January 2016

Vol. 13 Issue 1 January 2016

We meet the first Thursday of the month at Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota FL. 34237 Workshop at 6:00 pm. Officers meeting 6:30 pm. General meeting and presentation 7:00 pm.

Visit our Web Site at HTTP://www.ibmring81.com Next Meeting on Tuesday January 19th Michael Ammar

Ammar was born in Logan, West Virginia. He is of Lebanese Christian heritage Ammar earned a degree from West Virginia University in business administration in 1978. In 1982 Ammar competed with magicians from 30 countries to win the "Gold Medal in Close-up " at Lausanne, Switzerland. It was during the 80's that he developed a close friend- ship with his mentor, ("The Professor") – whose influence can be seen in every show Ammar performs. Ammar was invited to perform on Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show" – where he was a repeat guest. He moved to Los Angeles - where he became a regular performer at the Playboy Mansion, and made appearances on the Merv Griffin Show, The Tonight Show, CNN, and Travel Channel. Ammar appeared at the in Hollywood. By 1990 the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood had awarded him its "Oscar" in six separate categories (the maxi- mum number of awards for which he is eligible). He appeared on NBC's 1998 "Worlds Greatest Magic special, and has been a guest on the Late Show with David Letterman. Ammar has made private performances at Universal Studios and the Vatican. He per- formed and coordinated the magic talent at George W. Bush's Presidential inaugural banquet. He was the first featured performer at the "Caesars Magical Empire" at Caesars Palace. Ammar has performed on television in many countries, including: England, France, Canada, Japan, Sweden, Norway, Australia and Russia. Ammar helped pioneer the magic lecture tour industry, and has been lecturing to other magicians since about 1982. In 1999 Magic Magazine named Ammar as "One of the Most Influential Magicians in the Twentieth Century" On August 26, 2010, Outside Magazine cited Ammar as the "go-to source" for magic instruction. The magazine published a list of "100 Things to Do Before You Die", and num- bered 45 as "Learn a magic trick"—suggesting studying with the master, Michael Ammar.

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From the President

Hope to see you at the meeting.

Dues are to paid prior to the Ammar lecture on Jan. 19th. Please have your IBM card with you to show that your dues are current. If dues have not been paid the lecture is $20 per person. EXTRA February lecture—Saturday Feb. 13th Pop Hayden at Cigma House of Magic. Limited seating, Sign up early. $20 per person. See below for address

Jan. 19th Michael Ammar Feb. 4th Geoff Williams March 3rd Flea Market April 7th Magic Show

CIGAM “Stevie “Dee” HOUSE OF MAGIC Parties, Conventions, Support 1834 Tamiami Tr. 14 St W Graduations. Bradenton FL 34205 You name it, JONTI Head Magician He does it. Our Slight of hand, DVDs, Steve can be reached at: Lessons 941-752-9123 or Phone: 941-746-3200 FAX 941-727-7410 Members Email: [email protected]

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HARDEEN

The man who would become known as Theodore, “Hardeen” was born February 29, 1876 in Budapest, Hungary.

His real name was Ferencz Dezso Weisz. He had a famous brother whose name would eventually become one of the most celebrated names in magic history, but “Hardeen” would outlive him by many years. His brother was, of course, Ehrich Weiss — soon to be known to the entire world as Harry Houdini.

When both brothers were in their teens, Theo was added to Harry’s act and became his partner. They billed themselves as the “Houdini Brothers.” Interestingly, Theo be- came a part of the act when the original partners (who were not related to Harry) dropped out. Harry generally called his brother “Dash” which was probably because of his original Hungarian middle name. Though Dash was taller than Harry, he usu- ally stayed in the background, more as as- sistant than partner. They would almost al- ways finish the act of fairly standard magic effects with an illusion they called “The Metamorphosis.” it was the substitution trunk illusion with the two brothers making a rapid change.

Even though the Houdini Brothers were being kept fairly busy, when Harry met Beatrice “Bess” Rahner, love bloomed and brother Theo was soon replaced by the more attractive Bess. A short time later, Harry and Bess married and Theo was forced to go off on his own. He continued to per- form using the name Theodore Houdini. In the years that followed, Harry Houdini would develop his escape act and became known as the “Handcuff King.” But when Bess and Harry went off to Europe, their reputation suddenly exploded. They got so many bookings and were often held over for many weeks so they could not fulfill all the engagements. Harry quickly realized he needed an “alter ego.” He cabled his brother Dash: “Come over. The apples are ripe.”

