JUNE 2012

David Copperfield PAGE 36

MAGIC - UNITY - 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

Subscription is through membership in the Society and annual dues of $65, of which $40 is for 12 issues of M-U-M. All inquiries concerning membership, change of address, and missing or replacement issues should be addressed to: Manon Rodriguez, National Administrator P.O. Box 505, Parker, CO 80134 manon@magic.bz Skype: manonadmin Phone: 303-362-0575 Fax: 303-362-0424

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4 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 M-U-M JUNE 2012 Magazine Volume 102 • Number 1

S.A.M. NEWS 6 From the Editor’s Desk Photo by Herb Ritts 8 From the President’s Desk 11 M-U-M Assembly News 24 New Members 25 Broken Wands 25 Good Cheer List 26 National Council Meeting Minutes 28 28 Newsworthy 65 Our Advertisers ON THE COVER PAGE 36

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES 36 COVER STORY • by Jaq Greenspon 54 42 Mind-Blowing Comedy • by Christian Painter 68 44 Totality of Art • by Kevin Burke 46 Salon de Magie • by Ken Klosterman 48 A Magician Prepares • by Dennis Loomis 50 Magic From Scotland • Edited by Ian Kendall 54 Nielsen Gallery • by Tom Ewing 56 Informed Opinion • New Product Reviews 68 Basil the Baffling • by Alan Wassilak

COLUMNISTS 30 Stage 101 • by Levent 46 42 34 Ellipsis • by Michael Perovich 47 Tech Tricks • by Bruce Kalver 65 Inside Straight • by Norman Beck 66 I Left My Cards at Home • by Steve Marshall 68 The Dean’s Diary • by George Schindler 70 Confessions of a Paid Amateur • by Rod Danilewicz

Cover photo by Homer Liwag

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.

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 5 Forty years ago, if I went to a magic meeting, it might not make any difference if the answer to any of the above questions was “no.” Magic clubs were the only game in town. I’d stick it out in the hope that things Editor’s Desk would get better. But today there are other options; it’s very possible that your assembly is only going to get Michael Close one shot at attracting and retaining a new member. So, what can you do? Let’s start with what I think A little while ago there was a discussion on SAMTalk is most important. An assembly meeting should be about the problems that assemblies face attracting and educational. Members should leave a meeting with retaining new members. One post focused on current a little more knowledge about their hobby than they technology and how this technology has produced knew coming in the door. Many assemblies have a young people who prefer to communicate via a device, “Teach-in” session, during which a specific routine rather than face-to-face interaction. Blaming technolo- or sleight is taught. A few assemblies take a broader gy, unfortunately, accomplishes nothing; unless a giant approach and discuss a classic text. (Assembly 120 is solar flare obliterates the world’s power grid, people working through Royal Road to Card Magic, a chapter will continue to text, email, Skype, and use the Internet each meeting.) Bravo to all of them. Most assemblies, as their primary means of gathering information. The however, use the “Theme Night” approach to meeting question to ask is: What can assembly membership planning. This type of meeting plan does encourage offer that the Internet can’t? member participation, but since it does not have a My magic development took place before the advent clearly defined educational goal, it leaves the success of magic videos and the Internet. If you wanted to or failure of the meeting too much to chance. The gain information there were two sources: books and meeting might provide useful information, but it is also personal contact. Because I grew up in a little town possible that the members may just have to sit through in the middle of Indiana, I was a book person. I had Compeer Joe performing the same Twentieth Century little contact with other magicians. When I finally dis- Silk routine he did last year at the Silk Night meeting. covered that there were magicians in my area, I was (Or, as is often the case, the people who perform com- thrilled. Now I had the opportunity to trade ideas, pletely ignore whatever the theme may be and they do socialize, and learn from more experienced magicians. whatever trick they want.) But if I wanted to experience first-hand the magic of Perhaps a better approach would be to supple- people I had only read about, I had to get to wherever ment the members’ performances with one or two they happened to be: a lecture, a workshop, or a con- prepared short talks on subjects related to the theme. vention. At that time, there was no other way to get the (For example, a report on Rice’s three-volume Ency- information. clopedia of Silk Magic, or an examination of a classic With the explosion of the magic video market, the trick, like Slydini’s Knotted Silks, or even a discussion rise of the Web, and the development of fast Internet on the proper care and storage of silks.) With two des- connections, it’s no longer necessary to leave your ignated presentations, members will learn something house in order to gain information, or to talk face-to- at the meeting, regardless of what else happens. This face (sort of) to other magicians. Unfortunately, using approach, of course, demands more organization, more the Internet as your sole source of information has a planning, and more dedication from the members pitfall: it is an unfiltered, unedited, un-vetted deposi- who are the designated presenters. (And everyone in tory, as likely to contain garbage as a nugget of gold. the club should do at least one presentation during the The challenge is separating the wheat from the chaff. year.) In order to attract and retain new members (and to bring previous members back into the fold), you simply have to answer one simple question: Will an attendee feel that the two hours spent at the assembly meeting were valuable? Here are questions a newcomer might ask after attending a meeting: Everybody there seemed to know each other. Was I made to feel welcome? Were there experienced, knowledgeable people that I could ask questions of? Was I given the opportunity to perform? Were comments and criticisms made constructive- ly, without prejudice or condescension? Did I learn anything? Was it fun?

6 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Having one or two knowledgeable, experienced as hiding behind a computer. magicians as members of an assembly is also very One of the great things about a magic meeting is that important. (Actually, the more the better.) It’s possible it gives attendees the opportunity to perform for their to find such people in just about every large community. peers, and to ask questions and receive feedback about The problem is getting them to be part of the group. those performances. Many magicians have a hard time I think there are two main reasons why experienced accepting a truthful criticism; harder still is offering magicians don’t want to be part of a club. 1) They have a criticism that is non-judgmental and that honestly participated in the past, but became frustrated with addresses only the problem at hand. This process the politics, petty bickering, and clashing egos that hinges on trust and a genuine desire by everyone often develop in clubs. 2) They don’t mind answering involved to improve the craft. How everyone conducts the occasional question, but they don’t want to be themselves during an evaluation session will have a the sole source of information for the club. I have no dramatic impact on whether a newcomer chooses to go solution for the first problem; I can only alert you to its through it again. existence and its harmful effects. The second problem Will it take work to implement the above ideas? can be solved by the suggestion I gave above. The re- Absolutely. But remember that your assembly is sponsibility for teaching and educating the group is not competing with the World Wide Web, and as a result borne by one “go-to” guy who is constantly pumped of that effort, all the members of your club will benefit. for information; it is shared by all the members. And as John Carney succinctly writes in Carneycopia: If it is true (and I’m not saying that it is) that the “If greatness, or at least improvement, is not aspired to, younger generations are more comfortable communi- then what is the point of participation?” cating via devices than face to face, then it behooves all compeers to make the social parts of meetings Department of Inadvertent Omissions: In as friendly and non-intimidating as possible. From Levent’s Stage 101 column last month, the graphic personal experience I know how tough it is to be in a for Robert-Houdin’s Les Secrets de la prestidigi- room full of strangers, all of whom seem to know each tation et de la magic is from the ebook available at other. The goal here is to make a meeting feel as safe www.lybrary.com. 

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 7 President’s Desk Vinny Grosso

It is hard to believe that June is already upon us. Next month you will read about our next national president, Chris Bontjes, to whom I will pass the gavel at our convention in Las Vegas. I am very fortunate to have been able serve with great people such as Bruce Kalver, Mike Miller, and Mark Weidhaas, who preceded me, to Chris Bontjes, Dal Sanders, and Ice McDonald, who follow me. I can assure you that the honor of serving as national president has not and will not cloud the responsibility of the job, nor the purpose of the Society. Recently, Parent Assembly Archivist Tom Klem sent to the Magic Center document scans from the very early days of the S.A.M. I thought this letter from the original admis- sions chairman, Saram R. Ellison, would be most appropriate for my final column. The document was written ten days after the formation of the S.A.M. As emphasized by underline in the first paragraph, “The plan of the Society is: ‘To promote harmony among those interested in Magic, and to further the elevation of the Art.’” That is still our mission more than one hundred years later. I have heard several stories and have witnessed firsthand situations on both a National and Assembly level in which actions of members were counter to “the plan of the Society.” It’s also clear there’s a population of magicians who do not belong to magic organizations because they feel that the or- ganizations are self-serving and littered with politics. This is troubling to me; as a fellow compeer, I imagine it is troubling to you as well. The next time we are faced with a Society-related situation, let’s remember “the plan,” and remind others of “the plan.” Ask yourself and them, “How does this promote harmony or elevate our art?” I sincerely believe actions that “promote harmony among those interested in Magic” are infectious; together we can elevate our art!

Side Note

Dues back in 1902 were a staggering two dollars. Using an inflation calculator, that’s equivalent to about sixty dollars in 2012, right in line with our current dues. And remember, with some exceptions, members in 1902 did not receive an M-U-M magazine, nor many of the other benefits we offer today. 

8 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 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: Vinny Grosso, 270 Mansion St., Coxsackie, NY 12051 (518) 756-1891 [email protected] President Elect: J. Christopher Bontjes, 2313 Atwood Ct., Danville, IL 61834 (217)431-4791 [email protected] First Vice President: Dal Sanders, 3316 Northaven Rd, Dallas, TX 75229 (214) 902-9200, [email protected] Second Vice President: Kenrick “ICE” McDonald, P.O. Box 341034, Los Angeles, CA 90034, (310) 559-8968 [email protected] Secretary: Marlene Clark, 274 Church Street, #6B Guilford, CT 06437, (203) 689-5730, Skype: marlene.clark, [email protected] Treasurer: Mary Ann Blowers, 3 Christopher Bluffs Court, St. Louis, MO 63129 (314) 846-8468 [email protected] Skype: maryan.blowers

Regional Vice Presidents

New England: CT MA RI NH ME VT Joseph Caulfield (603) 654-6022, [email protected] North Atlantic: NY NJ Pat Colby, [email protected] Mid Atlantic: PA DE MD VAWV DC David W. Bowers, 169 Tobin Dr., Chambersburg, PA 17201(717) 414-7574, [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 Jeff Sikora, 13023 Crown Point Ave., Omaha, NE 68164 (402)-339-6726, [email protected] South Cental States: TX AR OK NM LA Jeff Lanes, (713)850-1770, [email protected] Southwest: CA AZ NV HI John Shryock III (520) 885-7999 [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]

Need to Write an Assembly Report? Living Past National Presidents

Go to www.mum-magazine.com and click on “Easy Report Bradley M. Jacobs, Richard L. Gustafson, Roy A. Submission.” You’ll be taken to a page with a form that makes Snyder, Bruce W. Fletcher, James E. Zachary, David R. Goodsell, Robert A. Steiner, submitting your assembly report a breeze. Simply fill in the Fr. Cyprian Murray, Michael D. Douglass, George required fields and paste in your report from your word processor. Schindler, Dan Rodriguez, Dan Garrett, Donald F. Oltz Jr., Craig Dickson, Loren C. Lind, Gary Upload a photo and a caption if are submitting one. Then hit D. Hughes, Harry Monti, Jann Wherry Goodsell, “Submit Form.” You’re done, and your report comes to us in Warren J. Kaps, Ed Thomas, Jay Gorham, John Apperson, Richard M. Dooley, Andy Dallas, Maria format that makes our job a lot easier, too. Ibáñez, Bruce Kalver, Mike Miller, Mark Weidhaas.

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 9

ASSEMBLY NEWS Society of American Magicians Monthly News JUNE 2012 Volume 102, Number 1

square. Joe then showed many and hid it. Tamaka found the The Golden Gate Assembly 2 1 different effects with thimbles, page between two magic slates. meets first *Wednesday at 7:30 JOE MOGAR included some of his unique He then revealed the secrets in p.m. at Community Room of LECTURES moves; thimbles appeared, meticulous detail. Most of the Taraval Police Station, 2345 vanished, and jumped all over. magicians tonight shared the 24th Ave., San Francisco. New York , NY— Although Joe offered lots of magic with secrets of their routines. *July meeting will be held our meeting was held on a these simple, colorful objects. Beginning the evening’s acts, on Thursday July 5. Tamaka Wednesday instead of our usual Joe showed a tiny purse and Rob Shapiro applied strong [email protected] (415) Friday, we had a good turnout. found an even smaller purse psychic energy to transform 531-9332. The election of a nominating contained within. From that one dollar into five dollars. committee was the first order purse Joe produced a small Corky LaVallee, the clairvoy- of business. Richie Magic pocketknife (surprise!); the ant, displayed exceptional 4 announced that tickets to the knife then changed color, mind power when he remotely GEORGE HAMPLE 103rd Salute to Magic were switched places, multiplied, viewed pictures on two selected RETURNS selling briskly. The gravesite vanished, and shrank. He postcards. restoration committee has showed a variety of moves with Drawing on the popularity PHILADELPHIA, PA— Our April performed two fundraising the knives, recommending that of social media, Dan Sneider, meeting featured an excellent shows. The first, at Abracabra people keep it simple. We ex- with Rich Seguine assisting, “Teach-a-Trick” presenta- in NYC, raised enough money perienced several of Mogar’s performed David Taylor’s tion given by Rick Greenberg, to restore Bess Houdini’s final famous knife effects, such as a FriendBook, a place to make who taught several fine card resting place. Funds raised at great knife through knife pen- friends. Choosing one person miracles that required little a second show at Fun in New etration. He discussed his way from five potential friends, or no sleight of hand. Shortly Jersey are being applied to of handling the Hot Rod force. Rich was fortunate. His choice thereafter we held our annual the restoration of Carter the The lecture ended with some agreed to the friendship while close-up contest, which was a Great’s grave site. Committee good, usable coin magic. — the other four said no. After Chairman Richie has several Jordan Linker vanishing a wine bottle cover more shows lined up. We were PARENT ASSEMBLY 1 meets several times before our aston- reminded that the “Magic the first Friday 8 PM at Mt. ished gaze, Rich performed Ted Table” at the Edison hotel had Sinai Medical Center, 1425 Anneman’s Test of the Tiber visits from regulars Tom Klem, Madison Avenue (96th Street), book test with a telephone Rene Clement, Jerry Oppen- New York, New York. Contact book. Hippo Lau utilized his heimer, Jordan Linker, and Pat information: Jordan Linker mental and intuitive skills to Colby. All were glad to see Bob [email protected] discover the card chosen by Bill Freidoffer’s first visit to the (646) 670-7235. Website: www. Langdell. Following a series table since his recent surgery. If sampa1.com of questions, Hippo detected George Hample performing you’re visiting New York City whether Bill was telling the his flawless golf ball routine Stop by for lunch. truth or lying and the identity of with the assistance of caddy 2 the selected card. Donna Horn PSI FORCE With Rob assisting, Stu Bacon EMPOWERS amazed us with Face in the resounding success. Crowd. Employing PSI power Prior to the close-up contest SAN FRANCISCO, CA— and a deck of cards, Stu helped we were delighted to welcome Mentalism was April’s theme, Rob spot a friend, his chosen our dear friend George Hample and PSI power, enhanced by card, in a crowd of eleven back to the club following his the waxing moon, held sway. people. For his act Bill first successful eight-month battle Our ongoing program of linked four Ninja rings with his with cancer. George, who is an sharing knowledge and tech- magical touch. Next he tied a extremely youthful eighty-one, niques has gained an apprecia- rope to a ring and requested Rob was accompanied by his lovely tive reception. Our skills grow, to hold its ends. With fantastic wife Ruth, to whom he will be Joe Mogar and new horizons of magical mental energy Bill caused the married sixty years on June wonder open to us. Tamaka rope to come loose and then to 28, 2012. George took to the The meeting was adjourned gave the teach-in with a pre- refasten itself. John Caris, with stage and blew everyone away and followed by a lecture sentation of Richard Osterlind’s Corky assisting, staged Howard with two very special routines offered by Joe Mogar. Joe’s book test. Tamaka narrated Adams’s Card to Believe ESP he created during his recovery. lecture began with two small a story about forest dwelling routine, an awesome display of First, he deftly executed a streamers appearing from a little people who assisted the magic. Jack Langdell enjoyed marvelous two-phase golf- dollar bill; then many silks and magician. After a page had been the evening’s performances themed ball to net routine a fiftten-foot streamer were selected from a chosen book, and participated in the cookie utilizing four miniature golf produced from a man’s pocket the little people stole the page vanishing effect. —John Caris balls and a golf cap in lieu of a

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JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 11 Assembly News net held by Donna Horn, who doing a mentalism routine. located off of 125th Street assisted him as his “caddy.” Using only four witnesses and and West Center Road- George then finished off with clues, he was able to determine right across from Hooters. a traffic-light-themed chop cup the suspect. Next up was Ralph Jerry Golmanavich golubki routine using a deluxe edition Fowler, who did a wonderful @cox.net (402) 3909834 Yahtzee cup and three colored tarot card routine. Joe Bruno omahamagicalsociety.com balls, ending with the produc- was able to read his volun- tion of a turnip followed by a teer’s mind. Joe had a selected large steel ball bearing. Better card buried in the deck and 8 than ever, George received was able to tell him what his Alternative Card a standing ovation for his card was. Eric Hoffman was Effects flawless performance. able to do a prediction about The close-up contest began the future with deck of cards. St. Louis, MO— At our March with Eric Johnson perform- Howard Katz used two people Steve Daly with volunteer 22 meeting we discused Magic ing a wonderful coin routine and borrowed one-dollar bills; Ben Snyder Time: Clocks, Watches, and inspired by his recent trip he had the bills torn in half. Sun Dials...Oh my! After our to the U.S. Mint. After Eric, He collected the bills and had performed with different business meeting we discussed Rick Greenberg performed an them shredded, but was able gimmicks. I’d bet there were the use of time in magic. No excellent Oil and Water effect. to restore them inside a sealed very few in the audience who not timing, but timepieces, Jim Straub then did a very envelope. Tony Anastasi also knew what was coming up items that were from another funny Cups and Balls routine, did a nice card routine. Jeff next. The most fascinating time period, and the passing ending with a surprise “fruit Eline did a story about his uncle aspect for me was that most of of time. For an example of the finish.” Following Jim, second Earl that involved drinking, these illusions happened with use of a clock face used in a place winner Eric Lampert did card playing, and gambling. simple gimmicks, many of magic effect, go to Internet- a very nice Ambitious Card At the end of the story the which could be hand-made – a MagicTricks.com/clock; there routine that ended with the selected card was found inside suggestion Steve made several is an iPhone version of Time selected card appearing back an empty whiskey bottle. times. Included were a top Machine called Magic-Clock in the card box. Third place —Rudy Jackson hat, scarves, a magic wand, an at iTunes. Copper pyramid winner Reba Strong followed Assembly 6 meets every first “animal” hat band, Pop-open fence post caps are great for a Eric with a slick one-handed thursday at 8:00 pm. Held at Cupcake, niffin tube, lollipops, magic prop. Changing a lump cutting of the Aces. Sue McEl- The Magic Warehouse 11419 Devil’s hankie, sponge balls, of coal into a diamond takes venney then did an amazing Cronridge Drive suite #10 a trick tray, and candy (in a lots of pressure and time. Coins Across routine. After in Owings Mills, Maryland tube). Watch out for the snake (Well, not for a magician.) Use Sue, Joe McHugh performed 21117 (410-567-0777) Jeff in a can! He ended with some your imagination and have fun. a very entertaining Cups and Eline [email protected] marketing tips and Bobo’s At the April 12 meeting we Balls routine using crumpled www.baltimoresam.com loops. reported our election results: up dollar bills and three coffee Part two was called “Welcome President – Don Becker, cups made of fine china. to Las Vegas – now go home!” Vice-President – Dan Todd, Next, Bill McElvenney made 7 There were very insightful Secretary/Treasurer – Dick a selected card vanish and Meet stories about Melinda, Criss Blowers, Sergeant of Arms – reappear inside of a balloon. Steve Daly Angel, and other celebri- Sandy Weis. Elected Board Finally, first place winner Sam ties, and how they progressed Members are: PNP Harry Sandler closed the show with a Omaha, NE— This must be through the creation of a Monti, Mike Hindrichs, and very funny card miracle which a lucky year for the Omaha headliner. Steve performed Larry Minth. They will be had to be seen to be believed Magical Society. At our April with Criss on television. He’s installed on June 8. Congratu- and which simply defies expla- meeting RVP Jeff Sikora intro- also helped many other famous lations. nation. Everyone in attendance duced Steve Daly, the master- names with illusions. witnessed some amazing magic. mind behind Abracorndabra, a Part three was the climax to —Peter Cuddihy magic convention held in Des an evening flying by. This was James Wobensmith Moines, Iowa, for the second simple stuff (according to him) Assembly 4 meets third consecutive year. (Perhaps it for which he passed out free Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the will become an annual event.) lecture notes. Some tricks were Bustleton Memorial Post, Steve unpacked a large load of variations of others but still 810 (American Legion) goodies to show off in a three- made some aspects baffling. 9151 Old Newtown Road. part lecture: He started with ropes and went Information: www.sam4.org/ Part one might be called Day through several card tricks and Care Dollars; Steve explained then a really simple knockout President Elect - many of the nuances of chil- version of Three Card Monte Don Becker 6 dren’s shows and how to handle that even I could do. April showers them. Once the audience If you want to know secrets, After the business meeting we and magic is somewhat controlled, he you’ll have to attend a Steve had Alternative Card Effects – proceeds to baffle them with Daly lecture. I feel lucky to no revealing a selected card! Baltimore, MD— In March his own brand of magic accom- have gone to one right here Dan Todd displayed an array of we had a special guest, Howard panied by his unique personal- in my hometown. You can alternate card effects: Houdini Fridel, the president of local ity. For this part we all had to ask him why his nickname is Card, Six-Card Repeat, Jumbo I.B.M. chapter in our area. We “become kids” again, which “Tiny.” A thousand thanks, Three Card Monte, Fooled, also had a guest visitor for April, was easy for most of us. To some Steve! —Jerry Golmanavich Color Separation, Kings Paul Trattner. Our April magic extent he produced a continual Assembly 7 meets at the Carpet, and Time Stands started out with Oniel Banks, flow of ever-changing effects Southwest Church of Christ Still. Don Becker performed

12 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Assembly News

Auto Matching Cards and used to impart a mild tackiness Henry, a native of Wilming- Smith called the meeting Paul Rygiski performed two to the fingertips to help the dry- ton, was a magician and artist, to order and welcomed two effects much to our delight. handed coin manipulator. and was famous for his painted guests: Eric Hogue and Darren PNP Harry Monti caused Aces The Assembly’s business silks. Collins. Reade Quinton to magically turn over one at meeting focused on a recount- Leland played a video of some presented a new S.A.M. mem- a time. Board Member Elect ing of PNP Cesareo Pelaez’s very old film showing Henry bership packet to Eric, who Larry Minth “executed” the recent memorial service. As at work at his Wilmington also officially joined the DMC Blank Monte cards. Marco the Magi, he founded, home. The film featured Henry by the end of the evening. Daniel S Todd Assembly 8 directed, and mentored the cast making several sand paintings, After conducting officer meets at Mount Tabor UCC, of Le Grand David. During a goat and pony that Henry elections, Mark Jensen 6520 Arsenal, St. Louis, MO recent years, he remained a used in his act, demonstra- welcomed Jeff Hallberg, who 63139. 2nd & 4th Thursdays of guiding force of the world’s tions of several illusion effects, presented a mini-workshop on the month at 7:30 PM to 9:00 longest consecutively running and even a very early example silk magic. The focus of the PM Daniel S. Todd Magic@ stage magic show. His life of the Claymation technique. lecture was on a color-chang- TheGreatTodd.com (314) and accomplishments were Henry was seen doing a pro- ing silks routine, featuring the 409-7066 Assembly8.com celebrated in a well-attended duction of a goldfish bowl from Palmo gimmick. According memorial service (including a under a silk, and performing a to Jeff’s research, the original number of S.A.M. PNPs and part of his Chinese act. gimmick was first conceived 9 other notables) followed by a Betty Winzig played a short by John Hamley in 1902, and A Marathon Meeting festive gathering. The future film titled The Magician’s made out of either cloth or of S.A.M. Boston of Le Grand David remains Wife, a parable of marriage leather. uncertain, but at least six more and magic that filmed in part at Boston, MA— With the shows are planned. Haines House of Cards. approach of Patriot’s Day Though David Oliver is a Our Magician of the Month and the Boston Marathon, tough act to follow, the featured contest had a dual theme of Assembly 9 members put lecturer, Meir Yedid, quickly “Works in Progress” and workshop leader David Oliver had the group in the palm of his “Oriental Magic,” the latter and guest lecturer Meir Yedid hand with his vanishing finger being in honor of S. S. Henry. through their paces. With un- routine. In his highly varied The performers were: Joe flagging energy, the evening’s talk, he showed a method for Papania, presenting a display lecturers demonstrated standing cards on their edges, of fanning flourishes with a effects that were unexpected, a seemingly self-renewing col- deck of dragon cards; Don ingenious, and in their own lection of dollar bills, a diaboli- Hinton, with a two-deck card way revolutionary. cally deceptive mathematical prediction; Larry Payne, who prediction technique, a classic recruited four volunteers Jeff Hallberg demonstrates Three Card Monte, and several to act out his playlet of the silk magic clever card effects that led into penniless peasant with the big discussions of various false heart; Denny Metz, present- The gimmick inspired Harold shuffles and control techniques. ing a divination of the time Rice, who remade the gimmick In his final effect, Fadeout, he randomly set on a wristwatch; in metal, and in doing, made transformed the faces of a deck Leland Pennington, who used it much easier to manipu- into blank cards. His website, a pack of cards to show that late. Today he is best known www.meiryedid.com, can be more than fortunes can be for The Encyclopedia of Silk consulted for access to lots of found in fortune cookies; and Magic, Volumes 1-3, and for interesting information, news, Bobby Warren, reading the the silks he made for the magic and products. —Jim Ellison minds of three spectators who community through Silk King Herman Hanson Boston envisioned a place, a name, Studios. Meir Yedid Assembly 9 meets the second and an image. Judges Betty Another gimmick briefly Wednesday of the month Winzig, Donna Calhoun, and described was the Nikko ball Continuing our new tradition except January, July, and Karen Anderson awarded the by Harry Kellar. (Nikko was of pre-meeting workshops that August, at 7:00 PM at The “Magician of the Month” title the name of Kellar’s cat.) Floyd could pass for lectures in them- Magic Art Studio, 137 Spring to Larry Payne. Don Hinton Thayer was the first to manu- selves, David Oliver focused on Street, Watertown, MA 02472. reminded us that the Assembly facture the Nikko ball for sale. classic and new coin illusions. http://www.facebook.com/ 11 90th Anniversary Show Back in 1930, it was made out He showed a Coins Across bostonmagicians would be presented at the of wood, but today’s Nikko effect, then a vanish learned Anderson Township Theater balls are made out of metal. from Tony Van Rhee. Next, on September 21. —Jeff Brown After discussing silk he showed a coin disappear- 11 Queen City Mystics, SAM gimmicks, Jeff went on briefly ance that he learned from Ken S.S. Henry Assembly 11 generally meets to discuss “gimmicked silks,” Krenzel that involves poking on the 2nd Friday of the month demonstrating an effect in a pen through the fingers of a Cincinnati, OH— Our April at Haines House of Cards in which the magician ties knots fist that holds the coin. After meeting, Ladies Night, was Cincinnati, Ohio. into the silk and then slides an additional vanish that he at- held at the Number One China them completely off – discard- tributed to the Tarbell Course, Buffet in Wilmington, Ohio, ing the “knot” piece. After he demonstrated how to appar- home of S .S. Henry. President 13 doing this a number of times, ently melt a coin into his open Leland Pennington opened the April Silk the magician then opens up the hand. One unexpected tip from meeting and introduced Steve Workshop silk to show that there are now this workshop: medicated (but Faris, who related to us some a number of holes in the silk. not standard) Blistex can be information about Mr. Henry. Dallas, TX— President Mike After the workshop, Dal

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 13 Assembly News

Sanders (with the technical Ed Kazar had us all trying to these would be great additions Vanishing Clown Nose Trick, skills of David Knight) gave solve the rope with three ends to one’s repertoire. Randy with appropriate jokes. This the club a special sneak-peek trick. How do you make a knot Stulken followed with a nice is Marlene’s favorite because of an upcoming documen- in one direction and how do torn and restored bill effect of the audience reaction it has tary about The Society of you not make a knot in the same that had some subtle moves in always provided. American Magicians. Portions direction? Dean Tom Gentile it as well. Finally, Frank Price Dana Ring did his favorite of the trailer included inter- was able to pull a rabbit out of presented his version of the bill packet trick, Color Monte. It views with S.A.M. President a silk using a large top hat silk switch, including a little bit of was one of the first packet Vinny Grosso, local magicians screen. Later he had us staring Roger Klause history with it as tricks he ever got and still (including Dal and Trigg at a revolving circle that made well. This was an outstanding loves the effect of the twist Watson), and also featured the his head swell and then shrink. set of teachings with very clear ending on the audience. Dallas Magic Clubs and the Bob Carroll stopped by for a explanations by all of the per- Jason Abate told how his Crazy Fort Worth Magicians Club. visit and used his dexterity to formers. Man’s Handcuffs routine grew After a short break, Mark comically show us how to do Aaron Fisher was a big hit out of the old “Chinese Finger Jensen introduced Brian a one-handed square knot that lecturer this past month. His Traps.” He said it was the first O’Neill, who planned to works once out of nine hundred unique style and presentation trick he really had to work at, astound the crowd with his in- tries. Michael Wald produced a made for a very entertain- which gave him an apprecia- credible mental powers. Brian coin from a pen cap and then ing and productive evening of tion for it. Rick St. Pierre did had asked Mark, Mike Smith, made it multiply to three coins. magic. You can keep up with Vernon’s Twisting The Aces, and Luis Acevedo to write Before he was done, they had all the latest Houston has to which he likes because it’s down thoughts on pieces of all vanished back into the pen offer in magic at houstonmag- simple, straightforward, and paper. After these were mixed, cap. One of our guests, Zak, ic.com. direct. Brian was able to determine showed us his Criss Angel levi- We’re also very proud to have Tom Piecos borrowed Marlene what these thoughts were; tation. As usual, our meeting Jeff Lanes again as our RVP to pick from a deck that had Mark thought of traveling to was full of fun, laughter, for the South Central States celebrity names instead of Paris, Dr. Mike thought of the and great magic. There was Region. Jeff has been doing suits and values. One celeb was name of a college professor, plenty of snacking and a 50/50 an outstanding job for us and chosen and Tom took a scissors and Luis drew a television set. raffle. We’ll be seeing Tom keeps up posted on all the latest to his business card, snipping The Dallas Magic Club, Craven stop by for a spell next happenings in the S.A.M. off pieces in response to yes/ Assembly 13, meets the month. Hope you will too. We wish to thank our perform- no questions. When finished, third Tuesday of the month —Karen Gibson ers at the April meeting. They the card had a silhouette of at Crosspointe Church/ Dr. I.R. Caulkins Assembly were Frank Price, Dick Olson, the chosen celeb. RVP Joe Community Center in 17 meets the first Friday of Scott Wells, Randy Stulken, Caulfield made a guest appear- Carrollton, Texas. Reade every month at 7 pm at Pin- Gene Protas, Charlie Dodson, ance to tell a macabre story Quinton reade.quinton@ sonnault Moto-X-Equipment Miles Root, and Shane Wilson. about Jack The Ripper and his gmail.com (972) 400-0195 69 East Street, Ludlow, MA. —Miles Root victims. www.dallasmagic.org Rich Gilbert rgilbertmagic@ Assembly 19 meets the first Dan Sclare, who has always yahoo.com (413) 358-7659 Monday of every month at the been into technology, can’t www.assembly17.org IATSE Local 51 Meeting Hall, afford a new iPad, but he had 17 3030 North Freeway, Houston a new “baby computer” (a cal- Open House TX. A teaching lecture begins culator and a sound chip). The 19 at 7:30 pm with the meeting baby got fussy, so Dan fed it a Springfield, MA— Tonight Dollar Bill beginning at 8:00 pm. bottle and burped it, leading to we held an open house to show Magic a surprise ending. Anyone who case our magic talents and has changed a boy’s diaper welcomed some new area magic Houston, TX— The April 21 can guess the surprise. Dave enthusiast to our assembly. meeting was filled with magic. Favorites Edwards showed a block that Dave Dimock “licked” things The mini-lecture this month escaped from a small rope. off by sealing cards in four was dollar bill magic. Gene Hartford, CT— The theme Kathy Caulfield presented envelopes and then guessing Protas led the way with a very this month was “My Favorite Baxter The Mind-Reading the correct card chosen by the fine presentation on how to Trick and Why” led by Marlene Dog, who was able to discern spectator. Rich Pinsonnault change a one-dollar bill into Clark. She started things off by who had which card from performed a Tarbell cut and two five-dollar bills. He gave bringing up Jon Cap and Dan a pack of jumbo cards with restored ribbon; with the help us some background informa- Sclare to perform The Famous spooky themes. of a safety pin, he put it back tion about how his technique Finally, Frank Lenna had a together. Our president, Rich and specific handling was card chosen and returned to Gilbert, surprised us with a developed. Gene’s presenta- the pack, boxed, and placed dove appearing at the end of his tion was very clear and he even in a bag. A needle and string wand right before he did a three provided photocopies of how pierced the bag and trapped the rope, cut and restored version the bills should be arranged chosen card. of the Professor’s Nightmare. and folded so that it could —Dana Ring Next up, P.J. Pinsonnault be practiced later. Everyone Assembly 21 meets at Angelo’s wowed us with his version of agreed that this was indeed a On Main289 South Main Street David Copperfield’s Statue fine presentation. Scott Wells West Hartford, Connecticut of Liberty vanish using the added his own version of the 06107 Dana Ring d.ring222@ four Aces. He vanished them mis-made bill that used a att.net (860) 523-9888 into the deck and magically different fold and arrangement www.sam21.org had them return one by one in of the hidden bill, but was very RVP-NE Caulfield tells various ways. effective indeed. Either one of an odd tale

