OCTOBER 2015

Volume 105 Number 4

AVisit to Main Street Magic

Page 36
 MAGIC - UNITY - MIGHT
Editor
Michael Close
Editor Emeritus
David Goodsell
Associate Editor
W.S. Duncan
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4 OCTOBER 2015
M-U-M OCTOBER 2015
MAGAZINE Volume 105 Number 4

S.A.M. NEWS
6 From the Editor’s Desk
7 Newsworthy
8 From the President’s Desk
11 M-U-M Assembly News
20 National Council Minutes
23 Broken Wands 70
69 Our Advertisers
42
Cover Story Page 36

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

10 The Dean’s Diary • by George Schindler
10 Basil the Baffling • by Alan Wassilak
26 Working in the Real World • by Christian Painter
28 Not Just Kid Stuff • by Jim Kleefeld
32 Quick Look Book Nook: Inspirations
36 COVER STORY • by Norman Beck with Geoff Grimes
42 Nielsen Gallery • by Tom Ewing
44 El Roberto Enigmatico • by R.D. Michaels
46 Tech Tricks • by Bruce Kalver
48 Cheats and Deceptions • by Antonio M. Cabral
50 Blast From the Past • by J.G. Thompson
52 Ten Questions • by Scott Alexander
54 Chautauqua Conjurors • by David Haversat 54
56 The High Road • by Mick Ayres
58 Informed Opinion • New Product Reviews
69 Inside Straight • by Norman Beck
52
70 MaxiM-U-M • by Max Maven

32 7

M-U-M Magazine 5
Photo by fivebyphotography.com

Editor's Desk
Michael Close
It is rare to hear Norman Beck wax rhapsodic about anything
(except maybe a great steakhouse or a devious new short con).
When I talk to Norman (and we chat often) we usually swap jokes
or discuss the latest magic rumors or hot new tricks. So I was
surprised to hear Norman speak so enthusiastically about the Main
Street Magic & Fun Company, owned and operated by Chris and
Jennifer Gracy. Norman thought the shop, located in McKinney,
Texas, would make a great cover story, and I agreed. You’ll find Stars of Tomorrow - Photo by Guy Sy
the story on page 36.
As I read about Main Street Magic, I kept nodding my head in Back row, from left: Anthony “A.J.” Perea, Lee Winters, Joe
admiration of how shrewdly the Gracys had maximized every Galante, Robert Dorfman, Giancarlo Paone, Ben Zabin, Andrew
business opportunity the store offered. The Gracys don’t just Cippola. Front row, from left: Tessa Sandler, Kyle Sy, Ari Isenberg,
sell magic tricks; they offer magic lessons to beginners of all Anthony Stockton, Deanna Gore, James Irwin.
ages, they provide complete party packages, they have regularly October provides a special opportunity for assemblies to increase
scheduled magic shows open to the public, they bring in lecturers, their “visibility” in their local communities, as announced in this
they host summer magic camps, they provide a meeting place for press release:
the local assembly of the Society of Young Magicians, and they “David Bowers, National President of The Society of American
engage the community in a variety of non-magic ways. This is an Magicians, has proclaimed the week of October 25 to October 31,
enormous amount of planning, work, and effort, but this is what is 2015, as National Magic Week throughout the United States and
required to stay competitive in the world of the instant gratifica- Canada.
tion of YouTube and Internet magic dealers. I applaud the Gracys “For more than forty years, the Society has recognized the an-
for their accomplishment. niversary of the death of Harry Houdini with a special ‘week’ of
I urge you to carefully read the Main Street Magic story because events to highlight the charitable work of the Society throughout
it contains lessons that go beyond the sustaining of a magic shop. the year. During the year, the members of the Society donate per-
The challenge that any brick-and-mortar magic shop faces is the formances for senior citizens in nursing homes, in VA hospitals,
same one our assemblies face: how do you attract and retain young for schools and libraries, and for children who cannot afford the
magicians? The Society of Young Magicians can be an important luxury of live entertainment. The free shows are part of service
factor in this endeavor; if your assembly does not yet sponsor an programs sponsored by the S.A.M. and follow the example set by
S.Y.M. group, I urge you to consider doing so. Some assemblies Harry Houdini, a past national president of the Society.
have reached out to local Boy Scout troops, which is another good “National Magic Week is when the magicians celebrate this
way to introduce conjuring as a hobby. service. Public magic events and exhibits will be taking place
And speaking of the good work that the S.Y.M. assemblies do, I’d all over the country. Each year governors, mayors, and other
like to give a shout-out to all the young performers who partici- governing bodies throughout North America are requested to
pated in the Stars of Tomorrow stage show and the close-up show issue proclamations declaring the last week in October as National
at the Philadelphia national convention. Photos of all the perform- Magic Week, encouraging magicians to participate in the activi-
ers were included in the convention review in the August Online ties. For more details and a history of this event, visit magicsam.
Supplement, but if you haven’t read that issue, here they are. com.” 

DID YOU KNOW?

YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SPECIAL OFFERS
FROM YOUR FAVORITE ADVERTISERS WITH JUST ONE CLICK
FROM THE ONLINE VERSION OF M-U-M.

6 OCTOBER 2015
Newsworthy Updates From Our
S.A.M. Members
The W.O.W. Magic paced modern Linking
Dove Youth Convention Rings routine to music.
By Danny Sanz Danny Sanz performed,
mixing some dance,
Meeting new people, lectures, contests, gifts, and a large stage picking lights off of the
extravaganza featuring different performers from around the audience’s head, and an
world – this sounds like a magic convention! But on Memorial interesting dream diary
Day weekend 2015, Florida was home to a convention of a type routine. Jason Knight
few and far in between. The focus was kids. The Society of Young came on stage to laughs,
Magicians 143 Weekend of Wonder was an event that hadn’t been and received many more
hosted in years. When the owners of the Magic Dove Magic Shop, with his witty charm;
Dr. Dan the Magic Man and Terry Black, decided to give a little he finished with some
more to the kids, a convention seemed the key – and who better wonder, creating the
than the S.A.M. to partner with? Rockledge HS freshman, Mahogany ultimate vacation list
The three-day event was a smashing success! As registrants Legette, 2nd Place winner in the with members of the
arrived at Magic Dove Magic Shop (home of the convention) Teen Division, with Dr. Dan, owner audience. William Za-
on Friday, festivities began with an ice-cream social, pizza, of Magic Dove Magic Shop. ballero’s award-winning
snacks, and prizes. Host and emcee Magic Bob Brizendine was CD manipulation act had
the funnyman, prankster, and quizmaster, challenging the kids’ people shaking their heads in disbelief. Not to be outdone by the
knowledge of magician stage names and magic terms. People boys, Lizzy C from South Carolina smoothly and confidently
from all over the magic community donated prizes to be awarded presented her award-winning rope and silk themed act, providing
throughout the event. The golden ticket item was a signed “Cloak inspiration to girls and boys alike. What a shiny finish.
of Invisibility” actually used in performance and signed by the During the intermission, the conference chairs, Dr. Dan, Terry
great and funny Mac King! We would like to thank you all. Black, and Shannon Bauman presented trophies to the winners
Saturday began with a contest split into two age groups. Add of the magic contest. In the Junior Division, first place went to
to that two magic shows, a special juggling act, and four lectures. Jacob Sterner, second place to Amazing John John, and third
The first lecture was inter- place to Stephen Duhaime. In the Teen Division, first place went
national illusionist Scott to William Zaballero, second place to Mahogany Legette, and
Pepper. He talked about third place to Austin Dunlop.
originality and teamwork The second half
with people who can help started with an inspiring
“flesh out” your ideas. feat of juggling with
The next show and lecture award-winning juggler
starred the great Al Nye the Brandon Zaballero.
Magic Guy all the way from The grand master
Tampa. Keeping the kids of the evening was
engaged and entertained, Scott Pepper. His full
he taught them how simple fantastic illusion show,
most of his tricks are; he his polished look, and
also talked about how simple his charming character
Dr. Dan and The Amazing John items can be used to perform won the audience as
John, from Tampa Florida, 2nd great magic. he wowed them with
Place winner in the Jr. Division. After a break the kids modern illusions and
came back and learned from classics as well.
Danny Sanz. What the kids took away from this lecture is that There are many Palm Bay residents Julia and Ashley
anything can be magic. He shared the standard advice that many others who helped with Padgent with Scott Pepper after the
magicians still seem to ignore today: “It is better to know a few this event and we do show.
tricks well than a hundred tricks poorly.” sincerely thank you all.
The youth were then exposed to what was no doubt the most Look out for us next year. A convention of this type is really
unusual performance of their young lives: The Man of Mystery meant to do one thing: inspire. A performing art like magic can be
Show. Jeff Alan is no stranger to M-U-M, but his show is stranger… partially learned by books and DVDs. But learning with a team,
than anything. Hilarious, fun, clean entertainment! When he was or from a master, nothing can replace that. This weekend some
finished, what the youth were taught was that you really can be kids got a taste of that. I hope they get a lot more.
yourself. There is a place for everyone in the world of entertain- Bob Little sent me a pin once. It said, “You can grow up, or
ment; discover who you are and be comfortable. you can be a magician. But you can’t do both!” We don’t want our
Finally, Sunday came with the return of the Man of Mystery ancient, sacred art to die. Let’s help make magicians…before they
as our emcee. The Masters Grand Illusion Show was hosted in grow up. 
the state-of-the-art Cocoa Beach High School Performing Arts
Center. Austin D started the show and performed a fantastic fast-

