July 2014 Volume 89

The Official Publication of the Dallas Clubs It’s Your !

Inside this Issue June Meeting 1 Report June 18, 2014 of the club, what they would like to see

Scribblings From The President Frank Seltzer the club accomplish over the next 3 Scribe Of The Scroll year and beyond. Suggestions called the meeting to The Prez Sez… order and initiated the addressed club outreach efforts, 4 Frank Seltzer club meeting agendas, and club "housekeeping" portion of From Back To Front the Dallas Magic Clubs. events. 5 David Knight First up for discussion was Soon after the business was 6 T.A.O.M. News the need for nominations dispensed with, the night's for S.A.M. and I.B.M. performances began with Doc BeLIEve Me 7 Dr. Mike Smith representatives for the Grimes asking volunteer Fran T.A.O.M. Board. Mike Hatzenbuhler to remove 8 cards Dal Sanders 8 Magic Maniac Squires was nominated from the deck and pick one of

for I.B.M. representative them. Fran's card was placed in What Secrets? 9 Geoff Grimes and the S.A.M. nomination remains the middle of the packet and shuffled. to be determined. Doc split the packet into 2 groups of 4 From The Vault cards and asked John Hatzenbuhler to 10 Pix Smith The business portion of the meeting turn over one of the 4-card packets continued with the creation of several 13 Lecture News committees and the assignment one at a time and confirm that the

of committee members: The selected card Gems From was in the 16 Diamond Jim Public Show Committee will packet. Then consist of Jeff Hallberg and John was 17 Summer Splash David Knight. The Annual Banquet Committee was filled asked to hold by Mark Jensen and Cinde the packet Sanders. The Internet between both Presence Committee will be hands while Harold Pulcher, Derrel Allen, Fran "invisibly" Mike Squires, and Joey pulled her card Byers. Finally, the Outreach from John's Committee will consist of grasp. In the Geoff Grimes and Rob Divers. end, Fran's card was Frank followed the committee magically assignments with an open removed from discussion around goals for John's packet the DMC going forward. which now contained 3 cards. Fran Suggestions were made and ended up with the Ace of Hearts which substantiated openly by members she initially selected. about what they would like to get out

DMC June Performances Officers

Ian Richards performed another and number (34) of Nolan Ryan on Frank Seltzer card trick by asking the back. President Geoff Grimes to George Ferrin David Knight select a card. Doc followed with a card Vice President selected a card and trick. Ian Reade Quinton returned it face up Richards Treasurer in the middle of a volunteered and half face-up/ half Dal Sanders George allowed Ian face-down deck. to supply his own Secrretry Ian then split the deck of cards for Joey Byers deck and the trick. Ian split Sgt. At Arms performed a Faro- the cards into 4 piles, Derrel Allen styled shuffle to face all the cards selected a pile, and then was Past President the same direction. However, after instructed to merely think of a card instructing Doc to wave his hands Chuck Lehr from his pile. After instructing Ian to over the deck, all cards appeared deal, count, and cut the cards, Dean of The DMC face up with the exception of the George correctly revealed to Ian Board Members: Doc's 8 of Hearts.

Mike McElroy Ian was Until July 2015 followed by Diamond Jeff Hallberg Jim Tyler Until Nov. 2014 who David Knight performed a Until Nov. 2014 numerology

T.A.O.M. routine. He presented Board Members visitor Mike Frank Seltzer Blum with a grid of numbers and S.A.M. Representative instructed him to circle one number, Until July 2014 and then cross out the other

Cameron Rivers numbers in the row and column. Jim I.B.M. Representative asked Mike to repeat this until all the Until July 2014 numbers were either selected or crossed off. Finally, Mr. Blum's that the card he was thinking was of selections were summed to equal the 7 of Spades. Wizard’s Scroll 34. In the meantime, Diamond Jim Staff made his own predictive magic square whereby summing a variety Dal Sanders of patterned quadrants also equaled Wizard’s Scroll Editor Mike's freely-selected sum of 34. [email protected] Finally, Diamond Jim asked the club Daryl Howard on who was the most famous player Wrapping up the evening's DMC Photographer of the Texas Rangers baseball performances, Derrel Allen signaled

Columnists: team. The group responded a heart-shape with his hands toward unanimously that it was indeed club member favorite Fran Michael Smith Nolan Ryan. Jim removed his outer Hatzenbuhler. Derrel dedicated the Frank Seltzer shirt to display a Rangers baseball trick to Fran, and then he proceeded Geoff Grimes shirt, proudly displaying the name to produce coins from the heart. David Knight

