Professional Documents
Culture Documents
HOFZINSER
Page 36
JANUARY 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 3
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,
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cover story
page 36 S.A.M. NEWS
6 From the Editor’s Desk
8 From the President’s Desk
11 M-U-M Assembly News
20 Good Cheer List
21 New Members & Reinstatements
22 Broken Wands
23 S.A.M. Spotlight
68
27 Newsworthy
69 Our Advertisers
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1
MAYOR BLOOMBERG
Later in the month Kozmo
lectured. It was great to see pros
like Silly Billy and Mark Mitton at
through a quarter, piercing the
eagle’s breast. Then he caused a
ring to go through a selected card,
and Veteran’s Hospital of Philadel-
phia during National Magic Week:
Al Angelo, Anthony Antonelly,
PRAISES PA 1 the lecture. Kozmo explained the vanish, and be discovered in the Steve Black, Michael Bonacci, Ed
real conditions performing on the card box. With the Gypsy Curse, Cohen, Martin Dembitzer, Morton
NEW YORK, NY— In November, streets with added funny anecdotes Corky humorously explained his Feldman, Bobbie Festa, Joe Festa,
magician Andrew Gressett again and told how to build and hold a aversion to gambling. Jim Fiorentino, Donna Horn, Larry
visited The Magic Table from the crowd. With over 30 PA 1 members Rob Shapiro presented balloon Horn, Eric Johnson, Bill McElven-
Big Easy. We all talked magic and at the lecture he held a good crowd mentalism. Channeling his psychic ney, Sue McElvenney, Rob Malissa,
about his journey to bury his friend that night. power, he predicted the balloon James MacElroy, Rich Pressel,
David Bendix. Saving Bendix from On Friday evening November which was not chosen from four Stuart Rudnick, Ed Schmitt, David
a pauper’s grave in New Orleans, 15 Doug Edwards presented a different colored balloons displayed Sharlin, Andrew Stillwell, and
Gressett, with the help of his wife wonderful Workshop at the Gemini in a wood stand. Tamaka playfully Reba Strong. Many thanks to these
and others, honored him and laid Dinner. The topic of the workshop demonstrated Karrell Fox’s rope wonderful performers, some of
him to rest with his fellow magicians was “Gimmicks, Gadgets, and through body, an amusing effect whom performed at more than one
in the Lakeside Cemetery in Colon, Gaffs”. He performed several that has numerous variations. venue, for a job well done.
MI. A great story of one man’s effects with the apparatus and then Inspired by Tamaka’s spectacle, After the business meeting, we
action to honor a fellow compeer. taught. His workshops are terrific. Rob grabbed one of his balloons and were treated to a mini-lecture by
Max Droge was there as well, Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised pulled it through different sections Jeff Carson on “How to Enhance
sharing magic, as well as Richard the Parent Assembly in a procla- of his body. Your Performance” as well as a
Bossong and Rene Clement. Jerry mation for Magic Week, October John Caris, with the able assis- mini-lecture by Eric Johnson on
Oppenheimer and Lee were also at 25 to 31. It was up on the S.A.M. tance of Rob and Corky, revealed a “Card Effects Utilizing Sleights.”
the Table this month, which meets website to be read. Many members mystery hidden within an ESP deck Both presentations were excep-
at the Edison Café on 47th Street of the Parent Assembly gathered by staging Howard Adam’s Celeb- tional. Following the mini-lectures,
in Times Square. We start around at the Houdini gravesite to do the rithree. Mary Caris and Hippo Lau we held our annual stage contest,
12:30 sharing magic. annual Broken Wand Ceremony in enjoyed the night’s magical delights which featured four very strong
Queens. Rabbi Noach Valley read and did their part in the cookie- performances. Tom Ewing started
a prayer, Dean George Schindler vanishing routine. The lesson we things off with a very funny routine
read the words of the Broken Wand learned at tonight’s meeting is that comprised of comical Irish toasts
Ceremony, and PA 1 President the mage’s presentation is the most while repeatedly filling his own
Throwdini broke the wand. It was important ingredient of the magical whiskey glass and that of a spectator
well attended. There were several arts. —John Caris from the same small flask that
shows, but the one in Chinatown Golden Gate Assembly 2 will appeared to have a never-ending
in Manhattan with Paul Hsiao and meet the second Wednesday of supply of spirits. After Tom, Bill
Rene Clement was the biggest. It January 2014, the 8th, at 7:30 p.m. and Sue McElvenney executed a
was a great month. —Tom Klem at Community Room of Taraval miraculous double cut and restored
The Parent Assembly meetings are Police Station, 2345 24th Avenue, tie effect to the astonishment of
on the first Friday of the month at San Francisco, CA. Contact Tamaka everyone. Next, contest winner
Mount Sinai on Madison Avenue Tamaka3715@aol.com (415) Ralph Armstrong performed a
in Manhattan Contact tom Klem 531-9332 https://www.facebook. beautiful silk act set to music during
sampa1nyc@gmail.com (212) com/groups/249018441875771/ for which plain white silks passed
725-5258 www.sampa1.com for more details. through an empty tube, changed
more details.
4 color, and then transformed into a
lovely multi-color silk. Finally, Joe
6
CARDS, COINS, AND
Queen is my helper”), merely
peeping her eyes out of the deck,
to find selected cards under three
price and lead to a purchase. Last
but not least, he arranged the sales
room for easy shopping. Thanks
13
MAGIC FLEA MARKET
RINGS...OH, MY! ever more difficult conditions. to Larry and all of the folks sup-
Another fine evening jam-packed porting this endeavor. Thanks DALLAS, TX— The November
BALTIMORE, MD— Despite with magic! —Eric Hoffman (obrigado!) to Carmen Mattes for meeting of the Dallas Magic Clubs
cold weather and early sundown The Kellar/Thurston Assembly thinking of us as the beneficiaries featured a magic flea market that
we had a large turnout for our 6 meets every first Thursday at of these treasures! (The shopping took over Theater 166 in Carroll-
November meeting. Even before 8:00 pm at the Magic Warehouse, lasted about three hours.) ton, Texas. The market featured
the meeting began, Dean Joe 11419 Cronridge Drive suite #10 Several members from our new and “gently used” magical
Bruno demonstrated his improved in Owings Mills, Maryland. 410- recently organized S.Y.M. group wares from the members of the
Oil-and-Water and Follow-the- 561-0777. Contact Andy London also had the privilege of picking up club, and was a perfect opportuni-
Leader card effects, and then gen- alondon@comcast.net www. early Christmas gifts and could be ty to both clean house and acquire
erously tipped them. baltimoresam.com for more seen smiling as they carried their some new stocking-stuffers before
Howard Katz, whose Magic details. new-found projects. Maybe we’ll the holidays. After browsing and
Warehouse provides our meeting
place, kicked things off with
a sealed card prediction, the
7
MEMORIES OF WARREN
see some of them in action at our
next event: our annual Christmas
party. —Jerry Golmanavich
shopping for a while, the members
eventually settled down for the
meeting.
cards lined up in wood stands. MATTES The Omaha Magical Society President Derrel Allen welcomed
The selected/predicted card meets generally on the third everyone to the meeting; visitors
was the Four of Clubs, which OMAHA, NE— On November Monday of each month at the for the night included Mark
prompted Howie Schwarzman 18 the Omaha Magical Society Southwest Church of Christ near Wade. Vice-president Frank
to regale us with how the Four attended a brief presentation 124th Street and West Center Seltzer discussed a benefit for
of Clubs became (at age sixteen) by Carmen Mattes, widow of Road, right across from where Muscular Dystrophy occurring
“his card.” Joe Bruno was next Warren Mattes, a magician known Hooters used to be. Contact Jerry in December. He then announced
onstage, performing some effects throughout the community for Golmanavich (402) 390-9834 the newest member of the club,
he hasn’t done since the early performing for his family and www.omahamagicalsociety.com and newest local member of The
‘80s. First was a card assembly perhaps infrequent stage shows. for more details. Society of American Magicians,
inspired by (and improving on) Warren had left a legacy of magic Caleb Walsteed. Caleb was
Al Goshman’s Meeting at the
Summit. He followed with his
improved version of Collins Aces,
paraphernalia collected over the
many years while he was perform-
ing, and Carmen saw an opportu-
8
WAY TO GO, HARRY MONTI!
presented his certificate and pin
by none other than the President of
the S.A.M., Dal Sanders.
which looked simply miraculous. nity to enrich the community by
He tipped both. Oneil Banks was leaving his ”tools of the trade” ST. LOUIS, MO — Randy Kalin
next with some amazing ring and with a group of people who could taught a classic 16-cell Magic
shoelace magic using, allegedly, continue in Warren’s footsteps Square force for one of a long
Denny Haney’s famous checkered by entertaining those who would list of prizes. Robert Campbell
shoelaces. Does Denny know they allow his magic to enter their performed a comical mentalism
are missing? Mike Schirmer had a lives. Under the direction of Past effect that was truly amazing.
card selected by a spectator who President Larry Brodahl, a special Paul Rygelski performed a classic
was holding a facedown photo- sale was arranged for this night: mental effect that he got from
graph of the magi skydiving. Upon over 1,500 individual items com- Bob Starks. PNP John Apperson
turning the photo over it showed prising effects, books, and col- showed Sandy Weis how to pass
the magi in mid-descent actually lectibles. There were card tricks, one solid object through another.
holding the chosen card. Well, coins, and many items that defied John also treated us to one of his
almost! Gotta get those glasses categorizing. The organization many color-changing knives. Dan New S.A.M. member Caleb
checked, Mike; you were off by was impeccable; the attendees Todd performed Cue the Magic by Walsteed with Dal Sanders
one Heart. were rather well-behaved; and the Angelo Carbone, assisted by Ron
Eric Hoffman, still celebrating sale called a success. There are Jackson and Rodger Linden.
Halloween in November, had a items left over for future plans. If We are all very proud of PNP Mica Calfee performed an effect
card selected, shuffled back into one was missing a link he might Harry Monti for being invited to with a Chinese paper balloon.
the deck, and the deck wrapped find it here, or pick up an item for perform at the Magic Castle for After blowing up the balloon he
in a silk. Mysteriously, the chosen which he had no current use, but his fiftieth consecutive year! Way showed that, if treated just right,
card rose up from within the silk looked like something that could to go Harry! —Dan Todd the balloon would appear to float
(Daryl’s version of J. C. Wagner’s be part of something bigger. in mid air.