M-U-M Magazine 7
 ‘Goods and Bads’ (constructive criticism). Then David Oliver
pitches in at the end and adds his thoughts. It is a lot of fun and
helps out the performers.
“By this time, I had gotten the ‘officer bug’ and didn’t hesitate
to run for VP last year; I was elected. One of my jobs is to write
about a specific subject each month in the BMW. My subject is
about all the things you need to know while doing magic…except
President's Desk for the actual magic. That is: how to pick good music for the
David Bowers routine, how to do a comedy routine, what to bring to a magic
show in which you are performing, etc. It’s been fun, and I have
Having just returned from MAGIC Live in Las Vegas, I learned a great deal from asking people. And my writing has
wanted to let you know that the S.A.M. was well represented. gotten better! I also emcee the ‘Chosen Ones.’
There were seven PNPs and the current president in attendance. “Sadly, my year is almost over; I plan to run for president this
While I was there, I had the opportunity to speak with quite a time. Hopefully, I will be the first person in Y029 to hold all three
few S.A.M. compeers. They all seemed to be excited about the offices. If not, then I’m sure the new officers will do a wonderful
future of the S.A.M. I received many interesting suggestions job.”
about what our membership would like to see accomplished in I hope you enjoy these
the next few years. I also did some recruiting; three people told articles by our S.Y.M. members
me they were going to reinstate and four others told me they were and you realize how important
planning to become members of the S.A.M. the S.Y.M. program is in their
In speaking with Mark Weidhaas, he said plans for the In- lives.
dianapolis convention are well underway and to expect some Each month I recognize two
surprises. I think in the near future Mark will be able to announce members of our Society who
the sites of upcoming conventions. He is looking at some exciting have gone above and beyond
locations. Our fall national council meeting will be held on the call of duty to the S.A.M.
November 12, 13, and 14, 2015, in Nashville, Tennessee. We are This month I want to recognize
working closely with the Nashville assembly to plan some activi- National Secretary Marlene
ties for all who attend. Clark. I don’t think most of
We are still working with Machpelah Cemetery in Queens, you realize the work Marlene
New York, on the Houdini gravesite restoration. We have en- does behind the scenes. “The S.Y.M. has given me
countered some setbacks in completing this project. The water She takes and publishes the so much help and support.
pipes to the cemetery have been damaged; they are waiting to minutes from all national I am proud to call everyone
have them repaired so they can continue work on the gravesite. I council meetings. She also is there ‘my family.’ They have
have been assured that this repair should be completed in a short responsible for the huge task helped me with more than
period of time and we can move forward. of compiling all the reports just magic. I would like to
I hope you are making plans for your assembly to partici- for the Blue Book and putting give particular thanks to my
pate in National Magic Week, the last week in October. We them in concise order. Marlene friend, my mentor, ‘DO-Dad’
encourage you to give back to your community by performing serves as a resource on our David Oliver for helping with
at a local hospital, boys and girls club, or any other organiza- Constitution and By-laws and everything from a bad double
tion that would not ordinarily have the opportunity to witness a is currently serving on our lift to helping with personal
live magic show. For ideas or information please contact Shaun By-law Revision Committee. things with my family and in
Rivera, our National Magic Week Chairman, at rvpmidwest@ She has also served as an RVP. my life. I have made some
magicsam.com. Marlene, thank you for all you of my best friends through
Our featured S.Y.M. member this month is Daniel Cook, age have done and continue to do magic and through the S.Y.M.
thirteen, of Worcester, Massachusetts. for The Society of American Thank you.” – Daniel Cook
“When I was eight, I watched one of the worst Professor’s Magicians.
Nightmare routines ever. But I didn’t know any better; all I The second compeer I want
wanted to learn was how to do the trick with the three ropes! to recognize is PNP Chris Bontjes. Besides serving as our national
Off to Ray Goulet’s Magic Art Studio in Watertown, where I president, Chris served as RVP. He also headed a committee that
learned about the S.Y.M. and Assembly Y029. I wasn’t sure what revised the Assembly Handbook. Chris has worked very hard the
to expect, so I dressed up nicely and brought a briefcase full of last several years as a member of the S.A.M. Ethics Committee;
ropes and sponge balls. I fit right in; by the end of that first night, he is currently serving on The Boy Scout Camporee and Merit
I knew I had found my ‘other family.’ Badge Committee. Chris has always been willing to help with
“The kids help run the meetings; after three years I decided anything he was asked to do. Thank you, Chris, for your service
I wanted to run for secretary. I won! That meant I had to write to The Society of American Magicians.
down everything that happened at the meetings for the BMW, I want to encourage any of you who have ideas or suggestions
the Boston Mini-Wizard monthly newsletter. During that year, I that you think will improve our Society to please contact me.
helped out with many things and loved it: organizing the group Quote of the Month: “Amateurs practice until they get it
for a lecture, helping to set up the room, and running ‘Chosen right. Professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong.” –
Ones’ when the VP was absent. Each month, four kids are Julie Andrews
announced to be the ‘Chosen Ones’ and show the group an act Always remember that if you keep love in your heart, life will
or routine they have been working on. The rest of us give our be a “Magical Experience.” 

8 OCTOBER 2015
 S.A.M. National Officers

Dean: George Schindler, 1735 East 26th St.,

Brooklyn, NY 11229, (718) 336-0605, Fax (718)
627-1397, showbiz10@aol.com
President: David Bowers,
(717) 414-7574, David@MagicSam.com
President Elect: Jeffrey Sikora, (402) 339-6726
Jeff@MagicSam.com
First Vice President: Richard Bowman,
(719) 527-0678, Professor1@higginsmagic.com
Second Vice President: Ronald Ishimaru,
(808) 428-6019, 808magicron@gmail.com
Secretary: Marlene Clark, 274 Church Street,
#6B, Guilford, CT 06437, (203) 689-5730,
Skype: marlene.clark, Marlene@MagicSam.com
Treasurer: Eric Lampert, (215) 939-5555,
Eric@MagicSam.com

Regional Vice Presidents

New England: CT MA RI NH ME VT
Thomas D. Gentile, 413-533-7653,
tdgmagic@gmail.com
North Atlantic: NY NJ
Joel Zaritsky, (845) 546-1559,
Jizdds@ptonline.net
Mid Atlantic: PA DE MD VAWV DC
Arlen Z. Solomon, 215-443-7908,
sam4Arlen@aol.com
South Atlantic: FL AL GA MS NC SC
James M. Driscoll, 770-603-9266,
jim.driscoll@gmail.com
Central Plains: KY TN OH IN MI
Steven A. Spence, (317) 722-0429
rvpcentralplains@MagicSam.com
Midwest: IL MN WI MO ND NE KS SD IA
Randy Kalin, (210) 355-3434
rwkmagic@charter.net
South Central States: TX AR OK NM LA
Michael Tallon, (210) 341-6959
rvpsouthcentral@MagicSam.com
Southwest: CA AZ NV HI
Michael DeSchalit, (520) 790-0081,
mcdmagic@aol.com
Northwest: WA OR UT ID CO AK WY MT
James Russell, (360) 682-6648
rvpnorthwest@MagicSam.com
Canada: Lon F. Mandrake, 604-591-5839,
lon@lonmandrake.com
Society of Young Magicians Director:
Jann Wherry Goodsell, 329 West 1750 North,
Orem, Utah 84057 (801) 376-0353.
bravesjann@comcast.net