Scribbling From The Scribe of The Scroll

Welcome Back my Friends From The Vault To the Show that Never Ends... This month The Wizard’s Scroll is bringing back the What a month we have for you here...there is SO popular column From The Vault with a terrific MUCH good, usable news, information and magic for submission from Pix Smith and former members of you in this issue of The Wizard’s Scroll that you may The Dallas Magic Clubs called The Elders. While I not get finished until after the Summer Splash had heard of the group I did not know who the (Sunday, July 27th). members were but I did know that one of the leaders

We had a fantastic meeting in June with NEW was Tom Palmer aka Tony Andruzzi. Palmer was MEMBERS, great magic and the reaffirmation that born Antonio C. This Is Your Magic Club. We want to give you what Andruzzi in 1925 in you want. Unfortunately, we are not mind readers Cheyenne, Wyoming. (even though we occasionally perform mentalism). He learned magic at That means that you need to tell us what you want to the age of 8 from a see in your Dallas Magic Clubs. What should we magic set. From the spend more time on...what should we spend less time 1950's to the early on. Let us know. 1970's, he was a professional illusionist This is exactly what President Frank Seltzer discusses & comedy magician, in his column The Prez Sez. Last month people said adopted the name they wanted more magic at the DMC so that is why "Tom Palmer" and had there is no theme for this month’s meeting. Bring your his name legally favorite routine and share it with the group...or better changed to Thomas S. yet, bring a work in progress and share it, maybe you Palmer. He was married from 1947 to 1964 to Gloria will discover where you need to go to make it a great Jacobsen (later Gloria Marcom) for whom he routine...maybe someone will have some great idea designed her "Vampira" act in 1960. He invented that makes your routine complete. Frank is also "Satan's Seat" illusion by 1959. He won 7 TAOM planning to bring back the “Teach A Trick” portion of awards (a record) from 1959 to 1963. In 1970, he the meetings and he has something planned that you reclaimed Antonio C. Andruzzi as an alternate legal CAN do and that you WILL do. name. He began switching his performance style to The Magic Summit "Bizarre Magick" as "Tony Andruzzi" and "Masklyn ye Mage" and "Daemon Ecks". Under both names, he In November several of the leaders of the DMC are also wrote articles in Sphinx, Genii, Tops, Magick, going to Las Vegas to get the tools to become better Dope Sheet, Invocation and New Invocation. In 1988, leaders and to grow the DMC. It’s called The Magic Brian Flora produced a bizarre magick instructional Summit and it’s purpose is to improve the local magic video tape featuring Tony Andruzzi, entitled "Bizarre." club experience. Individual clubs are the grassroots of Tony Andruzzi died December 22, 1991. the entire magic community. This is where passions are nurtured through the support of fellow magicians, The magic from the Elders that Pix found and is face to face. It’s also where lifelong friendships are sharing in this Issue of the scroll is called Dai’s Die made. For more information on this idea or if you want and it is a very clever presentation. to participate go to www.magicsummit.com. TheThe prezprez SezSez By Frank Seltzer This is Your Club!

June’s meeting was great….many of you got involved and said what you wanted from the club. The main thing, of course, was more magic. As you know over the past year as Vice President I tried to keep the meetings as short as possible. This year will be no exception. Yes, there will be a few housekeeping things we need to accomplish but otherwise we are cleared for action.

After getting feedback last month, we are going to have much more magic…all kinds. Rather than having a theme, anyone (and we hope that means everyone) will participate doing a trick. A couple of the comments last month were that if the theme was, say cards, those who do stage or coins or mentalism wouldn't be that interested…so no more themes per se. After all, in our art, there are many interests and specialties. There are those interested in close-up, others interested in parlor and some in stage illusions. Within those categories we also have coins, cards, rings, escapes, mentalism—the list goes on and on. In addition there are those interested in the history of our art, or those who are collectors. All are going to be welcomed at the club and our goal is to allow all those specialties to flourish. (Oh yeah and then there are those interested in flourishes.)

So how are we going to do this? We will adopt a new format for the meetings. Our official start time will remain 7pm. But what I have noticed is that people often session in the lobby or just chat before the meeting. So while that is going on, we may delay the actual start time 10 or 15 minutes so those activities can continue. During this time, you can also sign up with the Sergeant at Arms to perform. Let Joey know if you want to do something.

When we do begin, the business portion of the meeting will be very brief (under 5 minutes) and then right into the magic.

After our break, we will bring back the Teach a Trick segment, followed by workshops on tricks YOU want to work on. If you are developing something, this is the time to do it. At Vernon’s in June, Diamond Jim was helping with classic palm tips…we could do this as part of the meeting as well. We do have a great deal of experience among our members and we need to exploit this. This is where we will also have short lectures on topics the members want.

Our overall goal for this year and beyond is to make the meetings FUN and educational.

If you have any other suggestions, please let me know. After all this is YOUR club.

