SEPTEMBER 2012

MICK AYRES
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
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manon@[Link]
Skype: manonadmin
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Editorial contributions and correspondence

concerning all content and advertising
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4 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

M-U-M SEPTEMBER 2012
Magazine Volume 102 • Number 4

ON THE COVER
S.A.M. NEWS
PAGE 36 6 From the Editor’s Desk
8 From the President’s Desk
10 Newsworthy
11 M-U-M Assembly News
23 Broken Wands
24 S.A.M. Spolight
24 Good Cheer List
65 Our Advertisers
52
42
THIS MONTH’S FEATURES
26 The 14th World Deaf Magicians Festival
28 Quick Look Book Look: The Trapdoor Vol. Three
36 COVER STORY • by Christian Painter
42 A Magician Prepares • by Dennis Loomis
6 46 Illusions of Grandeur • by David Seebach
52 Nielsen Gallery • by Tom Ewing
54 Informed Opinion • New Product Reviews
64 Treasures from the Salon de Magie • by Ken Klosterman
68 Basil the Baffling • by Alan Wassilak

COLUMNISTS
25 Tech Tricks • by Bruce Kalver
32 Stage 101 • by Levent
34 Ellipsis • by Michael Perovich
48 I Left My Cards at Home • by Steve Marshall
50 Unlimited Possibilities • by Roger Blakiston
65 Inside Straight • by Norman Beck
66 Mental Breakdown • by Christian Painter
68 The Dean’s Diary • by George Schindler
70 Confessions of a Paid Amateur • by Rod Danilewicz 64
Cover Photo Courtesy of Yellow Shoes Studio / The Walt Disney Co.

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.

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 5

 Society by having their names attached to the two contests held
at the national convention. The contests are now known as the Dr.
Paul Critelli Close-up Contest of Magic and the Father Cyprian
Murray Stage Contest of Magic. Each was also presented with
the S.A.M. Gold Medal of Honor. Congratulations on these
Editor’s Desk well-deserved honors.
Michael Close

Photo by Eric DeCamps

Our cover subject this month is a man with whom you may be
unfamiliar: Mick Ayres. Mick has a dream gig; as a performer-
in-residence at the Walt Disney Resort at Hilton Head, he has the
opportunity to utilize all his talents – magician, musician, and
story-teller. As you’ll learn in the cover story by regular contribu-
tor Christian Painter, Mick is a proponent of careful scripting; his
mastery of this important aspect of magic can be seen in the way
that he draws in his audience without ever breaking character. Mary Ann Blowers with the past presidents
Mick has generously offered two of his scripts, which you’ll find
at the end of the profile on him.
Speaking of magicians who are also talented musicians, we lost
a great one with the passing of Marcelo Contento on the morning
of July 3, 2012, after a long illness. Marcelo was a world-renown
percussionist, a master magician, a legendary hand-shadow
artist, and (with his brother Victor) an expert craftsman of magic
props and equipment. He was fifty-seven. I met Marcelo a couple
of times at Rich Bloch’s World Magic Seminar. Marcelo played
drums for Rich’s all-star magician band, which featured Rich on
trumpet, Eric Mead on trombone, Chuck Fayne on ukulele, and
me on piano. Rich assumed that the convention attendees would
be so surprised at who was in the band that they wouldn’t pay
that much attention to the music, and he was right. It was a great
memory for everyone involved.
Next month we’ll have full coverage of the S.A.M. convention Father Cyprian Paul Critelli
in Las Vegas, which has received enthusiastic comments from
the compeers who attended. Because the convention fell late in
the month of July, it was impossible to get a full report into the
September issue. However, I did want to mention a few of the
awards, honors, and citations that were presented during the con-
vention.
The Society of American
Magicians Hall of Fame
and Magic Museum elected
three members at the con-
vention. Living members are
David Copperfield and David
Goodsell. Doug Henning was
elected posthumously. The
official installation will be
made at a later date. From left: Stetson, Fantasio, Burton, Larsen, Roy,
Christian Painter was Gertner, and Rauscher
presented with the Leslie P.
Guest award for his Mental This year’s Milbourne Christopher Foundation Awards were
Brad Jacobs and Christian Painter Breakdown column and his presented at the S.A.M. convention banquet. Chairman William
various other articles for V. Rauscher along with judges Tony Clark, Raymond J. Goulet,
M-U-M. Congratulations, Christian. Mike Miller, and Thomas A. Ewing presented the awards to
Mary Ann Blowers retired as national treasurer of the S.A.M. Nathan Burton (Illusionist Award), Jon Stetson (Mentalist
after serving six-and-a-half terms. She received a Presiden- Award), Paul Gertner (Close-Up Award), Fantasio (Masters
tial Citation signed by the seven PNPs she served under. Mary Award), Milt Larsen (Lifetime Achievement Award), and Fergus
Ann did a tremendous job for the organization; on behalf of all Roy (Literary Award). 
compeers, I thank her for her service. Photos by Dale Farris
PNP Father Cyprian Murray and Dr. Paul Critelli were rec-
ognized by the S.A.M. for their many years of service to the

6 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 Like any society, or any friendship, the roads we travel will
not always be smooth. Differences of opinion and miscommu-
nications will occur. However, given time, patience, and the un-
derstanding that we are a community of friends with a common
goal of advancing the art of magic, friendship and society will
President’s Desk win out.
It is often all too easy at times to adopt an “us vs. them”
Chris Bontjes attitude – to get the feeling that our compeers, our assembly, or
members of the national council are working against us rather
than with and for us. This is almost never the case, and reacting
Thank You! from this point of view always makes resolving the issue much
I would like to start this month’s column by thanking all of more difficult.
the compeers who took the time to stop and say hello and who Our compeers, our assembly members, and the members of
expressed their support during the convention. The support of our national council are all members of the same community – the
old and new friends alike means a great deal. We have proven same society – working toward our common goal of advancing
once again that the S.A.M. truly hosts the friendliest convention and elevating the art of magic – all types of magic. It is this idea
in the world! that makes it so rewarding for me and for all members of the
Another big thank you goes out to John Apperson, Mike national council and national committees to donate our time and
Miller, Mark and Anne Weidhaas, and the rest of the crew who effort in the service of magic and the S.A.M.
worked so hard to put together an incredible convention. I can’t We are all human, and mistakes and miscommunication are
wait to see what they come up with for Washington, D.C. in 2013! inevitable within the Society’s leadership as well as its general
I’d like to offer a big thank-you to David Copperfield and Mac membership. Solutions to these come most easily when we
King for allowing hundreds of magicians a day to watch their remember that we are more than a collection of individuals. We
shows in their theaters for two days in a row! Your generosity is are a society. As such, we must work together to accomplish our
greatly appreciated; the shows were outstanding. goals.
On the day following the convention, it was my pleasure to The national council is filled with dedicated volunteers who
present Mac King with a Presi- are doing all they can to make our Society the best it can be – for
dential Citation to recognize his you, for me, and for all magicians, past, present, and future. I am
support of the S.A.M. and our 2012 grateful for their service and thank them for their willingness to
convention. His staff helped me to Get Involved!
surprise him with this in front of an
audience at the close of his show. Echoes of the Past
Mac expressed his gratitude and “One of the special features of M-U-M is the Assembly
told the audience of his long mem- Reports printed each month. Every S.A.M. assembly has the
bership in the S.A.M. The audience opportunity to avail itself of this means of providing a little
showed their support of the award publicity for the individual members. In his July 1971 newsletter,
with a standing ovation. Midwestern RVP Bill Dunbaugh points out that the reporting of
S.A.M. meetings is important to each assembly and its members.
Society Further, the reports are valuable to other assemblies in providing
The S.A.M. was founded on May 10, 1902, in the back room ideas for meetings and as a means of communication with assem-
of Martinka’s Magic Shop in New York City. It is a story I have blies all over the country.
heard and read many times throughout my lifelong association “If you haven’t been taking advantage of the opportunity of
with our Society. The story tells me the “who,” “where,” and sending in your Assembly Reports, you should consider doing so,
“when” of our founding. But why did they do it? and if you want a few new ideas, read some of the back issues of
The desire to organize and unite magicians for the benefit of M-U-M Assembly Reports.”
the art and its practitioners was the driving force in the chartering The preceding quote was written by M.I. Gary Bontjes and
of the S.A.M., but why did they choose to start a “society?” What was published in the March 1972 issue of M-U-M. Forty years
caused the charter members of the Parent Assembly to choose the later, Assembly Reports are still published monthly in M-U-M,
word “society” over the many other options available to them? and they continue to be a great way to communicate with assem-
My copy of Webster’s Dictionary defines society as “a group of blies all over the country (and the world). But there continue to
persons regarded as forming a single community, esp. as forming be assemblies that do not submit reports. Writing and submitting
a distinct social class; company or companionship; one’s friends the reports are easy. You can even find some helpful tips on our
or associates.” [Link] echoes the definition and goes on website.
to explain that the word is derived from a Latin root meaning If your assembly is one that submits reports monthly, thank
“partner or comrade,” and that its original meaning, “friendly you! This exchange of ideas is part of what our Society is about.
association with others,” is very close to its current definition. If not, I encourage you to start writing and submitting reports.
I believe that our founders chose the word “society” quite Share your assembly’s ideas and activities with compeers around
carefully. The word was chosen to describe the type of organiza- the world – and read their reports for ideas and to keep up with
tion they were creating. We are more than individual magicians. the activities of your fellow magicians.
We are more than a bunch of people with a common interest. We After all, that is what Society is about. Besides, it is a great
are more than a club. We are a community. We are social. We are way for you and your assembly to Get Involved and Pass It On! 
friends and companions. We are a society.

8 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 S.A.M. National Officers
Dean: George Schindler, 1735 East 26th St.,
Brooklyn, NY 11229, (718) 336-0605, Fax (718)
627-1397, showbiz10@[Link]
President: J. Christopher Bontjes, 2313
Atwood Ct., Danville, IL 61834 (217) 442-6244
christopher@[Link]
President Elect: Dal Sanders, 3316 Northaven Rd,
Dallas, TX 75229 (214) 902-9200, DalSanders@
[Link]
First Vice President: Kenrick “ICE”
McDonald, P.O. Box 341034, Los Angeles, CA
90034, (310) 559-8968
kenrickicemcdonald@[Link]
Second Vice President: David Bowers, (717) 414-
7574, AMagicalExperience@[Link]
Secretary: Marlene Clark, 274 Church Street, #6B
Guilford, CT 06437, (203) 689-5730,
Skype: [Link], afuntime@[Link]
Treasurer: Eric Lampert, (215) 939-5555,
ebl00@[Link]
Regional
Vice Presidents

New England: CT MA RI NH ME VT
Joseph Caulfield (603) 654-6022,
josephcaulfield@[Link]
North Atlantic: NY NJ
Eric DeCamps, (718) 896-5861,
johnramsey@[Link]
Mid Atlantic: PA DE MD VAWV DC
Phil Milstead, (703) 481-5271,
plm6569sam@[Link]
South Atlantic: FL AL GA MS NC SC
Debbie Leifer (404) 630-1120
debbie@[Link]
Central Plains: KY TN OH IN MI
Jania Taylor, (231)242-8242, magicjat@[Link]
Midwest: IL MN WI MO ND NE KS SD IA
Shaun Rivera, (618) 781-8621 [Link]@
[Link]
South Cental States: TX AR OK NM LA
Jeff Lanes, (713)850-1770, jeffie@[Link]
Southwest: CA AZ NV HI
Ron Ishimar, (808) 456-2780, aliai@hawaiiantel.
net
Northwest: WA OR UT ID CO AK WY MT
Michael Roth, (503)493-8316,
msr@[Link]
Canada
Rod Chow (604) 669-7777
rod@[Link]
Society of Young Magicians Director
Jann Wherry Goodsell, 329 West 1750 North,
Orem, Utah 84057 (801) 376-0353.
bravesjann@[Link]

Living Past
National Presidents

Bradley M. Jacobs, Richard L. Gustafson, Roy A.

Snyder, Bruce W. Fletcher, James E.
Zachary, David R. Goodsell, Robert A. Steiner,
Fr. Cyprian Murray, Michael D. Douglass, George
Schindler, Dan Rodriguez, Dan Garrett, Donald
F. Oltz Jr., Craig Dickson, Loren C. Lind, Gary
D. Hughes, Harry Monti, Jann Wherry Goodsell,
Warren J. Kaps, Ed Thomas, Jay Gorham, John
Apperson, Richard M. Dooley, Andy Dallas, Maria
Ibáñez, Bruce Kalver, Mike Miller, Mark Weidhaas,
Vinny Grosso

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 9

Newsworthy Updates From Our
S.A.M. Members
Busking by Jake Dyer
The first time out, we were run off by the cops – true story. My
daughter Sofia and I had worked up our courage to go busking on
South Congress Avenue, in Austin, Texas. Although Sofia and I
had performed together plenty over the years – mostly at home
parties and at school events – we had never taken our show to the
streets. That changed several months ago, during the autumn,
when we set up on a busy sidewalk near a shoe and boot store.
We figured it would be easy. At least the hippie guitarists and
jewelry hawkers on South Congress made it look easy. (South
Congress is the main thoroughfare leading up to the state Capitol
building. There’s a section of the avenue with food vendors and selected by spectators, as well as random objects. She also has a
small boutique shops that has a carnival atmosphere during the few other tricks up her sleeve, depending on the circumstances.
weekends. It’s a popular area with street performers.) I only act as the emcee, leaving the heavy lifting to my daughter.
But as I said, the first time out we were run off by the cops. So that’s how we started on South Congress. We go out on
We had our small table and a few props; I attempted to lasso weekends, and I think we’ve gotten better over the months. The
passersby, carnival barker style. “Step right up! See Sofia, ‘The cops haven’t shown up again, although on occasion we’ve received
Girl who Knows!’ Be Amazed!” Parents ushered away their some grief from nearby property owners. The tips fluctuate
children. Couples averted their eyes. Our act seemed to enrage a wildly, but Sofia says it pays better than baby-sitting. I appreci-
homeless man. And then the patrolman appeared. ate now how difficult this must be those who depend on busking
for their livelihood. Those professional street
performers out there have earned my respect.
The highlight of our adventures came not
too long ago, during a Sunday. The crowds
were a bit sparse, as they are typically on
Sundays. But we were doing okay. We even
had a few onlookers come back for repeat
performances – but with friends in tow. And
then two gentlemen arrived on foot. One
looked a bit familiar.
“So, we have another skeptic,” I said in
corny carnie fashion. “Nope. Not a skeptic,”
he said, “a true believer.”
The gentleman was of medium build, a
bit dark complexioned. He walked with con-
Photo by Seamus Moran fidence.
“Has anyone ever told you that you look a
lot like the magician David Blaine?” I asked.
“You can’t do that here.” “What?” “You can’t do that here.” “Yeah, I get that a lot.”
“We can’t?” As you might have guessed, it was David Blaine. The famous
The officer seemed more amused than irritated. “Nope. You New Yorker was in Austin, for who knows what reason. Sofia was
have to move on.” ecstatic. I was, too. We performed our act for Mr. Blaine, and
And that was our first foray into the world of busking. But... then he spent about twenty minutes talking to Sofia, offering her
we got better. encouragement and advice. Of course, a crowd gathered about.
Here’s the first rule of busking: Don’t annoy the customers. How would it not, given Blaine’s celebrity? And so he performed
My carnival barking style wasn’t quite working. With street a number of stunning miracles on South Congress, officially
musicians, there is no need to approach passersby – to get in their joining the Austin busking community for a day. Mr. Blaine also
faces. They come to you. So that’s what we decided we needed: a gave Sofia a giant tip – twenty dollars – and encouraged others to
flashy effect that would attract spectators, but without having to do the same. It was the biggest single tip of Sofia’s life, although
badger them. Lately we’ve been using a Dagger Chest, which is she pledged never to spend it.
that old platform trick in which you stick a box on someone’s head Be sure to look for us the next time you’re strolling down
and then stab in the daggers. When you open the front doors, the South Congress in Austin. We’ll read your mind or stab swords
head has disappeared. I’ve always found the trick to be somewhat into your head – just as long as the cops don’t run us off first. 
goofy, but it sure works to attract a crowd. And the kids love it.
But the meat-and-potatoes of our act revolves around mind R.A. “Jake” Dyer is a member of S.A.M. Assembly 206
reading. Sofia, now seventeen years old, promoted herself as “The in Austin, Texas. His daughter Sofia is a high school senior at
Girl Who Knows.” Appropriately, she wears a turban. Often she Austin’s Language Arts & Science Academy. Jake and Sofia have
makes predictions blindfolded. Sofia can name random cards been performing magic together for several years.

10 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 ASSEMBLY NEWS Society of American Magicians Monthly News
SEPTEMBER 2012 Volume 102, Number 4

Go to:
[Link]
and use the easy submission form to file your report
chairmen for the many com- Nathan laid out five cards face were just spectators feasted
1 mittees of the assembly. A up, gave half of the remaining on homemade chocolate chip
Summer in the City budget for the coming year was cards to Eduardo, and kept the cookies that Corky brought.
discussed and approved. rest for himself. They put the —Stuart Bacon
New York, NY— Summer New York City is a popular cards face down next to the The Golden Gate Assembly
is a quiet time for the Parent vacation spot and many visitors face-up cards. Nathan then 2 meets the first Wednesday
Assembly; there are no regular pass through over the summer. turned the face-down cards at 7:30 pm at the Community
meetings in July and August, Along with regulars Tom Klem, over to reveal that each matched Room of the Taraval Police
but there is still lots of activity. Rene Clement, Max Droge, the face-up card. Jack Langdell Station, 2345 24th Ave., San
In late June, members of the Jerry and Lee Oppenheimer, rolled a normal dollar bill into a Francisco Contact Tamaka
gravesite restoration committee, Scott Mero, and Jordan Linker, cone and pulled a silk streamer Tamaka2715@[Link] (415)
Tom Klem, Alan Ruben- The Magic Table has seen visits from it. Not to be outdone, he 531-9332 for more details.
stein, David Adamovich, and from several visitors: Andrew stuffed the streamer back into
Barbara Magic, joined Richie Gresset from New Orleans, the cone and made it disappear.
Magic, committee chairman the great Robert Gorodetsky, His clever spiel was that the 4
and incoming president, to visit a clown from the Licedei streamer was the silk threads ANNUAL BANQUET
two of the graves the committee Theatre in Russia, and Anna that were woven into the bill.
has restored. First stop was Mt. Orlova, also from the Licedei. Bill Langell followed with a PHILADELPHIA, PA— In June,
Hope Cemetery in Hastings on If you’re in NYC visit us at colorful version of the Afghan we held our annual banquet,
the Hudson, where we visited the Café Edison (47th street Bands using paper with stars which featured an amazing
the graves of Nate and Leila between Broadway and 8th) on and stripes on it. His cutting array of talent. Following the
Leipzig. any Friday from 12:30 till 2 or caused all the stars to be on one cocktail hour during which we
After seeing the newly cleaned so. Share a trick and some con- ring and the stripes on the other. were treated to the keyboard
footstones and paying our versation right in the middle of Hippo Lau had Eduardo pick magic of Ralph Armstrong,
respects, we traveled to The Time Square. —Jordan Linker a card and return it to the deck everyone enjoyed a sumptuous
Gates of Heaven Cemetery Goldwurm Auditorium Mt. to make it rise. The first card buffet dinner. After dinner
in Hawthorne, NY, where we Sinai Hospital, 1425 Madison that rose was a “fun” card with Tom Ewing handed out the
visited the grave of Beatrice Avenue at 98th street Contact pictures of all the cards in the trophies to those individuals
(Bess) Houdini and the nearby Jordan Linker [Link]@ deck; the next rising card was who placed first, second, and
grave of the legendary Babe [Link] (646) 6707235 Eduardo’s. Our balloon-ologist, third in the close-up, stage, and
Ruth. We then adjourned to a [Link] for more details. Rob Shapiro, brought a balloon children’s contests this year. He
nearby diner for some food and sculpture of Uncle Sam that then presented the Dick & Joan
conversation, and thenheaded he made for the Fourth of July Gustafson award (previously
home. 2 occasion. named the Charles H. Hopkins
On July 11, the board of WELCOME TO JULY Corky Lavalle talked about award) to Reba Strong for her
directors held their summer the book Mega Wave by John dedication to Assembly 4 and
organizational meeting. With SAN FRANCISCO, CA— Our Bannon and then did a card the art of magic in general. Tom
fourteen members present, July meeting opened with effect from the book. He had also presented the President’s
the board elected Tom Klem Tamaka doing the humorous our guest pick one of the Outstanding Service Award
as chairman, and selected vanishing Coke bottle. That Queens from group of four. It in honor of Jerry Remenicky
was not all. He then raffled mysteriously appeared upside (a.k.a. Professor Rem) to Jeff
off the collapsible bottle; Walt down with a different back. Carson. A round of applause
Johnson won it. Corky then picked up a packet was then given to outgoing
Our guest from Spain, of red-backed cards that had President Ralph Armstrong
Eduardo, was surprised that we been lying on the table and for all of his hard work this
only met once a month; his club showed that one was reversed year as he passed the gavel and
at home meets twice a week. He and had a blue back. It proved wand on to incoming President
then amazed us with two card to be the Queen that our guest Donna Horn.
effects. He did some smooth had selected. Stu Bacon ended After the award ceremony,
card tricks ending with an Oil the evening with his obedient the stage show began for which
From left: David Adamovich,
and Water effect. blocks. Matt Schick ably served as the
Jordan Linker, Tom Klem, Alan
Rubenstein, MI Richie Magic
Nathan invited Eduardo to Throughout the evening those masters of ceremonies. The first
help with his ESP card trick. who showed and those who act consisted of a breathtaking

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 11

Assembly News
Linking Rings routine set to (American Legion) 9151 Old came up with another doozy.
classical music performed by Newtown Road. Contact In- Members were invited to
Bill McElvenney. Following formation: [Link]/ for perform “parlor magic” to
Bill, we were treated to the more details. demonstrate their wares, and
marionette artistry of master then reveal the mystery if they
puppeteer Freddie Spencer, choose. They performed in al-
whose Houdini handcuff 6 phabetical order according to
escape and upside-down strait- Elections of Officers height:
jacket escape proved that ex- Bob Buczkowski led the
ceptional puppetry is magic in Baltimore, MD— In June, charge with some rope effects
and of itself. The troupe Fred’s Assembly 6 held elections of such as Sandsational Rope
Magic World dominated the new officers for 2012-2013. (a la George Sands) and the
remainder of the show with The following members were one-handed knot (that disap- Colors takes the cake
the perfect blend of comedy elected to office. Andy London pears), and a few card tricks.
and magic. Fred Siegel had is our new president. Howard He followed with tips on how that National Magic week
everyone in hysterics when he Katz is our new vice president/ to produce and use marked will be the last seven days of
sang “Pennies from Heaven” secretary. Joe Bruno is our new cards. Thanks, Bob, for the October and that David Cop-
treasurer. Congratulations to free lessons! perfield will receive the very
all. We had a very nice turnout Doctor Spoof (Ron Gerard) first S.A.M. Humanitarian
and good magic as well. performed what he called club, Award at this month’s conven-
In July, President Andy or cabaret, magic starting with tion. Our September meeting
London presented several new a book test of The DaVinci Code will be a lecture by Banachek.
ideas to increase membership using the input from three vol- —Jerry Golmanavich
and make our meetings more unteers to determine the page Assembly 7 meetings are held
fun and meaningful. Thanks (on which the first two words at the Southwest Church of
for putting on the thinking cap. were “thought smiling”). ESP Christ at 124th St, and West
Our magic portion was great as cards were next with the help Center Road- right across from
well. Les Albert always a nice of Colors the Clown (Linda Hooters Contact Jerry Golma-
card routine. Rudy Jackson did Hartin), who also tied him up navich golubki@[Link] (402)
a torn and restored newspaper. only to see him escape easily. 390-9834 omahmagicalsociety.
Master Puppeteer Freddie Eric Hoffman made a selected Pete Petrashek brought his com for more details.
Spencer with Houdini card appear inside an antique Copentro illusion out of his
frame. Charles Covington did archives and fascinated us with
while deftly executing a mean some nifty magic using coins the transposed half dollars. 8
Miser’s Dream. After Fred, and an Okito box. Jeff Eline, For an encore he produced an Perform What You
the Rosen Sisters amazed our former president, also did amazing variety of silks from Like Night
the crowd with their psychic some great card magic. Howard his change bag.
abilities, correctly predict- Katz was able to separate a nut Greg Schuerman brought St. Louis, MO — Our Most
ing the identity, apparel, and and bolt under a cup without Tom and Jo Neddo out of the Illustrious requested all to
cruise destination of a celebrity touching them. Joe Bruno did audience and teased them with “perform what we like, but
selected by a member of the a very smooth silk and coin some nifty monologue where please perform something.”
audience. Troupe member routine. Oniel Banks did a very their colors were called by the Ten volunteers did just
Eric Van Wie then brought nice card routine. After several wrong names, ending with that. Don Becker, our new
the house down as The Great shuffles and counts, he was a multi-colored silk. Colors Assembly 8 president, was
British Magician with a very able to find the selected card. didn’t know it at the start, but the emcee for the night. Larry
comical rope tie escape, Joe Harsanyi also did a nice she drew the audience into her Becker spoke of the ups and
thereby ending the evening on card routine. —Rudy Jackson cooking demonstration while downs you see in life, demon-
a high note. Without question, Assembly #6 meets every first making a birthday cake for strated by the Arrow Sign he
the 2012 banquet was one of Thursday at 8:00 pm. Held at me. Dick Sanders was last on held. Mike Hindrichs, “knot”
the best we have ever had. the Magic Warehouse 11419 the official program and dem- to be outdone, showed us the
On a final note, we lost three Cronridge Drive suite #10 in onstrated a physical impos- ropes, with a nice clean rope
good friends this year: Jerry Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 sibility (at least up until now) routine. Dan Todd had PNP
Remenicky (the first Dean of (410-567-0777) Contact Andy – a solid passing through a Harry Monti choose a card,
Assembly 4), Garrett LaMarra London alondon@[Link] solid. His performance made which append to be printed on
(juggler and balloon artist - [Link] for the audience think twice about the back of a store-bought book
extraordinaire), and Jimmy more details. what they thought they knew. on chance. He then performed
Ray (a magic luminary). Neil Bable with sponge balls Richard Osterlind’s knife pen-
We will never forget them. and Jared Schaaugard with etration for those who missed
—Peter Cuddihy 7 Squish Stick Man performed the lecture. Michael Long,
The James Wobensmith Come into my Parlor encore effects. assisted by Sandy Weis, quotes
Assembly 4 meets third Jeff Sikora is wrapping up his “The Raven” with a packet
Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Omaha, NE— Tonight our three-year term as Regional effect, never more! Ray Belz
Bustleton Memorial Post, 810 program chairman Tom Zepf Vice President. He announced pulled several animals from

12 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 Assembly News
an empty hat, then changed Kamleiter in 1976, followed by members and visitors David
a large die from one color to Harold Puff in 1989. Wall, Kendal Kane, Danny
the next, several times. Greg Finally, on Saturday July 14, Cheng, and David Grubbs. The
Lewis asked PNP Harry Monti 2012, the clubs were able to meeting started with a perfor-
to mix up some cards for a nice officially honor William H. mance by Daryl Sprout. Daryl
effect. Larry Minth knows Brewe with the well-deserved showed a tear in his jeans, and
all...at least he knew what card title “The Dean of Cincin- with a wave of his hand, the
hand Larry Becker dealt. Ever nati Magicians Emeritus.” The fabric repaired itself. Daryl
expressive, Steve Corbitt dem- presenters of this award were then asked for a volunteer who
onstrated the Afghan Bands Assembly 11President Leland has had recent pain – Cameron
with strips of paper and a story. Pennington and Ring 71 Rivers stepped up to receive the
Columbus Smith performed his President Don Hinton. Others healing touch. As Daryl waved
entertaining Chop Cup routine. present were Larry Payne, Pat a crystal over Cameron’s back, Trigg Watson
Hartzel, Patrick Thernes. and the pain slowly faded away.
Mark Wiechman. Next up was Trigg, who dollar bill. Then, after discuss-
Assembly 11 will be celebrat- performed a table penetration ing his dental hygiene, Geoff
ing its ninetieth anniversary with a saltshaker in honor of took a number of small pieces
by doing a public on Friday, his grandfather. To follow up of dental floss, rolled them into
September 21, 2012, at 7:30 on this classic effect, Trigg a ball, and magically restored
p.m. The show will feature crumpled a red napkin in one the floss into one long string.
emcee Artie Kidwell and per- hand and held the saltshak- Cameron Rivers performed
formers Donavan, Don Hinton, er in the other. The salt and a card transposition and an
Denny Metz, Larry Payne, napkin transposed, leaving Ambitious Card routine.
Leland Pennington, Bill Pryor, Trigg with a fist full of salt Trigg then returned to perform
and Patrick Thernes. There and a shaker containing the a number of card effects,
will be a special presentation red napkin. Following this including a “time travel” story,
Michael Hendrichs by S.A.M. National President piece, Trigg performed a Ring his own Ambitious routine,
on the Ropes on String routine using his and a “marked card” effect
lucky, bright orange shoelace in which the marks jumped
Last but not least, Randy Kalin and a borrowed ring. After a to the spectator’s card. John
performed Out of this World few phases of the ring passing Greene was the final performer
with assistants Mike Hindrichs magically onto and off of the of the evening, performing
and Michael Long. As always string, the routine ended with effects with silks, sponges, and
visit our site for photos. the orange shoelace jumping paddles. —Reade Quinton
—Daniel S. Todd to Trigg’s shoe, with the ring The Dallas Magic Clubs are
Assembly 8 meets on the attached. currently meeting at Wizard’s
second and forth Thursdays The next performer was David Sports Cafe in Richardson,
of the month at 6520 Arsenal Wall, who performed a number Texas on the third Tuesday of
in the Mount Tabor United of rope effects including a the month at 7:00 PM. Contact
Church Christ, St. Louis MO William H. Brewe named “fool’s knot,” a cut-and-re- Reade Quinton [Link]@
63139 Contact Don Becker Dean of Cincinnati Magicians stored rope, and a version of [Link] (972) 400-0195
joydonbeck@[Link] (636) Emeritus Professor’s Nightmare. [Link] for more
947-7963 [Link] for Brad Ingle performed a table details.
more details. Chris Bontjes. This event will penetration with four coins.
be held at the Anderson Center Frank Seltzer amazed the
Theatre, 7850 Five Mile Road. attendees with a copper-silver 19
11 Tickets are $10.00 and can be transposition from Frank’s Rafael Benatar
New Dean of ordered by calling 513-248- hand to the spectator’s. Frank Lecture
Cincinnati Magicians 0773. —Mark Wiechman then asked his spectator
Queen City Mystics, SAM to think of a card. Frank Houston, TX— In July we
Cincinnati, OH— July, 2012. Assembly 11 generally meets attempted to name the thought- had Rafael Benatar visit us
On December 21, 2011 at the on the 2nd Friday of the month of card, but the audience with a very fine lecture. Rafael
combined S.A.M. Assembly at Haines House of Cards in was not impressed when he had been to Houston back
11 and I.B.M. Ring 71 annual Cincinnati, Ohio. Contact John declared the name of the card in the 1990s and a few of the
holiday banquet, William H. Martini [Link] to be “Clyde.” However, Frank attendees even remembered
Brewe was to be honored as the for more details. showed that he was in fact his previous visit. This one
third magician in the Greater correct – every card in the deck will be memorable as well.
Cincinnati area to be awarded had a different name on the We will be taking a break
the title “The Dean of Cincin- 13 back, and the thought-of card from lectures until after our
nati Magicians.” However, Restaurant Magic II was named Clyde. upcoming TAOM convention
due to inclement weather, Bill Geoff Grimes started his is over. Dan Garrett will be
was unable to attend. This title Dallas, TX— President routine by magically changing here on Tuesday, September 18
was first bestowed to Oscar Mark Jensen welcomed DMC a blank piece of paper into a to present his lecture.