Living Past
National Presidents

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

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

M-U-M Magazine 9
 S.A.M. member Morris Gold spoiled us when we had banquets
and food events at Parent Assembly parties; he supplied the con-
diments made in his own Brooklyn facility. Although he is no
longer with us, his company, “Gold’s,” is still the most famous
supplier of mustard and Jewish-style horseradish in the country.
In the old days (pre-1960), our parties were often supplied by
Barney Greengrass, whose son, Moe “Sturgeon King” Green-
grass, was an S.A.M. member (great whitefish, lox, coleslaw, and
potato salads).
Dean's Diary One of the things to do when visiting New York City is to
George Schindler visit the Lower East Side and order the world’s best pastrami-on-
rye sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen at 205 Houston Street (pro-
nounced house-ton). Take the F-train, and you and a friend can
SEND A SALAMI TO YOUR share one packed, $19.95 sandwich that will keep you from being
BOY IN THE ARMY hungry the rest of the week. The Iceland brothers founded the
deli in 1888. After the partnering in 1903 with Willy Katz, its
Although the word delicatessen came from Germany, the best name eventually changed in 1910 when Benny Katz bought out
deli restaurants in the world are in New York. I was in Hampstead, partner Tarowsky. In 1946, the new façade was installed; on its
England, and saw a sign that read “New York Deli.” Their only one-hundredth anniversary in 1988, having no heirs, the sons of
connection to anything vaguely like New York was the bottle of the original owners sold the restaurant to the Dell family. Katz’s
Heinz ketchup on each table. The closest one I found in the UK refused landmark status so they could modernize the facility
was Bloom’s (which closed their East End shop in 1996 and their when needed. Marty Dell and his son Alan took over and have
Golder’s Green shop in 2010). Their walls had photos of old New continued the tradition of serving great franks and beans to many
York and their mustard was the real stuff. The famous Canter’s in of the Yiddish actors, singers, and comedians working at the
Hollywood comes close to great deli with their Brooklyn Avenue Second Avenue and National Theaters nearby.
corned beef. I am not a gourmet, but great delicatessens are hard Alan Dell is also a magician and is a member of Parent
to find; when I travel I look for them. In Midland, Texas, the “New Assembly 1. He has written many great magic articles; his book
York Style” deli served sandwiches with cold cuts on buttered Mental Miracles has been highly praised by mentalists. One of
bread (a big no no). his happy memories and accomplishments was working for Louis
Tannen in the rewriting of Japanese-English magic instructions
into readable English. Alan took over the management of the res-
taurant and often offered food and card tricks or coin miracles only
to special customers. Today, son Jake is in charge of the operation.
Alan is proud of the old Katz tradition of sending salamis to ser-
vicemen, which started during World War II. The slogan “Send a
Salami to your Boy in the Army” originated with Rose Tarowsky,
mother of one of the earlier owners. The kosher salamis are cured
sausages made of pure beef. Once cut, a salami can remain viable
in storage for thirty to forty days; packaged salamis travel very
well by mail. The Dell family continued the practice and still en-
courages families to do the same. Their famous salamis have been
sent to service men and women fighting in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq,
and Afghanistan. They have a unique delivery phone number
Katz Deli, New York 800-4hotdog and they send their foods anywhere in the world.
P.S. The Second Avenue Deli in New York City is now located
on Third Avenue. 

10 OCTOBER 2015
 ASSEMBLY NEWS OCTOBER 2015
Society of American Magicians Monthly News VOLUME 105 NUMBER 4

GO TO:
WWW.MUM-MAGAZINE.COM
and use the easy submission form to file your report

the park, Peter Cuddihy enter- vacations are wrapping up and

nomenal! We had more than
4 tained everyone by recount- everyone is getting back to
120 attendees and a host of
ANNUAL BANQUET & ing the story of how his wife their routines, so we had a great
magicians performing every-
STAGE SHOW and children hounded him into turnout for the August meeting.
thing from walk-around table
getting a dog, which culmi- magic to stage magic. We even
President Frank Seltzer opened
PHILADELPHIA, PA— On nated in the appearance of the the July 21 meeting by recog-
had our younger prestidigita-
June 18, 2015, we held our actual dog. nizing our visitors. Next, Wylie
tors from the Society of Young
annual banquet and stage show, Following Peter, PNP Dick Magicians Assembly Y144Mayor Eric Hogue provided an
which was jointly produced Gustafson and his lovely update on The Magic of Wylie
debut their walk-around magic;
by President Joe McHugh and wife, Joan, capped off the festival.
I noticed several nicely created
Secretary Helene Schad, both evening by performing Ade balloon animals Russell Turner opened up the
floating
of whom labored all year long Duval’s beautiful A Rhapsody performance segment with his
around! The atmosphere was
to ensure a successful evening. in Silk, set to the music of Tunnel of Time routine, turning
fun and alive and there were
Prior to the stage show, our George Gershwin and Leonard smiles everywhere! coal into diamonds! Rizz
It was
members and their guests Bernstein – a brilliant routine Nadeem followed by producing
wonderful to not only perform
enjoyed an array of delicious that had not been performed randomly selected cards from
magic for the guests, but to
hors d’oeuvres accompanied since Duval retired it in 1937 five volunteers; some cards he
also step back and observe the
by close-up magic performed and which was painstak- magic taking place. produced from the shirt pocket
There
by several of our members. ingly recreated by Dick after of the volunteer! Trigg Watson
were youth present of all ages;
Then a sumptuous buffet countless hours of research. then attempted to answer the
you could tell by their reactions
dinner followed during which Everyone in attendance agreed age-old question, “Which came
that they were truly enjoying
the trophies were given out to that the banquet was one of the first: the chicken or the egg?”
themselves as they sat on the
those who placed in this year’s very best we have had in years. Trigg vanished a chicken-im-
edge of their seats waiting for
contests. We were delighted to —Peter Cuddihy aged silk into a wooden egg,
the next magical wonder to be
have the late Jim Straub’s wife, James Wobensmith Assembly which he cracked to show the
presented to them. I don’t think
daughter, son, and grandchil- 4 meets third Thursday at audience it wasn’t wooden at
words can properly express the
dren on hand to witness the first 7:00 p.m. at the Bustleton all. Next, Cole Cyre named
moment, but trust me when I
place Close-Up Contest Award Memorial, Post, 810 (American the location from the top of the
say that it was truly memorable.
being renamed in honor of our Legion) 9151 Old Newtown deck of a selected card.
On that note, I would like
good friend Jim. Prior to the Road. Contact Joe McHugh David Wall then talked about
to give kudos to the Omaha
commencement of the stage jmchugh@geiger.com (610) impromptu and evangelical
Magical Society and the Society
show, National Treasurer Eric 457-1182 www.sam4.org for magic and the opportunity to
of Young Magicians Assembly
Lampert was presented with the more details. perform magic in various situa-
Y144. When magicians get
Dick and Joan Gustafson Award tions.
together and make something He demonstrated
in recognition of his countless 7 potential applications of his
happen for the community,
contributions to Assembly 4 BOYS TOWN PICNIC idea by performing a couple
memories are made and people
over the years. Following the coin productions from the ears
are changed. I couldn’t think of
presentation of the awards and OMAHA, NE— Every August of two young magician volun-
a better way to spend a Saturday
the swearing in of the new the Omaha Magical Society teers: Ava Byers and Jack Koe-
in August. —Thomas Neddo
officers, everyone enjoyed a holds a wonderful event at nigsberg. Dal Sanders followed
Assembly 7 meets on the third
most entertaining stage show. the historic campus of Boys with an effect he picked up in
Monday of each Month at the
S.A.M. National Historian Town. The event is a picnic Vegas while attending MAGIC
Southwest Church of Christ
Tom Ewing did a fantastic with the residents of Boys Live. Keno cards from a casino
near 124th and West Center
job as our Master of Ceremo- Town, the Boys Town staff, and were passed out to everyone in
Road, across from McAlister’s
nies. Tom started the show off the Omaha Magical Society attendance. They folded the
Deli. Contact Thomas Neddo
with a bang by performing magicians and their families. It cards in fourths and pierced the
doowit t agen@g mail.com
the vanishing birdcage, made is held in the “Great Hall” and number of their choice with a
(402) 213-7812 http://www.
famous by Harry Blackstone it marks one of the best magic toothpick. Dal’s lovely wife
omahamagicalsociety.org/ for
Sr. and Harry Blackstone Jr. events of the year in Omaha. It more details. Cinde was then blindfolded and
When the applause died down, is a chance for our group to give envisioned the sum of the four
Tom repeated the illusion to the back to our community and it numbers pierced by toothpick
amazement of all. Next, Tom is a privilege to be able to work 13 for everyone in the audience. J
introduced Donna Horn, whose with an organization that has YOU ASKED FOR MORE Crin performed a coin/tumbler
baseball-themed mentalism act such a rich history of helping MAGIC...YOU GOT IT! penetration, and then used vol-
was nothing short of a grand youth. unteers to perform a twine
slam. After Donna hit it out of This year’s event was phe- DALLAS, TX— Summer through loop penetration.