Frank BackBack toto frontfront ByBy DavidDavid KnightKnight “My Destiny”

In 2007 my wife Kylie and I moved back to the Dallas area to pursue our dream of being illusionists. Leaving the Spencers was one of the hardest decisions we ever made. However, we knew that if we wanted to move forward as artists and develop our own “voice,” we had to do it.

Upon moving out here, we quickly got involved in a local church (Crosspointe). We were determined to make it as professional magicians and refused every opportunity to take on a “real job.” Fortunately that first summer, we had already booked a 10 day gig in Peru and we were able to supplement with a 3 month long stint at Six Flags.

However, by September our bookings were getting scarce and we were faced with the very real prospect of giving up chasing our dreams and take on more traditional work.

After relating this turn of events to the Men’s Group at Crosspointe, our Pastor, David Wahlstedt approached me and said he would like to meet with Kylie and I the next day. We met him in a coffee shop in Austin Ranch. He told us that he wanted to offer us part-time jobs on staff at Crosspointe. He made it very clear that it would not be a “get rich” position. However, it would allow us the flexibility to continue pursuing our path as well as an element of financial stability.

This was a huge decision for us. Do we take this job and potentially lose the “hunger” for our career? Or, do we not take the job and face the potential for being broke and homeless? Well, we did end up taking the job and it changed our lives completely. Not only did it give us the stability that we needed, it gave us a direction for our show and other areas of our lives.

That job turned into a string of events that drew us further and further into Christian ministry. I went back to school, got my Bachelor’s degree and ordained. I became the go-to guy for our pastor. I help him in the development of his sermons and even preach for him when he is out of town.

Our theatrical experience became a huge benefit to Crosspointe when they moved in 2010 to Theatre 166. We were able to help in deciding how to pull it all together and run it. We call it Theatre 166 because there are 168 hours in a week. Crosspointe reserves it for two hours on Sunday morning and open it up to rentals the other 166 hours. In our four years in this space, we have had over 400 events ranging from Magic Club to yoga classes, dance recitals, concerts and theatrical productions!

As for Kylie and I, we are still chasing our dream. Our main market has become churches and youth groups. We perform a stage show that can be 30 minutes to two hours. We are also currently looking at the possibility of working on cruise ships.

You can catch our show on August 9 at the MCL Grand in Lewisville. We will be performing 90 minutes (plus intermission) and video recording it for our newest promotional video. Go to http://knightillusions.eventbrite.com for tickets.

TAOMTAOM 20142014 NNEWSEWS

Message from the President

What's New for TAOM 2014! What's still available? LOTS of neat stuff!

Magic Camp at TAOM 2014 is a great deal for our 7-12 age group. All the events with a regular registration plus events only for the campers and possibly a chance to be on the stage for an evening performance. There are still places available for this event. If you have already registered your child for a normal event pass, contact [email protected] for an upgrade to include Magic Camp before it is too late and we will work with you.

HOUDINI tour with Arthur Moses! This event already has several attendees and may not be available when you arrive. Send a note with 'Houdini' in the subject line to [email protected] if you want to enter the next couple drawings. You must be registered and this event occurs parallel to the events at the convention. This is a rare visit back in time.

ROLAND SARLOT AND SUSAN EYED | Arizona

Roland Sarlot and Susan Eyed bring to the stage their Carnival of Illusion show full of vaudeville mystery, excitement and “an evening of worldly magical delights!” Feature performers from Arizona, Sarlot and Eyed will provide a fresh new approach to choreographed magic, music, and illusion performance. Hit performers at a recent SAM convention, see their website to learn more.

SONNY FONTANA | Las Vegas

Sonny Fontana started his grand love affair with magic at the age of 17 and has since has also become the world's foremost expert in the ancient art of hand shadows. He was selected by Francis Ford Coppola to act as the "Shadow Consultant" for his amazing movie Dracula. He has performed his Shadow Act in 38 countries and has been featured in many showrooms in Las Vegas. His Telephone Magic Act won an award at the F.I.S.M. DANA DANIELS | California Convention in Dresden Germany. His latest creative endeavour is bringing the Invisible Man live to the stage. Dana Daniels, teamed with his Psychic Parrot Luigi ( yes, a He has had the pleasure of getting many accolades from Psychic Parrot ), have been motivating and entertaining at celebrities that have seen him perform. Some of them Corporate events around the country for companies such include, Robert Duval, Gloria Estefan, Nicholas Cage, as McDonald’s, Lincoln Financial and Frito-Lay. With Dana Anthony Hopkins, Gary Oldman, Keanu Reeves, Kenny as the comedian, and Luigi as the straight bird, the Rogers, Penn & Teller, Levar Burton and Jay Leno. duo never fail to fracture an audience with laughter. Dana sets out to prove his little green friend is truly clairvoyant by performing incredible magic blended with rapid-fire clean comedy and audience participation. BeLIEve Me, But Cut The Cards: A Psychology of Deception for Magicians Michael Smith

Part 23

WOW!!!