14 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Assembly News

The Fine Art of Magic and a evening of fun and amazement 22 performance of the flexible for the whole family. 24 The Classics mirror. Assembly President Theo April Sponge of Magic Between most of the acts, “TEO” Rushin Jr. opened Magic Steve Jennings presented a Los Angeles, CA— The series of historical “lookbacks” Latham, NY— Our April fifteenth annual Classics of to the S.A.M., M-U-M, and meeting brought our members’ Magic show was presented Assembly 22 during the month best sponge routines. President by Assembly 22 at its April of April in 1937, 1962, 1987, Joe Goode performed the color- and 2002. These presenta- changing ball to jumbo square. tions highlighted the assembly Zach Middleton updated the history and heritage. Act five classic sponge balls with an was the always-entertaining Angry Birds theme. Cory Ted “Suds” Sudbrack, who Haines used a sponge ball to presented his tribute to Marvyn read minds in a lie detector Roy, aka Mister Electric. Suds routine. Cliff Bruce showed a did a series of D’Lite effects, Noland Montgomery classic standing sponge balls some signature gags with a routine, while Ace Russo volunteer helper, and a final with a routine called What My demonstrated his own take on production of a foulard covered Uncle Taught Me using what the sponge balls. Pete Beeble with illuminated small light appeared to be a trick egg, until shared many sponge effects bulbs that spelled “Thank you, he cracked it open to show it including a rising sponge, mul- Mister Electric.” That foulard was real. He also presented his tiplying bananas, and octagonal was a gift to Marvyn Roy Rainbow Color Catcher routine sponges. Newcomers Steven from a magician he mentored. using primary color silks. Bridge and Matt Bixby shared Katie and Taylor Hughes Marvyn Roy subsequently Dwight Redman, a past some amazing card work. The performing the original gave it to the S.A.M. Hall of assembly president, did a Amazing Cole wowed us with Dennis Loomis Doll House Fame for display. spectator’s ring to box effect, a great ball and vase trick. Illusion PNP Ed Thomas was the next followed by a coin in nest of Thanks to all for a great show! performer with a medley of boxes and some nifty rope —Cory Haines 16 meeting. A short business Tarbell rope mysteries from ties using a Dean’s Box. We meet on the second Tuesday meeting was conducted prior that classic, The Tarbell Course Lars Klores asked a spectator of the month at 7:30 p.m. at to the show that included in Magic. Closing the show was to peek at card in rubber- the Pitts Hose Company of the unanimous election into a very talented young member banded deck. The selected card Latham. Pres. Joe Goode joe@ assembly membership for Hugo of the assembly, Taylor Hughes. disappeared from the deck magimelvin.com Avila and Howard Hamburg. Taylor presented the dollhouse and wound up in his pocket. The Classics of Magic illusion, producing wife Katie He also did a quick book test program has been presented from the original and person- before ending with a timely 25 each spring to celebrate the an- ally-owned dollhouse built by effect linked to the centennial Favorite niversary of the S.A.M. charter Dennis Loomis. Very nicely of the Titanic’s sinking. Effect for the Southern California done by Taylor and Katie for a Noland opened with a Gypsy assembly, issued in March much appreciative audience. Thread routine followed by Elmwood Park, NJ— There 1931. The program has been After the show, members a Cups and Balls routine. He was no shortage of perform- produced by Steven Jennings and guests gathered around ended with a beautiful Linking ers at our April 27 meeting; each year since the passing of the buffet tables to enjoy the Rings presentation. there were ten! We elected new PNP John U. Zweers in January variety of foods and beverages Larry Lipman, another former officers for the coming year: of 2004. The show is always provided by hospital- assembly president, offered President – Phil Schwartz, VP dedicated to Zweers and our ity chairwoman Corrine Murp a great egg routine ending – Bob Delaney, Treasurer – Bill late Dean, Robert Rodriguez. —Steven Jennings up with almost a dozen eggs Schmeelk. Opening the show was the Southern California Assembly being pulled out of the small Gene Austin started off with always-polished act of Michael 22 meets the third Monday bag he held. He also did a rope the Invisible Deck. The effect Perovich, who performed a each month at 8:00 P.M., through body illusion with the was standard, but Gene does mini-Miser’s Dream and coin St. Thomas Moore Parish help of three college students it with an ungimmicked deck, manipulation routine. Mike Hall, 2510 South Fremont in the crowed. He ended having anyone remove the ended the act with a very nice Avenue, Alhambra, Califor- with a clever mis-made flag reversed card! Del Dixon, your and very humorous presen- nia Ed Thomas magicmred@ routine with a patriotic theme. scribe, tried out a new pre- tation of the Linking Rings. earthlink.net (213) 382-8504 Jim “The Irish Whodunit” sentation for a mathematical Kim Hallinger presented some Flanigan and Laurie Curry trick, based on sharing, which “Memories of the Zweers co-hosted the show. Both also is something all club members Show” that included the Die 23 are past assembly presidents. do. Box and Crystal Cylinder. Press Club —Jim Flanigan Visitor Joe Appleton did Assembly president Jim Callen Show Assembly 23 meets the third some beautiful card produc- performed “Yellow Joe,” a 20th Wednesday of every month tions, making them appear and century silk routine with a very Washington, DC—A highly at the National Press Club in disappear. Joe has put lots of clever patter story. Jim closed appreciative audience turned Washington, D.C. Contact: Jim time and thought into his ma- with a colorful Snowstorm out in mid-April for Larry West Flanigan [email protected] nipulation. WonderfunShop in China. John Engman was Assembly23’s annual close-up (202) 494-7302 National Press owner Scott Marley showed next with a jumbo cards across show at the National Press Club, Washington, DC. us a new version of Jacob’s routine from the classic book Club in Washington. It was an Ladder, and an interesting pen-

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 15 Assembly News etration of chips from a small some magical extras. a feat of deck memorization. box. 26 Thanks to Sean Dale for He had five cards chosen from Outgoing President Bill Magic putting together a night of Green a pack of thirteen, took four Schmeelk presented a Galore! Magic, and to Peter Samelson seconds to memorize them, knockout effect from the new form a fantastic lecture. and then found all five. book by Spanish magician Providence, RI—As spring —Chris Natale Our Professional Develop- Woody Aragon, A Book in comes to New England, we C. Foster Fenner, Assembly ment series was presented by English. Everybody in the think about the magic that the 26 meets the first Tuesday each Darryl Berman on Emerson audience takes any four cards club enjoyed at the end of the month from September to June and West. Darryl had never from the deck; everyone rips winter. Ed Hill presented a at 7 pm at the American Legion met them, but he called Arthur their packets in half, thor- great card transposition, a nice Auburn Post 20, 7 Legion Way, Emerson and spoke with him oughly mixes the pieces, and effect that is easy to master. Cranston, RI. for a while about him and places one piece in a pocket. Sean Dale hosted a great Larry West. Notably, he found After undergoing a process of night of green magic. Since that Color Monte, their biggest elimination, we were all left “green” was open to interpre- 30 seller, was purchased in 1967 with one piece in our hands, tation, the performances were Packet Tricks, from Jim Temple. It was an which matched the piece in our wonderfully varied. Richard Anyone? informative talk about two in- pocket! Ripping good trick, Kornacki performed magic teresting members of the magic Bill! with silks, and even changed Atlanta, GA— Our MC community and their important Bob Delaney got a laugh coal into diamonds. Andrew Debbie Leifer introduced Keith contributions to the field of when he did Mike Bornstein’s Cipolla wrapped his act around Rainey as our first performer. packet magic. —Carol Garrett Zoom Deck, which you appar- the need for recycling. The Keith found four selected cards Assembly #30 meets the second ently toss out to the audience, most baffling performer of the by merely having the specta- Tuesday of the month at but it zooms right back to you. night was Ed Hill, divining a tors think “stop” as he dealt Picadilly Cafeteria, I-85/North Sean Burke, fresh from per- chosen card by rolling a single through the pack. Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, forming at Radio City Music die. Terry Wenham spoke of coin- Georgia. Hall, showed photographs of Tom Holmes was certainly cidence. He asked someone to the show, and then performed the funniest performer, with a think of an hour and to imagine Kings & Queens, in which hilarious six-bill repeat. Bob hearing a clock striking. He 31 cards were dealt into four piles Boardman chose to present then produced a photo of a April Foolers in in compliance with directives recycled magic with a touch stopwatch with the hands at Indianapolis from the audience, and ended of nostalgia, while Jeff Smith the chosen hour. He told us of up with the four Kings and the performed a great wrapping a drawing for common land Indianapolis, IN— The four Queens on each pile. paper restoration. The entire in England that was to be held theme for our April 2 meeting John Henderson used nine club then voted on their per notice at a certain day and was “April Foolers,” otherwise white chips to spell out things favorite, and Jeff Smith was time. He asked for someone to known as “sucker effects,” or that the audience called out, chosen as the crowd favorite. give a day and time. Terry then to be more politically correct, ending by spelling the word Club members also got to called his cousin, who was not “failure effects.” There was “magic.” When he finished, see a great lecture by Peter there, but had the notice with much discussion about the he showed that the chip that Samelson. Peter is involved the chosen day and time on the ethics of sucker effects. ended up on top was the only in magic, consulting, and recording. His final act of coin- The general consensus was one with a different design on problem solving. He has par- cidence featured three business that the magician leads the the bottom. ticipated in movie making, and cards. audience down a path where Newly-elected president even the Brooklyn Academy Dan Garrett performed with the magician appears to be in Phil Schwartz had outgoing of Music. Mr. Samelson’s cards that had cereal box faces trouble (the failure). But then, a president Bill Schmeelk follow main theme throughout the on them. He asked someone surprise ending fools everyone. directions with the cards behind lecture was that the effect is to think of his or her favorite Kicking off our evening his back. Bill removed a card, for the mind. He presented a cereal. The chosen cereal was of “April Foolers,” our club showing it to the audience; he mimetic slow-motion vanish the only red-backed card in president, Steve Spence, en- replaced it, and then reversed with a single coin, and his own the blue-backed pack. Dan tertained us with his Cup of a card and inserted it into the versions of Gypsy Thread and then brought out an unprinted, Deception. It was based upon deck. That card ended up next Wild Card. All of his modifica- unfolded playing card box. He an effect called Just a Cup by to the chosen card. tions strengthen the impact of changed the box into a printed Axel Hecklau. The intriguing Gene Austin came back for the effect, and draw in the au- box and produced a deck from patter was created by Steve. an encore and did Geoff Wil- dience’s attention. Wild Card the box. Dan then showed us liams’s Devastation, which was turned into Invasion of the two cut cards used by casinos Gene says is the best card trick Body Snatchers, piquing the when dealing blackjack or he knows. audience’s interest. poker. The cut cards were used It was another high-en- Other key points presented to find two chosen cards. ergy evening for the club. were the Why, What, and Jim Mangham gave away —Delos Dixon Who of magic, and the three some magic by giving out Assembly 25 meets at the justifications: Logical, playing cards; whomever’s card VFW Hall, 6 Veterans Place, Physical, and Emotional. All was called received a piece of Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 Bill of these points were demon- magic. He then performed Schmeelk bill@wellingtonent. strated in effects such as New the Hunter puzzle knot rope com (201) 497-8179 www. York Transpo and Ring & routine, tying a knot in the rope Taylor Martin and Steve livemagicguide.com/sam25 Rope & Rose. Throughout the without letting go of the ends. Spence welcome new night, Peter gave great advice Sam Brothers, our visitor from members Katalina Painter and even tipped the sources of Washington, D.C., showed us and Robin Meyers

16 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Assembly News

Tom Winterrowd told the tale mediationalternative.com (317) outrageous antics were the lation of Officers Banquet will of the magician with a white top 507-4534 www.sam31.com norm. A very short review of be held in June or July. hat and a white rabbit. It turned upcoming events and news The theme for this meeting out to be a very nice version of was followed by a mini-lec- was Money Magic, and starting Hippity Hop Rabbits. He threw 35 ture by SAM life member off the open performances was in a few true stories of when The Rules of Laird Wilcox on the variety President Joe Libby, who enter- this “failure” trick really did Attraction and working of our friend the tained with a coin trick called fail, and it was his fault. Poughkeepsie, NY— Our Chop Cup. He finished with a Epic Flight by Ben Harris. In keeping with the theme April meeting began with a review of the newly released Michael Tallon amazed us for the evening, several Die Broken Wand ceremony for Three Stooges film, you had to with an effect called Misled, Boxes appeared. Mike Root recently joined member John be there. and Hector Marquez dazzled did a Shenanigan’s Die Box. Olson, who was getting back After a short break we started us with Quarter Penetration. Taylor Martin followed up with into magic. After a few words our performances and what we Ray Adams did a reprise of a nicely done performance of remembrance by Terry call Show and Tell. Plenty of Hundy 500, Matthew Legare using a 1920s Thayer Splitting Morgan, assembly president fine magic, not just tricks but performed Positive-Negative, Die Box, which he has had Derrin Berger performed the well constructed routines. Phil and Dwayne Stanton did a since the ‘60s. It was origi- ceremony. Our lecturer for King performed and taught a gospel effect called The Cross nally owned by a vaudeville the evening was PNP Craig couple of fine card effects, Chad Trick. Closing the open perfor- magician named Preston. His Dickson. A few years have Bixby shared a deft card effect mances was John Dahlinger, patter was wonderful. passed since Craig’s last lecture with patter to match about our who performed David Roth’s Christian Painter did his own at our assembly and he had a PNP Harry Houdini. Duane coin effect, Flying Silver. version of a “failure trick.” The lot of great stuff to show us. Roberts entertained with a Assembly 114 S.Y.M. leader, selected card seemed to get He started off the evening with mentalism effect that was very Dwayne Stanton, reported on totally lost in the four highly a variation on the classic ring entertaining and far from a the young magicians’ public shuffled piles. So lost, in fact, on string and it kept getting usual mental effect. Laremy performance at the Rose that Christian was forced to better as the night continued. Schutze protested that he had Theater. He said that this was call upon Katalina to bail him Craig showed us an assortment to follow such fine entertain- a great success, and he hopes to out. She knew the card! of incredible effects involving ment, but delivered with his have the kids perform publicly Don Miller fooled everyone. magnets – and a number of own smooth style. Justin Scott twice a year to help them grow His set of cards had the names other clever effects. From cards told a story from his own life in their craft. Congratulations of famous people. Of course, to coins, Craig performed some with a magical tale of mystery. to Dwayne and the kids for an the selected card, Tom Cruise miracles. Prohibition was a Shaun Rivera performed a card outstanding job. in this case, turned up in great twist on the coin in bottle. effect from his arsenal of killer Brother John Hamman the envelope upon which his In Cut to the Chase we saw a tricks and showed us a routine Assembly 52 meets at 7:30 p.m. audience volunteer was sitting. spectacular use of a stacked using an item featured in a on the first Thursday of the Both the trick and the Miller deck. We were all happy to recent M-U-M. Brian McElvain month at La Madeleine Restau- humor were quite entertaining. see David Haines back in town performed last and even did an rant, located at 722 N.W. Loop Daniel Lee then did a series and he assisted Craig with the impersonation that cracked us 410. The restaurant is inside of moves using a variety of Ultimate Card Control. The up. Thanks to all who made our Loop 410 on the access road objects. There was no failure in final effect of the evening was meeting a really fun time and between Blanco Rd. and San this one, just excellent sleight a new twist on a card rise using to Julia Clarke for keeping us Pedro. For more information, of hand. an improved method from what organized. contact [email protected]. The highlight of the evening is often shown. Thanks Craig Assembly 38 meets at The was the initiation of two new for coming back to amaze us. Westport Coffee House Theatre, members: Robin Myers and —Craig Kunaschk located at 4010 Pennsylvania 71 Katalina Painter. As required, Al Baker Assembly No. 35 KCMO on the third Tuesday at Warm Weather each performed. Robin (usually) meets at 7:30 p.m. every month. Rod Sipe rod@ Magic April Myers spun a tale about the on the second Tuesday of eatfire.com (816) 916-3655 development of his particu- the month at the Milanese www.samkc.org Albuquerque, NM— The lar effect, which included an Italian Restaurant, 115 Main April meeting of Assembly abundant use of Legos and Street, Poughkeepsie, NY. 71 was greeted by an evening the ultimate production of a www.compumagic.com/sam35 52 of warmth that brought out a card castle. Katalina did two Money Magic variety of effects. The evening close-up effects using cards was started by David Dunlap, and dice; each had very strong 38 SAN ANTONIO, TX— On April who did the Colombini endings. The vote for both was MAGIC SPELL 5, 2012, Brother John Hamman two-card count, followed by unanimous. —Dale Benson TAKES OVER Assembly 52 held its monthly Robert Bass’s cut and restored Assembly 31 meets the first meeting at LaMadeleine Res- rope. Mike Magana did a Monday of the month at 7:00 Kansas City, MO— The April taurant. President Joe Libby red and blue card transposi- pm. If the first Monday conflicts meeting was taken over by an called the meeting to order. tion, guest David Mendoza with a holiday weekend, we unidentified spell. Our usual We had nineteen people in at- did a two-coin switch, David postpone the meeting by meeting place, The Westport tendance, including members, Brahinsky did Ted Lesley’s one week. Unless otherwise Coffee House Theatre, hosted wives, guests, S.Y.M. two-card appearance, and Joe announced the meeting one of the most entertaining Assembly 114 members, and Atencio, one of our newest location is the Irvington meetings we have ever had. their parents. The 2012-2013 members, did effect called United Methodist church, 30 Every performer or presenter nominating committee has met The Fifth Card. Don Johnston Audubon Road on the east side was on fire. You would have and presented the proposed performed the “No” trick, and of the city. See our website for thought it was a night at a slate of officers to be voted on President Damon Reinbold did details. Steve Spence sspence@ comedy club. One-liners and at the May meeting. An Instal- a coin bend.

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 17 Assembly News

In the second round, Mike we watched as he poured glue His Own Spectacular Magic Magana did Poker Chip into his mouth and hand, then Company. Cesareo’s place in Confusion. Robert Bass did the instantly revealed that no glue the history of world magic, coin thru hanky, David Dunlap was there. New England landmarks, and did a four-Ace assembly, Don Kyle was just as great. He the annals of The Society of Johnston did Fantama, Wayne amazed us with Water Color. American Magicians will Hicks did a five-card predic- A borrowed bottle of water remain unique; his lifelong tion, and Damon Reinbold magically changed to a color passion for our art will be finished off the evening with that the spectator chose. deeply missed. A sympathy the H.G. Wells Time Traveling Chapped was a very creative card was circulated for Adventure. Till next month, way to reproduce a bill in a tube members to sign. see ya’ in the funny papers, of ChapStick. The most im- Jens Henriksen, meeting Our lecturer for the night was David Brahinsky, Secretary pressive part of Kyle’s lecture host and assembly Aaron Fisher. After a little —David Brahinsky was his Flipcup. A straw or treasurer, with his silk and preliminary misdirection on For meeting location spoon instantly appears in an glass effect the streets of Salem, Aaron’s contact: Damon Reinbold ordinary paper cup. It is a very arrival was greeted by an eager [email protected] visual effect. magically inserted the ball into crowd of pasteboard enthusi- (505) 235-2997 I really enjoyed every part a silk, and finally removed it asts. We weren’t to be disap- of the lecture and the expla- from the silk. Dennis Hewson pointed. Mining material from nations were easy to follow followed by having a card his book The Paper Engine, 82 Assembly 82 meets the third signed by Jens and then causing Fisher brought his text and March Lecture Thursday of each month at it to rise while wrapped in a DVDs to life in an entertaining 2012 herfs Youth Ranch in Safety silk hankie. Anthony Young and accessible presentation. Harbor Florida. Members wrapped his thumb in silk and Aaron teaches easy and Safety Harbor, FL— We only close up class at 6:30 then pierced a needle through powerful magic, meaning held a midterm election. PM. TBMC monthly meeting his thumb. Upon removing minimal difficulty with Patrick Gaughn was elected starts at 7:30 PM. Chris the needle and the silk, sleights and maximum impact President. The vice president Ostrowski cmmagic@ Anthony’s thumb was found via subtleties and performance. position has not been filled. verizon.net (727) 847-7837 to have magically healed. Jens He won the room quickly as he Mary Ostrowski was voted www.tampabaymagicclub.com performed a penetration effect demonstrated the streamlined secretary. Or lecturers were with a glass wrapped in a silk handling of his Search and Bizzaro and Kyle Marlett. and held in place by an elastic Destroy, an any-deck sandwich 95 band. Rod Chow showed a silk effect in which two kings, in a Silk Magic with a wife printed on it and dwindling deck, slowly close in performed the most frequently on the selection in the specta- Vancouver, asked trick of magicians: Can tor’s hand; it was visual poetry. Canada— The April you make my wife disappear? Any questions about the value 2012 meeting was held And just to be fair, Rod pulled of the Bluff Pass were van- at the home of Jens out a husband silk and made quished by Aaron’s unique and Henriksen in Crescent the husband disappear as well. shamefully superior Nowhere Beach, BC. Rod Chow, Ray Roch closed the evening Pass, an angle-proof utility RVP Canada, reported with his original Impossible bordering on genius. Aaron’s on his participation at Box routine. —Rod Chow One-Handed Popover offered the S.A.M. national The Carl Hemeon Assembly a flashy production to fortify council meeting in No. 95 meets the first Tuesday our arsenals. There was much Bizzaro and Kyle Marlett Lecture Philadelphia, Pennsyl- of each month at members’ more, all within the capabili- vania. Among general homes. Contact: Rod Chow ties of most magicians. They were very entertaining business matters, caucus [email protected] (604) Panic is an Aaron Fisher and talented performers. We members were given a very in- 669-7777 www.sam95.com original in which a deck all watched intensely as they sightful tour of this historically instantly vanishes, leaving four performed extraordinary tasks significant city by PNP Brad with ordinary objects using Jacobs and PNP Jann Goodsell, 104 some of their original props. ending with a tour of the hotel Double lifting Bizzaro performed a sponge convention facilities by the April doldrums ball routine that I highly management of the Philadel- with Aaron recommend. It was hard to phia Marriott Downtown, the believe that with his color site of the 2015 S.A.M. national Salem, MA— The Bill Towne changing sponge balls and convention. Rod advised that School of Magic session some practice, anyone can with direct access from the featured Len Lazar teaching a do it. My favorite effect was airport by train, and with the class on rubber bands and pa- Suck It. He showed how to hotel located within walking perclips. take a drinking straw (with a distance of all the sites, this Sadly, President Bill Jensen slight modification) and suck will be an excellent location for announced the passing of a signed card right out of the the convention. Cesareo Pelaez, past national card box, up the straw and into Beginning the evening of silk S.A.M. president, S.A.M. 104 his mouth. Another Bizzaro magic was Ray Roch, who member and, as Marco the Aaron Fisher, the power original was called Non-Toxic. produced a silver dollar from Magi, founder of our local source behind the Paper It uses a bottle of white glue; an ear, changed it into a ball, treasure, Le Grand David and Engine

18 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Assembly News

Kings in the magician’s hands. kerchief, and some false cuts The trick originating the Out- This is so good it tempts you to and fancy shuffles. There was to-Lunch principle gets its Charlottesville, VA— Our let it go at that. Aaron doesn’t also card throwing: breaking name from a marketed trick April meeting was our first and he guided us into creating a balloon, through a sheet of devised by Clare Cummings meeting to try to build our an exquisite open and close to newspaper, and for distance. and Bob Ellis in the mid- S.Y.M. membership. George properly routine the effect. Just to round out a great lecture 1940s. And, according to T. Buckley led tonight’s instruc- The Secret Weapon is his there were some novel and very A. Waters, the common appli- tion for our youth group with wrinkle on the 52-on-1 Card commercial rope effects. The cation of this (the East Indian a primer on coin magic. Basic Trick; Aaron showed us how entire lecture was conducted boy climbing up a rope) was sleights like the French drop, to use it to take an old gag to with the great energy that is invented by Edward Bagshawe classic palm, and retention a whole new level. The Revolu- Bob Little. and appeared in his book vanish were a few of the items tion and Helter Skelter demon- Joe Homecheck, SAM Assembly covered as well a few self- strated startling color changes 110 Meets 2nd Thursdays, working coin effects. Daniel and reversals. 7:00pm, Doc Holiday’s Restau- Hall then performed and taught Aaron delivered the goods rant, Limekiln Road, New Cum- a few of the coin handlings of and a valuable message: berland, PA Email: Secretay@ Eric Jones. Some of our S.A.M. you needn’t kill yourself CentralPAMagic.org members used the instruction to present killer magic. for review or to assist our less —Bob Forrest experienced members. Information on SAMCON and 112 We had the pleasure of having on Witch City S.A.M. Assembly Classics Mid Atlantic RVP David 104 can be found at the website. of Magic Bowers and his wife join us Assembly 104 meets the first this evening. David updated us Wednesday of each month, Sep- Concord, CA— The theme about upcoming elections, the tember-June, at 7 p.m. at the of our March 21 meeting was magic endowment fund, this First Baptist Church of Salem, Classics of Magic, but because Roy Porfido runs into an summer’s convention, and the 292 Lafayette Street, Salem of the small crowd it could unexpected problem as he national council meetings. Massachusetts. Bob Forrest have been Intimate Magic. For tries to saw through one of George started out the S.A.M. captainalbrightsq1@comcast. those who did show up, it was his linking coat hangers meeting with what is hoped net (339) 227-0797 sam104.com a very entertaining and infor- to be a regular feature of our mative meeting. Before the Twenty Magical Novelties in meetings – a teach-in. George magic began, Larry Wright 1930. shared with us the Virginia City 110 introduced his guest, Sabhu Rod showed several varia- Shuffle, a non-gaffed close-up Bob Little Parakala, a high school student tions of the illusion. One was routine for Martin Lewis’s Lecture exploring magic as part of a based on a Jay Sankey trick Sidewalk Shuffle. George school project. showing four different ESP test supplied written instruction New Cumberland, PA— Bob Then Larry, as Zappo the signs. Rod said that the Out- and materials to all attending Little, “The Wiz,” presented Magician, performed Hiram to-Lunch principle is a great and reviewed one-on-one the Haunted Hank, based upon way to present a business card some of the handling to make a Eugene Burger trick, Do You to a potential client. Another sure it was understood. David Believe in Spirits, with Sabhu variation from Dan Harlan was Clauss demonstrated J.P. Val- as his volunteer. Zappo then a Professor’s Nightmare effect. lerino’s Rumba count, which proceeded to do a two-dollar- Rod explained that another is a nice alternative handling bill trick in which a two-dollar variation is to draw a spoon, to the Flustration count used in bill is changed to two one- with the reveal of a bent spoon. Virginia City Shuffle. dollar bills, much to Sabhu’s And yet another variation is to Following the instruction, amazement. draw a crystal ball with a reveal we went on to our theme for Roy Porfido followed with a of a forced number or letter. tonight, which was impromptu linking coat hanger routine, And finally, even one more magic. Dan Rowan presented a brilliant idea from Mike variation is to have a picture of a nice ring and rope routine Caveney. The twist here a lady, with the reveal showing including animation of the ring Bob Little lectures was when Roy showed how the lady sawed in half. in his hands. Nathan, our SYM he unlinks the rings with a The meeting, although member, stacked two different his lecture for us. Bob began hacksaw, only to have the saw very short, was very enter- denomination bills on top of with a series of card flourishes, inexplicably linked into a coat taining and informative. one another and rolled them rather than sleights, emphasiz- hanger. —Dave Anderson around a pencil. When the ing that such things can leave Bob Holdridge then performed Diablo Assembly #112 meets on bills were unrolled they had a lasting impression on an two classic illusions combined the third Wednesday of every changed places. Mark Davis audience. He also emphasized into one by transporting an egg month at the Round Table Pizza showed us an Alan Rorrison “bringing things to the center,” from an egg vase to an egg bag in Concord. Doug Kovacich effect, Ring on Chain. After that is, include your face in the and back. He even had Sabhu douglassthemagicman borrowing a finger ring and finishing moments wherever verify that the egg really had @hotmail.com (925) vanishing it in his hands, the possible. The inward motion briefly materialized in the egg 435-4824 http://sam112.com/ ring was discovered on a chain draws the attention of the bag. around Mark’s neck. Wes Iseli audience to the performer. Finally, Rod McFadden showed Out of This Universe, There were other complete performed the Trick of the 115 a more practical version of the card effects as well: card in Month, which this month was Impromptu classic Paul Curry effect. He balloon, card through hand- the Out-to-Lunch principle. Magic followed with his routine for the