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 13

Assembly News
Rick Hebert, who demonstrat- about his start while working hope you got a chance to see porous mirror and an Egg Bag
ed the breather crimp, led the with a sword-swallower. them and perhaps buy one.) — routine.
teach-in session for July. Rick This was prologue to an odd Dana Ring James Holguin, co-produc-
taught us how to make this effect wherein he swallowed Assembly 21 meets at Angelo’s er of this show and a very
crimp in a card and then shared a length of string, which he On Main 289 South Main talented young magician, then
the secret workings of a card then pulled out of his eye! He Street, West Hartford CT performed a Robert Rodriguez
routine he had shared earlier. then explained two different 06107 Contact Dana Ring favorite, the Miser’s Dream;
Rick’s routine began by finding methods of performing this d.ring222@[Link] (860) but with a comedic turn of his
the four Aces in a magical way. effect: one “easy,” one...not so 523-9888 [Link] for more own. James also did a routine
A card is then selected, lost much. details. that featured billiard ball ma-
in the deck, and then further nipulation and card fans and
lost with shuffles and cuts. sleights – always included in
The chosen card ended up as 22 Robert’s shows. “Chazz,” a Los
the only face-down card in A Tribute to Robert Angeles area professional and
a face-up spread. Rick even a one-time student of Robert’s,
taught Lindy McElroy how to Los Angeles, CA— The performed a six-card repeat
do the routine, just to show how program for the July 16 meeting taught to him by Robert using
easy the moves are to perform. of the Southern California only six cards and some skillful
Rick also had a handout that Assembly 22 was a tribute to sleights. Chazz also did a very
contained his entire routine. the much beloved Dean of our nice rope routine and closed
We give many thanks to Rick Assembly, Robert Rodriguez, with a three-ring routine, a
for his efforts and his sharing who, sadly, passed away Robert Rodriguez signature
of magic. on October 10, 2011. James effect. Closing the show was
We again had numerous per- Wayne Houchin receives a
Holguin and Jon Bestwick, two Taylor Hughes, presenting a
formances at this month’s David Oliver wristband of the many young magicians chain and bar handcuff escape,
meeting. Johan McElroy, Phil whom Robert mentored a comedic presentation that
Kampf, Dick Olson, Scott over the years, produced the Robert often did.
Wells, Randy Stulken, David Other highlights: After program. Prior to the tribute After the show, all enjoyed
Rangel, Ben Jackson, and an unusual pick-a-card, a program beginning, President the buffet of foods and treats
Frank Price all performed for balled-up newspaper was Jim Callen conducted a short provided by Corinne Murphy.
the group. unwrapped reveal a prediction meeting to make necessary Most of the membership
Don’t forget the TAOM Con- of that very trick. This odd announcements and present lingered long into the evening
vention this coming Labor trick, which uses photographs trophies to those unable to in the fellowship of Assembly
Day weekend, to be held here of playing cards, Wayne calls attend the June awards banquet. 22 magic. With many
in Houston. Visit TAOM2012. Houdini’s Influence. A nickel James Holguin and Jon members making the drive
com for more information vanished and re-appeared Bestwick produced, emceed, to Las Vegas for the S.A.M.
on this upcoming event. inside a can of Sprite. In a trick and performed in the tribute national convention in a few
—Miles Root called Counterfeit Holling- show. They and each of the days, the magic continues.
SAM 19 meets the first worth, a torn-and-quartered performers did magic that they —Steven L. Jennings
Monday of every month at the card (playing or business, he either learned from Robert Southern California Assembly
IATSE Local 51 Meeting Hall, used a playing card tonight) or was an effect that Robert 22 meets the third Monday
3030 North Freeway, Houston was restored piece-by-piece. used in his own performances. each month at 8:00 pm, St.
TX. A teaching lecture begins The last piece required a little During each act, the performer Thomas Moore Parish Hall,
at 7:30 pm with the meeting heat to finish, and the card provided remembrances of 2510 South Fremont Avenue,
beginning at 8:00 pm. was completely restored, if a Robert’s influence in their lives Alhambra, California Contact
little burnt. As a finale (which and on their magic. Ed Thomas magicmred@
he did not explain), Wayne ate Opening the show was Jon [Link] (213) 382-8504
21 forty sewing needles, along Bestwick, who presented for more details.
Wayne Houchin with about five feet of thread. a thimble routine and silk
Lecture He then retrieved the needles, knotting effect. Ed Thomas
threaded, from his mouth, it next located cards selected by 31
Hartford, CT— This evening was a spectacular finish. two spectators and jumbled Rope Magic at Harry
saw a great lecture by Wayne After giving Wayne time to in a bag with the remaining Riser Assembly 31
Houchin. To help our fund for sell his lecture wares, President deck. Michael Perovich, per-
David Oliver, Wayne donated Dan Sclare announced the club forming to some rock and roll Indianapolis, IN— The
his lecture fee plus half the was selling silicone wristbands music, presented a card and theme for the July 9 meeting of
proceeds of his sales tonight to benefit David Oliver. The card fan manipulation set and a the Harry Riser Assembly was
to our “DO” fund. It seems bands are purple and say “DO routine with billiard balls mul- rope magic, and a rope-a-dope
David interviewed Wayne for magic for David Oliver.” Dan, tiplying and changing colors evening it was. President Steve
M-U-M a while ago and Wayne along with Dana Ring and Soll – classic magic that Robert Spence (also a professional
is happy to participate in this Levine will take a hefty supply often performed. The fourth mediator) introduced us to the
fundraising effort. with them to the Vegas Con- performer was John Engman, “magic of mediation,” illustrat-
Wayne began by talking vention. (If you were there, we who performed the flexible/ ing his educational comments

14 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 Assembly News
with a nicely done version of Also included in the evening’s Past four-time president Dave [Link] (303) 933-4118
Dean’s Box. agenda were the formal instal- Elstun set-up an interest- [Link]
lation of officers for the coming ing demonstration on how to for more details.
year, a report on the financial build your own Invisible Deck,
status of the club, upcoming complete with spray lacquer.
events, and a substantial dis- Amazing Dave has an incred- 52
cussion regarding how best ible array of past experiences What do YOU do When
to organize and produce our from working as a pro for the Someone Asks You to
lecture series. —Dale Benson past twenty-five years. His do a Magic Trick?
Assembly 31 meets on the first stories that went along with
Monday of every month at the instruction on the Invisible SAN ANTONIO, TX—
7pm at the Irvington United Deck were priceless. Our new July 12, 2012, Brother John
Methodist church at 30 North Abracatabloid (newsletter) Hamman Assembly 52 held its
Audubon Road, Indianapolis. If editor Matt Brandt brought monthly meeting at LaMade-
the first Monday conflicts with a plenty of practice cards along leine Restaurant. Newly-elect-
Harry Riser shares tips holiday weekend, we postpone to teach a very good version ed President Paul Amerson
the meeting by one week. See of an Elmsley count. He went called the meeting to order
Daniel Lee started out with our website for details. Contact through the process step by at 7:30 p.m. We had a rather
a variation of the Professor’s Steve Spence sspence@ step, teaching even the most small turnout tonight in large
Nightmare, but then proceeded [Link] (317) card challenged members his part due to the date change
to amaze us all with a litany 507-4534 [Link] for fun effect. Club members because of the Daryl lecture
of other effects using the three more details. Brad Mongomery and Tommy being held on our regular
ropes. Taylor Martin did his Walker enjoyed the evening meeting night. Mayor Julian
own modification of The Great immensely. Castro has again proclaimed
Coat Escape from the Mark 37 a week in October as Magic
Wilson Course. His “tell the Magic April Madness Week. We had a great time last
truth” routine with one of the year throughout Magic Week
younger visitors was quite en- Denver, CO— April in Denver performing in different venues.
tertaining. Barry Rice set about became the spotlight month We hope that everyone will
squeezing his rope and we with an informative member’s participate to make this year
watched it become shorter and only teach-in and our second even better. The theme for this
shorter and shorter. The effect annual public close-up meeting was “What do You do
was his, but based heavily on a show called Magic Monday When Someone Asks You to
Shoot Ogawa routine. Madness! The Stars of Magic Monday do a Magic Trick.” Starting
Instead of doing the “ring on Our Mile High city has a Madness off the performances was Paul
the rope,” Jay Newby impressed world-renowned lecturer and Amerson, who performed
us with his creativity by doing coin wizard, Dave Neighbors. We had a huge turnout for our the Color Changing Knives.
“soap on the rope” using a He has created an easy four public show that was held at Michael Tallon did The Blind
bottle of dish soap. Tom Win- coins across with a matrix the world famous ghost haunt Man’s Shuffle, and Napoleon
terrowd reminded us of one of ending that he was willing called the Lumber Baron Inn. Savoy entertained with a book
the oldest effects in magic, the to teach to the Mile High Innkeeper and long-time magic test. Dwayne Stanton tricked
Hindu rope trick. In his version, Magicians Society members. fan Walter Keller loaned the use us all with the 1089 trick, Ray
the vase held the rope. Then the There are very few members of of his legendary place to us so Adams performed D’Lite, and
rope held the vase. And for the our club either past or present that all the proceeds could go to Don Moravits did an impos-
finale, the rope became rigid that have had the legendary Dai support our Colorado Conven- sible four-of-a-kind prediction.
and needed no assistance from Vernon say something about tion in September, Magic in the Doug Gorman did Twins, and
gravity in holding the vase in their work. David Neighbors Rockies, which is held every George Castillo performed In
any position. is one. Vernon said, “Never year by our sister club Ring the News.
The meeting was held at the before have I seen such truly 250 in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Forum at the Crossroads re- beautiful coin effects. His Everyone was delighted with
tirement center so that our handling of coins is superb.” the six grand close-up perform-
namesake, Harry Riser, could Card sensation and local pro ers who gave their all on behalf
attend. The highlight of the Gene Gordon has a card trick of magic in Colorado. Featured
evening occurred when Harry or two up his sleeve. Gene’s were The Amazing Dave
sat at the table and entertained passion is for card magic but is Elstun, Gene Gordon, Brandon
us with several one-armed card overall an incredible close-up K. Parker, Steve Aldrich, Doc
routines. As always, Harry, for magician. He loves sleight of Murdock, and Mattew Brant.
twenty years a columnist for hand but respects any form of Good times were had by all!
M-U-M magazine, did not pass magic that is done well. Gene —Connie Elstun
on this teaching opportunity to taught a unique dice trick with Asssembly 37 meets at the George Castillo (L) receiving
a plaque from President Paul
share tips including the one- a nifty utility switch that was a Riverpointe Senior Center in
Amerson for his years of
handed break and a Squeezer great segue into his rendition of Littleton Colorado Contact
service to Assembly 52.
deck. Paul Harris’s Overkill. Chad Wonder chad@

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 15

Assembly News
PresidentPaulAmerson officer, Paul Burnham, who put swap meet. Some may do classic four coin assembly
presented long-time Sergeant- together a very clever “Let’s magic with nothing more than with handkerchief, David
at-Arms George Castillo with Make a Twisted Deal” routine a deck of cards and perhaps Brahinsky did a haunted key
a plaque recognizing his years in true game show fashion. Fred a few coins; however, many routine, Wayne Hicks did an
of service to the assembly. and Millie Witwer performed magicians, it must be said, have old effect (a number mystery
Unfortunately, due to health a transposition of silk hand- extensive caches of miraculous prediction in jumbo – this great
problems, George has stepped kerchiefs and Fred blended materials and have been known old effect is in every magic
down as an officer. George three separate red, white, and to be willing to relinquish them set I have ever seen and plays
still plans on attending our blue shoelaces into one multi- in exchange for other magic well), David Dunlap did a slop
meetings and hopes to be able colored shoelace with a second materials or in many cases shuffle prediction, and that was
to return as Sergeant-at-Arms multi-colored shoelace “twist” good, old cash money. This just our first round of magic.
in the future. We all wish ending. Millie then caused event is looked forward to by In our second round, Robert
George a complete and speedy a long silk and a short silk to both those people looking to Bass did a blindfold four-Ace
recovery. Preliminary plans change places. collect (and possibly use) new revelation, Larry Marken
are under way for the assembly Our newest member Jo Ann magic reference materials and did Destination Unknown,
to do a public show to both Kinder performed a clever pre- apparatus and for those who David Brahinsky did Phantom
support a local charity and to diction involving a necklace are trying to make room in Cards, Wayne Hicks did a very
raise some funds for our club. that was given to her by her their closets, their basements, clever card prediction, and
Tonight’s door prize winners grandmother. Our host Jim and their garages. It has been VP David Dunlap did a three-
were Ray Adams and Napoleon Rawlins then showed us a known to bring smiles to phased Oil and Water routine.
Savoy. Ray won King of Magic new addition to his collection, the faces of wives, I’m told. —David M. Brahinsky
and Napoleon won Multi Color which is an extremely rare Bargains were to be had. No Assembly 71 meets at
Matrix by Sam Dahlal. P&L Four Bird Cage Carrousel one left unhappy. 3205 Central Ave. NE, Al-
Brother John Hamman Production. Our chairman But the evening was not buquerque, NM 87108.
Assembly 52 meets at 7:30 p.m. then returned and showed us a dedicated entirely to barter. Contact David Brahinsky at:
on the first Thursday of the colorful silk and tube Blendo President Schreiber decreed d avidbrah i nsk y@comcast.
month at La Madeleine Restau- routine. Our guest Bill Hagen that show time would embrace net (505) 235-2997 for more
rant, located at 722 N.W. Loop then demonstrated a sequence the theme of “My Favorite details.
410. The restaurant is inside of effects that involved trans- Gimmick.” Larry Seymore,
Loop 410 on the access road forming red liquid into a red Bob Eaton, Michael Just, 82
between Blanco Rd. and San silk, vanishing the silk, and John Edsall, SYMer Riley Michael Eaton
Pedro. For more information, then making it reappear inside Schreiber, and Mel Anderson Lecture
contact douggorman@[Link]. of a glass bottle. After Bill, I all had something to share
performed a four-Ace routine and astound their fellow club Safety Harbor, FL — Vice
56 causing the Aces to turn over members. President Bob Klase opened
July Meeting and reveal themselves one at a Now we turn ourselves over the meeting with the pledge of
time. Oran Dent then showed to summer. Some will bask in allegiance. We welcomed a new
Dayton, OH— Our July us a clever prediction routine the sun and partake in glorious member, Jonathan Nash. Some
meeting was held on Friday, involving a map and multiple road trips. Others will roll the of the members entertained
July 20, 2012, at the new home kicker endings. Jeff Porges metaphorical boulder in front the audience while Michael
of Jim and Pam Rawlins. Prior showed us a trick with a unique of the cave to spend serious Eaton was getting set up.
to the start of the meeting deck of cards that he brought practice time perfecting Jonathan Nash, Greg Gaulden,
members were encouraged to back from a recent trip to effects with which to dazzle and Lawrence Hookway each
explore the Rawlins’s home China. Scott Miller showed us the world come September. wowed the audience with
as if it were an open house. a very visual Twisting the Aces —Glen L. Bledsoe different magic effects and Jim
We enjoyed browsing the new effect. Chairman Stan Goode Assembly 59 meet at the Greiner made everyone laugh
layout of his large magic col- concluded with a sponge ball Beaverton Elks, 3500 SW 104th, with his jokes.
lection and beautiful home, vanish routine. We had great Beaverton, OR 97005 Contact Lecture: Michael Eaton had
with each room being more performances and all had fun. Glen L. Bledsoe glenbledsoe@ everyone’s attention when he
spectacular than the last. After —Matthew David Stanley [Link] (503)580-0502 or produced and vanished coins
our business meeting, we broke Assembly 56 meet at various [Link] for right before our eyes. I would
for refreshments provided locations, please contact Paul more details. highly recommend his DVD to
by Jo Ann Kinder and Paul Burnham (937) 773-7409 for learn the techniques in Pretty
Burnham. Our performance more details. 71 Fly, his version of the 3-Fly
theme for the month was “a Classics Always effect.
new twist on the same old 59 Good Choice The Gathering uses a non-
trick” provided by our program The Swap gimmicked deck of cards.
chairman, Stan Goode. Albuquerque, NM— The Three audience members select
Stan kicked us off with a Pro- Portland, OR— Assembly July meeting of Assembly 71 cards and place them back into
fessor’s Nightmare routine and 59’s final meeting before going started the evening with Larry the deck. Michael revealed the
demonstrated how he incorpo- dark for the summer was on Marken, who did a variation cards had gathered on the top
rates a message with the magic. June 27. The activities for the on a Karrell Fox card force of the deck between the four
Next up was our executive evening began with our annual routine. Robert Bass did a Aces.

16 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 Assembly News

the church again this year. Harris’s Touch). Phil Ackerly absolute highlight of which was
It’s basically the same as came up again and told us about the visit of the 95th national
the anti-business meeting, his appearance at Monday president, M.I. Vinny Grosso,
except the church con- Night Magic in New York. to Assembly 95, July was the
gregation is welcome to He did his Rope and Block beginning of summer break
stay, since it will be after Release (Cube-On Release). for the very active Vancouver
services on the 12th of Hugh McDonald showed two Assembly. Now holding
August, (so we have a rings of different sizes, small bragging rights of being the
change of audience). Both could go through big, but big only assembly to have ever been
Michael Eaton Lecture are a lot of fun, I’ve never couldn’t go through small, then visited by a national president
missed going to either one big did go through small and whose number exactly matches
yet! —Randy A. Smith, they linked. Then he did a Coin the assembly number he
Michael also had some great Secretary, AAMC into Bottle, repeated with a visited (95), and being the only
advice for anyone who uses the Hank Moorehouse Assembly different bottle and a different assembly to have the number of
invisible coin purse. He made 88 meets the second Wednesday method. Kim Silverman had characters on the top portion of
a coin fall out of thin air, while at 7pm at the Faith Lutheran Leonard and Carl Thomsen every national council member
both of his hands were holding Church, 1255 East Forest each shuffle some cards, fan business card also exactly
the holding the purse right in Ave, Ypsilanti, Michigan. them out, and take out one match the assembly number
front of the spectator. Contact Randy A. Smith card. He had someone else take (95), Vancouver Assembly
Don’t miss Francis Menotti on [Link]@[Link] one from his remaining packet. 95 will be well represented
Thursday November 15, 2012. (313) 562-3875 [Link]. The spectators each selected by its members at the S.A.M.
Assembly 82 meets the third org for more details. a card and put it in the other’s national conference in Las
Thursday of each month at deck, reassembled the deck, Vegas this July. Accepted
Sherffs Youth Ranch in Safety 94 and Kim found all three in five for competition by process
Harbor, Florida. Members Open Performance seconds; oops, found he two of of video tape selection were
only close up class at 6:30 Meeting them. The third selection was Henry Tom in stage and Steve
PM. TBMC monthly meeting in his pocket. Hugh McDonald, Dickson in close-up. Delegates
starts at 7:30 PM. Contact Silicon Valley, CA— In with some funny business,
Chris Ostrowski cmmagic@ July, Ken Gielow performed made a small silk streamer
[Link] (727) 8477837 Micro Psychic and Frame-Up, vanish and reappear.
[Link] did Spoon-Around (and got Ken Gielow, who
for more details. some constructive criticism), organizes our nearly
and Ignition (key through famous Performance Ex-
88 bill). Suresh Govindachar perience Program events,
Anti-business Meeting performed a Jay Sankey coin came through with some
vanish and reappearance that good ones for July.
Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, he is working on. Phil Ackerly Teaming with I.B.M. Ring
MI — In July and August the showed his presentation for 216, Ken, Joe Caffall, Jim
Ann Arbor Magic Club has Daryl’s Cardboard Chame- Blashek, and Sy Hoff
picnics instead of our regular leons. Alan Leeds gave a performed walk-around Steve Dickson performs close-up for
meetings. In July, on the 21st trade-show presentation for a and stand-up magic on M.I. Vinny Grosso during the S.A.M.
of the month, we hold our signed card found by spelling the 4th of July at the VA #95 National Presidential Visit
anti-business meeting, which a company’s name. Stan Sieler facility in Livermore. On Reception
will be at Vice President Jim showed a batch of wine tags, July 14, Stan Sieler, Joe
Placido’s home this year. It’s had one signed, and lost it in Caffall, Fred Rasmussen, Jim for the national council
a time for fellowship and good the bunch. He had another Blashek, and Theron Schaub meeting will be: Rod Chow,
food, and we show some of spectator select a card from a performed walk-around in a RVP Canada; Lon Mandrake,
our magic skills to members, regular deck, and had the first picnic-like setting for veterans, Assembly President, Ray
friends, and family! In August spectator spell the name of the staff, and family at the VA in Roch, alternate delegate.
we have our annual “Corn chosen card using the packet of Menlo Park. —Joe Caffall Treasurer Jens Henriksen, and
Roast,” which will be held at wine tags, to get to his signed We do not currently have a Dean Shawn Farquhar and
tag. regular meeting location. his family will also be in at-
John Jones used a deck of Please contact Joe Caffall tendance. Good luck to the
cards to see just a little bit at jocaff@[Link] (408) Assembly 95 competitors!
into the future. He wrote a 3751905 [Link] for —Rod Chow
prediction on each of two more details. The Carl Hemeon Assembly
cards, had two spectators No. 95 meets the first Tuesday
come up, and each chose of each month at members’
a card. The card that Sy 95 homes. Contact Rod Chow
Hoff chose was written on Summer Break rod@[Link] (604)
one of John’s prediction 669-7777 [Link] for
Members and Family at
cards, and the same for Vancouver, Canada— more details.
Anti-Business Meeting in 2011
Leonard Levine’s (Paul After an exciting June, the

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 17

Assembly News

selected symbol by having a $1 to $100 transformation in

112 spectator roll an invisible die his hands ($1 to $5 to $10 to
Patriotic Magic (not the Hot Rod force). $20 to $100). Chris Bontjes
Rod then adapted the effect tore a round hole in a paper that
Concord, CA— We were to our theme by using cards was square when unfolded. JR
happy to have Bob Steiner back bearing the faces of six presi- followed up with a one-handed
at one of our meetings again, dents. He also stretched the knot tie, Dr Seuss Rope Trick,
and we have Jerry Barrilleaux theme a bit with a card effect ring on/off rope and rope
and Lance Snead to thank for in which two selected cards are through thumb. Andy Dallas
arranging for Bob’s transpor- lost in the deck, one retrieved, presented his Folding Paper
tation to and from our June another mistaken card retrieved Bob Bodman performs his Mystery and all in attendance
meeting, whose theme was before the mistaken card turns Favorite Rope Trick at the signed Chris Bontjes picture
Patriotic Magic. 2012 Nashua Fairy Tale in M-U-M. See you at the
Following a few announce- Festival meeting. —Ken Barham
ments, Bob Holdridge adapted The Andy Dallas Assembly
an Aldo Colombini comedy Lord and Lady BlackSword 120 meets the third Wednesday
silk routine to the theme by can be seen at the following at 7pm (except Nov. and
using red, white, and blue silks; link: [Link]/PlQ-QiB5Uf0). Dec.) For location call Jim
he also used an empty wooden In future weeks, the assembly Percy at 217-494-2222 or
box instead of paper bag to will be donating several perfor- Ken Barham Sec, 2318 Win-
produce the magic. mances to Camp Allen, a camp chester Dr, Champaign, IL
Jerry Barrilleaux smoothly for special needs patrons of all 61821. Phone: 217-841-5616
performed Chameleon Silks, Bob Holdridge showing ages. At the August meeting, email: Kebram@[Link]
a very commercial comedy his silk routine we expect Lord and Lady
effect. Unless we have changed BlackSword (Joseph and Kathy
our national colors to yellow into the first one retrieved and Caulfield) and Bob Bodman 136
and green, it was not an the first one turns into the to give reports of the S.A.M. Cool Magic in
on-theme effect. correct second card. It turned national convention. a Hot City
Sir Lantz then placed five out to be patriotic magic only Assembly 118 meets on the
pebbles (four clear and one because Rod explained that the third Wednesday of each Tucson, AZ— We had a great
black) inside a velvet bag and backs of the cards were blue, month at 7:00 p.m. at the turn out for the July meeting;
had five audience members while many of the fronts were Nashua Church of Christ, 97 it was two days before Inde-
each pick out one (without printed in red ink to go along Farley Rd., Nashua, NH. Our pendence Day. During the
looking into the bag before, or with the white borders and venue rotates, so contact us business meeting, we took care
their closed hands after). Lance background. —Bob Holdridge first. Contact Robert Granville of business and talked about the
correctly eliminated one clear and Dave Anderson [Link]@[Link] (603) upcoming 25th Stars of Magic
pebble holder at a time until he Diablo Assembly #112 meets 505-8749 [Link] for Show. George Franzen held a
ended up with Rod McFadden on the third Wednesday of more details. mini-lecture on rubber band
as the black pebble holder. every month at the Round magic and everyone really got
Zappo ended up performing Table Pizza in Concord. involved! Thanks, George.
a couple of card effects with a Contact Doug Kovacich dou- 120 Kenny showed off a flawless
borrowed deck, one of which glassthemagicman@hotmail. VA Show handling of a color-changing
was the prediction effect of comdouglassthemagicman@ coin routine that ended up with
using two random cards to [Link] (925) 435-4824 Champaign, IL— The club a stretched coin! The stretch
name a chosen card’s suit and [Link] for more VA show was, as usual, well- really looked magical, and I
value. details. received last month. The vets heard a few “ohs and ahhs”
Douglass the Magic Man are a great and well deserving from the crowd.
then performed a handcuff group to perform for. Chris The Amazing John Redmon
escape; since I don’t recall the 118 Bontjes and Jim Percy showed was up next and performed a
handcuffs being red, white, and Magic in New us the new S.A.M. brief case. really nice card routine based
blue, it must also have been an Hampshire The topic this month was on the theory of NLP, but it was
off-theme effect. Guests David paper, and Roy started us off the card handling that really
and Sandy Butner assisted him. Nashua, NH— Assembly 118 with some really nice paper got me. Nate shuffled the deck
Instead of performing an continues to keep busy per- tear/cuts from Gene Ander- as much as he wanted; I freely
effect, Loren Lind taught us his forming for local charities and son’s Newspaper Magic, selected a card and returned
version of the French Drop. community events. Member including Star of the Show, a it. Nate then dealt through the
Then came Rod McFad- Ken Wilson performed at paper ladder, ball and chain, deck, one card at a time, face
den’s Trick of the Month, an Camp Sargent, a YMCA rotary wheel, and a tree. JR down, while he tried to peer
ingenious effect using six camp in Merrimack, NH, and Thomas took the stage with into my brain to figure out my
cards, each with a different several members performed Acrobatic Chameleon Cards, card. At what seemed to be a
ESP symbol drawn on its back. at the 2012 Nashua Fairy Tale torn and restored “perm” random point, he asked Nate
Rod correctly predicted the Festival. (The performance of papers, a Wizard of Oz routine, to stop dealing and to deal the

18 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 Assembly News

next card onto the table. My Bruce Chadwick reminded Utter. Come eat with us He then had someone pick a
blood pressure dropped a few us TAOM is just around the before the next meeting. We card from his deck. He stated it
points when I turned over the corner this year in Houston. gather at PF Chang’s at 5:30. would be the top card; it wasn’t.
card and it was mine! The line-up of performers and —Jeff Hallberg “Look at the card in my hand,”
Norm took the stage and lecturers is looking very strong The Fort Worth Magicians he said. It was the chosen one.
performed a beautiful copper/ for this event. Bill Irwin shared Club on the first Thursday Trent Rapp presented a beat
silver routine, as smooth as an update on the 2014 TAOM of each month at 7:00 P.M. at up deck of cards with holes in
silk (as only Norm can do), and that we will be hosting here in the Tarrant County College it. He asked someone to pick a
then he performed a cool card Fort Worth. It is becoming very Trinity River Campus in card and sign it. He put the card
effect in which a card that I exciting! downtown Fort Worth. in deck, placed the deck into
selected and initialed suddenly Geoff Grimes told us of the Contact Jeff Hallberg fort- the card box, placed a rubber
had “YOUR CARD” written monthly “Second Saturday” worthmagiciansclub@hotmail. band on it, and placed a ribbon
on its back. Just as suddenly, it Magic show at Main Street com (817) 479-3186 www. through the bottom hole and
said “My Card,” and then I was Magic in McKinney. Many [Link] a bolt through the center one.
left with my original signed of our own club members are for more details. He covered his hands and the
card. Way cool! regular performers. deck with a silk. He extracted
Mark Saks strolled to the Geoff Grimes did a book the chosen signed card and
center spot with only a few review of We’re not in Kansas 157 displayed that the deck still
cards in his hand. As he kept Anymore by Christine Wicker. Tricks, Lectures, had the ribbon and the bolt in
spreading the cards, they The book is about Wicca, Elections holes. Bob Mullins showed
turned face down one-by-one, Hoodoo, Voodoo, Miracles, the book Fooling Houdini,
and then suddenly they were and related topics. He said Beaver, PA— The Mystic by Alex Stone. He then
completely different cards it was a fascinating read for Magicians of Beaver Valley performed a card trick in which
from what he started with! anyone interested in these (157) have several area lectures produced two selected cards.
I got to take the stage next, and topics. on the agenda: Steve Beam, —Judy Steed
I did one of my favorite card And for the performers Wayne Hotchin, benefit for a The Mystic Magicians of
effects. I had John R. divide tonight: Daryl Sprout dem- cancer victim in Rochester, PA. Beaver Valley (157) meet at the
a deck of cards, select a card, onstrated a combination of The elections committee has Towne Square Restaurant on
put it back into the deck and Alphabiotics and Reiki tech- selected a list of candidates to the main street in Beaver, PA
shuffle the deck several times. niques. Using a crystal, he be voted on in August. A couple the second Thursday of every
After looking through the provided a surprising level of members have picked up some month. Contact Judy Steed
cards, I admitted I didn’t have pain relief for one of his vol- interesting reading material on heyjude1943@[Link] (330)
a clue what his card was...so we unteers. However, the other magic and recommended them 525-5389 for more details.
did something else in which he two volunteers did not get as to the club. Condolences were
ended up freely choosing one much benefit. I guess it helps to given to one of our regular
card from about a dozen or so, believe. Ash Adams performed guests for the recent passing of 172
and the card he chose was the a miracle by turning water into her father, who was also a guest Guess Who Else is
same one he picked the first steam and then into ice. All of club functions. Coming to Dinner
time! —Gary Husson with a bit of creativity and a Eric Davis emceed the per-
John E. Alexander Assembly Foo Can. Larry Heil shared a formances. Sean Evanick Port St. Lucie, FL — That
#136 meets at 7:00 p.m. on the demonstration of telekinesis performed the second trick would be “The Great Zambini,”
first Monday of each month at using a stick with four Chinese for membership. It was a card aka [Link] Most, who served
the Fraternal Order of Eagles, bells on various lengths of cord. trick in which he magically up an amazing menu of tidbits
1530 N Stone Ave Tucson, AZ When the audience selected a produced the Eights. Jim Tate designed to whet your appetite
Contact [Link]/ bell, and with just the power presented a golf scenario; he for restaurant magic. Appi-
sam136tucson for more details. of the mind (and the period of showed a bag and a square ball, teasers included tips from this
a pendulum), the selected bell which turned into golf ball. He part-time pro on how to actually
would swing and ring, while put a green scarf into a box with get a restaurant gig through a
138 the other bells remained still, the ball; it became green with a number of approaches such
July 2012 and silent. Hal Hudgins had the hole on it – a hole in one. Tom as brochures and mailings,
finger of an unknown magician. Chidester placed some pre- although The Great Zambini
Fort Worth, TX— The July The finger would float or sink dictions in envelopes marked definitely prefers an up-close
2012 meeting of the Fort Worth inside a bottle at will. 1,2,3. He riffled a deck of cards and personal approach;
Magicians Club was held on Randi Rain did a demonstra- and had someone say stop three approach would-be customers
July 5, 2012. The theme for our tion in eating dry ice – not times. He put the card stopped or, even better, the manager,
meeting was “Science Magic.” something you should try at in the matching envelope. and give it your best shot.
President Ash Adams opened without knowing the secret. He opened the envelopes and Impress...impress...impress.
the meeting by sharing details Libby performed a very showed that the predictions Lounge areas, waiting areas,
of Bob Utter’s funeral and beautiful version of Sands and chosen cards were the and lines of people waiting
Broken Wand ceremony with of the Desert. The meeting same. Eric Davis performed a to be seated can provide your
the group. Bob was 89 years was closed with a moment new warm-up routine for kids best opening. Working tables,
old. of silence in honor of Bob shows to get member feedback. on the other hand, requires a