M-U-M Magazine 11
Assembly News
Magic Mike Williams crew Karen and Randy Gibson, top card, the Six of Spades and
performed an entertaining and Leonard Nadeau) had worked 19 sign with an X, placing it back
comical version of Cards Across to supply for this year’s menu of AN EVENING OF in the deck. The signed card
using twenty one-dollar bills chicken wings, gourmet burgers MENTALISM later “materialized” in Roger’s
instead of cards. of beef, perfectly grilled to per- sealed envelope; a most unique
fection, with an assortment HOUSTON, TX— This month’s prediction. David Rangel had
of vegetables to cause a veg- theme was mentalism; there Eric Falconer choose a card
etarian to shout with glee. We were many wonderful perfor- from a spread deck. David
also had corn of the cob with mances. Scott Wells premiered dealt down five cards from the
potato salad. A cake donated his new effect with the assis- deck, including Eric’s chosen
for dessert and wonderful cold tance of Eric Falconer and a roll card. Eric chose another card,
watermelon to top the meal. of toilet paper, used to reveal but failed to fool David. There
An auction presented many the cards held by two audience were additional performances
bargains for the true student members chosen by Eric. Mark by Scott Wells, Mark Melcher,
of magic. Donations were Melcher invited America to Eric Falconer, Jeff Lanes, Shane
more readily available for join him for a card scratch-off Wilson, and David Rangel.
our “Chinese” raffle. Thanks effect in which the back of a Six —Kim Lampkin
to many who donated to the of Hearts revealed America’s Assembly 19 meets the first
Josh Ayala Helps Ben Tsao Use raffle. Those easily mentioned earlier chosen card, the Three Monday of each month at
His X-ray Vision were members Peter Lentros of Diamonds. Eric Falconer the International Alliance of
of #16 with Red Sox tickets, tested the sensory perception of Theatrical Stage Employees
generous gifts from Rich Pin- America Bustos as she guessed Local 51 Meeting Hall, 3030
After a short break we had sonnault, owner of the local the color of cards held up backs North Freeway Houston,
the raffle to benefit the Young magic shop. Posters from #9 out. At the end, she guessed Tx. A teaching lecture
Magicians Club. Ben Tsao Doug Kelm, multiple items the last card as the Four of begins at 7:30 pm. with the
used cups and balls to demon- from #21 President Dan Sclare, Diamonds. What a feeling! meeting beginning at 8:00pm.
strate his superb X-ray vision and Dean #17 Tom Gentile. Jerry Paul asked America Contact Miles Root milesroot@
abilities. And finally, the VP of Many went home with some Bustos to hand out parts of aol.com (832) 6076678
the Fort Worth Magicians Club, nice new effects to be added to a deck to audience members houstonmagic.com for more
Joshua Ayala was on hand. He their magic drawer, er, reper- who then shuffled their cards. details.
used his “fear-deck” to prove toire. Our treasury thanks all After the cards were collected,
that a volunteer was afraid of who supported the event this seven cards were handed out. 22
snakes. year. One by one, Jerry revealed each MAGIC &
After walking-the-walk at We were treated to many person’s card. ITS ALLIED ARTS
the club meeting, a large con- who displayed their talents David Hinken asked Kim
stituent of attendees met at for our members and guests. Lampkin to hold a Jack of LOS ANGELES, CA—
Vernon’s to talk-the-talk...and Our own Michael Wald had Diamonds and the Nine of Assembly 22 President
perform some more hot magic! a young lady assist him with Clubs and, with the push of Michael Perovich opened
—Joey Byers his cut and restored rope and her finger and a little magic, the August 19, 2015, meeting
The Dallas Magic Clubs meets who definitely caught on to the Nine of Clubs made its way with a short comment about
the third Tuesday of the month his Yes routine to near per- through to the back of the Jack meeting Roberto Giobbi at
at Crosspointe/Theatre 166 at fection along with a beauti- of Hearts! Shane Wilson asked FISM. As the author of his
2425 Parker Rd, Carrollton, fully turned coin tray. Vice Angel Bustos to help reveal the recently published, The Vernon
Texas 75010. Contact Frank President #17 Leonard Nadeau identity of the only surviving Companion, Mike strongly
Seltzer info@dallasmagic.org performed a newspaper predic- card of a deck pulled out of recommended Giobbi’s Dai
(214) 676-6440 http://www. tion card routine and perfectly a campfire, a slightly toasted Vernon Seminar DVD. On a
dallasmagic.org for more named each volunteer’s card- Queen of Diamonds. Frank very sad note, Mike announced
details. folded into a newspaper reveal. Price showed that he could the unexpected passing of
President #29 Sandy Rhoades predict one person’s ability to assembly member Matt Savin
17 exhibited, wore, and explained consistently choose the color the previous week. Matt first
SUMMER SIZZLER his oriental gown and the parts of coin hidden in his hand joined our assembly in the
of a dragon then wowed the when there was a possibility early 1960s. A Broken Wand
SPRINGFIELD, MA— The crowd with his Linking Ring of two choices. Among Roger Ceremony will be conducted
Assembly 17 Sixth Annual routine. Many went home Johnson, Ainsley Ferguson, for Matt at our next meeting.
Summer Sizzler kicked off this with full stomachs, leftovers, Scott Wells, and Eric Falconer, The program for the evening
year with a weather forecast for and magic to remember that Roger was the man! was billed as an evening of
a hazy, hot, and humid summer they had come to Springfield’s Ainsley Ferguson performed magic’s allied arts (ventrilo-
day. Many attendees were from assembly to “Visit for a Spell!” a very entertaining Two Card quism, juggling, hand shadows,
six New England assemblies: 9, —Tom Gentile Monte with the Four of Clubs etc.) and comedy magic. As it
16, 17, 21, 29, and 127. Within Dr. I. R. Calkins Assembly #17 and Jack of Spades with Kim turned out, all eight perform-
moments of NW RVP JR Springfield MA meets the first Lampkin, who became too fond ers presented a comedy/novelty
James Russell and his family Friday of the month except for of the Four of Clubs. Jeff Lanes magic act, and all were very
arriving, he brought Washing- July/August at the RP Magic used a business card to predict entertaining. Opening the
ton weather. It poured. We had Shop, 69 East Street Ludlow an Ace revealed as the top show was Harrison Lampert
to add magic, a great meal, and MA. 1-413-547-6500 Contact card on each of three piles of assisted by Kayla Drescher,
fun for all! Pres-Rich Gilbert tdgmagic@ cards dealt by Charlie Dodson. using the black art principle to
Many eventually enjoyed the gmail.com (1-413) 210-5725 for Roger Johnson gave Angel an appear as a magician with four
timely delivery of a meal that our more details. invisible deck and asked him arms performing magic. Very
committee (Chef Peter Lennis, to shuffle, cut, and take the clever. John Engman was the