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 19 Assembly News

produced gummy with many members explain- Church, 941 Old Rock Hill burgers and dogs on ing how they do their version, Rd. Wallingford, Ct. Start order from a bag, Dain and giving many tips and time 7:30pm Anthony Martin Miller demonstrated a insights on this basic sleight. tonymartin@snet. credit card gimmick he Our April business meeting net (203) 287-0805 has been working on, was brief, with the main dis- magicsam127.org and Professor Higgins cussion involving participat- performed his Magic ing in a public show hosted by 148 Cross of India, a $1 to a theater group that is raising EGG-TRAORDINARY $100 transformation, money to rehabilitate an old EGGS-IBITION! and the Osaka Bills. Jim movie theater in downtown Percy showed his version Seymour, CT. Many members Elmhurst, IL— As one would of Lethal Tender, which volunteered for both the stage guess from the title, the theme Left to right, Back to front: prompted discussion of show and walk-around magic for this month’s meeting was George Buckley, Mark Davis, various methods as well at the after-show reception. egg magic. Of course, to give David Clauss, Dan Hall, Dan as The Hoping Half, The magic theme for this the members latitude, we Rowan,SYMer Nathan Clauss, Regional Vice President David which also instigated meeting was Children’s Magic, loosely interpreted this to Bowers, Wes Iseli discussion on its perfor- with many members perform- mean anything related to or mance. Chris Bontjes ing their best children’s effects. looking like eggs. For example, BMK wallet. As an impromptu showed his Six Dollar First up was Jeff Doskos with Dave Schleich, our treasurer, effect, he showed six coins that Repeat, Andy Dallas took the the magic sushi bowl. Try as performed an effect in which had been numbered 1 thru 6. floor again with the $100 Aces, he might to discard the sushi, large dots (round eggs?) mul- The coins were shaken in a Kyra Percy performed her it always reappeared under the tiplied like crazy. Next, Les spectator’s hand until only one mystifying Number Mystery, bowl, except at the end when Wittenkind, after vanishing coin remained number side up. The Prof floated a bill, and he found a donut had taken the a silk and producing it from a This number matched a previ- there were many discussions place of all the sushi. Next up spectator’s ear, did Bank Night ously written prediction. It was on patter development and pre- was Bill Hoagland, who did with eggs. From a small see- a very fun evening of magic, sentation. a card transposition using a through mesh bag containing with many ideas shared, and See you at the lectures at double lift move he had just six break-apart plastic eggs, he the meeting lasted till just the SoDo Theater this month taught others in our workshop. had five members each select short of midnight. Come visit at our regular meeting time. Continuing on with the chil- one, leaving the last one for us when your travels bring you —Ken Barham dren’s magic theme, Mike him. When the members broke to central Virginia. Assembly 120, The Andy Dallas Gagne, with the help of Dave open their eggs, they found Assembly 115 meets the Assembly meets the third Wyskel, performed a do-as- nothing, but Les’s contained a first Friday of the month Wednesday at 7pm, (except I-do torn and restored paper $20 dollar bill. Luck or magic? at Forest Lakes Pavilion Nov. and Dec.) For location call napkin. Dave did not do as well Gordon Gluff threaded a 434.823.8584 (434) 823-8584 Jim Percy at 217-494-2222 or as Mike, whose napkin turned rope through the handle of an facebook.com/samassembly115 Ken Barham Sec, 2318 into a multi-colored streamer. egg-sized cup and removed it Winchester Dr, Champaign, Dave was rewarded with a without getting near the ends IL 61821 Phone: 217-841-5616 great balloon animal from of the rope – a startling pen- 120 email: [email protected] Mike. etration! Our VP, Don Clancy, Royal Road Marlene Clark, with the did a different version of Bank to Card Magic help of Mike Gagne and Jim Night with an opaque bag. 127 Martin, did a disappear- Everyone, without looking, Champaign, IL— At the Children’s ing red clown nose. Trouble freely picked white eggs March meeting we had a dis- Magic abounded as they tried to make leaving him with the only cussion of the Get-Together. the noses vanish and in the green one. He also performed Contracts are being sent out Wallingford, CT— Before end they did, only to change an Egg Bag routine that ended and I will announce people as our business meeting we had into a giant six-inch clown with the egg vanishing and we get the signed forms back. a workshop on the double lift nose. Dave Wyskel, with help appearing under an inverted Bob Kirby asked for volunteers from Chick Kelman, mixed cup that had been on the table to perform at the Wheel-a-thon up a bag of Scrabble letters from the beginning. benefit he helped plan. Several and was able to pick Chick’s Finally, our teen-age sleight- upcoming lectures were also chosen word in mere seconds. of-hand marvel, TJ, did some reported in the surrounding Next, Ray Lorenzo did a fine slick ball manipulation with area as well as the Peoria Get- job performing Hippity Hop many color changes, the last Together on 9/29/12. Rabbits. Soll Levine baked a one taking place in a specta- The topic for March was cake using a dove pan. Marlene tor’s hand. Before the meeting Chapter 3 of the Royal Road Clark returned to pull a cat, a adjourned, our secretary, Bob to Card Magic. Jim Percy mouse, a lobster and finally a Coluzzi, took to the platform reviewed the chapter with super bunny from her magic to present a recurring feature demos of the flourishes by hat. Chick Kelman had a rose of our meetings: a magical himself and others in the appear on his magic wand and give-away. Bob performed and group. This started a discus- then showed us the rising wand taught his Chop Cup routine, sion of fanning powders and and several variations of his and then gave all the members a their applications. methods. —Anthony Martin free DVD so they could master During the magic portion Assembly 127 meets at the the routine at their leisure. of the evening, Andy Dallas Mike Gagne with streamers First United Methodist —Tony Noice

20 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Assembly News

Assembly 148 meets at $5, several members grabbed success of the Riverside High members present with props the Epiphany Lutheran three to do a Three-Book-Mon- School Fundraiser. Eric Davis and effects most had never seen Church, Vallette and te routine. Don Dunn barely did a presentation on “Wands” before. The challenge: pair off Spring Road (Downstairs) could toss Invisible Decks to with other members giving in teams, try to figure out the Tony Noice noicea@net. members fast enough before their ideas. effect (emphasis here on try), elmhurst.edu (630) 993-3740 Tony plunged into a Cardiolo- Frank Kietzke did various and perform a short routine www.SAM148.com gy Deck demo. (A slow seller character impersonations as he with it. And we actually pulled 150 at the store where a thorough emceed the performances. Eric it off with a little coaching I A DEALER DEALS demonstration requires too Davis requested help in his might add. SOME DEALS! much time for tourists visiting new microphone with moving Danny Eisen, with the as- Tin City, nearly every one was lips and how to get paper from sistance of volunteer Dean FORT MYERS, FL – Officially grabbed up by the amazed club an empty toilet paper roll. Jim Devitt, did a very nice version billed as a “dealer demonstra- members.) Tate showed how to link and of Sneak-A-Peek, with card tion show,” our April meeting The demos ended promptly unlink four small rings. Bob faces and backs seemingly found the owner of Tin City at 9 p.m., but Chaudhuri’s wife Mullins had a participant hold changing at will. Dan Warnke Magic – one of very few brick- Gretchen and daughter Ariel a silver dollar in a scarf. He followed up with a Genie Card and-mortar-and-Svengali- kept filling the cash box for exchanged it with his penny, effect. Ben and Jay did a very decks shops in Florida (and another fifteen minutes as sec- which he made twice as large. nice little quickie involving a elsewhere) – making a special ond-thought buyers crowded Jim Weyand requested a par- sponge ball that morphed into effort to save members both the tables to pick up another ticipant shuffle and cut a deck a rather large solid red ball in trouble and money. Since the set of Chinese Sticks or a copy of cards. He took the top card Jay’s hands. They were quick, store in Naples is a good forty of Mysterio’s Encyclopedia of and buried it. It came to top. He to the point, and amusing as miles from our meeting place Magic to give to a youngster. placed a clip on it and buried it well. in Ft. Myers, and since some The effort “was even again and it still rose to the top. Bob caused a spray of red in the crowd find nighttime more successful than we Bill Cornelius brought bricks and yellow roses to change driving as difficult as an hoped it would be,” said Tony, from “Larry’s Roadhouse,” a places right in his hands. He who’s thinking of taking former Assembly 18 meeting also performed a very lovely his “show” to other Florida place. He tossed one into floating flute. clubs that have to depend on the audience; it was made of Magical Al brought out a the Internet for props and sponge. Trent Rapp required a production bag and took some equipment. “Some on-screen participant to cut his deck of time to explain the inner demos look fantastic,” he cards and think of a card. His workings of it along with some notes, “but ’s it makes so fortune-telling fish turned out pros and cons of using this much more sense to see a trick to be a gummy. His dove magic particular model as opposed in person before you decide consisted of two dove boxes. to other brands. President Paul whether it’s right for you.” His helper dealt the value of Hilko rounded out our “March —Don Dunn his chosen card out twice while Madness” with a vanishing Fort Myers Magicians Trent’s back was turned. Trent candle effect done to perfec- Assn., Assembly 150, meets picked the card and showed tion. In all, “March Madness” the second Tuesday of each that all the rest were blank. totally fit the bill with a great month at Myerlee Manor, Doug Ries showed a large can. job by all. Tony Chaudhuri in the shop 1499 Brandywine Circle. He did a routine and patter Not quite willing to call it a Contact Richard Payne at pulling coins from all around day, Jay Rene, with the help Elmsley with arthritic hands, [email protected] and dropping them in the can. of Magical Al, performed Tony Chaudhuri loaded what or (239) 433-6885 for more He asked how many coins were and then explained a Specta- appeared to be half his stock information. in his can, pulling out one very tor-Cuts-to-the-Aces routine into his van. After driving large coin. Don Moody did a and then challenged our card up from Naples, he spread his presentation with an additional workers to practice it for a wares across an acre of tables 157 twist with his version of Dean’s month. Magical Al followed up in the meeting room. Much Ado About Box, two lengths of rope, a with an Apple and Banana kids Thirty members drawn by Magic ring, a wand, and two partici- routine using two over-sized the promise of magic-at-un- pants. —Judy Steed silks with an apple printed on believable-prices witnessed Beaver, PA— The Mystic The Mystic Magicians of one and a banana on the other. a flurry of magical effects, Magicians of Beaver Valley Beaver Valley meet at the Professor Em was up next with delivered rapid-fire by Tony (Assembly 157) had two pro- Towne Square Restaurant his Astro Ball, a magically and two other demonstrators. spective members meet with in Beaver, PA, the second printed business card, yet Who wouldn’t be ready to them. After meeting and Thursday of every month. Judy another four Aces routine, and buy when Eddie Lester spent a performances, the members Steed [email protected] a very nasty card prediction speedy five-minutes doing his showed them tricks and how to (330) 525-5389 that initially baffled everyone Svengali pitch and then offered do them. Several activities are in its presentation and resulted decks at five bucks each. To in the works for the club and in just about everybody saying, keep things moving, Tin City’s conventions in the surround- 172 “Duh, even I can do that!” owner priced many items at the ing area: the GPMN Banquet, March Dan Warnke closed out the five-buck mark or a multiple Battle of Magicians, Magical Madness evening with his Instant Radio, thereof, chose to eat sales taxes May Day, Devon Knight which quite frankly caught himself, and donated 10% of the lecture, Bob Little’s Conven- Port ST Lucie, FL— everyone off guard as Dan night’s gross to the club. With tion, and many more possibil- President Paul Hilko kicked produced music from a hand- magic coloring books priced at ites. Doug Ries reported on the off the meeting providing those drawn radio and then from a

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 21 Assembly News

Sharpie. And that’s it! Another effect available for sale. separation, finding a chosen great night of magic in Port Ralph Candeloni, aka Ralpho, card, and stopping a compass. 200 Saint Lucie. And, once again, followed with one of his award- In the second part of the April Magic everyone is welcome to come winning card effects. Ralpho meeting was a lecture and join us next month for another won the 2010 MAES Close-up workshop of theatrical uses in Seattle, WA— Mike Jacobs night of magic and mayhem. Originality Award for his magic shows. The members presented a very nice version —Dean F. Devitt card effects. Dennis Thomas, got good tips, which can be of the color changing deck Assembly 172 meets on the our resident children’s en- used. At midnight we finished that started with a spectator fourth Tuesday of Every month tertainer, did two mentalism an interesting Spring meeting. choosing a card that was the except December at 7:00 PM at effects for children, both for —Yosi Notkowitz same as a prediction card of a the Saint Lucie Lanes on Route 1 our benefit and for discussing different color. The ending was in Port Saint Lucie, FL Dean F. the handlings with us before he very clean and there were quite Devitt [email protected] goes live with the effects. Les 194 a few magic moments in the (772) 466-1942. Baird (the mentalist) took the April Fools routine. stage again to do a Si Stebbins Comedy Night It was member John Cameron’s effect. 181 Dr. Howard Cohen performed Yonkers, NY— In observance Mentalism two classics, Chronologue and of April Fool’s Day – but three in April a book test, augmented with weeks later – we hosted a his handlings. Next was Jimmy comedy night for the members. Hightstown, NJ— We Brown. Jimmy performed and President Jim Stranges opened started our April meeting with taught several items from his with his favorite The Rope a workshop on mentalism by lecture. The final item was by with Four Ends trick, and Vice President Dave Zboray. Dean Hank Strasser; asked us during the evening inter- The workshop included dem- to look into his watch, where spersed several card revela- onstrations of the latest peek the Four of Hearts prediction tions. Father Brennan opened wallets and impression pads, card appeared as the meeting his portion with Dave Good- wound down to its conclusion. sell’s You’re The Star, followed There was a lot of magic by his comedy multi-phased performed, demonstrated, and Cut and Restored Rope effect, J.R. Russell and Jim taught tonight, which is what closing with a funny routine Earnshaw welcome new we like. — Society of American with Charley, his English sheep member Mike Jacobs Magicians Assembly 181 meets dog puppet. the first Thursday of every Next up was John “Ziggo” birthday this evening; Mark month, September thru June Zygmunt, who did a crazy Paulson presented a cute quick at the First United Methodist pitchman act using plumber’s trick in which John picked his Church 187 Stockton Street wax in place of magician’s “favorite card.” Mark knew it Hightstown NJ 08520. wax, which he was trying to was his favorite one because Stephan Sloan lands10@ sell for $29.95 cash or $64.95 it had “Happy Birthday John” optonline.net (732) 757-5337 with credit card. John “Jocko” written on the face. www.magicsam181.com Pelipako employed his out- Ralph Huntzinger could not standing vent technique to tell a lie when he presented his Dennis Thomas, garner lots of laughs using card trick that revolved around children’s entertainer 184 Mic-Mouth by Axtell, with as- a more specific revelation each Magnets sistance from Roger Burchard. time he got closer and closer to instructions on how to make a It was a really funny act. a chosen card. The chosen card double-sided envelope, effects Israel— The April joint Peter Bernadini presented turned out to have “your card” using the OTL principle, and meeting of Assembly 184 an extended card revelation, written on it. The routine got a Koran’s 101 force deck. Each and the Israeli Magic Society showing four different cards lot of good laughs. attending member received members took place on April 1 at specific locations. This was George Zuk presented a quick a free 101 force deck to take at the Mofhet Hall in Tel Aviv. followed by Teddy Lee who Matrix effect with three coins home. The meeting was opened by revealed a chosen card at the and two cards by Mark Mason. Performers took over the President Dalya Peled, who bottom of an eye chart. Then The method was very interest- second half of the meeting as welcomed those present and Jim Stranges closed the night ing and the effect magical. members stepped up to show gave information about the with a comedy mental effect; John Cameron presented a the latest from their repertoire coming May convention. The he tipped the method at the very nice location and min- on the meeting’s mentalism main lecture of the meeting conclusion. It was a fun night dreading effect in which he topic. First was our newest was on magnets. Eyal Bayer with fellowship and verbal placed a spectator’s dollar in member, Les the Mentalist. gave a very interesting lecture banter among the members. a box and then placed the box Les performed a “throw-away” on magnets – the chemical/ —Fr. Dermot Brennan inside a bag. The bag was prediction effect in which ESP physics ingredients, different Assembly 194 meets at 7:30 mixed, and with the help of cards were sealed in envelopes types of magnets, and their PM on the third Wednesday a spectator all but one of the and freely tossed aside, yet the uses in mental, close-up, and of each month at the boxes were eliminated. The last envelope matched Les’s stage tricks. The lecture was Slovak Catholic Club at 95 dollar was inside the final box. prediction. Next was Coco, demonstrated well and we got Lockwood Street, Yonkers, John finished the routine with offering a free selection of a to see Eyal’s magnet-magic NY Jim Stranges magicjim1@ the revelation of the serial “crystal” heart, which matched collection. Eyal showed a optonline.net (914) 478-1473 number on the dollar. his prediction. Coco has this moving key, a salt and pepper J.R. Russell brought the

22 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Assembly News birthday boy up for a special sentations and showed many would love to have you join us. with a silver coin, a copper royalty test based on the story clips of Del Ray’s perfor- —Elmo Bennett coin, and a brass coin, which of the princess and the pea that mances, including one on The Assembly 266 meets at changed places. Bill Lucas involved numerous sight gags Ed Sullivan Show on June 24, Lakeland I-HOP, I-4 & US showed us his great magic as well as a particularly good 1951. Dr. Escher also showed 98. Al D’Alfonso keeper0499@ technique using a unique card revelation as the ending. some of Del Ray’s electronic embarqmail.com (321) antique Die Box and also a Chuck Kleiner presented a animals, cards, and tables. 437-3814. miniature Die Box. Marshall trick for John as one of his As we learned, Del Ray was 274 Johnson had some fun with kids’ show characters, Clem. It a genius in his electronic MAGIC WITHOUT A the Topsy-Turvy Bottles. Next, was a very funny character and abilities before most gadgets DECK OF CARDS Manny Riskin showed us a the entire club got a good taste were thought of. Thank you, spoon that turned over and of Chuck’s acting ability. Dr. Escher, for the wonderful Boca Raton, FL— On flew in the air. He followed Larry Dimmitt continued to presentation. Monday April 2, 2012, we had this with a torn and restored prove his psychic ability when Early April brought Bill another large turnout, with bill and the classic jumping he was able to reveal not only Wisch and his “Slydini, the fifteen members performing. rubber band effect. Joel Lerner a lottery number but a chosen Lecture” presentation. Bill We had a special performance caused a card to change in a number by a spectator. The hit offered stories of Slydini and by Joel Lerner, who did a short frame. Mel Boskin presented of the trick, though, may have performances of the large lecture on “Magic for Grand- a classic effect with pearls and been the talking calculator linking pins, napkin balls parents,” using some simple another trick using the produc- Larry used. vanishing inside a box that was tricks to show to your grand- tion of a giant straw. Seymour Reymarx Gereda presented pure magic, The Flight of the children. As it turned out, a Hittner did a book test. Then another great card-at-a-num- Paper Balls, Helicopter Card large number of experienced Al Callus showed a coin ber effect in which one spec- trick, an Oil and Water routine, performers also attended. vanishing and reappearing in tator’s card was found at the Slydini Aces, silk knots, the Joel showed us a lot of simple a silk handkerchief. Fred Apel location of the other spectator’s Mongolian Time Card routine, effects that were easy, but not caused some coins to appear chosen number. Jim Earnshaw coins through the table, and well known. This evening’s and come off a ribbon. Phil presented Troy Hooser’s the Chicago loop mystery. It theme was “Magic Without a Labush closed the show with Charming Chinese Challenge was exciting, informative, his- Deck of Cards.” a penny in a small bottle trick. as well as a Jay Sankey coin torical, and educational, all Our show was opened by Jack —Marshall Johnson effect called Mass Consump- at the same time. Thank you, Weglinski with a clever Jay The Sam Schwartz Assembly tion. —Jim Earnshaw Bill; you gave us some very Sankey mental effect called 99. 274 meets at the JCC Campus The Emerald City Wizards, important information to build Next was our president, Arnie in Boca Raton, FL on the first Assembly 200 meets the 1st on. —Tom Crecelius Rosen. Arnie also did a couple Monday of each month. Arnold Thursday of each month, at The Louisville magic club, of mental effects including Rosen, President Arnold205@ 7:00 p.m., at a Branch of the Assembly 215 meets on the first Devilish Deception (invented aol.com (561) 212-2575. King County Library, WA Jim Tuesday of the month at the by our own Jerry Somerdin). Earnshaw jimearnshaw@ St. Matthews Baptist Church Two of his effects were divi- comcast.net (206) 225-6715 on Grandview Ave. Other nations – both very clever. 277 www.emeraldcitywizards.org meetings are scheduled as they Marvin Putterman followed Making Magic are available for us. Contact with a pen through bill penetra- With Money Tom Crecelius at medimagic@ tion, using an unprepared pen. 215 cs.com or (812) 633-7875 Mel Panzer had two effects, E. Stroudsburg, PA— Our Magic in the www.lmcmagic.com including another pen thru bill second meeting at our new Derby City using a different method and location got started with ten then the a bill through rubber members and one guest in at- Louisville, KY— Our 266 bands. Bernie Kraus featured tendance. We welcomed Mark February meeting was a April Surprises a nice effect involving the Mysterrio to the group and gathering and lecture by selection of a $100 bill from the hope that he will become a con- magician Francis Menotti. Lakeland, FL— President correct coin purse. tributing member. Francis gave us some very Ed McGowan called the Herb Arno (who also acted as After some business creative thoughts on perform- meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. emcee) performed a coin effect involving the upcoming Arts ing our magic and also gave a We had a medium turnout; on the Square show in our fine city. Francis we didn’t require extra chairs. club function we Menotti was brought to our New member Jerry brought are participating city by Ray Smerlin, who is a a very well made Zig-Zag in, our club video member of our club and helped Deck. Ed had a nice effect exchange project, book the evening’s public pre- from Las Vegas in the form and some info sentation downtown. It was of keno; you had to be there on the S. Patrick a pleasure to have a magician to see this one. Dan Stapleton “Mentalism 101” with Mr. Menotti’s abilities to did the Piano Card Trick and lecture on May come to share with us. some mental effects. We had 21, we got down In March, our own Dr. Robert a very good teach-in session. to some great Escher gave a lecture titled Every one stayed late and had magical perfor- “Remembering Del Ray.” Dr. lots of fun as well as learning mances. The Escher was co-author of the from some of our club’s expert theme was “Coin book by the same name. Dr. card mechanics. If you are Magic.” Escher gave many personal in Polk county the second Ryne Gade was up stories of Del Ray and his pre- Monday of the month, we Joel Lerner lectures for Assembly 274 first with his inter-

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 23 Assembly News

pretation of the classic Egg Bag and other objects mysteri- pencils penetrate through three has this one well practiced. routine. Taking the styles from ously appearing and vanishing quarters, and finished with a We want to welcome any such Egg Bag masters as Jeff through the hole. Howard Adams effect called visiting magicians to call S. Hobson, Marc DeSouza, and Next up was our own Odes Predicnic, in which three Patrick if they want to stop by others, he combined them all Odhner with a cool three- coins and a deck of ESP cards for a visit. We had a surprise to create a funny and enter- phase coin prediction in which are used to predict the chosen guest; Sal Piacente showed taining piece of magic. Austin a freely selected coin was card. Mark Mysterrio was up up out of the blue a couple of Alexander Miller was up next, shown to be predicted by Odes. next and did a great chosen months ago. All visiting magi fresh off of his first paid pro- Not just the coin, but the de- card routine with a different are welcome to visit. fessional gig, and performed nomination, the year, and the handling of the Svengali Assembly 277, Pocono the Chinese coin and shoelace. country of origin. deck. He also pulled out that Mountains Magic Club, The coin magically melted S. Patrick was up next with old chestnut, the Pea Trick, Stroudsburg PA at the Art through a knot tied onto the three routines. He first showed just because it was a group of Space Gallery, 18 North coin. the first trick he ever purchased, magicians. Seventh Street Strouds- Our “Ambassador of Magic,” Pentro Penny, in which a penny Last up, but not least, was burg, PA 18360. Contact Joseph Raven, was up next magically vanishes from under Jordan Benoit, who showed us S. Patrick - (570) 242-6821 - with a great routine called The a box of matches and ends up his four-coin-and-card Matrix. [email protected] for Portable Hole. Joe showed a inside it. He then did Tenyo’s This routine gets better every information.  brass ring that had a ball, coin, Soft Coins, in which three time Jordan does it. He really

NEW MEMBERS Fischler, Barry Langdell, William Schmidt, Anthony Boca Raton, FL Sunnyvale, CA Hobe Sound, FL Aich, Jewel Fishkin, Nathan Maloney, Andrew Schmitz, Edward Dhaka, Bangladesh Weymouth, MA Dayton, MD Keswick, VA Alfonso, Maximo Fishman, Joyce Marchant, Benjamin Cox Schneider, Joseph Miami, FL Boca Raton, FL Santiago, Chile Seal Beach, CA Barnes, Patricia Garcia Lara, Daniel Margheim, Dennis Schwaber, Robert Chertsey, Surry United Mexico City, Mexico El Paso, TX Seaford, NY Kingdom Gonzalez, Freddie Mcnamara, Thomas Seidenberg, Bernard Beliveau, Matthew Fajardo, PR Southbridge, MA Boynton Beach, FL Clearwater, FL Greenfield, Aaron Meade, Fernando Llamas Sherman, Aaron Billand, Paul Boyton Beach, FL Queretaro, Mexico Danbury, CT Kaneohe, HI Guaragna, Gustavo Meyers, John Smith, Ilan Brasch, Kurt Buenos Aires, Argentina Ottawa, IL Cheltendale, South Africa Glenside, PA Guillaume, Robert Miller, Curt Smith, Larry E Bravo, Benjamin Oviedo Nekoosa, WI Houston, TX Boca Raton, FL Santiago, Chile Haddad, Ray Mills, Michael Solkoff, Jerome Brigman, William Mansfield Center, CT Ballston Spa, NY Delray Beach, FL Las Vegas, NV Hagan, Bill Minakawa, Michael Southworth, Joshua Brock, Keith Dayton, OH Pearl City, HI Johnston, RI Harrison, OH Hamburg, Howard N Moffitt, Jesse Stinett, Dustin Buso, Adolfo Calabasas, CA Brandon, SD San Juan Capistrano, CA Guaynabo, PR Hide, Brian Mostofizadeh, Kambiz Stoltz, Julie Cahn Costa, Ernesto Goleta, CA San Pedro, CA Jacksonville, TX San Fernando, Argentina Hijuelos, Julio Nesnas, Nasri Tarry, Robert Cleveland, Dexter Mexico City, Mexico Melbourne, FL Austin, TX Spartanburg, SC Hill, Larry Pacheco, Martin Trixx, Micharl Cory Phd, Rev. Christopher Vancouver, WA Miami, FL Tavernier, FL Palm Dale, CA Hogue, Eric Padillia, Marie Varghese, Shibu De Castro, Richard Wylie, TX Terryville, CT Bensalem, PA Lakewood, CA Horn, Richard Rasco, Allan Villanueva, German Derosa, Stephen Philadelphia, PA Tucson, AZ Las Rozas, Spain Port Orange, FL Ihara, Akinori Reyes, Ignacio Wilson, Dennis Diamond, Billy Numazu, Japan Joliet, IL Parsons, KS Palmyra, PA Kenemuth, Beverly Reyes, Roderick Wright, Andrew Dock, Daniel Lakeland, FL Upland, CA West Jordan, UT San Francisco, CA Keys, Sean Reynoso, Andres Wright, Paul Driskell, George Aurora, Canada Col Agricola Oriental, Mexico Bakersfield, CA Corpus Christie, TX Kirkpatrick, Robert Sanchez Flores, Miguel Angel Yang, Hui Jun Elsdon, Mark Old Greenwich, CT Mexico City, Mexico Seoul, South Korea Colwyn Bay, United Kingdom Kratish, Larry Schaeffer, Etta Zweig, Max Weston, FL Boca Raton, FL Santa Rosa, CA

24 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Broken Wands

Charles L. “Buck” Clayton Sr.