Spectral Silk). Craig Feinstein This was a magical evening and Ian Richards was assisted
performed a whole routine of inflated our treasury nicely. I’m by Diamond Jim Tyler with a
sponge ball magic and then dem- looking forward to expanding my trick involving three handker-
onstrated David Roth’s Retention capabilities. Larry identified the chiefs (two white and one red)
Vanish and took a shot at Roth’s items where possible, checked to that Ian had received in the mail
famous Hanging Coins. Joe see if the package was complete, through the subscription service
Harsanyi continued the coin magic and then scavenged the Internet to “NetTrix.” Jim was asked to place
with some mighty impressive see what might be considered a fair the two white handkerchiefs in
sleights followed by predicting the NetTrix envelope, and Ian was
the contents of an entire handful supposed to load the red one into
of selected cards. Jay Silverman a magical tube. Unfortunately,
had a spectator divide a deck into the tube was not supplied. Ian
four packets; he then shuffled improvised by folding the instruc-
them together. He then quickly Harry Monti tion sheet into a tube, placing the
“memorized” the entire face-up red handkerchief inside. When
spread and had the spectator move Assembly 8 meets at Mount he unfolded the instructions to
the chosen card to a new position Tabor United Church of Christ continue reading, he discov-
while Jay’s back was turned. A at 6520 Arsenal in Saint Louis, ered that the handkerchief had
quick glance at the spread and he MO 63139 Contact Dick Blowers vanished! Jim then reached into
instantly found the selected card. President Bob Gehringer with rmblowers@aol.com (213) the NetTrix envelope, showing
Jeff Eline wrapped things up by Carmen Mattes and Secretary 846-8468 http://Assembly8.com that somehow the red handker-
using the Queen of Hearts (“the Jerry Golmanavich for more details. chief was now firmly tied between
17 19
HOUSTON PREPARES FOR
during our November meeting.
—Miles Root
Assembly 19 meets the first
22
WOODY PITTMAN LECTURE
LAID BACK NOVEMBER THE HOLIDAYS WITH Monday of every month at the
MAGIC IATSE Local 51 Meeting Hall, LOS ANGELES, CA— The
SPRINGFIELD, MA— Our 3030 North Freeway, Houston, November meeting of the Southern
November meeting was a quiet HOUSTON, TX— It’s TX. A teaching lecture begins California Assembly 22 featured a
one in terms of performers. We November, and the magic of the at 7:30 pm with the meeting most enjoyable lecture by Woody
had a brief business meeting, ate holidays is right around the corner. beginning at 8:00 pm. Contact Pittman. A frequent Magic Castle
some pizza, and enjoyed two per- Scott Hollingsworth continued Miles Root milesroot@aol.com performer, Woody Pittman has
formances before simply breaking with his final installment in his (281) 334-7508 houstonmagic.com had a long career as a cruise ship
off and chatting. series of lectures on restaurant for more details. magician and as a headliner at
We discussed the recent trip magic. Scott has many years of major comedy clubs. Mention-
to Fantasma Magic in NYC that
some of our members took, which
sounds like it was amazing! A big
great experience as a restaurant
performer and his expertise in
this area was shared with all of us.
21
TEACH-A-TRICK
ing some of his current physical
limitations due to a serious health
situation, Woody spent the next
thank you to the folks at Fantasma Thanks, Scott, for sharing a part two-and-a-half hours giving a
for welcoming us to their shop! of your magic! HARTFORD, CT— Our very entertaining and informa-
Also, we talked about the comedy Scott Wells had several cards theme captain for the night, Henry tive lecture to an especially large
magic show put on by our very freely chosen by members of the Andrzejczyk, asked us to teach gathering of members and guests.
own Bob Carroll, Pj Pinsonnault, club. Five of the six cards were everybody a trick. Dan Sclare All of the material presented
and Rich Gilbert. Most of our then revealed in a variety of ways distributed rubber bands and and then fully explained came
members went to the show to show after being returned to the deck, did a variation of Crazy Man’s from his performing repertoire
their support, which is always ap- with the sixth card plucked from Handcuffs to release a finger ring and, as Woody told us, all of it is
preciated. A very fun night both Scott’s mouth. from the band. Steve Wronker available at a well-stocked magic
from the stage and from the seats! Johan McElroy shared a nice box showed us the silks used in his shop. Most of his magic would be
We had two guests in the magic penetration effect whereby a solid new marketed effect Reindeer classified as standard apparatus,
shop, Verne and Pat Towle, who die is caused to pass through a Roundup. some of it classic. The Anderson
were offering some of their magic metal plate placed in the center of Torn & Restored Newspaper, the
for sale as they scale back their a wooden tube. Marti Stein folded Mutilated Parasol, the Mis-made
performing schedule. Thank you a newspaper and then proceeded Flag, Peanut Butter & Jelly,
both for coming and for letting us to cut out sections with a pair of Twentieth Century Silks, and the
all stab Bob Carroll in the head! scissors. When the newspaper was Chinese Sticks are but a few of the
Our first performer, Tom Gentile, unfolded we were greeted with a items presented. The unique per-
created some shock and awe by Happy Hanukkah figure cut into formance style and personality of
forgoing any and all silks and the paper. Woody Pittman and his particu-
doing a card trick! This was a Gene Protas used three large lar twist on each trick, however,
big moment, one of those “where coins to do some handy manipu- made for a very entertaining
were you when…?” moments. A lations. A half dollar, a rickshaw show. Woody told us that despite
moment the members couldn’t token, and a Pakistani coin moved Steve’s finale the fact that magicians recognize
wait to run home and tell their about from hand to hand to pocket these tricks as standard stuff,
wives, children, grandchildren, in a most intriguing manner. Kyle Bob Killian told a tale of lay audiences likely have never
and pets about! Tom Gentile. Ryan shared some effects with a shopping and the perils of buyer’s seen these tricks before. To dem-
Performing a card trick. Mind. shoelace and some knots. He then remorse. He had Dana Ring up to onstrate his skill with a deck of
Blown. added a ring and performed some select a card and let him know that cards, Woody did a manipulative
Tom performed Jerry Somer- very nice ring and rope moves in a even if he suffered from remorse, routine producing a steady stream
din’s Perfect Monte, a Three Card most entertaining manner. and could and did change his mind of card fans.
Monte routine in which the money David Rangel had a chosen card’s often, his choice was ordained. His lecture demonstrated the fact
card (a red Queen) also had an back change from blue to red, and His final choice did, in fact, match that the standards and classics of
odd-colored back, making it very then proceeded to change the Bob’s prediction. magic can be extremely enter-
easy to follow. However, when entire deck to red-backed cards. Dave Garrity showed us a col- taining for an audience. It’s all in
the odd-backed card was chosen, A thumbprint placed onto one of lection of cue-cards, each with a the presentation. More than a few
the Queen was shown to now be the cards was carefully examined different word. Walt Umberfield of our group of magicians were
a Joker. The Queen was found with a hilarious pair of glasses, chose one and Dave proved he had fooled by some of the old magic
24
A FALL OF
keep a magic coin, a penny. Mike
Root performed with Silly Billy’s
jumbo magic wands. He cautioned
solo show, to working on com-
mercials, and being a producer of
Monday Night Magic in New York
multiplying bananas for a talkative
pig, a moo cow device, and a large
artificial fish…or would that be
LECTURES us, never give the wand directly to City. Throughout the evening, he arti-FISH-al??
the child during the performance gave us quotes to ponder, the first Mike Tate was next with his
LATHAM, NY— This fall has or else you can expect mayhem to being “small changes can make a amazing ventriloquism. Through
brought a cavalcade of lectures to reign. Always give the gift to the big difference.” He demonstrat- the magic of sound, he made a
educate and inspire our members. parent or give it to the child after ed this point by making flowers dove “appear” in a box. Then he
First up, in August, was Dan the show. suddenly appear. By utilizing a made a cat appear in the box. Well,
Garrett, who brought a full small technical change, a fight ensued and all that was left
evening of professional, commer- the flowers now seemed to of the poor bird were a few white
cial routines. October brought the “pop” out of thin air, rather feathers. The cat then changed into
elegant, visual magic of Jay Scott than just appearing – a a large banner that said CAT (for
Berry, presenting a greatest hits small change that made for Caterpillar, our local industry).
lecture of his beautiful material. a big visceral difference. Jay Zentko brought his darker
November was all about street He performed a disappear- side as he first killed one poor little
magic with Michael Bradshaw. ing/appearing coin effect, wiener dog and impaled another.
December will be our annual explaining that for conti- Thank goodness these were
Holiday party! —Cory Haines nuity, there is a purpose of balloon doggies! Still, the first
Assembly 24 meet at the S.W. motion, rather than simply doggie didn’t fair so well. POP!
Pitts Hose Company, 226 Old superfluous gestures. He Michael Baker followed with the
Loudon Road, Latham, New David Kirby lights up the showed us a card change biggest epic fail of the night. He
York, 12110. Meetings are at 7:30 lives of veterans effect called Invasion of elected to go with Halloween as a
p.m. on the second Tuesday of the Body Snatchers. What theme by producing eyeballs and
the month. Contact Joseph Goode added to the trick was the dropping them in a box. Then the
joe@magicmelvin.com for more Robert Sode performed/ story that went with it. He once eyes were released and should have
details. previewed his “vanishing thumb showed this to the gentleman that gone hopping across the table. One
31
THE GIFT
tip” lecture utilizing many cutting
edge techniques such as the
“nesting thumb tip.” Robert had
actually wrote the movie of the
same name as the trick! For those
too young to know the movie,
or two did, but the rest just stood
there looking at the audience.
Stage fright, I suppose…
OF MAGIC us rolling in the aisles with this Google it. Kyle Basset showed his version
lecture spoof. He posited that humans share of Hot Shot. A dollar bill visibly
INDIANAPOLIS, IN— Your humble scribe shared his common experiences and ideas, changed to a selected card. Very
Assembly 31 has enjoyed another Chex magic kit that he received and as such, that to make magic visual, and Kyle had added
fun-filled month. On October 26, through the mail for only six box for your audience, you should find some of his own bits to make the
in celebration of National Magic tops. He then really heated things real substance for your stories, and bill reappear within the deck.
week, a group from Assembly up (literally) when he performed not use clichés. This was demon- —Michael Baker
31 entertained approximately Joshua Jay’s newly released strated by a Gypsy Thread routine, Assembly 51 meets the third
one hundred veterans and their Inferno. Daniel Lee performed in which the destruction and res- Monday of the month, beginning
families at the Soldiers Home in a card-to-wallet routine with a toration was a metaphor for the at 7:00pm at Schnucks Grocery
West Lafayette. David Kirby and borrowed wallet. way that relationships sometimes in the Metro Center, University
Joe (Irish) Fuller organized and Next was visiting compeer work. and Glen. Contact Michael
co-headlined the show with our Il- Chris Wagers who found a freely It was an evening of good Baker themagiccompany@
lustrious President, Taylor Martin, selected card that was seared by a magic, which was not only aol.com (205)612-3696 http://
acting as emcee. Phil Dubbs and flame. Jim Croop, our emcee for visual, but which also made you peoriamagicians.com for more
RVP Steve Spence warmed up the evening, concluded with a coin think. Thank you Mr. Samelson! details.
the crowd with some walk-around trick with the spectator keeping —Darryl Bielski
magic. To see the looks of appre-
ciation on the faces of these brave
warriors was worth its weight in
the coin. —Steven A. Spence
Assembly 31 meets the first
Monday of each month at
Assembly 35 meetings are held
at the Milanese Restaurant in
Poughkeepsie, NY. Typically,
52
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
gold. 7:00 p.m. at Irvington United meetings are held every AND VETERANS DAY
November’s meeting theme was Methodist Church, 30 Audubon 2nd Tuesday of each month.