“Magic, perhaps more than any other art form, has the ability to tear a hole in our maps of reality.” David Parr, Brain Food, 1998, p. 81

“People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning of life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive…so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.” Joseph Campbell, The Power of Myth, 1988, p. 5

Plato was wrong!!! Wrong!!! Wrong!!! In his Republic, Plato (427-347 BC) contended that lovers of the arts are bewitched by the deceptions of the senses, saying that they are the “victims of magic.” He is arguing that philosophy is about truth and magic is about the false. But later he then says something remarkable in Theaetetus, “the sense of wonder is the mark of the philosopher.”

This month I want us to consider wonder, awe, astonishment, marvel, curiosity, and surprise. In other words, the feeling of WOW!!! I think this is important to us magicians for three reasons: (1) most of us were first drawn to this art form because we experienced those feelings ourselves; and (2) we want to continue to experience those feelings; and (3) those feelings are what we want to help create in those who see our magic. In other words we want to “feel the rapture of being alive.”

Rene Descartes (1596- 1650), French philosopher and mathematician and considered the father of modern philosophy, in his The Passions of the Soul argues that wonder is “the first of all passions.” Without wonder to inspire the other passions (love, hatred, desire, joy, and sadness), we don’t feel them as passions and our lives are diminished. (For an excellent explanation of this written for magicians see “Ways of Wonder: Philosophy and the Art of Magic,” in Transformations: Creating Magic Out of Tricks , Larry Hass, 2007, pp. 151-161.)

Our word wow is from an 16th century Scottish word. Robert Burns used it in 1791 in his poem, “Tam o’ Shanter”: “An’, wow! Tam saw an unco sight!” (Unco means strange and unfamiliar). The dictionary has three meanings for wow: (1) an indication of excitement or surprise; (2) an expression of amazement or awe; and (3) used sarcastically to express disapproval of something (as in “Wow! I can’t believe you would do such a thing).

What I want to experience and what I want my audiences to experience are found in the first two definitions. I don’t want to experience or my audience to experience the third definition. (I do occasionally hear this from my wife!!) So the task is great. What can we do to so deepen our magical methods and presentations to make this response more likely? I close with these words from Anne Lamott from her remarkable little book, Help, Thanks, Wow: the Three Essential Prayers, 2012, p. 73.

“When we are stunned to the place beyond words, we’re finally starting to get somewhere. It is so much more comfortable to think that we know what it all means, what to expect and how it all hangs together. When we are stunned to the place beyond words, when an aspect of life takes us away from being able to chip away at something until it’s down to a manageable size and then to file it nicely away, when all we can say in response is ‘Wow,’ that’s a prayer.”

Until next time, remember to cut the cards.

—Mike I just returned from the IBM-SAM Combined on the continent and got The US Congress to Convention in St Louis where I turned the job of recognize magic as an art.

President of The Society of American Magicians over As President of the S.A.M. I visited New York City, to Kenrick “Ice” McDonald. Washington DC (2 Times), Boston, Hartford (CT), My year as President was a Los Angeles (3 times), Las Vegas (2 times), London, lot of fun…and a lot of work. Blackpool, Omaha (NB), Tulsa, Oklahoma City, I will still be involved in the Nashville, Atlanta, Tucson (AZ), Phoenix, Austin, Fort S.A.M. as the Director of Worth, Houston, Minneapolis/St Paul (MN), Marketing, with Convention Columbus (OH), Springfield (MA), Boca Raton (FL) Publicity and I will be and many other cities. In most of these places I either working with PNP Brad lectured or performed. Jacobs on F.I.S.M. Business. The amazing thing is that all of this was accomplished and I’m still married and I still got to We got a lot of positive things done this past year perform over 410 shows this year (all though that is including ratifying a statement against Cyber Bullying, down about 140 from the previous year). All in all, it taking on the maintenance of Houdini’s Gravesite in has been quite a year and I have had a wonderful New York and demonstrating the connection between time because I have had a wonderful team. Science and Magic for over 300,000 kids at the USA I was mindful the whole time that my run through the chairs that led to my time as President of The World’s Oldest and Most Prestigious Magic Organization started right here with The Dallas Magic Clubs. You were the people who nominated me and supported me the whole way. I will always be grateful. I also got a couple of items in my collection that Mark Jensen does not have. One is a leather bound book with all the M-U-Ms from my year as President. The Science & Technology Festival in Washington DC. other is the We also have put in place several new partnerships Houdini Bust that will make the SAM’s extensive Video and Media that is given to library available to all members online, bring new all Past magic lectures to Assemblies across the nation and Presidents of the give the leaders of magic clubs the training and the S.A.M. I’ll show tools to make their local clubs more fun. We them to you at partnered with the International Brotherhood of the Summer Magicians to produce the Largest Magic Convention Splash. What Secrets?” by Geoff Grimes I totally agree with the principle of protecting the secrets groundswell of a new interest in magic among the kids, of magic. It's an issue, for sure, for our magic club at superficial as it may be, probably for most. However, I the college and for those clubs in other schools and think we have to acknowledge it as the whole bevy of colleges. It's an issue for every "magic camp" new young "street" magicians dig for their decks of sponsored by shops. Even though the kids and their cards during middle school recess periods. Quite parents may buy the youngsters their props (mine did— frankly, I believe it is they who are probably driving and that's how I got into magic), most walk away from it with nurturing the next few generations of magicians. They the secrets they learned in their pockets, and some, I'm are fed, of course, by the young bucks like Adam Rose sure, will someday bark out the response (as I have and his clan who strut their imaginative new tricks already heard), "Oh! He's got a fake thumb." That's through "ellusionist.com" and the like. I would like to when the lesson of protecting the secrets from the think that it becomes our new role for these young folks "merely curious" really comes home, and its negligence to set the standards through performance for what bites us. really fine magical pieces can become when performed