12 OCTOBER 2015
 Assembly News
second performer; he presented Washington D.C. S.A.M. did a version of Jeff Sheridan’s guessing how he removed the
a card duck routine. Invented assembly meeting for Clone Cards. chosen card from the closed
by Laurie Ireland in the 1930s August 19 was well attended Our guests also box, in the style of a pickpocket.
as Otto the Duck, the duck by both members and performed. Allan Vander- Vice President Taylor Martin
now usually performs as visitors. Treasurer Dwight ploeg did a great Professor’s shared his unique take on
Joanne. Nate Kvetny was next Redman presented re-elect- Nightmare routine with a George Korvari’s Pom Pom
with a three-trick set presented ed President Larry Lipman a story of three worms. He also Prayer Stick. He performed
as comedy magic. The magic plaque in gratitude for his great performed a slick routine he as a small child playing with a
included a prediction of a work the past couple of years. calls Generic Cards. His son crib toy, complete with an adult
selected flower color, a card The theme for the meeting was Dylan did a really nice nine-card sized baby bib and patter to
prediction, and an escape from the Willie Nelson’s song, “On spelling routine. Laurie’s son match.
rope and wrist restraints. Act The Road Again.” Mike Mike did a very clever four Ace President Don Miller dem-
four was John Richmond, Plotnick started off with a trick. Gregory Bass did a nice onstrated several effects using
who performed a repeat Four humorous Koornwinder Kar impromptu Swiss army knife pencils, many of which floated,
Card Monte effect with a cute routine with Willie Nelson paddle routine. Scott Miller and rubber bands with a story
running storyline. driving. Matt Miller performed finished off the evening with of Harry Houdini’s dungeon
Henry Springer did a very an amazing copper-silver his professional Three Card escape.
unusual act; an inept magician vanish with the production of Monte, coin Matrix, and walk- Members discussed plans
who skillfully performed the vanished coin in a specta- around coin box routines. He to attend the upcoming Indy
card manipulations in his tor’s back pocket. Dwight also did his large dice manipu- Fringe Festival which runs
dreams. Jim Callen was our Redman was up to his old tricks lation routine. from August 13 to 23. Per-
sixth performer. Jim gave a with an “On The Road” card Next month Mike Hummer, formers include Oscar Munoz
unique presentation of the Die spelling routine and a baffling of Mike Hummer Magic, and and Hannibal, and there will be
Box using the nursery rhyme deck memorization. Laurie formerly of Al Cohen’s magic six different The Best of Indy
“Old Mother Hubbard” and Curry did a slick card routine in shop, will present and demon- Magic Monthly variety shows
a storyboard that “revealed” which a card jumped from a strate at the meeting. —Daniel over the course of the Fringe.
Old Mother Hubbard’s stack of cards back to the full Holtan The theme of our September
daughter. Jim closed with a pack. National Press Club, 529 meeting will be Sankey Magic
nice performance of Jumbo 14th St, NW, 14th Floor, as we look forward to Jay
Sidekick. Kim Hallinger, Washington, DC 20045. coming to lecture on Sunday,
producer of the show and Washington D.C. on the third September 27.
fresh from a performance at Wednesday of the month. Magic is alive and
the S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Dinner at 7pm, meeting at well in Central Indiana!
Magic Museum the previous 8pm. except July. Contact —Karen Miller
day, became act seven in the Larry Lipman lorenzomagic@ We usually meet in the Parlor
show. She presented her bunny cox.net for more details. of Irvington United Methodist
routine; a production and color Church, 30 North Audubon
change of a rabbit. Closing the Road, Indianapolis, IN
show was Michael Perovich 31 46219. Contact Karen Miller
using some production props EVERYDAY OBJECTS CAN dblmom@hotmail.com (317)
Dwight Redman presenting
he built while still in high BE MAGICAL 443-9178 sam31.com for more
president’s plaque to Larry
school. These included a details.
Lipman
Square Circle, a Kuma Tubes INDIANAPOLIS, IN— Harry
(organ pipes) style prop and Riser Assembly 31 held its
a Jack Gwynne Tip-over Larry Lipman performed monthly meeting on Monday, 37
Box. Nicely made props and a
a fun and colorful stand-up August 3, 2015, at Irvington ANNUAL MILE HIGH
humorously presented silk pro-
routine with color changing United Methodist Church. FAMILY PICNIC
duction routine followed.
wreaths and silks and a surprise After the business of the club
It was still pleasantly warm
finish. Jim Flanigan did a nice was discussed, Magic with DENVER, CO— June was
very late in the evening as we
card frame routine in which Everyday Objects was our our annual Mile High Family
dismantled our performance
a selected card miraculously theme for the evening. Picnic. Instead of at the park,
stage. This was another night
appeared as the only face-up Jim Croop led off with a we decided to try something
of great Southern California
card in the frame. The highlight great rubber effect with a ring different and host it inside to
Assembly 22 magic. —Steven
of the evening was Arnold borrowed from Daniel Lee, see if we would have a better
L. Jennings Fuoco paying homage to his putting the ring on and off the turnout. We had a wonderful
Southern California Assembly
cousin, Georgie, who taught band without breaking it! turnout and it rained a ton that
22 meets the third Monday each
him a Sam the Bellhop routine Brendon Ware, the youngest night so we lucked out.
month at 8:00 PM, St. Thomas
when he was eleven. Arnold member of Assembly 31, made Gene Gordon performed
More Parish Hall, 2510 South
ran through the entire deck everyone sit up and take notice the Six-Card Repeat, Miser’s
Fremont Avenue, Alhambra,
tracking Sam as he got lost in as he showed us a routine that Dream, Dismembered Lady
California Contact Ed Thomas
downtown Manhattan. he created after seeing Shawn (with dental floss), Chinese
m ag ic m r e d @e a r t h l i n k .net
Cristian Vidrascu wowed us Farquar’s Signed, Sealed and Sticks, and several card effects
(213) 382-8504 for more details.
with his sugar packet to coins, Delivered at Shawn’s recent Jeff Jensen performed a
three in the hand coins, and lecture here. He found Jay wonderful Silk-in-Egg routine,
Coins Across routine. Noland Newby’s chosen Jack, and left Andrew Mayne’s newspaper
23 Montgomery did a children’s us speechless! tear, a Cards Across trick, and
ON THE ROAD AGAIN silk routine with his usual Daniel Lee presented one of Signed Bill to Lemon. —Glenn
clever story line and humorous his favorite Oz Pearlman tricks, Proulx
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The presentation. Daniel Holtan Clutch, and left everybody Our August meeting was filled