“Gift Magic.” Don Miller started Rd., on the east side of the City Meetings begin at 7:30 pm and SAN ANTONIO, TX—
things off by presenting a mini- unless otherwise announced. If include a short business meeting November 7, 2013, Brother John
lecture based upon an article he the first Monday conflicts with a followed by the evening’s Hamman Assembly 52 held its
wrote on just this very subject. holiday weekend, we postpone the main topic or guest lecturer. monthly meeting at LaMad-
Don related how he watched Harry meeting one week. Contact Taylor Contact Joel Zaritsky jizdds@ eleine Restaurant. President Don
Blackstone Jr. take the time after Martin kazoo23@aol.com (317) optonline.net (845) 546-1559 Moravits welcomed members,
his show to sign each and every 432-1320 sam31.com for more www.sam35.com for more details. wives, and guest Ted Derringer, Jr.
spectator’s program. Harry told details. Tonight’s theme was Daylight
59
CLOSE-UP
MASSAPEQUA, NY— Our
meeting was a short one, with one
details.
88
Continuing the night’s theme of
Rope Magic, Roy Porfido started
with Professor’s Nightmare
highlight. Long Island Mystic’s ANNUAL FLEA MARKET with comedy/kids patter. Roy’s
PORTLAND, OR— October Vice President Dr. Mitch Goodkin AND MORE routine continued with him taking
is the month our annual Desmond showed his wife’s amazing work at away one piece, tying the others
Close-up Contest is held. This designing a beautiful ring shaped ANN ARBOR/YPSILANTI, together, but then taking away
year we had five contestants stand in a question mark with a jewel of MI— Our annual Flea Market on one, leaving one long piece, which
before the judges. our choice as the period below it. October 27 had the most vendors seemed to get longer and longer.
The first act was Glen Bledsoe She has them in silver and gold. It I’ve seen in a long time. If any John Signa’s routine started
aka “Satie, Your Guide to the was definitely something for my magician needed something new with one long rope and included
Mysteries of the Human Mind.” wish list. After the gavel hit and for their act I’m sure they could ends tied together, pulled off and
Yes, you can have close-up the raffle was complete, Phil Levy find it here. Marvin Mathena and pocketed, returned, more tied
mentalism. Satie performed announced that our November Jim Placido did a great job of ends, then back to just one rope,
an effect in which he identi- meeting was titled “The Magic auctioning some of the selected two ends and one middle. Ends
fied thirteen randomly selected Railroad.” (Insert puns revolving magic! On the 31st of October a traveled from one side of the loop
cards. Next came one of our around trains, Phil Levy sure did.) lot of magicians do the Halloween to the other. Anyway lots of stuff
newest members, Jay Fredericks, magic shows. I was invited to and comedy as he went along.
who performed a Monte effect. do something different this year Also a Hunter Bow Knot and the
Following Jay came the perennial called the Harvest Celebration. Professor’s Nightmare done and
Tom Waldrop performing a short Some friends I know run a Bible undone.
series of his trademark effects. camp in Cedar Springs, MI. They Kim Silverman’s routine
This was followed by our vice asked if I’d like to do some gospel included the Hunter Bow Knot,
president Mel Anderson in his magic for the kids in the area. They the Jumping Knot of Oolaroo
crisp tux performing sponge balls had games,a petting farm, and me, (based on Daryl’s Jumping Knot),
and a routine with an Okito box. doing magic, set up in some of the and a version of the Professor’s
Last to perform was John Edsall, buildings on the property. We gave Nightmare combined with the
who did a series of ring and string out candy to over one hundred Cut and Restored Rope inspired
effects. The judges selected John kids, even in the wet drizzle we by Whit Haydn’s Mongolian
as the winner. had for the night. I’d like to thank Pop-Knot. Then we watched a per-
Satie took his thirteen-card effect the Laflin Magic Store for all of formance Michael Finney’s very
to a rather different audience. On Mystic’s Secretary Lou Johnson the ideas I used from the many funny rope routine.
the Saturday following Halloween and The Benson Bowl Table videos on their website! I’ll be Non-rope performances included
95
PEN MAGIC
a $20 bill with a pen. Anthony
ended by gifting everyone with
souvenirs of magnets and dice
and went into his Hippity-Hop
Rabbits, and ended with his magic
wallet routine, divining a thought
from his recent trip to Shanghai. Eugene revives Halloween of number from an audience
VANCOUVER, CANADA— —Rod Chow spookiness at SAMCON 2013 member.
The November 2013 meeting was The Carl Hemeon Assembly No. Addie Best closed out the show
held at the home of Jens Henriksen 95 meets the first Tuesday of showing a McDonald’s menu,
in Crescent Beach, BC. After each month at members’ homes. After a dinner break, it was folding it then reached in and
the snacks courtesy of Jens, the Contact Rod Chow rod@rodchow. time for the gala show with all removed a burger and fries. She
evening of Pen magic began. Rod com (604) 669-7777 www.sam95. three pros. A full house was then took her napkin and did a torn
Chow said that as an insurance com for more details. treated to Abbott’s irrepressible and restored routine.
broker, if he is “given the pen” humor and Goldenhersh’s unfor- In November several of the adults
by an insurance company, this
means that he is free to write up
his own terms and conditions of
104
SAMCON RETURNS TO
gettable style, as he topped his
Friday performance by producing
two full grown chickens from
and two from the youth went to the
Kutztown Magic Convention and
had a wonderful time. It was a new
an insurance policy. Therefore, PEABODY AND FILLS THE the straightjacket from which he experience for the youth and they
Rod did an insurance policy effect HOUSE had just escaped. Wow! Eugene learned a lot. —Dan Miller
with his own custom Magician’s Burger brought the evening to The James Swoger Assembly
Insurance Policy, incorporat- WITCH CITY, SALEM, MA— a sublime end as only he could, 108 meets the third Monday at
ing a prediction effect with Dave The Wednesday November 6 defining the difference between Wheeler Bros. Inc. The SYM
Watters & Jens. Lon Mandrake meeting of Assembly 104 was stunts and magic by example – meets at 6:00pm and the SAM
had Henry Tom point to one of preceded, as usual, by the Bill at the master level. Emcee Bryan meet at 7:00pm Contact Dan
three colored cards with a pen, and Towne School of Magic, for which Dwyer tied it all together with Miller millermagic@centurylink.
the result was that the card that Len Lazar plans Part Two of Coin great humor and original magic. net (814) 733-4978 for more
Henry chose was the only one with Magic for next month. Then the It was a perfect night of wonders, details.
a prediction on back of the card.
Lon then had Henry select a card,
and Ray Roch read the rotating
traditional whirlwind of November
104 activities began. Plans for our
November convention, SAMCON,
highlighted by Compeer Kayla
Drescher’s richly deserved 104
award as “Magician of the Year”
110
EDDIE CLEVER CONTEST
barrel of Lon’s pen after each click only days away, were finalized and surprised Secretary Bob
to determine Henry’s card. including last minute, emergency Forrest’s award as “Unsung NEW CUMBERLAND, PA—
Jens balanced two pens on a box replacement for Stage Manager Magician of the Year.” (It’s true, After the November meeting there
and stepped away to cause the Derek Raposo being announced. he can’t carry a note.) Eugene were three members competing
pen to move. Jens then went into President Bill Jensen’s daughter, provided next day’s dessert: his in the Eddie Clever Contest. This
a dissertation of the stretching Amanda, a former SAMCON Master Class at Diamond’s Magic contest is named after a former
and shortening of thermal plastic, producer herself, generously on Sunday afternoon. It was a club member who was the Hocus
which he magically demonstrated stepped up to save the show. At privilege to attend and receive the Pocus Parade editor for the
with two curved rulers. Dennis the close of business, our guest warm wisdom of a legend over hot Linking Ring magazine for many
Hewson showed a pen with a snow lecturer Peter Vuono, an experi- coffee. —Bob Forrest years in the 1950s and ‘60s. Per-
globe type floating card in hat enced, local escape artist (who Assembly 104 meets on the formers must use and identify an
inside that matched Jens chosen never sketched a Ford), began a first Wednesday of each month, effect published in a Hocus Pocus
very informative and enjoyable September to June, 7 p.m., at the Parade of any month and year.
teaching of techniques ranging First Baptist Church of Salem, The first to perform was our Civil
from straitjackets to thumb ties. 292 Lafayette Street, Salem War re-enactor, Marlin Troutman.
On Friday night, November 8, our Massachusetts. Contact Bob Marlin was using an October 2013
first ever, pre-convention close-up Forrest captainalbrightsq1@ effect concerning a ghost story.
show featuring Eugene Burger and comcast.net (339) 227-0797 www. Marlin’s story was about staying
Andrew Goldenhersh was out- sam104.com for more details. in a house used as a hospital at
standing. Andrew’s production of the battle of Antietam. Marlin
a live hare from his hair served as
a telling preview of the Saturday
magic to come. Eugene’s perfor-
108
FUN MAGICAL TIMES
passed out slips of paper upon
which a number of members were
to write a four-digit number. The
mance was compelling and pure collected slips were added up and
velvet. SOMERSET, PA— The the total written on a chalk board.
On Saturday, Andrew’s lecture October meeting was a dress When the board was inverted the
on creativity began by taking the rehearsal for the S.Y.M. show numbers spelled ghost.
