, that you are not getting a DVD; you’ll need to be hooked again, one piece at a time. You up to the Internet to watch the lessons. may have seen someone do this. So far, seven lessons have been released. They cover the First things first: Mr. Webb, Silent Mora Balls and Net routine, the Vanishing Birdcage, if I was to buy your DVD (and Eddie Fechter’s 8 to 12, Four Gone (the production and vanish I would not), I would buy it to of four Aces), Time/Space Coin-tinuum (a routine that combines learn a magic trick, not to listen elements of Spellbound with productions and vanishes using a to music. The music playing is of purse frame), a lesson on fixing fundamentals, and a collection of no value, other than to make it hard for me to hear the instruc- impromptu routines. tions, which might be a good thing. I don’t much like gimmicks, Merely listing the contents of these lessons does not do justice and this particular gimmick would be a pain to make and a pain to to the depth of instruction that John provides. John discusses the carry. The DVD is thirty-eight minutes long. Neither the clean-up history of each effect and the decisions he made in constructing nor the get-ready look good, and you would have to make a new his routines. He suggests sources for further study and explains all gimmick after just a few performances, and that would be a pain, the handlings in detail. Regardless of where you are in your magic too. Re: RE – give this trick a pass. development, you will learn something new from these lessons. The magic marketplace is overwhelmed with products that Carney 2013 Online Video Lessons offer little or no substance; like a Kleenex tissue, they are to By John Carney be used and disposed of in a short period of time, thus making Available from: www.carneymagic.com way for the next “newest thing.” With Carney 2013, John Carney Price $90.00 offers real substance – a product that inspires, educates, and challenges. I have learned a lot from watching it, and I highly Review by Michael Close recommend it. 

At the end of June, a small group of magicians met in Toronto for the final 31 North gathering. Attending were a stellar line-up of performers and creators who performed and lectured for each If you wish to have your product other in a relaxed, informal situation. John Carney attended and was one of the performers. He reviewed, please send it to: knocked it out of the park twice: once at a late-morning session for the group and again at a very nice cocktail party for a combined Bill Duncan group of laymen and magicians. (During that second performance P.O. Box 50562 he displayed masterful skills in handling a less than cooperative helper.) Bellevue, WA 98015-0562 I’ve known John for almost forty years; he has established

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 67 Treasures from the Salon de Magie By Ken Klosterman

colorless glass. But, like much of the great magician’s apparatus, cleverly designed mechanics were combined with electricity: A wire in one of the cords delivered the power that gave the specta- tors the marvelous effect of the coins’ appearance inside the box. The small device with safety pins shown in the photograph was a Robert-Houdin Crystal Cash Box concealed noisemaker used to simulate the sound of coins as they were apparently handled and arrived.

A certain amount of irony is attached to the story of Robert- Houdin’s Crystal Cash Box, for after his death it was prized and performed by Houdin’s most venomous critic – the man who had appropriated his name, Harry Houdini. Called The Transparent Cashbox or The Traveling Coins by Houdin, the trick is a truly Robert-Houdin remarkable example of not only an early secret use of electricity on the stage, but also of the reverence later magicians have had for Houdini presented the trick as part of his final American tour the tricks of this amazingly inventive predecessor. in 1925-1926. In fact, he proudly announced that the prop was the Robert-Houdin used this apparatus, a heavy glass box with very Crystal Cash Box used by Robert-Houdin himself, and used gilded trimmings, to great effect in his Soirées Fantastiques, Houdin’s name in his billing of the trick. Even so, Houdini had beginning in 1847. Borrowing several five-franc coins from his gone to vast lengths to discredit Robert-Houdin’s claims as a great spectators, who marked them, he dropped them into a crystal inventor of magic tricks and to destroy his reputation as a magical vase on one side of the stage and caused them to invisibly arrive innovator. In Houdini’s book The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin, in a similar vase several feet away, each with a distinct jingle. he lambasted the famous French magician, discounting nearly His assistant then hung the elegant transparent box from thin silk every claim Houdin made to originality or inventiveness. Later cords attached to the ceiling, and set the box swinging. Houdin historians established that Houdini was overwhelmingly wrong gestured with his wand, and the money was heard and seen to on almost every count. arrive in the box. The oval cover in the top was then opened and Houdini acquired this prop in Europe. After his death the box the marked coins were removed and returned to their lenders. was owned by Samuel Cox Hooker, Charles Larson, and John J. The box was seemingly free of all human influence because it McManus. It came to the Salon de Magie from the defunct Circus was isolated well above the performer’s table by the slender cords Museum of Sarasota, Florida, in great need of repair. It was threaded through the rings at each end, and because it was made of restored by magical craftsman Carl Williams. 