The implication of universally prohibiting the by seasoned, practiced, and experienced magical of magical secrets suggests that we probably ought not entertainers. I suspect, however, much to my own create magic clubs, especially for youngsters, that lament, that is not and will not be the case, that right maybe we should close all shops open to the public to now, in fact, it's the "Adam Roses" who are setting the which the eager (but initially, only curious) kids and standards for the new generation of young magic enthusiasts. their parents flock each weekend. I really don't think that's what the “secrets” police mean for us to do, but Another result of this wholesale broadcasting, it seems that's where the "slippery slope" line of argument might to me, is favorable to magic entertainment. We have a take one. Maybe in a college setting an alternative new generation of "30-sump'in" parents in the more might be to require a sizeable deposit that is refundable affluent suburbs who are "renting" more magicians for only if the apprentice demonstrates by mastery of a set their kids' birthday parties, competing, of course, with of routines that he or she is truly interested in magic. the outdoor "jump houses," clowns, balloon artists, and Then, after a public performance (as we require for balloon artist-clowns for the available tip money (all of membership in many of our adult clubs), the student which I had to contend with several weekends past! receives his/her refund--just a thought. Others who sign However, as I was setting up under a tent behind the up for the club are introduced to the history of magic, swimming pool, one father and his five year old came view DVD's of past magical performances (sans through the back gate, remarking, "Hey, Doc! I've seen "explanations"), or get to watch the sponsor perform a your show four times now! I was the one who set or two of magic. recommended you for this party!"). So fortunate as this

The other side of this issue, however, is the widespread growing trend seems to be, that the major commercial "theft" and broadcast of magic secrets through popular thrust for Main and Fun Company in and social media, exposing even the classics of magic McKinney will now be on providing magical to the general public. Because that is virtually entertainment for this magically-engaged community. impossible to police, at a practical level, our insistence Another response to this rising interest is that the Fort of holding on to the principle of secrecy is rather a moot Worth Magicians Club just last year committed itself to and somewhat archaic exercise, a tradition at least one public performance per year--pasting that commitment as an objective into its very bylaws! comparable, perhaps to the tradition of wearing silly robes and parading in graduation exercises each Maybe I appear to be straying. Where were we? spring. We still do it out of tradition, but I think fewer "Protecting magic secrets from the merely curious." folks who come to applaud their graduates give much "Magic is not an evangelical art." I guess I am thought or could care a whit for these ancient beginning to realize even the suggestion of formalities. The whole arena of magical entertainment "evangelicalism" is becoming an irrelevant issue; in the has been exposed for those who care enough to context of this new groundswell of interest among the pursue it through the media, and to protest too youngsters, "evangelicalism" itself seems anachronistic. vigorously would seem to most of us, I think, a kind of futile anachronism (although it still doesn't make it Just sayin' . . .. . right!)