Glen LaBarre manipulates a teaching in a musical direction in November for the Somerset The next to perform was Frank
pen and its cap towards new thinking. Bill Abbott Women’s Welfare League at the Bianco doing an effect called No
112
INFLATED LECTURE
audience participation, and all the
members grabbed a few balloons
to start their own creations, either
our club looks forward to future
events for them. Assembly 115
always welcome magic enthusi-
meeting had a brief informational
meeting and then turned over to
lecturer Chuck Caputo. It was
duplicating Lance’s animals or asts who are traveling through the announced that the December
PLEASANT HILL, CA— Our attempting something new. This area, so should you find yourself meeting would be the annual
October meeting was a departure was not our usual sort of meeting, in Virginia we would love to have Christmas dinner at the Towne
from our regular format, the but it was great fun for everyone you join us for a meeting. Square Restaurant in Beaver,
greater part of the meeting being who participated. Thank you, Sir Assembly 115 meets at Forest which would include a Chinese
devoted to a lecture on ballooning Lantz. —Bill Marquardt Lakes North Pavilion Building auction for the members’ gift
by our own magician and master Diablo Assembly 112 meets on the in the Forest Lakes Subdivision exchange. This year there will
balloon artist, Sir Lantz. third Wednesday of every month at on the first Friday of the month be a gift exchange for the guests
Sir Lantz (AKA Lance Snead) the VFW building in Pleasant Hill, starting at 7PM. as well. The Daryl lecture has
began his talk with a description of California Contact Doug Kovacich been finalized for April. Jack
the tools of the trade and provided
advice based on his many years of
experience as a “balloon twister.”
at: douglassthemagicman@
hotmail.com (925) 435-4824 http://
sam112.com/ for more details.
131
NOVEMBER MEETING AND
Greenberg is getting the Kranzo
lecture together for a Thursday in
June.
One of the most important items 2014 PLANS The meeting was then turned over
is an air pump, either manually
operated or electric, designed for
inflating balloons. Not only will a
115
NATIONAL MAGIC WEEK
DANBURY, CT— Our Monday
meeting started off with an
to Chuck Caputo. He presented
many magical effects, some old
and some new. He gave how they
pump spare the performer’s lungs CELEBRATION update on President Magic Mo, were presented, made, and how
from exhaustion, but it is also who is healing up from 4½ hours they worked. His wife was there
important for health reasons as CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA— of Surgery on his ankle. Mo is to help with sales of his books
well. Also, no good balloonist will George Buckley, David and looking at a lot of bed rest in the and items. It was a very pleasing
perform without an apron with Nathan Clauss, Dan and Bethany months to come; we all wish him and informative production.
several pockets, a pair of blunt Hall, and Dan Rowan attended well. —Judy Steed
scissors, and several marking pens our November meeting. After a The business meeting got The Mystic Magicians of Beaver
such as Sharpies. relaxing bite to eat at Panera, we underway. We finally set our Valley (157) meet the second
Lance recommends balloons accepted nominations of officers Christmas party date of January Thursday of every month at the
170
MAGICAL
of the Sand Creek Police Station
at 4125 Center Park Dr. Colorado
Springs, CO 80916 – Come and
month, September thru June at the
First United Methodist Church,
187 Stockton Street, Hightstown,
table.
Bill Murray presented a very
nice color changing deck routine
PRODUCTIONS visit when you can. Contact Dr NJ 08520. Doors open at 7:00PM. that looked quite magical. Bill
Dave Wintermute, bWintermute@ Contact Stephan Sloan lands10@ is always working on present-
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — juno.com, (719) 494-0171, for optonline.net (732) 757-5337 ing unique stories to go with his
Dwayne Faux was the emcee as more details. http://www.magicsam181.com/ for magic. —Jim Earnshaw
we each demonstrated the type of more details. The Emerald City Wizards
magical productions that we loved
best. The first and most spectacu-
lar opening production was Frank
181
EXPERT 200
meets the first Thursday of each
month, at 7:00 p.m., at a Branch
of the King County Library,
Klein’s silk production from a COIN LECTURE NOVEMBER WA. Please check website for
fiery box. The production culmi- MAGIC meeting locations Contact
nated with a fountain of colorful HIGHTSTOWN, NJ— For Jim Earnshaw jimearnshaw@
silks. our November meeting, Assembly SEATTLE, WA— Ben Eskenazi live.com (206) 2256715 www.
Tom Paine, with his usual 181 had the pleasure of a lecture started off the evening of magic emeraldcitywizards.org for more
soft spoken eloquence, had a from one of world’s most knowl- with a great card prediction effect. details.
volunteer sign a card; he replaced
it in the deck. The signed card was
produced from Tom’s pocket to
edgeable coin experts, Dr. Michael
Rubinstein. Since Hightstown, an
exit on the New Jersey Turnpike,
He was not only able to show that
the card dealt to by the spectator
was the same as he predicted, but
215
AUTUMN MORNING STAR
utter amazement of us all. is a reasonable drive from Dr. Ru- that in fact the rest of the deck was RISES IN KENTUCKY
Dick Bowman, our leader for binstein’s Manhattan Veterinarian blank. Ben is really coming along
the Society of Young Magicians office, our meeting started at the with his magic. LOUISVILLE, KY— On
group, demonstrated and taught normal 7:30 time. Chuck Kleiner continued the November 5 the Louisville magic
our club the Three Way Out effect. Michael opened the lecture with magical evening with a funny club met at 7 p.m. in the St.
Dave Wintermute walked up, Wishing Well, using the nowhere routine involving holding a carton Matthews Baptist Church for a
hands empty, and immediately palm. It is a four-coin production of broken eggs over the spectator’s special night of magic. Between
produce two bouquets of flowers with a romantic story. That was head; the eggs magically turned fifty and sixty members came to
from nothing. He then showed followed by Tallahassee Jumping into Hershey’s Kisses. This group watch and learn from one of the
how his homemade Buddha Coins, a non-gaffed Coins thought this was a great trick, es- most entertaining, educated, and
Papers could change a one-dollar Across, with the last coin impos- pecially since we all got to eat the inspiring lecturers on the circuit.
bill into a twenty-dollar bill. Then sibly traveling to the spectator’s chocolate! Autumn Morning Star came in all
he advised everyone to buy the closed fist. Michael’s methods Jeff Dial presented a very nice her radiance to help us learn how
commercial version. It is low cost are more based on timing than ring on rope routine using a to develop a character, an act, and
and better than homemade. Dave knuckle busting moves. Many of normal rope with many magical to learn to do our magic in coop-
used a Gypsy Switch to produce a Michael’s routines can be found links and unlinks. He continued eration with our passion.
ruby from nothing, change it into on the seminal coin series, New the ring/rope theme by vanishing The first half of the presenta-
an emerald, and then vanished the York Coin Magic Seminar that he a spectator’s ring and having it tion was given on how to improve
emerald. appeared in. appear on the chain around his our magic, our presentations,
Larry Marsh Scott showed his neck. Mark Paulson performed and ourselves and develop the
Crystal Box production of flowers. his baffling mind reading magic kind of show we would love
He twirled the box at first to show under test conditions; he was able to do. Not since Fitzke and
it clear on all sides, covered with to divine a card that was simply Henning have we been given
a cloth, and then poured out the thought of. This is a strong effect such tools to stir our imagination.
spring flowers. He thought the gaff that Mark has perfected. In the second half of the presenta-
was too loud and solicited ideas on J.R. Russell performed Joshua tion we were given a glimpse into
how to improve the production. Jay’s Inferno and got a very her show that has been presented
Several ideas were discussed, good reaction from the club. It is around the world and recently
including having someone tap the certainly good magic packed into in Las Vegas. Using items we all
box with a wand to coincide with a small space. Michael Jacobs have in our closet and never used,
gaff release. presented the world’s fairest card it has been given new life and new
Dwayne Faux brought out the trick! He had the spectator cut a meaning. Storytelling is more than
cage of the horrifying long yellow Dr. Michael Rubinstein deck into three piles and he was just that, it is truly magic and when
Amazon Leech (balloon), which able to match all three cards using teamed with props becomes an in-
immediately attacked his lips and Other items in the lecture were a different deck he cut and dealt. spiration for all who watch. In the
was gorged until it expanded. It Michael’s take on the Nest of Roger Sylwester performed a closing of her show, Autumn gave
then transformed into the hor- Boxes and Silver Extraction. He nice card through handkerchief/ a presentation of the Blackfeet
rifying yellow Amazon snake, also taught his rendition on the card transformation using a lovely winter of 1884 that was outstand-
with teeth. It then transformed classic Coins through the Table new Burberry handkerchief that ing, historical, spell binding, and
itself into the horrifying yellow theme. In summing up his philos- he had just received as a gift. true. Autumn received a standing
Amazon rabbit, with teeth. With ophy on magic, Michael says “As Roger has such a great gift for ovation because....well, she
a fearless volunteer’s help, that long as you don’t tip your method, story telling the magic is always deserved it. Thank you Autumn
horrifying yellow Amazon rabbit there is never a right way or wrong an “extra” gift! Morning Star for bringing us the
(with teeth) produced another way to do your magic. But there Danny Dragon told the story of “light.” —Tom Crecelius
(real) fuzzy rabbit in the empty is always a better way. It is the Bruno, his scam artist of a cousin. The Louisville magic club meets
cage that the leech had originally journey you take to find that better Lucky for Danny he knows a bit of the second Tuesday of the month
come from. way that will make you a better magic and was able to not only get at the Kosair Headquarters
All this produced more ex- magician”. back his money from his cousin, on Eastern Parkway at 7PM.
citement than I can handle, January’s meeting will include a but to outwit him in a game of Other nights and meeting places
so the meeting was a success. workshop on silk magic by Coco. chance that couldn’t be won. Larry are scheduled as they become
—Dr. Dave Wintermute So if you are nearby, bring along Dimmitt continues to amaze with available to us. Contact Tom
226
FRIENDS AND FAMILY
suggest an animal that he could
form with the balloon. Unable
to shape a rabbit, he inserted
showed their skills in magic. Herb
Arno did a fine job as emcee.
Ronnie Reckseit showed his pro-
Wizards had the privilege of
enjoying Tom’s magic and
comedy. During the lecture he
the balloon into the front of the fessional experience as emcee. broadened our horizons on how to
WILLIAMSBURG, VA— device. The balloon exploded and He did several effects including improve our performances, how to
About fifty guests attended there was Buster Bunny! Buster a mental effect, locating a chosen market and present yourself, and
this year’s Friends and Family Bunny took the stage for his card among a large number of bags. how to get spectators involved in
Magic Show. Long-time member classic “Hop of Death” – “leaping” PNP Warren Kaps performed a your act. After our meeting we
Harold Wood served as emcee. from the stool to his cage. Harold color changing shoe lace effect. enjoyed furthering our knowledge
Harold warmed up the audience called out all the performers for A self-closing knife followed, and by going to our hidden gem,
by juggling four inflated plastic one more round of applause. The then Cutting the Aces. Warren lovingly known as “Denny’s”
grocery bags. A volunteer from the last act was munching on delicious showed his versatility! Gabe with the last of the evening hours
audience chose a card from a deck. deserts by our own Amy Goldberg. Auerback came up with an out- spent by Tom entertaining us with
Harold then balanced an open —Phil Thorp standing rendition of Wild Card. his anecdotes. I would highly
attaché case over her head. Out Baker-Temple Assembly 226 meets Peter Fox showed us a nice card recommend hiring Tom Ogden for
came a long string of beads at the at 7:00 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday effect. Simon Carmel, a true pro- your next guest lecture because it
end of which was the chosen card. (except December and January) fessional, demonstrated matching would be an event to remember.