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 19

Assembly News

keen sense of timing in when at this feast. This year we were years for National School As- bleeding – but, look – he pulled
to approach customers (after fortunate to have two lecturers semblies doing up to three out the signed card! It was a
drinks and food orders are at the club, one being Alex shows a day. They described to “Big” bloody mess.
taken or during dessert so as Lourido and the other Dan the assembly how they set-up, Dane Howick performed
not to interfere with staff and/ Hauss. Both of these lecturers performed, and tore down in his version of Add One,
or facilitate turnaround on the were enjoyable and it was record time to make their tight but revealed the total on a
tables). our pleasure to have them. In schedule. They later booked license plate – now that was
Doug also noted that attire addition to the lecturers, the the Virgil show and then soon clever! A “Big” gold star to
should be something appropri- club enjoyed eight workshops became performers in the Dane for his performance.
ate to the environment and, if presented by our own members Reveen show. They showed Steve Dawson had a clever
possible, uniquely yours. Your that ranged from bizarre magic us some large photos of the twist to What’s Next, turning
magical garb should both fit to rope magic and everything Reveen show along with other the prop into an eye chart. It
your style and make you stand in between. In addition to all literature and posters describ- was a hmmm, let’s see, big, big
out from the establishment’s that, the club grew fourfold in ing what was one of the biggest – I know -- it was a Big idea!
staff. size in just ten months. It was full-evening stage shows of the Walter Webb recently had a
Zambini also recommend- a pleasure to see all the new Golden Age of Magic. Mark stroke on stage during a perfor-
ed that a five-minute routine faces at the table and listen to and Marlynn later struck out mance and brought in a DVD
is often more than enough. all the chatter from various on their own, and they still of the incident.
A quick visual opener, a sections of the room. One perform an illusion show The Assembly meets every
somewhat longer piece in the of the highlights was an an- throughout Utah. Mark and second Thursday at 7:00pm at
middle, and a strong closer nouncement by Magic Mike Marlynn also build quality The Courtyard at Jamestown,
will no doubt make everybody that he is opening a brick-and- props and cases for other per- 3352 North 100 East, Provo,
happy. Leave the table on a mortar magic shop in Trenton, formers. Utah. Contact Brian Daniel
strong note and move on. If NJ. We all wish him and his The theme of the performance South brian@teachbymagic.
there’s a give-away in the family lots of luck. Fellow portion of the evening was com (801) 916-2442 www.
offing, make it something your member Mitch Geier offered “Big Magic,” and true to the [Link] for more
patrons will remember you by his home as a meeting place in theme, Al Lampkin produced details.
(i.e.: a unique prop used in the August to discuss the following a “Big” version of a selected
routine, or some form of adver- year over traditional American card from a shuffled deck. 198
tising – anything that makes fare such as burgers and Dave “Magical” Johnson did Hot Summer Stuff
them remember you). dogs. There have been many a book test, but also true to
The Great Zambini concluded changes in Assembly 181 over the theme, revealed a selected Melbourne/Palm Bay, FL —
with several effects he the last year and we hope that word on a “Big” white-board. Typically we take July off with
routinely uses in his restaurant next year will be even better. Kerry Summers showed us all the vacations and magi-
gigs, most of which are either —Stephan Sloan what may be an antique effect cian’s travels, but schedules
variations on a theme or pro- Assembly 181 meets the first in which he vanished a silk worked to have a great meeting
prietary in nature, so we won’t Thursday of every month from a glass only to have it this month.
elaborate on them. Suffice it September thru June at the appear in another glass. We all We discussed our upcoming
to say, above all: Practice and First United Methodist Church got a bang out of it – a pretty Jazz Club Show and lectures/
enjoy! Till next time, bye. 187 Stockton Street Hight- “Big” bang, too. Javier Monte- shows with Keith Fields and
—Dean F. Devitt stown NJ 08520. Doors open longo had a card signed only to Dan Garrett scheduled for
SAM Assembly 172 meets at at 7:00PM. Contact Stephan appear in an orange – no, wait September. We had reports on
The St. Lucie Lanes on Route Sloan lands10@optonline. a minute – the card wasn’t in the Tampa Magic Fest from
1 in Port St. Lucie, FL, on the net (732) 757-5337 www. the orange – it’s folded up in Cory Allen and Greg Phillips
fourth Tuesday of each month [Link] for more his mouth – no wait – that’s and an I.B.M. report from John
at 7:00 pm except December. details. the wrong card – oh, it’s in the Anderson. Greg also talked
Contact Dean F. Devitt stuffed animal – wait a minute, about his time with Kozmo
quindar46@[Link] (772) 188 he’s doing bloodless surgery while touring NYS. Then it
466-1942 for more details. Mark & Marlynn – no, the stuffed animal is was down to magic!
Evans Lecture Joe Mc Conn started off with
his variation off Helder Guima-
181 Orem, UT— The meeting raes’s Oil and Water combined
Magic Buffet was conducted by Assembly with a Joshua Jay offering from
Secretary Al Lampkin. After Josh’s “Magic Talk” MAGIC
Hightstown, NJ— At the end a brief discussion about the magazine column.
of June, the club met for one upcoming bar-b-que later in Pete Crummey followed
last time before the summer the month, Al introduced our with Roy Walton’s Oil and
break. More than twenty club special guests for the evening, Queens and then a series of
members gathered for a buffet Mark and Marlynn Evans. As moves including the Hamman
dinner at a local diner to talk, a husband-and-wife team, they switch, Elmsley count and
show magic, and plan for next cut a swatch across the United Mark and Marlynn show Ascanio spread, leading into
year. We had a lot to celebrate States performing several costume from the Reveen show the Last Trick of Dr. Daley.

20 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 Assembly News

He borrowed Joe Massimini’s she is developing. The first [Link] game of Tic Tac Toe with
Optical Wallet and showed a workshop performer was Chuck for more details. a predicted outcome.
variation on a theme. Kleiner. Chuck was preparing Sherrill Nunnley gave a pre-
Cliff Silverthorn showed Dan for a business/staff meeting 215 sentation of Alchemy, turning
Garcia’s Pressure, and then and had ideas involving “an- Stunts, Puzzles, earth substances into gold…
Joe Massimini offered up his ticipating customer’s needs” Tricks, and Bar Bets fish. He was paid one dollar for
version of the Optical Wallet using a couple of nice predic- his presentation!
and Anti-Gravity Spoons. tion effects with the Invisible Louisville, KY— Louisville Ray Tillman showed us how
Deck as well as a nifty iPhone Magic Club gathered for a night to lift two dice by touching
application. Chuck’s magic is of fun, education, and perform- only the top die with his mag-
always polished and clever. ing. Each member was asked to netized fingers. J.T. Smith
Hugh Castell was the next come prepared to show at least showed us the interlocked
workshop performer. Hugh one stunt, puzzle, trick, or bar fingers that are turned all the
was preparing for an upcoming bet. way around from thumbs down
magic contest. His presenta- President David Garrard to thumbs up and followed that
tion involved the memory began the night with a puzzle with a rabbit from a bandanna.
and magic of his good friend of the corks in each hand with Edward Streeter gave us a pre-
Girl Scout Magic “Quincy Kumquat.” Was a thumb and finger on each sentation of Needle through
Quincy a genius, or just a guy cork, interlocked. These were Balloon and at the finish
John Anderson showed a with a funny name? Hugh’s separated without moving popped the balloon – a shower
David Acer trick from the new time travel trick certainly made either finger or thumb. Corks of red glitter rained down. The
book More Power to You that you wonder. were given out for each meeting ended with President
is also featured on the current There were some nice member to practice and take David Garrard showing us
edition of Reel Magic. John show-and-tell items from home. David continued with the Bermuda Triangle and an
also performed John Bannon’s the members as well. Roger Stewart James’s A Match for amazing and scary straight pin
Power Poker using a large deck. Sylwester showed off some Gravity, and finished with the through a piece of hard wood.
Cory Allen and Greg Phillips Indian cups that had knobs on Topsy-Turvy cups. It was a great meeting, guys;
offered some directorial the top of them and another Bill Alexander, our sergeant- our club is very proud of all of
comments to the guys as they member showed some beau- at-arms, followed with a game you. —Tom Crecelius
prepare for their upcoming tifully engraved silver cups. of picking up paper balls with Assembly 215 meets at
public performances. Mike Jacobs presented a nice a volunteer, the loser being the 7PM in the St. Matthews
A magical time was had by chop cup routine with a variety last one to pick up the paper Baptist Church in Louisville,
all! Stop by the Space Coast of colored balls and a colored balls. Bill followed this with Kentucky on the first Tuesday
Magic Club. We’re air-condi- silk in which the balls passed a coin flipping, heads or tails, of the month. Other meetings
tioned! —Greg Phillips through the silk. and the secret of winning! are scheduled as they become
The “Al Fox” Assembly 198 Fred Turner presented a very Secretary Tom Crecelius available to us. Contact Tom
meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the visual torn and restored card showed how to use pot holder Crecelius medimagic@[Link]
Month at 7 PM. at the Church based on the stage illusion of loops to make magic happen (812) 633-7684 [Link]
on the Rock 4028 S. Babcock sawing a woman in half. Mark in the hands of any youngster for more details.
Street, Melbourne, 32901, Paulson brought out his dead volunteering. Again, samples
across from Palm Bay High mouse Jerry. For a dead mouse, were given to each member to 226
School. Contact President/ Jerry certainly liked to show take home. Card Workshop
Secretary ,Greg Phillips Greg@ up under his cup of a house. Advisor board member Pete
[Link] Mark presented a nice quick Miller was next, showing the Williamsburg, VA—
(877-986) 2442 for more Chop Cup routine with Jerry as penetrating safety pins and six President Michael Hecken-
details. his helper. cups of beautiful emerald green berger called the meeting to
Terry Burlison, one of our water and an ensuing puzzle order with five members and
200 visitors, presented a nice packet to arrange them. Pete must one guest present. We welcome
July Magic trick that told a quick overview have been the wizard in the Zac Andrews to our midst.
of a magician-themed novel Wizard of Oz’s emerald city! During our business meeting
Seattle, WA— The theme for he had just finished writing. Vice President Jim Harris Phil Thorp was asked to meet
the July club meeting was “cup Terry also gave the group then showed us how to with the church facilities
and ball” magic. The club also a first look at the cover art. push a glass through the manager, Ed Brock and: 1) re-
welcomed three new visitors, Look for Terry’s book soon. cup handle of a coffee cup; schedule the Friends & Family
who shared some great magic —Jim Earnshaw it was simply amazing (or Magic Show for Wednesday,
and friendship. The Emerald City Wizards is that amazingly simple?). November 28, and invite
The club had two workshop Meets the 1st Thursday of Bill Kustes had two volunteers church members; 2) resched-
performances during which each month, at 7:00 p.m., at a help him with the “research” of ule the auction for Wednesday,
the performer asks for critiques Branch of the King County who is smarter women or men. October 24. Michael Hecken-
on a piece he or she is getting Library, WA Contact Jim I must say, we question his berger donated two books for
ready to perform for a public Earnshaw jimearnshaw@ methods! the assembly library. They are
function, or for a piece he or [Link] (206) 225-6715 Cody Comet played the The Vernon Touch: Writings of

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 21

Assembly News

Dai Vernon in Genii, The Con- dance was small, it was a very with rubber bands that turned Carmel, our distinguished deaf
juror’s Magazine from 1968 to good meeting. Cheers to all. into a round table rubber magician, showed a unique pre-
1991 and Encore II by Michael —Phil Thorp band free-for-all. Scribe Al diction effect. Manny Riskin
Ammar. The Baker-Temple Assembly D’Alfonso showed off his and Peter Fox did a balloon
Our program featured a card 226 meets the fourth new M & M diet in which he swallowing trick and Peter
workshop by Michael Hecken- Wednesday at 7 P.M. at the can continue to eat as many then did his bubble levitation
berger. Among the routines he Williamsburg Presbyte- candies as he wants without the based on the Zombie principle.
demonstrated and explained rian Church, 215 Richmond calories. Beverly Kenemuth Bernie Kraus showed us an
were: Chicago Opener, Harry Road Contact Phil Thorp showed off an auction acquisi- effect with a deck of cards
Lorayne’s Modernized Slop pthorp@[Link] (757) tion, a table-sized drum Tube held together with a padlock.
Shuffle, the Elmsley count and 229-2329 [Link] from which she produced a box Giovanni Abrate performed a
the Jordan count, Twisting the com /site/samassembly226/ full of silks. Clean-up batter “Matching cards” effect.
Aces, The Last Trick of Doctor Home/ for more details. Jerry opened his mysterious Etta Schaeffer had a cute
Daley, and Three Card Monte. trunk of magic. He showed off effect in which a ring climbed
Zac Andrews was up first with his homemade Chinese Torture uphill on a rubber band – very
two tricks. He riffled the deck 266 Cell and put a tiny shackled cute! Herb Arno demonstrated
until a spectator cried stop. A SUMMER HEATS UP Houdini inside; he then filled a “spelling a card” effect and a
card was picked, shown to the it with water. After a brief very clever “Matching Cards”
audience, and reinserted into Lakeland, FL— After a interlude Houdini escaped effect. The always original Mel
the deck. He asked if someone hot Fourth of July, the local his chains and the box. Jerry Panzer followed with a coin-
had a gun. Not finding a gun, magicians re-grouped from turned us all into kids with this cidence and then a location
he cocked his finger and thumb their various magic gigs to join delightful presentation. effect. Highlight of the evening
in the manner of a pistol. When together for fun and magic. This July the fireworks was a demonstration by a
he fanned the deck, there was Vice-President Luis Cam- continued to fly with the very young performer, who
the chosen card with powder paneria helmed the meeting magicians of Lakeland. Be showed us his card skills. He
burns and a bullet hole. In the through a record-breaking sure to visit with us if your featured a Three Card Monte
second trick a card was chosen business meeting so we could vacation plans bring you to (gimmicked), followed by a
from the deck, displayed, and get on with the magic. Central Florida. We’d love to prediction effect. This fellow’s
reinserted in the deck. When Craig Schwarz, a visitor from add some spark to your travels. name is Oliver Rauch and he’s
the deck was scanned, the Assembly 99, showed off some —Al D’Alfonso only eleven years old. We hope
new goodies that he is getting Jim Zachary Assembly 266 to see a lot of him in the future.
ready for Gifts and Gagetry meets the second Monday Barry Rubin came next with
to sell at the S.A.M. conven- of the month at 7PM at the a number prediction trick and
tion this year. Make sure to Lakeland I-HOP, I-4 & US was kind enough to give all the
check out the new stuff either 98. Contact Al D’Alfonso members printed instructions
in person or online. After an keeper0499@[Link] showing how to do it. Barry
interesting talk about the new (321) 4373814 for more details. also did his famous Money
S.A.M. website and the future Count Demonstration effect.
of the organization, we got Billy Byron had another of
ready for the magic. 274 his highly original routines.
Funnyman Elmo Bennett got BIG SHOW & TELL NIGHT It was like the Cups and Balls
Bill Baber performing us started with a card switch except he used tiny cups (like
“Four Kings Found” that he did right in Luis’s hand.
Boca Raton, FL — On those holding ketchup in res-
He followed up with another Monday July 2, 2012, the taurants) and dice – a lovely
card revelation that he used Sam Schwartz Assembly routine! Jack Weglinski caused
chosen card was missing. It in a hospital gig that had us 274 watched our group grow. a deck of cards to vanish from
turned out to be under his all in stitches. Luis continued President Arnold Rosen has a card case – a beautiful effect!
backpack. with cards by showing us a been largely responsible for The very pretty Sherry Bieder
Bill Baber wove three routines new color change in which he leading this group to our performed a very nice card
together: Four Kings Found changed Jerry Kardos’s signed current membership of sev- effect. Aaron Greenfield closed
from Richard Kaufman’s card from red to blue. enty-two strong, with forty the show with The Penetrable
Knack Magic Tricks, The Ob- Craig showed off his skills new members having joined Card Frame. Good to see so
servation Test from The Card since late 2011. Tonight’s many members participating.
Magic of Nick Trost, and magic meeting consisted —Marshall Johnson
Tracking Device from Jay of trick demonstrations Assembly 274 meets at the
Sankey’s DVD, Revolutionary followed by explanations JCC in Boca Raton, FL on the
Card Magic. After his per- of those tricks. first Monday of each month at
formance Bill explained the The program was 7PM. Arnold Rosen, President
structure of the tricks. opened by President (Arnold205@[Link]) (561)
Michael Heckenberger Arnold Rosen who dem- 212-2575) Contact Arnold
wrapped up the card perfor- onstrated several card Rosen, President Arnold205@
mances with MacDonald’s shuffles and then showed [Link] (561) 212-2575 for
Aces. We concluded with more Lakeland magi try out the new gifts how to memorize a more details.
magic talk. While our atten- and gadgets goodies deck of cards. Simon

22 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 Assembly News

303 report on his trip to the I.B.M. laughs started piling up as one rehearsed both the moves and
Sometimes they work convention: “Quite enjoyable, member after another – seven his presentation.
though there weren’t a lot out of nine performers – ran With others taking the “who
Fort Myers, Rl — Ever had of dealers because many of into problems. Wally Feather, needs rehearsal” route, a guest
one of those days where every- the big guys were at FISM with a simple chosen-card rev- had to get up to show everyone
thing goes right? Great, isn’t in England.” And Treasurer elation, counted twenty-three how things should go. Craig
it? Ah, but what about those Dick Payne discussed the cards when he should have Diamond has moved to the
nights when everything goes healthy state of our finances, counted twenty-four. Yours area after a thirty-year career
wrong? Which was almost the with funds possibly available truly, who used to get great working virtually every cruise
case at the July 10 meeting. toward a revival of the club’s results as a kid with Henry ship afloat. Firing off stories
Details coming up, but first, annual Christmas show. Christ’s Dead Man’s Hand, (Milton Berle vs. Engelbert
some business: President Tony Things started off well at forgot that the trick consists of Humperdinck) and remem-
Dunn, hampered by a sore show time. Dick Payne noted four cards to five players rather brances (meeting Marvin
throat, croaked out a brief that he’d cataloged his magic than five cards to four players. Roy, Friar’s Club dinners), he
collection and discovered he (And my cap gun didn’t go off, had the crowd with him even
owned more than four hundred either!) before he pulled off an up-
separate items – wow! Many Frank Mikesa had a clever to-date Mental Epic. We look
are up for sale as he tries to cut prediction effect involving forward to seeing him at many
back. He demoed a decades-old two decks – or was it one deck future meetings. —Don Dunn
unopened Mysto Magic effect with two boxes – that seemed FMMA, Assembly 303
in which numbered poker to fool some, confuse others. meets the second Tuesday
chips were flipped to match a Even Dan Tong, a consum- of each month at 7 pm. at
prediction. It could have been mate pro, managed to un-stack Myerlee Manor, Fort Myers
a commercial predecessor to his deck before he got started. FL Contact Richard Payne
the impromptu version with Tony Chaudhuri came off okay richardhpayne@[Link] for
Craig Diamond about to go numbered sugar packets. with a four-card prediction, more details. 
mental! After that, though, the but it was obvious that he had

Broken Wands

Howell Dean Ponton

Howell Dean Ponton, a life-long magician, passed away on June

18, 2012, due to cancer. Dean was born December 1, 1937, in San
Saba, Texas. He was bitten by the magic bug as a child when he
saw a performance by Harry Blackstone Sr. Later, Dean discovered
the magic shop in Lubbock, Texas, run by Fred and Ann Story, and
Dean’s performing repertoire quickly grew. In fact, Dean always
acknowledged that Fred and Ann heavily influenced his magical
understanding. Later in his twenties, he worked and traveled ex-
tensively throughout the United States with the Story full-evening
magic show.
In the 1950s, along with his life-long business partner Don Yelv-
ington, Dean performed professionally with his Magic of Christmas
fundraising show; his first full-evening show performance was in the
Wollford, Texas, high school auditorium. The fundraising endeavor grew to the point where Dean
was performing over a dozen full-evening shows per year as The Magic of Sebastian; this later grew
to over thirty shows per year.
Dean was an avid member of all the prominent magic organizations and became the president
of the Texas Association of Magicians in 2003. Dean largely retired in Lubbock, Texas, at sixty-five
years of age; he later moved to the small farming town of Slaton, Texas. Dean is survived by one
sister, Barnell Wilson. – Bruce Chadwick

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 23

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 [Link]
additions, changes, or deletions to: Anthony Antonelly, Chairman, Sick and Convalescent Committee, (215) 820-3192 ext. 1512.
magicforfun60@[Link]
Peter Anthony Joseph H. (Ben) Grant Frank J. McNaughton, Sr Pat Ryan
5100 O’Bannon Dr. Apt 72 400 Commonwealth Ave, Unit 9 1926 Apple Street, 43 Fairbanks Rd.
Las Vegas, NV 89146 Warwick, RI 02886 Williamsport, PA 17701 Churchville, NY 14428

David Ball Charlie Gross James J. Morrisey Matt Savin

40 Sandy Lodge Way 16745 Gertrude Street, 24 Grove St. P.O. Box 7693
Northwood, Middlesex Omaha, NE 60136-3023 Wayland, MA 01788 Alhambra, CA 91802-7533
HA6 2AS UK
Roy Horn Anthony Murphy Helene Schad
Roger Barr c/o Siegfried & Roy 11 Angel Rd., 2440 Viginia Ave.
883 B Leverpool Circle, 1639 N Valley Drive, North Reading, MA 01864 Bensalem, PA 19020
Manchester, NJ 08759 Las Vegas, NV 89108
Nahmen Nissen Grant Schofield
William H. Brewe Edward Kelly PO Box 1856 (The Great Granzini)
1698 Montrose 224-15 64 Avenue, Colfax, CA 95713-1856 9303 Quailbrook Ct.
Cincinnati, OH 45214 Bayside, NY 11364 Bakersfield, CA 93312
David Oliver
John Clark Bob King 41 Norman St. Sybill Simons
603 W Country Club Rd. 304 Suburban Court, Rockland, MA 02370 65 West 95 St. Apt 3A
Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215 Rochester, NY 14620 New York, NY 10025
Larry Poague
Lawrence Clark Robert D. Knigge 34221 West 90 Circle Sam Stecher
204 Hazelwood Ave PO Box 5, Desota, KS 66108 1000 Loring Ave Apt. C-23
Buffalo, NY 14215 Jones Borough, TN 3765 Salem, MA 01970- 4253
Jim Relyea
Tony Corrao Stanley R. Kramien 241 W. Lakeshore Mario Susi
100 Daly Blvd. #2804 11205 SW Summerfield Dr. Rockaway, NJ 07866 6 Bristol Rd.
Oceanside, NY 11572 Apt 161 W. Peabody, MA 01960
Tigard, OR 97224-3391 Harry Riser
Daniel Cudennec 8505 Woodfield Crossing Larry Taverner
“Dany Trick” Richard Laneau The Forum 805 LaPaz Ct.
225, Stang-ar-Veil- 4020 55th St. N. Indianapolis, IN 46240 Bakersfield, CA 93312
d’an-Traon, Mellac-29300, St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Quimperle, France Dale Rumsmoke Jack White
George Gilbert Lott 430 Perrymont Ave 4288 Arguello St.
Dan A. Dorsey 1725 Great Hill Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24502 San Diego, CA 92103
98 Woodvalley Dr. Guilford, CT 06437
Fayetteville, GA 30215

S.A.M. SPOTLIGHT
CLEM & JEAN KINNICUTT
Jay Gorham Assembly 24 is proud to honor Clem and Jean
Kinnicutt. Clem has been an active member of Assembly 24
for many years. Clem and Jean have been regular fixtures
at the S.A.M. annual conventions. For years, Clem has
served as RVP & Life Member Chair and Jean has headed
Gifts and Insignia and Member Service Awards com-
mittees of the S.A.M. They both recently retired from
their positions with the S.A.M., and we are very proud
of them for their efforts.
When Clem is present at an assembly meeting
you know that the laughs will come fast and furious.
Whenever a trick goes awry for anyone at a meeting
when Clem is present, it is jokingly referred to as
the Clem Syndrome, usually by Clem himself! In 2009,
Assembly 24 was proud to honor Clem as the Dean of
our assembly. We are proud to salute Clem and Jean.

24 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

The Music Goes On and On sheet comes up to give you or the sound
guy information, such as: “cut the music
One of the hardest things to do in your act is running your when the dove disappears” or “the force
music. I’m not talking about picking and working with it; I am card is the Five of Clubs.” It can also tell
talking about executing it during a performance. It is also chal- you what the next song is.
lenging to trust a sound guy (who you met a few hours ago) to The other great feature is the ability
get your cues down correctly. The days of reel-to-reel, cassette to plug in a mini wireless remote control
switching, or CD pausing are gone. A few devices have been (sold separately) that fits in the palm of
released to the marketplace, but they cost many dollars and your hand. No more relying on someone
were often cumbersome to program. There had to be a better else to get the cues correct. A wonder-
solution. fully written manual and a profession-
I am going to tell you about two approaches to music that ally thought out program makes this a
will get you smiling and thinking about adding more music to must for all performers. Even buying an iPad along with this
your performance. Welcome to the digital world of the twenty- program and remote will be cheaper than buying a machine that
first century. costs over $1,000. The bonus: This app does it easier!
Do yourself a favor and check out all that this app has
Sound like a DJ to offer. You can read about the features on their website
([Link]/showcues). ShowCues is available
If you want a different approach on the iTunes app store; the program sells for $60. The remote
to working your sound, check out is $50. The iPad is available at the Apple Store.
Soundboard. Ambrosia Software
has taken its very popular Mac
program and translated it perfectly Gifts for the Magic Geeks
to the iPad.
If you’ve ever been in a radio
station, you’ve seen that the hosts
have a touch-screen monitor with
little blocks on the screen containing their sound clips, com-
mercials, and music. Simply tap on the square and the song
plays. The square then displays a countdown timer on how
much sound is left in that clip. This is known in the business
as back-timing.
Soundboard does the same thing with your iPad. Create
multiple screens with the squares and tap what you need when Fred & Friends is a quirky novelty company based in Provi-
you need it. I have used this program a lot when doing sound for dence, Rhode Island. They always have a fun way of looking
other people. PNP Vinny Grosso praises this app and has used at things and I highly recommend you check out their website
it during some celebrity performances where he was the stage ([Link]) for prop ideas. Here are a couple of
manager. Soundboard is available in the iTunes App Store; it their cool gifts for magicians and other quirky people.
only works on the iPad, and it sells for $20. The Big Deal Pad is a thick note pad that looks like a
playing card – perfect for attaching notes to a contract. Salt
Cue the Sound and Magic are a pair of star-decorated magic wands. Wave
the wand and you sprinkle salt over your food. The other wand
Carl Andrews is not only a designer and programmer of produces pepper.
iDevice apps, he is also a working professional magician. When Fred & Friends products are available on [Link] or at
his friend Shawn Popp suggested that he create an app to play your nearest gift and stationary shop.
music cues, he went at it with passion. The result is the most
professional program I have ever seen called ShowCues. Calling All Android Users
Using your iPhone (or even better, your iPad), your device
becomes a music cue machine that you plug into your sound I’m looking for some decent apps for Android phones. If you
system. Load all your music on the device (through iTunes) and find one, tell me about it. If I like it, I’ll recommend it in the
you can create a multitude of playlists for each of your shows. column. Most of what I have found so far is not up to standards.
The screen will display a timer, name of song, time left on the Help! 
song, what the next song is, and other important things.
There are so many features to this app I won’t have enough Found a cool gadget, app, or website for magic applica-
time to go through them all. Start the music and a countdown tions? Share your discovery with Bruce to include in a future
timer will show you how much time is left in the song. A cue column. Email him (SAMtalkBruce@[Link]).

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 25

 14th World Deaf Magicians Festival in Helsinki
By Simon J. Carmel

Group of deaf magicians from nine countries at the festival

T
he warm spring season suddenly blossomed before the tion of the Deaf, and the officials of the Society of World Deaf
arrival of thirty-five deaf magicians and assistants at Magicians. The first competition began.
the 14th World Deaf Magicians Festival that took place Tuesday, April 24: On the third day, Miika Pelkonen of
in Helsinki, Finland, on April 22-29, 2012. They stayed at the Helsinki, who is the FISM European Champion of Card Magic
Holiday Inn Helsinki. 2011 and also the 2009 and 2011 Restaurant Magic Champion,
Sunday, April 22: On the first day of the international presented his magnificent lecture on card manipulations and
festival, the participants received the bags of the festival card tricks to deaf festival participants. The lecture went
posters, classic clear force bags, and program books. Later, without a glitch. He was surprised to have a wonderful time
organizer Elina Pokki welcomed all magicians and explained with different deaf magicians after his lecture. In the afternoon,
the daily festival events. The drawings for the order of the rehearsals continued for the second group of contestants. Then,
contestants were conducted for the competitions on Monday, in the evening the second competition continued.
Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. Wednesday, April 25: On the fourth day Simon Carmel
Monday, April 23: In the morning, Heikke Nevala, a re- (USA, as a coordinator), Preeth Pavithran (India), Matthew
searcher, writer, and member of
the Finnish Magic Circle, gave a
wonderful PowerPoint presenta- Artem Tyurin Dmitry Petelin and Anatoly
tion on the life of the Finnish deaf (Russia) Nemirovchenko (Ukraine)
magician Oskar Wetzell (1888-
1928), who had participated as
a springboard diver in the 1908
and 1912 Summer Olympics in
London and Stockholm, and who
traveled throughout Finland as
an outstanding illusionist. In the
afternoon, rehearsals took place
in the “Light House” Theater.
The jury committee of five people
included two hearing magicians Tamara Maksimnko
Heikki Nevala, Marttu Siren, and (Ukraine)
three deaf jury members, Nobu
Kamizuru (Japan, magician),
Kaisa Alanne (Finland, non-magi-
cian), and Marianne Aro (Finland,
amateur magician and performing
arts director). In the evening, the
opening ceremony started with
the festival flag raising and intro-
duction of Jaana Kesi-Levijoki,
president of the Finnish Associa-

26 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 Martti Siren, a member of the Joker
Liliana Morgan (USA) Club, gave his lecture on the theory
of magic and technology for one hour.
Simon Carmel presented comments
and critiques of deaf magicians’ per-
formances without identifying the
names of them, in order to help improve
their future technical skills. After the
workshop meeting, deaf magicians
John “Fantastica” Gapp came to see many magic tricks and
(England)
props on the tables displayed by magic
dealer Markku Purho.
Saturday, April 28: The long
Preeth Pavithran (India) evening program at the Exhibition
and Convention Centre attached to
the Holiday Inn included the evening
gala banquet, the award and closing
ceremonies, and the show perfor-
mances. US Ambassador to Finland
Bruce Oreck and Mrs. Cody Oreck
came to congratulate three American
deaf magicians, and then met and
conversed with other people, including
the officers of the Finnish Deaf Asso-
ciation. The top-place winners gave
their performances. The other enter-
Morgan (USA), and Vladimir Rudnev (Russia, hearing tainment performers included Nobu Kamizuru (Japan) with his
president of the Society of Russian Magicians and the Moscow Japanese-style magic act, a hearing Finnish performer and his
Magic Club) presented their “show-and-tell” workshops to sword-swallowing act, and a deaf sign-language singer from
four different groups of deaf magicians in the same meeting Denmark.
room. Each group rotated to each of four tables to watch the Next, the beautiful wooden plaques made by a well-known
workshop presenters lecture on their tricks. Several deaf deaf Finnish wood carver Heikki Tapio from Rovaniemi (the
magicians said the workshop was wonderful and educa- administrative capitol of Finland’s northernmost province of
tional for them. In the evening the third and last competition Lapland) were presented to the first-, second-, and third-place
continued. festival winners. The official flag of the Society of World Deaf
Thursday, April 26: The magicians, officials, and assis- Magicians was presented to Matthew Morgan, the next host of
tants took a city tour of Helsinki, visiting the 260-year-old the 15th World Deaf Magicians Festival in Chicago, Illinois, in
historic Suomenlinna maritime fortress and the museums in the fall of 2014.
the morning. In the afternoon, they went shopping around the The Society of World Deaf Magicians wishes to deeply
stores downtown. In the evening, the banquet was held for deaf thank Elina Pokki, organizer, and her Festival Organiz-
festival magicians and the festival organizing committee, and ing Committee workers, and the Finnish Association of
gifts were presented to the festival organizers. the Deaf, for their wonderful and amazing cooperation and
Friday, April 27: The Congress of the Society of World responsibility of hosting the memorable World Deaf
Deaf Magicians took place in the morning. The officers – John Magicians Festival in Helsinki, Finland.
Gapp (England), Anatoly Reznik (Ukraine), and Simon Carmel All photos are credited to Martti Siren and the Finnish
(USA) were re-elected for the next two-year term. After lunch, Association of the Deaf.