Buck Clayton of Baltimore, Maryland, passed away March 31, 2012. He had been a member of The Society of American Magicians for thirty-three years and held membership number 13110. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and was a founding member of the now defunct Maryland Wizards. He was employed for twenty-eight years by the Baltimore City Police Department. During his employment he was part of the Officer Friendly Program, utilizing magic as “Officer Charlie the Magic Cop,” and warning children about “Stranger Danger.” He loved performing and teaching magic, but always reminded all his students that magicians never reveal their secrets. Buck was an avid musician and was given the nickname “Buck” after the great jazz trumpeter, Buck Clayton. He became the youngest member of the Baltimore Colts Marching Band in 1960 and became trumpet soloist in 1962. Buck taught and arranged music and instructed the brass section of the Hamilton Knights and Yankee Rebels Drum and Bugle Corps. His time with these organizations was voluntary and, he felt, gave kids another option to do something constructive with their time. He is survived by his children, Martina Knott and husband Lee, Charles L. Clayton Jr. and wife Amy, Philip Clayton, and three grandchildren. – David Bowers

Good Cheer List

Please take a minute and 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]

Peter Anthony Joseph H. (Ben) Grant Frank J. McNaughton, Sr Matt Savin 5100 O’Bannon Dr. Apt 72 400 Commonwealth Ave, Unit 9 1926 Apple Street, P.O. Box 7693 Las Vegas, NV 89146 Warwick, RI 02886 Williamsport, PA 17701 Alhambra, CA 91802-7533 David Ball Charlie Gross James J. Morrisey Helene Schad 40 Sandy Lodge Way 16745 Gertrude Street, 24 Grove St. 2440 Viginia Ave. Northwood, Middlesex Omaha, NE 60136-3023 Wayland, MA 01788 Bensalem, PA 19020 HA6 2AS UK Roy Horn Anthony Murphy Grant Schofield Roger Barr c/o Siegfried & Roy 11 Angel Rd., (The Great Granzini) 883 B Leverpool Circle, 1639 N Valley Drive, North Reading, MA 01864 9303 Quailbrook Ct. Manchester, NJ 08759 Las Vegas, NV 89108 Bakersfield, CA 93312 Nahmen Nissen William H. Brewe Edward Kelly PO Box 1856 Sybill Simons 1698 Montrose 224-15 64 Avenue, Colfax, CA 95713-1856 65 West 95 St. Apt 3A Cincinnati, OH 45214 Bayside, NY 11364 New York, NY 10025 Larry Poague John Clark Bob King 34221 West 90 Circle Sam Stecher 603 W Country Club Rd. 304 Suburban Court, Desota, KS 66108 1000 Loring Ave Apt. C-23 Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 Rochester, NY 14620 Salem, MA 01970- 4253 Jim Relyea Lawrence Clark Robert D. Knigge 241 W. Lakeshore Bob Steiner 204 Hazelwood Ave PO Box 5, Rockaway, NJ 07866 c/o San Miguel Villa Buffalo, NY 14215 Jones Borough, TN 3765 1050 San Miguel Blvd. Harry Riser Concord, CA 94518 Tony Corrao Stanley R. Kramien 8505 Woodfield Crossing 100 Daly Blvd. #2804 11205 SW Summerfield Dr. The Forum Mario Susi Oceanside, NY 11572 Apt 161 Indianapolis, IN 46240 6 Bristol Rd. Tigard, OR 97224-3391 W. Peabody, MA 01960 Daniel Cudennec Dale Rumsmoke “Dany Trick” Richard Laneau 430 Perrymont Ave Larry Taverner 225, Stang-ar-Veil- 4020 55th St. N. Lynchburg, VA 24502 805 LaPaz Ct. d’an-Traon, Mellac-29300, St. Petersburg, FL 33709 Bakersfield, CA 93312 Quimperle, France Pat Ryan George Gilbert Lott 43 Fairbanks Rd. Jack White Dan A. Dorsey 1725 Great Hill Rd. Churchville, NY 14428 4288 Arguello St. 98 Woodvalley Dr. Guilford, CT 06437 San Diego, CA 92103 Fayetteville, GA 30215

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 25 SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 17, 2012 PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA (UNAPPROVED MINUTES)

Society of American Magicians National Secretary Marlene Clark thanked Blue Book: Chaplain Michael Douglass; Legal National Council Meeting those for getting their reports in early. Counsel Stuart Schneider; M-U-M Editor March 17, 2012 National Treasurer Mary Ann Blowers Michael Close; Webmaster David Xanatos; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania reported that the Blue Book reflected an SYMbol Editor Michael Raymer. Minutes (draft) eight-month period (to January) and showed The following administrative officers were not a shortage; but the nine-month period (to present, but their reports are in the Blue Book: The Society of American Magicians National February) showed a slight surplus, so we are on Insurance Advisor Michael Piacente; Invest- Council meeting was called to order according target. Still, income is down. Ms. Blowers asked ment Committee Chairman Richard Dooley; to ritual at 9:41 a.m. by Most Illustrious Vinny council members to urge their assemblies to Member Service Awards Jean Kinnicutt; Grosso. PNP Jann Goodsell gave the invoca- take out ads in M-U-M to help. She is working Strategic Planning & Responsibilities Dick tion. on the proposed budget for FY 2012-13. She Bowman. MI Grosso welcomed Past Presidents Brad has projected less income, so the budget will The following administrative officers were Jacobs, Dan Rodriguez, Jann Goodsell, John have to be decreased accordingly; however, she present: Apperson, Bruce Kalver, Mike Miller, Mark will not decrease the budgets of National and National Administrator Manon Rodriguez Weidhaas, Dick Gustafson, and Ed Thomas. Regional officers, as their participation is vital. – referred to her Blue Book report. He later welcomed guest John Owen of She said that despite the decreased income, the Election Chairman Ed Thomas reported Assembly #47 S.A.M. is on solid footing. that there was a full slate of candidates running Minutes of previous meeting: PNP Ed for office, with two contested races. Nomina- Thomas asked that the Magic Center Founda- REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT tions are closed. He will send ballots to the tion report in the minutes to the November 5, REPORTS assemblies after he gets assembly member 2011, National Council meeting be corrected All RVPs submitted reports to the Blue Book. counts. to read that the Hall of Fame had loaned (not The following RVPs were not present: Central Technology Advisor Bruce Kalver reported donated) items to the Magic Center. Plains, Jania Taylor; South Western States, that he is uploading the entire media library on Motion: PNP Mark Weidhaas John Shryock; South Central, Jeff Lanes. to the new website. moved that the minutes be approved New England States – Joseph Caulfield as corrected. Vote: Motion Passed. referred to his Blue Book report, COMMITTEE REPORTS North Atlantic – Pat Colby referred to his The following committee chairmen were REPORTS Blue Book report. He also thanked council absent and had not submitted reports for the Full reports are in the Blue Book, unless members for their hospitality when he came in Blue Book: Assembly Contact Coordinator noted otherwise. The Blue Book is available as RVP. Kyle Peron; Deaf Magicians Deputy Simon electronically from National Secretary Mid Atlantic – David Bowers reported that Carmel; Ethics Committee Marc DeSouza; Life Marlene Clark, as hard copy from National Rockville, Maryland, has applied for a new Membership Chairman Clem Kinnicutt; Magic Administrator Manon Rodriguez, or online at charter. for Special Education Trudy Monti; Member- www.magicsam.com. South Atlantic – Debbie Leifer reported that ship Promotions Steve Marshall; National the owner of a North Carolina magic shop is Deputy Coordinator Clem Kinnicutt; Sharing NATIONAL OFFICER REPORTS (all planning to start a new assembly. She also was Awareness Mentoring Program Bob Carroll. present) pleased to report that an assembly in Northern The following chairmen were absent, but Most Illustrious Vinny Grosso said he was Georgia grew from three to a huge assembly. their reports are in the Blue Book: Dean grateful for the support he has received from Midwestern States – Jeff Sikora thanked George Schindler (Houdini Fund; Interna- the National Council. Much work is being President-elect Chris Bontjes for visiting tional Deputy Coordinator, Public Relations); done, and it’s been a lot of fun, he said. Omaha Assembly #7. He also said he appreci- Hall of Fame John Engman; Member Retention President-elect Chris Bontjes reported that ated the hospitality Assembly #8 in St. Louis Kelly Peron; Veterans Program/Military Mem- organizers from the Girl Scouts have contacted showed him when he visited. RVP Sikora has bership Liaison Scott Hollingsworth; New him and plan to go forward with a magic badge started a Midwest R.V.P. Facebook Page. MI Assembly Coordinator Les Cooper; Paranor- at the local level before making it a national Grosso also congratulated RVP Sikora for mal Investigation Committee Andy Dallas; program. The Boy Scouts will present the receiving the David P. Abbott Award in January M-U-M Spotlight Program Barbara Dallas; proposal again. He is creating a Video Instruc- from the Omaha Magical Society The following chairmen were present: tion Program that will be visible only on the Northwest States – Michael Roth announced Conference Executive John Apperson member-only portion of the S.A.M. website. that the last Northwest Magic Jamboree will be (live report) said it will cost about $15,000 First VP Dal Sanders said he was happy held June 1 and 2; Magic in the Rockies will be to rent buses to transport people to and from to work with MI Grosso and President-elect held Sept. 6-9, 2012; and magicians in central the Golden Nugget and the theater, which are Bontjes on the Naples Wine Festival project. Oregon are looking into forming an S.A.M. about a mile apart. Registrants are being asked The festival raised $2.4 million for charities. Assembly. to pay $10 for bus transportation. The one-time He got a round of applause when he recounted Canada – Rod Chow was honored to present fare covers transportation to and from all four a story about a boy who began speaking as a Canada’s first presidential citation to Assembly shows. magician, after not having talked for four years. #95 founder and Dean Shawn Farquhar. Convention dates and locations include the Second VP Kenrick “Ice” McDonald will following: rework ABRA (Area’s Best Recruiter Award) ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER REPORTS 2012 – Las Vegas, Nevada, July 23-26 (Golden to help increase membership. He is open to The following administrative officers were Nugget) suggestions from any member. not present and did not have reports in the 2013 – Marriott Crystal Gateway, Arlington

26 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Virginia, July 3-6 said the center in Parker Colorado held an Postage surcharge for International Members 2014 – Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel, St. inaugural stage show last fall. Helping or per- who receive M-U-M in the mail. Louis, Missouri, July 1-5 (combined forming were MI Grosso, PNP Mark Weidhaas, Motion: Christ Bontjes moved to include the IBM/SAM Convention) July 1-5. Mike Miller, Dan Rodriguez, Jann Goodsell; following provision in M-U-M for Internation- IBM/SAM 2014 Combined Convention and National Administrator Manon Rodriguez. al members: “Postage surcharge subject to our Co-Chair Mark Weidhaas said that registra- Executive Director Dan Rodriguez presented special handling policies, and delivery cannot tion may open after Las Vegas. the Parker Town Council with a proposal for be guaranteed.” Discussion: none. Vote: Magic Endowment Fund Brad Jacobs (live the S.A.M. to rent the building for two years. motion passed. report) reported that the value of the MEF Rodriguez expects to receive a decision shortly. Magic Video Instruction. portfolio on March 15, 2012, was $765,537, a Milstead thanked Dan for his herculean effort Motion: Chris Bontjes moved to accept the 7.4% increase over October 31, 2011. Most of on behalf of the MCF in Parker. The Annual concept of the S.A.M. Magic Video instruction the increase occurred in the Houdini Fund Meeting of the MCF will take place at 5 p.m. as presented. Discussion: none. Vote: motion portion of the MEF and are large cap growth on July 23 at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. passed. funds. The trustees plan to maintain the Marketing – Mark Weidhaas said that MI Contests at S.A.M. National Convention current mix of funds in the portfolio. They are Grosso will present a tribute to David Copper- Motion: PNP Mike Miller moved that the concerned with cash flow, as little is coming field at 10 a.m. July 23 at the S.A.M. National names of the S.A.M. National Convention in from Life Membership; rather than tap into Convention. He also discussed the National Stage and Close-up contests be changed to the capital reserves, the MEF funds its good works Convention and Compeers pages on Face book. Father Cyprian Murray Stage Contest and from its checking accounts, which currently At the caucus, MI Grosso unveiled the beta the Paul Critelli Close-up Contest. Discus- total $30,500. Upcoming projects will draw version of the new S.A.M. website. Weidhaas sion: none. Vote: Motion passed unanimously. this down. said he is hopeful it will go live in April. Affiliate programs An article about the history of the Houdini Marketing/Advertising – Dal Sanders said Motion: PNP Ed Thomas moved that the Fund will appear in the April issue of M-U-M; work has begun on an S.A.M. documentary. Executive Officers be allowed until July to publicity about Magic Camps has gone out, National Historian Tom Ewing welcomed develop affiliate programs at no cost or liability and organizer Warren Kaps would like assem- council members to Philadelphia. He continues to the S.A.M. Discussion: none. Vote: Motion blies to be aware of this opportunity for young to handle requests from family members passed. magi; George Schindler is working on a way to seeking information about relatives who were bring S.Y.M. magic to hospitals electronically magicians. SOCIETY BUSINESS (other) for pediatric patients who cannot leave their National Magic Week Jeff Sikora presented The National Council approved the following beds. The Annual Meeting of the MEF will Certificates of Appreciation to S.A.M. appointments presented by MI Grosso. take place at 5:30 p.m. on July 23 at the Golden Assembly 4 and Michael Bonacci for their out- Facebook Committee: Mark Weidhaas, Dal Nugget in Las Vegas. standing participation in National Magic Week. Sanders, and Eric Decamps as Chairman. Ambassador of Magic Brad Jacobs (live At the 2012 National Convention, Sikora will Ethics Review Committee: Brad Jacobs, report) judged close-up at the Blackpool con- present David Copperfield with the first S.A.M. Rich Dooley. vention and in July will represent the S.A.M. at Humanitarian Award for his creation and Deputies: FISM in Blackpool. In October, he will judge support of Project Magic and other charities. Don Russell, Alaska the stage contest at the 100th anniversary of Following tornadoes in Branson, Missouri, Andrew Norsfrum, Montana the German Magic Circle in Rhinebeck. He Sikora notified several magicians there of the Tom Presti, new International Deputy for the also will be the honoree at the Hall of Fame of S.A.M. Disaster Fund and asked them to pass Caribbean Famous Unknown Magicians gathering in June the word to other entertainers. Two magicians in Manchester New Hampshire. expressed their appreciation that the S.A.M. GOOD & WELFARE: Gifts & Insignia (Manon Rodriguez had a program in place to help entertainers in Earlier, council members were fined $1 for reporting) will be selling briefcase bags with need. each misnaming S.A.M. and/or M-U-M. Their the S.A.M. logo: PNP Mark Weidhaas bought SAMtalk Chairman Bruce Kalver urged fines benefitted the Magic Endowment Fund: the first bag with the red logo, RVP Jeff Sikora council members to encourage members to Tom Ewing: $1; Dal Sanders, $8; bought the first bag with the silver logo. Manon sign up for SAMtalk. PNP Apperson urged council members to reported that hotels are chilly in Vegas, and Youth Program – Jann Goodsell has visit Macy’s, where a live concert on the largest the S.A.M. will be selling black hoodies with brochures for the 2012 WOW Convention operational pipe organ in the world takes place zippers at the convention, black tee shirts and that will be held in August in Rhode Island. every day at noon. several other new items. The S.Y.M. will award up to five fellowships MI Grosso announced the death of William Good and Welfare Tony Antonelly thanked to kids who need help getting to WOW. The “Willis” White of Assembly #24. Michael Roth and others for helping him with Naples Wine Festival brought in 34 new SYM this committee. He said the people on the Good members. Achievement Pin Program coordi- ADJOURN: Cheer list seem like they are part of his family. nator Marlene Clark said the program has its Meeting was adjourned according to ritual at Hall of Fame & Magic Museum (PNP Ed first silver pin recipient – Sean Oulashin from 11:16 a.m. Thomas reporting): As a result of a follow-up Oregon. She thanked the MEF for helping the article on the Hall of Fame Museum, it has program get started. Respectfully submitted, found possible locations. Heroism & Patriots Committee – Bill OLD BUSINESS Marlene Clark Gleason distributed a flyer that explains the None National Secretary Heroism and Patriots award. Magic Center Foundation – Phil Milstead SOCIETY BUSINESS (Items from Caucus)

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 27 Updates From Our Newsworthy S.A.M. Members

Hawaii S.A.M. Magicians Join and no toys for the children. The reality of their situation has Medical Mission to Philippines already been imprinted in our minds. There is a lot to do for these people, both medically and personally. By Glen Bailey, President of Assembly 89 Monday, March 5, 2012. We were up at 5 a.m. and arrived at the hospital at 7:30 a.m. There was already a different buzz Hawaii Assembly 89 magicians Glen Bailey and Bob Festa around the hospital. Bob and I started performing strolling magic recently joined the Aloha Medical Mission on their March 2-10 early as my wife Loren took pictures and a video of us. The crowd trip to Bacolod and Silay in the Philippines. The Aloha Medical grew as we neared 9 a.m. and the start of the minor surgeries on Mission has been providing medical surgical assistance to people the first level. I quickly learned that areas in and around the minor in third world countries for twenty-six years. Dr. Brad Wong, surgery hallway are very congested and we avoided performing lead surgeon of the medical mission, had always wanted to take a magic there. We moved our magic performances to the outside magician along to entertain patients and children. waiting area, which was filled with new arrivals, and spent most Dr. Wong met me over a year ago when he was the guest of the day there and on the wards. speaker at my Rotary Club in Honolulu. Once he found out I was The minor surgery area was a beehive of activity, with four a magician and current president of the Hawaii S.A.M. Assembly, open operating tables going at once, surrounded by patients in he gave me the overview of a medical mission. I volunteered to chairs within six feet of the tables. There was also one additional accompany him with my wife Loren; soon, Assembly 89 Master separate room for minor surgeries. The local surgeons and staff of Arms Bob Festa agreed to join us. The following is a recap of in that area alone completed 262 minor surgeries in five days. The our magical trip to the Philippines. main operating room conducted sixty-two surgeries during the Sunday, March 4, 2012. We were up at 5:30 a.m. and week. off to an early breakfast. Dr. Brad Wong hosted his first team meeting at 7 a.m. and made introductions. There are twenty-nine American medical volunteers on this team. He laid out the day’s activities, including setting up the OR, building up the pharmacy, and screening the patients identified for Monday operations. Teamwork and sensitivity to the local staff and patients are his theme – showing respect to everyone at all levels is paramount to our success. We arrived at the Silay Hospital at 8 a.m. and were given a tour of the facilities, which were a bit better than I imagined, but still rustic compared to a US facility. Many poor patients who cannot afford private rooms were on cots in the hallways surrounded by their families. The hospital allows patients to stay, but the patients and their families are responsible for providing bedding, hygiene items, food, and personal care. Bob Festa performs for the children As the day progressed, Bob and I performed our first strolling magic shows for the patients who had arrived to be screened and Of note was the calm demeanor of the patients. They had prepped for Monday operations. I am wearing my new hat that traveled for hours to get here, had to wait their turn for hours in says “Doctor Magic” on it. Bob and I also visited a few of the the heat, were not given any food or drinks from the hospital, yet wards and performed magic for the patients. We started magically in the entire week I never saw anyone complain, become upset, or producing toys and hair clips for the children, as well as giving show anything other than gratitude to our team and the hospital out boxes of color crayons and my big money to color. The crowd staff. I magically produced a Hawaiian flower hair clip for a that started with ten viewers quickly grew to thirty to forty people seven-year-old girl. She posed for our cameras, the other patients, as word quickly spread of our presence. and her mom. Her eyes followed me everywhere I went for the There is nothing for these patients and their families to do in next hour. She was admitted for an operation later in the day. the hospital wards – no air conditioning in the wards or hallways Tuesday, March 6, 2012. Our morning begins with perfor- (which are filled with patients), no TV or radios, no music system, mances for new patients about to register for screening in the

Magic show at the Silay Civic Center

28 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 waiting area. The highlight of the morning was when the little mentary students and teachers of Silay really enjoyed the show. girl I gave the hair clip to the day before was released. She and her Several asked for autographs after the performance. mom stopped by to say thank you as they left the hospital; she was Once the show was over, Bob and my wife decided to provide quite happy to see me. She had two stories to tell her family: one ice cream for the entire group of students who had attended the about her operation and one about the magician who magically show. Three local ice cream vendors with pushcarts showed up; produced from a flower hair clip. It made my day. by the end of it, all three ran out of stock. Four hundred children got ice cream cones. Friday, March 9, 2012. We began performing that morning at the dental clinic, and later went to the hospital. There were still lots of patients – some waiting for minor surgery and others still in the wards. We gave away all of our toys and I left my remaining coloring supplies with the hospital’s pediatrician. That morning in the hallway, Bob and I performed for a sixteen- year-old girl and her mother, who were sitting on a cot. It turned out that this girl was very interested in becoming a magician. We introduced her to the local magician nurse, Jovan, who told the young lady about the local magic club. I think we created a path for this young girl to achieve her dreams. Saturday, March 10, 2012. This was our final day; our team was at the Silay airport ready to depart. We have new friends Glen Bailey AKA Dr. Magic and a new outlook on what providing community service really means. Everyone on the team paid their own travel and living At 10 a.m. we went to the Silay Civic Center, where the dental expenses for this trip. Dr. Wong conducted interviews with most part of the Aloha Medical Mission was being conducted. They of the team, and then got interviewed by his own camera. He said had four stations going with local Filipino dentists performing ex- this: “When it comes to this type of giving back your talents to the tractions. During this week-long clinic, the dental team conducted world, you don’t think about it – you just do it! On these missions over seven hundred dental procedures for the local population. we will change people’s lives, but at the same time, they will There was a large waiting area filled with children and change our lives.” families. Both Bob and I performed strolling magic for over an Postscript. We spent a second week in Manila. Bob and hour, magically producing toys and hair clips. We produced paper I visited a health center sponsored by my Hawaii Rotary Club coils from our hands that we made into paper leis for the young in concert with our Manila sister Rotary Club. We performed girls. I also gave away color crayon boxes and big money to color. magic for forty children and their mothers – all from the Wednesday, March 7, 2012. We left for the hospital at 7 a.m. squatters’ village right next door to the clinic. It was an amazing to perform magic for the twenty-six amputee patients who were experience! awaiting the fitting of the fifty prosthetic hands the team brought. The waiting area was very hot; Bob and I were sweating like crazy. We didn’t stop for an hour – if they could take the heat, so 2012 AAMC Annual Banquet could we. At 8:00 a.m. a call came from the dental clinic that 150 By Randy A. Smith children were awaiting dental procedures. My driver took me to the civic center and I performed there for the rest of the morning. I The Ann Arbor Magic Club held its annual banquet on March returned to the hospital and performed with Bob in the wards and 25, 2012. George Honer swore in the new board members: Dan hallways for the rest of the afternoon. We returned back to the hotel Jones – President, Jim Placido – Vice President, Randy A. Smith on the 4 p.m. van and had dinner in the hotel that evening with – Secretary, Marvin Mathena – Treasurer, and Bob Waite – a group of local magicians from Bacolod. We discussed magic Sergeant-at-Arms. The Harry Colestock Award was changed to the with them for about two hours, sharing our magical knowledge. It Hank Moorehouse Award, in honor of the late Hank Moorehouse. turned out that Jovan, one of the male nurses at the Silay hospital, That award went to is an up and coming magician. George Honer for Thursday, March 7, 2012. We arrived at the hospital at 8 a.m. his work and dedi- and Bob and I performed magic in the main prep room for patients cation towards the who were having operations that day. The patients were having a magic show the great time, and so were the doctors and nurses doing their rounds. club performed at Almost everyone on the team looked in or stopped by the room the Center for the that morning to see what we were up to. The medical staff looked Arts in Allen Park. serious until they saw me pulling a banana out of a patient’s ears The Magician of the that morning. 2012 Officers Bob Waite, Dan Jones, Jim Year Award went to We arrived at the Silay Civic Center at 1 p.m. to perform a Placido, Marvin Mathena, and Randy A. Smith Joe Fusco; Jim Ruth magic show for the community elementary school. We preset received the Presi- the stage and tested the sound system. By the time the show dent’s Award; the Entertainer of the Year went to Gordon Schott. began an hour later, over six hundred students and teachers were Performers for the evening included: Marvin Mathena, assembled. Bob was the opening act and performed two effects Randy Smith, Tyler Sousa, Bill Brang, Jim Placido and his to warm up the students. I performed a thirty-five-minute stage daughter Angelina, Dan Jones, Jim Ruth, George Honer, and show with children coming on stage as my assistants. The ele- Joe Fusco.

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 29 LEVENT

Today I am pretty much an expert on the Back when I first decided to use this kind Mac platform and I use the following so- of software, there was not a lot of choice; lutions in the Mac environment. But there eventually I bought an expensive ($250) is a Window version for everything that I and powerful database program called am doing with the Mac, and programs for Filemaker Pro. that platform can be found with a simple When it came time to input the books Google search. into the database, I felt that it was not enough to simply have a listing of the Information Management book titles and authors. Instead, I believed that it would be far more useful to have a I first discovered the need to use com- database that kept a searchable record of puters for the purpose of information man- what the book contained in general terms. agement about ten years ago. At that time I So, for instance, if I wanted to work on

STAGE 101 was working on a new routine for my show a mentalism trick, I could instantly get a and I had learned that there was an old listing of mentalism books. Or if I wanted magic book that described the trick that I to learn the Linking Rings, I could get a The Computerized needed to study. I then did a Web search list of books that explained a version of to find a copy of this booklet in order to that trick. Magician purchase it. It quickly became apparent For the first step I got a basic library that this was a very rare book. None of the database template that came with the In the previous columns I discussed online used book dealers had it; I constant- software and spent a day modifying it for the value of doing research when creating ly checked eBay in the hopes of finding magic books. I did this by creating three a routine with a classic magic trick. This a copy for sale. For the time being my specific fields: Format, Category, and kind of research requires a magician to research was at a standstill. Contents. read a lot of magic books. And bear in About three months later I was reorga- The Format field was a check box that mind that when you read a lot of books, it nizing the books in my home library and told me if it was a book, booklet, lecture can become increasingly difficult to retain I was shocked to discover that there was note, or a file. This is important; it helps or recall what it is that you have read. a copy of the rare book that I had been you to know the physical shape of the Incidentally, this is a relatively modern hoping to purchase on my shelf. I was left item and can aid in visually locating it. problem. For instance, in the 1800s the with two questions: Where did this book For instance, if I know I’m looking for a majority of magic knowledge was con- come from? Why didn’t I know I owned a lecture note, then I know to avoid a hard- tained in about a dozen books. So if a nine- copy of it? cover book. teenth century magician read and reread Eventually I figured out that a few The Category field was a series of those books on a regular basis, he would years earlier I had purchased an auction lot check boxes that put the books into specific have completed all the research necessary of a dozen magic books on eBay. Among categories such as “Close-up” or “Manip- to offer his audience the best in contem- those twelve books was the rare book that ulation.” And if a book covered several porary magic. Throughout the twentieth I needed a few years later. But at that time categories at the same time, then all the century this state of affairs changed as the rare book did not interest me and I check boxes that applied were ticked off. magic books began to be published at an simply put it on my shelf; I only read some The last check box that I created was one ever increasing pace. Furthermore, the of the other books from the auction lot. called “Have Not Read,” which meant a advent of the computer age made book Since that book was not important to me at book that I had acquired, but not actually publishing truly accessible to the masses. the time I acquired it, I simply forgot that read. I found this to be enormously useful, Today, in the twenty-first century, there I owned it. as I like to bring a few magic books with are so many magic-related books that a This was a lesson for me; I learned that me when I travel. I usually bring a book researcher could figuratively drown in a information can only be of value to you if that comes from the “Have Not Read” list; sea of information. Happily, the personal you know what you have access to and can after all, what’s better than expanding your computer has made it possible to keep get to it when needed. horizon by reading something new? track of this information; in this month’s The final field was what I called column I will outline how I use technology The Library Database Contents, in which I simply included to help me with my studies. some words that indicated what the book My personal experience with comput- Once I came to the realization that I contains. For instance, a book might be in ers goes back to the early 1980s, when I did not have a complete accounting of the the “Close-up” category, but it might only learned to do some simple programming books in my magic library, I decided that I contain coin tricks, so in the Contents field in the BASIC language in high school. Not needed computer software that could help I would write the word “coins.” Also in long after that I purchased a Commodore me manage an inventory. Today there are the Contents field I would put the names computer and used it primarily for word a large variety of inexpensive Mac and PC of classic effects such as Sympathetic Silks processing. Later, I used an IBM computer programs specifically designed for cata- or Miser’s Dream. running a version of MS-DOS. In the 1990s loging books and other media. Addition- Bear in mind that the inputting of all I decided to get an Apple Mac computer ally, most of this software is available as this basic information does not require you and I have been using Macs ever since. a free trial to see if it meets your needs. to actually read an entire book. You can

30 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 put them all into a single PDF file. I was intrigued by how ef- ficient it was to work with the PDF; after I agreed to write the Benson book, I began to add my additional research into Todd’s original PDF. By the time we finished writing the book, the PDF was over a thousand pages long. Since the Benson book was written on a laptop while I traveled around the world, I must say I could not have done it without the PDF allowing me instant access to the Benson research at all times. Later, when I began to do my long-form instructional videos on classic tricks, the PDF was crucial for me to learn these tricks during my travels. And this brings me to another aspect of the PDF that should not be overlooked: OCR (Optical Char- acter Recognition). With certain software you can have the PDF Levent’s database sample scanned for text; afterwards you can search the PDF for words. pretty much cull this information by just easier to photocopy the pages I needed and For instance, the PDF I created during the leafing through a book in a minute or two. carry the entire file of a trick in a folder. research phase of my recent Linking Rings Later, however, when you actually read Later, when home scanners came out, I did DVD set was a little over 1,700 pages of the book cover to cover, you can add some the same thing, by using the scanner and text culled from magic books and peri- extra information into the database if you computer printer to make a hard copy. odicals from the past two hundred years. desire. Long ago, Adobe Systems Corporation If I had to find a reference to the French As I mentioned before, you can created a kind of digital document called a magician Claudius Odin and his ring purchase a lot of different brands of media PDF, which stands for Portable Document routine, it would have taken me hours to database software for a lot less money Format. This is basically a type of file locate his name in the 1,700-page PDF. than Filemaker Pro, and many of these that is popular in the publishing industry But because I had used OCR, I was able programs allow you to modify the fields to as a way of sending a completed book (in to type in the words “Odin” and within a create a custom database for your specific digital form) to a printing press. Later in few seconds I was able to find every place need. If you choose to use Filemaker Pro, the Internet age, the PDF was used as a in every page that contained a mention of I would be happy to share my custom way of transmitting a book or document Odin’s name. magic books template with any M-U-M across the Internet to be read on a computer To create, edit, and OCR PDFs, I used reader who contacts me directly via email screen or printed on a home printer. the expensive ($400) Adobe Acrobat ([email protected]). It turns out that the PDF is a fantas- program. But there are many Mac and PC Since I computerized my library, I tic way to compile documents when you programs that cost much less and can do have found the database to be incredibly are doing magic research, because it can the same job. fast and useful when I do my research. For be read (or viewed) on practically any In the recent columns about research, instance, right now if I typed the search device from a laptop to a smart phone to I have not mentioned the use of videos words “egg bag” into my magic books an ereader. to learn and study magic. Frankly, this database, I am instantly presented with a I personally would have never thought omission is quite conspicuous in its list of twenty-eight books that cover that about using a PDF in my magic until about absence; the reason for this is that learning trick. I could then look up the trick in each ten years ago, when the publisher Todd magic by video has benefits and serious one of those books and be well on my way Karr acquired a collection of photographs pitfalls. So I thought it would be best to to learning the effect in its various forms. and memorabilia of the late magician Roy get the magic books out of the way before I Benson. Todd had asked me if I was inter- talk about videos. So in the next column I The PDF ested in writing a book about Benson, after will discuss the proverbial eight-hundred- which I asked Todd to send me a copy of pound gorilla in the room: Learning magic Due to the fact that I am a travel- the photos so I could see what he had. I had by watching videos. ing entertainer, I found it impractical to assumed that Todd would send me a bunch carry around a large stack of books when of jpegs attached to an email. But being a © 2012 Levent Cimkentli studying a new effect. I found it much publisher, Todd scanned the images and

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 31 32 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012

[ih-lip-sis] an omission of a word, sentence, or whole section from an original text Ellipsis* by Michael Perovich

L’Homme Masque’s Coin from Card of a coin from a playing card. I asked him whose it was and where it came from and the answer was L’Homme Masque from Magic As with a great many magicians of my generation, no volume without Apparatus. It violates neither of Mr. Hay’s criteria. on magic has meant so much to me as Henry Hay’s The Amateur This little production is easy to miss in Mr. Gautier’s book. Magician’s Handbook (Thomas Crowell, 1950). In addition to the While there is considerable build-up in the full explanation, the wonderful prose, the succinct descriptions, and the passion for essence of the effect is that a playing card is shown on both sides magic the book engenders, there is the carefully selected bibli- and a coin is subsequently extracted from it. The key move occurs ography. This list is a veritable treasure map for anyone seeking while the card is given a “fillip” by each palm-up hand in turn. I to build a solid library on conjuring. Many of the books receive wouldn’t claim the explanation is wrong in the book, but it was a mini-review from Mr. Hay, and several of those listed were re- Vernon’s timing and the studied casualness of his presentation published as a series of classics by the Fleming Book Company, that sold the sleight. Here are the working and a description of the established by Paul Fleming, once an assistant to Karl Germain, timing that is so essential to putting it over. and his brother, Walker. With a coin palmed in one hand the performer runs through The Fleming publications (Sleight of Hand, Our Magic, etc.) a pack of cards and in themselves are chock full of erudite footnotes that lead the removes a Club, reader to even more magic books with which to stock his library. the suit associated Many of the Fleming publications are showered with praise by with money. The Mr. Hay, but when he gets to Magic without Apparatus by Camille card is held in one Gaultier, he says: hand and shown on “[It] enjoyed a great European reputation for which reason both sides as the I list it, although I do not think American readers will find the coin drops to the reputation particularly well deserved. It carries completeness to fingertips of the the point of manipulation for manipulation’s sake, including many other hand. The moves not practically useful.” card is next placed Photo 1 I assume this means that not only did Henry Hay find the book over the coin a bit wordy, he also felt there was too much of the hand-washing without revealing school typified by the back and front palm, in which the viewer its presence. Each hand is shown to be empty in turn as the card is knows something is going on, even though he isn’t sure just what held horizontally by the other hand (Photo 1). it is. These types of things are a matter of taste. The purist argues The coin is held beneath the card by the fingers below and the that the magic should just appear to be happening, independent thumb above as the card is transferred back and forth while the of the magician, while others of the Chavez School of flowery hands are shown empty. Now, and this is the critical maneuver, as manipulation find the opposite approach to be the acme of artistic the coin and card are held horizontally by one hand, the free hand presentation. Regardless, manipulation acts have remained strikes the long edge of the card closest to it. The hand is held popular for well over one hundred years and were all the rage palm up as the ends of the fingers strike the card (Photos 2 and 3). when Gautier’s book was published in 1914. When T. Nelson Downs, Howard Thurston, and other American manipulators appeared in Paris, it was often for extended periods of a month or more. Unlike American vaudeville where per- formers appeared for a week or less, the European theaters often favored these longer runs. Thus, it would appear that Mr. Gaultier had ample opportunity to get to know these performers, or at least to see their acts several times. His book contains not only sleights and effects from Downs, Thurston, and Erdnase, but also from Photo 2 a plethora of performers whose technique is otherwise largely unknown. These include Harry Balzar, Clement DeLion, J. Warren Keane, Roberston Keene, and L’Homme Masque. While these performers may have used manipulation for manipulation’s sake, it is harder to make the case that the moves were not practi- cally useful, as they appear to have been instrumental in these men’s ability to make a living. Dai Vernon was particularly interested in the mysterious L’Homme Masque, the masked man who hid his identity, purport- edly to protect his family from embarrassment. (We should all be so Photo 3 thoughtful.) L’Homme Masque had effects in Downs’s The Art of Magic and in Gautier’s Magic without Apparatus, but in few other places. We were once discussing L’Homme Masque’s beautiful version of the coin through the hand as described in Magic without Apparatus when the Professor showed me an elegant production

34 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 This is the fillip described by Mr. Gaultier. Vernon didn’t will be no opportunity to adjust the coin, so the most challenging strike the card once as described in Magic without Apparatus, but part is to hit the palm with the coin in the exact position required. twice in a rather elegant manner. It was a bit like a stylish lawyer You palm on the upswing and then gently slap on the downswing tapping a critical document as he sums up his case. (Photos 5, 6, and 7). It is now the turn of the other hand to administer the fillip to Vernon’s striking the card twice with each hand may seem the other edge, the one nearest to it. This second hand is holding a small thing, but it makes all the difference. The hands were the coin beneath the card (Photo 4). relaxed; the movements were both measured and dramatic. Click, click...click, click. The card is now shown on both sides by the hand without the coin. As this takes place, the hand with the coin allows it to fall to Photo 4 the fingertips, where is covered by the card, much as was done at the beginning of the trick. Up to this point you have been angled toward the audience as needed to hide the action. This angling results in the hand with the palmed coin largely having its back toward the audience. Now, with the coin again under the card, the performer faces the audience head on. With the coin held with the fingers on the bottom of the card and thumb on top with one hand, run the fingers of the free hand horizontally along the card from the back to the front. This movement is made with the fingers below and the thumb above. The second or third time this is done, the coin is taken by the moving fingers and seemingly squeezed out of the card as it is carried beyond the narrow edge of the card nearest the audience (Photos 8 and 9).