Next up was Alexander Goldberg, room B at the Williamsburg cards and prediction effects. —William Dow Jr.
who had a variety of effects. They Regional Library, 515 Scotland Next came Al Callas, who always Assembly 291 meets the second
included sponge ball routines, Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185. does a nice job. He did an outstand- Tuesday of every month at the
a change bag effect, a cut and (757) Contact Phil Thorp pthorp@ ing effect in which cards were Boys and Girls Club, 2232 Lincoln
restored rope routine, and a magic widomaker.com (757) 229-2329 mixed and then all faced the same Blvd., Venice., CA Contact Les
pitcher in which he poured dry ht t p /sit e s .go og le.c o m /sit e / direction! Rachelle Klien offered a Cooper Cooper@ucla.edu (310)
sand and water. He then poured samassembly226gmail.com for penetration through a glass bottle. 473-1820 www.westsidewizards.
out the sand, which was still dry. more details. Marshall Johnson presented org for more details.
292
TERRIFIC
James Lopez mentioned his part
in those library shows. Then he
recounted a challenging walk-
to produce. Rich Nakata closed,
showing his ease with the stack
by Si Stebbins (AKA William
TRICKS around booking for a political Henry Coffrin). He entertained
party that turned out to want a us with two terrific card effects
GREELEY, CO— Our brief stage show. James was able to by Cameron Francis. Rich made
November business meeting over create a stage show on the spot, up the deck for Convergence from
lunch was the last business meeting with a bill-in-pumpkin climax. Big Blind Media’s DVD Ultimate
of the year. President Lloyd Worley Alex Acosta described his suc- Self Working Card Tricks, Volume
installed next year’s officers. cessful Halloween night show for Two. For his second effect, he
They are: President, Jim Pope one hundred people. made up another deck from a DVD
(who gave a hilarious acceptance The performance theme was of The Annihilation Deck. Rich
speech); Vice President, James “Magic with Food.” Worley the took a failed prediction (made by No Turkey trick for youth
Lopez; Secretary, Ron Dutton; Wizard opened by displaying two cards) and revealed the correct member, Jarod Cernousek.
and Treasurer, Paul Noffsinger. some classic Morrissey Magic Ltd. prediction drawn on the backs of Jarod stole the show with his
During “Shows Seen,” James Rice Bowls and a very nice set of the same two cards. —Ron Dutton mastery of the quick-draw,
Lopez and Ron Dutton praised “black cherry soda” Topsy-turvy The Dr. Ronald P. Dutton five-finger, rubber band twist
the Magic in the Rockies con- Bottles by U.F. Grant. Marilyn Assembly 292 usually meets at
vention. “Show Reports” opened Dutton made up and performed an Kenny’s Steak House, 3502 West them for the club. Club members
with Rich Nakata listing a number unusual mental prediction effect. 10th Street (corner of 35th Avenue) were encouraged to swap turkey
of bookings. Lloyd Worley the She gave a choice of large colored at 11:00 A.M. (lunch optional), on tricks with other magicians after
Wizard reported five Halloween spots of pastry-decoration food the second Saturday of the month. the meeting if they liked. It was
library shows back-to-back for colors (for which she had multiple Contact Dr. Lloyd Worley lloyd@ fun to watch talented magicians
fifty children each. The Amazing outs). worleythewizard.com (970) totally bomb while performing
Alex Acosta showed a very 356-3002 www.SAM292.com for their unwanted tricks, as well as
realistic full-cola-bottle by George more details. listen to stories of failures and em-
Iglesias from Twister Magic. Alex barrassing moments of past per-
demonstrated how the terrific
“Super Coke” prop lets you both
pour liquid and produce a dry silk
293
NOVEMBER
formances. It’s good to be humble
and laugh at ourselves every once
in a while. —Vizma Shaeffer
load. Rich Nakata humorously TURKEY TRICKS The Lincoln Magic Club Assembly
taught an “oldie but goodie” knot 293 meets the first Saturday of
effect. From the same starting LINCOLN, NE— What every month from 1:00 – 2:00 at
hands position, he made a strip of magician doesn’t own a trick the MagicKits.com Magic shop at
silk come out as called for: either that simply won’t work for them, 10th & Charleston. The club youth
straight or knotted. doesn’t fit their personality, or gather an hour prior to the meeting
The Amazing James performed a they just plain don’t like? Lincoln to hang out, learn and perform
President-elect Jim Pope (left) terrific zipper Egg Bag routine. He Magic Club members were asked tricks. For more information go to
getting installed by Lloyd added to the underarm sucker bit to bring their “Turkey” tricks to the www.lincolnmagic.com.
Worley by having an orange loaded there November meeting and perform
They work really well from the backseat Nowadays, the fiber cases are made from
of your car to the stage. If you do local a tough high-density polyethylene plastic.
shows, you can stop here, but if you travel We have found a great source for these
long distances with your gear, read on. cases online at www.fibrecase.com.
HITTING THE ROAD Puck really liked the utility and look of the This is the company once known as
Lefler table as an onstage unit, but not the Fibre Case and Novelty that Denny used
Welcome to the road! Jenny, Puck, condition it would arrive in when it flew to for years, and we continue to use them
Adam, and I have done many shows the gig unprotected. So, he chose to put his because of their reputation for quality,
together as a group, and separately as indi- Lefler case inside another case to protect speed, and customer service.
vidual artists. We all have miles of road it. This way he could pop the table out of Puck uses their telescoping, one-inch
time under our belts, and have lots of great the case and it always looked pristine and foam-lined fiber cases with metal castors.
insights on schlepping your stuff either new when wheeled out in front of his audi- The castors are screwed into the case using
around the corner or around the globe. If ences. He protected his wooden case for plywood as a base (Photo 1). He has the
you are looking for ways to save a buck flight and managed to keep the piece right cases telescope to give a double wall of
or two on traveling with your props, tips at the maximum over-the-counter airline protection. In other words, the lid nests
and tricks on how to move your show from weight limit of fifty pounds. over the bottom of the case. Instead of
the basement to the ballroom, or if you are “I was an assistant in the Denny &
just looking for a few wild and wacky tales Lee Illusion Show for many years,” Puck
from the road, you’ve come to the right recalls. “Denny traveled with a full illu-
place. This column will feature all these sion show that packed over the counter
things and more with a few insightful con- at the airport. He always used fiber cases
tributions from a few other road weary for their lightweight construction. These
friends of mine. So let’s hit the road this cases, although weighing very little,
month with my good buddy Puck with are very durable. In fact, he rarely had
some insights on protecting your invest- to replace cases in the show; they lasted
ments. That magic equipment you spend through his more than thirty year career.
your hard earned money on has to get from Walter Blaney also used fiber cases to cut
point A to point B and end up arriving down on shipping fees. He traveled quite a
intact. Your best bet is investing in some bit in his career and said the props always Photo 1
good quality road cases; Puck is the master arrived in good shape.”
at packing flat and playing big. Puck followed the advice of these two
seasoned pros and opted for the fiber cases.
ON THE CASE This turned out to be very good advice
because as Puck says, “I have traveled latches, he now has them made with heavy
The traveling performer must always extensively and never had a prop damaged duty straps that lock shut with thick plastic
consider cases. There is always a debate of in shipping. I have had my cases beat to hell connectors. If you browse the website they
whether to go with a wood-packing style, but the props always remained protected. have all kinds of configurations for cases
ATA, or fiber cases. Puck prefers a wood Shipping companies and airports have to fit your needs. These cases are custom
style case that turns into a table. These are knocked off latches, rivets, and wheels made to the dimensions of his props. He
great because they allow you to pack a lot of throughout the years. When this happened even has a five-inch deep utility tray made
show in a little bit of space. They also have I just bought new wheels to attach and to fit into the top of the case for the smaller
the benefit of becoming your performing some protective straps with plastic connec- props and accessories.
table when you get to the gig. Although we tors to keep the fiber case closed. The pros Puck says, “My show has dramatically
both used tables made by Joe Lefler (now of low shipping costs always outweighed shrunk through the years; I now travel pri-
available from Showtime Magic Products), the cons of minor damage to the cases.” marily with one case that weighs in at fifty
I noticed that Puck’s always looked brand pounds when fully packed. This case can
new, while mine looked like it had been GET YOUR FIBER be shipped over the counter at the airport
run over by a semi truck, set on fire, and with no excess weight or dimensional
tossed off a cliff. How could this be? What were originally called “fibre” fees. This case is custom made to accom-
I used to ship mine worldwide, unpro- cases were (up until the early ‘90s) actually modate my small size Joe Lefler suitcase
tected and it worked… for a while. But made of cotton rag fiber, glue, and wood table. These tables are great, because I can
cases like these are made of wood, and pulp. They then were coated with a varnish perform with it on stage in a very orga-
over time these cases do get beat to hell. so that they would become waterproof. nized and self contained manner. The case
Newsworthy
Updates From Our
S.A.M. Members
The Conjuring Arts Houdini
Séance 2013 By Eric DeCamps
October 31, 1936, on the tenth anniversary of Houdini’s
death, his widow Beatrice conducted what would be her last
attempt to contact her late husband. “Harry, Harry! Are you
there?” she cried. “Speak to us, Harry. Give us some sign. We
have waited so long.” No answer came. “He has not come,”
sobbed Mrs. Houdini. “I turn out the light.”
dimension of our field. For while objects list of these excellent qualities for better
of the fine and literary arts – paintings, show building:
sculptures, buildings, poems, and novels 1. These shows all had a clear dynamic
– all continue to exist in space, theatrical structure; they had a distinctive beginning,
and musical performances are constituted an engaging middle, and a powerful end.
by time. And when that time is over, those 2. The magic in these shows was strong
One of my favorite magic books of performances are gone forever. Unless and exceptionally deceptive. These
all time is Max Holden’s Programmes we write about them and, in doing so, magicians never forget that if it doesn’t
of Famous Magicians. In case you are remember. fool the audience, it isn’t really magic.
unfamiliar with it, this slender paperback My other motivation – the one that 3. All of these performers manifest clear,
lists the running orders for shows and acts brought this column to a head – happened specific, fascinating characters. (That is,
from over eighty magicians of the 1930s, in April of 2010 when I read that Lance they are decidedly not generic.) They are
including great performers such as Al Burton was going to close his show at the performers you want to spend time with
Baker, Annemann, Dunninger, Gwynne, Monte Carlo. I sat there thinking, “That’s and learn about. You want to see them
Goldin, Jarrow, Keating, Leipzig, and on it? Lance’s great show just closes and goes again.
and on. (It also includes many delightful away?” I knew that no one had published 4. All of them used carefully crafted
illustrations of these performers by the the show’s running order, and there was no words, delivered in a fresh, authentic way
great Nelson Hahne.) publicly available video record of it. “So (no extemporaneous, pointless blather).