The 2012 Festival winners are:

Stage Magic Women in Magic Micro-Magic
1. Matthew Morgan (USA) 1. Liliana Morgan (USA) 1. Matthew Morgan (USA)
2. Artem Tyurin (Russia) 2. Elena Kim (Ukraine) 2. Nikolay Chaushyan (Russia)
3. Viacheslav Kulikov (Italy) 3. Tamara Maksimenko (Ukraine) 3. Andrey Tyurin (Russia)

Comedy Magic Merlin Magic Illusion

1. Maxim Sheynin & Tatiana 1. Anatoly Nemirovchenko 1. Ildar Mamatov (Russia)
Romantsova (Russia) (Ukraine)
2. Valerii Maruschack (Ukraine) 2. Valerii Maruschack (Ukraine)
3. Preeth Pavithran (India) 3. Anatoly Reznik (Ukraine)

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 27

QUICK LOOK BOOK NOOK
Excerpt From: Fig. 2
The Trapdoor Volume 3
Author:
Steve Beam
Description:
Hardcover, 624 pages
Fig. 1
Available From:
[Link]
Pull this card out forward so that it
Steve Beam’s The Trapdoor magazine was published from is out-jogged about half its length. Rest
1984 to 1998. Mr. Beam was the publisher, editor, head writer, your right arm as you focus on the
subscriptions manager, and illustrator. Considering that a cards in the left hand. Release your left
complete file of The Trapdoor runs to fifteen hundred pages, this thumb’s grip on the top half of the
was a labor of love by anyone’s definition. (And I would be remiss pack. To everyone’s satisfaction,
if I didn’t mention that during this time Mr. Beam raised a family, the card you originally showed
moved several times, achieved stature and success in his “day to them is now out-jogged in the
job,” published several large hardcover books, and was personally pack. Fig. 3
responsible for the popularity of both the Macarena and thimble Square Up. Bring your right
tricks.) hand over the top of the pack and
The Trapdoor is characterized by the high quality of its extend your right fingers. Use them to
close-up and stand-up magic, and by the great sense of humor of pull the out-jogged card in about
its commander in chief. The magazine is simply a delight to read. half of the length the card is
An excerpt from the second volume of the collected The out-jogged. As your fingers
Trapdoor appeared in the October 2011 issue of M-U-M. Mr. contact this card, this puts
Beam asked if I had any prerequisites for the excerpts from the the palmed card directly
third volume. I told him that whatever effects he chose would be over the top of the pack. See Fig. 4
fine, as long as none of the tricks used the Tenkai palm, loose Figure 4. Release the palmed
change, or the Svengali-deck-like nature of carbonless bank card, where it will come to rest on
checks. I think you’ll find the following three effects fit the bill top of the pack.
nicely. My thanks to Steve Beam for allowing these excerpts to From here on it’s all acting. Relax your right
appear in M-U-M. —Michael Close arm to show the card still out-jogged. Bring your
right hand back over to the pack and pull the jogged card closer to
Tenkai Charlie the pack. Display the results. On the third squaring action, pull the
By Steve Beam card flush with the rest of the pack. Snap the top of the pack and
turn the top card over, revealing the ambitious card back on top.
This versatile move is easy to learn if you don’t have small Background. This was originally published in The Trapdoor
hands. [Michael Close note: Even if you have small hands, keep #22. I am reprinting it here because without it, the next item is
reading. I’ll explain a slight change in the handling that will allow useless. I came up with the above move after seeing Bill Wisch
small-handed readers (like me) to do this.] I will describe the perform his control. Bill’s move was reminiscent of a move I saw
move as an ambitious card move. Afterwards I will show you a Irv Weiner perform. Rick Johnsson published a similar move
quick flourish using the move. in Practical Impossibilities. Rick’s move was later reprinted as
If 12:00 is straight ahead, turn to face 10:00. (I don’t know Ed Marlo’s The Ambitious Miracle Change in Ambitious Card
if this makes any difference, but I’m currently standing in the Omnibus.
Eastern Standard Time zone and we are under Daylight Savings [Michael Close note: If you have small hands, the initial lifting
Time.) Hold the pack in the left hand in dealing position. Lift off of the upper half of the deck can be accomplished as follows.
the top card and hold it as shown in Figure 1 between the right Using just the left thumb and fingers, shift the position of the deck
thumb and first two fingers. Snap this card against the pack or so that the left edge of the deck rests in the crease at the base of the
other solid object, which communicates its singularity. fingers. The fingers push up on the bottom of the deck, which lifts
Open the pack with your left thumb by lifting up the top half the deck to a vertical position. The left thumb can now grasp the
of the pack at the far right comer. The pack opens up book style, upper portion of the deck at the middle of the long edge. The left
hinging on the left long edge. See figure 2 for the current position. fingers relax, returning to a horizontal position. Since the lower
As your right hand brings the card over to the pack, curl your half of the deck merely rests on the left fingers (rather than being
right fingers in so that the card goes into the Tenkai palm. As the controlled by them), you will have to take a bit of care not to jostle
card is taken into the palm, your forefinger is free to move around. the deck as you do the fake placement. After the indifferent card
Take the top card of the lower half of the pack and pull it forward. is out-jogged, the left thumb releases the upper portion. The left
Figure 3 shows this position from above. fingers and thumb now shift the deck back into dealing position.]

28 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

Out on a Limb right elbow, use your right thumb to
By Steve Beam pop the palmed card into view.
Background. My first experi-
This is a very visual flourish that can be performed close-up ence with this type of flourish was in
or on a platform. While the angles may appear difficult to cover, I Fig. 6 Howard Thurston’s 50 Modern Card
can assure you that it meets most performing Tricks. I used that method with the
situations. Besides, the misdirection is so back palm for years. Recently Dr.
strong that you would almost have to Sawa of Japan controlled a chosen
Fig. 1 perform it backwards for the audience card into the desired position using
to see what’s happening. an under the spread control directly
This is based on Tenkai into the back palm. He also used the
Charlie, which was described deck to get rid of the indifferent card.
above. Read the instructions (There never was a good way to get
for the move up until it is time for the rid of the extra card in the Thurston
square-up. After pretending to place version.)
the ambitious card in
the middle of the pack, Against all Odds
Fig. 2 allow the upper half to By Steve Beam
drop onto the balance of
the pack. The apparent This is a coin prediction effect that, in the right hands, could
ambitious card remains be built into the miraculous. I say this as a dare. For those of you
out-jogged for half its who don’t like it, you must, by default, be the reluctant owners of
length. the wrong hands.
You are now going The effect is simple. That is, that the spectator is able to name
to quickly reposition the the amount of change in an envelope. I will give you a couple of
pack in the left hand. variations that will allow you to customize it to your particular
Cu rl performance requirements.
your fingers and thumb in on the pack as shown The Work. I’m going to describe the single envelope method
in Figure 1. Extend the fingers and thumb as first because I prefer it. Start by acquiring a small opaque coin
shown in Figure 2. Now curl your left thumb envelope. You should also obtain a piece of opaque card stock.
over the right long edge of the pack as you Cut the card stock so that it fits snugly inside the envelope. On
curl in your left fingers underneath. See one side of the card write, “I owe you another two cents.” On the
Figure 3. Note that the action described in other side, write, “I owe you another twenty cents.” Place the card
this paragraph takes about a second. in the envelope with the two-cent side toward the front (the side
Bring your left hand over to your right without the flap attached) of the envelope. Place seventeen cents
hand, which is aimed down and forward at using a lot of coins (for example, two nickels and seven pennies) in
a forty-five-degree angle from the floor. the envelope. Write a good kids-show-magician name on the front
Fig. 3
Figure 4 shows your view at this point. of the envelope, for example, “Stevie, The Magician.” (You, of
Push the jogged card in against your right course, would use some version of your name.) Place this envelope
forearm. Simultaneously, use your right thumb in your pants pocket along with fifty-four cents.
to flip the palmed card into view at To perform, remove the envelope from the pocket as you finger
the right fingertips. This gives the palm the coins. “You know, I was not always the world famous
effect that the card that is squared magician you have come to know and love. I first started per-
into the pack is the same card that forming magic when I was eleven years old. My fee added new
immediately appears at your right meaning to the term, ‘minimum wage.’ I had a two-digit salary,
fingertips. and both digits were to the right of the decimal place. It meant a
Alternate Handling. You will lot to me, since the couple who booked me both chipped in to pay
reposition the deck in a different for the show. My first show meant so much to me that I kept the
manner for this production. Use fee in this envelope and I always carry it with me when I perform.
Fig. 4 your left thumb to flip the pack In fact, I decided to try to make a magical effect out of the fee. I
up as you lift your hand up so that did this because there’s very little else I could do with this amount
the palm faces to the right. See of money. The magic effect I’m going to attempt to perform is to
Figure 5. have you guess the amount of money in the envelope. There is a
prize for the successful guess – because the odds are ninety-nine
Lift the right hand to a to one against you, and you have to get it exactly. No one has ever
vertical position as shown i n Fig. 5 guessed the correct number before.
figure 6. This illustration “As I said, there are two digits in the amount, and both are
also shows the left hand po- odd; I’ll give you another hint. One digit is large and the other
sitioning the pack immedi- one is small. Would you name a small digit for me?” Assume she
ately below the right elbow. chooses 3. “And would you name a large digit for me?” Assume
Now, as you quickly square she chooses 7. “Now, these two digits can form either 37 or 73.
the up-jogged card against the Which is your choice?” Assume she chooses 37.

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 29

QUICK LOOK BOOK NOOK
Despite the fact that she feels like she had a free choice of any percent of the time.) After telling the audience that your helper
odd number, with two short sentences you have progressively re- qualifies for a cash prize, hand her the IOU and lead the applause.
stricted her choice in the following manner: This is funny because she ends up with nothing. If the mood is
• Making it a two-digit number reduces the selection bank by right for a tag line, follow with, “Don’t look at me. That IOU is
ten by eliminating zero through nine. thirty years old. With interest, it’s worth more than my fee.”
• Eliminating the even numbers reduces her chances by another Psychology. When performed as above, the audience does not
sixty-five, while she thinks you only reduced the selection bank try to outguess you by looking for loopholes in your elimination
by fifty percent. While she perceives that you have eliminated the process. You are not competing with them; you are on the same
fifty even numbers between one and one hundred, you have also team. They view any restrictions they notice as you trying to help
eliminated the twenties, forties, sixties, and eighties because you them to guess a number. I have a feeling this is why the number
eliminated an odd number from both the ones digit and the tens 5 is never chosen even by those who would normally want to
digit. challenge you. At the conclusion of the effect, they still view the
• By limiting her choice to small and large numbers, you odds as overwhelmingly against the correct guess.
eliminate the choice of 5, which is in the middle. This reduces the Evil Option. If you don’t like the idea of manually adding
selection bank by another thirteen numbers (15, 25, 35, 45, 51, 53, fifty-four cents to the seventeen cents in the envelope, you could
55, 57, 59, 65, 75, 85, and 95). have two envelopes in your wallet and remove the correct one
• By restricting her combination of the two digits to one that is (totaling above or below 50). I don’t like this option because I
large and another that is small, you have reduced the selection bank think you should start with the envelope out on the table.
another eight numbers. Note that you apparently give her back this Good Option 1. Another way to get out of using the finger-
restriction when you later allow her to choose the order of the palmed coins is to have two spectators call out the digits with
digits, making it either a large or a small number. However, this is a one-sentence request. “Would someone call out a large digit
not the case. With this restriction, you permanently eliminate 11, and someone else call out a small digit? Call them out in any
13, 31, 33, 77, 79, 97, and 99. order.” You can write the digits on the outside of the envelope
So, despite the fact that she feels the she has a fairly broad with the proper digit in the proper place. For example, assume you
range of numbers between one and a hundred, you have actually are only set up with seventeen cents in the envelope and you aren’t
restricted her choice to eight numbers. The choices are as follows: prepared for anything over fifty cents for the final number. If they
Below 50: 17, 19, 37, and 39 call out a seven first, write it on the right side of the envelope.
Above 50: 71, 73, 91, and 93 When they call out the smaller number, write it to the left of the
Now let’s study our situation and how it relates to the eight first number forming the tens digit. Of course, if they call out the
numbers above. There are seventeen cents in the envelope. After smaller number first, write it to the left and the subsequent larger
she chooses a number, say, “Let’s see how you did.” If she chooses number to the right. Either way, you end up with one of the four
the number 17, simply pour the seventeen cents into her hands (or numbers less than 50 and you can conclude the effect with the
allow her to). This is a strong ending. If she chooses 71, allow the contents of the envelope.
fifty-four cents to drop from your hand, adding to the coins you Good Option 2. The way I perform this now is with the IOUs
pour from the envelope into her hands. written on two separate cards. I put the two-cent IOU on top (on
If she chooses something other than 17 or 7 1, you will have to the face) of the twenty-cent IOU. After pouring the coins from
use the IOU. Let’s deal with the middle numbers of each bank: 19, the envelope, I drop the envelope on the table until the coins are
37, 73, and 91. You apparently have messed the trick up. “Perhaps counted. Then I pick up the envelope and remove either or both of
now you know why my fee was so low – my tricks didn’t work.” the IOUs as needed. I know the two-cent IOU is on the face, which
Pause for a response. “However, you were right. My fee was makes this an easy process.
nineteen cents. And even if it was written in crayon, a contract This option allows you to award a cash prize in the form of an
is a contract. So I called it to their attention and they told me to IOU each time you perform the effect. You can also have the pre-
look in the envelope.” Reach in and remove the IOU with the ap- dictions written on the blank sides of two of your business cards
propriate side up. The two base numbers of 17 and 71 can be made so it’s a simple matter to reset.
to equal the other options (19, 37, 73, and 91) by adding either two On occasions when I remove both IOUs, I comment that once
or twenty cents. again, both members of the couple who booked me chipped in.
The final options are the largest numbers of each bank, either (This is consistent with the patter at the opening of the effect.) It
39 or 93. If she chooses one of these, proceed as above, removing makes sense that both would chip in on the IOUs.
the IOU with the two-cent side up. “I protested that the two cents Leftovers. You might also use this line if you hoping for a
didn’t get the fee up to the correct amount and I don’t do my full- repeat gig. “Of course, I will honor the IOU as a discount on my
evening show for a mere thirty-seven cents (fill in the current fee if you would like to book my show at my current fees.” This is
number you are up to); they told me to turn the IOU over.” When done very tongue-in-cheek as they realize that a two- to twenty-
you add the second IOU of twenty cents to the current total, you two-cent discount on your current fee would be meaningless.
will have either 39 or 93. Background. This is my version of a marketed effect by
Ending. “Because the odds were enormously against you good friend and contributor, Doc Dixon. Doc’s original is called
arriving at the correct amount of fee for my first magic show, you Change of Mind; it allows far more freedom of choice than mine
are entitled to a cash prize.” Reach into the pile of change and and is worth your consideration. There are other advantages to
hand her one of the pennies. “Let’s give her a round of applause.” his, and mine has advantages over the original but to discuss those
If you used both sides of the prediction, you can get a better option. would jeopardize the secret to Doc’s.
(Consult the options below for how to get this ending one hundred

30 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

The Checkout
By Steve Beam
This is a gag you can add to your favorite card to wallet
effect. It adds another effect and a few quality seconds to what
should already be a strong routine. In effect, the magician
says that if he can’t find the selected card, he will give the
spectator all the money in his wallet. Failing to find the card,
he removes his wallet. “Gee, there doesn’t seem to be any
money in here. Will you take a check?” Because the spectator
never really expected anything (after all, a magician’s wallet is
usually empty) he is delighted to take a check.“Oh, I’m sorry.
It appears that I’m all out of checks.” The magician riffles
through his check pad showing that all of them have been used.
Again, the spectator is let down. Then the magician suddenly
notices a zippered compartment he forgot to consult. Checking
into the compartment, he removes the signed selection. After
taking his applause, the magician follows with a tag line: “And
that’s a shame. I was looking forward to using one of my new
checks.” At this, the magician riffles the checkbook showing a
pad full of new checks.
The Work. I use the carbonless checks that bind at the top.
Mine are printed by Clarke American. Using some form of
what we used to call NCR paper, pressure on the colored check
creates a copy of the writing on the white page behind it. Sign
the top check to someone and then tear it off. Void the check
(for your protection). This leaves you a used check copy on top
of the pad of checks.
If you riffle this pad from the front to the back (Figure
1), all the white copies show. It’s the Svengali deck principle,
which is already built into the checks. If you then riffle the
checks from back to the front (Figure 2), only the colored

Fig. 1

Fig. 2 checks show.

To strengthen the
change, use non-white
checks. Then, before
you destroy the single
check you removed,
insert that check on top
of several of the copies
and draft a fake check. This
causes an imprint on all of the
copies so that they all appear used when you flip through them.
If you like this and wish to use it, feel free to sign that
extra check and send it to me. I will make sure it is disposed
of properly. (For your protection, you should write clearly and
date it as well.) 

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 31

 LEVENT
will be determined by a few factors: the For those who think that I’m carrying
type of magic that you do well, the venues far too much equipment, I offer a pair of
where you perform, and the money that anecdotes.
you make. As you progress in magic, About twenty years ago I went to
you have to make a calculation as to the see the performance of a young comedy
STAGE

amount and size of props you are willing to magician. When I visited him backstage
carry. I’ve known mentalists who carry a he showed me his prop case, which was a
tiny amount of props. The benefit for them small leather doctor’s bag. I then asked him
is that they have a very easy time when it how much material the case contained and
comes to travel; the best of them can have he said, “I can do a two-hour stage show
an enormous impact on an audience. The with those props.” I was very surprised by
101 downside is that in most mentalism there that statement, because it was a relatively
is usually very little for the audience to small bag and it did not appear to contain
Magic on the Move appreciate visually. much equipment. When I watched his
On the opposite end there are mid-level performance it became apparent that he
For the vast majority of stage illusionists who fill the stage with big was telling the truth, because each routine
magicians, the initial phase of developing props, a team of assistants, and a vast he did contained very little magic; his act
a routine usually begins with practicing array of lighting equipment. The benefit was mostly talk. For instance, he did the
tricks at home. Eventually, however, the is a great deal of production value (eye old NO Gag. In this gag a magician holds
conjurer must leave his domicile and head candy) that the audience receives. But a large envelope and says something like,
out into the world to perform magic. In this the downside is the high financial cost of “Ladies and gentlemen, in this envelope
month’s column, I will discuss the ins and the illusions and assistants as well as the I have a prediction.” The magician points
outs of transporting a stage magic act. ancillary equipment required to give a to a spectator and says, “You sir, do you
The first thing to keep in mind is that in client a big stage show. Also, one negative know what it says?” The spectator then
terms of luggage not all stage magic acts aspect that is often not discussed with replies, “No,” after which the magician
are alike. For instance, some performers being an illusionist is the fact that these big reaches into the envelope and pulls out a
can carry their entire show in their pockets boxes have to be stored somewhere when paper with the word “NO” written on it.
while others require large vehicles and the magician is not performing. Therefore, He displays it to the audience as he loudly
several assistants to carry and set up their if the illusionist does not have a large home proclaims, “Absolutely correct.” The
gear. and or a garage, the props must be kept at typical performance of this gag is usually
The second thing to keep in mind is that a storage facility; over a length of time the less than one minute. When I saw the
in terms of visual impact not all stage magic cost of storage rental can add up to a lot of aforementioned young magician do this
acts are the same. For instance, a verbal money. gag it took him about eight minutes. That
comedy performer could do a half-dozen The path I’ve chosen is as follows: is not an exaggeration, because I timed it
entertaining tricks in a forty-five-minute I’m a comedy magician who does some with my watch. The majority of his NO Gag
act, aided with nothing but a microphone. manipulation in his act. I have a pretty routine was a series of unfunny jokes with
Another performer could cover the same good collection of props and magic books spectators, culminating with the reveal of
forty-five minutes with a dazzling show that I’ve accumulated in my thirty-seven the word “NO.” It seemed to me that this
enhanced with stunning lights, fantastic years in magic. But the act that has been my young man was so concerned with killing
music, and amazing costumes and scenery. bread and butter for the last twenty years as much time as he could with each prop
The third thing to keep in mind is that fits in one large suitcase and a carry-on that he inadvertently succeeded in doing
you can have a magician with an enormous bag. (I also carry a second suitcase for one thing: he killed the entertainment
budget, but if he is not a skilled showman, my personal belongings.) So at this point value of his act.
all the money and props in the world I can travel the world with about ninety At around the same time I saw a much
cannot make his show entertaining. But if minutes worth of material by checking in older magician who took literally ten
a conjurer is an excellent performer, he can two suitcases on an airplane and carrying minutes to cut and restore a piece of rope.
thrill an audience and bring them to their a case under my airplane seat. In this case, the performer stood onstage
feet with the most modest props and stage To some this may seem like very little and as he began to do an effect, he would
setting. equipment; to others it may seem like too suddenly stop the trick and tell a long joke.
As I said, not all stage magic acts are much. In my opinion the correct amount For example, he would say something like,
created equal. Usually, the kinds of props and size of the props depends on the “Here is an ordinary piece of rope. The
you carry and the type of magic you do performer and the path they choose to take. rope has two ends, which reminds me, two

32 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

priests walk into a bar and...” and he would of eight-track music cassette tapes. I cut compartment in the attaché case and I was
then tell a joke about a bar. He would then a few air holes into the cassette case and ready to begin the show.
start with the rope again and suddenly go transformed it into a safe and comfortable The benefit of having a dedicated
back to telling a joke. He must have told container to transport a single live dove. compartment for each prop was threefold.
seven or eight jokes in this manner until When I went to the gig I could hold the First, the compartments allowed me to
at the conclusion he finally cut the rope attaché case in my left hand and the carry the show without disturbing the
and restored it. Unlike the young magician collapsed Eureka Table base in my right contents. Second, I could get to a prop
with the NO Gag, this older magician instantly without looking for it. This
was not telling jokes to stretch out the is very important, because any delay

“with
duration of the rope trick. Instead, he in finding a prop can adversely affect
used the premise of doing the rope trick You can have a magician a performer’s timing. Third, the
as a device that tied together a series of
disparate jokes; I have seen comedians
an enormous budget, compartments allowed me to replace
the prop back into its dedicated spot
do a similar thing while playing a guitar. but if he is not a skilled right after I used it; I was, in effect,
Also in this case the magician did an
excellent job at telling very funny jokes
showman, all the money resetting my props for the next show
while performing. The value of this
and the whole routine was extremely and props in the world cannot be overlooked because it was
entertaining. fairly common for me to do shows in
So here we have a pair of comedy cannot make his show various locations on the same day. Right
magicians who wanted to carry very
few props and chose to do very few
entertaining. But if a after the performance, I would bring my
props back to the bathroom. The dove
actual tricks in the show. In this conjurer is an excellent would go back into the carry case and
case the younger performer was not
entertaining, but the older performer
performer, he can thrill an it only took a couple of minutes to reset
a few other things. I would then get my
was entertaining. Personally, I prefer audience and bring them payment for the show and in a flash I
to see a magician do more than one was out the door to head to the next gig.
magic trick in ten minutes. I feel that to their feet with the most Later, when I became a professional
if a magician is going to do that much modest props and stage manipulator, I had an act that required

”
verbal comedy, then he would be better a stage, recorded music, and stage
off forgoing the magic and concentrate setting. lighting. I only did that act in places that
on being a stand-up comic. But that’s provided sound, lights, and a dressing
only my personal opinion. room. But I did take with me the lessons
The way I like to perform, I prefer hand with the dove case clipped at the that I had learned as a kid show magician.
to present an almost continuous stream fingertips. For instance, where it was possible to do
of verbal jokes, physical gags, and good When I went to do a kid show, I was so, most of the equipment that was in my
magic tricks. The tricks that I have chosen rarely afforded the time to carefully manipulation prop stand was held in place
to use has meant that I have to carry two prepare my props. So I decided mostly to do in compartments and secured with clips,
cases of props tricks that could be set up in advance when elastic, or Velcro. In this manner even if
Before I explain the way I currently I was at home. To this end, using cardboard the stand was accidentally knocked over,
transport my act, I want to discuss how I and duct tape, I made various dividers in the props were held securely enough that,
carried my props back when I was a boy the attaché case. Each prop, such as the once the stand was restored to the upright
doing birthday parties in my native New Breakaway Wand, Change Bag, or Ching position, the act was still ready to go.
York City. My family did not have a car, Soo Firecracker, had its own compartment. Another thing that I did (and still do) is to
so I relied mostly on public transportation And flat items, such as Run Rabbit Run, include a glow-in-the-dark arrow inside the
to get me to gigs. This meant that I could the Magic Coloring Book, and the Lewis prop box that would indicate to a stagehand
only bring props that I could carry. So I Cone, were held in a compartment within the proper orientation of the prop. When a
limited my kid show to what could be put the lid of the case. stagehand asks me how I want the prop to
into a medium-sized attaché case. Bolted When I arrived at the gig, I extended be placed, I always say, “Set it so that the
onto the underside of the opened case was the legs of the table base and screwed arrow points to the audience.”
a pipe flange. This pipe flange was made it onto the case. I then excused myself, In the next column I will continue with
to screw on to a collapsible Mak Magic went to the bathroom, and secretly put the more tips and suggestions on traveling
Eureka Table Base. I also had a small dove into a Dove Bag (which is an Egg with a magic act. 
case (approximately 12” x 7” x 6”) that Bag-like production device that held a live
was originally built to hold a collection dove). I put the loaded Dove Bag into a © 2012 Levent Cimkentli

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 33

Ellipsis* [ih-lip-sis] an omission of a word, sentence, or whole section from an original text
by Michael Perovich
these included his routine of passing three coins one at a time
Casting Light on the Lowly Thumb Palm from hand to hand. Everything he showed me was close-up type
work done while standing in a one-on-one situation.
For the most part, magicians confine their use of the standard The one thing that has stuck with me all these years was a
(flat) thumb palm to the Miser’s Dream. I assume one of the vanish he demonstrated using the thumb palm. In many ways it
big reasons for this is that it allows magicians to perform this conformed to the instructions above, and yet it was fundamentally
somewhat cumbersome sleight with their hand in a bucket. The different. It was elegant and met all of Harlan Tarbell’s conditions.
sleight is typically one of the first we learn, yet it is one of the most And all it did, in essence, was to turn the action ninety degrees.
difficult to perform with finesse. The hand holding the coin is held with the coin displayed as in
Let’s review some of the standard instructions we’ve all been Photo 1. The taking hand now approaches and picks up the coin
given. between the thumb and the first and second fingers (Photo 2). Now
Jean Hugard’s Modern Magic Manual tells us to “…hold [the the hand closes as both hands are brought to a position where they
coin] between the tips of the thumb and first finger, the tip of the are held as loose fists with the thumbs upward and the plane of the
first finger resting on its upper edge; push the coin downwards backs of the hands vertical. As this motion takes place, the coin
with the first finger, making it slide along the thumb and support- is very briefly thumb palmed as the coin-holding hand assumes a
ing it with the second finger underneath until it reaches the fork of position above the empty one (Photos 3 and 4). The thumb palm
the thumb. Grip it there…” This explanation has always struck me is performed in accordance with the method described by Henry
as somewhat subject to interpretation. Hugard gives a less compli- Hay. It is necessary to do this in order to facilitate the drop, but the
cated and less confusing (sort of) explanation in his Coin Magic, audience should not be aware that the coin is ever thumb palmed.
telling us: “You take the coin between the thumb and fingers of
the right hand. Slide the coin down the side of the thumb until it
reaches the fork and hold it there by pressing the thumb against Photo 1 Photo 2
the side of the hand.” For such a simple action, this still leaves me
wondering exactly what he meant.
Henry Hay leaves little doubt in The Amateur Magician’s
Handbook, telling us to show the coin lying flat on the tips of
the first and second fingers, and then, as the hand holding the
coin moves toward the other, “…the first and second fingers
bend inward, turning the coin over and leaving it in the fork of
the thumb.” The other hand pretends to close around the coin and
moves away with it as the eyes follow.
Harlan Tarbell lays his method out in Volume One of his
Course in Magic, telling us to clip the coin between the first and
second fingertips and then “Pretend to throw [the] coin into the
left hand…” as you curve the fingers inward, leaving the coin in (Note that photos 1 through 5 are taken from over the performer’s
the crotch of the thumb. The wily Doctor caps his explanation shoulder and expose the action.)
by cautioning us: “Beware of sudden jerky moves. Be graceful. Almost immediately the coin is allowed to tumble vertical-
Put smoothness into your manipulations.” Bobo’s Coin Magic ly through the hand and into the empty hand, which has moved
describes a technique much along the lines of Dr. Tarbell’s. directly below it. See Figure 5. The coin enters into this lower fist
The method described by Tarbell is, by the way, the exact between the thumb and first finger and falls into the hollow of the
method that was used by Francis Carlyle to vanish a sponge hand. There can be some space between the hands at this point but
ball. I mention this only to establish that in the right hands, the
movement is viable.
Shigeo Futagawa devotes nine pages to all these methods Photo 3
with clear instructions and illustrations in his Introduction to
Coin Magic. I would mention parenthetically here not to overlook
this wonderful little book. Much more than an introduction, Mr.
Futagawa has done you the service of culling out the very best
coin tricks (as of the time of his writing it). Anyone who learns
half of them following his directions will be amply rewarded for
the effort.
So what does all this have to do with Larry Jennings? Well,
not too long after I had joined the Magic Castle many years ago,
he came up to me and said he understood I liked coins and that
he had been asked to show me some of his coin work. He took me Photo 4
aside and taught me (or at least tried to) several effects. I think

34 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 with the coin approaches the empty flat hand (Photo 7) and turns
under it showing both hands open and empty as shown in Photo
8. The coin is, of course, hidden behind the fingers of the empty
hand. At this point a beat is taken and then the hand holding the
coin is used to fold over the fingers of the empty hand. As this
takes place, the hand with the coin gets a bit ahead of the empty

Photo 7 Photo 8

Photo 5

it should not be pronounced.