M-U-M Magazine 13
Assembly News
with our meeting of old, unique, The August meeting began Baker themagiccompany@ Fresno for generously providing
and one-of-a-kind magic. We with some updates of future aol.com (205) 612-3696 http:// the door prizes for the meeting.
also had the pleasure of having events, including the Midwest peoriamagicians.com/ for more Brother John Hamman
the Penguin Magic Live Expo Magic Competition, the Annual details. Assembly 52 meets at 7:30
attend Denver later in the Picnic, and the Pop Haydn p.m. on the first Thursday of
month. lecture (all in September), and 52 the month at La Madeleine
To begin our August meeting, our Halloween Matinee Show MAGIC THAT MAKES A Restaurant, located at 722
Gene Gordon brought in at Expo in October. The River- POINT OR TEACHES A N.W. Loop 410. The restaurant
some of his favorite old magic front Market performances will LESSON is inside Loop 410 on the
books. Some were older than continue through September. access road between Blanco
us. Aiden and Tyler helped Guests Catharine and Casey SAN ANTONIO, TX— August Rd. and San Pedro. For
with a coin trick from Tarbell. Littlefield joined us. Prior to 6, 2015 Brother John Hamman more information, contact
Tyler Vanourek performed an any performance of magic, we Assembly 52 held its monthly douggorman@att.net.
original trick in which a card were divided into two-man meeting at LaMadeleine Res-
was chosen, vanished, and teams for a magic trivia contest. taurant. President Joe Libby
reappeared inside a Pringles President Rodney Nordstrom called the meeting to order and 80
can. Connie Elstun was helped had printed out the test sheets welcomed guests Ryan Fricke, CATCH-UP TIME
by Steve Aldrich and drew a and conducted the contest. We Zachary Rodriguez, and several
picture on a pad of paper, which all had a given amount of time S.Y.M. members. Michael HAYWARD, CA— It has been
after a magical gesture, had to try to answer the questions Tallon reported on the S.A.M. embarrassingly long since we
magically changed color. correctly. Trivia topics included national convention in Philadel- submitted a report. Assembly
William Rader showed us his magic history, biographical info phia that he recently attended. 80 is alive and well and meeting
Edward Brown magic book: on famous magicians, technical Also, congratulations to every month. Let’s catch up.
Mental Magic. Jean-Luc dem- terms used in magic, and some Michael Tallon for being elected For two years the major
onstrated the ability to capture other general trivia topics. The to his third term as Regional program activity of the Jon-
snaps in a clear bowl. Chris questions were a combination Vice President of the Southwest gleur’s Assembly has been
Shore showed us a broken of multiple choice, fill in the Region. James Dusek recently exploring Tommy Wonder’s
and restored match inside of a blank, and matching dates to stepped down from being the Books of Wonder. Under the
hanky. Chris did the same with events. adult leader of the Society of leadership of Doug Eakin we
a toothpick. Young Magicians, and in his have learned and performed all
Chad Darnell demonstrated place, Mike Melito will assume of the effects in Volume One.
a fairy tale. Mysto (Mitch the leadership responsibilities. Our favorites include: Magic
Harwood) brought his antique The theme for this meeting Ranch (at Easter), Elizabeth II,
Card Sword. Steve Aldrich was Magic That Makes a Point Ambi-Tilt, Coins Across and
performed four of his wonderful or Teaches a Lesson. Starting Back, and Card In The Ring
homemade tricks. off the open performances Box. Doug has led us in dis-
The highlight for us was having was Joe Libby, who performed cussions of Tommy Wonder’s
Penguin Magic Live Expo, over Steve Taylor’s Coloring Book observations on the structure
one hundred local magicians Routine. Ray Adams, with the and performance of magic. We
attended, and their crew of Trivia contest winners, Cat and help from an audience member, are now venturing into Volume
Brent Braun, Chris Smith, Nick Michael! did a card effect that he called Two, which well may occupy
Difatee, Paul Richard, and Magic Crystals. Society of the next two years.
Greg Wilson amazed us with Once the scores were tallied, Young Magician’s member Our assembly holds three
their magic products and mini Michael Baker and Cat Little- Tyler Melito performed a Red, parties a year: the August Bar-
lectures. If you get the chance field came out on top and won White, and Blue fan trick, and B-Que, October Halloween
to have them come to your city, the coveted prize of goofy blue Mike Melito did a demonstra- Party and December Christmas
do it! —Glenn Proulx costume beards. tion in optical illusions while Party with a gift exchange. At
Riverpointe Senior Community Following the trivia contest, performing the Professor’s our recent Bar-B-Que the show
5225 S Prince St, Littleton, CO several magic props were Nightmare. featured Bill Colburn (aka
80123 in Littleton, CO Contact handed out to various members. Doug Gorman performed The William Wizard) exploring
Glenn Proulx glennproulx@ Grant Golden, who had picked Rules by Bob Sheets, and also, “string theory” in the fourth
gmail.com (303) 794-5208 them up at various magic sales, as a tribute to Ed Solomon, he dimension. It became cut
http://www.milehighmagicians. supplied these. Given a few performed an effect that he and restored, with sliding
org for more details. minutes to read any included called Saved, using a skull, knots. Doug Eakin performed
instructions and play with the a cross, a wand, and a string. his version of the torn and
props, those charged with the Michael Tallon did a Stop restored cigarette paper, an
51 task of demonstrating them, Smoking routine, and Paul Ambitious Card routine, and a
AUGUST BRINGS MORE did just that. There were some Mims performed the effect Di- great signed card to wallet.
MAGIC IN PEORIA! interesting results and plenty secto. Paul Amerson closed the Bruce Jordan shared one of
of discussion regarding sugges- open performances with the the effects from his children’s
PEORIA, IL— August brought tions for handling or presenta- Color Changing Knives. show with a circus theme,
the second annual Peoria Ignite tion. After the meeting, some Door prize winners were teddy bears, top hats, and
event, dedicated to artists and members met at a local eatery Michael Tallon and Paul elephants. Not the animals,
craftsmen of all types. Magic for more fun. —Michael Baker Amerson. Michael won just their photos. Bill Ragsdale
was well represented by the Assembly 51 meets the third Penhenge Sharpie by Joker concluded the evening with
Peoria Magicians Assembly; Monday of the month beginning Magic, and Paul won The magic he learned at the recent
several performers either took at 7:00pm at Schnucks, Fabulous Egg by Hocus Pocus MAGIC Live! These were Out
the stage or performed close-up 4100 N. University Street Magic. Many thanks to Paul Of This World with a shuffled
at the booth. in Peoria. Contact Michael Gross at Hocus Pocus Magic in deck (by Joseph Barry), a cell

14 OCTOBER 2015
 Assembly News
phone prediction (by Justin from four rings to four coins to raise over $50,000 and build
Willman), and the divination of to include his time-traveling 95 a school in rural Kenya. This
five cards selected by audience coin routine. Kainoa followed VANCOUVER CANADA year Shawn Farquhar was the
members (lifted from a Magic up with an “invisible” coin and AWARD WINNERS! headline act for the Celebrate
Castle performance). performed a stunning Victorian the Child annual show.
Our party evenings are always Coins and Glass effect. VANCOUVER, CANADA— Jeff Christensen was also
on the third Wednesday of the He then drew upon his educa- Congratulations to Vancouver nominated for a Community
month. The other monthly tional research and focused on Assembly 95 Dean Shawn Theatre Coalition award for Best
meetings may shift to other the nineteenth century. During Farquhar on being a recipient of Lead Actor in a Musical for his
evenings. —Bill Ragsdale this period, magic was the 2015 S.A.M. Heroism and portrayal of a musical/magical
The Jongleur’s Assembly 80 sometimes referred to as “ether” Patriot Award at the 2015 character from the show Santa
meets monthly at 3481 Sand which was a word closely as- S.A.M. national convention in Claus – The Panto. He recently
Piper Court, Hayward, CA sociated with both natural and Philadelphia. This award completed a Masterpiece Series
94542; call for time and date. unnatural phenomena. He em- honors those who have placed Residency with Jeff McBride
Contact Bill Ragsdale bill@ phasized the use of coins by others before themselves, while to learn his signature routine
billragsdale.cc (530) 867-6241 magicians over the centuries inspiring others with their The Rainmaker. He also has
for more details. since they are “noisy” and magic. Shawn Farquhar, a Life a product coming out in about
“shiny,” which contribute much Member of the S.A.M., dean of two weeks. This is a collabora-
89 to their impact by involving the largest assembly in Canada, tion with noted mentalist Eric
ALOHA multiple senses. 2014-2015 International Samuels and will be available
ASSEMBLY MAGIC After demonstrating and ex- President of the IBM, and exclusively through Promystic.
plaining the “wave vanish,” immediate Past President of the Finally, Jeff Christensen
HONOLULU, HI— Despite Kainoa then performed his C.A.M. certainly exemplifies has a feature article coming
warm weather and no air condi- classic Misbehavin’ four-coin this award, and is absolutely a out next month in Vanish
tioning, there was plenty of cool routine, which was simply well deserving recipient. magazine. Kudos to Jeff for
magic in the Aloha State during dazzling. He followed this up Assembly 95 is naturally all his recent achievements!
our August assembly with a retention pass discourse extremely proud of Shawn for —Rod Chow
meeting. President Michael and an absolutely flawless Coins all he has done to advance the The Carl Hemeon Assembly
“Kekoa” Erickson opened a through Table experience. He art of magic and his unselfish No. 95 meets the first Tuesday
very special evening; over emphasized multiple times help to many along the way. of each month at members’
twenty members and guests about the need to be gentle with homes. Contact Rod Chow
were in attendance. Kekoa coins although there are excep- rod@rodchow.com (604)
noted that our video library tions (such as the powerful click 669-7777 www.sam95.com for
now has over thirty titles. pass). This was followed with more details.
Members can see Assembly several classic palming tech-
Librarian James Gary if they niques. 99
are interested. Bob Festa After a break, Kainoa enter- MAGIC COLLECTING
provided refreshments…and tained all present with card HISTORY
plenty of them. magic, such as the delightful
Ghosts and Vamps routine and ORLANDO, FL— President
an especially slick packet trick Craig Schwarz called the
involving four Queens. He then meeting to order. We are
demonstrated the Like Mike Jeff Christensen, MC, Award looking forward to May 27-29,
shuffle. To wrap up the evening Winner & V.P of Assembly 95 2016, for the Magicpalooza
Kainoa mesmerized everyone Convention. Craig turned a
with his classic Rolling Miser Congratulations to another one-dollar bill into a one-mil-
coins into cup experience… Vancouver Assembly 95 recent lion-dollar bill. He presented
and ended with a detailed ex- award winner, Jeff Christensen, a citation award to Wallace
planation of his Victorian Vice-President of Assembly 95, Murphy for his monthly card
Coins & Glass routine. The and earlier this year, emcee for workshop.
event formally adjourned…but the annual Assembly 95 Awards Phil Schwartz, magic
Dr. Kainoa Harbottle (left) many stayed to buy magic and Banquet Show. The awards historian, presented Magic
poses with Michael “Kekoa” to “talk story” about another that Jeff has won include: History Moment #69. The topic
Erickson at a recent Aloha magical evening at the Aloha PCAM Gold Medal winner was Magic Collecting. Louis
Assembly #89 special event. Assembly 89. —Joe Page for Mentalism, Vancouver Lavassor (1846-1930) was the
The Jimmy Yoshida Aloha Magic Circle (VMC) Ray first collector. He was a concert
We had a special treat, since Assembly 89 meets the first Gamble trophy for best card pianist and his mansion was in
none other than Curtis Kam Wednesday of every month at the routine with an unopened deck, Covington, Kentucky. Between
introduced the evening’s Kalihi-Palama Library. The VMC Charles Howard trophy 1885 to1915 he began collecting.
featured guest speaker, Dr. address is 1325 Kalihi for best card routine using That was the age of Herrmann,
Kainoa Harbottle. Kainoa is Street in Honolulu, gimmicked cards, as well as the Kellar, LeRoy, and Houdini.
visiting his home state from Hawaii 96819. Contact VMC HB McLean trophy for The Sphinx pronounced his
the mainland and provided a Dr. Joe Page rainbow. close-up magician of the year. collection as the largest in the
magical evening of entertain- con nection@hawaiiantel. Jeff was also a recipient of a world.
ment, mirth, education, and net (808) 381-7820 https:// S.A.M. National Presidential After his death, his widow
remarkable magic with coins w w w.f a c e b o o k .c o m / Certificate for his charitable sold it to John Snyder in
and cards. He opened his pre- hawaiimagicclub?fref=ts for work with his foundation Cel- 1940, who then sold it to
sentation with an exceptional more details. ebrateTheChild.me. Through John McManus of New York,
“ring” presentation and segued magic, his foundation was able who added Hofzinser pieces.