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Continued from page 3

Dash took the next boat. When he arrived in Germany he was presented with a new name: Theodore Hardeen. Hardeen was billed as an English escape art- ist, supposedly having no relationship to Houdini. As a matter of fact, they de- cided there would be a theatrical rivalry between the two escape artists — each trying to outdo the other. It was all being done for the publicity, but it worked. Over the next five years Houdini and Hardeen were kept very busy fulfilling bookings all over Europe and in England. In 1907 Houdini sailed back to the U.S. and began working the Keith Circuit. Again he cabled Dash to come back, and his brother was quickly signed by the rival booking circuit Klaw and Erlanger. The friendly rivalry between Houdini and Hardeen continued for quite a few years, though it was Houdini who generally got most of the head- lines.

Tragically on that ill-fated Halloween in 1926, after being punched in the abdomen, Harry Houdini would die. All Houdini’s equipment had been willed to his brother, and Hardeen would continue to perform many of the escapes for almost the next twenty years. He became more famous after a spot in the long running "Hell's A Popping" Broadway review.

An amazing incident once occurred when Hardeen was performing Houdini’s famous Milk Can escape. It was a wholesale liquor dealer’s convention. Some- one got the idea to fill the can with whiskey instead of the normal water. The fumes from the alcohol were so overwhelming that Hardeen was overcome, and Houdini's ever-ready assistant, Collins, who went with Harddeen after Harry's death, had to break the locks with an ax to get the unconscious per- former out!

Hardeen would perform for the last time in 1945 when he was 69 years old. He did the Milk Can one final time (fortunately, with water.) In June of that year he entered Doctor’s Hospital in New York for a minor operation. But complications ensued and he died on June 12. Theodore Hardeen in his time was a highly respected magician and escape artist. Unfortunately, his career was eclipsed by his brother’s vast personality. It is truly sad that he never became the kind of world-famous personality that Harry became. With virtu- ally an entire library of books available on Harry and his career, little has been written about the equally impressive life of the man called Theodore

Vol. 13 Issue 1 Page 4 January 2016 Trick of the Month.

Blackstone’s Locator Card L.C. Collier in TLR May 2006

Effect: A deck of cards, the magicians or one from a spectator is briefly shuffled. A card is selected and replaced in the deck. The deck is spread face down. One card is found to be reversed. This is not the selection but the magician states that this is a locator card. The spectator removes the locator card and counts that number of cards to reveal the selection.

Setup: The bottom card must be reversed (uyfm) and sighted.

Performance: For explanation purposes assume the reversed card on the bottom of the deck is a seven. While talking to the spectator shuffle six cards to the bottom of the deck. (This is always one number less than the reversed card). Spread the cards, being careful not to expose the bottom few cards, and have the spectator select a card. Have him look at the card and if possible show it to others. Set the deck down on the table asking the spectator to cut the deck as you motion with your hands showing an ordinary cut. Have him replace his selection on the top portion that was cut. Have the spectator pick up the bottom portion and place it on top of his selection. You state, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if one card in the deck was re- versed?” They will assume it is going to be their selection. Fan the cards revealing the reversed card and act as if you’ve accom- plished a great feat. Spectator will tell you that this is not their card. You state, “I did not say that the reversed card would be your selection. I only asked if a reversed card would be amazing”. Remove the cards above the reversed card. In our case it would be a seven and move them aside or place them on the bottom of the deck. Tell the spectator, “This is a locator card.” Have the spectator remove the locator card and count down seven more cards. Have him name his selection and turn over the card at the seventh posi- tion.

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Meeting December 3rd 2015

Arnie Kropf performing a Thomas Prieto scared Dottie with Wes Meltzer and guest paper tear routine his card stab

Windy using his lung power A visitor helps Gale to locate Nick demonstrating the to inflate a balloon a chosen card Ring on a String effect

Dottie Wolfgang explaining our Al Cobb showed us a miniature Bob Banta making loops of excellent web site. Zig Zag using a soda can ropes joined together

Are you Naughty or Nice Jonti getting endless silks from his Square Circle

Jonti closed the show in keeping with the theme of the evening. Vol. 13 Issue 1 Page 6 January 2016

Arnieism of the Month Want More Magic? Tuesday evening’s magical get arniebaby wants you to know that--- A shoe manufacturer says that banana skins together is held at make the best slippers. Evies 1560 Main Street, Sarasota Your suggestions and submissions are not only ap- Betw. N Orange & N Lemon preciated they are sought. Share a trick, an event or For more information contact: anything that’s relevant to Ring 81. Dave Pitchford [email protected]