The coin must be held by the two middle fingers in the exact position needed to bring the coin into the classic palm position. After a brief pause, this second hand is raised and as this movement takes place, the coin is brought to the palm and held there. There

Photo 5

Photo 8

Photo 6

Photo 9

Photo 7 This little effect makes a nice transition between card and coin tricks, and when properly done is both elegant and surprising. Next time we will seek to elevate the lowly sleight we know as the glide. 

Photos by John Michael Perovich

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 35 Photo by Homer Liwag DAVID COPPERFIELD: Walking a Different Path by Jaq Greenspon

tanding in line at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las “the greatest illusionist of our time” just ten minutes from Vegas, waiting to pick up tickets to see David taking the stage, they didn’t have long to wait. Copperfield’s An Intimate Evening of Grand About five minutes before show time, Chris Kenner, Illusion, the excitement of the crowd is like a living Copperfield’s longtime producer and creative collaborator, Sforce. A mother, visiting from Seattle with her two teenage walked onto the stage to announce something involving the children, remarks that this show was the reason for their audience in a brand new effect Copperfield is perfecting. choice of Las Vegas as a family trip. In fact, the show was “It’s the first time this particular plot has ever been used, and a present for the newly-minted thirteen-year-old’s birthday. the method is completely unique too,” Copperfield confided Inside the 740-seat Hollywood Theater, which hosts after the show. I agreed not to tip the effect as a condition of Copperfield anytime he’s not on tour, eleven-year-old Riley having full access to Copperfield. But let me say this: it’s a Fulton is talking with her thirteen-year-old brother, Bailey. mind-blowing feat. I can understand why he wants to keep They’ve seen Copperfield before and are eagerly discussing it under wraps. the effects he performed last time, wondering if they were Then the lights dimmed, the crowd went expectantly going to see the Dancing Tie routine again. (Spoiler alert: silent, and the show started. They didn’t. But there was a reason for that, which we’ll talk about soon enough; neither kid was disappointed.) As the capacity crowd filed in, the room seemed energized As befits the second most famous magician in history, the with the same force of the line assembled outside; only here show starts with a pop culture tribute to the man, showing it was more distilled, more pure. These people were here to how his name, in this modern world of faux celebrities be amazed and they knew that with the man Oprah called and fly-by-night fame, has become synonymous with

36 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 magic itself. The audience is shown that And for the rest of the night, there is anytime, anywhere, on television or in the simply the magic. And the magician. movies, when someone wants to reference something impossible, the name David Copperfield is referenced in the same breath. Therefore, it is no surprise that One doesn’t just spring, fully formed, when he finally takes the stage, the crowd, into the greatest illusionist of our time, which was already primed, erupts into a though. It takes years of hard work and frenzy of applause. And immediately, he often a number of mistakes until does the seemingly impossible. you get it right. For young David Over the course of the next ninety Kotkin, born in 1956, magic minutes or so, Copperfield and his team was a way to overcome early create little bits of theatre that puzzle insecurities and shyness; at magicians and leave lay audiences floored. twelve years old, he became And everything he does, he does with a the youngest ever member unique flair. When he makes a car appear, of The Society of American it’s not merely a car, but the culmination Magicians. By sixteen he of a heart-wrenching story with the added was teaching a course on bonus of the license plate matching an au- magic at New York Univer- dience-selected random set of numbers and sity, and by eighteen he was letters. Instead of making a single person cast as the lead in The Magic vanish and reappear, he fills a jury-box- Man, a musical comedy that sized apparatus with a dozen audience opened in Chicago. But these volunteers and instantly transports them to early successes only provide the back of the theater. Even his close-up part of the picture that led to routines leap a chasm away from what other his success and his first television sleight-of-hand artists are doing. Another special in 1978, The Magic of David magician might have a dog find a card, or Copperfield. It was on this special maybe a bird, but that’s not exotic enough the twenty-two-year-old Copperfield for Copperfield. His animal assistant of began to realize how little he knew of choice is a deadly scorpion, which, impos- what he was getting himself into. sibly, finds and holds a selected card. And “On my first special,” he he does this with an audience member close remembers, “Shaun Cassidy was a enough to be scared of getting stung (but guest on the show.” Shaun is the son not close enough to actually get stung). We of Copperfield’s good friend Shirley even get treated to some “Vintage Dave” Jones; in the late ‘70s he was a huge via a video clip from several years ago teen pop star. “He was very careful when he performed a Houdini-style strait- about his image, how he was perceived jacket escape. But again, he’s not content by his fans,” explains Copperfield. to simply escape from the jacket while “I wasn’t focused on this; I didn’t pay hanging upside down. No, here he adds in attention to how I dressed or the overall several other elements including a burning image I was creating.” For him, this just rope and a bed of spikes dozens of feet pointed out the differences between his below him. art form and the other performing arts. Of course, since David’s been perform- “Now, if I was a singer, I would have paid ing An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion more attention to my image; how you look for several years now, these effects are all and how you dress are important. Singers incredibly tight, polished to near perfec- focus on that. In magic, the focus was tion, and able to bring the desired mix of about the illusions. I didn’t have the time astonishment and awe. If you’ve seen the to focus on my brand. The net result was a show before, watching these effects is like lot of bad haircuts and a lot of bad clothing seeing old friends or listening to a long choices.” He laughs at the memory. “That’s forgotten song – filling you with a warm one thing that I wish I paid attention to in sense of nostalgia (which doesn’t diminish the beginning. It just would have taken an the power of the illusion at all). Now, extra minute to think about that. On the though, there’s a new show in the works, first special that I did, I was so involved and there are new pieces being worked out. with doing a big Gene Kelly sailor number And these pieces are taking the art form to and getting sawed in half length-wise, I amazing new levels. It’s rare when you can just realized that nobody was protect- get a glimpse of a performer, at the top of ing me visually. I ended up doing a big his game, in the process of creation, but for card routine, producing cards, in front of a a few moments it’s there, before us. white background, which is crazy because Photo by Jason Beck

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 37 you couldn’t see the cards. And no his experiences. “Well I made them one was there, looking after that. If I in front of everybody. You really was a singer, they’d be there, caring try and you learn from them. And about my appearance, caring about that’s what you do. You get up there the stage sets and whether they and you fail and you produce white worked. It forced me to learn to pay cards in front of a white back- attention to all those things – the ground or tell a story that maybe lighting, the directing. Making those goes a little too far. On the Statue mistakes forced me to do it. And of Liberty special, there were so still, I didn’t have the years to focus many good things, but there was on all the image stuff. I think I made one piece, a story piece, that went some mistakes as far as that went.” a little bit too far emotionally. Copperfield knew he couldn’t do Looking back I cringe and think, ‘I it alone. He would have to oversee wish I hadn’t done that.’ It’s also a everything, but he needed a team good thing, because it forces you to around him, people who could look try, and to not be afraid of failing. after the details. “I’ve had many It may be a little embarrassing to people who have helped me through- look back on, but you really learn out the years. I’ve had some good from it. That experience informs collaborations,” he explains mag- the material I do today, that I think nanimously. “I’ve worked with some is better.” really amazing people, people who really contributed a lot to my work. Steven Spielberg is not a one-man band, nor is Frank Sinatra, Robert Frost famously wrote, “Two roads diverged in a Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, or Walt Disney. They had a lot of wood, and I—/I took the one less traveled by,/And that has really amazing people who worked with them. People who made all the difference.” For David Copperfield, these words, worked so hard and who deserve so much credit.” whether consciously or not, became a career mantra. When But even with a great team behind him, mistakes happen. he started, he learned his craft, but he very carefully avoided In fact, for Copperfield, making mistakes is a necessary the history. He didn’t have magicians as idols when he was part of the creative process. “I once had a brochure from beginning. “Now I love and honor my predecessors, the a theater school,” he says, thinking back. “It had a quote Robert-Houdins, the Houdinis, the Thurstons. All the giants from Robert Redford that read, ‘You’re only as good as you on whose shoulders I stand. But at my start I didn’t follow dare to be bad.’ That means taking risks their path at all. I tried to take magic in directions it hadn’t and making mistakes.” He pauses, been taken before. My heroes then were film directors and letting the importance of that sink the great storytellers.” He was walking the road less traveled in. When he continues, it’s by, and at times he felt like he was walking by himself. as if he wants to make Magic, as it was being done, wasn’t being done the way sure you un- he wanted to do it. “For me magic was about story-tell- derstand, to ing. I had never seen it done quite the way I wanted. Big learn from illusions of course, but with a personal sharing of my hopes and dreams, and the turning of every piece into a story the audience could relate to – that had never been done before.” Before Copperfield, storytelling in magic was minimal. “What stories there were, were just patter and themes about the Arabian Nights and the Princes of Karnak and the Lands Faraway. Nothing the audience could relate to and know about on a personal, emotional level.” Copperfield wanted to keep the premise a little closer to home. The musicians, actors, and directors who were his role models told about people’s personal lives and dreams. “People told what was going on in their lives in movies and music, unlike what had ever been done in magic.” As he speaks, the passion in his voice is unmistakable. He is a man who understands the need for a relatable plot. That quest led Copperfield to wonder why the art of magic wasn’t as popular as, say, music or movies. “You have a movie or a song about love or war, something that was very specific. In magic it didn’t exist.” In fact, not only was magic not current, it wasn’t even human. The posters always showed devils or imps or some other mystical force, which might have been fine in its time, but it wasn’t relevant anymore.

38 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Photo by Michael Thompson Unfortunately, success breeds imitation, and people to take a break from actually creating new magic because of wanted to see “David Copperfield” even if it wasn’t the my fear of looking like a copy of a copy. So I went off for the real David Copperfield. For the original, this was a hard past five years and I said, ‘I have to take my energy and put pill to swallow. “It was really disappointing to me, because it towards another creative form.’” magicians are really smart. It takes a lot of hard work to be This disappointment, coupled with the wisdom of years a magician. I respected magicians and I still do. It was very as a magic innovator, led Copperfield to ruminate on the disappointing that the path they sometimes take is the one idea of why this cribbing of creativity seems so prevalent in that has been traveled before.” the art form he so dearly loves. “When you go to the Louvre So he once again came to a fork in the road where he and you copy the masters, it’s to get your technique right. To had to make a decision: carry on with what he was doing, understand how they used light and shadow, to make sure and being copied for, or make a left turn and do something you have the chops as an artist,” he explains, speaking again else. Being Copperfield, he changed courses completely. with the passion of an educator. “As a singer, in a cover He started doing “Mega-Illusions.” “I was doing these big band, you have to cover these other artists before you find things, you know, vanishing the airplane and the Statue of your own voice and style. But if you want to succeed and Liberty, walking through the Great Wall of China. Every make a mark, you’d better have your own point of view. icon. Making the grand gesture. And many people started to “Houdini didn’t become famous because he was doing do the same. I thought, ‘Okay.’ just magic,” Copperfield continues. Listening to him, you “Then Francis Ford Coppola came into my world to do can hear the emphasis in his voice. He wants people to un- a Broadway show. He said, ‘Make the stories really about derstand this, not because of his personal investment, but yourself, about your own dreams and nightmares.’ So, then because it will make the field of magic better. “Houdini I did that, and then people, unfortunately, started doing that. became famous when he presented a new concept, the When I combined sensual dance with magic, using Bob Challenge Act. Robert-Houdin didn’t become famous just Fosse as a role model, where the girls would wrap around me copying other guys. He found a unique point of view, taking and we’d pose at the end and then…blackout…well, many magic off the streets and dressing a certain way, like the started doing that. people around him – that was new and different. “I had spent a lot of years doing this,” he recalls. “I needed “It’s the point of view that’s different. Cardini was unique because he was a manipulator, a really brilliant manipula- tor, playing an astonished character. I think the reason that people paid attention to me was that I didn’t copy other big illusionists of my time. I made sure I did not copy Doug Henning. Doug Henning was terrific. He broke new ground because of his personal style, and that was unique. He cared about magic and the wonder. He tried to share that wonder; my take was very, very different.”

Obviously, being different paid off. It allowed Copper- field the freedom, when he felt his public creativity was being stifled, to once again pursue a completely different path. Or three. And each in its own way was designed to return something to the world. Project Magic, Copperfield’s most public of the different paths, is a collaboration with occupational therapists from all over the world. The goal is to “give the gift of magic to people with various physical, psycho-social, and develop- mental disabilities.” Magic has long been known to act as a conduit for increasing self-esteem, manual dexterity, and for overcoming social shyness. It worked for the young David Kotkin. So the adult Copperfield collaborated with occupa- tional therapists and magicians to design a program that’s in a thousand hospitals in thirty countries around the world. On the other end of the scale, but much more directly involved with the creation of magic, are Musha Cay and the Islands of Copperfield Bay. Being the thirteenth highest- paid performer in the world certainly has its benefits, one of which is the ability to purchase a 700-acre, eleven-island chain in the Bahamas and then to create a one-of-a-kind resort destination. “We spent lots of time and created magic on it. And we did so with the same level of detail and the same amount of attention to story. My team, Chris Kenner, Homer Liwag, and Cathy Daly, spend so much time working Photo by Herb Ritts on this place; it’s just amazing. This past year it was voted JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 39 one of the top ten resorts in the world. That’s pretty amazing, think about magic creation per se. And it was really a smart because there’s a lot of really smart people building, creating thing, because now, in the past year, I’ve been working with resorts. But ours is unique.” all new material, some very rewarding stuff.” Again, you Uniqueness, however, does come with an impressive can hear the enthusiasm in his voice. “I needed a break from price tag. The minimum four-night stay starts at around it to see what would happen. And now I’m energized. All $120,000, so staying there is not for everybody. The popular the time we were creating for the island, I didn’t stop doing benefit is what it did for Copperfield himself. “I did that for shows. I kept touring and did lots of Vegas shows, but our five years, as a sorbet to clean the creative palate. I needed to creative energy went toward the island. But I still did what I’m meant to do, which is perform live. The only thing I didn’t do was create an output of new material like I did for thirty years. But now it’s really great. Now I love it. I love waking up every morning and creating new magic and doing, creatively, what I’m meant to do.” The middle path, and the one that is really of the most importance to his fellow magicians, was the creation, in 1991, of his museum. Officially The International Museum and Library of Conjuring Arts, colloquially known as Copperfield’s Warehouse, this is the most important - col lection of magical history ever assembled. Houdini’s Water Torture Cell is there, as are several of Robert-Houdin’s au- tomatons. There are over 80,000 pieces, including 15,000 books (among them The Discovery of Witchcraft, the first known English text to explain sleight of hand). It’s over- Photo by Aimée Reich whelming to stand among the exhibits and know the power and mystery being preserved there. Even for Copperfield Beach Pavilion at the resort himself, this is a special place. “It’s unbelievable. You won’t know what to say. You’ll see our entire history right there in one place, it’s incredible. These are amazing artists who went through the same challenges. I really respect them. All the positive things, all the business things, all the relation- ships. Even this idea of copying. Every single one.” Incre- dulity strains his voice. “Even famous people…It’s unfortu- nate, even Alexander Herrmann copied important portions of Robert-Houdin’s show, literally. It’s incredible. And Robert-Houdin was the inventor. He struggled with all this kind of stuff. There wasn’t as much transparency as there is today. There wasn’t radio or television, so if you were doing somebody else’s material it wasn’t obvious. Nobody could talk cross-continent. I don’t want this to be an article about stealing material, but nonetheless, it is what took me off of creating this stuff for a while. Jay Leno talked about comics Photo by Cathy Daly stealing jokes. He said, ‘You have to write faster than they can steal.’ That’s my motto. I guess I have to create faster Dinner on the dock than the imitators can copy.” At the same time, being around this kind of memorabilia is also what brought him back. “I had this amazing archive of magic and I realized that the path I took was a pretty good path.”

All of which brings us up to date. Side projects that once required Copperfield’s meticulous attention to detail are now flying without his constant supervision. The Islands are booked with guests, the Warehouse is growing with new acquisitions, and the hospitals are bringing hope to more patients. And Copperfield’s creative batteries seem to be recharged. So what’s next? In historical fashion, he responds to the question with a laugh. “I can’t talk about it now, but it’s some really cool stuff that I test out in my show little by Photo by Homer Liwag little; it’s some really new things that I hope will inspire. It’s a point of view of magic that’s unique in its own way.” Dave’s Drive-In Back in the Hollywood Theater, the audience is treated

40 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 to some of those “really cool” things. For example, there’s a new piece, a story piece, about a young girl during the Holocaust that has an incredibly emotional finale. Eleven- year-old Riley Fulton, who is Jewish and studying that time period in her history class, tears up as the effect ends. As 2012 fades into 2013, Copperfield will be putting a new show together, with new illusions, new effects, and new stories. And he’ll be back on the road, taking the show all over the globe. But this world is different than when he was first starting out thirty some years ago. Cynical audiences today are not so accepting of the wonder he is trying to bring them. “It started with all the television exposure and then it became the Internet. I respond by having multiple methods for each illusion. It takes three years to create something new; I’ll have three or four ways of completing the end result for each illusion. That’s really helpful, because if in the press or on the Internet somebody comes out with an attempted exposure, it’s not a problem. I’ll keep the illusion, but I’ll change the method, even the outcome of the effect. So I can still do my job, which is really to create wonder. And that’s what I do. “Ultimately, magic isn’t about the methods. It’s about making the audiences dream – capturing their attention so they focus and get lost in the story. Instead of thinking, ‘How did he do that?’ they’re transported and fall into the Photo by Norman Jean Roy fantasy. Then, of course, while their disbelief is willingly suspended, you can create the miraculous. But you do this as someone who is relatable. At the end of the day, I’m still my audiences to leave feeling inspired and determined to fill a guy from Jersey who works incredibly hard. My real talent their own lives with their particular kind of magic. That’s is a talent for listening and for persistence. And that’s my what it’s about, and that’s why I’m still on stage seven days message – hey, I did it. And if I did it, you can do it. I want a week.” 

Photo by Homer Liwag The International Museum and Library of Conjuring Arts JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 41 Kevin Burke in Mind-Blowing Comedy Review by Christian Painter

Kevin Burke is living the dream. No, he’s doubled the dream. He has not one, but two successful Las Vegas shows. The first is a one-man play about rela- tionships called Defending the Caveman that he performs twice a day at Harrah’s Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The second is a psychic comedy show that he performs at 9:13 p.m. at the downtown D’s Casino and Hotel (formerly known as Fitzgerald’s and the Fitz). Performing up to three shows a day, six days a week, he’s a very busy man. The Las Vegas Review Journal gives Kevin Burke’s Mind-Blowing Comedy the highest rating of any comedy show on Fremont Street. Kevin’s background is comedy and circus. He is a graduate of the Ringling Brothers Clown College and he’s a very funny man. For many years he toured the country performing in comedy clubs and colleges, honing his razor-sharp wit. I have bumped into him many times over the years and he has always been warm and friendly, like a giant teddy bear that you would win at the carnival. My wife and I have seen his show more than once at D’s; the audience always leaves clutching their ribcage from laughing so much. I thought it would be fun to pull aside the curtain and take a peek at the inner workings of his show. The showroom is on the second floor of the D’s casino. You are greeted by Melanie, his showroom manager. She is a very petite and pretty woman who greets you with a smile and takes your ticket. The room seats about one hundred people. It has a small stage that is perfect for Kevin’s act. Inside the theater is a small bar that will cater to your particular thirst. After ordering some drinks, my wife and I sat down to enjoy the show. Kevin comes out to open the show with ten minutes of stand-up comedy. He talks about Las Vegas and himself. His initial humor is slightly self-deprecating. “I still have a washboard stomach,” he proclaims as he runs his hands around his ample waistline, “I’m just carrying a load of laundry on it.” He also laments about the perfect Las Vegas casino he’d like to build called “Hell.” He jabs the audience with, “I want a sign at the airport that advertises that my casino features all seven deadly sins. Come to Vegas and go straight to Hell.” After a rapid-fire, funny ten minutes, Kevin has the audience loving him and glad they spent their money to see his show. Kevin was just beginning the first mindreading piece in the show when a latecomer made his way into the showroom. We’ll call him Bubba. Bubba noisily and clumsily made his way to a table near the edge of the stage. Kevin acknowledged his lateness with a bit of humor. Bubba immediately chal- lenged Kevin, telling him to get ready to be heckled. Bubba’s demeanor suggested he was well on his way to inebriation city. Kevin advised the latecomer that perhaps this would not be a good idea. “I can remember insults faster than you can make them up,” Kevin warned. This did not dissuade Bubba. Only a few moments later he blurted some incomprehensible interruption. A flash of irritation crossed Kevin’s face. I thought for sure Kevin was about to barrage him with a string of heckler stoppers. Kevin, however, paused and again tried to reason with Bubba, explaining that this was his (Kevin’s) show and that he (the heckler) was not adding to the festivities. Bubba quieted down. We weren’t even finished with the first psychic demonstration of the show when Bubba spouted off again. Kevin stopped, looked at him, and went nuclear. The pages of this magazine restrict me from printing the diatribe, but suffice it to say it would

42 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 down the most exciting place they have ever had a sexual ex- perience. He then had the cards mixed and divined which expe- rience went with which person. Of course, he included healthy doses of humor and quick wit, keeping everyone laughing and engaged. Kevin picked up a stack of books and offered one to a willing, happy, audience member. She selected a book and then retreated back to the audience. Kevin then involved more audience members and had a word selected. Using comedy to its fullest, it looked as though Kevin performing his staple gun routine Onstage with Anything is Possible bottle Kevin might be proven to be a have made a sailor blush. Bubba was dumbfounded. The audience fraudulent psychic. However, was shocked. They were not quite prepared for this lovable with a long pause, Kevin finished writing on a dry-erase board teddy bear of a performer to use a weapon of mass destruction and asked the volunteer to say her word. After a few rubber-faced so quickly. It was evident that the audience was uncomfortable. expressions, he turned the board around and the words matched. Would Kevin lose the crowd? The audience loved it. Kevin immediately noticed the crowd’s discomfort and His big effect during the performance was a staple gun routine. inquired, “Did I go for the #$*@ jokes too quickly?” The audience Two staple guns were suspended from a metal rack – one was roared with laughter. He had them back in the palm of his hand. loaded, and one was not. Kevin selected a perfect woman for the He had just finished his first piece when Bubba had another To- challenge. She was playful and excited. Her energy and the way urette’s-like outburst. Kevin’s orchestrated response was pure Kevin was able to play against it had people laughing so hard magic. He gave a deep sigh and looked over at Bubba. He labeled that tears were running down their cheeks. Finally, the moment him a thief and explained to Bubba and the audience that by con- was upon us, the woman selected a staple gun, pressed it against stantly interrupting the performance he was stealing money from his neck, right up against the jugular, and nervously pressed the those who came to see a good show. The speech was eloquent button. Nothing! She collapsed back with relief. Kevin had her and moving, and the audience burst into strong, harmonious take the other gun and staple a paper heart to a piece of wood. applause. Thankfully, that was the last we heard of Bubba for the What made this routine a head-scratcher was that Kevin never rest of the show. touched the staple guns. I want to stop here and explain that, as a performer, watching Kevin’s show is edgy by Midwestern standards. He drops in a how Kevin handled a potentially devastating situation was a few curse words, but nothing over the top. He stated that Vegas lesson in audience management. It was interesting to note that audiences expect an edgier show. “You have to blend your venue Kevin was keenly aware of the audience’s mood and emotional and your show together to find the correct level for your humor response to how he was dealing with Bubba. This allowed him and language,” he explained. “Being too corny and clean here to offer the appropriate retort when necessary, something we saw could be the kiss of death. It is Vegas, baby!” lacking in other Vegas shows we saw that week. Near the end of the performance, Kevin thanked the audience I interrogated Kevin after the show about the incident. This for coming to his show. His speech was expressive and articulate. was Kevin’s response: “I knew I had a few professional guests in His words wrapped up the emotions of the show and his gratitude the show and I wanted that group to see the show I had written and for everyone coming out. It was very impressive and the audience not me dealing with a drunken Vegas visitor. I wanted to deal with was moved by his genuine show of affection for the night. him as quickly as possible so we could enjoy the actual script and Kevin ended the show with the Princess Card Trick. I know tricks. As it turned out, I went for the jugular a little too quickly, what you’re thinking, but this was clever. I and the other profes- but I was able to bring it back and perform the show I wanted the sionals I was with were all laughing at the deviousness Kevin put audience to see and enjoy.” into this simple piece. The audience rewarded him with a standing After the show I talked with Melanie his showroom manager ovation as he moved to the back of the theater to shake hands with about this as well. She stated that they get one or two drunks a all of his new fans. week at their shows. “It’s just the reality of a Vegas audience. While sitting in the bar with Kevin discussing his show, two You have to be prepared for that kind of problem, especially if people made their way to Kevin to offer their praise and tell him you have a show with lots of audience participation. Kevin is that his show was one of the best they had seen since coming to absolutely a master of controlling any problem like that.” Vegas. Kevin was almost blushing as they gave him praise. “How Kevin uses his quick wit and strong comedy background to much did you pay these people to do that?” I chided. “That’s what keep every minute of the show moving and interesting. Even the makes Vegas challenging and fun in the same night. You have to premises of the tricks are steeped in comedy. Everyone wants to deal with a drunk who tries to ruin your show, but later you get be a part of the show because they know that Kevin will have lots people who want to buy you drinks all night. It’s a wild ride,” he of fun with them. Kevin includes clever call-backs and running concluded. gags that keep the show stitched together. I asked Kevin if he would include a fun trick with this review. Using postcards in one part of the show, Kevin had people write You’ll find this thoughtful piece on the next page.