For me, Programmes has always been a this is it?” My answer: “I think not.” And 5. All of these shows were highly
book of dreams. How exactly did Thurston so my research project was launched. innovative in at least one way. That is,
open his show? How did Blackstone Over this past year, I have provided there were one or more things going on in
proceed after his bold opening? How did running orders from ten of today’s the show that you simply could not see at
Tommy Martin close after performing his greatest magic shows. Please note that I any other magic show.
signature Egg on the Fan? The answers do not consider this an exhaustive list of 6. All of these shows were theatrically
to these and countless other questions the great shows of today. There are many sound. That is, careful attention was paid
are in its pages, waiting to be uncovered. other performers and shows that clearly to lights, sound, music, prop management,
Further, Max Holden’s write-ups are often belong in these pages, which may well and blocking.
so detailed you can visualize the shows give rise to further installments. Even 7. All of these shows had a clear vision or
unfolding as you read about them. For so, I have attempted to make a good start intention of what they wanted the audience
anyone who loves magic, Programmes on capturing leading shows in this our to experience, and they delivered on it.
is an extraordinary treasure. Its only Second Golden Age of live magic. Again, Between the idiosyncratic lessons
downside is that Holden’s record stops in I have done this so tomorrow’s magicians from each performer and these universal
1937. can dream about today as I have dreamed qualities, I sincerely hope that this column
Since then, there have been only a about yesterday. But I have also done it, as has inspired you. Thank you for taking the
few other books in this genre. Notable a magic teacher and director, to identify time to read it and to visualize these great
among them are Arnold Furst’s Famous lessons we can put to work to improve our shows of today. Thanks, too, for the many
Magicians of the World (1957) and Great own magic shows. letters of support and appreciation I have
Magic Shows (1968) and Ian Keable’s About the lessons I have drawn, some received during the past year.
recent Magic Shows. Also, one can of them have been idiosyncratic to a Finally, I want to express my deep thanks
sometimes glean or find running orders in particular performer. A few examples: to editor Michael Close and to the artists
magic histories or biographies. Even so, David Copperfield’s dynamic movement themselves who granted permission for me
to a fairly shocking extent, after 1937 we between large and intimate illusions, to write about their shows, discussed their
are left to wonder about what exactly most Eugene Burger’s use of monologues, Jeff shows with me, and in some cases read
magicians are doing on most nights. It is McBride’s way of energizing an entire drafts to help me get some of the details
shocking to me because show building is audience, Max Maven’s slow-build to right. Without fail, they were helpful and
the site of so many creative decisions – the an explosive close, and Juan Tamariz’s generous with their time.
place where a great deal of our artistry is overflowing, wacky fun. As I sign off, please allow me to remind
exercised. It is the domain where we lift But alongside the idiosyncratic lessons, you of the essential insight that I learned
ourselves from a dull sequence of “tricks” in this concluding installment I also want through this project and that I used to
to a full-fledged show that creates deep to stress some superior qualities that are launch this column in the first installment:
impact and lasting memories. present in all the shows we studied. If these The fundamental unit of magic is the show,
And so, one motivation for writing qualities are good enough for the masters, not the trick. Everything about what we do
this column was to stem the tide of then we probably want to get more of them as magicians shifts when we make this
forgetfulness about a foundational in our own shows. Here, then, is a partial radical change in perspective.
they’re treated by the waitstaff, how many people out there who will respond to you
drinks they’ve had (yes, alcohol is infor- in a way that you can’t control. But the two
mation, too, and it changes your state of axioms provide us with useful insights to
mind just like any other kind of informa- help us to design our communication in a
COMMUNICATION IS tion), and what they did before your show way that makes it an integral part of our
are part of the information people take method, even when we completely rely on
PART OF THE METHOD in. We can even consider something like gimmicks or other techniques that do the
pheromones (chemicals that are released dirty work for us.
Paul Watzlawick (1921-2007), a psy- in open air when we perspire; they trigger It’s probably clear to everyone but I’d
chologist, therapist, and philosopher, a social response in members of the same like to stress it anyway before we apply all
helped develop the way we look at commu- species) information because they evoke of this to a magic performance: we’re not
nication. His Pragmatics of Human Com- responses. aware of most of the information we take
munication (1967) is a classic. In order to Most of the time we’re not aware of the in. We’re even less aware of how it affects
help families communicate in a healthy enormous amount of information we take us. The information we take in contains
way, he formulated five axioms derived in, let alone how we’re influenced by it. It’s “hidden instructions” that tell us how to
from the work of Gregory Bateson. The far too complex (and boring) to analyze think and feel. I’m aware that, sometimes,
first axiom is: “One cannot not communi- every little detail. But if we’re aware of we need to explicitly remind the audience
cate.” the fact that: 1) information creates our of what happened: “So you shuffled the
That’s a very intriguing statement. He perception of reality and 2) we’re always cards, selected one, and signed it.” Usually,
formulated a related insight: “One cannot sending out information, it will help us, as I’m not in favor of describing what can be
not influence.” As magicians, we need to magicians, to expand our toolbox in a big seen. But it can be useful at times.
start paying close attention to these words! way. Having said that, I think that most of
This first axiom tells us that we’re always Watzlawick’s second axiom is even the time, implicit information is much
influencing the minds, thoughts, emotions, more intriguing: “Every communication more powerful than explicit information.
and the decision-making process of our has a content and relationship aspect The reason for that is that implicit informa-
audience – even without a magical prop in such that the latter classifies the former tion is accepted completely without even
our hands. and is therefore a meta-communication.” thinking about it.
We used to think that words are the This axiom teaches us that we affect our I think that the way Ricky Jay plays
most important part of our communication. audience on two levels. The first one is a poker game in the BBC documentary
Over the course of the twentieth century, obvious: what we communicate and how Hustlers, Hoaxsters, Pranksters, Jokesters,
we started to see that words only make we communicate it will be understood on a and Ricky Jay is masterful and a great
up five to ten percent of what is perceived cognitive level. We try to choose the right example of the above. You can find a clip
as communication. We started to become words, images, and structure to help our on YouTube. If you type in “A correctly
aware of the fact that non-verbal com- audience understand the content. But we structured drama” in the search field you
munication was a much bigger part of the may be slightly less aware of the fact that can find it and watch it. The title probably
way we communicate. The two major parts we’re also sending out powerful messages refers to something Ricky Jay’s friend,
of non-verbal communication are body about how we want to be perceived. In director and writer David Mamet, once
language (gestures, facial expressions) other words, our communication tells other said: “Magic is highly structured drama.”
and vocal communication (tone, volume, people how we want to be treated. The act is thought through on every level.
rhythm, pitch). The bottom line can be very shocking. The words, the structure, and his acting
But that’s not all. Let’s take a look at When people respond to you in the wrong skills help him to define the relationship
information from the audience’s perspec- way, you are a huge part of what caused and evoke emotions that support hiding the
tive. The audience listens to what you that behavior. Think about hecklers for method.
say (or to the music, if you have a silent example. By positioning yourself as David Blaine took close-up effects and
act) and how you say it. They look at someone who is better and smarter than the performed those on the street. He changed
how you’re dressed, how you move, and audience, you may very well communicate the context and designed a persona that
what your face looks like. But there’s the message: challenge me! And someone fit that context (“the silent stranger”). By
much more information they take in, may pick up on that. doing that he defined a different type of re-
and that affects the way they perceive Communication is not math, so I will lationship between him and the audience.
your act. The room and the way it feels never claim that something is a universal That affected the way the content (the
will influence their mood. Temperature, law that’s always true for everyone, ev- script and the trick) was interpreted. He
sounds, other audience members, the way erywhere. I mean, there are some crazy was able to produce different reactions
because they don’t have the intestinal It is always beneficial to have someone you
fortitude it takes to perform the mundane can consult with to help you make sound
business tasks that make one successful. business decisions. A while back Katalina
Sometimes, you need a boss who will kick and I were offered a very lucrative business
you in the bottom to push you to the top. opportunity. We pondered on this possibil-
Not having a boss is a double-edged sword. ity for a couple of weeks. We just couldn’t
decide if it was right for us or not. I ended
In my last column, I talked about the TWO: WHAT YOU CAN up calling a trusted friend who has a very
show advice I would give young people EXPECT FROM A CAREER IN sharp business mind. He knew exactly the
who would like to pursue a career in enter- ENTERTAINMENT right questions to ask ourselves; within ten
tainment. In this column I will finish my minutes we made our decision to pass on
thoughts with the advice I would give those Apathy. That’s right; most people the business opportunity.
same young people about the business side don’t care about your little magic show. When you’re young and inexperienced,
of entertainment. The hidden truth is that magic is great at you simply don’t have the familiarity to
a party, at the bar, or in a restaurant. The know which opportunities are good and
ONE: WHAT YOU CANNOT public enjoys the momentary diversion of which things are simply going to waste
EXPECT FROM A CAREER IN a clever trick. However, when you want your time and resources. Having someone
ENTERTAINMENT someone to pay for your show, attitudes with knowledge who can help guide you
change. to make more informed and intelligent
• You will not get a paid medical plan. Like any business, you must learn how decisions is invaluable.