President, Ed Kaczmarek Secretary, Scott Hertrick [email protected] [email protected] Officers Vice Presidents, Gale Molovinsky Treasurer, Mike Sedita [email protected] Ring 81 [email protected]

Past President, Arnie Kropf Newsletter, Joe Floersheimer [email protected] [email protected]

A Bit of History of Ring 81—The Beginning

It’s show time! That’s what the audience heard at the Players Theatre on Saturday November 12th 1982 when Ring 81 presented “MAGIC MAGIC!” The program acknowledged the assistance of the following organization's and individuals who contributed to the success of the show: Ringling Brothers Bar- num & Bailey Circus, WKXY Radio, The Sarasota Herald Tribune, The Women’s Exchange, Archie Elliot, M.J. Pistol, Raymond and Gloria Carsky, and Robert Bay and Company with special thank you to the Master of Ceremonies and guest Bev Bergeron. The show was produced Stevie Dee (Steve Smith) and Robert Bay. It was directed by Robert Bay and featured our own Marvin Feinstein. The technical staff included Van Huff as Stage Manager, Jeff Dillon on Lights and Sound and members of Ring 81 made up the crew. The program stated the following: “The Inez Blackstone Kitchen Ring 81 is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support and promote and to seek out those who wish to participate in the art of magic and entertainment.” In 1982 the Ring Meetings were held at 7:30 on the last Tuesday of each month at the United First Federal Building located on US 41 at Siesta Key

This article was published by Jim Peterson in a newsletter a number of years ago. No publishing date was given.

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Dear Friends of Magic- The success of "Magicpalooza" can only be certain with your help. Please don't assume that all your magic-friends receive these convention updates as only a small percentage of them actually do. I have heard from some that they don't get this information. Please forward these monthly updates to all on your list, even if they are already receiving it from anothers. Thank you for your continued assistance as communication is key. Now… We knew this might happen… Magicpalooza is being extended until noon, Monday, May 30....and at no extra cost!

We have been receiving so many requests by performers who want to be a part of the convention that the only way to allow performers to do their lecture would be to have them lecture that Mon- day. So, there will be a lecture at 9:30am and the final lecture at 11:00am that Monday morning. Yes, you might have to stay the Sunday night but since the Saturday night show won't get over with until late, we know most will already be staying the night anyway, so no rush leaving Mon- day. The full schedule of Activities (lectures, contests, etc.) will be announced on the www.floridamagiciansassociation.com web site a couple of months before the convention be- cause performers and events change all the time, so stay tuned. In the mean time...

If you have seen the ads in Linking Ring and MUM you have seen a few name-acts an- nounced and boy do we have some great magicians appearing at Magicpalooza. The great Shi- mada, from Japan...Ariann Black from Las Vegas...a Celeste Evans Tribute...a wonderful magic history lecture by Mark Horowitz...The Shakespear of Magic, John Tudor...and super-star Michael Ammar will all be there. And that's not the half of it. Our first nights event will be "SideShow" featuring sword swallowers, fire eaters, glass walkers and more "oddities" as Professor Change- field takes you around the ballroom with these strange acts performing on various stages. Free popcorn and cotton candy for all! Many more name acts to be announced. During our Friday Wel- come Party (7:00pm), Dennis Phillips will be performing his Flea Circus, not once, but three times (fleas are small to see) so all can witness this "lost" form of entertainment.

Aside from the three stage shows, two close-up shows, many lectures and stage & close- up contests, we will have an afternoon Tribute to Celeste Evans. Celeste was a trailblazer of mag- ic in the 1950's & '60's. Another afternoon event, "Meet Shimada" will educate you on a success story from the East with this legend. And by the way...We only have six (6) seats left for the Shi- mada Teach-in. $100 will secure your place for a one-on-one session with this great performer. Missing lately from conventions is the Dealer's Show. It's back at Magicpalooza and the Dealer's Show will be a fun hour in allowing each Dealer a few moments to "push" the items you will want to purchase. Finally, Magicpalooza will be hosting a Panel Discussion featuring some of the star- performers in discussing what's presently happening in the world of magic, from their perspective.

All this and more surprises are on tap in a convention you won't want to miss. If you think you might want to attend, remember, a full refund will be given up to May 1st. So, don't de- lay....and please don't register the last minute because it takes time at the registration desk to make up badges and put your "envelope" together. No one likes lines! Register today. You can either register by mail or on line at www.floridamagiciansassociation.com Magicpalooza, May 27-30, Orlando, Fl...at the Universal Double Tree Hotel right across the street from Universal Studio's. Bring the family..make it a vacation!

See you all soon, Dan Stapleton Ben Mason Lynn Fitzgerald

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