So with what are we left? One result of the dispensation of cheap magical merchandise and their gimmicks is a From The Vault This month we are reviving our column FROM John Gladfelter and Bob Thorson. They may THE VAULT with the help of Pix Smith who also have been other contributors from time to found an interesting piece of magic from a time” Bill Palmer was able to add, “Rose group of DMC Members who called themselves Gladfelter was also one of the Elders. Ralph “The Elders”. MarcoM was not actually a part of the group,

DAI’S DIE although he did collaborate actively with Van Cleve and Gloria in creating new material.” - (a routine to be accompanied by a fugue for So, this little bit of foolishness that follows has a tinhorns) bit of history, and a strong Texas I remember a lunch at On the Border a few connection. years ago. I had been sniffing around Ebay THE EFFECT and made a purchase of some oddball Six cards are laid out alternating face up and something or another, and it was a small face down. A prediction is fairly shown, and package containing a clear cube and a sheet of placed in plain sight. Someone else may hold it mimeographed instructions. The title of the if desired. trick I knew would interest Bob White, so I brought it with me that Saturday The spectator rolls the die until a satisfactory number is reached. That number corresponds “Here Bob, have a look at this. It’s something to a card, and the prediction proves accurate. of Vernon’s called Dai’s Die. Ever heard of it?” Less than a minute, unless you do it right… Bob had a look and said, “You know, there’s a Routine next, method at the end. very interesting story about this trick.” THE ROUTINE When Bob White says something like that, you pay attention. If you have never read Damon Runyon, you

“Vernon was visiting the for an ought to. A great American author, the musical extended stay and living on the third floor with Guys and Dolls is based on just one of his Jay Ose. He was returning to New York City on stories. A terrific radio series called Damon the bus to pick up what he called his "trunk" and Runyon Theater ran from 1948 to 1949, and Tom Palmer booked a lecture for him in Dallas captured perfectly the argot of prohibition and on August 16, 1963 for five dollars a person at post-prohibition New York. And since he, too the Statler Hilton Hotel. It was on the bus from has a Texas connection -- while covering LA to Dallas that he came up with that baseball spring training in Texas, he not only trick. Tom (Palmer) was one of the Elders and met Pancho Villa, but later joined an expedition marketed the trick called Dai's Die. That’s what into Mexico to capture him -- he seems a natural inspiration for the following routine. you’ve got right there.”

Interesting didn’t begin to cover it. Most folks have heard of the game of craps. It is simple, and one of any casino’s most popular The Elders were a group of magicians; Tom games. The idea is that you roll the dice, and Palmer was, according to our own Paul Siegel, then try to roll that number again before you roll the driving force. It was a small group of men a seven. Simple to learn, easy to play, and a that were "out of the box" in their magic lot of fun to watch. thoughts and property productions. With the help of Paul and Van McGee, “In the group was Craps has been with us for a long time, and in Cleve Haubold (Van Cleve), Harold Thomas, fact, it is the centerpiece for many a story by the FROM THE VAULT—DAI’S DIE Continued outcome of this little game. Now, what is written is very specific, and if it proves correct, then the famous American author Damon Runyon. In his house wins. If it is incorrect, then you walk away honor, I’d like to invite, let us say, you, please, to the winner of the evening. join me for a friendly game of a similar sort. A “Are you ready? Then let us commence. The gracious round of applause for our player, who rules are simple. You roll the die, and if you like is, in this game, playing for each of you as well. the number that you roll, we continue to the “Here we have a pair of dice. You may notice wager. If you do not, then you may roll again that there are no spots on them, but do not be until you are happy with your number -- or until concerned. I remember where the spots used to the cops arrive to bust up our evening’s be, and so there is nothing to worry about. entertainment.

“Now it is time for a little instruction in the game “Let us commence. of craps. If you would, please roll the dice,. Very nice! You can see that you rolled an eight, or as “And now, you are happy with your wel like to say in the game, ‘An eighter from number? Again, tell everyone what that number is. Decatur.’ There is the three and there is the five. Gather up the dice, and roll again. As long “You had the choice of either die, you had the as you roll an eight before you roll a seven, you chance to roll again, or to stop one roll earlier, win the money. but you chose this time to stop, and you rolled a

Look at that, a six/two -- an easy eight! You win six. Had you chosen a one, two, three, four, or -- Collect your winnings….oh wait, we are just five, things would have been different, but you chose the six of hearts…. practicing now. Sorry, sometimes it is knowing when to quit; sometimes it is knowing when to “If you would be so kind, please read what is start. written on the paper….

“Let’s go. Roll again. Do you see that? A “The number you rolled did correspond to the red seven! You win again! card. It looks like, sadly, the house has won.

“Once more. Give them a toss, there you go, “Now, do you think that you have acquired a your point is nine. Roll again -- four. Still in the taste for gambling this evening? No? Then I game -- again….six, close call, again….double think that though the house may have won the fours - eight the hard way. Come on now, luck is last battle, you have made the decision that will with you -- all you need is a nine….Seven! Oh, win the war. The race may not always be to the sorry, that is a losing roll. This is how the game swift, nor the victory to the strong, but that's how operators make the money. The math is with the the smart money bets. And I am going to bet house. But do not worry, our game is a little that these folks will reward you with a nice round more fair that this one, though it may use the of applause for your efforts.” same gaming instruments!