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 43 The Totality of Art by Kevin Burke Presentation: Details: “What’s your name, dear? Susan! Susan, I have a gift for Obtain a small bottle (with a cork) that has a mouth with you; it’s inside this paper bag. Don’t open it yet, but do hang a diameter substantially smaller than that of the body of the onto it. It’s a surprise for later. A prediction of what I believe bottle. Make sure a folded card has enough room to sit in the will shortly come to pass. bottle in a flattened condition. Bottles of this type are available “I also have an average, ordinary deck of fifty-two cards. at craft stores. Mix them up, please, until you’re happy. Good! Now, choose Fold a duplicate of your force card, top to bottom, with the one. Which one did you get? The Six of Clubs? Great, the Six pips on the inside. (I like to use a card with a different-col- of Clubs. Hold onto that as well, while I tell you a story. ored back design to avoid any possible confusion.) Staple the “In New York City, there’s an artist who paints fifty-dol- card all the way around the edges, so that it cannot pop open lar bills onto small canvases. He takes a painting to one of without serious effort. Insert the card into the bottle by curling the stores in his neighborhood; the store accepts the painting it just enough to insert it into the neck. Push it down into the as though it were a fifty-dollar bill. He buys $48.50 worth of bottle. The card will be curled somewhat when it gets down goods, and pays for it with the painting. The store gives him into the bottle. Press it back flat by inserting two chopsticks his purchase, plus the $1.50 change he would have been due, into the bottle. Use the sticks to tease the card back into its flat as if the painting had been an actual bill. He takes the change state. The goal is to re-expand the folded card so it can’t simply and the receipt and seals them into a plastic baggie, which he be dumped out of the bottle. Seal the bottle by covering the signs and dates. cork with glue, and push it hard into the mouth of the bottle. “He then heads home and goes online to alert his collec- Grab a hammer, a paper bag, and a thick towel. You’re good tors as to the location of the painting. The collectors race to to go. the store (and here’s why the store goes along with this in the first place) and pay five hundred dollars to the store for Thoughts: the painting. The collector goes to the artist and pays an ad- I wanted to explore the idea of one person making a major ditional five hundred dollars for the baggie with the receipt artistic decision in real time that would affect the entire and change. The painting, the baggie full of artifacts, and the audience’s experience of the piece; whether or not there was process of the transactions then become the totality of that any kind of magical ending at all. I was inspired by JJ Abrams’s specific work of art. The collector takes it all home, puts it on TED talk about his Mystery Box. (Check out TED talks on display, and has a great story to tell. the Internet at www.TED.com/talks. There is a wealth of cre- “Susan, here’s where all this applies to you. You chose the ativity there.) At first, it was simply the force, the bottle, and Six of Clubs. Please open the bag, and take out the surprise. the decision. I wasn’t satisfied with that. There wasn’t enough It’s a bottle that’s been sealed at the top. There’s no way in meat on the bone. So I discussed it with writer extraordinaire or out; it’s permanently sealed. Inside the bottle is a single Jaq Greenspon, and he gave me the story of the artist. (Un- playing card that’s been folded over, with the number and suit fortunately, he couldn’t remember the artist’s name. I haven’t on the inside, and stapled all the way around the edge. There’s been able to find it. If you know who he is, please let me know no way to see what the card is, and no way to get it out of the at [email protected].) bottle without smashing the bottle. The story was the key. It gave the entire piece context, and “I’m going to tell you now: the card in the bottle is the Six provided a really nice break in terms of time and attention of Clubs. Of course it is! You’ve seen what I can do, so you between the choosing of the card and the revelation of the pre- know I’m telling the truth. But I could be lying. diction. “Now it’s time for you to make a decision, Susan. You can I was also inspired by Penn & Teller’s outstanding Honor take the bottle home, leave it sealed shut, and put it on display. System routine, in which each audience member decides for The bottle, and the process we just went through, will then themselves whether or not he or she will watch the method of become the totality of this work of art. You’ll always have a Teller’s escape from a wooden crate, or close their eyes and be little mystery in your life, because you’ll never know for sure, amazed. It’s my understanding that the marvelous Jon Allen but you will have a great story to tell. Or, you can take this has also explored this kind of idea, though I haven’t seen his hammer, smash open the bottle, peel open the card, and show work on this. everyone that it is the Six of Clubs. “What’s your decision?” Postscript: If she chooses to smash open the bottle, I wrap it in a thick By the way, if you’re going to be in Las Vegas for the towel to contain the pieces before I hit it with a hammer. I also convention this summer, you are more than welcome to walk a put on safety goggles before smashing it. Remember, safety few doors down from the Golden Nugget and see my show as first. I also make sure the glass shards are brushed off the card my guests. Melanie Kramer is my showroom manager; she’ll before Susan opens it. be happy to hook you up. Just ask for her before the show. If she chooses to keep the bottle, great! I simply say, “I (Melanie is worth meeting on her own. She was Criss Angel’s think that’s a terrific choice.” lead assistant in New York City, and was the assistant he flash-fried on TV in the Sub Trunk performance on Fremont Method: Street.) See you then!  You can force a card, right? That’s it. —Kevin Burke

44 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 45 Treasures from the Salon de Magie by Ken Klosterman Cups and Balls ironclad warships ever constructed. There is widespread agreement that the oldest non- It attacked the Confederate ironclad religious magic trick is probably the Cups and Balls. The frigate Merrimac on March 9, 1862, claim that hieroglyphs from the tomb of Beni Hasan, giving birth to a new form of naval about 2500 BCE, show this trick being performed has warfare. He served on the Monitor from largely been discredited; the interpretation that the in- the day it launched January 30, 1862, to the day it sank scriptions show bakers at work, or perhaps some sort in a storm while on the way to Beaufort, North Carolina, of game being played, is more likely. But there are con- on December 29, 1862. temporary descriptions of “pebble players” or “goblet On returning to civilian life in New York City, players” in ancient Greece and Rome who performed Henderson resumed entertaining local society, offering sleight of hand with small stones or balls of clay covered a diverse range of specialty features and conjuring. A with drinking vessels. handbill for his Wonders of Magic Drawing Room Enter- From the beginning of the fifteenth century onward, tainments lists Punch and Judy, Shadow Pantomimes, woodcuts, etchings, paintings, and lithographs show Spiritual Phenomena, Miniature Minstrels, and Tableaux the performer with his cups, balls, and gibeciére or Vivants. His magic repertoire was full of standard effects waist pocket-apron. A familiar figure at inns, fairs, and even today – the Linking Rings, card tricks, the Egg Bag, on the streets everywhere in Europe, he was called an Die through Hat, and the canister for turning sawdust escamoteur. He often worked with confederates who into candy, a trick I’m sure was popular at children’s picked pockets and committed similar sly crimes among parties. the spectators. Henderson’s cups are sturdier than most modern A great variety of cups, bowls, and cones made of versions. The unknown metal worker who crafted them wood, ceramic, metal, leather, and stiff paper have been did so with authority, because each cup in the set weighs used to cover the balls. It is not possible to establish almost one pound. Denting them is a near impossibility. when three covers became the standard set, nor when Henderson remained active in magic until the 1920s and the classic slant-sided metal cup shape became the died in New York City on May 11, 1925. standard prop (the rounded, or dome-like, cup was The second set is also from the 1800s, and as designed by Paul Fox in the early 1930s). In fact, the opposed to Henderson’s rustic copper appearance, this trick is so venerable and ubiquitous that, in almost all set is finished in a gold wash or coating and engraved cases, dating a particular set can be done only by asso- with an overall design centered on the monogram “AD.” ciation or documentation, not by design features of the The three standing cups are not gaffed, but, as can be cups themselves. seen, the fourth has a One of my favorites in the collection is a set owned very unusual feature – a by Milton Henderson, a man whose name does not loom number of spikes inside. large in the history of magic or collecting; in fact, it looms This feature was noted not at all. Henderson was a New York drawing room en- by Robert-Houdin in The tertainer whose real name was Milton H. Grannat. As was Secrets of Conjuring and common among showmen of his time, he styled himself Magic, in describing the “Professor.” But as was not common, he interrupted his methods used by Bosco. career to be a sailor These internal needles during the U.S. were used to stick into, Civil War. And he and carry away, the balls was not just on any when they were covered boat, but served with this particular cup. as a crew member This method has long since disappeared from cups and aboard the U.S.S. balls magic, as has Bosco’s fifth cup, which included a Monitor. A Union hidden compartment that, upon pressing a projecting vessel built in stud on the outside, opened and produced additional 1861, the Monitor, balls. The four-cup set shown here is of exceptional with a revolu- quality and dates to about 1870. It was owned by Dr. tionary revolving Javier Areny De Plandolit, of Barcelona, Spain, and was gun turret, was purchased at the auction of the Neil See collection for Henderson’s Cups one of the first the Salon de Magie. 

46 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 All Together Now fun using this for the ending of a card routine. The spectator stares at your iPad or iPhone and concentrates on the card. Press Since he works on cruise ships, Carl “Next,” and the card appears on the screen. Laymen really react Andrews has a lot of time on his hands. when the card appears. There’s nothing new here, but there are During the day, he obviously works on lots of possibilities. It’s 99 cents in the ideas for magic apps. The sea water iTunes app store and it works on all must be his secret because he has come iDevices. up with two more winners. The first, Smart Device is a really good Magic Draw, appears to be a drawing utility to reveal an answer. It is a app. You write a prediction of a card on scanner that can identify things such the device and place it on the table. A as card suits, gender, hair color, etc. card is named and the device is shown. Simply place your hand on the scanner, The prediction is a series of lines that press the button, and the device tells looks like handwriting that a caveman you the answer. I really like the feel would have drawn. Shake your iPhone and look of this app. It is free to try it or blow on it, and the lines become out. If you want all the features, it is animated and move to form the words 99 cents in the iTunes app store, and it naming the card. Everyone I showed works for all iDevices. this to smiled and laughed at the ending. It’s very good, novel, and com- They’re Back! mercial. If you don’t want to use cards, you can use a group of objects from The S.A.M. app MagicSAM has your pocket. I have written some notes a feature that allows you to take a about my presentation, so if you want photo of someone and have the ghost them, email me. Congratulations, Carl, of Houdini appear next to you. The this app is going on my home screen. ghost appears instantly in the photo Priced slightly higher than most apps to keep it away from the and you can email it to the subject as merely curious, Magic Draw, only for iPhone and iPad, is $10, a souvenir. but it’s worth a lot more. Find it in the iTunes app store. Another app developer has taken the “ghost photo” idea and has Without a Deck approached it in a different way. Ghost Exposure is an app that our The second app from Carl is called Paranormal Investigation Committee Virtual Deck. Turn on the “Poker would love. Take a picture with your Tell” app on your iPhone and allow the device and then add a realistic ghostly spectator to secretly select a suit and image to the photo. You can choose fifteen different ghostly a card. The device is put down on the figures. Once you doctor up the photo, you can send it to your table; just by looking at the spectator, spectator. If you perform séances, take a photo of the group, do you are able to name the card. My wife a couple of secret strokes to add the ghosts, and then show it to hates card tricks and is very knowl- the group. Attach it to an email and then have them input their edgeable when it comes to magic, but email addresses so you can send them a souvenir. For 99 cents, she was fooled completely by this one. this is an app for which you’ll definitely find a use. It’s available Think of this as a way to do a card trick in the iTunes app store for all iDevices. without a deck of cards. I can see using this app dozens of ways when I don’t Prompting You about Promtr have a deck with me. What I like about this trick is that the app is not the focus of the presentation. It is I was inundated with emails from members trying to find a utility tool and you are the one doing the trick. Virtual Deck the Teleprompter app that I wrote about in May. They couldn’t is available in the iTunes app store for $4.99. It works best on find it in the app store. Make sure you spell the app as Promtr the iPhone, although the other iDevices will work as well. and search for it in the iTunes app store. 

Promising Possibilities Found a cool gadget, app, or website for magic applications? Share your discovery with Bruce to include in a X-Card Trick is nothing extraordinary on first look, but it future column. Email him at SAMtalkBruce @cox.net. is a very useful tool for a card revelation. I have been having

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 47 A Magician Prepares... by Dennis Loomis

The Assistant’s Revenge box as far as she could go. Then the Part I front pieces of each shelf were slid into place locking her inside with a My three favorite illusions among the dozens I’ve performed series of pillories. The front door was are the Doll House, the Aga Levitation, and the Assistant’s secured with a hasp and padlock. There Revenge. When I appeared on Bob McAllister’s TV show, was a circular top on the cabinet that held Wonderama, those are the three illusions I performed. (The name a curtain, which could be pulled in a circle, of the show was later changed to Kids Are People, Too.) surrounding the cabinet and blocking the entire I first read about the Assistant’s Revenge in Will Ayling’s book view of it. Once the first person was locked inside the cabinet, The Art of Illusion (Photo 1). The illusion was the brainchild of that the other performer pulled the curtain around the cabinet. In brilliant British illusion designer and performer, Robert Harbin. It the process, he went out of sight in back and the first person (the was only a concept when the book was published; he states, “… it one who had been locked inside) came walking into view. I have is, I think, the next item I will build.” Harbin included the sche- not had much success finding information on this old sideshow matics shown in Photo 2, which shows the method. illusion, so I called Ward Hall in Gibsonton, Florida, the winter home to most of the outdoor entertainers. For years, he and his partner Chris Christ have staged productions for carnivals, circuses, and everything else you can think of. If anyone knew what that cabinet was called, it would be them. Ward and Chris said that the cabinet illusion never had a formal name. They just called it the transposition or exchange cabinet or illusion.” I don’t know who built the first Assistant’s Revenge, but in 1973 I built a version (Photo 4) within days of getting an early copy of The Art of 4 Illusion. The photo was taken very late at night after my first wife Bonnie and I finished a long rehearsal session with the prop, which Paul Raupagh and I had just finished building 1 2 and painting the day before. We were going to perform it for the first time the following My pal Bev day. In Photo 5 you can see Bergeron pointed out a sketch of us performing this early version. The sketch comes to me that there was from the Encyclopedia of Escapes by John Novak. Novak also a precursor to the As- shows a crude sketch of an open framework variation of the As- sistant’s Revenge, an sistant’s Revenge that is labeled “Mark Wilson’s Doorframe and old carnival sideshow Stocks” (Photo 6). Novak had seen it performed by the actor Jack illusion performed in the ten-in-one shows on the midway. It was a tall upright cabinet 3 that had a door in the front. Bev kindly found a photo of it in 5 his collection (Photo 3). The performer is Jean de Gene, a re- markable magician and a life-long friend of Bev’s. In an email to me, Bev provided some background: 6 “Jean and I ran together from the age of fourteen till Jean’s death a few years ago. Inside the cabinet were a series of shelves. Klugman on the second edition of the TV show The Circus of the They were split in half so that the front half of each shelf could Stars. I was skeptical that Mark Wilson himself had come up with slide out of the box through the front opening. These shelves this idea. He was always the performer, but most of his illusions were at the height of a person’s ankles, knees, waist, and neck. were built by Johnny Gaughan and conceived and staged by other There were cutout openings in each shelf that were like horizon- employees of Mark’s. To check on this, I contacted Bev Bergeron tal pillories and stocks. The door was opened, the front of each who confirmed my suspicions. According to Bev, this new style of shelf was removed, and one person stood inside, slipping into the Harbin’s original concept had been conceived by Jim Steinmeyer

48 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 and Alan Wakeling. And I was cleaning up the place, in preparation for the arrival I had independently come up with the idea of an open of the “Lady in Black.” At one point I produced a magician’s framework design in 1974. I was totally unaware of the “Mark feather bouquet and used it as a feather duster. I always thought Wilson” version as I worked on mine. My artist friend John Copley the typical gaudy feather flowers used by magicians looked more drew a preliminary version of the illusion, which you can see in like a feather duster than a bouquet of flowers. I opened a bottle of Photo 7. The prop we built from the sketch is shown in Photo champagne and filled a glass. Suddenly, the sound of a motorcycle 8. The girl in the picture is my former assistant Lucie Schubert; is heard. It gets closer and closer, and then the engine shuts off; we the open framework style of the Assistant’s Revenge was built by hear footsteps and the sound of a key in the front door. Paul Raupagh and myself, and painted by John Copley. For more “She who must be obeyed” entered, carrying a black motor- than twenty years, I performed it hundreds of times with many cycle helmet. I grabbed the champagne, knelt in front of her, and different assistants. It was always a crowd pleaser. poured her a glass. She took a But the story of the Assistant’s Revenge wouldn’t be complete sip, found it not to her liking, without a discussion of my “dark” presentation of it for my illusion and dumped the champagne over my head. She pointed 9 at the bondage framework 8 and I submissively took my position. She strapped me in as in Photo 9. She picked up a riding crop and bran- dished it. She grabbed the edge of the curtain, pulled it around in front of me, and went out of sight in back. 7 At the moment you would expect her to come into view on the other side, I appeared, carrying the riding crop. I revealed that she was locked in the frame. I raised the crop, as if to strike her, but 10 act, Dreams and Nightmares. You may know that David Copper- then froze in position as the field used that same title years later. I don’t think he had any idea result of a withering stare that I had used it way back in 1975. A young David Copperfield from her. Realizing that this saw me perform the Assistant’s Revenge when I did it at one of role reversal was inappropri- Larry Weeks’s one-day conventions in New York City. It inspired ate, I meekly walked around David, and he did an excellent presentation of it in the play he did the prop, pulling the drape in Chicago, The Magic Man. with me. The Lady in Black In late 1974, I joined an organization in Ann Arbor called emerged, and I was back in Spectacle, Incorporated. It was a group of University of Michigan bondage. students who aspired to create entertainment events and opening We had anticipated some applause at this point, but the acts for rock concerts. I was the magic specialist; I was also the audiences were too stunned to react in any way. After the stunned only member of the group with any actual performing experience. silence, the audience heard the sound of a doorbell. The Lady in The organization never got off the ground because there was little Black walked to the door (actually just out of sight in the wings) discipline and no one was any good at booking. We did manage and we heard a door open. A very brief muffled conversation to get a booking to open for Cheech and Chong in Akron, Ohio. ensued, and she returned with a package. She unwrapped it and Since most of the Spectacle, Inc. ideas were still on the drawing took out a cat-of-nine-tails. She brandished it with great relish board, the show we staged was primarily my new Dreams and and then prepared to strike as in Photo 10. At this point, the lights Nightmares act. It was a series of five illusions that had what I went out (a stage blackout) and the sound of a blow and a stylisti- considered to be very avant-garde presentations. The illusions cally enhanced scream was heard. This was the end of the scene; were: the Temple of Lights, the Doll House, the Zig Zag, the As- again, we expected applause but were greeted with dead silence. sistant’s Revenge, and an Aga Levitation. Later, a Cremation was [Next month, Dennis recounts the reaction of the magic added as the finale, the Ed and Joy Wilcox Illusion The Mad ‘atter community to “The Lady in Black.”]  was substituted for the Zig Zag, the Divide illusion by Ed Wilcox and Dennis Loomis was added, and the Wilcox Centrifuge was Copyright 2012 by Dennis Loomis substituted for the Temple of Lights. The Assistant’s Revenge was usually presented “straight,” but for the Dreams and Nightmares act, I developed a presenta- tion on a sadomasochist theme called The Lady in Black. The act opened to a simple stylized set of a living room. In preparation for the encounter, a large bondage device was on prominent display (the Assistant’s Revenge illusion). A radio was playing the song “Prisoner of Your Imagination” by Suzi Quatro. I was dressed in a kinky costume as worn by submissive males in the BDSM scene.

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 49 Magic From Scotland Edited by Ian Kendall Hello everyone, and welcome to another installment of Magic from Scotland. I’m really stoked about the two routines I have for you this month; they are great effects and are not that hard to do. I’ve been trying to get one of them for you for most of this year. Last year, towards the end of the Basic Training columns, I mentioned that there was an excellent in-the-hands version of Wild Card that was published by Steve Hamilton in Profile magazine, but wasn’t readily available. Steve died a few years ago, and Martin MacMillan of International Magic bought the rights to all his routines. The good news is that Martin is about to publish a book of all of Steve’s material (and it’s great stuff, I promise you); the even better news is that he has given me permission to teach Steve’s Wild Card routine here. I cannot think of a better routine to introduce you to the type of magic Steve created, and to whet your appetite for the forthcoming book! The second routine comes from the very fertile mind of Dave Forrest. I first met Dave at a Blackpool convention a few years ago, and I’ve been constantly amazed at the steady stream of workable routines that he has put out through his Full52.com website. The routine under discussion this month, Monterey Jacks, comes from the Fandango Volume 1 ebook; I’m sure you’ll have fun with it. A YouTube search on “Monterey Jacks demo” will dredge up a performance video from Dave so you can see how neatly the routine comes together.

Steve Hamilton was a leading figure in Scotland’s professional magic scene. Based in Glasgow, he was a full-time performer and prolific creator, who developed a large amount of magic that had been fully tested in the trenches. Although the term “worker” is bandied about a lot these days, Steve’s routines really did earn that title. Steve’s main venue was walk-around gigs, and as such many of the routines he came up with fit in with the “angle-proof and no table” rules. This version of the classic Wild Card is visual, not that difficult technically, and resets almost instantly. It’s Photo 1 a worker’s dream, and I hope you have fun with it. That said, let’s get to it.

In the Hands Wild Card by Steve Hamilton You will need a normal Wild Card set, but discard two cards – one normal card and one double-facer. This leaves you with seven cards – four duplicates and three double-facers, one side of which match the duplicates. (I’m fairly sure you knew that Photo 2 already.) One of my sets (I have several) has the Five of Hearts on one side, and a Joker on the other, and this is what I’ll be using to describe the routine. The cards are set as follows: the Fives are times, so that you are pulling a face-up card, then a face-down face up, with the three Jokers face up on top of them. This is a card, and then a face-up card again. The audience sees six cards, standard Wild Card starting point. fronts and backs (or so they seem); a face-up Five remains in your We are going to begin by counting the cards, showing six right hand (Photo 2). Jokers and one Five, using the venerable Hamman count. I Let me offer a couple of thoughts about this. When you get to covered this move in the September 2009 Basic Training column, the penultimate card, you will see the Five just as you turn your so feel free to check your back issues of M-U-M for that one (or right wrist to peel off the last face-down card. This can seem very look online if you’ve joined us since then). One important thing strange to you, and it took me a long time to get used to it. Run to remember: you are showing the cards to the spectator, so bring through it a few times; you’ll see how things fall into place and the packet you are counting up for display, which will make the it won’t be a problem! During this sequence, Steve used to keep switch of the two packets much less obvious. It’s all covered in the left-hand cards in a fan, to reinforce what was happening. I the Basic Training lesson, so I won’t go into detail here. don’t do this – I keep them square. What you do is up to you, but We are now going to create a display of the cards in the left I thought I’d mention Steve’s preference. hand. The packet is still held in the right hand in an overhand We now have a block of cards in our left hand, alternating Biddle type grip (the grip used for the Hamman count). Your left face-down Fives and face-up Jokers. The right hand holds a thumb peels off the face-up Joker into the palm and the right single Five. It’s time for the first change; the right hand holds its hand rotates outward to bring its packet back up. The left thumb face-up Five on the fingers, while the left thumb pushes off its peels this face-down card onto the face-up Joker (Photo 1), and top, face-down card onto it. The right thumb takes that card and the right hand rotates palm down again. This is repeated three rubs the two faces together (Photo 3). After a moment, the right

50 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 hand turns palm down to show that both cards are now Fives. places it under the top card of the right-hand packet (Photo 6). Still with the back of the right hand uppermost, the left thumb The order of this packet is: Five, face-down Five, double-facer, pushes off a face-up Joker onto the two right-hand cards; it is Five. Both packets are squared; the left-hand packet is held deep taken under the right fingers (Photo 4). Warning: There is a in the hand. The right hand turns its packet over, and the left massive, yet unseen, discrepancy coming up. Your right hand fingers take it in preparation for an Elmsley count. The first time turns palm up again, and as you do so, your fingers extend, you count, a Joker will show (ostensibly the face-down card you spreading the three cards: two face-up Fives and a face-down inserted into the spread just a moment ago). Perform an Elmsley card (Photo 5). The idea is that this face-down card is the Joker count again; this card will now show as a Five – as you get to it, you just pushed off, but the cards’ positions and orientations are a out-jog it for an inch and a bit (Photo 7). Curl your index finger bit off. If this panics you, there’s not much I can do about it – skip under the packet; as you turn the packet over, spread the cards this trick and move on to Dave’s trick. However, and you have to so that three Fives are seen, with a face-down card out-jogged trust me on this, no one will notice. The only way to prove this (Photo 8). Timing the turn with the spread masks the double- to yourself is to actually perform it, but I can promise you that if facer perfectly. Take out the face-down card, turn it up to show you don’t pay any attention to it, neither will your audience. They the Five, and place it face up on top of the packet. Position check will be caught up in the routine and it will fly. Trust me on this. on the right-hand packet: four Fives showing, the second card

Photo 3 Photo 6

Photo 4 Photo 7

Photo 5 Photo 8

Moving on, the bottom two cards – the face-up Fives – are down is a double-facer. taken by the left fingers for a moment while the right hand takes We are now going to transfer the packets from hand to hand its face-down card, rubs it against the Five, and turns it over to in a nice, clean way; the left fingers take the face-up packet while show that it has changed. The two Fives held at the left fingers the right hand removes the three cards from the left hand. The are now taken above the single card in the right hand. A quick left-hand packet is maneuvered into the palm (this is not a move position check: the left hand holds four cards – face-down Five, – just do it!). At this point, two things happen at once: the right face-up Joker, Five, and Joker. The right hand holds three face-up hand spreads its packet to show two Jokers with a face-down Fives, the center card of which is a double-facer. All good? Let’s card in the middle, while the left index finger buckles the bottom move on. card and gets a break above it (Photo 9). (A pinkie pull-down The left hand pushes off its top card (a face-down Five) and works here as well, but I don’t do that.) Comment that there is one

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 51 Magic From Scotland face-down card in the right hand. Place all the right-hand cards of the scooped card because if we draw the thumb all the way onto the left-hand packet and in a continuing motion turn over back, the face-down card ends up in a strange position. Try it and everything above the break, spreading the cards again. Make a see! To show the final change, the face-down card is removed, comment that on the other side are two face-down cards with a turned face up, and placed on top of the spread. All seven cards face-up Joker in between that – exactly as you would expect. Take are now Fives, and every other card is a double-facer (Photo 12). the top three cards with the right hand, and keep the remaining To reset, all you need to do is up-jog the second, fourth, and face-up cards spread slightly in the left hand (Photo 10).

Photo 12

Photo 9

sixth cards, strip them out, and flip them over onto the spread. You are now ready to go again. This is a wonderful routine, and if you run through it a few times you’ll see the level of thinking that Steve put into it. I hope you have fun with it. (You can find a video of me going through this routine – without explanation – on YouTube. Search on “mumsearchtag” to find it.)

 Monterey Jacks Photo 10 By Dave Forrest In Dave’s words, here is a great double sandwich transposi- Now for the last three changes. Rub the bottom card of the tion type effect that is surprisingly easy to do, which is always a right-hand group on the top face-up card of the left hand, and use bonus…let’s get to it. the right fingers to flip this card face up onto the spread. Do the Effect: Two cards are fairly selected, remembered, and placed same with the final face-down card in your right hand, rubbing it aside. The four Jacks are given to the spectator to hold between against the face-up card and flipping it onto the spread. You are her hands. Only now are the selections lost back into the pack. left with one Joker in your right hand; we are going to do a sort of A pair of Jacks of the spectator’s choosing are then invisibly Two-card Monte switch action. extracted from between her palms and tossed towards the pack. Slide the Joker under the top Five, and as you turn your right The pack is spread and the two Jacks are seen face up in the hand palm down, the right thumb draws the Five square with the center, flanking a face-down card. It is one of the selections. The Joker. As soon as it is square, however, the thumb pushes it out spectator now spreads the cards in her hands to find only two again, and the face-down card is placed on the left-hand spread, Jacks remaining, but there is a card face down in between them. out-jogged for half its length (Photo 11). The Five is placed on top It’s the second selected card. of this. It’s a hard move to describe, but once you run through it This is an effect that is truly over before it has begun. By the you’ll see what needs to be done. We need to change the direction time you get around to revealing the selections, which is entirely impossible to lay people incidentally, you have nothing else to do except build the effect up for all it’s worth. Believe me, this is a lot of impossible for very little effort. Method: Run through the deck and remove the four Jacks. Arrange them into red, red, black, black order from the face. Don’t reveal what they are yet, just place them aside. (I’ve worked this routine while hopping tables, and in that situation I place the Jacks into my pocket.) Hand the rest of the deck to a spectator for shuffling. Take back the deck and dribble cards into your left hand inviting a spectator to say stop. When she does, place the Photo 11 remaining cards in the right hand on the table. Take the top card of the left-hand pile from above with the right hand. Raise the hand, showing the face of the card to the spectator as you turn

52 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 your head away. When she has noted the card, place it back on top of the deck as you gesture with your right hand. Then remove the card and place it face down onto the table. Reassemble the deck and repeat this procedure for another spectator. This time though, you lift a double (two cards held as one) from the top of the left-hand cards, displaying it as the selection (Photo 1).

Photo 1 Photo 3

Photo 3 the card has been picked up under the packet and is about to be squared up against the left thumb.) Peel the next card, the second face-up red Jack, onto the deck with the left thumb, again holding a left pinkie break under it. Replace it under the right- hand cards as before; as you apparently square the packet against the left thumb, drop off all the cards below the thumb break onto the top of the deck. Continue by peeling the next card, a face-up When the card has been noted, place the double back onto the black Jack, and replace it under the right-hand cards, squaring it deck, move the first tabled selection a little with the right hand, and against the left as before. Finish by simply indicating the last Jack, come back to take the top card only (an indifferent card), placing which is face up on top of the right-hand cards. it on top of the first selection. Reassemble the pack by placing the Situation check: The audience believes that the right hand cards in the hand on top of the remainder of the pack on the table holds four face-up Jacks. In reality, the right hand holds the and then place the whole deck into dealing position in the left second spectator’s selection sandwiched between the two black hand. At the culmination of this very fair selection procedure the Jacks. The two red Jacks are face up in second and third position first selection is on the table along with an indifferent card; the underneath the top card of the deck. Ask the second spectator to second spectator’s selection is on top of the deck. hold out her hand. Place the four Jacks (apparently) into the spec- Explain that you will be using four more cards. Pick up the tator’s hand and ask her to place her other hand on top. face-down Jacks with the right hand (or remove them from your Take a left pinkie break under the top two cards of the deck. pocket); as you do, gain a pinkie break under the top card of the Undercut half of the pack from the bottom of the deck to the top, deck. Flip the Jacks face up onto the deck. You now have a break keeping the pinkie break. You are now holding a break in the beneath five cards. Take all five cards from above in the right hand middle of the deck in between the face-up red Jacks. Pick up the taking over the break with the right thumb. Also pick up the next indifferent card on the table; it is the uppermost card. Apparently, face-down card with the right thumb, keeping it separate from the this is the second spectator’s card. Place it into the rear of the others. You are holding six cards from above with the right hand. deck, below your pinkie break, leaving it in-jogged for half its The sixth card down is kept separate by the right thumb at the length. Pick up the first spectator’s card and insert it into your back (Photo 2, the break is exaggerated). You are now in position break. Allow the break to close and show the spectators the rear for Ed Marlo’s ATFUS. (ATFUS stands for Any Time Face-Up of the deck as you fairly push the cards flush. Switch. Although the move under this name is credited to Marlo, Place the deck on the table and turn to the spectator who is I understand that Alex Elmsley actually published the same move holding the four (?) Jacks. Ask whether she’d like to use the red years earlier under a different name.) Jacks or the black Jacks. If she says red Jacks, you say, “Okay, I’ll invisibly remove the red Jacks from your hand and toss them into the deck...” If she says black Jacks, you say, “Okay, I’ll let you keep the black Jacks; I’ll invisibly remove the red Jacks from between your hands and toss them into the deck...” As you are saying this you mime the actions of removing cards from between her hands and tossing them into the deck. Continue the patter without hesitation, “…where they land in the deck in a very precise position, trapping your card!” Indicate the first spectator. “Now, I’ll invisibly remove your card from the deck and toss it in between the two black Jacks in your hand!” Again, mime the actions. They will think you are joking, because there seems to Photo 2 be absolutely no way that you could have done this. Spread the deck face down on the table; the two red Jacks appear, face up in the center with one card trapped between them. Remove the Move the right hand off to the right as the left thumb peels face-down card from between the Jacks and reveal it to be the first the top card, a face-up red Jack, onto the deck. The left pinkie spectator’s card. Ask the second spectator to spread the cards in holds a break under this card. This Jack is then picked up under her hands. She should be more than a little surprised to find her the right-hand cards and squared up against the left thumb. (In selected card sandwiched in between the two black Jacks! 