The bottom hand is now opened to show that the coin has
arrived back at the position where it began (Photo 1). All this is
done in a relaxed, absent-minded manner while speaking and
scarcely looking at the hands. The upper hand now picks up the
coin and repeats the drop as described above. Again the lower
hand is opened to show the coin has arrived, and again the coin is hand’s fingers (Photo 9); just as the fingers close on the empty
taken by the upper hand. palm, the coin slides over the fingertips and secretly drops into
This sequence of movements, which has been established by the once empty fist (Photo 10). The now empty upper hand im-
the two drops, appears to be repeated. However, in this instance, mediately raises and pats the fingers of the lower hand, which now
the coin remains thumb palmed. As this palm is made, the four contains the coin (Photo 11). The closed hand is opened; the coin
fingers open slightly just as they did before to allow the coin to has magically returned to the position in Photo 1.
tumble down. Again, the bottom hand’s fingers close as though
grasping a coin that has just arrived.
A beat is taken as the bottom hand is opened and the upper hand Photo 9 Photo 10
moves palm down with the coin hidden. The upper hand brushes
the empty palm-up hand from which the coin has vanished (Photo
6). This brushing action, which is really a lateral movement of the
flat hand with the thumb-palmed coin, is perfect for hiding the
coin. It truly seems to have vanished. You might even want to look
on the floor, thinking you’ve dropped it.

Photo 11
Photo 6

As in many sleights of this type, they are not so strong that you
can typically risk not moving on immediately with another part of
your routine or reproducing the coin before prying eyes begin to
burn your hands. However, Mr. Jennings’s sleight moves along so
gracefully that it yields a pleasure in the viewer no other thumb-
palming method provides. And, as we said, all that is really done
is to rotate the sleight ninety degrees. Why didn’t you (or I) think
of that?
Here’s a quick little method I worked out many years ago to Next time we’ll discuss something no one ever bothers to tell
have a coin reappear in an empty hand that fits in with this vanish. you yet it sets the tone for whatever you plan to do with a pack of
I’m not sure it deserves to be discussed in the same article with the cards. 
vanish Larry Jennings performed, but here it is.
Once the vanished coin has registered, allow the coin to drop, Photos by John Michael Perovich
still hidden, from the thumb palm into the finger palm. The hand

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 35

 Mick Ayres
Disney’s Secret Weapon
By Christian Painter

Photo courtesy of Yellow Shoes Studio / The Walt Disney Co.

K
atalina and I tour all over the country. We make it a point I was soon reading everything I could find on the subject. By
to take in as many live magic performances as we can. thirteen, I was performing in local campgrounds and at parties.
Meeting and connecting with other performers as we At fifteen, I talked my way into a summer job running a small
tour adds another dimension of fun to our travels. We were very magic shop in a local theme park.
fortunate to catch a not so well known performer named Mick “I was still fifteen when a Ripley’s Believe-It-or-Not Museum
Ayres. I had first met Mick through an
online magic forum. We immediately
enjoyed each other’s perspectives on
performing and quickly formed a warm
friendship. Two years later, it was a bit
of providence that we came through his
town with a couple of days off.
Mick works at the Disney Resort in
Hilton Head, South Carolina. When we
arrived at the resort, we greeted each
other like old friends, even though we
had never met before. Sure, we had
exchanged emails and talked on the
phone many times, but this was the first
time we had met face to face. Mick is the
epitome of the Southern gentleman, tre-
mendously polite and accommodating.
I asked Mick to fill me in on his
background. Here’s what he said: “I was
fortunate to be raised in the sea-islands
of South Carolina just south of Myrtle
Beach. My uncle taught me a clever coin
Photo courtesy of The Walt Disney Co.
Disney Vaction Club Resort
trick when I was eight. The bug bit and

36 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

opened in Myrtle Beach. This one sported a large, tourist-
oriented magic shop. I was hired away from the theme
park and performed at Ripley’s until I joined the U.S.
Coast Guard in 1977.
“While stationed in south Florida, I was kept busy as a
military photojournalist – but at night I performed a mu-
sic-and-magic street act in Fort Lauderdale, table-hopped
in restaurants, and moonlighted some weekends at Paul
Diamond’s Magic & Fun Shop. I gained three friendships
with magicians who taught me the difference between
being a performer of magic and just another guy who does
tricks: Kirk Stiles, Dave Rumfelt, and Russ Burns. Those
guys taught me the importance of scripting, the difference
between practicing and rehearsing, and, most important,
the value of being of good character both onstage and off.
“During the ‘80s, I left the Coast Guard and broke into
the trade show market as a semi-pro performer. I traveled
to cities across the United States and Canada using magic
to develop leads for corporate clients. In 1989 I relocated
to the Deep South and made the commitment to be a
full-time conjuror.
“Throughout the ‘80s, I taught myself to play fiddle,
banjo, mandolin, and tin whistle. Each one I own is a
restored vintage instrument dating from the early to
late 1800s. People often find it curious that I do not play
bluegrass. The music that speaks to me most is called
‘old-time’ and pre-dates bluegrass considerably. Though I
have done some studio work with other artists, I have two
CDs of my own that are marketed through Disney. I am
currently working on a third recording project.
“Early in my career, I performed solely as a magician,
as a musician, or as a storyteller. That changed in 1990
when the Charlotte Folk Music Society in North Carolina
engaged me to perform a two-hour concert in a college
amphitheater. That’s a long time to listen to one guy play
the fiddle or banjo – even with an intermission – so I wove
in cameo moments of magic and funny stories. I received Photo Courtesy of Jim Callahan
a standing ovation and realized I had found the hook for
a good act and the roots of my onstage character as well.”
Mick, Katalina, and I spent about an hour talking and
laughing, but then it was time to enter the property to see Mick
work. Disney’s Hilton Head Resort sits on a private island nestled
“ Early in my career, I performed solely as a magician,
as a musician, or as a storyteller. That changed in
in Broad Creek within Hilton Head Island. As we crossed the
short bridge leading to the resort, Mick leaned in and spoke in a 1990 when the Charlotte Folk Music Society in North
hushed tone, as if someone might hear us. He explained that once
we were on the property, we had to call him B’lou Crabbe. This Carolina engaged me to perform a two-hour concert
was his character name at the resort. in a college amphitheater. That’s a long time to listen
The resort is themed as a 1940s era low-country fishing lodge.
Disney wanted a character entertainer who was specific and to one guy play the fiddle or banjo – even with an in-
unique to this resort. Working with Disney, Mick created a relaxed termission – so I wove in cameo moments of magic and
island codger named “Bartholomew Louis Crabbe.” Nicknamed
B’lou (pronounced “Blue”), he always looks like he just stepped funny stories. I received a standing ovation and realized
off a creek boat after a day of fishing. He sports a straw plantation I had found the hook for a good act and the roots of my
hat along with a well-worn fishing vest that has a trick in every
pocket. Mick looks every bit the part.
As we toured through the magnificent resort property, Mick
onstage character as well. ”
explained that he engages in many different types of performanc-
es here. He performs a magic show, a mentalism show, plays the Southern drawl. He engaged them for a brief time, giving them
fiddle, tells stories, and is the resident “interesting” character that some history of the region before we continued our tour.
can be seen at any time wandering the property. Mick explained that he did not get this job in the traditional way.
We had just entered the property when two guests gave Mick He had been auditioning for a job down in Orlando for Disney’s
a cheery greeting, “Hello, B’lou, are you going to tell some scary EPCOT center. “I was quite nervous and had even brought my
stories tomorrow night?” they inquired. Mick paused and went fiddle hoping that might help me stand out. After showing them
right into character, “You bet!” he replied with his exaggerated some magic, they saw my fiddle case and asked me if I would play

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 37

 Photo courtesy of Jim Callahan

something for them. You don’t have to ask me twice. What started resort for Mick’s show of magic. His Southern charm and personal
as a ten-minute audition turned into two hours.” warmth quickly took over the room. He had children and adults
Mick informed us that at the end of the audition they explained both spellbound with his ability to intertwine funny anecdotes
they didn’t want him for the Orlando gig. Upon hearing this he with his sleight of hand. The show was over much too quickly and
was crushed. Then they went on to explain they had a much more we were off for some ice cream.
interesting gig in mind for him. They loved the fact that Mick had As we enjoyed some of the fabulous treats of the Disney
a wide variety of talents, not just magic. Add that to the fact that Resort, Mick explained, “The resort’s overall theme means that
Mick is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and history of the I won’t use a prop that doesn’t make sense for the environment
Hilton Head area and you have serendipity. or fit B’lou’s character. For example, when I perform a Chop Cup
Mick was simply the perfect set of talents, auditioning at the routine I first bang up the cup to make it look like the top of an
perfect time, for the perfect job. Mick has now been performing at old thermos bottle. I remove the traditional knitting from the balls
the Disney Resort for twelve years. He has a plethora of fascinat- and paint them red to look like old cork bobbers. The final loads
ing stories about performing for Disney. However, one question are two tangled balls of fishing line. The audience loves it because
that came right to the tip of my tongue was about changing up it fits the atmosphere of the resort.”
his show, since he was inevitably going to get much of the same As you spend time with Mick, you can’t help but be impressed
audience year after year. with his colorful portrayals of the history of the region. I asked
“Because of the unique environment of the property, most of why he knows so much about the area. Mick sat back and sipped
my shows are only twenty-minutes to one-hour long. This makes on his tea as he recounted the following: “The sea islands of
changing the material much easier. Unlike many resort perform- South Carolina are rich with history and folklore. My grandmoth-
ers I don’t have a large hour-and-a-half production show. I have er, Genevieve Wilcox Chandler, was part of the Writer’s Project
many twenty-minute shows that I do for a year or two, and then I Administration back in the 1930s. She collected and preserved
write a new one,” explained Mick. countless ‘slave narratives’ for the Library of Congress. Stories,
Don’t let his easy answer hoodwink you. Mick’s shows are music, spirituals, work songs, histories, superstitions, and folklore
very well thought out. Mick has a website where he sells the com- from the African-Americans who were in their eighties, and who
pletely scripted shows that he no longer performs. They range had been slaves as children and lived through the Civil War.
in length from thirty to sixty minutes. Many fulltime pros have To this day, scholars consider her efforts very important to the
purchased these shows and then chastised Mick for letting them human record of that period.
go so cheaply. What makes these scripts so powerful is that Mick “During this time, my father managed a rope-hammock
has forged them under the fire of live audiences. By the time he factory where most of the weavers were direct descendants of
writes them up to sell, he not only has a solid script, he has the slaves brought here from the bulge of Africa during the plantation
ever-so-elusive transitions as well. I already know what you’re era. As a boy, I worked alongside them as they taught me how to
thinking. Don’t worry, I twisted Mick’s arm to part with a couple weave a four-rope braid for the sides of the hammocks. These folk
of pieces for this article [see page 40]. are great lovers of storytelling and rhythmic singing. Every day,
After enjoying the ambiance of the resort, we settled into a I heard call-and-response work songs and spirituals that were in
quaint upstairs room and waited with the gathered guests of the their culture for centuries. I fell in love with these people and the

38 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

unusual music that made the tedious work hours fly by.” teach to people who just beg you to teach them a trick. It is the old
Listening to Mick spin his tales and perform his clever card vanish of a quarter by rubbing it on your arm (it really is ditched
tricks made the hours of the day slip by much too quickly. Katalina under the collar of your shirt). We compared how we teach this
and I made plans to meet Mick again the next and made our way old classic. I use a lot of comedy and wordplay. Mick, of course,
back to the hotel. wraps it into a storyline that fits his character at the resort.
The following day, Mick took our early morning hunger to a “When I teach this trick, I tell them about the time I showed
hidden gem of the Hilton Head area. It was a local restaurant that this to my mother when I was a child. The scripted lesson comes
looked like it came right out of the 1920s. Bright murals were across as a tall tale, though every word of the story is true. It
painted on the walls, the aroma of fresh cooking hung in the air, describes how a series of funny events turns my first performance
and the food was delicious. After filling our bellies with the fine into an unintentional miracle. Stories like that have been an
Southern breakfast it was time to head back out to the Disney integral part of my acts for the last twenty years. I want the guests
Resort. We watched as Mick pulled out his fiddle and in no time to walk away believing the magic comes from me and not my
at all had a small crowd around him as he became the pied piper props.” From the guest’s reactions at the resort, it looks as though
of Hilton Head. The crowd enjoyed his down-home playing; Mick Mick is accomplishing his goal.
interspersed his songs with little bits of Southern wisdom, jokes, We spent hours discussing tricks, performing philosophies,
and playful banter. premises, and character development, but our time together even-
Following Mick around the resort you get to experience how tually came to an end. As the moon crept up into the sky, we
he is more than just a magician or fiddle player. He is an ambas- made our way to the clubhouse where Mick was to share some
sador for the resort. People stopped him to ask for directions, in- spine-tingling stories with the guests of the resort. The room was
formation, or just to chat a while. The whole time he remained in warm and snug. The adults relaxed in large comfortable chairs.
character. The children sat on the floor gathered near Mick’s feet.
“I’ve been here long enough that I have now performed for There wasn’t need for an introduction, because most of the
children of the children I performed for a decade ago. I have guests already knew Mick; he was much like a wonderfully odd
developed relationships with many of the guests who have uncle who entertains at the family get-togethers. It was fascinat-
been coming here year after year. They only know me as B’lou. ing to watch Mick entertain with only stories. The first couple of
Sometimes that can be a bit weird. However, it really hits home stories were fun and not too frightening. The children giggled at
emotionally when the resort gets a letter telling them how much Mick’s pun-filled jokes.
fun a family had and how they really appreciated seeing old Bar- The mood changed as Mick began telling his last story.
tholomew Crabbe once again,” Mick reflects. Chaining together his knowledge of the area with the theme of the
One surprise for me was that Mick teaches the same trick I resort, you began to wonder if this story was fictional or not. As
the story progressed along its darker theme, you could see some
of the children move back closer to their parents. Mick shared
about an unfortunate soul who sat in a haunted car that traveled
slowly down a dirt road at night – but without a driver. As I looked
around the room, I wondered how Mick was possibly going to end
this story.
As it turns out, the car was being pushed from behind by two
characters Mick had talked about earlier in the story. All the guests
broke out in relieved laughter as Mick tied up all the loose ends.
Later, Katalina and I told Mick that we enjoyed his ghost stories
the best. His skill at relating a story with just the right amount of
fright and just the right amount of humor was masterful. Again,
Mick was showing why Disney wanted more than just a one-trick-
pony at this resort.
Before we said goodbye, I asked Mick to share what he would
tell any young magicians aspiring to become professionals:
“During lectures, I often get on a soapbox about what I call ‘The
Five Obligations of Magic.’ To entertain well requires hours of
study, disciplined practice, eloquent scripting, diligent rehearsal,
and a passionate performance. Drop even one of these and you’re
done. I am amazed at how many magicians embrace only one or
two of the disciplines and ignore the rest – or worse, they think
that practicing and rehearsing are the same thing.
“For young people who are just getting started, here are four
tips: First, get a college degree in Business and Marketing, you’ll
need it. Second, don’t put all your eggs in one basket as an en-
tertainer. Develop other skills and talents that are marketable.
Third, if you desire to spend a major part of your life performing
on stage, then familiarize yourself with every aspect of it. Join a
local theater company; audition for a part; and volunteer to work
backstage. Immerse yourself in the theater life. Fourth, write a
detailed script for every routine you do. Every working pro worth
Mick Ayres on the Disney magazine cover his or her salt does this.” 

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 39

 cards or touch them at all.” Hand the deck voice went up in pitch slightly when you
to her and say, “Please deal as many cards spoke a number…but it was so early in the
as you wish into a pile, but keep them face count that I wasn’t sure. But then I remem-
down at all times.” bered that your eyes blinked at the same
When she is finished, point to her dealt time – on number three. Did I get it?”
pile and say, “Eventually, your choices She’ll smile and agree again.
will come from this pile you have made. Address the audience and say, “We’re
So would you like to add some more cards, not through yet. We’ve been able to
perhaps take a few off the top, or just leave determine the values of her three selec-
things as they are?” Allow her to do as tions are a Three, an Eight, and a Jack,
she wishes. Say, “Now, let’s narrow your but the suits are still a mystery.” Turn your
cards down to just three choices. Pick up attention back to your assistant and say,
your cards and deal them out into three “I’ll look away while you peek at the three
Photo by Jim Callahan
equal piles.” The three cards you remem- cards and note the suit for each one. Tell
bered earlier are now the top card of each me when you are done.”
packet. Once she has noted the suits, say,
Ways & Means by Mick Ayres Direct her to remove the top card of
each packet and hold them so that only she
“Since you are now wise to some of these
methods I’ve been demonstrating, they
From Hoodwinkings can see the faces. Say, “I can only do this won’t work for me anymore. Therefore,
sort of thing one step at a time, so just think I must resort to a rarely used mentalism
(Book One in the Act-Series) about the value of each card and ignore technique that dates back to the 1960s. A
the suits for now. Once you have the card foreign military officer of high intelligence
There are times when the trip is just as values locked into your memory, hold the and impeccable logic freely demonstrated
much fun as the destination. Here, three three cards face down between your hands this ability several times via television
cards are chosen and, using a variety of so they are completely covered.” – but, to this day, skeptics dismiss it as
entertaining and comical techniques, you Gently grip one of her wrists with your nonsense. However, it works for me. That’s
are able to divine the value and suit of each free hand and address the audience. “Mind right; I’m talking about…the Vulcan Mind
card. Lots of laughs and tons of mystery reading isn’t easy, but it isn’t quite the Meld.”
combine to make this self-working trick a mystery people make it out to be. In truth, Place your hand gently on the side
real showpiece. more than anything else, mind reading of your assistant’s head, touching her
This is a special routine for me. I love relies upon the observation of manner- with only the tip of your middle finger
performing it as much as my audiences isms, attention to body language, and a and thumb. Close your eyes as if you are
enjoy witnessing it. When lecturing in willingness to trust your own intuition. perfectly serious about this. It will get a
front of magicians, I tend to harp on the Allow me to demonstrate.” generous laugh. This sight gag comes
importance of having a well-scripted pre- Turn to your assistant and say, “In a from the renowned mentalist, Lee Earle.
sentation – this self-working effect fills strong, clear voice, please count from one In a monotone voice, name the colors of
that purpose like water in a vase. It is proof to thirteen.” Once she has done so, say, the suits first, then the suits only. Remove
that a simple force combined with an en- “While I was talking to the audience, you your hand quickly and say, “I saw the
tertaining revelation can be solid theatre. were thinking about the values of the cards images of the cards in your mind as if I
Ask for a volunteer to assist you. Once in your hands – values that range from was looking at them myself: the Three of
you have introduced her to the audience, the Ace up to the King – thirteen different Clubs, the Eight of Hearts, and the Jack
say, “I’d like to have you select a few possibilities. My hand is on your wrist; of Diamonds?” For the final time, she’ll
cards in a fair, but odd manner.” Fan the obviously, I was feeling your pulse while agree.
deck face down toward her. Just as she is you counted. I almost missed it, but I think Grip her wrist one more time and both
about to remove a card, pull the fan back the rhythm of your heartbeat changed a of you take a bow.
toward you and say, “Now that way is fair, little when you said the number ‘eight.’ Is
but it isn’t odd, because everyone does one of your cards an Eight, perhaps? Just
it like that.” Close the fan, turn the pack
face up, and spread the cards out again for
say ‘yes’ or ‘no.’” She’ll agree, so you can
let go of her wrist now.
RhymeLine by Mick Ayres
a selection. As she reaches to take a card,
again pull the fan back toward you and say,
Say, “I wasn’t just depending on your
heart rate for information. I was also
From ‘S’lie’
“Now that is definitely odd – but it isn’t
fair, because I can see the cards, too.”
watching your face; during your count,
you took a very short breath right before
(Book Four in the Act-Series)
Quickly glance down and note the identi- you said ‘eleven.’ Since eleven is the value This may be the easiest book test you’ll
ties of the top three cards of the deck just of the Jack in every deck – is that one of ever do. A thick book of poems is passed
before you close the spread. For the sake of the cards?” She’ll agree. around. A page, a stanza, and a line are
instruction, let us assume these cards are Continue by saying, “Two down, one chosen at random by the audience. A guest
the Three of Clubs, the Eight of Hearts, to go. There are a lot of ways to read the writes the chosen line down. She is now
and the Jack of Diamonds. average person’s body language. Heart asked to think of a word that rhymes with
Turn the deck face down and shuffle rhythm and breathing are fairly depend- any word in that line. She does not write
the cards, maintaining the small top block. able methods, but some signs are so subtle down this word; rather, she just thinks
Say, “In fact, it’s best if I don’t see the they are easy to miss. For instance, your of it. Upon your instruction, she removes

40 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

the bookmark and finds the word she just Dr. Bill Cushman’s clever RhymeTime anyway). In truth, this part is just acting. I
dreamed up written upon it. Sublime comes to mind. Lewis Jones, who drag my finger along the chosen line and
This stunning but simple feat of once worked as series editor for Collins pretend to read it while reciting instead the
mentalism is now several generations English Library in England, has access to a following phrase from memory:
removed from its original incarnation, university database that stores over twenty “– hundred thousand women – every
and it sports a curious history. In 1996, million words in daily use, ranked by lady angry!”
I created RhymeTime, a simple feat of frequency. Lewis generously provided me Once she confirms the line has been
mentalism that featured a new concept in with a list of rhyming-pairs and another written, the book is closed and placed aside
forcing. Jon Racherbaumer published the list of non-rhyming words. Working from on the table. The guest is now instructed,
effect in his MAGIC magazine column those lists, I created what may be the “Choose any word from that sentence and
at the time, but it went unnoticed by the simplest book test ever. come up with a word that rhymes with it.
mentalism community. Later, in July In performance, a paperback book This means you will be thinking of a word
2002, RhymeTime was included in my of collected poems [Immortal Poems of only you know, one that hasn’t been written
One Man Parade in that month’s issue of the English Language edited by Oscar down.”
The Linking Ring. To my delight, the effect Williams, published by Simon & Schuster] I ask for her word. She responds,
won a Linking Ring Award for Mentalism is passed around for viewing. I explain, “Shady.”
that year. Despite the award however, “I really love this book. It is packed with I gesture toward the book and point out
RhymeTime continued to be ignored by verses that not only speak to the heart the bookmark, a folded paper that was in
mentalists. Finally, in 2008, I released but even offer good advice.” By way of view the whole time the book was being
RhymeTime as an ebook and charged ten example, I ask one of the gentlemen to passed around and inspected. I pick up the
bucks for it. The response was overwhelm- open it to the bookmarked page (I preset book and hold it out so the guest can pluck
ing; mentalists began snapping up the the bookmark at page 572) and read the the bookmark from between the pages. I
manuscript. This is proof that you can’t poem at the bottom of the page. It is short then toss the book into my prop case.
give mentalists something for nothing – and funny. [Reflections on Ice-breaking I say, “I owe you an apology. You just
but you sure can sell it to them. by Ogden Nash. The poem reads: “Candy/ thought up a word only you could know,
The unique forcing method behind is dandy/but liquor/is quicker.” I take and I said it wasn’t written down. I wasn’t
RhymeTime is based upon a commonly advantage of the inherent humor that exists being totally honest. Last night when I was
held belief that there are only four words between this poem and the memorized reading that book, a word came to mind,
within the English language that do not phrase (which we’ll get to in moment). so I grabbed the nearest piece of paper
rhyme: orange, silver, month, and purple. While the guest is writing the “chosen” and wrote it down – on the bookmark.”
Indeed, these four words do not rhyme; phrase, I audibly mutter, “He should’ve re- Your guest unfolds it and is startled to see
however, our language has hundreds of membered the candy and liquor.”] the word “shady.”
words that rhyme with nothing. In fact, the While this is going on, other guests The word “lady” is the only word from
word “nothing” itself rhymes with nothing create a random three-digit page number. the memorized sentence that rhymes with
at all. Even better, there are plenty of The book is opened to that page and the anything, and its rhyming partner is the
words with only one rhyming partner, and stanzas are counted. A stanza is selected word “shady,” which is an easy mental leap
many are obvious (for example: breath/ and one of the lines from that stanza is for the spectator.
death, magic/tragic, path/bath to name a chosen. I read the line aloud as one guest Take a bow. 
few rhyming pairs). writes it down on a piece of paper. Okay,
After 2006, the appeal of using words that’s not completely true. Instead, the book Mick’s products can be found on his website
with these features to force a thought is turned away slightly from the guests ([Link]).
upon a guest spawned several variations; (the print is small, so it is difficult to read

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SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 41

A Magician Prepares... by Dennis Loomis
Bits and Pieces Part 3 I generally get the group to do
“Happy Birthday” twice. The first
Welcome to the third collection of brief articles on assorted time is the rehearsal; I leave out “and
topics that I hope M-U-M readers will find of interest. many more” this time. If someone
makes a mistake somewhere along the
Playing “Happy Birthday” on the Bells way, it only adds to the fun. In fact, if
we are getting close to the end of the song
In Photo 1 you can see a set of musical hand bells. As a little and no mistakes have occurred, I will sometimes
bonus for my birthday party shows, I play “Happy Birthday to point to a wrong spectator to intentionally create a mistake.
You” on the bells as the audience sings along. As a former percus- When the laughter dies down after the rehearsal performance, I
sionist and piano player, I find that hand bells are quite easy to play, announce that since we’re warmed up, we’ll do it again. This time,
but I think most anyone could learn to play “Happy Birthday” on the audience sings along. At the end of this the birthday child
them with practice. The bells I use come from [Link]. finally gets to play his bell as the grand finale. This is appropri-
com; the basic set is an eight-note diatonic scale (the white keys on ate, because it’s his special day and he should be the center of
a piano from middle C to the C an octave above.) Unfortunately, attention. Get him to sustain the note as long as possible and start
you can’t play “Happy Birthday” with those eight bells. (You’d the applause for him as he does so.
need the notes from G to G on the white keys.) So, you’ll have I generally don’t do this as part of my regular show. When
to invest in a second set of bells that provide the five black keys the show is over, I usually circulate among the audience with my
in the octave from C to C. (Groth Music provides the complete bunny to let them see him up close and pet him. I check to see
thirteen-note chromatic set for $62.50.) You’ll be playing “Happy if the birthday cake is ready, and then I do the scene with the
Birthday” in the key of F, so you’ll need the B-flat bell. I like to bells. Sometimes the bells routine and the singing takes place in
add the familiar “and many more” tag to the song, so I add the a different room. In fact, I prefer that because I can go back to the
E-flat bell as well. (If none of the previous information makes any room where the magic show took place and pack up in privacy.
sense to you, then, obviously, this bit is not for you. Jump ahead
to the next section.) Himber Ring Routine

This is my routine for the Himber Linking Finger Rings. I own

Photo 1 one of the original Himber “Staggering” props; I told the story of
meeting Himber in the November 2011 issue of M-U-M. I shared
this routine with Himber; he said he liked it a lot and would use it
himself. I don’t know if he ever did.
I go into the audience with my Staggering gimmick
(Photo 2) unlocked and palmed. I borrow a ring from a woman at
the left end of the front row of spectators. I then borrow a man’s
ring from a man at the right end of the front row. The Staggering
is a plain cut Ruby gemstone of a type that might suit a man or
a woman. I bring the two rings into my right hand, which also

While playing “Happy Birthday” yourself is well received,

there’s a stronger presentation. I’m sure the concept goes back to
vaudeville or before, but I first saw it done by Whitey Roberts at
the Magic Castle. It’s a lot of fun.
You need as many helpers as you have bells. You line the
helpers up in a row and give each of them a bell. The bells must be
in proper order, of course. I give the birthday boy or girl the E-flat
bell because he or she will not be called upon to play until the very
end, when the last note is played. Whitey Roberts held a conduc-
tor’s baton in his hand; I use a magic wand. You instruct your
helpers that when you point to a particular person and shake your Photo 2
magic wand at them, they are to shake their bell vigorously and
to go on shaking it as long as you keep shaking the wand at them.
You now get the group to play “Happy Birthday” by pointing at
the proper people and shaking the magic wand at them. Some will has the Staggering, and quickly link them into a chain of three
be slow to respond and so the song will be rather halting; you may (Photo 3). But I say that I am linking the two spectators’ rings
have difficulties if some of them look away from you and miss together. As I lift them up to display them linked, I keep my
their cues. But, this just makes it even funnier to the spectators; I fingers over the woman’s ring. The woman is far enough away
can promise you that a good time will be had by all. so she can’t see that her ring is not one of the rings displayed. In
At the end, the birthday child plays the last note of “and many more intimate situations, I screen her view of the rings with one
more.” hand. I bring the two (?) rings in front of the man and ask him to

42 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 stooge, you pause and show the rings closely to another spectator
or two. When you reach your stooge, you put the linked rings into
Photo 3
her hands. You ask her to look at them very closely. Then you ask
if she can see any way that the rings could have become linked,
or, for that matter, any way the rings can now be separated. She
confirms that she can see no way that this could have happened
or can be reversed. (You coached her to say this the day before.)
You then take the rings back, and as you blow on your fingers,
you unlink them and close the Himber ring. You return it to your
stooge who places it back on her finger and then you return the
other spectator’s ring. Usually when I return to the stage I ask
that the spectators whose rings I’ve borrowed look at them very
confirm that it’s his ring linked to the ladies ring. He knows his closely so that they can confirm that their rings have not been
own ring, and assumes that the Staggering is the lady’s ring, and damaged in any way. They do so and you ask the audience for
so he confirms my statement. Again, no spectator ever sees three another round of applause for the two kind helpers.
rings linked together; I always conceal one of the spectator’s rings The effect of linking borrowed finger rings together is very
during my displays. powerful. It deserves an equally powerful presentation, so work
I move to the woman and show her the two (?) linked rings. long and hard on your patter. I’ve seen several performers do this;
As I walk over to her I transfer the rings from my right hand into without a doubt, the most powerful and memorable presentation
my left. At the same time, my left fingers cover the man’s ring, I’ve seen was Jonathon Pendragon performing the routine at the
allowing the woman’s ring to come into view. I display the two (?) Magic Castle.
linked rings to the woman and ask her to confirm that it’s her ring
that is definitely linked to the man’s ring. She assumes that the The ABC Blocks Trick
Staggering is the man’s ring, and confirms my statement.
That’s about it. I state that I will unlink them and I unlink the This is one of my favorite effects for elementary and pre-
borrowed rings from the Staggering; with my right hand I put the school students. My set was made by Mel Babcock; his House of
Staggering into my left sleeve. I take the man’s ring into my left Magic website still lists the blocks, made in four different sizes.
hand and hold it up over my head so that everyone can see the The set is pictured in Photo 4. On the left is the stack of three
hand empty except for the man’s ring. I return the woman’s ring to blocks sitting on the base, which has an upright rod sticking up
her, allowing the audience to see that my right hand is also empty. through three holes drilled in the center of the blocks from top
I walk across to the man and return his ring. As I do, my left hand to bottom. On the right is the wooden cover that covers the stack
drops to my side and I catch the Staggering as it falls into my of blocks. Mel Babcock does excellent wood-working; his set
hand. It remains palmed there while I return to the stage. As I pick of blocks looks great and has held up very well over the years.
up a prop for the next routine, I ditch the Staggering. He also provides a heavy cloth bag with a drawstring closure to
As simple as my routine is, there’s an even more straightfor- protect the tube in transit and storage. You can see the bag with
ward version. I’m sure that many others have thought of this, but the covered stack of blocks inside in Photo 5.
I’ve not seen it published (possibly because few magicians want to
suggest an effect that uses a stooge). So, if this shocks or offends
you, don’t use it. Simply have a lady stooge in the audience who
arrives wearing your Himber ring. You pick someone who will
cooperate with you and who can meet with you a day or two
before the show to discuss what she needs to do. I suggested a lady
because my Staggering is quite small and wouldn’t fit most men.
Many ladies will have to wear it on a pinky finger. The lady seats
herself in an easily accessible location – a seat in the first row
or an aisle seat near the front are good. If the event has reserved
seating, you get the tickets for your helper and her escort.
Photo 4
To perform the effect, you announce that you want to borrow
two pieces of jewelry. And you ask everyone who is wearing a
ring that they can easily remove to raise their hand. You go to your
stooge, perhaps stopping to look at other rings on other spectators
along the way. Look over the rings your stooge is wearing and ask
if you can borrow one. She gives you the Staggering, or course.
As you move to another spectator who has his hand up, you open
the Staggering in your hand. You now approach another spectator
and ask him to loan you one of his rings. As soon as you get it,
you place it into the same hand as the Himber ring, link them, and
lock the Himber ring. You hold the rings up, displaying them to
the audience, and proclaim that you have done the impossible; you
have linked two borrowed finger rings.
You walk up to the second person who loaned you a ring and
show him the rings linked, asking him to confirm that his ring Photo 5
is linked to the first spectator’s ring. As you walk back to your