“By this time, I hope that you have found that the METHOD dice are fair. Nothing funny about them, all the Needed: Two blank-faced dice, and six rolls are fair rolls, right? I mean, you saw them cards. Only two are specific, the red-backed Ace with your very own eyes. Now, to make things of Clubs or Spades and the blue-backed Six of Hearts. even more fair, if you would, please choose one of the dice, for yourself, for this will be your die in Recommended: Red-backed Ace of Clubs or our little game. Spades, blue-backed Two, Three, Four, and Five

“Are you certain that is the one that you of either black suit, blue-backed Six of Hearts or Diamonds. want? Are you positive that it is fair? Give it a couple of rolls yourself to make certain. Alternate the cards face up and face down in any

“This die will no longer be needed, but these order (though it can be handy to keep track of cards will, as well as this piece of paper, on them) with the red six face down in the second which is written something concerning the position and the red backed black ace in the third FROM THE VAULT—DAI’S DIE Continued the cards and casually displaying the faces without calling attention to them. The cards are position from the top (or bottom -- it doesn’t turning face up as they are matter, as you’ll see. gathered. Obviously, you say “five” and “fifth” Lay out the cards in a row; you will have, from instead of “two” and “second.” either the right or the left, a face up card, a face I like this as the best outcome if you are using down red six, a face up red-backed ace, a face cards numbered ace through six. “You could down black card, a face up black card, and a have rolled a one, (pick up the ace face up) a face down black card. The only two important two (scoop it up with the ace), a three (scoop it cards are the face down six and the face up with the other two), a four, (turn it face up and ace. For purposes of explanation, let’s assume scoop it up) or a five (scoop it up and put the you have the above laid out from your left to cards away -- be careful with the red-backed right and that the face up cards are the five, the ace) but you rolled a six. Half a boxcar, three and the two. sometimes considered an incredibly unlucky roll, but a six. You rolled a six, That only After all the fol-de-rol, designed to get a lot of happens about 16.6 percent of the time. If you time out of a tiny, yet good trick, you are left with would be so kind, please read what is written on a selected number. the paper….” Here is the business, per number: “You could have rolled a five (turn it face down), In short, if the position is important, emphasize three (ditto) or any other number between one that and downplay the actual values of the and six,(turn the other card face down, and cards. Don’t be shifty, just don’t give them any deliberately gather all the cards, leaving the ace importance. If the value is important, Stress the alone on the table) but you rolled the one, the values of the unchosen cards, but lay off before same as the ace in a deck of cards (there is no you get to that six, which you can’t show, and need to point out that the backs of the cards you move it along. have put away are blue. We see them) If you would be so kind, please read what is written on Another note -- Vernon was very specific about the paper…. the wording of the “prediction.” I have seen this presented as “You will roll the number of the red Start at the left end, and say, “You could have card.” It doesn’t play as well. rolled a one (pick up the card and scoop up the others as you continue), three, four, or any other This trick has some great examples of Vernon’s number, but you rolled a two -- the second card thinking. The revelations are casual and point -- right there. If you would be so kind, please out the least of what is necessary to make the read what is written on the paper…” Turn the biggest impression. It’s a whimsical idea, and a card over to reveal the red card, giving no lot of fun. It involves an audience member, and importance to the value of the card at all. As this routine makes the spectator a big picture winner in the end. you are picking up cards four, five, and six in the row, show them black without calling attention to --The original Dai’s Die had a clear cube for the their value. No reason to get people thinking die (actually a pretty neat novelty in the 60s),

Start at the left end, and proceed as in two, but and the mimeographed instructions gave the don’t turn the cards face up -- turn them all face card placement and the outs. Please don’t down as you call attention to their number in the blame anything else above on Vernon or the Elders. row, and put them away, leaving card number three in place… Special thanks to Arthur Emerson, Van McGee,

Start at the right end, and proceed as in 3, or is Bill Palmer, Paul Siegel and Bob White for their that 2, or 2 and 3… the point is that the cards help with background information on the are turned face down and gathered as every Elders. Thanks Jared Kopf for catching a position is counted, leaving card number four. couple of egregious typos and a bit of plain old dumbth. Start at the right end, and proceed as in number two, but paying little attention to the values of Wayne Houchin Lecture Strange Ideas: The No Blessings Tour

Sunday, August 17th 2:00 pm (Doors open at 1:40 pm) Cost: $20 for DMC members, $10 for DYMC members $25 for non-members. (Cash or Check at the door)

Crosspointe - 2425 West Parker RD Carrollton, TX 75010 —the DMC monthly meeting place

Who Is Wayne Houchin? Wayne Houchin's work as a performance artist, magician, and dare-devil has made him one of the most popular and exciting mystery entertainers in the world.