• You will not get a paid dental plan. to market your product. I have seen so Remember, entertainment for profit is
• You will not get an employer-funded many magicians who believe if they put out business. You will not become success-
401k or retirement plan. a sign that says “Magic Show” or “Mind- ful as an entertainer without some funda-
• You will not get any paid vacation days. reading Show,” people will be clamoring mental knowledge of business. In the last
• You will not get any sick days. to spend their money. It is always a cold twenty years, the business of entertain-
• You will not get a boss or supervisor. day when one comes to the realization that ment has drastically changed.
the public is not as excited about magic as I have witnessed the change from
It is easy to forget that a trip to the the magician. simple print media kits, to the inclusion
emergency room for a couple of stitches Fierce competition is another factor of a VHS tape, to having a slick DVD, to
can mean a couple of thousand dollars. It’s you can expect in a career in entertain- now having an impressive website with
the same with dental. A tooth cavity that ment. Everyone wants to be the next David streaming video.
gets bad could mean a root canal. That Copperfield. After musicians and singers, In the last fifteen years, there have been
will run you another two thousand dollars. magicians are the biggest pool of potential more changes in the way entertainers have
What happens when you get a bad winter entertainers. One talent agent told me to market themselves than there were in
bug that keeps you in bed for a week? If he gets at least three submissions from the one hundred years prior. Things are
you have a show booked, you had better magicians every week. That’s a lot of com- changing fast; keeping up can become a
suck it up and do the show or you don’t get petition. fulltime job.
paid. Also, keep in mind that other magicians
Are you putting money away for re- are not your only competition. Potential FOUR: CHOOSE A MARKET
tirement? You don’t think about this when buyers will compare you to jugglers,
you’re young. However, there will be a comedians, ventriloquists, and all other There are many markets that can use a
day when you look in the mirror and you kinds of variety entertainment. Here are good magic/mentalism act. You can’t own
notice you’re fifty and realize you have put some questions for you. Are you really that them all. In fact, you can’t even own most
nothing away for those golden years. Do a different from other magicians? Does your of them. Choose one and concentrate on
little research and see how many famous promotional material really say you are a breaking into that one.
magicians survived their old age through professional entertainer? Some markets can take a couple of years
the generosity of others because they had of effort before you start getting booked.
no retirement plan. THREE: FIND A BUSINESS It took one entertainer I know two years
I know you are thinking that the last MENTOR before he was able to get his first booking
item on the list above about no boss is at a performing arts center; five years later,
awesome. This is a good thing. Well, not Find someone who understands and he now works almost exclusively at
necessarily. There will be days that you business. More specifically, find someone performing arts theaters.
don’t feel like working. I know of many who is successful at business and is How many markets are there? As many
talented performers who are starving willing to give you some help and advice. as you can think of: cruise ships, corporate,
Figure 4
Figure 3
By Mick Ayres
theatrical ploys to convert a stalwart This innocent behavior puts you in the role
audience into willing participants. It may of a well-paid babysitter. To counteract this
not work every time, but anything that scenario, have the hostess ask each parent
“An expert is one who knows the worst elevates the audience’s experience is worth to sit with their child during the show.
mistakes and how to avoid them.” study. This simple request means the children
– Werner Heisenberg First, consider why an audience is will naturally improve their behavior and
“testy.” In resort towns, it isn’t uncommon keep themselves in check. You are now
A NEW BEGINNING to perform in front of exhausted guests free to do what you do best. But here is the
who have spent the entire day on a hot pool real reason you should employ this tactic:
For the past year, this column has deck or who have just arrived after driving when parents laugh and enjoy the wonders,
provided information for conjurers who through several states. At birthday parties, their kids will happily join in. Let's face it,
want to add theatrical punch to their acts performers often deal with children hyped sometimes it takes psychological warfare
through effective scripting and character up on sweets or distracted by the balloons to turn a mundane event into a memorable
development. Each essay has included and presents. In nightclubs or festivals, family experience.
relevant effects specifically chosen to spectators with a drink or three in their Even magicians need a little
support the proposed concepts. systems are bold and opinionated. The list manipulating now and then. Some years
The topics of plot creation, character goes on. ago, I was booked for the close-up show
selection, the development of intimacy, Veteran performers assess the venue, at a magic convention and was the first
and how to build suspense have all been become proactive, and take control. If in the line-up to take the stage. As the
explored. The gospel of hard work and your guests are weary from travel or too emcee made a few announcements, the
attention to the details has been preached. much time in the sun, there’s not much performers stood in the wings and studied
In the year ahead, there is more to come, you can do for them as individuals, but the audience. We noted the entire first row
for the work never ends in this business. you can do small things that will keep consisted of older magicians sitting with
Every twelve months, when January them more alert. Obviously, switching in their arms crossed and a challenging “show
kicks off the new calendar, people make material that is more interactive is a start. me what you got” expression. After being
resolutions, a promise that seems to go in You can also try rearranging the seating introduced, I walked out and immediately
one year and out the other. No one loses to bring the guests even closer to create a said, “Thank you. Before we get started
weight, saves money, joins a gym, or feeling of intimacy and involvement. This I would like to know, are there any non-
changes careers by merely thinking about is especially important in venues where magicians in the audience? I’m looking for
it. Rather, it is desire, then vision, then the seating has been placed by hotel staff wives, girlfriends, people who showed up
action, then discipline and determination who are more accustomed to arranging out of curiosity, friends that were dragged
that make these goals a reality. conference rooms for sales meetings. It in. Just hold up your hand. Thank you.
To bring these thoughts around to isn’t uncommon for event coordinators to Would you please come down here and
conjuring, the same attributes are required leave fifteen to twenty feet of empty space join me around the table? I’ll get some
in this business if any magician hopes to between the stage and the front row. This chairs.” The stagehands and I scattered
improve his or her conduct on stage and in not only isolates the performer, it also about ten guests around the table, leaving
turn elevate the audience’s experience. gives the audience a feeling of detachment a gap in the center so the audience could
Sometimes you will hear an entertainer from the entertainment, thereby making still observe easily.
speak of an evening’s performance as the it acceptable for a guest to “check out.” This rearrangement did two things.
best one ever; the conjurer could do no Arranging the chairs tighter helps First, it put the performers squarely back
wrong and the audience responded in all eliminate those psychological elements. into their comfort zones. In a perfect
the right places with laughter and gasps Similarly, it is possible to proactively world, don’t we all want an audience that
of wonder. At the end of the show, they improve any birthday shows you perform. is relaxed and along for the ride rather than
jumped to their feet and crowded the stage If there is any place you need to be psychoanalyzing every move? At a magic
to share their enthusiasm and compliments. in control, it is while performing for convention, this arrangement is the next
We all know that reactions like that are hyperactive children. But how does one best thing.
rare, but do they have to be? accomplish this without coming across like Second, the laypeople were naturally
It is true that an audience’s mood can a drill instructor? Often, parents attend uncomfortable since they were suddenly
kill a good act. However, it is just as true these parties with their children, but when at the front of the room rather than
that emotions are pliable and fleeting. If the show begins they confine themselves hiding among the numbers. However,
so, perhaps a conjurer might use a few to the kitchen to drink coffee and gossip. since the bulk of the audience was out
PERRIER BOTTLE
Because a Perrier bottle is clear at the neck and does not have a
collar, you must provide cover – and a completely different patter
line. You can wrap the bottle in a napkin or newspaper, as I have
done in years past, but a dollar bill is better.
With the cork ball thumb palmed, write the word “magnet”
Figure 2 on the bill. Then fold the bill lengthwise and slip one end through
the other to make a collar (Figures 4 and 5). Make the collar tight
Toss out the rope. Take off the bottle cap. Ask the spectator enough that it will be on a level with the end of the bottle, or a
with the rope to carefully choose either end of it. Load in the cork. little above (Figure 6). This is necessary for full concealment if
Poke the end of the rope into the bottle and slowly lift to set the you are working close.
cork. But hold back for a moment’s patter before revealing that the
bottle dangles from the rope.
“Magicians do some very strange things in the pursuit of their
uncanny art. They bend keys. Why? They saw women in two. How
awful. They poke ropes into bottles. How absurd – what would
Freud think? Rope with a sex life? No – merely a pleasant little
magic trick. Watch!”
It’s a quick patter line for a quick
trick. When you’ve got what you can
from the suspension, pull out the Figures 4, 5, and 6
rope so that the cork ball rolls out
into your fingers (Figure 3) and palm “Open Sesame! Hocus Pocus! Abracadabra! Are they mere
it. Exaggerate the pull as if the spirit words? Or are they incantations with well documented powers?
inside the spirits were hanging on. Now scientists are experimenting with words as surrogates for
“Strong suds!” the real thing. If you write the word ‘motor’, will it generate
Tip 1. 1 A bottle of beer will horsepower? If I write the word ‘magnet’ across this bill, will the
usually foam up and overflow when bill itself become magnetized? Of course not. But, on the other
uncapped, particularly when the hand, do you suppose...is it possible...can it be?”
rope is poked into the suds. Another Uncap the bottle, slip the bill over the neck and deposit the
of the brewer’s gifts to the magi! A cork ball. Or, if you feel the need of shade, say, “Now, will you
head on the bottle will conceal the choose the positive end of the rope. I realize that it’s hard to tell
cork. Thus, with careful handling, the positive end from the negative end, but I don’t think anyone
you can use a perfectly clear bottle will get electrocuted if a mistake is made. Trust your instinct.”
without complete coverage at the With the cork now in place, poke the selected end of the rope
Figure 3
neck. Miller’s High Life is my choice. into the neck of the bottle. Milk the magnetic moment for all it’s
In this case, I wait to drop in the cork, first raising a head by worth. With the rope taut, slowly earthquake-jiggle the bottle on
poking in the rope for a moment; I wipe up the overflow with a the table. It’s spooky. If not at a table, you can balance the bottle
wardness in an exchange with someone silence for about five minutes; neither of
we barely know, yet if the salesman would them had spoken a word. The green sales-
remain silent after extending the offer, he person started getting uncomfortable, but
would exude much more confidence in instead of talking, he got up from the table
what he has presented. and went over to his manager.
SILENCE IS GOLDEN We see the same thing happening with “I did what I was taught,” he told the
magic and mystery performances. Much manager, “but that guy hasn’t budged or
like the moment when the pen and paper said a word in over five minutes.”