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 53 The Nielsen Gallery Chung Ling Soo – The Crystal Lantern Dimensions: ½ sheet - 20” x 30” • Lithographer: James Upton, Birmingham • Date:1908 Nielsen Rating: Rare

The Crystal Lamp of Enchantment six-feet tall and two-and-a-half-feet wide. Each side was a thick piece of glass set within a bright nickel-plated metal frame. On Along with looking for ways to levitate, crush, saw into halves, the roof of the lantern was a large metal ring. Assistants turned or vanish their assistants, illusionists are always trying to find the lantern on its small casters showing every side. new ways to magically produce them. Bautier DeKolta produced “Chung Ling Soo took a flaming torch from an assistant and his wife from a small die he carried on stage in a valise. David walked up to the crystal lantern. He opened the front door – one Devant dreamed his assistant out of a giant picture frame. Chung of six panels – showing the interior, and then pushed the torch Ling Soo, “The Marvelous Chinese Conjuror,” and subject of inside so the audience could see that the glass container was this month’s column, produced his wife from a transparent glass empty. He then slowly circled the lantern with the torch, so that cylinder suspended above the stage. each transparent panel was displayed. As discussed in earlier columns, Soo was actually William “The torch was passed to an assistant as the front door was Ellsworth Robinson, an American born in 1861, who was a closed. Two cables were lowered from the flies, and these were performer, assistant, and illusion builder for Alexander and attached to the ring on the top of the lantern. Soo gave the signal Adelaide Herrmann and Harry Kellar. He achieved his greatest and the lantern was lifted three or four feet into the air. success, however, in his guise as a Chinese magician. His well- “As it swung gently, Soo reached up, grabbed an edge, and chronicled death came during his trick, Defying the Bullets, at the gave it a mighty spin. The lantern revolved rapidly, twinkling as Wood Green Empire Theater in London on March 23, 1918. each panel of the glass reflected the stage light. The magician Robinson, as Soo, with his wife and assistant Dot, as Suee Seen, took a step to one side and pulled a small pistol from his belt. had a wonderful show jam-packed with colorful and startling He raised the pistol in the air and fired three times. Suddenly the illusions. Milbourne Christopher noted that in 1909 during Rob- dark interior of the lantern seemed to fill with color. As the lantern inson’s tour of Australia, his four-hundred-pound salary was began to lose momentum and the spinning slowed, the audience twice that of the country’s Governor General. The fifty-minute doubted their senses. The patch of color became recognizable act ended with four illusions, each more spectacular than the last. as the hands and face of Suee Seen. When she first appeared, Christopher writes: she seemed to be stationery as the lantern revolved around her. “Chung shot an arrow, attached to a long, slender rope, But a second later she was seen turning inside with the lantern, through Suee Seen and into the bull’s-eye of a target. He stacked revolving in and out of the light. four eighteen-inch-square dice and lowered a long four-sided “Soo dashed toward the lantern as it was lowered to the stage cover over them. When he raised the cover, the dice were gone; again. He reached forward to steady it. As it touched the floor, the Suee Seen stood on the otherwise empty platform. An empty front door swung open and Suee Seen stepped out for her bow.” octagonal cabinet with glass sides was hauled up into the air and Space does not permit an explanation of the illusion, but it spun rapidly around. As the enclosure slowed down, Suee Seen involved a number of subtle touches, including multiple layers of materialized within it. glass, special cloth, intricate mechanics, and a specially prepared “Finally, the magician poured water into a large cauldron stage. As Steinmeyer points out, the prop was large and heavy, that was suspended from a tripod, a flame was lit underneath, almost a thousand pounds when assembled, and required four and dead pigeons, ducks, and rabbits were thrown in. With the men to lift it from the stage. Once, one of the large panels of cauldron in full boil, Soo clapped his hands, and live birds and glass – almost two feet by six – slid out of its frame and crashed animals emerged from the steam. Finally he reached into the down onto the stage like a guillotine, where it shattered, leaving boiling pot and produced Suee Seen.” a large shard of glass embedded in the stage only feet away from It is the third illusion, The Crystal Lantern (or The Crystal Soo. From that day onward Soo himself checked the illusion and Lamp of Enchantment), that we feature this month. It was in- always carried extra panes of glass. It was a pretty, but perilous, troduced in early 1908 and came from the workshops of Percy illusion to operate.  Ritherdon, a twenty-nine-year-old craftsman from Bolton, —Tom Ewing England, who operated a factory and metal-working shop. Beginning in 1902, he and Robinson collaborated to create many Sources: The Glorious Deception: The Double Life of startling illusions. Jim Steinmeyer, in his outstanding book, The William Robinson, aka Chung Ling Soo, “the Marvelous Chinese Glorious Deception, describes what the audience saw: Conjuror,” and The Illustrated History of Magic by Milbourne “The curtains swept open on a tall crystal lantern, standing Christopher. on the stage floor. It was actually a six-sided glass cabinet, about

54 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 55 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 INFORMED OPINION Latest Product Reviews Compiled and Edited by W. S. Duncan

Hold ‘em Magic Book layout, and photography look like. If you like card magic themed Compiled by Tom Frame around poker, then you will be rewarded by studying this book. Available from: www.VanishingIncMagic.com or [email protected] The Open Prediction Project Book Price $45.00 By Thomas Baxter Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Review by Dan Garrett Price $55.00

While hardbound books are not Review by Joshua Kane published as often as DVDs these days, many still rejoice in the look There are effects described and feel of a good book in their in the annals of magic history hands. This book will have a very that border on myth and legend. limited appeal, however; it is a col- They prey upon our imagina- lection of card routines with a single tions more than they do upon theme, and that theme is the popular those of our audiences, and they form of poker known as Texas Hold are the fodder for late night talks, ‘em. In that aspect this book is theorizing, and invention. They unique. inspire us to develop our own The book contains its share of versions even when they pale in the standard plot used in over eighty the comparison to tellings of the percent of all poker deal routines, impact of the original. namely, a strong hand gets beat by The Berglas Effect is that a royal flush. But it also contains an peculiar animal for our genera- amazing variety of card and mental magic presentations. Even tion, and has produced a number the appendix is fairly interesting, with its bibliography and Jason of tomes on the subject, including England’s thumbnail history of poker and of Hold ‘em. The final one by the author of the effect section also contains many fun quotes and slang expressions one himself. None of the books, not even Berglas’s own, provide suf- may find useful in scripting. ficient methods to massage myth into the moment. This is actually There is more good news. If you are a card magician you can a good thing, as a quest easily found is often taken for granted. find techniques and artifice described that will be very useful in Before the Berglas Effect, there was Paul Curry’s Open Pre- your arsenal of non-poker routines. Case in point: Paul Harris’s diction. It was the holy grail effect of its time and stoked the Seductive Switch, which is taught in the second routine in the imaginations of amateurs and professionals alike. It is Curry’s book. There are also sections on “Predictions” (mental magic), legendary Open Prediction that is the subject of Thomas Baxter’s and some great effects if you are a memorized deck user. book, The Open Prediction Project. Curry set a challenge to test A poker-sized special Bicycle card (gimmick) is included in the minds and imaginations of his peers. A card was to be named the book, adding to the value. or predicted openly by the performer before the effect began. A Contributors are varied and well-known in the world of spectator would shuffle a deck of cards and deal them face up until magic. They include John Bannon, Josh Jay, Jason England, Don she felt a desire to stop. At this point, she would place a card aside England, Ben Harris, Bob Farmer, J.K. Hartman, Michael Weber, face down, without seeing its value, and would continue to deal Meir Yedid, and Paul Wilson, to name but a few. the remainder of the cards face up. The card named before the I was fascinated by a mental effect contributed by the creative effect began was not seen in the cards turned face up; when the duo of Larry Becker and Lee Earle. This would be a fine feature spectator turned up the lone face-down card, it matched the card in a parlor or close-up performance. The only caveat is that a lot openly predicted at the top of the effect. of work is required making and finding the props needed before Several luminaries of the time put forth their methods, and one can perform it. Most of the other routines require very little Stewart James contributed twenty-five methods to Howard Lyons’s preparation. Ibidem magazine. Stewart then raised the stakes by establishing It is recommended that you perform this material for audiences seventeen stringent procedural conditions, conditions that he said who are familiar with the game of Hold ‘em. A table is required he had met with a version called 51 Faces North. Thomas Baxter for the most part. In other words, hospitality magicians and kid believes that Stewart James took the method for this variation to show performers will find little here to add to their repertoire. his grave. Others believe that the solution was found in Stewart’s You can sign up at the website and download a free PDF that papers after his death and was published in the inaugural issue of contains the table of contents, foreword, introduction, and three Penumbra magazine. Thomas Baxter states his reasons for why routines from the book. You will also see what the typesetting, he does not believe this to be the case in an appendix in the book.

56 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Baxter met Stewart James, and has long been a fan of the Open the Invisible Deck play bigger is to use a jumbo deck and to make Prediction effect. It is fitting that his fascination with the effect the real deck instantly appear on stage when needed. It’s a nice compelled him to host a contest for the best solution and to invite touch. the magic community to submit their methods. Baxter chose Fashion Statement is an actual illusion – you produce a girl fifty-one of the effects submitted to be included in what at the from an empty box – combined with a mental effect, that of time was an ebook. He filtered out previously published works, having a spectator choose what costume she will be wearing. The duplicates, and non-workable methods. He then invited purchas- concept is similar to the standard Costume Trunk, but the method ers to vote on their favorite methods and awarded a $1,000 prize is different and could be applied to many production illusions. to the winner. (The winning effect is announced in the appendix I thought the strongest routine in the book was the opening of the book, so as not to influence readers during their first read- one, First Impressions, in which someone in the audience, such as through of the book.) Contributors range from such well known the company CEO or host of your performance, thinks of a movie creators such as Barrie Richardson and Michael Weber to newer and you produce a poster of that movie. It incorporates a large but still distinctive presences such as Colin Mcleod, Patrick visible prediction prop that is easy to build, set up, use, and store. Redford, and Ben Blau. This jam session is truly an international The routine makes for a spectacular opening effect, and sets a one, with submissions ranging from Japan, Canada, England, and great tone of you being a well-rounded magician who can perform Croatia. Baxter also provides a concise history of the effect and both illusions and mental magic. an appendix of all the published and commercially sold versions The book is well-written, nicely illustrated, and includes of the plot line that he could find. This book is a fine investment decent routines throughout. Almost any magician would find it and worthy of your consideration. There are enough methods and a worthwhile read. Its shortcomings are two-fold: Although the presentations to provide a magic club with multiple evenings of ideas and routines are good, there is no real ground-breaking exploration of the effect. Think of it as fifty-one variations on a material here. It includes some very workable routines, but all theme of the Open Prediction plot. within familiar territory. My other quibble is with the $1 per page Despite the range of solutions and secrets revealed in the book, fee for your download. You are not getting a hard copy, only a it is clear that the best secrets are those that are kept. For it is only PDF file, and the $40 price tag is a bit high for the few routines while wandering in the darkness that we are compelled to strike in the book. and find our own light. Jump DVD Illusionism ebook By Frank Zheng By JC Sum Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Available from: www.lybrary.com Price $30.00 Price $40.00 Review by Antonio M. Cabral Review by Jim Kleefeld Frank Zheng is a young close-up If the title seems unclear to you, magician from Shanghai who is you’re not alone. I was half way making his debut with nine through the introduction before I original items on this DVD. realized that the word is meant to be a Jump features the standard portmanteau of the words “illusion” coin and card fare, a and “mentalism.” So, Illusionism is sponge routine with an JC Sum’s new book of illusions that endearing presentation, have a mentalism theme. If you read and one “unusual” item, this column regularly you know that a PK routine in which the I am a big fan of JC Sum’s work. performer causes a balloon to He has pioneered in several areas, burst using some kind of eldritch power. including inventing new illusions, Frank Zheng is a fine performer doing modernizing classics, and develop- decent tricks, but I’m not convinced there’s any particularly revo- ing large-scale mega-illusions. I like lutionary thinking going on here. this new ebook but I don’t think it lives up to his previous works. It’s always interesting to see how DVD producers attempt to In the scant forty-four pages (the first seven are introductory escape the standard L&L style studio shoot. Here, many of the ex- filler) he describes eight routines. All are based on combining a planation segments (and a couple of the performances) were shot mentalism effect with an illusion. Quite a few test the limits of the somewhere dark and quiet – almost too dark and quiet. It’s a little term “illusion.” I would describe most as parlor or maybe stage amusing to watch Zheng explain his methods under a single light, effects. Only two use large equipment and additional assistants. speaking at just above a whisper. It gives the whole thing a “keep In one routine, unseen forces cause a wine glass to shatter it down or Mom will come upstairs and holler at us” feel at best, under test conditions. It could be done on a tabletop. Shatter is the and at worst reminds me of the famous “I’m so sorry…” scene same effect except a spectator chooses which of four glasses will from The Blair Witch Project. It’s a little strange; thankfully many explode. Paycheck is a Bank Night effect, but with a larger kicker of the routines are shot with Zheng performing for real live human ending; Wedlock is a version of Seven Keys to Baldpate, but with beings, which is always a plus. an ungimmicked padlock. The material itself is decent, but in many places largely Although most of the routines will give you no stunning straightforward and in a couple, not straightforward enough. An insights into either mentalism or illusion methodology, the example of the latter is his color-changing deck routine, CCD. routines are mostly novel and interesting. Sum’s idea for making After performing a couple of sandwich tricks meant to drive home

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 57 the color of the deck, he performs a magic moment and reveals all neath a bowl. Mr. McBride, of course, expands on this concept the red cards in the deck have changed to red-backed cards, while and makes the whole routine a theatrical tour de force by adding all the black cards are still blue-backed. It’s a color-changing half audience participation, a masked commedia character, as well as deck routine which, while showing some creative thinking, doesn’t innumerable bits of business, many of which employ the included pack the same punch as simply changing the whole deck (or the squeaker. I should also mention that the routine isn’t “squeaky whole deck minus the aces, etc.). An example of the former too clean.” There are many innuendoes dropped concerning the straightforward approach is what he calls Matrix with Cards. It’s holding and manipulation of balls. But this is only to be expected, a coin assembly with a backfire kicker, and yes, I’m one of those because the routine is presented under the guise of a player from who says that if it’s closer to Ross Bertram than Al Schneider, the notorious Commedia dell’Arte, a theatrical discipline known it’s a “coin assembly,” not “Matrix.” More important, there’s for its ribald characters and bawdy humor. nothing going on here that hasn’t been done to death everywhere But then again, this routine can be as “squeaky clean” or as else. Then there’s Matrix with Hands, which everyone else calls raunchy as you wish; Mr. McBride concludes this recording with Shadow Coins (or Chink-a-Chink if you’re a fan of the classics). a statement urging you not to replicate the routine he has just spent Again, I’m not a huge coin guy, but I’m not so sure what it is he’s 128 minutes showing you, but to go out and find your own voice offering here that I wouldn’t get from studying David Roth. in the routine by using interests and experiences in your own life The rest of the material left me feeling much of the same. The to make the performance truly yours. This is a noble sentiment to Birthday Card trick is a cute and decent packet trick, but we all be sure, but one that will undoubtedly fall on deaf ears, because know how people feel about those. Lastly, the PK balloon trick that’s not the reason that many magicians purchase DVDs. I fear is interesting, but in performance you bring your hands close Mr. McBride will be somewhat saddened by the number of Bravo enough to the balloon that the effect bursts like the balloon itself. clones he’ll be seeing at magic competitions in the future. I’m sure it’s surprising, but I can get that effect by palming and Then again, there might not be that many, because this routine ditching a thumbtack. does require a certain amount of acting ability to successfully pull This material would probably have better been served by off. It’s a “larger than life” presentation that is quite theatrical in showcasing the performances on YouTube to let the world know nature; it is best suited to the street or a Ren Faire, rather than that Frank Zheng is a good close-up worker. Taken as a learning your typical house or office party. And most certainly, it’s not experience, beginners have better places to start and everyone something you’d get away with in a table-hopping situation, unless else is probably doing much of the same on their own already. Not it’s a very loud and flamboyant Italian restaurant. But then again, recommended. this is moot, because you’re supposed to find your own voice and not mindlessly mimic Mr. McBride’s extravagant character. Squeak Technique DVD If you currently don’t perform a Benson Bowl routine this is By Jeff McBride certainly the DVD to learn from. Mr. McBride takes you through Available from: www.mcbridemagic.com every phase step by step. He shows you how to select the proper Price $39.95 balls, bowl, and wand. The options for various types of final loads are discussed and he takes you diligently through each phase of Review by Payne the routine step by step. He shows you several training disciplines and exercises to help you learn the required sleight and proper Full disclosure: I have been, for movements required for the routine. He also provides you with the last four years, an annual an extensive resource list at the end of the DVD so that those who attendee and speaker at wish to delve deeper into this classic of magic can do so at their Jeff McBride’s Magic leisure. He also has links to some nice foam final loads I was pre- and Meaning Confer- viously unaware of and will be looking into obtaining for myself. ence. I also consider Jeff So all in all, Squeak Technique is a great DVD for learning to be a friend; he has a ball-and-bowl routine. Though it is not nearly as in depth as it done much to promote could be for learning how to use a squeaker to enhance your per- my career in magic in the formances. The routine as taught, without the flamboyant Bravo short time that I have known character doing it, is quite versatile and can even be performed in him. Of course all of this will an impromptu situation using a soup bowl and crumpled up dollar probably change once he reads bills or napkins as the balls. As a bonus, McBride also teaches a this review. method for a bill in lemon routine in which the vanished bill ends Squeak Technique is a misnamed up in the lemon that is the routine’s final load (an idea established DVD. The cover of the disc offers to teach how to by John Carney in Carneycopia). “Add the power of sound FX to your magic” and further says that The section of the DVD that is devoted to using the squeakers it “Includes sure-fire comedy routines, featuring Bravo, a squeaky is equally detailed; Mr. McBride goes into the different sort of clean ball-and-bowl routine.” noisemakers that are currently available on the market and how While all of these statements are true, I found the contents they might be used to enhance one’s performance. Personally, I of the DVD to be the opposite of its proclamation. While Mr. am intrigued with his using one in conjunction with a chapeau- McBride does show us how the supplied squeaker (he generously graphy act. provides you with two) can be used to accentuate or enhance a Overall, Squeak Technique is a good DVD. I just think it’s magical moment in your otherwise squeak-less performance, this somewhat mislabeled and might have done better if sold as a ball- portion of the DVD is only fourteen minutes in length. The rest of and-bowl routine rather than as an instructional DVD for using a the DVD is devoted to teaching his Bravo ball-and-bowl routine. squeaker. I also should mention that the squeakers are a choking Bravo is a fairly standard Benson-bowl-type routine, in which hazard, so no one under three should purchase this DVD. (But I sponge balls magically vanish, multiply, and reappear under- really don’t see that as being much of an issue.)

58 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Oil & Water World’s Greatest Magic DVD Project. This is a Various Artists specially printed deck Available from: www.llpub.com of Bicycle playing cards Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies that are gaffed to allow Price $20.00 you to perform the five tricks explained in the Review by W.S. Duncan accompanying thirty- four page booklet. The There are eight performances and deck is divided into three over a dozen methods for the Oil main groups of cards and Water effect on this volume with a few single cards of the World’s Greatest Magic as well. Of course, the series. In many cases you gaffed cards can be used can mix and match methods, in many other effects (limited only by your imagination, as they though some will blend better say). The booklet has a clean, inviting layout with forty-two full- than others. I’ll assume you color photographs. already know the effect, and if The first effect is called Deepest Sympathy. It is a version of not that you know how to perform the Sympathetic Thirteen popularized by Nate Leipzig. A deck is a Google search. shown in new deck order and the thirteen Spades are removed and On this DVD Bill Malone teaches placed into a wine glass (with the Ace of Spades showing). The two different routines, one that uses only four thirteen Clubs are shuffled by a spectator and also placed into a red and four black cards, and another using a hidden, wine glass (with, say, the Eight of Clubs showing). extra card. Larry Jennings also performs a routine using four and The Spade glass is covered by a handkerchief for a moment, four. The Jennings routine features one of the best methods ever, and now the face card is the Eight of Spades. Both Eights are a Bill Goodman handling that allows you to give a spectator the removed; the next two cards match, as do all thirteen cards. The four black cards and have her assist in the mixing. Joshua Jay gaffed cards make this eye-popping routine quite easy to do. As shares a three-phase routine with two Oil and Water sequences mentioned in the booklet, this can be a closing effect for any followed by a very visual transposition between the red and black formal close-up performance. packets. You’ll be able to happily pick and choose methods from Next is an effect called Triumphant, Helder’s take on Vernon’s any of these routines to create your own sequence. Just remember classic, Triumph. The deck is shuffled face up into face down and to keep it short. The effect can be very strong, if not overdone. all the cards turn face down except for the selected card. Trium- Darwin Ortiz’s Ultimate Oil and Water is, as you would phant takes it one step further when you turn the deck face up to expect, solid and performance ready, which is good, since unlike reveal that the cards are back in new deck order, with the selection the others it uses only six cards. The routine follows a well estab- in the right place. Once again the gaffs and some intermediate lished pattern: two sequences of the cards un-mixing, followed card sleights allow you to accomplish this jaw-dropper. by the cards mixing magically. The “ultimate” part of the routine Force of Nature offers two methods to use another set of cards comes at the end, when the entire (spectator shuffled) pack is to allow for two great effects. In one, the cards are riffled before a spread on the table to show that all the red cards are on top and spectator’s eyes and they are asked to think of a card. The deck is all the black cards are on the bottom. The pack is squared, and shuffled and the spectator deals cards face down until he stops at instantly the red and black cards alternate just as the six-card a card, which is set aside. The deck is turned face up and fanned; packet had done a moment before. the selection is not seen, and, of course, it is the card that was set David Regal has a handling that ups the ante by removing the aside. The second effect is a non-sleight handling that ends with a red cards from a red-backed deck and the black cards from a blue- written prediction being revealed. backed pack. Thanks to some clever thinking on Mr. Regal’s part, The last effect is called Cart before the Horse; it is a version this doesn’t make the effect more difficult to perform; it can even of one of Brother John Hamman’s classics, The Signed Card. The be done impromptu if you have access to two different packs of Jokers are removed and an unknown card is placed between them. cards. This is just the sort of thing to keep in your back pocket for Then a card is selected, signed, and lost in the deck. The card those late night sessions at a convention or after a lecture. between the Jokers is shown to be the signed card. This is another Finally, there’s a simple, but interesting routine using the four stunner. Aces by Dan Fleshman that I hadn’t seen before, and which plays Let me say thanks to Helder for not including an instruc- better than you would expect a four-card Oil and Water to play. tional DVD. This means that I (and you) will experience the Like most of the volumes in this series, this is a great value if you joy of playing with the cards and running through the routines. are interested in the subject matter. Although the effects are very well described, the required sleights are not. They are well credited and should be in the arsenal of The Ontology Project booklet and cards any intermediate card magician. You will also need to figure out By Helder Guimaraes how to get into and out of these effects on your own. There are no Available from: www.journalofsecrets.com presentations included; on his website Helder explains his belief Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies that it should be up to the individual to craft presentations for Price $40.00 themselves. When a talented performer and creator like Helder releases a Review by Danny Archer product, anyone interested in magic should sit up and take notice. I most heartily recommend The Ontology Project for anyone From FISM-winner Helder Guimaraes comes The Ontology looking for hard-hitting and visual card magic.

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 59 Insignia Trick no one ever lunged for the deck or requested to examine it. There by Eric Ross was no need; the basic handling and mechanics were designed to Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies avoid suspicion. Price $20.00 In his version, titled Haunted and released through the aegis of Paul Harris, Peter Eggink states that no threads or loops are used. Review by Antonio M. Cabral While this is true, a form of line is still used. The change in meth- odology does not enhance the basic effect. In Eggink’s presenta- Such is the state of the marketplace tion the handling required to use the gaff is distinctly unnatural that I get all a-flutter over such a simple and puts the heat on the gaff at the exact moments when it is being offering. I don’t mean easy-to-master, loaded and removed. The card box is essential to the primary self-working stuff (although Insignia is method he is selling and that same card box is absent from the certainly that), I mean a product that is online demo used to sell the effect. The handling is terribly suspi- presented plainly, no filler, no “bonus cious and defies the norms of how a card is returned to the deck material,” no half-baked “brainstorm- and how one handles the top half of a deck when a cut is made. ing” ideas on the DVD – heck, there’s no The deck is indeed examinable before and after the effect, but not DVD! Eric Ross’s Insignia is a $20 trick; during, and I feel both the set-up and the clean-up at the end of the you get the gimmick (that you couldn’t effect lead one to the method. The online demo is cut to eliminate make yourself without a little skill or the awkward moments. similar investment), a set of simple There is also the problem that while the initial motion of the printed instructions, and…that’s it. It’s deck cutting has a slow speed, when the spectator or performer not drenched in hype like some people lifts the top half off of the deck, the card then ejects itself at put ketchup on eggs; it’s not revolutionary and it doesn’t try to be. high speed. Eggink promotes this as a feature; I feel it creates It speaks for itself. And it simply states, “Pretty good trick.” an issue, especially since the top half of the deck must then be Insignia is a good ol’ fashioned card trick, of the “force a card, taken back by the performer. Ironically, a no-box method is find it in the mashed potatoes” variety. There’s nothing wrong also taught that in my opinion is stronger and mitigates some of with that. Penn & Teller have filled books with this kind of thing. the handling issues. You receive a DVD of instruction and two David Blaine and Criss Angel have made careers performing gimmicks, but no deck of cards. You will have to spend some these kinds of tricks. (Heck, Penn & Teller have made a career arts-and-crafts time preparing the gaff. The DVD instruction is performing these kinds of tricks.) In this case, the name of the clear and you are taught how to repair or replace the gimmick card appears on the label of a bottle of soda, where the soda’s as well as a way to integrate a version of the gaff into a stack of logo was a moment ago. That’s it. The rest is up to you. There is business cards. Be aware that the gaff can break or wear down in an “advanced” handling offered that incorporates a paddle move performance without warning and that humidity and the cleanli- of sorts to effect a visual change, but other than that, your own ness and condition of the deck can affect the speed and timing imagination’s the limit. Some folks might attempt a Card in Bottle of the movement. If you can get past the awkward handling, it (a la Larry Jennings) on top of the label revelation, some might go could be used for walk-around, because it does have a quick reset. for some spooky mental force, but in the end you get a couple of Haunted looks best when the deck is placed on the floor before it nicely printed labels with the names of a couple of playing cards starts to move, which also minimizes the chance that a spectator where “Mountain Dew” or “Coca-Cola” ought to be. This is the will reach to grab it. I am not mad about this version of Baker’s kind of card trick that even if you don’t do (or want to do) card classic effect and suspect that purchasers will not be thrilled with tricks, you might find yourself performing anyway. If it sounds it for actual performance. However, it could be of use for an inter- appealing to you, have at it, and have fun. esting moment in one’s demo or promo reel.

Haunted Trick Replay DVD By Peter Eggink By Richard Hucko Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Available from: www.thebluecrown.com Price $35.00 Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Price $20.00 Review by Joshua Kane Review by Marc DeSouza I have long been a fan of Al Baker’s The Pack that Cuts Itself, more Richard Hucko is a talented card man from Hawaii. His commonly known as The Haunted previous releases include Subtle Concepts and The Mechanic’s Pack. Doug Henning’s perfor- Shift, both with his friend Jo Saveau. He is no stranger to heavy- mance of the effect on one of his duty work, as evidenced on all of these projects. early television specials seared This DVD focuses on one effect, the Double Color Change. In the potential power of the routine essence, a pack is held with cards jogged so that two card faces forever upon my consciousness. In are in view, then both cards change simultaneously. An interest- the original effect several cards could ing concept, but is it any better than a standard color change? I be selected, placed back in the deck, guess that’s a matter of opinion. I (and many other performing and then be revealed in an eerie fashion, magicians) consider the visible change of a card to be a very com- as the deck would slowly cut itself and reveal each pelling effect for lay people. Is Replay any better? In my opinion, card. In the original, a thread was used to animate the deck. It it is not. This is similar to the conundrum of the Chinese Linking was a regular part of my teen repertoire. I was never caught, and Rings; why use eight rings to prove that you can link two together?