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 43

A MAGICIAN PREPARES

Mel makes the sets of blocks in a variety of sizes; I use the

three-inch cubes. The routine I do is based on the published Photo 9
routines of my friend David Ginn in his books Professional Magic
for Children and Comedy Warm-ups for Children’s Shows. I don’t
do it exactly as David suggests, but my routine is based on his and
I use many of David’s excellent lines. David’s website is www.
[Link]; I spoke with David on the phone and he still has
these books in stock.
I made a couple of simple modifications to the equipment. I
drilled a hole in the tube, which you see in Photo 6. The hole is
seven-eighths of an inch in diameter and one-and-a-half inches
up from the bottom of the tube. I then cut a piece of black felt the
exact size of one side of the inside of the tube and glued this felt excited about the fact that he has discovered that he can take any
piece against the inside of the tube, covering the hole. The tube photograph or piece of art and turn it into a decal that he can use to
can be tipped up and displayed to the audience as seen in Photo 7. decorate his props. Photo 9 is a picture of an Oriental set of ABC
With the felt in place, you cannot see the hole inside the tube even Blocks done this way. If you’re looking for something special in
from close range. a handcrafted piece of wood-crafted magic with a unique design,
get in touch with Mel: Mel Babcock, 3755 Eels Rd., Cashmere,
WA 98815, 509-782-2730, [Link]/~magicmel

A Quick Plea

Photo 6 If you write up sleight-of-hand tricks, please use the names of

the fingers. I’ve been doing magic for many years and I still have
to stop and think about which finger is the fourth finger, or the
third finger. Call them the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring
finger, or little finger. Thanks. 
Photo 7

There’s a point in the routine when the three blocks are appar-
ently stacked up on the stand as in Photo 4. The top “block” is just
the metal shell. It’s covered with the tube as in Photo 8, and the
tube is turned so as to align the top and middle “blocks.” At this
point the shell is free to fall and make noise. Without the hole in
the tube you have to keep your fingers at the bottom of the tube to
prevent that. This can look suspicious, and the shell could slip and
come into view prematurely. With the hole in the tube it can be
held innocently, with the thumb in the hole. The thumb pushes the
shell against the inside of the tube preventing it from slipping out
into view. The tube is lined up with the middle block and lowered
down over it. All the while, the thumb
holds the block in position. When the
Photo 8 tube contacts the top of the lowest
block, the tube is turned into alignment
with that block and slides down over it.
You are now all set to reveal the disap-
pearance of the middle block.
I also placed a small dab of white
paint on the top edge of the tube in the
middle of the side that has the hole.
This can be seen in Photo 7. When the
blocks are in the bag, I can peek into
the top of the bag and see the dab of
white paint so that I can remove the set
with the hole on the back side out of the
spectators’ sight.
On March 13, 2012, I had an hour-long phone call with Mel
Babcock. I’m pleased to report that he still makes magic in his
shop and his full product line is available. I’ve owned several of his
pieces and can testify to the high quality of his workmanship. He’s

44 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 by David Seebach
A Weighty Issue

All the young ladies seemed forthright and honest about the
There will be no photographs to illustrate this issue’s topic. I first series of questions. I think they all lied about their weight.
am aware that a graphic image can be more effective than many Is this part of growing up in Wisconsin, where we enjoy an
words, but I am a gentleman (to the extent that that is possible abundance of rich cheese, fragrant fatty sausages, and too much
for me). So my faithful readers will have to suffer through my carbohydrate-laden beer? Or, was it wishful thinking on their
verbiage and let appropriate illustrations form within their minds. part, hoping that claiming to weigh 115 pounds would make it be
I have written before that to a would-be, novice illusionist it so? I have no idea.
always seems that the formidable cost of obtaining the expensive I directed them to my two websites and instructed them to look
prop is the extreme hurdle that stands in the way of sawing women at the photos, where they could obtain a better grasp of the nature
in halves and levitating them in mid-air. Sadly, that is not true. It of the job, even though I think most everyone in America has a
is true that illusions are expensive, and more so now than ever pretty good understanding of what a magician’s assistant does:
before. I cannot fathom how a young illusionist gets started today stand tall, look glamorous, say “ta-da,” and adopt the poise of a
with many of these props priced around $7,500 each. The fledgling real showgirl. I never had anyone visit the websites and then say,
artist needs a father who owns a bank, or access to funds in the “Oh, no, this is not for me. I’m not appearing in public in sequins
quantity usually reserved to besmirch the opposition candidate in and feathers with my hiney hanging out!”
a federal election. One by one, they made their way to my home where I had the
However, once a piece of illusion apparatus is paid for, it’s costume for my Shadow Box laid out. The rest of the show was
paid for. The cost, though, continues to remain an expense as that set; this new cast member had to do this opening illusion, Burning
bulky gear is stored and transported from show to show. I doubt Alive (same outfit), and the Modern Cabinet (another “barely-
Messrs. Burger and Maven often deal with air cargo when travel- there” costume), plus other roles in which size is not an issue and
ling to appear along the Atlantic seaboard or the Pacific coast. the costuming is more forgiving.
But, an illusionist with a Sword Cabinet and a Crystal Casket has Much of the front of my Shadow Box costume is flesh-
some expensive decisions to be made. colored netting. It’s not one-hundred-percent transparent, but
Still, that is not the “weighty issue” of this column’s title. It’s it is far from opaque. You’ve seen this fabric anytime you have
a bit more…ahhh…delicate. You see, once you’ve got the box the watched ice skating competitions and performances. The costume
girl gets into, you have to find, and hold on to, the girl. also has shiny black fabric, and it’s this black fabric that comes
Just one year ago as I commenced preparations for my annual around the woman in a jagged design that keeps her covered in
Halloween-themed show (shameless plug: October 19-27, 2012, a more-or-less strategic manner. Bill Neff, a man way before his
[Link]), I discovered we were one cast time apparently, had a similar outfit where it looked like a pair of
member short. As has so often happened in my life (sadly, onstage hands coming around the assistant’s bosom.
and offstage) I needed a woman. I spread the word through the I looked forward to meeting each potential assistant, and I’m
returning cast, but when we had no success via networking, I sure they all had some degree of excitement about this unusual
opted to run a job-offering ad on one of the Internet’s best known employment possibility. But, when I answered the door each time,
websites for this sort of endeavor (perhaps I shouldn’t mention its I was shocked. What were these women thinking? Had they even
name, but its initials are Craigslist). This had worked for me in looked at the website photos?
the past. It is unfair, of course, to grade anyone by their outward
I described the job as best I could without overselling it and appearance. And, the truth be told, at least one of these women
not promising thousands of dollars with little effort like a specious had a wonderful personality that I took an immediate liking to.
spam solicitation. And, the applicants began to respond. I could not find the words, or the courage, to just say, “Hey, I’m
I called several of them and asked questions if their email sorry, honey, but you’re too big. You’re not going to fit.” I certainly
response to the ad seemed to warrant further interest on my part. have met people who can be that painfully direct, but that is not
I asked if the woman was claustrophobic, allergic to animal fur, within me. So, I politely interviewed them and let them tell me
comfortable in high heels, had any onstage performing experi- about themselves. Maybe, I thought, I’ll find someone whom I
ence, and whether she would be okay with circus-style skimpy might call upon at another time when size wasn’t an issue.
costuming. If the applicant leapt those hurdles with affirmative But, after the pleasant exchange of conversation was over, I
answers, I politely, and with apologies, asked for her height and let the Shadow Box costume be the “bad cop” to my “good cop”
weight. demeanor. I showed them the outfit and explained that the other

46 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

roles were cast and that I needed an assistant who could perform Wisconsin for sunny California and a modeling career returned to
this illusion in this outfit. the Midwest and called me. “Do you have any work for me?” “Can
“Here’s a vacant room you can change in,” I said, and gave you be at the theater at noon tomorrow?” I asked. Four days later
each woman her privacy. I knew what would happen. The woman the show opened with her in it.
would wiggle into the outfit, immediately see the futility, get That was a year ago.
redressed, and then emerge, mumbling something about this Last night I met the daughter of another male friend. She’s a
not being what she expected or the costume not fitting, thereby young actress who wanted to add a skill to her resume so she’d get
leaving with some degree of pride left intact. noticed at auditions. Other actors included juggling, stilt-walking,
But I was wrong. etc., and it was another topic during interviews that worked to
Remember, we were strangers. They had come to my home… their benefit. She visited Big Guy’s Magic, our local purveyor of
alone. Each of them emerged from the vacant room wearing the prestidigitation, bought a few things, and came to me for advice
outfit and stood before me with the fabric stretched such that the and a lesson.
see-through netting was now in places the designer had never She sparkled with personality. She looked just like one of the
meant it to be. “Well, we’d have to do something about that,” I stars of TV’s Glee and could sing, too. She was five-three and
found myself saying more than once as I stumbled for a comment curvy, and she said she weighed 135 pounds. She had seen many
about what was (I thought) so embarrassingly apparent. performances of mine with her dad. “Are you looking for any
In one case, I attempted to salvage something for the waste of onstage assistants?” she wondered. Every illusionist always has
her time and my time. I perform the Broom Suspension a lot; it’s his eyes open for beauty and talent. Who knows when you’ll meet
my “go-to” illusion. This girl had told me her weight and it was the next Lynette Chappell?
well under the 150-pound maximum for the prop. But, of course, “Let’s try the Broom Suspension,” I thought. It’s fast to set
I hadn’t actually weighed her. up and we can do it anywhere. I got the rig on her and she stood
I am aware that some performers are buff and fit and spend on the stool with her right arm over the broom. I swung her to
untold hours at the gym pumping weights and going through a forty-five degrees and paused before the effort to raise her further.
regimen of exercises to achieve heartthrob proportions. I am not That’s when I remembered the refrain from Mel Brooks’s movie
a slob; I do take reasonable care of myself. I don’t smoke; I eat in High Anxiety that I’ve referenced in this column before: “I got it...I
a healthy manner, eschewing fast food as a rule and getting fresh got it...I got it...I don’t got it.”
fruit and vegetables daily while limiting red meat. I do try to jog I think she could be a great onstage assistant, but she won’t be
or bike six days a week for about forty-five minutes each. But I do doing the Broom Suspension with me.
not lift weights. I had a salesgirl try to sell me a set once and I told We all know that obesity is an epidemic in America; the news
her that if I could carry them home I obviously did not need them. outlets report it’s getting worse. Assistants are going to be harder
Plus, I regularly perform illusions. How much additional to come by and will likely have shorter careers. Perhaps we’ll
weight-lifting do I require? My Geometrick prop weighs hundreds soon be seeing ads in M-U-M for that line of “Plus Size” illusions
of pounds in its case and I’ve loaded it by myself more times than from Bill Smith and Owen Magic Supreme.
I could ever count – ditto for many other cumbersome props and A postscript for my readers: With the exception of one
my way-too-big sound system with an amp rack that could be a applicant who I found unsuitable by her attitude and behavior
yacht’s anchor. during the interview, I would have been happy to hire any of the
So, I introduced the buxom gal to the wonders of the Broom young ladies who came to my home if they had been able to fit into
Suspension, apologizing for all the liberties it must have seemed the costuming and, of course, then into the props, which are not
like I was taking with her to fit the contraption onto her body. She known for being forgiving. I even asked one of them to consider
was all ready, and I instructed her as I have to so many since my an offstage role, since I felt her warmth and sense of humor would
first attempts at this chestnut in 1970. have made her a popular addition to my cast, but she did not
And, guess what? I couldn’t lift her from forty-five to ninety respond to my offer.
degrees! I am in no way enamored by the waif-like look of some fashion
Let me tell you that I was not too proud to be totally embar- models, but my repertoire of stage illusions has already been built.
rassed. Did she realize that her mass was what caused me to I presume the professional builders have taken into account the
abdicate hoisting her to that pleasant horizontal profile? A little dimensions of typical showgirls. I do not own a size-two, a size-
voice in my noggin was shouting, “Seebach! You’ve had hernia four, and a size-six Asrah. If you cannot fit in the one I own, un-
surgery three times. Haven’t you learned anything?” fortunately that’s it.
If you’re wondering what ultimately happened last year I As always, I welcome your comments. I’d love to see you at the
will tell you: I thought we finally found a suitable gal who came twenty-second annual David Seebach’s Illusions in the Night in
to me via a daughter of a long-time buddy. She was properly October. You’ll like the way my cast appears onstage! 
proportioned and passed all my tests, verbal and physical. But,
she failed to mention that she suffered from narcolepsy; she fell David A Seebach
asleep while driving to our tech rehearsal…three times! [Link]
Then, out of the blue, a former assistant who had bolted from david@[Link]

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 47

 i left my
cards at HOME by
mars hall
steve

deadlines to put together new routines. “From there my magic

Geoff Williams really took off. It got out of hand actually,” Geoff laughed. To
this day Geoff says that he scripts almost everything that he
Geoff Williams is one of says in his routines.
those rare, fulltime profession- While living in Minnesota, Geoff teamed up with another
al magicians who actually had magician, Scott Franz, and they started to do a creative exercise
Photo © 2011 Peter Gould

another life before discovering in which they wanted to duplicate classic magic effects with one
magic. continuous camera shot and no editing to send to friends and
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, fool magicians. The result was a DVD called Brain Candy. If
Geoff spent the first part of his life you do a search on YouTube for “Geoff Williams” plus “Heads
living on a farm until his parents Up” or “Out of Touch” you will find two of the head-scratching
moved to Sedalia, Missouri, effects that were created.
where he became heavily involved These days Geoff is located near Saint Petersburg, Florida,
in the drama department in high school. He was particularly in- where he performs at local restaurants through Kostya Kimlat’s
terested in musical comedy. Upon graduation from high school, Restaurant Magic Business. He also travels to do lectures,
Geoff joined up with a theater group for a tour of Europe before magic conventions, and performances at the Magic Castle.
returning to the USA to further his education and theater The best piece of advice I got from interviewing Geoff was
training at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois. when he spoke about the importance of knowing your character.
After graduation, Geoff decided to go to Venezuela, stay “Defining my character has kept me from buying stuff that I
with some family friends, and spend a year earning his living would never perform. In the long run, knowing my character
by playing guitar on the streets. Since then he has also lived in and what would work for me has saved me a lot of money.”
Arizona and Minnesota, where he worked as a computer tech- That is wise advice that could help us all.
nician for Apple. He was also a member of a repertory theater
company that traveled in Illinois; he has performed in over
sixty musical comedies. As a writer, he has contributed “Top Torn & Restrawed
Ten” lists to the David Letterman show and has had the thrill of
hearing Mr. Letterman read seven of them on air. By Geoff Williams
Oh yeah, he does magic, too.
Geoff has always had an interest in the special effects in My biggest gripe about torn and restored effects is that, once
movies. “I used to read the monster magazines, not because I you begin the tearing process, the audience knows you’re going
liked the monsters, but because I was interested in how they to put the pieces back together. With no element of surprise,
were made. I always thought it would be a great job to make the effect changes from a “magic trick” to a “challenge effect.”
miniature spaceships and such for the movies,” Geoff said. “I This version gives it more of a “sucker” surprise ending without
remember the first time I walked into a magic shop and saw the embarrassing anybody at the table. You’ll be surprised by how
guy behind the counter demonstrating the tricks. It was like much impact this effect has on the audience.
seeing movie special effects in real life and it thrilled me.” Effect: A drinking straw paper is borrowed from a spectator,
This magic shop was John Alexander’s Magic Shop in cleanly and unmistakably torn to pieces, and, just as cleanly,
Tucson, Arizona. Geoff bought some magic and realized that is restored to its original condition. This all occurs under the
he could pick it up quickly due to the manual dexterity he pretense that the tearing of the paper is only an illusion and that
had already acquired as a guitarist. He was told about a local “the paper is not really being torn at all.”
“Stars of Magic” show, which he attended. From there he was Set-up: Tear off one end of a drinking straw paper; remove
introduced to the local magic club, where he remembers being the straw and then accordi-
welcomed very warmly by all the magicians. on-fold the paper (Photo 1)
Geoff soon learned that although anyone could learn how to into a tight ball (Photo 2).
do a magic trick with practice, the difficult part was routining The accordion fold allows
that trick and writing an original script for it. This is where his for smooth unfolding later
years of theater training came in handy. Geoff feels that he was on. Put this ball into your
able to progress faster in magic because he already had script left pants/jacket pocket and
writing and stagecraft skills; soon he was performing shows put a tube of ChapStick 1
and winning regional magic competitions. Geoff said that into your right pants/jacket
he would enter the competitions because it gave him specific pocket.

48 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 [Note: In the photos, interesting part is that you’re about to prove that everything
the accordion-folded straw you’ve been telling them is true!
wrapper is colored red to You will now switch the pieces for the prepared ball under
differentiate it from the the guise of wadding up the pieces. Loudly proclaim, “Now,
white straw wrapper only I shall magically restore the paper!” In a quieter voice (as if
for this explanation. When you’re sharing a humorous secret) say, “It’s not really torn, but
you are actually perform- 2 the audience doesn’t know that.” Transfer the pieces (along with
ing this, make sure that the secret ball) to the right hand as the hands come together
the prepped straw wrapper and make a “wadding together” action. The loose pieces are
matches the borrowed wadded into a tight packet to the immediate right of the ball
straw wrapper.] (Photo 5). Do this wadding business very openly to appear as
Method: Obtain the ball in a finger clip between the index fair as possible. The torn and compacted pieces are now hidden
and middle fingers of the left hand (clip it near the outer joint by the pinching of the right thumb and forefinger while the
creases of these fingers). Gesture normally as you talk with the “restored” ball is in view (Photo 6). Done properly, the spec-
folks at the table. Ask to “borrow” a straw (choose an unopened tators will swear that the
one lying on the table). Pick it up with the right hand and pieces never left their
transfer it to the left, laying sight.
the end of the straw directly At this point, you
over the ball and clamping perform a variant of
down with your left thumb Juan Tamariz’s Double
(Photo 3, exposed). Wave Crossing the Gaze
the straw around, com- switch: Your right hand
menting that “it could be is holding the paper(s). 5
a poorly designed sword, Your left hand pats the
a conductor’s baton...or 3 outside of the left pocket
maybe a magic wand.” as if looking for the
Hold the straw paper with ChapStick. Look down at
both palms toward the audience (to further show the hands your left pocket, furrow
empty). your brow slightly, and
Stop and say, “I really don’t need the straw, just the paper.” then look over to your
Tear off the end of the paper and work the straw out of the right pocket. Look up
end just a bit. “Please assist me in completing the extraction and smile at the folks as 6
process.” Have someone at the table pull the straw out, leaving you transfer the torn and
you with an empty paper sleeve. wadded paper to your
“You are about to see a new trick I’ve been working on, a left hand. Without hesi-
close-up illusion that not only fools the eyes, but the ears as tation, your right hand (carrying the ball of torn pieces) enters
well. Watch.” Grab a piece of paper near the end of the sleeve, your pocket, leaves the pieces there, and immediately comes
pause, and tear it off with a slight yank. Look up at the spec- out with the ChapStick.
tators and smile as if you’ve really accomplished something. Hold the “pieces” up with the left hand and tap them with
Pause. “Okay, wait, let me do it again.” Place the torn piece the ChapStick before putting it back in your pocket. “Do you
into your left hand, pinching it with your left thumb while know what that does? Nothing. It’s all for show.” Carefully,
keeping the ball hidden under the thumb. and quite fairly, unravel the paper to show it restored. “Any
Pull off another section of paper, look up and smile trium- questions?” Begin to hand the restored paper out to a spectator
phantly, and stuff the paper under the left thumb just as you and suddenly stop, saying “I’m going to give this to you under
did with the first piece. “Doesn’t it look as if I’m tearing the one condition: don’t tear it up...because I didn’t.”
paper? I’m not. I’m pretending to rip the paper. This is how Notes: This was loosely inspired by the classic Gypsy
magicians sometimes do these things. We pretend to tear the Thread. Thanks to Jay Sankey for the inspiration for the title.
paper and pretend to put it back together but the truth is...we (He has a trick called Cut & Restrawed that is a completely
never tear the paper at all!” Tear off a piece and hold it way different effect.)
off to one side. “Look, if I pretend to hold a piece way over
here, it really looks like it’s
separated from the rest, Steve’s Stuff:
doesn’t it?” Continue until
you have a pile of shredded When Geoff told me about this effect, my first thought was
paper beneath your left that it would be a great lead in for the Straw through Straw
thumb (Photo 4, exposed). effect presented in the May 2012 installment of this column.
The spectators at the You now have the beginnings of a whole straw show!
table should think you are 4 This effect was originally published in Geoff Williams’s
either a lunatic or are just lecture notes, The Lecture Your Mother Never Gave You. 
yanking their chain. The

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 49

 Roger Blakiston (AKA Jolly Roger)
Unlimited Possibilities

you may want to include at least some any of it. They just experience the various
clever magic in your show that baffles the emotions and ride the waves.
children. It is my belief that with very little
children, like the three- and four-year olds, “A bad beginning makes a bad ending”
laughter is the key; the clever magic may ~Euripides
Light and Shade not be as important or as easily “commu-
nicated.” However, even at this young age, The opening and closing effects are
What makes a show entertaining some light and shade is desirable. Repeating extremely important. However, I suggest
enough to keep the attention of the kids something silly two or three times can a warm-up before the opening effect. This
throughout and yet still leaves them work for the real little ones because they can be an opportunity to “set the rules” for
wanting more? The secret is to have a love repetition. But there are limits to how your show. You could walk in a straight
strong beginning and ending, with plenty much you can repeat before boredom sets line in front of the kids, telling them that
of variety in between. By doing so you can in. When talking to other children’s en- this is an invisible line; if any of them cross
evoke several different emotions during the tertainers, I find that the majority seem it, none of your spells will work! You might
performance, providing a sense of wonder to favor entertaining the five- to nine- also try putting a piece of rope across the
for the children that lasts long after the year-old age group. Some have a problem floor in front of the kids, or you can even
performance has ended. These emotions keeping the attention of the three- and use masking tape when you are perform-
can manifest as laughter, applause, four-year olds; some find that children ten ing for large groups and there is no stage,
surprise, excitement, fear, shouting, even years old and older often challenge them in venues such as libraries. Another option
momentary sadness as they are entertained or that the children lose interest quickly. is to use small sets of cones set in a line;
and mesmerized by not only the clever If you find this to be the case, I might children are accustomed to seeing these on
magic you perform, but also the funny bits suggest you leave your comfort zone and the street and in parking lots, and therefore
of business and the words of wisdom you challenge yourself by experimenting with understand the concept.
are able to weave in along the way. In other these higher and lower age groups. I like There are many ways that an
words, light and shade, highs and lows, entertaining all age groups. The younger entertainer can warm up the kids. You
calm and calamity, silliness and sincerity the children, the sillier and more childlike can tell them your name, and get them to
can add depth to your show and leave an I can be; I can tell more stories and use shout it out several times. In my case, I
everlasting impression. many of my colorful props. The older the ask them to say, “Hello, Jolly Roger,” after
It may not be difficult to keep kids kids, the more sophisticated I can be with I have said, “Hello, children.” You can
laughing non-stop from the beginning to both my sense of humor and the magic I then educate them in the art of clapping.
the end of your show. But keep in mind, perform. Some performers, like the Great Unlike grown-ups, it is not always natural
if you advertise yourself as a magician, Zucchini (my friend Eric Knaus, who is for children to clap, especially if they are
a very popular entertainer in caught up in all the excitement, eager for
Washington, D.C.), specializes the next trick. Tell them if they really like
in the younger age group and the magic you perform, they can clap and
is booked solid. So there are shout, “Hooray!”
no rules. I can highly recommend that you
When entertaining do lots of tricks and routines involving
children, it is not ideal to strive members of the audience. It goes without
for continual laughter through- saying that at birthday parties you should
out the show, in the same way use the birthday child more than any of his
it is not good to be too serious. or her friends. However, occasionally you
It is all about balance. Think will have a birthday child who does not
of your show as an ocean. The wish to participate, and if this is the case,
waves on the surface have never force her or risk embarrassing her.
highs and lows, but under the How do you pick your helpers? There
water there is a foundation are no set rules. The more shows you do,
that is structured and calm. the more experienced you will become at
Your show has a structure, and this. Some entertainers always go for the
yet all the children see is what most outgoing children. They are the ones
is on the surface; they follow that constantly shout out, “Pick me!” It
the flow. They don’t analyze may be easy to fall into the trap of always

50 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

picking these kids, but here is a word of grown up, or what they have been doing
caution. A child who is a great extrovert can since breakfast, with a little improvisation
sometimes try to take over the show, to be you can make this into a funny routine that
a clown, or to try to draw lots of attention. the adults really enjoy.
This can be very disruptive and can ruin So an ideal children’s show should have
the effect. I often choose the helpers who many ingredients: light and shade, highs
are quiet and well behaved, but who nev- and lows, the clever magic and the silly
ertheless have their hands raised when stuff. It can also include music, which
I ask for a volunteer. It is a good idea to can enhance and add drama to a trick.
pick roughly as many girls as boys to help Consider doing some classic magic
you in your show. This creates balance, in your shows (such as the Linking
although it is naturally not possible when Rings) silently to music. This can be
you have an “all-girl” or “all-boy” party. a great segue and a wonderful way
It can also give you a chance to use some of calming children down after a par-
funny lines and bits of business by having ticularly noisy trick or bit of business.
a girl and boy up to help you at the same The opening and closing (beginning
time. You can say things like, “Is this your and end) of your program are really
husband?” or “Give him a kiss; he’s very important, and I suggest you come up
rich!” This will also amuse the adults. You with high impact routines to fit these
can use reverse psychology with picking slots. At the time of writing this article,
children: if they all start shouting out that I am in the middle of a busy summer of
they want to help, you can tell them that library shows; I have been opening my actually the sister of the child who had
you will pick someone who is not saying, shows with The Letter, a creation of my old just helped me. Obviously there was a
“Pick me.” Kids will even stand up because friend from the UK, the infamous Mark little sibling rivalry and she also wanted to
they are so eager to be chosen. Tell them Lewis, who now resides in Canada. I will be in the show. I talked to her, and asked
you will pick the quietest child in the room not go into the routine here; it is written up her questions. She said nothing, and just
who is sitting cross legged on the floor. Try in his book The Wit and Wisdom of Mark smiled and giggled. The more questions
using the line, “Crisscross, I’m the boss.” Lewis. All I will say is that for the right I asked, the more she laughed, and the
This will amuse pre-school teachers who performer, this makes a terrific opener. For more the audience laughed. This kind of
often use the line “Crisscross, apple sauce” years I have closed with my Cloth of In- occurrence is quite normal, and I always
with children. visibility. This routine is published in my consider it a great gift when it happens. I
So how do you interact with the kids Blackpool convention lecture notes, which love children who say nothing when you
who come up to help you? There are many are still available. If you are unfamiliar speak to them. Ask a very little child
stock lines that you can use. Many of you with this, it is a self-levitation and vanish whether they are married, or whether they
will be familiar with these, but here are that is portable and baffles the audience. It know what two plus two is. If they give
a few. For boys: “How many legs do you makes a great finish to any show. you the right answer, ask them what 589
have? How many arms do you have? How plus 387 equals. This stuff is funny. Try it!
many eyes do you have? How many ears “He who is certain he knows the ending In summary, a great children’s enter-
do you have? How many girlfriends do of things when he is only beginning them tainer should have lots of light and shade
you have?” The last answer always gets is either extremely wise or extremely in their performance. It is all good, and,
a laugh regardless of the answer! For a foolish; no matter which is true, he is when combined, can be a work of art. The
girl you can ask a series of questions in certainly an unhappy man, for he has put famous British artist John Constable says
which the answer is always “Yes.” The last a knife in the heart of wonder.” it rather well:
question you ask is, “Will you marry me?” ~Tad Williams
Naturally, if you are a female entertainer, “I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for
you simply use the same lines with a boy! Kids will be kids, and when they act un- let the form of an object be what it may,
For either gender you can ask, “What’s expectedly in your show, don’t worry about – light, shade, and perspective will always
your age? Five? Really. How old will you staying on script. Use whatever theatre make it beautiful.”
be on your ninth birthday?” If the child is they create in your performance to actually
nine, you can ask when he or she is going enhance the show. At a recent library show, By the time you read this article, the
to be eight. What is really important is to I had a child on stage helping me with one S.A.M. convention in Las Vegas will be
get them to do the talking. This means you of my tricks. I sent the child back to his over. I will be there, and look forward to
do not give them questions that have yes seat at the end of the routine. Suddenly, meeting many old friends and making new
or no answers. You will get far more fun a little girl, who wasn’t more than three ones. It looks like a great line up. Please
and laughs if you let them do the talking. years old, ran onto my stage and just stood continue to email your comments and
This must be left up to the imagination of there. I could have ignored her, or told her suggestions for future articles to me at
the individual performers, but if you ask to sit down, but instead I used this as an comicmagician@[Link]. 
them what they want to do when they are opportunity. I discovered that the girl was

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 51

 The Nielsen Gallery
Mel-Roy Levitation
Dimensions:Three-sheet 41” x 78” • Lithographer: Quigley Litho. • Date:1933 • Nielsen Rating: Uncommon

Mel-Roy – Sensations of 1933 the show consisting of two express cars of illusions, mostly from
the workshop of Floyd Thayer.
By the time Mel-Roy the magician issued the accompanying He did good business, too. The Sphinx for November 1933
poster, he was already a household name across America and reported: “While playing the Tabor Grand in Denver, he staged
Mexico. It was not for his magic though, but rather for his pioneer- his Steel Tank Escape and received five-column wide, fourteen-
ing mentalist, question-and-answer work that he performed on inch deep coverage in the Denver Post. He broke all house records
radio beginning in 1928, then at KGKO in Wichita Falls, Texas, at Cheyenne, Wyoming, and at the Orpheum in Scottsbluff,
in 1929, and later over XER in Del Rio, Texas, the world’s largest Nebraska. He carries twenty tons of equipment and has added a
radio station. dance team.”
Mel-Roy was born Wilbert W. Holley in 1888 and first became For the 1933 season he played 294 dates, covered 10,854 miles
interested in magic at the age of fourteen, when he was called with 709 fifty-minute performances and nineteen outside free
upon the stage to assist a magician. After serving in World War demonstrations, and received 11,500 inches of newspaper space
I, he returned to California and, beginning in 1927, put together in seventeen different states. Mel-Roy offered audiences such
an act of magic and mentalism. Similar to other mindreading illusions as Canary in Light Bulb, Cutting a Girl in Fourths, The
magicians of the era, he was resplendent in turban and all the Gallows (or Hangman) Illusion, a Spook Séance Cabinet, and
trappings of a mystic. other effects. The second part of his show was his question-and-
He started out working vaudeville, in smaller towns and answer act. He advertised, “You have heard him over principal
theaters, and in 1928 toured throughout the South. In 1929 he radio stations in the United States and Mexico. Now you can hear
began his radio work, in which he would answer questions from and see him in person.”
listeners that had been mailed to the station. He gave advice on At times he arranged to have other magicians take over the
love, marriage, business, finding lost items and relatives, and show and appear as Mel-Roy. A magician named Floyd Brown of
similar requests. Listeners were invited to send in a dollar for Denver took over the show for part of 1933, but the most famous
Mel-Roy’s dream or astrology booklet and they would get their of these was Tommy Willard, son of Jim Willard, the original
question answered free of extra charge. Willard the Wizard, who took over the show in 1935. Eventually,
At the height of his success, it was rumored that he employed changing tastes in audiences, the economic impact of the Depres-
a staff of eighty-four typists and secretaries to respond to the sion, and Mel-Roy’s health brought an end to his illusion show.
questions, had a weekly payroll of about $7,000, and took in over For a while Mel-Roy took out a “spook show” that featured
$5,000 in one day; there were many days like this. An average theater blackouts in which ghostly figures and ghouls floated
day’s mail was 17,000 letters, the results from four, fifteen-minute through the audience. The shows also featured magic and illusions
broadcasts. Another unsubstantiated rumor was that Mel-Roy and were usually performed beginning at midnight. He worked
cleared $200,000 in eight months broadcasting his question- this for two or three years and by 1938 was out of magic. During
and-answer act. This could not be confirmed, even by surviving the 1940s and ‘50s he worked as a driver for the Tanner Transpor-
family members. tation Company in southern California.
The beginning of the end of Mel-Roy’s radio mentalism came He still kept involved in the local magic scene, was very good
in the early 1930s as the government’s Federal Radio Commission friends with performers Virgil and Julie, and eventually passed
(later the Federal Communications Commission) began getting away in 1966. He is buried at Valhalla Memorial Park, near Los
complaints about radio mentalists. Most did not involve Mel-Roy, Angeles, in a section devoted to World War I veterans.
but rather other fortune-tellers such as Rose Dawn, Koran, and Mel-Roy’s wife and assistant Treva passed away in October
“Dr.” Ralph Richards, a man who left a long trail of complaints 2004 at the age of ninety-five; she is survived by a brother, a sister,
and inter-state flight warrants for his arrest. a daughter, a son, and a grandson. 
With fears that so-called fortune-telling programs might result —Tom Ewing
in the cancellation of radio station licenses, Mel-Roy saw the
handwriting on the wall and decided to do something he’d always (Background for this article comes from a February 2002
wanted to do: take out a large illusion show on the order of Black- MAGIC magazine article by noted magic historian Diego
stone, Thurston, and Willard the Wizard. Domingo, from David’s Price’s Magic, A Pictorial History,
He did just that in 1933, and he appeared both in theaters and from magic publications in the author’s collection, and from the
under canvas. One account described his tent as seating 3,500 and Conjuring Arts Research Center database.)