Have you ever stopped to think how are slid across the table for the client’s The sales manager looked at the kid,
certain sales techniques can crossover to offering, as performers we also have that beaming with pride at his student’s per-
be useful to us as mystery performers and magic moment when nothing should be severance and told him to sit back down
vice versa? said, allowing the guest to swim in the at the table and keep his mouth shut. So
If you think about it, as magicians we moment of astonishment in an effort to he did. After another five minutes of
are essentially salespeople. Not only do piece back her reality. This is a moment silence, he got up again and went back to
we need to sell our services as entertain- that shouldn’t be stepped on, but rather his manager. “He still hasn’t said a thing
ers to our clients, but we also must sell the should be allowed to breathe. Often we or moved a muscle,” said the young sales-
illusion or the moment of a miracle to our see a nervous or inexperienced performer person. The manager decided it might be
audiences. muddy up this very special moment time to wander over and try to engage
Having split my career between perfor- by throwing in a silly joke or some the silent farmer. Well, long story short,
mances as a magician and an actor along throwaway line like “Pretty neat, right?” it turns out the man had suffered a mini-
with various sales positions over the years, When we do this, are we not robbing our stroke. He wasn’t playing hardball, he was
I think about this quite often. Over the spectator of a little slice of amazement that just incapacitated. We got an ambulance
next few paragraphs, I will give you an she may never get to experience again? in there and had him taken to the hospital.
example of a crossover sales and perfor- It’s not easy to embrace that moment Fortunately, it was not serious and the
mance technique. of silence, but if we can get over the awk- gentleman made a full recovery. He also
There is an unspoken rule in sales that wardness, is it possible that we could came back a few days later and bought that
“he who speaks first loses.” To explain that actually be enhancing the moment? I can’t timeshare.
further, the salesperson has presented his help but think that when your participant Now this is an extreme case, and if you
or her offer. The contract with the “dotted plays back the effect in her mind, she will ever do find yourself in a similar situation,
line” is slid across the table. A pen is remember that moment or two of silence asking a simple, “Are you okay, sir?” will
uncapped and laid across the contract. If and how she stood there quite paralyzed probably not lose the sale for you and would
the salesperson is any good, he or she has with the question of how to compartmen- probably be a good idea. By the way, that
noticed which hand the client writes with talize what she had experienced. gentleman came back once a year to stay at
and has placed down the pen accordingly. I’ll tell you an interesting story about his timeshare, and he would always swing
A closing question is asked. (For example, the “silence rule” from the trenches of by the sales office to say hi. The managers
“Which credit card would you like to the sales floor. About ten years ago, I would always ask him to tell his story to
use for the deposit?”) Then the salesper- was selling timeshares in Gatlinburg, any of the new salespeople. He would ham
son remains silent until the client either Tennessee, at the gateway to the Great it up and have a blast with the story; by the
answers the question and signs, or presents Smoky Mountains National Park. A rather time he was done, he would have everyone
the salesperson with an objection that new and young salesperson was sitting present eating out of his hand.
perhaps can be overcome with a closing across the table from a hulk of a man in bib A couple of years ago, “Farmer Mac”
technique in the arsenal. overalls. The salesperson had spent over passed away. And on the wall, above the
From the salesperson’s point of view, two hours walking the older gentleman table where the story happened is a plaque
these moments of silence can be excruciat- around the grounds of the resort and going thanking “Mac” for all the fun he brought
ing. Sales professionals with little experi- over all the benefits of being an owner of to that sales floor over the years.
ence will often find the need to cover the the product. The time then came for the
awkward silence by jumping in and reiter- salesperson to put some numbers on the WRITER’S BLOCK
ating the features and benefits of his or her offer and slide the contract over to the
offer, or even worse, by making small talk client for signing. The magician reaches into his pocket
that takes the focus away from the offer on The salesperson had just come out and pulls out a small envelope that is given
the table. of two weeks of intensive sales training to a guest for safekeeping.
Why do inexperienced salespeople do where it had been ingrained in his head “I’m sure we are all familiar with the
this? It’s called “talking over the close” not to speak first, according to the golden concept of ‘writer’s block.’ A friend of
and many a sale has been lost because of sales rule. After sliding the offer over to mine is a very accomplished author; once
it. It’s human nature to try to deflate awk- the big farmer guy, they both sat there in I asked him how he dealt with being at a
On the other hand, let’s say that you cheating at blackjack and the concept of
can execute these techniques on the same hand-mucking – switching cards in play. I
level as a Steve Forte or even close to that. usually start in by saying, “Let’s talk about
You wouldn’t futz about trying to make blackjack. I wasn’t going to talk about
CARD CHEATING – things look like “moves,” because people blackjack, but since you brought it up...”
FOR ENTERTAINMENT would be struggling to see the ones you’re (This is my standard line whenever I want
PURPOSES ONLY already doing. If on the other hand you’re to make a hard segue into a topic.)
The title of this particular column in the category of selling a really loud Spread over the top five cards and
is what’s written on my business cards. sizzle coming from a really small steak, re-square them, getting a left little-finger
I sell myself to the lay public as “less of telling people you’re dealing bottoms break underneath them. “If you don’t know
a magician and more of a card shark… when the cards are clearly coming off the anything about blackjack, don’t worry,
who has been known to do the occasional top won’t fly. In that case, maybe you do I’ll explain the basics. For example, it’s
impossible thing.” Among magicians want to dirty up your deals and moves to always a good idea to know where to
I’ve developed a reputation for my make the bull-puckey you’re slinging a find an Ace…” Turn over the top single
gambling material and for using gambling little more believable. It’s worth it to know card to show the Ace of Spades. After
techniques – false deals, riffle stacking, the difference between something that’s the preceding shuffles this should appear
and shuffle work. However, I’m far from a going to come off as an obvious lie and mildly impressive.
gambling expert. Sure, I know more about something that will appear plausible to “And if I can find a Jack to go with it,
gambling-related things than the average laymen. even better!” Take the Ace face up in your
magician, and certainly more than the There are a handful of routines in right hand and, still holding it, flip over the
average Joe or Jane on the street. But I’m the literature that are easily adaptable quadruple card above your break. The
really just a performer who uses gambling to gambling presentations and that will single card will help disguise the thickness
techniques and gambling-related themes to provide strong results using techniques
entertain normal folk. you already know. The following is the
It’s really easy to assume that presenting combination of a couple of standard Photo 2
gambling material is all about exhibiting routines that I’ve put a blackjack spin on.
technique. Difficult moves executed Separately they play very strongly with
beautifully are the reason many of us laymen, and as it turns out they go well
have spent many hours watching videos together.
like Steve Forte’s Gambling Protection
Series or Richard Turner’s The Cheat. As BE HONEST – IS IT
magicians, we know how hard these moves BLACKJACK?
actually are. If you’re going to present
this material in front of normal humans, Your setup on top of the deck is going
you face a dilemma. You want people to to be from the top down: the Ace of Spades of the block (Photo 2). Retain a break
appreciate the moves, but unless the moves followed by a red Six and a red Ten of under the face-up block of four cards.
are invisible you’re not doing them right. mixed suits, the other red Six, the Jack of You’re now displaying a natural blackjack.
I was recently involved in an online Spades, and the remaining red Ten “This is the best hand you can receive in
discussion about a gambling demonstration (Photo 1). blackjack, because it pays off 3 to 2. And if
(not mine) of switching cards in blackjack. it doesn’t, find another casino. I don’t put
Someone commented that the required up with any 6 to 5 nonsense!” This line
move looked like a move, but if the intent might sound technical, but I find it typically
was to demonstrate this kind of skill, gets a chuckle from people regardless of
why would you want it to look like you their experience. “Of course, in the casino
“did something?” They’ll know it is skill, I don’t get to deal myself a hand like this,
because you tell them that’s what it is. You which is why I like to keep one on me for
want it to look like you did nothing, same emergencies. Wouldn’t you?” Place the
as anything else. Gambling techniques are Ace on the face of the Jack (Photo 3) and
meant to blend in with the regular outward Photo 1 flip all five cards above the break face
actions of shuffling, dealing, and picking down. Immediately spread off the top two
up your cards in the context of a card game. Shuffle, keeping your stock on cards face down and place them somewhere
That’s all they’re supposed to look like. top, as you introduce the subject of isolated, but still in view. I usually perform
WILLIAM WOOD
A new year of
Treasures from the Salon
de Magie begins with
a heads-up that we will
feature not only rare and
unusual equipment and
effects, but also selected
posters and other images
to delight readers. Such is
the case with this month’s
offering, a poster: Wood’s
Great Sensation, Edna.
Edna was one of
several levitations
invented and patented by
William B. Wood, who
was a performer noted
both for his magic and
his abilities as a multi-
lingual ventriloquist. The
illusion was named for Wood’s wife. Wearing only light-colored
tights and a dancer’s short overdress, sometimes with butterfly
wings between her arms and torso, she became the “Original
and Only Human Being Who Walks in the Air. She ascends
imaginary stairs, runs forward and backwards, walks with feet After more than a hundred years, the illusion was recreated
up and head down, floats, sails, and turns somersaults in the air for attendees at the Los Angeles Conference on Magic History
with the greatest of ease.” All of this without having to lie on a last November. Craftsman, collector, and magic historian John
couch at the beginning, or being covered with a cloth. And a hoop Gaughan built the levitation; it was just as startling then as it was
could be passed over her at any time to show that no wires were to audiences in previous centuries. A young lady, clad in much
holding her aloft. the same style as the original Edna, stood on stage and then began
Wood introduced the Edna illusion in 1888, and patented it a conversation with a crescent-shaped man-in-the-moon on the
early the next year. Kellar added a copy of it called “Astarte” to back stage wall. Expressing her desire to float like the moon, she
his show, which he presented at his second Egyptian Hall theater rose in the air and sat on the crescent shaped moon.
in Philadelphia. Dot Robinson – who became Suee Seen when Now, obviously enjoying the sensation, she floated away from
her husband William Robinson took the persona of Chung Ling the moon, floated up and down, walked up an invisible wall,
Soo – was the girl in the air. The Robinsons left Kellar; the Woods across an invisible ceiling with her feet up and her head down. She
replaced them the next season, and with the real-life Edna literally continued down the other side until she stood once again on stage.
in harness, they became a major feature. During the performance she not only floated up and down,
Wood and Edna, playing sometimes as Edna and Company, but turned in complete 360-degree circles horizontally. Gaughan
had a great deal of success in South America in the late 1890s passed a silver hoop over her floating form, and then she herself
and early 1900s. But in 1907, in a storm in the Gulf of Mexico, passed the hoop over her body twice from top to bottom and
their show was lost and Wood and his adult daughter drowned, bottom to top. Finally, she turned upright, floated down to the
although Edna survived. The circumstances certainly involved stage once more and stepped forward. It was startling and
negligence and perhaps even murder, for $14,000 in cash also dis- produced a standing ovation.
appeared. The “Wood's Great Sensation Edna” shown here came from
David Price outlines Wood's career and death in Magic, A the collection of John Henry Grossman, whose column “Ask
Pictorial History. Additional revealing information about this the Doctor” ran for decades in M-U-M. It was printed by the
unusual man is in an article by Richard Hatch that accompanies a Donaldson Litho Co. of Newport, Kentucky. The accompanying
Wood ventriloquist lithograph in the July 2006 issue of M-U-M. photo shows Dot Robinson performing it on the Kellar show.