60 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 (If you ever see me, ask me to relate hands of cards from some past game. The audience is invited to the late Rick Johnsson’s comment choose any one of the photos, then think of any one of the cards in concerning this.) Back to this the photograph. The performer introduces an actual deck and, with effect: if you can change one very little finagling, divines the card. The DVD features perfor- card, you can change two, mances and explanations presented by Paul Rohmany and comes three four, even fifty-two. with two sets of photos, one small and one large for walk-around But let’s put that issue and parlor performances respectively. Personally, I think the large aside and deal with the effects cards are too small for parlor and not so big that I wouldn’t use taught on Replay. Hucko has them for strolling performances, but I suppose that depends on created some startling magic here. one’s pocket management. The effect itself is presented in a very He is capable of some difficult barebones format with a couple of variations. The explanations sleights and puts them to good use. On actually were over sooner than I expected. The invitation here this DVD, he demonstrates and teaches ten seems to be to take the basic “notion,” as it were, and make it one’s versions of the effect. There are several versions of own. It’s a welcome change from most of the padding I usually the Erdnase Double, which uses the classic Erdnase change as have to sit through. the basic method. He has his Standard Double and a One-handed The effect is nearly self-working in performance, with what Double. The latter uses his Mechanic’s Shift (also taught here), appears to be only a marginal chance of having to do anything which is a bit reminiscent of the Cardini Change. He also teaches resembling fishing. Slightly less enticing is the fact that you would a new color change, the Rocket Change, which he then uses to need to carry around a full deck stacked just for this trick, which teach the Rocket Double. The most magical looking of the bunch I’m guessing interferes with anyone’s pocket management. A are the Twist Double and Snap Double, which are performed with simple solution to that problem would be, if you already use a a card held in each hand; the cards change simultaneously. memorized stack, to make up your own postcards in accordance There is no attempt made at routining or presentation on this with the principle behind the trick (an oldie, but a goody) and use disc. It is all about the mechanics of the changes. Hucko is a good the stacked deck you already carry. While you’re doing that, you teacher and does his job admirably. The level of difficulty ranges might think of a good presentational reason why you’re using from intermediate to “My fingers are cramping up again.” From the postcards at all, because truthfully this kind of effect can be the technical side, the DVD is well shot with good angles, picture, achieved with a deck alone. This trick works on the same matrix and audio quality. If you love to work on challenging material to type of principle as tricks like Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Mutus show your magician friends, you’ll love this DVD. This is great Nomen yadda yadda, and even the Twenty-one Card Trick. What session material. Will you be using it in performances for laymen? the postcards afford from a method and handling standpoint is a Probably not. Consequently, I am giving it a hearty recommenda- way to streamline a part of the trick that normally would be done tion for the move-monkeys among us, but a “don’t bother” for the with a bunch of dealing and re-dealing, which will appeal to a performers. great many people. But again, the same way you’d have to justify all that dealing, you’ll have to justify those postcards. Notion DVD and Gimmick Notion is an interesting, um, “notion” that I think has a lot By Harry Monk and Titanas of potential and is waiting for just the right finish. That finish, I Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies expect, is going to be different for each performer. Paul Rohmany Price $30.00 apparently uses this trick in one of his formal shows, and I’m sure the presentation he uses there is much more detailed and fleshed- Review by Antonio M. Cabral out than what he’s presenting on this DVD. But again, the potential is there. Recommended, if you’re up to the challenge. Notion is either a mental card trick, or a piece of mentalism with cards, Roy Roth’s Executive Wallet I can’t quite tell which. I’ve Prop and DVD touched on the dodgy-ness of By David Penn and Wizard FX Productions trying to perform either in Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies previous reviews. The tricky Price $100.00 part of mentalism with cards is that the further you get away Review by Antonio M. Cabral from having your audience merely imagine or think of a card Card to Wallet is (and why a playing card, anyway?), such a strong effect that the closer you are to just being another even a dumb version of dork doing card tricks. Mental card tricks have it (openly search for no shame in being card tricks, they’re just usually the right card, palm it, the worst kind of card trick, of the “think of a number, cut off a and produce it from the packet, count through the packet, and remember the card that falls wallet) can be a solid on your number, then as I show you these cards remember another ending to an otherwise card…” variety responsible for so many beatings. The biggest botched performance. hurdle in either case is maintaining the purity of the “think of a There are a number of card” aspect. Harry Monk’s Notion gets that part right, or at least great, mediocre, and comes very close. terrible wallets on the market that try to satisfy every performer’s Notion begins with a handful of postcard-sized photographs of need or desire to have this in their arsenal without having to palm,

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 61 wear a jacket, palm, carry a big portfolio-sized monster wallet, better quality if you’re willing to spend the dough. There might be or palm…Take your pick. Some wallets up the ante by having the more to the wallet, but the makers apparently couldn’t be bothered card appear in an apparently otherwise inaccessible place, like an to inform me of it. Not recommended. inner wallet, behind a clear window, or within some other com- partment. Throwing their hat in the ring, the folks at Wizard FX Confetti Shooter Trick have brought back a design of the late Roy Roth’s, and while it By Pablo Lambertini does what it says on the tin, I’m not so sure that’s enough for the Available from: www.vernetmagic.com price. Price $25.00 The wallet itself is decently made, but it doesn’t quite feel like a $100 wallet to me. It’s one of those big, choir folder-sized Review by Payne “executive” wallets that folks may or may not be comfortable with. The layout of the various pockets is such that it might not fit your Imagine walking into the needs as an everyday wallet. While some folks might not care, center of a well lit stage. You for many it’s an economically sound choice (who has more than show your hands unmistak- one wallet for different occasions?) and takes heat off the prop. ably empty, and then suddenly, From a mechanical standpoint, the Executive Wallet works a lot with a flick of your fingers, you like a Mullica Wallet – so much so I’m not sure what the real dif- produce a shower of confetti. ference is. One immediate difference is that instead of a smaller Imagine being able to use this folding wallet, the card appears in a small snap closure holder inexplicable and sudden pro- with a clear window, of the type you might carry an ID card in. duction of confetti to augment The secret opening in this holder that allows you to load the card the vanish, appearance, or closes with Velcro. I don’t know how Roy Roth’s original design transformation of various and was constructed, but Velcro seems like an odd choice. On the ac- sundry objects held at your companying DVD, David Penn explains that in fifteen or so years fingertips. Imagine the gasps of of using the wallet, he’s never had a problem handing the holder amazement you’ll receive from your audience each time a flurry out to an audience member to open themselves (and indeed, he of Mylar confetti erupts, seemingly from nowhere. does so in the live performance). The fact that I can’t seem to get Unfortunately, you’ll really have to imagine it, because this my dexterous fingers in to remove a card without separating some thing just doesn’t work. Not dependably at least. I fiddled with of the Velcro gives me pause. It’s a problem easily solved through it for a couple of hours and could never get the desired cloud of handling and management, but it still raises my eyebrow. On the confetti to appear twice in a row. In fact, during the allotted time plus side, it is self-contained (for those of you who aren’t inter- of my trial, I was only able to get said flurry of shredded Mylar to ested in gaffing up envelopes) and it does reset easily. manifest itself a couple of times. Maybe the wallet itself isn’t meant to be worth the full $100. In Since getting this gig as a reviewer, I have stopped reading addition, you also get a full DVD explaining not just the workings product reviews because I never know what items I might get in of the wallet, but David Penn’s own routine from his “number one my queue, and I don’t wish to be influenced by the views of others. set.” It culminates in the use of the Executive Wallet, and is fully However, in this case I needed to see if it was just me who was explained. I’ve no doubt this routine has served David Penn well having difficulty working with this device, so I sauntered over to for as long as he’s been performing it, but it has little to do with the a couple of online forums to see if others were having the same Executive Wallet or its workings. Aside from some of the dubious difficulty as I. And indeed they were. I was not alone in my frus- advice he offers (his solution to handling the dead time when an tration as I attempted to get this device to function the same way audience member is signing a selection is to fill the time with more it does in the demo reel. random card revelations), you could perform this routine with any First off, the instructions tell you that you must fill the loading wallet. On top of which, instead of really delving into gimmick with the right quantity of confetti. However, they fail to the workings and possibilities of the wallet, the bulk of the DVD tell you exactly what that “right quantity” might be. They provide is spent explaining the “routine,” which is really just a string of you with a small packet of extremely hard to clean up, sticks-to- largely standard short tricks. I’m not saying they don’t work, but everything Mylar confetti, yet fail to tell you how many shots one for the average/intermediate card worker they’re not really worth might expect to get out of said packet. This would have been a the “in-depth” analysis. More important, if I’ve paid $100 for this tremendous aid in determining what the optimal amount might whiz-bang wallet, they could do me the favor of taking a little be. Perhaps a measuring device that would have distributed the time and talking about the wallet. I’m not interested in work on perfect volume of confetti should have been included. But no; the Ambitious Card, and I’m sure as hell not interested in David you’re left on your own to try to figure out what the right propor- and Craig Petty hawking Craig’s trick Quarantined as the “real” tion should be, which, by the way, is something that I never did. killer ending. That in effect tells me the wallet I paid really good That may be because there is no “shooter” on this confetti shooter. money for isn’t as strong as this other trick that I don’t have yet. I can only hypothesize, since I never got the thing to properly It’s like the “Tuttsi-Fruttsi” scene in the Marx Brothers’ A Day at function, that it relies on centrifugal force to operate; a less than the Races, except that scene was funny. Bad form, fellows. And optimal mechanism in my book. But even if this thing worked while we’re at it, David and Craig, if you know you’ve scheduled perfectly right out of the box, I still really couldn’t recommend it. the DVD shoot for that day, get a dog sitter. Or don’t have it on First, it’s expensive. While the device can be reloaded over camera. Or at least take the time to edit around all the bits where and over again, in performance it’s only good for a single shot. So you have to deal with the dog interrupting the shoot. (On the other if you wanted to spice your program up with several showers of hand, it is a beautiful dog.) confetti, you’d have to buy several of these to accomplish that. If All in all, the Executive Wallet is a hefty price tag for an item you wanted to use it four times in a program, you’d be better off you can find in comparable quality for much less cash or of much taking that hundred dollars and putting it towards the purchase

62 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 of the far more dependable Real Smoke than you would with I knew exactly how it worked and I fear many laymen will think these things. the same way. Finally, I think the price tag is far too high for this Second, it makes a noise. A very loud click or pop is heard card revelation. There is no reason why a DVD had to accompany when you deploy this thing. So unless you’re performing in a very, this trick; it could have been released with a two-page instruction very noisy hall or are accompanied with loud music, you might sheet at half the price and I would have felt better about it. Not find the sound this device makes a little less than magical. really recommended. Third, it’s extremely messy. Confetti might be the new fire, but with fire you don’t have to sweep up afterward. This thing Canned Card Trick uses tiny flakes of Mylar that are almost impossible to pick up. I’d By Bazar de Magica really have trepidation about using this in other people’s houses; Available: www.bazardemagia.com my wife is still muttering about the stray bits she keeps running Price $21.00 per pack of ten cans across in our house. I should have practiced this outdoors, but it was raining. Review by Payne So I can’t recommend this. If you’re really curious, I’m sure you will be able to pick up one real cheap at a magic swap meet So what’s there to say this summer, because it is one of those things that’s going to end about this one? As one up in the bottom of the magic drawer. might expect Canned Card is a can with a card Naked DVD with props in it. The bare bones By Salvatore Sufrate basic effect is that a Available from: www.bazardemagia.com card is selected (forced) Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies and torn into pieces. Price $35.00 The spectator is given a corner of the card and Review by Marc DeSouza the remainder of pieces are vanished. The card This is an interesting revela- appears restored in a small, sealed can. The corner matches. tion of a selected card by South I don’t see this as playing any stronger than finding the card American magician Salvatore in a wallet, envelope, or piece of fruit. And at $2.10 a perfor- Sufrate. A card is selected and mance, you’ll have to weigh the novelty of a tin can over that of can be signed, before it is lost the more traditional receptacles. In fact, the wallet, envelope, or in the pack. The magician cuts piece of fruit play stronger than this version, because there are the pack to reveal a face-up methods that make it possible for a signed card to be found in the Joker. Obviously, this is not the aforesaid mentioned trio of objects. Not so with this method. You selection, but the Joker is a wild are required to switch the torn corner of the forced card for the one card. The Joker is taken from that matches the card that has long ago been sealed in the can by the pack and placed into the Bazar de Magica. performer’s mouth so that one You receive ten cans. Each one has the corner of the card corner is held in his teeth. With sealed inside of it affixed to the outside of the can. There is an old arms extended to the side, the performer turns 360 degrees. As story, possibly apocryphal, about Dai Vernon getting this trick he returns to face the audience, the Joker is seen to have changed made up for him by a local cannery. He sent off a deck of cards to the signed selection. The card is removed from the mouth with the instructions that a corner be torn off each card and then and replaced on the pack, whereupon it can then be given to the the card sealed in the can. According to the story he received the selector as a souvenir. cans containing the sealed cards in one box, and the corners in a Given the proper conditions, this can be a clever revelation, separate envelope. He had no idea of which can went with what but I’m not too crazy about it. Why? Well, first, Sufrate released corner. another version of this same effect in the past year. In some ways, Bazar de Magica has overcome this small oversight. They’ve this is a superior method. In the previous version, the gimmick even put the corners in a small plastic sleeve before affixing them was much more difficult to use and had more “conditions” that to the can with a rubber band so they will be in pristine condition had to be met, but the signed card could immediately be handed when taken out for use. out. That cannot be done right away in this method. Both methods The cans themselves are small: about the size of a can of share the same angle problems. There are a lot of conditions tomato paste. They are labeled as containing peas; the cans are under which you cannot perform this effect without exposure. small enough to easily fit in a pocket or your close-up case. They The gimmicks provided work well enough, but will eventually look like no brand of tinned vegetables that you have ever seen. need to be replaced. My biggest issue is that the method is too The labels, however, can be easily removed and replaced. I made linear. There is an inconsistency in the position of the card from up one with the label for a can of lemon substitute I found on the “before” to “after.” This same problem occurs in many popular Web, which I think is funnier and offers more performance pos- color changes such as the Pivot Change and my own Shapeshifter. sibilities than canned peas.  The difference is that in these other changes, the card is close to the deck and can be dropped onto it, eliminating this position If you wish to have your product reviewed please problem quickly. In Naked, the card is so isolated from the deck send it to: Bill Duncan P.O. Box 50562 that it takes much longer to “correct” the position and consequently makes the issue more apparent. When I watched the performance, Bellevue, WA 98015-0562

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 63 64 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 Our Advertisers INSIDE STRAIGHT BY NORMAN BECK Axtell Expressions 45 Cost Efficient? Balloons to You 69 Price: The sum or amount of money or its equivalent for B. Happie Entertainment 4 which anything is bought, sold, or offered for sale. Bob Solari Magic 4 Cost: The amount paid or required for acquiring, producing, or maintaining something, usually measured in money, time, Bradbury Books 6 or energy. Burgoon Magic 4 You might think that words “price” and “cost” represent the same concept and mean the same thing. And they do, except Card Shark 2 when they don’t. Sometimes the true cost of a situation is way Christian Painter 7 different than the obvious price. I’ll give you an example. Most of us have dined out at places where you can buy a Elmwood Magic 33 baked potato to accompany your dinner. The price can range Genii Convention 71 from a dollar to as much as $9.50 at a really nice joint. A number of years ago I was tasked with taking a travel agent James Munton 64 out for dinner. The agent knew up front that the price of the Joe Mogar - Magic Stars 64 dinner for him was zero, because SCA (the company I work for) was going to pick up the tab. My boss likes us to take people La Rock’s Fun and Magic Outlet 10 to dinner, to learn a bit more about them in a non-business Levent Magic 32 situation. (Of course, in my case, I am at work 24/7, 365 days a year.) We were looking to hire a new travel agent; if the guy got Loomis Magic 64 through the dinner without a hitch, he was going to be our man. Magic on the Beach 2012 65 Dallas has a great steakhouse called Truluck’s; that’s where the dinner took place. John ordered stone crabs as an appetizer. M.H. Magic Magazines 49 At Truluck’s, the stone crabs come six to an order; John ate Nielsen Magic 32 five and then told the waitress that the last one smelled bad and he needed it replaced. The waitress did this in short order. S.A.M. Convention 2012 72 I am fine with that. I believe that if the food smells bad, you Show-Biz Services 9 shouldn’t eat it. A few minutes passed, and then John ate the crab that a few T.A.O.M. 2012 69 moments ago had smelled so bad that he wanted it replaced. I The Magic Cafe 3 went from enjoying my meal to paying very close attention to the actions of my dinner partner. John ordered salmon and a Tim David Magic 64 baked potato. When dinner was over he had a goodly amount of T. Myers 64 salmon and about two bites of potato on his plate. John pointed at the salmon and asked for a to-go box. The to-go box came U.S. Toy Magic 45 back to the table without the potato. John went crazy mad; the rant went like this: “Where is my potato? You threw it away? What were you thinking? You will bring me a new baked potato, and be certain to put lots of butter on it!” The waitress was stunned, and I was stunned as well. I left the table with the excuse that I had to go to the bathroom. I walked into the kitchen and informed the waitress that I did not know that jerk and that she was to charge me full price for the second spud and to add twenty percent to the bill for her tip. At SCA we spend well north of 100K a year with a travel agent; this dinner date took place at least ten years ago. For John, the deal was squelched over a baked potato. I know a con man when I see one (most of time, anyway). A man who would play the short con for a baked potato was not someone SCA would want to do business with. I thanked John for taking the time to meet with me, and gave him a ride back to his hotel. I hope he enjoyed the potato; its price was free, but its cost was at least a million dollars. Speaking of spuds: Do you know why the Idaho potato tycoon’s daughter could not marry Dan Rather? Dan Rather was just a commentator. 

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 65 i left my by steve cards at HOME marshall

the show; I would walk right on to the ‘land of make believe’ set Alan Fisher and Fred Rogers would come and greet me and take me right over to the craft services table, urging me to eat whatever I Born and raised in a wanted. Fred would also come to my shows sometimes, which small town in southwest- sent other cast members running backstage to say, ‘Mr. Rogers ern Pennsylvania, Alan is in the audience! Do you know him?’” was celebrating his sixth In the early ‘90s, Alan and his wife Margie, who is an actress birthday when his Dad’s and singer, decided to move to Nashville, Tennessee, so Margie cousin, part-time magician could pursue her career in the country music industry. “When we Melvin Bane, showed up got to Nashville we did as many shows together as we could, but and pulled a rabbit out of we didn’t always work together. When our daughter was born in his hat at the party. Alan the mid ‘90s with multiple medical challenges, Margie became a remembers thinking, full-time stay-at-home mom/caregiver and I got a day job for the “Well, how about that? first time in my life. The performing careers went on the back That’s what I’m going to do someday.” Although he never burner. I do what local shows I can now and am heavily involved worked with livestock, he did start performing shows for pay with my magic club. Our daughter’s health has improved greatly, when he was just nine years old. Saving the money he made she even assists now in shows, but I don’t know if it’s in the cards from his shows and paper route, he was able to buy a new effect for us to ever get back to full-time performing.” every other month or so. “In no time, I was booking two or three These days Alan works full time as a graphic designer for weekend shows a month by hitting all the local fraternal and Cigna Healthcare and is very active in his local magic club, The civic clubs within a thirty-mile radius of my house. I think my Middle Tennessee Magic Club in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. folks were relieved when I finally got a driver’s license so they This is where I met Alan when I presented my lecture at this didn’t have to schlep me around anymore.” club last year. Growing up in a small rural area in the 1960s didn’t give him Alan still performs shows whenever he can and keeps very much exposure to magic except the occasional Sunday night ap- active in the magic and performing communities. If you’re ever pearances of magicians on The Ed Sullivan Show. “In the very in the Nashville area, look him up; he’s a great guy with a lot of beginning all I really had was Melvin and my imagination,” Alan knowledge about the performing arts. said. “All I wanted to do was recreate in others that feeling I had when Melvin performed at my birthday party. I was always a bit The Truly Impromptu Book Test of a smart-aleck and a clown, so I naturally gravitated to that type of material.” His non-magic idols were the great comedy By Alan Fisher minds of the day: Sid Caesar, Jackie Gleason, Steve Allen, Red Skelton, Carol Burnett, Carl Reiner & Mel Brooks, along with Effect: With the help of two volunteers, the magician is able so many more. He also loved Mark Wilson’s Magic Circus and, to determine the exact word on a page in one of three borrowed in the ‘70s, it was Doug Henning that he watched with interest. books that one of the volunteers is looking at. All the props are He even got to travel to New York to see The Magic Show on borrowed; nothing is supplied by the magician. None of the Broadway. “I still have the program with Henning’s autograph books is gimmicked and there are no stooges or confederates as well as those of the rest of the cast.” Henning’s TV specials involved. were incredible to Alan, as well as David Copperfield’s, and they (Note: This routine is best performed at a private party became a big influence in shaping the way he looked at magic. “I or other social function in someone’s home when magic is loved the theatricality of their presentations.” requested, and not as part of a show where it could look like By this point (the late ‘70s), Alan was enrolled at Point Park gimmicked books are being supplied by the magician.) University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he would go on to Props: Three borrowed paperback books, a pencil or pen (it earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theater. can be borrowed), and a piece of paper or notepad (it can be After graduating from Point Park, Alan worked for four years borrowed). at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, and then toured for six years with Presentation: Have a volunteer select any three paperback an off-Broadway show called Big Bad Burlesque; he worked his books from any shelf on the bookcase. It is a free choice. way up from the “Juvenile” role all the way to the “Top Banana.” Paperback novels are the best to use; they are easy to hold and flip He also worked comedy clubs for eight years, and in between through. Also, they usually don’t have any pictures or drawings tours he did shows for the largest producer of live corporate in them. Borrow a pen or pencil and something to write on (a entertainment in that region. This producer was Don Brockett. piece of paper or a notepad). When the volunteer returns with If you grew up watching Mr. Rogers’s Neighborhood, you will the books, ask her to select another volunteer from the group and know Don Brockett as “Chef Brockett” on that show. “It was have both join you at the table with the books. Have both of them always surreal when I had to go see Don when he was filming stand or sit to one side of you. Have the three books placed on the

66 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 table along with the pen and paper. No one picks the revelation book: As you pick up the pen Pick up the first book and begin thumbing through it as you and paper, state that one of the two volunteers is going to need ask the owner about the book. “What genre is it? Who wrote it? to use those objects to write down page numbers and do some Is it any good? Would you recommend it?” These are examples simple math. Let them decide which one of them will do this of questions to ask. Put the first book down and repeat the same task. Once the person is identified, trade the pen and paper you steps with the two remaining books. Now ask the first volunteer are holding for the book they are holding. to select one book; have her pick it up. Have the second volunteer Whichever method is used, you end up holding a non-reve- choose a book. Have one of the volunteers take the pen and lation book; one volunteer also holds a non-revelation book; the paper. He will write down page numbers and do some simple other volunteer has the pen and paper, and the revelation book math with those numbers. He can either give you his book or he is on the table. can place it on the table. When you flip through the book you are holding and the Taking one of the books, you begin to quickly flip through volunteer stops you, miscall the page as M (the magician’s the pages of it, asking someone at the party to stop you whenever page number – in the example, it would be page 80). Have the he or she wants. When she calls “stop,” look in the book and second volunteer write this number down and close your book. announce the page number she stopped you on. Have the As the other volunteer flips through her book, you must stop volunteer with the pen write this page number down. Ask the her at a page number that is greater than the revelation page (in other volunteer to quickly flip through the pages of the book the example, greater than 20), but less than the revelation page she is holding; you call “stop” at some point. Ask her to show number plus 99 (in the example, less than 20 + 99 = 119). You the page number to the volunteer with the pen and paper, but can stop them on any page within that range. That page becomes caution her not to say it out loud. That volunteer writes the page the volunteer’s page number (or V). Stress that she should not number down directly under the first page number. These two announce the page number; she should just silently show it to the numbers are added together. Now ask him to circle the last two other volunteer. Turn your back if you want to further prove you digits of that total and to subtract that circled number from the are not seeing what the volunteer’s page number is. first volunteer’s page number, again not saying the answer out Have the second volunteer write this number down directly loud. This becomes the random number. Have her pick up the under your page number. (For this example, we’ll say you stop third book from the table and turn to the page that corresponds the volunteer on page 47). Have the first volunteer close her book. to the random number that has been arrived at. Then tell her to Instruct the second volunteer to add the two numbers together concentrate on the first word printed in the body of the text on (in this example, 80 + 47 = 127). Tell him that if the total is a that page. After a few moments, you announce the exact word three-digit number, he should circle the last two digits because that she is looking at. you will only be using the last two digits (in the example, the Method: Three numbers are in play here. R = revelation page circled digits would be 27). Now ask him to subtract this circled number; M = magician’s page number; and V = volunteer’s page number from the volunteer’s page number (in the example, 47 number. The numbers are related by this formula: M = 100 – R. - 27 = 20). Remind him not to say this new number, but he can V must also be larger than R and V must be less than R + 99. show it to the other volunteer, if he’d like. The two mathematical equations above are done in the magi- Bring to everyone’s attention the third book on the table, cian’s head as he thumbs through one of the books. It doesn’t which is the revelations book. Stress that this book has not been matter which book is used. The magician secretly picks a page touched by anyone (even though you and possibly a volunteer from that book (the page number must be between 1 and 99); that touched it earlier). Asked the second volunteer to remember the book then becomes the revelation book. He memorizes the first new number as it is now his page number. Tell him to put down word on the first line on that page. For example, the magician the paper and pen and pick up the third book. Instruct him to secretly selects page 20 (which is now the revelation page) and turn to his page number and look at the first word printed on that memorizes the first word on that page, which is “elephant.” page. Act as if you are trying to read his mind. Tell him to con- Continuing with this example, if the revelation page (R in centrate on the word, to see it in his mind. After a few moments our formula) is 20, then the magician’s page (M in our formula) of hesitation, reveal to all the word you memorized earlier (in is 80. (M = 100 - R, or 80 = 100 - 20). Repeat the same physical the example, announce that the word the person is looking at is movements of thumbing through the other two books and asking “elephant”). Thank the volunteers for their assistance, take the questions, so it appears you are handling each book in the same books from them as they go back to their places, and return the casual manner. books and the paper and pen to whomever they were borrowed Now you do a magician’s force to get the revelation book to from in the first place. be left on the table. Since you don’t tell the volunteers anything Take your bow. other than “pick a book,” you are not committed to their final use. Based on which books they choose, proceed in one of the Steve’s Stuff: following ways. The first volunteer picks the revelation book: After second This effect is based on The Himber Book Test by Richard volunteer picks a book, state that the remaining one will be Himber, published in Tarbell Volume 4. Alan liked the effect but yours. Ask the first volunteer to be the one to write down the found that the choice of page numbers was too limited in that page numbers. Pick up the pen and paper and hand them to this method. So Alan got out a spread sheet, did some math, and volunteer, telling her to put her book back on the table. came up with the mathematical formula above to make it feel The second volunteer picks the revelation book: After more like a totally free choice. second volunteer picks this book, state that the remaining one Get out a pencil, paper, and some books and go through the will be yours. Ask the second volunteer to be the one to write math above until you are comfortable with it; you will have in down page numbers. Pick up the pen and paper and hand them impromptu mental miracle for the next time you are out at a to this volunteer, telling him to put his book back on the table. party. Thanks Alan!

JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 67 George Schindler The Dean’s Diary

The staircase was narrow and the artists came running up and down changing and exchanging garments as they passed. I wished I had the battery concession for their flashlights, which they used for com- On the Staircase munication both on the stairs and across the stage. From where I was standing, I The passing of Cesareo Pelaez was a could see a doorway at the opposite end of great loss to the magic fraternity. The Le the stage that led to the house next door; Grand David Spectacular Magic Company it was another area for costume changes, show has been running for more than thir- props, and people running in and out with ty-five years, and I still can’t believe that flashlight signals. They came and went on all that time has gone by since I first saw cue. it. In the tradition of Fu Manchu, the pre- Seeing the show from that angle I sentation was filled with color, hand-paint- came to realize how much rehearsal and ed magic props and illusions, elaborate effort each person had to experience. costumes, and a group of dedicated per- Every move was choreographed with the formers. The show was in its early form precision of a military exercise. Looking when Nina and I first saw it. We watched down, I recognized the Divided Lady and noted that we had seen every trick in Illusion, which was the original version of the proverbial book in the first half, which Cesareo on the cover of M-U-M, August 1985 the Jack Hughes Homicide Illusion they included a barbershop quartet and loads of had added to this evening’s performance. comedy and movement, with little time to The assistant in the box was “divided” in catch one’s breath. being repainted. Also, our signature half, and each half was separated. When David Bull and Cesareo entertained Homicide Illusion did not seem to be in the halves were rejoined, the assistant was and mystified us. Nina commented, “All their show. “gone” and out came two small children that magic and no floating ball.” She was Cesareo could be very persuasive; dressed as clowns. It was brilliant, and I wrong; the second half featured David he refused to allow us to leave without would have been fooled had I been in the with the Zombie, but a classic illusion seeing the evening performance. The audience. But I was on the staircase and seemed to be missing. There was no As- bait was too strong because I would be watched all the switches happen in the sistant’s Revenge. We thought we were allowed to watch the show backstage confusion and movement of the action on kidding when we asked about it after the from the staircase on stage left. I was told stage. show, but Cesareo took us on a small tour not to move. The walls were filled with It was an experience I shall never and we saw the illusion in the storeroom hooks on which were various costumes. forget. 

68 M-U-M Magazine - JUNE 2012 JUNE 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 69 Rod Danilewicz Confessions of a Paid Amateur

in an occupation that involves no heavy lifting. All the top salespeople believe the buyer will not always choose what is best The top salespeople for them, but will settle on what they are were all in agreement comfortable with. None of us part-timers practice as much We all know the pitfalls of perform- that today’s customer is as we should. We devote even less effort to ing children’s shows outdoors. Mom may studying the allied arts and sciences. Other insist on this because she just bought new looking for three things. than magic publications, trade journals carpeting. All top salespeople are good related to our day job, sports magazines, listeners. They pick up signals about the First, they want honesty and the daily newspaper, I would wager customer’s point of view and adjust the many of us don’t read much at all. presentation accordingly. If you criticize and sincerity from It’s natural to limit our scholarly efforts the ideas of others too much, they will to topics of interest. By staying on the almost never accept your suggestions. This you. Second, they want path, however, we limit our education and sounds a lot like magician’s choice when growth, both as human beings and as en- offering someone a free selection. options, so they feel they tertainers. I commend you for the years Top salesmen never stop learning. They you devoted to learning 143 ways to force are aware that everyone knows something made the final decision. a card. I am awed by the fact that you can they don’t. They will never use the word Finally, they want the recite from memory the earned run average “wrong” in responding to your objections. of every left-handed pitcher in the National They will attempt to elicit more informa- prestige of looking good League. Now that we have exhausted both tion to determine how you arrived at your of those topics, how are you going to hold conclusion so they can refute your position in front of others. my attention for the rest of the hour? politely. The only way to learn anything new is This gentler approach would serve to go off the beaten path and explore on magicians well, both when trying to sell a your own. Look into subjects that, on the show and while on stage. Contrary to what looking good in front of others. surface, hold no fascination for you. You we have been led to believe, people do not With the exception of the honesty part, may be pleasantly surprised to learn your think it is “fun to be fooled,” especially which might prove too challenging for new found knowledge is quite adaptable to in front of an audience comprised of their magicians, the article was an excellent your magical endeavors. I offer a case in friends or coworkers. example of how a topic totally unrelated point. Listen more than you speak. People are to magic can be beneficial to us. Even if While scanning the limited selection in more likely to agree with you if you agree you don’t apply it to magic, the next time my dentist’s waiting room, I was drawn to with them first. Listen for something they you purchase a big ticket item you will an article in a magazine I would normally say that you can agree with. “Yes I agree, be aware that the salesperson was using never pick up. It was about the top one my fee does sound high. Please keep in our own magician’s choice to convince us percent of sales people in the U.S. The mind the clock starts when I leave home. the decision to buy the lime-green shag author had interviewed several top per- At today’s price of gasoline there is con- carpeting was ours alone. formers and felt their common perceptions siderable expense involved in just getting What’s the worst that can happen if we were worth sharing with the subscribers of to the performance site.” explore beyond our established horizons? that particular journal. Your message must be presented in a We learn something we didn’t know Few of us would be drawn to the format the client understands. People today before. We may also become a more inter- title: “Psychology, The Science Dealing have shorter attention spans. That’s why esting person, which in turn will expose us with Mental Processes, Both Normal news programs use thirty-second sound to new circles of potential clients. and Abnormal, and Their Effects upon bites. Keep your routines user-friendly by On a personal note, I have decided to Behavior.” Yet we use it every time we keeping them timed at no more than four retire from my day job so I can devote step on stage. But we call it misdirection, minutes. What people seek today is a con- more time and energy to magic. If there because we never know where the “s” and venient solution to their problems. are any readers in the Prescott, Arizona, “h” go when we attempt to spell psychol- The top salespeople were all in area I would like to hear from you. ogy. agreement that today’s customer is looking Especially if you own a pickup truck and My interest in the article was the hope for three things. First, they want honesty will help me move.  of picking up a few pointers to hold my and sincerity from you. Second, they want own the next time I bought a car. I am also options, so they feel they made the final Email me at [email protected] interested in how people can earn a living decision. Finally, they want the prestige of

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