52 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

53 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012
 INFORMED OPINION
Latest Product Reviews
Compiled and Edited by W. S. Duncan
This month we have two very different videos for you to consider: a young man named Francis Menotti’s two-DVD set called
The Treachery of Tricks, and a large collection of magic by maestro René Lavand. The two men couldn’t be more different, and yet
having seen both DVD collections, I find that their offerings are more alike than they are different. Both men have unique performing
personas, and their acts are a combination of standard effects and original ideas done in a singular style. Neither set contains material
you will watch and do as taught a week later at the magic club, but both contain a lifetime of lessons.
Dan Garrett reviews the third installment of John Carey’s walk-around magic, and Payne makes a recommendation for a painless
version of the spike trick. And you’ll see my review of The Essential Sol Stone, which (even with four months remaining in 2012) is
my pick for book of the year. And now, I’m off to PCAM 2012.

The Essential Sol Stone Book The coin magic section ends with the Miser’s Dream, in which the
By Stephen Hobbs wonderful illustrations by Cassiday Alexander become not just
Available from: [Link]/solstone/ drawings, but portraits of the artist at work. In a picture on page
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies 188 you can almost see the twinkle in his eye as Mr. Stone plucks
Price $55.00 a coin from the air.
Ms. Alexander’s work ranks with the best I have seen. She is a
Review by W.S. Duncan talented portrait artist, working from pre-illustrative photos taken
by Richard Kaufman. A better combination I can’t imagine, and
I’ve been waiting a very long time to have not seen.
read this book. Somewhere back around The book ends with an excellent ring on and off pen routine, a
1990 one of the local boys, a fellow named handling for the Imp Bottle, a rope routine, and a couple of other
Stephen Hobbs, moved off to New York simple close-up effects. The last item is a very clever and different
City and began to write magic books. One routine using dice, which is available as a dealer item. Reading
of them, Gene Maze and the Art of Bottom this convinced me that I need to spend the money on that item to
Dealing, is an underground classic. It obtain the necessary dice. They’re “special” in a very subtle way,
seemed, however, that a book of Sol and the routine is good enough to warrant the extra expense.
Stone’s magic would never be completed. Sol Stone’s magic is, to borrow a word from Meir Yedid,
But happily, I can report that The Essential “casual.” If you have seen the video (Quick & Casual Close-up)
Sol Stone, which Hobbs started all those produced by Mr. Yedid, you’ll understand the full meaning of that
years ago, has finally seen the sun. And it word. When Sol Stone performs coin magic there is no effort,
shines in the light of day. only effect. Amazingly, Hobbs has managed to not only convey
After a brief biography to introduce Mr. Stone, there is a that smoothness, but he is able to impart some idea of how to
section (called Theories) that offers a bit of insight into how the achieve it. So to Mr. Stone, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, Stephen
magic is created. You should read both sections before you begin Hobbs, designers Thomas Baxter and Martin Kostanje (who
learning the tricks. Author Hobbs, who is a talented coin worker helped make the book itself as exceptional as its contents), and
himself, knows that to really learn magic, you have to understand Richard Kaufman for getting things started all those years ago,
it on a level beyond the physical manipulations. By introduc- thank you so very much. It was worth the wait.
ing you to the creator as a person, whole and complete beyond
his magic, I think you’ll have a more intimate connection to the The Trapdoor Volume Three: 1994-1998 Book
material. These aren’t just tricks. They’re Sol’s tricks. Edited by Steve Beam
The first routines are simple card tricks that were created to Available from: [Link]
help a shy young man break the ice with young ladies. In two of Price $90.00
them you are required to hold a girl’s hand. Also covered in the
card magic section are Mr. Stone’s Ambitious Card routine, an in- Review by Michael Close
the-hands Monte effect, and a Cards to Pocket based on T. Nelson
Downs’s version from The Art of Magic. The final volume of the
When the coin magic starts, it begins with methods for the hardbound collection of The
false transfer, the click pass, and lessons on how to hold your Trapdoor has arrived, and that
hands when concealing a coin. With those basics covered, the is an occasion for great joy and
content shifts to penetration effects, transpositions, and fusion great sadness: great joy because
effects (merging two quarters into a half dollar and splitting it of the quality of the material, and
back in twain, and a more demanding version using halves and great sadness because it is the end
a dollar that ends with four quarters). Then come sleeving, the of this project. (And don’t even
back finger-clip, one-handed Spellbound changes (including a get me started about feeling bad
quadruple change), and the Tenkai Pennies done with quarters. for all the trees that were around

54 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

before Mr. Beam began this series of reprints.) shortly after it was released, I have yet to work my way com-
As with the previous two volumes in the series, this is a big, pletely through the first disc. I just don’t ever seem to be able to
thick book – the type of book that can intimidate merely by its find the time to sit in front of the DVD player long enough to work
size. As originally published, The Trapdoor (during the years my way through this extensive and comprehensive set. Granted,
covered in this third volume) doled out its goodies in quarterly what I’ve seen so far is excellent and I look forward to viewing
portions. Subscribers had three months to play with the material the rest of the material as soon as I can squeeze another six-and-a-
before they were hit with another blast. The Trapdoor Volume 3 half hours into my schedule. Perhaps I need to invest in a portable
logs in at 600+ pages. How do you approach such a book? Here DVD player so I can watch them on the go. But this probably isn’t
are some suggestions. going to happen, because I’m something of a Luddite. So it should
You can read through the book front to back, attaching cute, come as no surprise that even though my
colorful Post-It Notes to the pages that have tricks that interest magic library is meager by most counts,
you. When you finish, you’ll have a book that looks more festive it still outnumbers my magic related
than a peacock in mating season, and you’ll have enough tricks to DVD and VHS (yes VHS) recordings
try out to last you until next summer. easily ten to one. I learned magic out of
You can look for your favorite magic creators, to see if they books and, while I do find DVDs espe-
have contributed to the magazine. Mr. Beam has made this easy cially useful for certain genres of magic,
for you by providing a Table of Contributors at the back of the I still prefer them over digital media. So
book. You’ll find such well known people as Stephen Bargatze I was pleased to learn that none other
(who generously contributed his hilarious Chop Cup routine), than Pete Biro was releasing a book on
Steve Bedwell (Shake, Shuffle, and Twist and The Dribble Toss the Linking Rings.
Control are great), Tom Gagnon (with many items, including The Real Secrets of the Linking Rings
his remarkable Versatile Spread Control), Troy Hooser, Larry is a treat. It has something for everyone.
Jennings, Harry Levine (with an extraordinary discussion of the Those who simply want routines will find sixteen of them between
Breather Crimp), and Aaron Fisher and Lee Asher (two talented the covers. History buffs will find new and informative material,
young men whose routines are anything but pipe dreams – these including a comprehensive timeline detailing the earliest known
tricks will smoke anyone). references of the performances of the trick as well as a listing
Or, you can do what I did (and what I have done with the of the multiple variations and who (if known) performed them.
previous two volumes) and head to the back of the book where There are anecdotes galore, one of my favorites being the reason
Mr. Beam has offered contemporary commentary on each of the why Al Koran as a mentalist still performed the rings. There are
twenty issues. In this commentary you’ll find his favorite routines essays gathered from Paul Daniels, Trevor Lewis, Robert Harbin,
from the various issues, updates on the contributors, and various Viktor Voitko, and Levent.
other bits of fascinating trivia. Before I read a particular issue, I Bibliophiles will be pleased to know that this informative
flipped back and read the commentary on it. volume not only contains the first known written instructions
What were my favorite items in the book? I’m not going to for the Linking Rings, but it also reproduces in its entirety (in
tell you. My tastes are not your tastes, and I don’t want to deprive facsimile form) the much sought after The Odin Rings, believed by
you of the pleasure of discovering the gems for yourself. I will tell many to be one of the definitive texts on the subject and virtually
you, though, that I was delighted to find a complete recounting of impossible to find. The inclusion of this text alone makes Mr.
the story that has led me to refer to the editor as Steve “I take my Biro’s tome a bargain even at twice the price. But if this wasn’t
coffee black” Beam for many years. This is a great story, and one already enough to send book collectors into spasms of rapture,
of the funniest things I’ve ever seen at a magic convention. there is also an extensive bibliography of the Rings in the magic
Excellent, varied magic and great stories, liberally seasoned literature put together by Etienne Lorenceau – a listing that should
with Mr. Beam’s dry sense of humor – what more could you ask keep many an enthusiast occupied for many a year.
for? For fans of close-up magic, The Trapdoor Volume 3 (like its It may seem hard to believe, but there is even more to be found
two younger brothers) is a must-have purchase. Highly recom- between the covers of this 242-page opus. For Mr. Biro is not only
mended. obsessed with the linking of large metal rings. He is also inter-
ested in the conjoining of other objects as well. Thus there are
The Real Secrets of the Linking Rings Book sections devoted to ring-like objects, such as the Linking Coat
By Pete Biro Hangers, Terry Seabrooke’s Vicious (barbed wire) Rings, the
Available from: [Link] linking ropes, and the linking finger rings. If it links together,
Price $55.00 there is a reference to be found about it in this book – a text that is
destined to become one of the classic works on this classic effect.
Review by Payne If you’re already a fan of the Rings or looking to become one, add
this volume to your must-have list.
Last year, M-U-M columnist Levent released yet another one
of his outstanding, all-encompassing, and encyclopedic multiple- RenÉ Lavand – Maestro 4-DVD set
DVD sets featuring everything you’d ever possibly want to know By René Lavand
about a classic magic effect, one of my all-time favorite tricks, the Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
Linking Rings. It spans four discs and contains over seven hours Price $150.00
of moves, routines, subtleties, philosophy, and recreations of
classic performances. All with the borderline obsessive attention Review by Antonio M. Cabral
to detail that Levent is famous for.
At least that’s what I’ve heard. I am somewhat ashamed The older René Lavand gets, the more impact he seems to have.
to admit that, even though I acquired this excellent collection If you can track down his debut on the Ed Sullivan Show, you’ll

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 55

 see a performance that’s polished and The Treachery of Tricks Two-DVD Set
impressive in its dexterity, but still By Francis Menotti
a universe away from what it would Available from: [Link]
eventually become. What set Lavand Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
apart from everyone else then was the Price $40.00
fact that he performed all of his tech-
niques one-handed. What separates Review by Marc DeSouza
him now is a lifetime of being…René
Lavand. Let me begin by saying that Francis
His repertoire has changed very Menotti is a friend and colleague
little, if at all, since its earliest pub- whose talent and skill I admire
lication (available in the wonderful immensely. That will not prevent
compilation Magic from the Soul) me from presenting an unbiased
and later appearances in Mysteries of review of his new DVD set. I
My Life and his five-volume Close-Up believe that Francis has a dis-
Artistry DVD set. Now, The Essential Magic Collection provides tinctive voice, and that is a rarity
yet another, extremely well-produced look into this extraordinary in the magic world today. His
artist with a four-disc set titled simply René Lavand – Maestro. character and point of view are
Of the four discs, two are dedicated to the performance and ex- indelibly stamped on his material. In
planation of a full evening’s command performance at the Ajuda this project, Francis performs and teaches a
National Palace in Lisbon. One disc features the performance and number of effects, but more important, he talks about
the other provides the explanations, or the “Threads of The Mario- the “whys” along with the “hows.” There are also a thirty-five-
nettes.” Disc 3 is a collection of Lavand’s Signature Compositions, minute performance and an essay section, but more on that in a
routines that do not feature in his full evening show but which are moment.
delivered with just as much gravitas and aplomb. They are classics On Disc One, he performs and teaches six close-up/parlor
in their own right and explained in detail. Disc 4 features explana- effects, along with a gag and a bonus effect called Schroding-
tions of the one-handed techniques that form the backbone of his er’s Card. The effects include the prediction of a coin and the
repertoire: the false deals, false shuffles, palms, and changes. One date on the coin, an interesting prediction of a selected word,
exciting addition not previously published is a new false shuffle, several very novel coin routines (which include a few cool new
this one using a one-handed Zarrow-type dynamic instead of the moves), and a three-phase two-card prediction. Not only are these
strip-out of his previous shuffle. Lavand states he got the concept well performed and taught, but each explanation has additional
from one of his students, and it’s a strong object lesson that even thoughts discussed, including the artistic decisions made in the
a maestro can still learn something new. Bonus features across construction of the effects and the importance of framework and
the discs include a four-part interview and extras like Lavand’s presentation, as well as some variations on some of them. There
appearance at the Essential Magic Conference 2011 and two of are extensive credits presented for each of the effects as well. I
his appearances on Luis DeMatos’s TV specials from Portugal. don’t want to spoil the gag taught on this disc, but it breathes new
Throughout these discs, the video quality and camerawork are life into an overused gag we’ve all seen far too many times. Once
superb. In addition, the use of subtitles makes the viewing a little you watch the performance on Disc Two, you will see how he has
easier on the ears than having to deal with overdubbed translation, taken this even further and uses it as a running gag throughout the
and lets you fully experience the cadence and rhythm of Lavand’s entire show. But as good as these effects are, and there are some
presentations without interference. really fine ones for working performers, it is the material on Disc
It’s a beautiful production without a doubt. The question for Two that gives the most value and benefit.
the average close-up magician is, what can you learn from René Disc Two begins with a performance by Francis. This show
Lavand? This is a difficult question, because everything about includes some of the material taught on Disc One, but the majority
Lavand’s magic is singular and unique, from the one-handed tech- of it is material right out of his working repertoire. He begins by
niques he uses out of necessity, to his choice of material, to his explaining why this material is on the disc. This material is not
choice of presentations. It would be as big a mistake to attempt to being taught, nor do you have permission to use it in any way,
ape Lavand as it would for a twelve-year-old to quack on about his shape, or form (except for the opening effect, which has been in
“recent visits to a wise man in the mountains of Tibet.” And yet, print before, but you still shouldn’t do it unless it fits you as well
Lavand is precisely what every magician strives to be. He’s a con- as it fits Francis). These effects are there for you to enjoy in per-
summate artist, he delivers his material with the seriousness of a formance and to be inspired by. You can learn by watching and
great classical pianist, and he commands respect and he receives studying the construction of the routines. Even better is the fact
it. He takes a plot like Oil & Water that every armchair expert that you can watch the entire performance a second time with
says is death on toast for an audience and turns it into a master- Francis doing an audio commentary in which he talks about how
piece. He even has the bizarre nerve to perform a whole program and why he created the material and why he has made certain
of card tricks. He’s the ultimate exception to test the “rules.” I choices in the development of that material. This is great and will
would go so far as to say there is absolutely nothing on this DVD provide a real learning experience for many of you. Finally, there
set that the average close-up worker could learn from. What every is a section titled Essays. When you click on it, you will find the
close-up worker should get out of this DVD set is inspiration. I title “On Betterment.” Don’t be surprised that this is the only essay
don’t mean in a knee-jerk “overcoming one-handed challenges” on the disc. When you watch the whole thing, you will realize that
kind of way, I mean in a “this is everything we dream of being” it would be impossible to edit. Francis is all over the place, talking
kind of way. Even if you never aspire, you can still dream. Highly about a wide variety of subjects such as foreshadowing, callbacks,
recommended. character development, and anchor points. Don’t worry; it is

56 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

pretty coherent and immensely satisfying. Every magician should Columbus some years ago because one of the spectators selected
watch this section to hear some sage advice on creation, art, and to help Calvert onstage is a slightly youngish Steve Kline.
performance. Overall, though, like most of The Miracle Factory
From a technical aspect, the material was well shot by products, Falcon Flight is decent and reasonably priced. Calvert
Paper Crane Magic with good audio. There were some editorial was a true master of production and panache on stage. Although
decisions that I would liked to have seen handled differently. One probably in his eighties when this was filmed, he still comes across
example is that you only see one phase of Sync performed, but as a master in complete charge of his show. Watch it to see how he
there are three phases explained. Other than a few picky little paces his show, how he uses his assistants, how he manages the
things, they did a very good job with the project. No matter what audience, and what made him a great star in our field.
type of magic you do, you should watch this DVD set. At the very
least, watch Disc Two. Yeah, I know, this sounds like a pretty Sanchez Fly
biased review, but I think all of you will benefit from watching DVD by David Gabbay
and learning from it. Let me know if you disagree. Highly recom- Produced by Miracle Junkie
mended. Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
Price $15.00
John Calvert: Falcon Flight DVD
By John Calvert Review by Dan Garrett
Available from: [Link]
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Jonathan Townsend, Gary Kurtz, and Chris Kenner sparked
Price $25.00 a two-decades-long magical obsession with
coins across routines done while
Review by Jim Kleefeld standing and with the coins at the
fingertips. Kenner created the
Everyone savvy enough to be reading title that stuck: Three Fly.
this magazine will know the Dozens and dozens of
name John Calvert. A genuine routines that follow this plot
swashbuckling hero in our have been published on video,
field, Calvert traveled the in lecture notes, in books, and
world many times over, in magazines. Most of them pack
both seeking and creating a visual punch. Do we really need
adventure. He toured his another one, one that is a single
magic show on his own DC-3 offering for sale on a DVD? I think
plane and later in a one-hundred- we need it about as much as we need another
foot yacht. In 1948 he made three variation of Al Schneider’s Matrix.
films, starring as The Falcon, a David Gabbay’s offering is called Sanchez Fly. David doesn’t
suave detective character made famous by explain where the name comes from. The routine has pros and
previous films. cons. On the good side, there is a clever idea or two in his offering.
None of this is on this DVD, however, which consists of two You start and end the routine clean (supposedly) and you look
distinct parts: a sit-down interview with Jeff Hobson, and a film clean at a key point during the second coin’s sojourn, thus elimi-
of Calvert performing a stage magic show. Virtually the entire nating a weakness of the original Kenner routine.
ninety-minute program is worth watching: from Calvert’s stories But Gabbay uses a gimmick. It is a gimmick almost every
told through his own words, to his lively interactions with his coin magician already owns. The best made of these can be quite
wife Tammy, to his strong and capable magic show presented expensive. The gimmick used on this video can be spotted at
before a live audience. On stage Calvert shines through many fast times by the observer, which is not the best way to go when you
and dynamic presentations. His show moves quickly and incorpo- are performing up close and personal. Sanchez Fly does not start
rates many of what we now consider classic effects. He presents nor does it end clean as far as handing out the coins goes. Any
some small in-one routines such as a Paper Tear and Paper Balls above-average coin magician can do a credible job of this effect
over the Head, and also multi-person illusion routines such as the without a gimmick. In my view, if you are going to cheat (ha ha)
Drum Production, the Doll House, and the Floating Organ. The you might as well spend the big bucks and get Bob Kohler’s super
most novel and interesting routine is a blindfolded sharpshooter gaffed version. That one is pretty hard to beat as far as the visual
bit with an almost-nervous audience spectator. effect goes.
It’s a fun trip to a past time, and I recommend it to anyone in- Gabbay does give very good crediting, and teaches his routine
terested in Calvert, stage style, or magic history. But the product clearly, thoroughly, and without any fluff. There is one “flash”
is not without its flaws. First, it’s not fresh material. The interview during the performance section that I noticed, that could have
was pulled directly from Hobson’s clever but short-lived Lecture been re-shot or edited out. There is also a move on the final coin
Network online video series. The videos were popular; of course, (dating back to the 1800s and Professor Hoffmann) that may be
if you haven’t seen it, it will be new to you. Second, the Calvert risky if you suffer from dry hands. That would apply to most
performance is poorly shot. It was filmed live at a theater from the magicians over the age of forty.
audience by someone with a small handheld camera. You see the The DVD is high quality, with an intelligent use of picture-
show as you would from the fifteenth row in an audience – people in-picture to give you simultaneous rear views of the action. We
moving and talking around you and silhouetted heads popping have the current trend of obligatory padding by the director, Puya
in front to block your view. It is not stated on the packaging, Abassi, who is apparently auditioning for a documentary or music
but I suspect that the occasion was a Magi-Fest Convention in video job. Without this time filler, the video would not top the

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 57

ten-minute mark. whole lot of talking about not a whole lot.
I have nothing against this routine. It has some good moments The two original ideas are the Caterpillar Control, a flourishy
and is executed with skill. As far as the effect itself goes, from control of a selected card that might not be everyone’s idea of
the point of view of the audience, I don’t see any way it signifi- a good time, but it’s decent. The other is a really nice way to
cantly improves on Kenner’s original Three Fly routine. A routine use someone’s smart phone to force a number. I’m not familiar
that lasts well under sixty seconds, even though it is very visual, with calculator forces, so there may be precedent that’s not on
should be relegated to a pay-per-download video for about half the my radar. [Note by W.S. Duncan: The calculator force is well es-
price, or contributed to a magazine. At the very least, include it as tablished. M-U-M reviewer Marc DeSouza
part of a larger collection of work. teaches it on his recent L&L video
set, and it’s also taught on Francis
Carey On! DVD Menotti’s The Treachery of
By John Carey Tricks, reviewed in this issue.]
From RSVP Magic I was reminded of an old force
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies done by writing upside down
Price $30.00 with a pen with no ink (you can
find it in Penn & Teller’s How to
Review by Dan Garrett Play in Traffic, for starters). Other
than those two ideas, everything
You just read my review of a DVD that else is unremarkable. I see a DVD
contained one thirty-second coin like this and I wonder who was available to
routine and nothing more. Here, vet the material. Harmony, for example, is a trick
for merely twice the price of that in which a spectator shuffles the deck and you unerringly predict
one-trick wonder, is a treasure the order of a given suit. Nowhere is the name Charles T. Jordan
trove of solid, card magic mentioned, and while the effect is a strong one, there are many
“workers” (fifteen wonderful more things to be done with the idea besides this very basic ap-
effects), and a toolbox of seven plication (Jack McMillan’s Mind Mirror being the first to mind).
useful card skills. It is the meta- Off With His Head is a very basic gambling demo in which you
phorical night and day. This DVD produce a royal flush from a spectator-shuffled deck. Spoiler alert:
is an extremely good value by today’s you hold out the royal flush, and then reveal it. Aside from that one
standards. instance of palming, all of the material feels like it was copped
By now, many of you are John Carey aficionados who have from a beginner’s book. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it
devoured his previous offerings on disc: Handle with Carey and certainly doesn’t speak to any special insight or an endorsement
24Seven. It won’t take much convincing on my part to entice you of “refreshing deceptions.”
to get his latest offering – the third in a trio of good products. The Topping it all off is a discussion between Léval and a friend
routines are all quite entertaining. The effects are very direct and of his discussing “performance theory” that is, in essence, “stuff
easy to follow. The skill level is intermediate, but there are no we’ve done out at the clubs.” Even the Alice in Wonderland
knuckle-busting techniques used. Everything is well within reach references are too weak for my blood. Pass.
of anyone who already does card magic. Even a beginner should
be able to master most of the routines, since everything needed is The Trilby Deck DVD and trick deck
taught on the disc. John always credits his ideas, which is com- By Joe Stuthard
mendable. For example, John Bannon has influenced several of Presented by Liam Montier; published by Kaymar Magic
the items presented, as well as Jennings, Ackerman, Sadowitz, and Big Blind Media.
and other creative card minds. Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
It’s hard to pick favorites, but I’ll mention a few. I really like Price $40.00
Kolossal Sillier, which gives a nod to Kenton Knepper’s now-
classic effect, but with a miracle finish. The trick with no name (I Review by Dan Garrett
guess if that’s what you call it, then it has a name after all) is one
of the better color-changing deck routines I’ve seen, because there The Trilby Deck is a dynamic new
is no “over-proving” or anything that tips off the surprise. concept in gaffed decks – except,
As usual, several of Carey’s routines will go immediately into it isn’t new at all. Canadian
my performing repertoire. I’m sure you will find things inside to magician Joe Stuthard first
add to yours, so Carey On! Recommended. published the routines over
sixty years ago. After the
Paint the Roses Red DVD initial release, the trick soon
By Lewis Léval became locked away in the
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Kaymar Magic vaults. These
Price $31.65 ideas have remained dormant
for much of that time. Only recently
Review by Antonio M. Cabral have Kaymar Magic and Big Blind Media
re-released the Trilby Deck, proving the adage that every-
There are a few really solid ideas on this DVD from Lewis thing old is new again.
Léval. The trouble is, only two of them are original and notewor- If you enjoy the use of gaffed decks, you will certainly appre-
thy. This is a really slick-looking DVD with seven effects and a ciate the wide variety of effects the Trilby Deck can accomplish.

58 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

During a performance, the pack itself morphs into a different type or have the spectator choose which bags you will crush, leaving
of gaffed deck. With only entry-level card handling expertise, you the one containing the danger item as the last; most of the other
can accomplish card effects usually reserved for advanced skill methods will not allow you to perform these variations.
levels with cards. There are three basic types of deck that a Trilby The routine that Mr. Allen provides you with is pretty basic.
Deck can become: a Stripper Deck, a Svengali Deck, and a Col- A very large nail is brought out. It is shown to the audience to
or-changing Deck. You can begin with a Svengali-type deck that verify that it is indeed rather pointy and quite solid. This is then
uses an angled “belly stripper” deck to accomplish any effect you inserted into a block of wood that has a hole drilled through its
can do with a Svengali, but with nice handling possibilities that center. This makeshift caltrop is then placed point up into a paper
won’t work with a standard Svengali. bag. The rest of the bags are shown to contain a duplicate block
The DVD is modular, making it easy to pick out the sections of wood to provide them with weight so as to be indistinguish-
you may wish to work on. The viewer can pick and choose favorite able from the sack containing the point-up hazard. The bags are
effects, and put together a full routine that is unique. then mixed, first by the magician himself, then by a spectator.
A big thanks to the director for graciously sparing us a five- The performer then asks members of the audience to choose bags
minute MTV audition video, thus wasting no time in our quest to to crush. The magician brings his hand down on each bag that
get down to the actual magic. An included PDF file contains all of is called for, and by doing so reveals that it does not contain the
Stuthard’s original Trilby routines, including a complete ten-min- spike. This procedure is repeated twice more, each time success-
ute card act using the Trilby in most of its possible incarnations. fully. This leaves a solitary uncrushed sack on the table. This bag
I enjoyed this product. The cards are high quality, and the is opened; it contains the spike.
DVD, with accompanying PDF file, is excellent. The routines I like this version because of its versatility, safety, and clever-
taught are all great, and they take maximum advantage of the ness of method. Yes, it’s expensive. But can you really put a price
special features of the Trilby. The host, Liam Montier, is enthusi- on maintaining an un-perforated appendage? I think not.
astic and a good teacher. Many of you will enjoy discovering the The set comes with everything you need to add this bit of
Trilby Deck. theatre to your performance. You receive (in a very nice carrying
case) four blocks of wood, an examinable un-gimmicked nail, a
The Pain Game Trick generous supply of paper bags, the very informative instructional
by Jon Allen DVD (which contains a variant or two as well as numerous tips
Available from: [Link] and suggestions), and the very well made special something that
Price £300.00 (approximately $465.00 USD) is required to perform this feat.
So if you want to add a Smash and Stab type of effect to your
Review by Payne show but don’t want to worry about really inflicting yourself with
stigmata, then this is the virtually foolproof version for you. I
A decade or so ago Wayne know it’s the one I’m putting in my show.
Dobson released Smash and Stab,
which was, more or less, the Richard Osterlind’s Phantom Knife Trick
home version of his This is Your By Richard Osterlind
Knife routine, a feature in his Available from: [Link]
program at the time. Of course Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
the magic market, being what it Price $50.00
is, was soon inundated with in-
numerable Russian Roulette-type Review by Danny Archer
effects in which the magician had
to discern under which cup or bag I was delighted to see Richard
a sharp pointy object had been Osterlind’s Phantom Knife arrive
placed. This feat was accomplished by the performer quite vigor- in the mail, since I’ve wanted to
ously slamming his hand down on all the covers that he believed perform it ever since I first en-
weren’t hiding the implement of impalement. countered the original Harrison’s
Generally the performer was right. However YouTube is filled Knife through Coat routine in The
with videos of hapless conjurers and, sadly, innocent specta- Tarbell Course in Magic Volume
tors having their hand punctured when they brought their hand 5. As the legend goes, the inventor
down on the wrong sack. Of course, all the versions of the spike, came to the U.S. in 1947 and
knife, or nail under the cup (or bag, or box) claim to be safe and fooled everyone (magicians and
foolproof. But every routine I’ve ever encountered has had a sharp laymen alike), gave the secret to
pointy thing under one of the bags that you actually have to avoid. Dr. Tarbell, and then disappeared.
So all it takes is some bad lighting, a failure to follow simple in- The secret he left us was a tantalizing mix of arcane knowledge,
structions, or a instant of forgetfulness in the heat of the moment sound magical thinking, and a little bit of mayhem. Imagine
and we are treated to a YouTube video of you stabbing yourself in making someone think you’ve shoved a knife through his coat
front of a horrified audience. Jon Allen has solved this potential through the sneaky tactic of actually shoving a knife through his
problem. The Pain Game is the only version of a spike roulette coat. Methods like this seem like magic even to the performer,
effect that is perfectly safe. It is impossible to accidentally impale and every time you do it, you experience a little bit of the wonder
yourself using his method. that the audience feels.
The Pain Game is also versatile. Since it employs a similar But this is not simply a re-release of Harrison’s Knife through
methodology to Scott Alexander’s Shattered, you can either Coat. It is, as we have come to expect from Mr. Osterlind, an
predict in advance which bag the large sharp pointy nail is in update and an improvement. The knife is bigger, the blade more