M-U-M Magazine 15
Assembly News

Collector Charles Larson (1868- off, Assembly 104 was not to wonderfully revamped show. Following David was Germar,
1950) traveled the world buying be caught dozing in the sun. Compeers Evan Buso-Jarnis, who performed several routines,
magic. His pieces were on Well, maybe one or two folks John McLaughlin, and Doug including the transposition of a
display in New York City and may have indulged in a relaxing Rickenback were also among borrowed wedding ring from
included the Dr. Hooker collec- ray bath, but many have been attendees. under one napkin to another,
tion. Thomas Chew Worthing- too active for much of that. A An August board meeting without touching either. Jerry
ton III of Baltimore started long and unusually bitter winter by the new slate of officers Barrilleaux was voted winner
the Society of Osiris in 1923. has seemingly led to a lot of for Assembly 104 was held to of the One-shot contest. Germar
He disliked magicians who New England families opting prepare for the season ahead, was winner in the full stage
join clubs just to learn magic for magicians at their desper- while the children of S.Y.M. contest and will compete in the
secrets. In 1953, he donated ately desired outdoor events 124 have been working on their upcoming Oakland Magic
his collection to the John and (read: catharsis here). Warmth, own preparations for their end Circle area competition.
Mabel Ringling Museum of Art coupled with an improved of summer competition and
in Sarasota. John McManus, economy, has benefited many barbecue at Camp Evergreen,
with the help of Dr. Morris performers with more work. in Andover, Massachusetts, on
Young acquired Lavassor’s and Bob and Kathy Forrest even had August 31. The kids’ enthusi-
Larsen’s collections and started to forgo scheduling their annual asm and ambition are always
the American Magic Collector’s cookout due to an avalanche of inspirational. 124 President
Association. These also went to backyard parties. While Camp Derek Dubois’s own prepara-
the Ringling Museum in 1954 Evergreen kept Jim Loscutoff tions included polishing his
with the Hofzinser pieces going under sol’s gaze, working with skills with his latest perfor-
to the Library of Congress and this year’s crop of kids, he mance in the second annual
Houdini posters and photos managed to squeeze in visits to Magic’s Rising Stars produc-
and a library of books going to the Wizard’s group in Peabody tion in Chelmsford, Massachu-
libraries such as the one at The by night. Len Lazar, Bill Jensen, setts, on August 1.
University of Texas. and even Dave Tolstrup popped On Wednesday, September
The Ringling Museum, in a in for weekly sessions. 2, at 7:00 p.m., it all begins Germar Wins Stage
cash crunch, traded the collec- July was highlighted for our anew for 104 at Diamond’s Competition
tion to Cypress Gardens, where S.Y.M. 124 kids by a great Magic, in Peabody, Massachu-
the owner’s children abused the meeting replete with a very well setts—our Magic Kingdom. Our latest meeting was a
props. Charles Kalish bought organized Magic Jeopardy pre- —Bob Forrest special evening that included
some of the collection and most sentation and prizes for the Assembly 104 meets at 7 a Broken Wand ceremony for
of it now rests in Ken Klos- winners. Young officers Mike p.m., on the first Wednesday our recently departed compeer,
terman’s Ohio home. Phil Ricciardi, Derek DuBois, and of each month, September- Lee Grabel. It was Lee Grabel
then showed a grand collection Nate Nagem enjoyed another June, at Diamond’s Magic, who turned over the Mantle of
of antique Thayer Die Boxes. week of Tannen’s Magic Camp. 515 Lowell Street, Peabody, Magic to Lance Burton in 1994.
Bev Bergeron opened the They reported an awesome Massachusetts. Contact Bob Several guests, including Mike
monthly show with teaching week of training, competition, Forrest captainalbrightsq1@ Della Penna, president of the
us how to light an invisible and shows. Michael won first comcast.net (339) 227-0797 Oakland Magic Circle, Dale
cigarette. Dan Stapleton had place in his division and Derek www.sam104.com for more Lorzo, president of Assembly
a collection of silverware clinched fourth in his. details. 72, and others from that
in which knives and forks assembly, Gerry Griffin, owner
changed places in napkins held 112 of the California Magic Dinner
by spectators. Jimmy Ichihana STAGE NIGHT Theatre, and Frank Biafore of
cut to the Kings in a deck and Playland-Not-At-The-Beach,
knew where they were in a PLEASANT HILL, CA— Our attended the ceremony to pay
shuffled deck. Roger Reid used latest meeting was an exciting their respects.
potholder colored bands that evening of magical entertain- On the upbeat side, we were
changed places on a spectator’s ment with our two stage magic fortunate to have Al Doty as
fingers. Back from fooling Penn competitions, the One-shot and guest lecturer. Al was one
and Teller, our own Kostya full stage contests. of the founding members of
Kimlat did some fabulous card You never can tell who will pull Opening magician for the Assembly 112 and served as
magic. —Dennis Phillips out a deck at our meetings. One-shot contest was assembly secretary in the early years.
Assembly 99 meets at the president, Larry “Zappo” It was a great lecture, well
International House of
In August, 124 Vice President Wright. Zappo demonstrated received by everyone.
Pancakes, 5203 Kirkman
Mike Ricciardi reported his his amazing powers of pre- As usual, members and
Road, Orlando, FL 32819. three days spent at MAGIC diction using mementos from guests treated us with several
Contact Craig Schwarz craig@
Live were unforgettable. This World War II. Next to perform great performances. David
ibmsamorl.com for more
was attested to by former was Jerry Barrilleaux, who Hirata performed a noteworthy
details. Assembly 104 Vice President called up the spirit of Harry Triumph, quite similar to the
Eddie Gardner. The latter Houdini. John Gyllenhaal one that recently fooled Penn &
104 said a classic magic act was followed, with tricks with bills. Teller on their television show,
SUMMER MAGIC’S WHERE recreated beautifully by one Final contestant, Nate Wilson, and trust me, just as mystifying
YOU FIND IT OR IT FINDS magician in the style of Dai entertained with his jumbo- even to those who thought they
YOU. Vernon. Ed was also impressed sized, invisible deck of cards. knew how to do it.
by the startling production of an First performer in the full Other performances included
WITCH CITY, SALEM, MA— animated dinosaur at the con- stage contest was David Hirata, one by Bob Holdridge with his
During our summer months clusion of David Copperfield’s who performed a three-part act. crazy eye test, a gag revelation