68 M-U-M Magazine - AUGUST 2013 Our Advertisers INSIDE STRAIGHT Balloons to You 25 BY NORMAN BECK B. Happie Entertainment 3 Burgoon Magic 6 Other Interests: None Dan Garrett 49 “Is life not a thousand times too short for us to bore ourselves?” IBM/SAM 2014 71 – Friedrich Nietzsche Joe Mogar - Magic Stars 24 To me, the following is the most important lesson in life: don’t be Levent Magic 7 boring. I am not talking about your magic. I am talking about you. In L&L Publishing 7 my travels, life has been good to me, but it has also been a little sad, because I’ve discovered that some of the best magic guys I know are Magic in the Rockies Convention 59 very boring. The reason they are so boring is that their life is about Nielsen Magic 4 fifty-two pieces of paper and four half dollars. S.A.M. Life Membership 10 Let me tell you something; real people don’t care about magic tricks. In some ways, as magicians we are like trained dogs; after you S.A.M. on Twitter 24 sit up, roll over, and play dead people are pretty much done with you. Show-Biz Services 9 Just like a diamond, you need to have many facets; discovering and developing them are much more important than any double lift or pass. T.A.O.M. 2013 72 There are plenty of magicians whom you look up to who are starving The Magic Bakery 2 to death. A major reason is that they are boring. Let’s acknowledge the T. Myers 4 elephant in room: most of us were socially inept at the time we got into magic. Many of us still are socially inept. I will not give any examples of magicians who are boring in person; my goal is to make you be in- teresting apart from your magic, but that is easier said than done. S.A.M. PHOTO CONTEST I think that the best way to hide the fact that you are boring is to learn to ask good questions and then actually listen to what the person says. Then ask a follow-up question to the first one. I will tell you that if I discover what a person has a weakness for, I will figuratively own them. One big secret (and there are many) is to get a person to talk about his or her passion and you, Mr. Magician, listen. I think that most magicians make the mistake of only reading magic books (that is, of course, if they read at all). I think that you should read the following every day: The Wall Street Journal, US News & World Report, your local paper, Playboy, National Geographic, Wired, and the New Yorker magazine, Not all of these are daily publications, but they all have articles that are relevant to the world. Katie Couric asked Sara Palin what newspapers and magazines she read, and her answer was unintelligible. Don’t let that happen to you. Two books that you should put on the top of your must-read list are Influence by Robert Cialdini and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. As you interact with people, it is very important never be manipu- lative. You must learn how and when to keep your mouth shut and listen, and when you should talk. I know four people in magic who are masters of the craft: Bill Herz, Mac King, Bill Malone, and the fourth whose name I won’t put in print. The reason is that he might not like to be mentioned, and this way I won’t step on his toes. Or perhaps by not mentioning a fourth name people will think that I don’t know a fourth person. To get you started, here are topics to avoid when you are striking up conversations with people you don’t know: politics, religion, and sex. Congratulations to Linda Fieldman Topics that are safe are: food, local interests, music, the person’s kids, Robbins. Her S.A.M. gear photo was and books (if they are a reader and you are a reader). I actually use voted the grand prize winner at the food to size a person up. When I am visiting a new city, the type res- taurant that a person likes tells me a great deal about him (and he never S.A.M. national convention in even knows that he has tipped his hand. Please note that just because a Washington, D.C. person likes or does not like a certain type of food proves nothing; but it is a good yardstick. It’s just like in magic; let me see your double lift and I will have a good idea about your magic. 

AUGUST 2013 - M-U-M Magazine 69 The Dean's Diary

By George Schindler

Two Schindlers Are Better Than One

The Frenchman’s Reef Hotel in St. Thomas was the venue for the banquet we played in March of 1983. The event celebrated the 150th anniversary of the rebuild- ing of the St. Thomas Synagogue Inside the St. Thomas Synagogue on April 3, 1833. Fire destroyed three previous wooden buildings rabbi whose name was Alexander Schindler. He was president of dating back to 1796 when a group the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and belonged to of Sephardic Jewish traders from many other well known organizations of Jewry. He had arrived Philadelphia built the first one earlier that day. A call was made to Governor Luis who was told with help from other West Indies that Schindler had a problem with clearing a case at customs. It Jews. In 1832 it had been decided was true (it was just a different Schindler). The governor made that the building needed to be a call and the crate was delivered to the hotel within two hours. made of stone and brick. After the Friday service I introduced myself to Rabbi Schindler, St. Thomas Synagogue The president of the con- who said, “Hello,” but not a word more. I guess he didn’t want to gregation, Monty Abrams, was be associated with a “magician.” a neighbor of magician Del Cartier and his wife Rhoda, who Nina and I had been staying with the Cartiers. We had a great owned a condo on the island. It was Del who suggested a magic time. I found a small Magic Masters shop in the hotel, managed show as part of the celebration. Another PA 1 member, Ronnie by Mike Abston. We watched a maid washing the veranda glass Reckseit, who owned a motorcycle rental business for tourists on window with vodka. It seems that in an island economy it takes a St. Thomas, was also booked as the emcee. The New York S.A.M. long time to get supplies. The Windex was “finish” she told me. was well represented. Vodka was cheaper there and does a better job! We arrived and were passed through customs easily, but the We left for the airport a few days later with a cab driver who fiber case carrying our illusions and props was being held for in- told me how to get there faster if you “moshyoufoot.” I’m not sure spection. One would think that the U.S. Virgin Islands was part of what this means; you get to the accelerator and you just have to our country. It was Friday and we were told that we needed to wait mash your foot? Getting our magic case back from the airport at for a broker to clear it Monday. Of course, the show was the next home took more than a week, and I personally had to open it and night. Del and Monty got busy calling every politician they knew. repack it at the airport’s facility. Luckily, I had carried the vodka Here is where fate played its trick. It seems that the guest home with my luggage. But a lesson was learned. Now, I always speaker for the Friday night services was a famous American hand carry some basic props and close-up items. 

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