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 59

reliable, and it now resembles a knife commonly in use. This notes. The main Freedom Change, I believe, is the first demon-
wasn’t always true of the original knife, assuming you could even strated. The performer removes four one-dollar bills from his
get it. The effect has been built up from a one-beat trick into a full wallet and displays them. He then folds them up, places a rubber
routine with three increasingly magical moments. Most important, band around them, and places the cash on a willing participant’s
Mr. Osterlind has done the research that allows you to safely pass palm-up hand. A quick tap with the wallet and the banded wad
the knife through clothes that people are wearing today. of cash is now four completely clean one-
In fact, one ideal article of clothing for this trick is the cotton hundred dollar bills. The problem
shirt that many people wear over a tee shirt these days. If you with this version is that it wears
perform close-up magic where people are casually dressed, and its method on its sleeve: tapping
if you want a magic trick that doesn’t look like a trick, this will the wallet on the bills is what
likely make you very happy. It’s a bit dependent on circumstances, actually causes the change.
but Richard gives you plenty of practical workarounds. Angles are The gimmick involved takes a
not a problem, and there’s nothing to refill. There’s really only one little heat off the wallet, but it
move involved, if you can call it that. Be forewarned, however, doesn’t quite feel like enough.
that this trick can go wrong in careless hands. If that’s you, you On the other hand, there’s a lot of
may end up paying for someone’s shirt or jacket. attention on the fact that one of your
If you or your audience is more formally dressed, Mr. Osterlind spectators is sitting there with four
points out that very little is lost in using your own handkerchief, hundred dollars of your money on her palm,
shirt, or doo-rag. I’ve performed it this way, and the reactions so maybe that’s all the shade you need. Nevertheless,
have been impressive. Even using your own cloth, lots of presen- there’s something about using the wallet that feels suspect when
tations suggest themselves, such as doing this with a scarf that compared to other methods that may happen in your hands, but
you say belonged to your ex-girlfriend, who you’re convinced was are much more open in appearance. It also doesn’t help that Justin
a witch. Bizarrists could have a field day with this, if only they Miller belongs to the early David Blaine “Look! Look! Watch!
enjoyed things like fields, or daylight. Watch!” school of presentation. You have nothing else to think
In case you’re not familiar with this trick, here’s what the about other than what you’re look-look-looking at.
audience sees. First, you shove the blade of the knife through Slightly more promising is Paul Harris’s idea of using the
the middle of a borrowed shirt, under the cover of a dollar bill. gimmick for a delayed change. Here, you tap the wallet and
Everyone sees the blade pierce the bill. But when the blade and nothing seems to happen. You instruct the participant to place
cover are removed, there’s no hole in the shirt. This is repeated, the bills in their pocket while you go on to another trick. You
but this time you lift the bill and show them the blade poking suddenly ask the spectator to remove the bills from their pocket,
through the shirt. The knife is removed, and again, there’s no where they’ve changed into hundreds…except one. In this version
hole. Finally, the blade is shoved through one more time, appar- delaying the change takes the heat off the wallet, sure, but you’re
ently making a gash big enough to shove the entire knife through, left with one extra cover bill in the packet. It’s a great idea in
which you do, leaving a gaping hole in the bill, but not a mark on need of a real ending. A better idea might be to have the spectator
the shirt. pocket what they think are four ones, have them remove one that
The routine is also taught on Osterlind’s Live...Without a Net! you proceed to change into a hundred using your favorite bill
DVDs, but there the knife is not provided. Those without the switch, then reveal the change in the pocket.
DVDs can also see the full performance on YouTube. Just a note Miller also uses the gimmick to vanish a bill in a way that’s a
– the knife you see on the YouTube clip is not the knife Osterlind little too on the nose, and concludes with a number of unrelated
provides you with here. The Phantom Knife is a small, practical switches that are ungimmicked and largely impromptu. These
knife that you’ll find in many people’s pockets every day. Ever aren’t bad. They still use the wallet, but to clean up in a more-
since it arrived, it has been in mine. or-less logical way. These might be worth something if you want
to include this effect in your performance or in an impromptu
First Hand (aka Freedom Change) setting but for whatever reason don’t want to bother with any of
DVD and gimmick material the gimmicked versions.
By Justin Miller and Paul Harris While there are some interesting ideas and potential on this
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies DVD (which comes with material to create your own gimmick),
Price $35.00 I’m not convinced this is offering anything definitive beyond the
numerous Easy Money variations already available. Changing
Review by Antonio M. Cabral the bills in the spectator’s hand is a great idea in theory, but
the practice seems to fall short. It might be worth picking up to
At one time there was apparently some question as to who was experiment with to see if you can’t finish the puzzle. Otherwise,
the rightful creator of the effect now known as Flash Cash, or you have better alternatives.
Easy Money. Since credit for that effect rests firmly with the late
Pat Page, it looks like the next runner-up is whoever can create the Submersion 2.0 DVD
best “improvement” on the Page effect. Popular versions include By Danny Case and Eric Ross
Gregory Wilson’s Hundy 500 and Richard Sanders’s Extreme Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
Burn. Now Justin Miller weighs in with First Hand, a bill change Price $18.00
that takes place entirely in a spectator’s hands. Is it a winner? It
may be a germ of a good idea, but the verdict is still out. Review by Jamie Salinas
First Hand (aka Freedom Change) actually has three different
ideas for accomplishing the effect, not counting Miller’s Kaching, Submersion 2.0 is a single-trick DVD for the card magician.
a method for changing your bank card into a handful of bank In the basic effect, two playing cards are placed in two different

60 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

locations in the pack and are left extending from the deck. The could be replaced.
cards then visibly come together while extended, for a visual This brings us to the nuts and bolts. This system is in three
illusion of the cards moving right next to each other. Several parts, one of which is a ring, which is the only part the audience
handlings are included of this effect. I sees. The system can operate without the ring, but the ring allows
am not a hard-core card worker but you to pass an open hand, rather than a slightly cupped one, over
I do my share of card tricks. As an item, or items, causing them to disappear. This Raven-like
a casual card worker, this is not vanish of a small item off a spectator’s hand is only one of the ap-
something that I will probably plications of this device, but it is one of the better ones.
add to my card work. But don’t I think it’s fair to say that this was designed to accomplish
let my preferences deter you. that characteristic Raven effect without the need for sleeves. In
After watching more of the fact, fully two-thirds of this system is intended to do just that.
DVD, I can see how this will The remainder is still a functional holdout, but it’s nothing you’re
appeal to the hard-core card guy. not likely to be familiar with, especially if you have a Trabucco
The mechanics to perform this effect holdout, which does the same thing only better.
are not too difficult, but they are not for the The DVD explains three or four routines of varying quality.
beginning card worker and will take some practice The variation of David Roth’s Chink-a-Chink (called Shadow
to master. If you are a card magician who collects and performs Coins here), explains the basic sleight incorrectly and adds little
card moves, this is for you. through the use of the Subterfuge System. The Scotch and Soda
An ambitious card routine is used to showcase this effect. The routine, done here with nickels, pennies, and dimes, would be
explanation portion is fine and detailed enough for you to learn more effective and practical done with the original gaffed coins.
the mechanics required to accomplish this card illusion. A brief The vanish, or change, of a coin on a spectator’s hand is good,
handling for the pass is included as well as a face-up version of the however, and is the best effect on the disc.
effect. This may not be for everyone. I suggest that you watch a The items to be ditched need to have a certain quality, but that
demo video of the effect before making your decision to purchase quality can be added pretty easily to most items magicians use.
this DVD. Some of the system can also be used for PK effects, or to turn on
or off items triggered by a reed switch. Basically, if you need a
Subterfuge Magic System Utility Device strong magnet in your hand for just a moment, and then want it
By Kenneth Sanders ditched, and you dress informally, this is ideal.
Available from Precept Magic The system seems to be well constructed, and it works as
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies intended. As for applications that really make use of Subterfuge’s
Price $75.00 strengths, however, you’re mostly on your own. If you dress
casually when you perform, and you’d like to have some new
Review by Danny Archer “hidden forces” to play with, this should make you happy.

You might already be familiar Poor Man’s Cups and Balls Packet Trick
with this, since it hit the market over By Stephen K. So
a year ago. However, this is the first Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
time I’ve had the goods in my hands, Price: $12.50
despite my interest in almost any new
utility device. And if you’re anything Review by David Goodsell
like me, the question you’re asking
is, does this system allow you to do Poor Man’s Cups and Balls is a
something that you can’t without very clever packet trick using poker-
it? The short answer is yes, but not sized cards. It is well above the usual
as many things as you might have fare for packet tricks. Three cards are
hoped. shown to have an artist’s rendering of
To start at the beginning, this is a small red sponge ball on them, and
a utility device. Like a Topit, a pull, three show a rendering of a tradition-
pochettes, profundes, TKOs, or a Trabucco holdout, it helps you al brass cup on both sides. Holding
get rid of small objects quickly and cleanly. Unlike a Topit, this the cup cards as a small packet in
system does not require you to wear a specific jacket, or any jacket the left hand, the performer places
for that matter. Unlike a gravity holdout, it does not require you a ball card under the top cup card.
to be wearing sleeves. There are some clothing restrictions, I The packet is closed; the ball card
suppose, and generally the selection runs more along casual lines. magically travels to the bottom of the
In fact, between this and the Phantom Knife, we’re experiencing packet and is left showing on the table. This is repeated with the
a rush of new things for performers who wear an un-tucked shirt other two ball cards. The three ball cards are now cut into the
over a tee. packet of cup cards. This time a card with three balls on it is found
Of course, we’re talking about men’s clothes here. While on the bottom of the packet. This card is cut back into the packet
this system might work really well for women, as usual, they’re of cup cards and is apparently lost, for the three cup cards are
on their own. The DVD provides nothing addressing women’s placed on the table. Maybe the ball cards are under the cup cards?
clothes, and the finger ring, which is an important feature of the The performer slides the three cup cards back, revealing three
system, is fairly masculine in appearance. On the other hand, the more cards, each bearing an artist’s rendering of a bunny with a
ring has qualities that are essential, but not terribly unique, so it sponge ball!

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 61

 This is very entertaining. You receive instructions and all take a look at the videos online. I think that all of you will know
necessary cards, including three extra cards for revealing a lemon, the method immediately. In fact, I think most laymen looking at
lime, and orange at the finish if you choose. A bargain at $12.50! it will know the method imme-
diately. Is this a case of “The
Wings Trick with DVD Emperor’s New Clothes,” or am
By Matt Mello I just hyper critical? I think the
Available from: [Link] former.
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies I will say, in all fairness,
Price $35.00 that I performed this for a few
people in my office and they
Review by Marc DeSouza were fooled, but when ques-
tioned, all hit on the method
This is a novel and visual effect. after thinking about it. And,
Despite the fact that it uses playing for full disclosure, I have to tell you I have
cards, the cards are not the focus, pretty big hands. If your hands are of an average size, I think you
but rather the angels printed on might have quite a problem making this vanish look anywhere
their backs. In the basic routine, a close to deceptive.
card is selected and signed on the Alakazam has been producing and releasing a lot of magic for
face. The card is turned face down the last several years. Their packaging and marketing are top of
and the performer calls attention the line; unfortunately, the magic isn’t always at the same level.
to one of the angels on the back. Much of it seems like minor variations of established effects and
Suddenly, the angel starts flapping its methods. For a magic manufacturer to survive, they have to keep
wings. The performer turns the card face releasing new magic. It’s like the Woody Allen line from the
up again and gives it to the spectator to keep. This movie Annie Hall: “A relationship is like a shark. For a shark to
is a really stunning effect, and when the conditions are survive, it has to keep moving forward. I think what we have here
proper it looks great. In the full routine the angel not only flaps is a dead shark.” iLoGo is a dead shark.
its wings but flies off of the card, leaving a blank space. It doesn’t On the surface, it’s a novel effect. They show a number of
go far however; it appears next to its twin on the other end of the different handlings. Some are almost passable, but why do you
card, which can then be given out as a souvenir. need to use a black silk to rub the phone? And then the logo
This is a unique effect and Matt Mello is to be commended appears on the silk? How trite. Then there is the issue of restoring
for creating the concept and the wonderful low tech method used. the logo to the phone. I really didn’t care for any of the methods.
The gimmick is nicely constructed, and does the job very This is all compounded by the fact that it only works with a 4 or
well. You are also supplied with a number of the specially printed 4s version of the iPhone and it can’t be in a case. Oh, by the way,
Twilight Angels cards so you can give them away. Additional you can buy the gimmick in black or white. Only one is included
cards can be purchased separately. Since the gaffs are printed on in the package. This is definitely not recommended.
the new Bicycle Mandolin cards, the producers have thoughtfully
provided a full deck of them so you can get started performing Threesome Gimmick and Booklet
this routine immediately. The DVD is simply (but well) produced By Jason Dean
with the creator going through every step from preparation, to Available from: [Link]
setup, to performance of the basic effect and numerous variations Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
and tips. You might wish to carefully consider whether you want Price $22.50
to purchase this with red or blue backs. In looking at both, the
blue back seems to provide the most contrast, which allows the Review by Norman Beck
flapping to register best. Matt also discusses lighting and angle
issues, which are crucial. This effect is best viewed directly “The effect took the magic world by
from the front, with lighting behind the performer. These con- storm when it was first published, and
ditions restrict the performances to smaller groups of people, this booklet reveals the original effect
which, given the scale of the effect, would be your most likely use as well as unpublished variations, tips,
anyway. I really like this release and will be performing it, at the and routines from a stellar list of con-
very least for visiting friends. Highly recommended. tributors: John Born, Todd Karr, J.K.
Hartman, and more.” That is the blurb
iLoGo Trick on the back jacket of the book. So just
By Craig Squires what is Threesome? The gaff is not new.
Available from: [Link] Mr. Dean tells us it’s been around since
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies 1947, and he has just put some sequences
Price $44.50 together and brought out an old idea to
sell to the magic world. The basic effect
Review by Marc DeSouza offered by Mr. Dean is that three predic-
tions are revealed by means of the playing card box.
This effect sounds so cool. Borrow an iPhone. Turn it over I am conflicted here in that if I describe the effect as presented
and call attention to the Apple logo. You slide the logo to another I will tip the method. But if I don’t describe the effect then you
location on the phone or make it vanish entirely. It sounds great have no idea what you’re buying. John Born has a version called
and it’s getting great hype on the Internet forums, but I suggest you Onesome, and in his version you have to hope that the beautiful

62 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

woman you are performing for names the Queen of Hearts. In the event she
does not name the Queen of Hearts you are instructed that you can “Take
comfort in that if you miss the force, you can always just do something else.” If you wish to have your product
Mr. Born also offers a second effect: when you start the routine the card
box says “my card” and when you finish the trick the card box has your spec- reviewed please send it to:
tator’s name on it. Preshow work is required. We also have a routine from J.K.
Hartman that was originally published in MAGIC magazine, called Boxsome Bill Duncan
Beauty; a selected card ends up in the box and the name of the card is written
on the box. I will tell you that the production values are top notch, and the
gimmick is fine and is very usable. You do however have to keep the cello-
P.O. Box 50562
phane on your deck; if your preference is to remove the cellophane from the
box, this prop will not work. Please have a look at this routine; you can find it
Bellevue, WA 98015-0562
on YouTube. For many people this could be worth doing. 

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 63

Treasures from the Salon de Magie
by Ken Klosterman
Dell O’Dell: Mistress of
Mystery Thread-it
Thread-it is reputed to be one
of the tricks in which Dell’s rhyming
patter was decidedly for
adults only. In the effect,
colored ribbon was removed
from the giant spool and
pushed through slots at the
bottom. A needle was low-
ered down into the hole,
eye-first. When removed, it
drew the ribbon out the top,
threaded through the eye.
The twenty-four-inch needle
and its precision-machined
eye-end gimmick were made
by Petrie and Lewis. The jum-
bo spool, 13¼ inches tall and 8¾ inches in diameter,
For this month’s column I’ve chosen two items was made by her husband. The Salon obtained this
used by Dell O’Dell, the most successful female ma- effect from the late Alton Sharpe.
gician that America has ever known. Born Nell New-
ton, she grew up in Wisconsin and was inspired to Snake Basket
become a performer by the carnival shows variously
owned or managed by her father. Her first work ap- In the now venerable Snake Basket trick, after
parently was in the circus, where she learned many comic interaction with the serpent, a deck with a
skills and developed a strong-woman act. A high- selected card shuffled back into it is dropped into
light of the act was balancing a full-size sofa on her the basket. The snake
chin while she walked up and down a ladder. She retreats after it, and
worked her way up in vaudeville, gaining increasing amid a good deal of by-
popularity; she eventually married juggler Charles play eventually comes
Carrer, and they frequently appeared together on up with the selected
the same bill. card in its mouth. Dell’s
Her style was vigorous and forthright. Some to- is a much improved ver-
day might call it “brassy,” but she could charm all sion of the original Jack
kinds of audiences, from children, to family groups, Hughes version and fea-
to sophisticated adults. Her act included plenty of tures a fully program-
colorful production tricks, and was never short of mable automaton con-
livestock – rabbits, doves, and other animals – to structed for her by its
grab the interest of an audience. A hallmark was inventor, William Aren-
the rhymed patter with which she presented each holz. It is one of only
trick, and which entertained everyone, even ram- a few that Arenholz
bunctious nightclub patrons. personally produced. It was obtained by Bernard
In the course of her career she gave away hundreds “Ackero” Whitman either from Dell or Charlie, and
of thousands of souvenirs, novelties, joke props, was later purchased by the Salon.
and the like, in addition to promotional cards and In 1953, Dell and her husband moved from New
mailers. She made a novelty advertising giveaway, York to California, performed widely, and operated
the pencil in buttonhole, virtually a Dell O’Dell a magic shop. After her death in 1962 at the age of
signature item and was responsible for its great sixty, Carrer sold off many of Dell’s props to Cali-
popularity among magicians for decades. Here are fornia magicians who had been close to the couple.
two O’Dell pieces in the Salon’s collection. Carrer died in 1971. 

64 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

Our Advertisers
INSIDE STRAIGHT
Axtel Expressions 63 BY NORMAN BECK
Balloons to You 7
B. Happie Entertainment 45 Myopia
Bob Solari Magic 63 You have been after a new client for a year, and they finally booked you
Bradbury Books & Beyond 65 for a three-day trade show for the sum of $9,000. The day after you ink the
deal, you get a call to do a close-up show the last day of the trade show for
Burgoon Magic 65
$9,000. The question is, should you take the second job?
Carney Magic 67 Before you answer, let me give you more facts. This is the first time you
Christian Painter 67 have worked for either client. In order to make the second gig you must leave
the trade show two hours early. You are in Las Vegas and must fly to San
Elmwood Magic 63 Francisco, and there is only one flight that will get you there in time. In
Genii Convention 71 addition to this, you will have to have a car waiting at the airport and you’ll
Hermetic Press 3 have to hope that the traffic is not too bad, so you make the gig on time.
I think that there are three possible answers, but in my opinion there’s
Joe Mogar - Magic Stars 45 only one that is smart. One, tell the second caller you are already booked on
Jolly Roger 44 that day and sadly must decline. Two, ask the first client to leave early. Three,
Klamm Magic 45 ask the first client to leave early and give them back some of the money they
paid you.
La Rock’s Fun & Magic Outlet 72 It makes sense that this scenario takes place in Vegas, since gambling is
Levent Magic 7 what you are doing if you pick answer two or three. If you ask to leave early
Loomis Magic 4 and your travel plans do not go according to schedule, you will leave the
client in San Francisco in a very tight spot; for the amount of money he is
M-U-M Advertising 9 paying you, that is not an option. You also have to consider this: how does it
New England Gathering 31 look to a first-time client who is paying you very well that you do not wish
S.A.M. Convention 2013 69 to do what you said you would do (and signed your name to): entertain at the
booth for three days. The idea of offering the client a refund sounds good on
S.A.M. Twitter 45 paper, but compared to the total cost of a trade show booth, your offer means
Show-Biz Services 9 nothing to a large company. You being on or off the floor, however, means a
Steve Beam 31 great deal.
To do anything other than turn down the second job is shortsighted and
The Magic Bakery 2 foolish.
T. Myers 4 The world works on relationships and trust. To ask to leave early on your
first day on the job, regardless of the situation, puts the relationship with
your client at risk. I am not a pro at working the trade show floors, nor do I
claim to know very much about anything. I do know, however, that corporate
America likes people who do what they say they are going to do. By asking to
leave early, what you have really said to the first client is that the money from
the second gig means more to you than making his booth a total success. No
matter how you say it, the booth will suffer when you’re gone.
Here’s the pitch you used to get the job: “I will bring people into your
booth, generate leads, and help your staff make more sales.” Now you want
to leave early. So what can happen? One, you leave early, the first client loves
you, all goes smoothly, and you make the second gig with no traffic and no
problems at the airport. You do a great job and the second client loves you.
The checks clear and your wife is happy. Two, you leave early. The first client
said it was fine, but in the post-show review, he thinks the show would have
been better if you had been there for the duration. The CEO likes the idea
of a magician, but for the next show he wants a new guy who does what he
says he will do. Three, you get to the airport and the flight to San Francisco
is four hours late. The entertainment that the second client had planned for
his very special party is now a no-show. He will never hire you again because
you let him down in a big way. The letdown was not the fault of the airline or
the limo driver. The mistake was yours and yours alone. If you want a long,
successful career, you need to look past the immediate paycheck and think
about what is down the road.
A magician I know was actually put in this position; he decided to take
the second gig, thus gambling on the outcome. I can only assume that the
massive size of his cojones restricted the blood flow to his eyes. 

SEPTEMBER 2012 - M-U-M Magazine 65

 Christian Painter
Mental Breakdown

you are about to demonstrate, the be-

lievability factor of the audience will
increase dramatically. Additionally,
since you have entertained them with
a bit of psychological science, they are
Give it to Me Stroop even more interested in what you are
about to do next.
Establishing a sense of plausibil- A long time ago, I watched a young
ity to our performance adds a subtle Figure 1 performer make some bold claims
touch that can’t be explained by our about his use of NLP (neuro-linguistic
audience, yet it is felt. If, during your tion. It is also, simply, a lot of fun for programming) in his show. Unfortu-
mentalism routine, you say that you your audience. nately, one of his audience members
use deep and insightful techniques at- This is an example of how I might was a proponent of NLP and asked him
tributed to verbal persuasion, but you use this in performance: some questions that left the performer
have nothing interesting to say on the “The mind is a tricky organ. It can stuttering and stammering for answers.
subject, you will leave an intellectual skew our reality because of the way it It became immediately clear that the
void in the minds of the participants. works. I would like to perform a little performer had no idea what he was
I would prefer, when we can, that we test to examine to what degree you exist talking about. His credibility was shot.
front-load our credentials when dem- in this reality.” You pull out the small You must understand at a profound
onstrating our mental miracles. card (Figure 1) and hand it to Wilma. level that if you tell your audience that
Here is a solid example of demon- “Please, Wilma, as quickly as you you are an expert on a certain subject,
strating some credentials before we can, read all the words on this card.” then you better at least understand
hit them with our brain buster. It uses She does this with no problem. the basics of that topic. I have seen
a psychological test originating from “Well, you are sharp as a surgeon’s this error repeated multiple times by
the 1930s. You can easily carry this scalpel. Now let’s change this up just a many performers. Too many times,
with you in your wallet. An added little bit. Look at the color of each word performers are only interested in the
bonus is that everyone gets to play and and say out loud the color of the ink successful completion of the trick.
enjoy the outcome of the experiment. the word is printed in. Ready, go.” This They give very little effort to the cloak
You can explain the workings within a time Wilma will struggle a bit with the in which the mystery is wrapped.
paragraph, which will then effortlessly procedure. Harlan Tarbell (in The Tarbell
transition you into your performance. “Don’t feel bad. I have created a Course in Magic) and Tony Corinda
It’s called the Stroop Test. Please struggle between the left and right (in 13 Steps to Mentalism) hammer
consult Google for more information hemispheres of your mind. Your home the fact that presentation is just
on this subject. logical mind fights to read the letters, as important as the method/trick. You
Take a look at Figure 1. Now, as yet your creative mind battles to name must know your presentation as well
quickly as you can, read the words. the colors. You can almost feel your as the method. If your presentation is
That was easy wasn’t it? This time I brain flexing to get through that last cloaked in a certain psychology then
want you to look at each word and tell exercise. These subtle manipulations you must at the minimum understand
me what color it’s printed in. Do this as will allow the next test I’m going to try the basics of that psychology. If your
quickly as possible. to introduce you to a new reality.” subject is Jack the Ripper, then please
You most likely noticed that it was What’s great about this little know the history of Jack the Ripper.
much more difficult to name the color exercise is that it’s fun. Everyone will We have to learn to enjoy the
each word was printed in. This is what want to take a try at it. During this time subject of our tricks just as much as
makes this test fun and interesting. you can comment about the history of the methods that make them work. The
Your participants will enjoy the mental this test, or the differences between the audience will be much more engaged
challenge of performing this simple ex- right- and left-brain, or any aspect of when you accompany your tricks with
periment. As you enlighten them to the thinking dynamics that will enhance meaningful narratives. Knowing your
history of this test, you will be creating the next trick that you will perform. subject material will get you just as
a bit of credibility to your mentalism I find that once you exhibit that you much credibility as performing the
without any overt boasting or preten- actually have knowledge of the subject trick well. 

66 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 George Schindler
The Dean’s Diary

We stayed
at the Sunshine
Prince Hotel,
located in a mall
where there was an
S.A.M. Japan aquarium on the
top floor. A sign
Just before I became president of the S.A.M., Michael Douglas, above a gigantic
Fr. Cyprian, Jimmy Yoshida, Shintaro Fujiyama, and I attended fish tank had large
a meeting to listen to Shintaro’s proposal that we sponsor an Japanese charac-
S.A.M. convention in Japan. I pointed out that there were only ters. Dan Garrett
seven members in Japan, and that the idea did not seem feasible. translated it for us.
The idea was to have an “S.A.M. Tokyo Magic Symposium” with According to him
the blessings of The Society of American Magicians. We were it read “Sushi.” We
assured that we would have hundreds of new members if such had a great deal of Installation of new S.A.M. members
a convention were to take place. The new Japanese assemblies fun. Before lunch
would produce the event as a foreign branch of the Society. I asked Max Maven, who speaks Japanese f luently, to help us
This actually came to pass in August of 1992. Over five with translations. All I wanted was a ham sandwich, so in perfect
hundred new members and thirteen assemblies made up a region dialect he ordered for me a “hom sando.” Jack Goldfinger sported
we called S.A.M. Japan. It was a magnificent event that was co- a white pith helmet and claimed that everyone in town recognized
sponsored by the town of Itabashi (one of the twenty-three special him because of the hat. I tried to tell him “not so” by reminding
wards of Tokyo). Performers were booked from around the world. him that he was the only black guy in the hotel (and probably in
As president, I was given the honor of cutting the opening ribbon Tokyo).
with Shintaro and welcoming the registrants at the show that Max Maven and I spent one whole day as judges of the stage
evening. I spoke Japanese and my opening statement, thanks to a contest along with the Napoleons, Bona and Parte (I swear that is
gag idea by Ali Bongo, was dutifully translated into English. The their names). I was not able to follow their judging rules, so Max
audience went wild. and I did our own calculations and, believe it or not, we all came
Dan Garrett, Father up with the same winners. I treasured spending breakfasts and
Cyprian, and I were sightseeing time with the acts and lecturers such as Martin Nash,
asked to install many Norm Nielsen, Ali Bongo, Veronin, Stephen Minch, and Hans
of the new members. Moretti. The American kid behind the counter at Ton Onosaka’s
None of us had thought magic shop was Steve Cohen. I met some great Japanese perform-
to bring a ritual book, ers; their hospitality was amazing. Nina and I had tea and sat with
so it was an adlib event; dignitaries such as Prince and Princess Takamodo. Behind us in
we each remembered the theater sat a row of bodyguards dressed in Hollywood-style
different parts of the black suits, missing only the sunglasses.
ceremony. If you’d like It was wonderful to see our new members all proudly wearing
to see it, the whole thing their S.A.M. pins at every event. This was our first trip to Japan
is on tape in the S.A.M. and we had so many great moments we resolved that we had to
Ribbon cutting ceremony film library. go back. 

68 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012

 Rod Danilewicz
Confessions of a Paid Amateur

big box trick. Then go on the offensive and

salvage what is worth saving. Magic is not
I receive excellent ideas from all over
the country, but most magicians have never dead; it is not
My last two columns aroused some
interest. Many weighed in on why younger
met each other. We need to coordinate our
efforts. Perhaps a question and answer even sick. It is
magicians shy away from us older guys
both at club meetings and conventions. I
column in M-U-M? A pertinent question
could be posed each month and the best simply evolving
received enough excellent feedback to fill
a future column.
responses shared with the membership.
The S.Y.M. would benefit from such in an attempt
My views on the moribund state of
brick-and-mortar shops also generated
a column. The general membership has
great ideas for recruiting and retaining to adapt to the
a large response. The good news is that
many of you have been thinking about
younger members, but there is no central
clearing house for this information. Pro- twenty-first
these problems on your own and are
willing to share your thoughts on how we
fessional magicians talk to each other;
amateurs tend to talk about each other.
century.
might reverse the decline. The bad news This has to change. If we remain divided
is that some of you have gone into panic we will accomplish nothing. gratification?
mode and declared magic dead. One reader suggested I use my column You can dig in your heels and continue
Magic is not dead; it is not even sick. It to share practical information I receive to give your audiences what you want to
is simply evolving in an attempt to adapt from others. For example, how to handle give them and suffer the consequences,
to the twenty-first century. An appropriate hecklers or some good outs for when or you can adapt and give them what they
comparison might be the music industry. something goes wrong. This is a great idea, want and have steady work. Consider all
Records, eight-tracks, and cassette tapes and I will do that as soon as I can strike a the gadgets on the market. Today’s genera-
have vanished from the scene, but music is balance between sharing such information tion values “wants” way ahead of “needs.”
still with us. Granted, lute players and old without giving away someone else’s act. Nostalgia always sells. If you don’t
accordionists like me don’t get much work. Adapting to change does not equate want to adapt, just change your promotion-
The lyrics on most of today’s songs are in- to total surrender. If you prefer books to al materials to create a hook. Tell people
comprehensible. Performers dress for the electronic media, they are still available. you’ve been around since rainbows were
gig as if they are there to mow the lawn. If street magic is not your style, you are black and white. Drop a few buzz words
In spite of it all, the music industry still not forced to perform it. You may have to like vaudeville or Ed Sullivan. That should
generates billions of dollars a year. repackage your act, but you don’t have to bring in a crowd eager to see your plate-
Part-time magicians are the front line reinvent it. In today’s parlance, new and spinning act.
troops of the magic industry. For much of improved usually means a fourteen-ounce The solutions for bringing magic up out
the public we are their only exposure to a pound and a twenty-eight-ounce quart. If of the valley it is in right now are out there.
performance of live magic. For a youngster you adapt, you might make more money I see it in the emails I receive each month.
aspiring to the craft, we are the real thing… for offering less. The frustration of “what can I do, I am only
until we disappoint them. If the attitudes We do need to stop sitting around one person” is also evident. This magazine
of either group are to be changed, it must waiting for the phone to ring and go on is the ideal vehicle to put everyone on the
begin with us. the offensive. But be selective; expend same page.
Panic mode may have set in because we your energy only on worthwhile causes. If Magic is not dead, and neither are we
are being rebuffed from two sides at once. brick-and-mortar stores and today’s youth old-timers. (At least not as long as age and
Older people won’t hire us and the younger can be brought together, we will have suc- treachery continue to trump youth and ex-
crowd won’t look up to us. Our already cessfully joined the future with the past. uberance.) We put ourselves into this state
fragile magician’s egos have suffered a Those are facets of magic worth saving – of malaise and we are the ones who will
devastating blow. We are in shock because the bra trick, not so much. have to get ourselves out of it.
no one loves us anymore and we can’t If we live long enough, we realize that Don’t forget that we were reusing glass
mount a defense. everything old is new again. It is only re- milk bottles and cloth diapers long before
First, circle the wagons and start sup- packaged to conform to the current life some young genius discovered the concept
porting each other. Second, get with the styles so it will still sell. Today, could of recycling all on his own and created the
program. Accept the fact that times are Houdini perform an escape that takes for- green movement. 
changing and adapt. The original definition ty-five minutes and still hold the attention
of metamorphosis has nothing to do with a of an audience that was raised on instant Email me at Polishwiserd@[Link]

70 M-U-M Magazine - SEPTEMBER 2012