He has performed in more than 30 countries, appeared on NBC’s Today Show, headlined the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, and he made history in the Dominican Republic by stopping time during a live, nationally televised stunt. Houchin currently stars in the Discovery Channel's Breaking Magic: The Magic of Science which has been watched by more than 100 million people worldwide.

What Is The Lecture About? Wayne Houchin debuted his new lecture Strange Ideas last year in Europe to sold out audiences and rave reviews. This summer, he’s bringing it across the United States. Strange Ideas features an exploration of original magic and surprising variations - including magic with glass bottles, dollar bills, a helium balloon, and more. Houchin’s new lecture notes Strange Ideas will also be available. His previous releases to the magic community include The Signed Coin in Can, Stigmata, Ultragaff, and Thread. Houchin’s original magic has been performed by David Blaine, Derren Brown, Criss Angle, Dynamo, and many others.

This is a one-of-a-kind presentation by one of magic’s most unique performers and creators.

Quotes

"Wayne Houchin is one of the hottest magicians on the planet!" - Genii Magazine

“A world class entertainer who shares himself entirely with the audience. A must see for anybody who loves magic!” - SOMA, 2009 FISM Grand Prix Winner

“Wayne Houchin’s lecture was one of the best we’ve had in years. His magic is fantastic, visual and amazing. But if you watch him and pay close attention, you might learn something far more important than tricks: How to connect with an audience, draw them into an experience and make them care.” – Harry Lucas, Magic Circle Vienna

"Wayne Houchin is brilliant!" - Criss Angel

"Wayne Houchin was incredible during his sold out, standing room only lecture! We enjoyed having him very much!" - Tannen's Magic

For more information about our other lectures please Click Here October 5, 2014 November 16th, 2014

From Bamboozlers

Bamboozlers- The Book of Bankable Bar Betchas, Brain Bogglers, Belly Busters & Bewitchery by Diamond Jim Tyler is available $19.95 exclusively at www.diamond-jim.com/originals

APPEARING STRAW Walk out of the bathroom and TRICK: The magician rolls up his sleeves and approach your shows his hands front and back. He then makes table with the a fist with his left hand and magically pulls a rolled up straw drinking straw from it with his right hand. concealed Figure 2 between your first This looks amazing, but the secret method is a finger and thumb little noisy. Luckily most restaurants or bars are of your left hand (Fig. 3). If you keep your left noisy to begin with, thus the background hand’s first finger and thumb pinched tightly ambient chatter should muffle the slight noise around the rolled up made from this effect. straw, you will be able to show both hand’s SECRET: empty before Slyly obtain one of the restaurant’s drinking producing it. When straws and make your way to the bathroom. ready to make it While in the bathroom, remove the paper from appear, simply make a the straw and slit it along its length with fist with your left hand. something sharp like a knife or a pair of Grab one end of it with scissors (Fig. 1). Don’t use a clear straw for this your right hand and Figure 3 production. Try to slowly, but find one that is dramatically, pull it colored or better from your left fist (Fig. 4). This really looks cool! yet the kind with It makes a little noise while it is unrolling, but it stripes. truly looks to be whole and normal. Regardless, make the cut one If you’ll take a few long straight line straws with you, then if possible. If you can prepare them Figure 1 someone walks in the privacy of your into the men’s room and gives you a funny look own home. Then you while you are doing this, simply wave your knife can wrap rubber at them and they will most likely leave you Figure 4 bands around them to alone. Proceed by rolling up the straw into a keep them wound up and throw them in your rolled position as in Figure 2. pocket when you are ready for a night out on the town. Sunday July 27, 2014 2:00 pm until

July 2014

David & Kylie Knight will perform on Saturday, August 9 at Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater. Show will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. To order tickets, visit KnightIllusions.eventbrite.com. Dallas born David Knight has always been a performer. His introduction to magic came through a 6th grade book report on Harry Houdini. Kylie was born and raised in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. As husband and wife, David & Kylie Knight have been astounding audiences for over a decade. Their unique and engaging style of illusion has earned them fans the world over. Drawing upon classic magic techniques combined with their infectious charm, theatrical sensibilities and sparkling personalities, the Knights have designed a show that you won't soon forget.

This is no ordinary performance: you will be in the exclusive audience for a brand new promotional video and DVD!

Important details: • Show starts promptly at 7 pm. Please arrive early – you won’t want to miss anything. • This is a live filming, so please dress accordingly. We recommend business casual attire. • To enhance the live and video experiece, please leave kids 5 and under at home. • Purchase of a ticket gives consent for your image to be used for video, promotional, or other use.

IMPORTANT!!!

This Month The Dallas Magic Clubs Will Meet At:

Crosspointe Church/Community Center 2425 Parker RD (Hebron Plaza) Carrollton, TX 75010

The facility is located within a strip mall next to True Spirits.

CLICK HERE FOR AN INTERACTIVE MAP TO THE LOCATION