16 OCTOBER 2015
 Assembly News

trick by Paul Christensen, the conduct the teach-in for every month at 1150 Pepsi of tonight’s meeting there were
Walking Knot by Ric Ewing, September 4; the theme will be Place, Charlottesville, VA no performances; we tried
precognitive computer punch “Misdirection.” 22901. Contact George something new. Several months
cards (remember those?) by Buckley gbbuckley@mac. ago members picked a magi-
Rod McFadden, a vanishing com (434) 4092643 www. cian’s name out of a hat and
dollar bill by Al Doty, and the samassembly115.com for more were asked to do a biography
concluding act, a demonstra- details. on that magician. Tonight Dave
tion of the ancient art of pick- Jenkins did his biography on the
pocketing by Zeb Dunnit using 120 Davenport Brothers. Dorothy
Chinese coins on a string. JULY MEETING Dietrich did her biography on
We also held our monthly Dante. And Dick Brooks did his
auction and a raffle for some CHAMPAIGN, IL— We started biography/question & answer
really great professional magic the July meeting off with dis- session on Houdini. Dave,
items. —Bill Marquardt cussion of recent conventions Dorothy, and Dick did an out-
Diablo Assembly 112 meets What’s a penny’s worth and workshops and quickly standing job. It lead to a very
on the third Wednesday of amongst friends? moved into Professor Higgins’s interesting, and informative
each month, 7:00 pm at the presentation on threads and meeting.
VFW hall in Pleasant Hill, CA. reels. I had no idea how many “HOUDINI OPOLY”:
Contact Larry Wright Zappo@ Our magical theme was different kinds of and ways to Dorothy Dietrich and Dick
zappothemagician.com (925) “Pennies from Heaven.” Dan use reels there are. The Prof is Brookz, owners of the Houdini
685-5129 www.sam112.com for Hall performed Jay Sankey’s a wealth of knowledge when it Museum, 1433 N Main Avenue,
more details. Holy Moly. George performed comes to threads or anything Scranton, Pennsylvania,
and taught the two-dollar flammable/blow-upable. Our announced they have designed
115 bill trick. Dan Rowan then thanks to him for bringing his a game called “HOUDINI
PENNIES FROM HEAVEN performed The Mysterious collection of apparatus for us to OPOLY.” It’s like Monopoly but
Release from W.H. Cremer’s peruse. has a Houdini theme. The game
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA— The Secret Out with the help J.R. Thomas opened the magic sells for $35 plus shipping and
Our August meeting found of our guest Joe Juliano. Dan with his versions of Abbott’s handling. For more informa-
Assembly 115 members again then performed several other Torn and Restored Newspaper, tion contact Dorothy Dietrich
gathered at the Pepsi-Cola wonderful finger penetration Times are Changing, and Po- and Dick Brooks. A limited
Bottling Plant in Charlottes- effects with a lanyard. Georgelitically Incorrect. Professor number of games will be made.
ville, Virginia. Members in at- performed Jim Steinmeyer’s Higgins performed a number —Burt Ebel
tendance were George Buckley, Understanding the Bermuda of effects using loops and reels, Iron Skillet Restaurant, located
Ed Schultz, Bethany Hall, Triangle and A Very Good and Rob Thompson did a very inside the Petro Shopping
Daniel Hall, Dan Rowen, David Year by TC Tahoe (M-U-M nice Coins Across and Copper/ Center, 98 Grove Street,
Clauss, Nathan Clauss, Everette January 2015), using an antique
Silver transpo. Jon Bontjes, in Dupont, Pennsylvania 18641
Anderson, Tom Olshefski, and compass and coins from a his first meeting after moving Contact Burt Ebel ebel717@
guest Joseph Juliano. miser’s coin purse that his from the S.Y.M. to the S.A.M. msn.com (570) 982-1595 for
Tom, David, and Nathan daughter (Bethany Hall) had performed his Do as I Do pre- more details.
talked about their trip to the made. George then preformed a diction. Welcome to CIMA
2015 S.A.M. convention. Tom coin effect he had written many
John, glad to have ya! J.R.
talked about the underground years ago called Blackstone’s finished off the meeting with 181
magic (secret) sessions and Dime, using a small aspirin tin.
his Ambitious Card Transposi- AUGUST BBQ
the book he had purchased, Tom Olshefski performed tion.
John Bannon’s Destination Ancient Rituals, his version of Our next meeting will be at HIGHTSTOWN, NJ— Summer
Zero. David then talked about Petal to the Metal from John Dallas Magic and Costumes in always feels like the shortest
the lectures and shows he Bannon’s Destination Zero Champaign. As usual, some of season, but not to members of
attended, the favorites being and Synchronicity, his versionus will meet across the street at Assembly 181 who await the
Juan Luis Rubiales and Andy of Matchismo with the help Manzella’s Italian Patio before start of a new season of magic
Dallas’s awesome Zombie of David Clauss and guest Joe the meeting if you want to come events.
routine. Nathan talked about Juliano. Tom had added in by. The food is always great.
the S.Y.M. part of the conven- some wonderful card sleights See ya at the meeting. —Ken
tion. He met Bruce Kalver, and a storyline that proved Barham
Kayla Drescher, and Hiawatha Destination Zero was indeed Assembly 120, The Andy Dallas
Johnson. He really enjoyed the a “Best Buy” from the S.A.M. Assembly. meets the third Wed.
storytelling magic of Hiawatha, convention. The last perfor- 7pm, (except Nov. and Dec.) For
but wished he could have made mance of the evening was Dan location call Christ Bontjes at
it to more of the adult lectures. Hall and David Clauss per- 217-442-6244 or Ken Barham
President George Buckley forming two versions of Coin Sec, 2318 Winchester Dr,
opened a very short business Matrix: Dan on a thin card matChampaign, IL 61821 217-841-
meeting with a discussion of with just his hands and David 5616 email: Kebram@aol.com Playing Fast and Loose
possible lectures, Magic Week on a thicker card mat with
preparations, and website cards. Members broke into in- In August, we keep the magic
renewal. Members expressed a dividual discussions after what 160 juices flowing by schedul-
desire to have Eric Jones, David was possibly our most magical MAGIC BIOGRAPHY ing a planning meeting and
Regal, or Steve Beam as night this year. —Bethany Hall BBQ. Mitch Geier was kind
possible lecturers for next year. Assembly 115 meets at 7:00 SCRANTON/WILKES BARRE, enough to host this get-together
Tom Olshefski volunteered to p.m. on the first Friday of PA— After the business session at his lovely house and pool.

M-U-M Magazine 17
Assembly News
Assembly member and sleight- ESP card. Roger Sylwester The club meets the first during the early years.
of-hand artist, Keith Warner, performed an ACAAN effect Thursday of each month at a “Séances are quite different
who was once a restaurateur, in which the card was found branch of the King County from what I was doing previ-
does all the food preparation reversed in an exact location in Library from 7:00 PM to 9:00 ously; I realized that you have
for this event. the deck. It was based on Dai PM. Please check website for to put some thought into it,” he
Thanks to all the contribu- Vernon’s The Trick That Can’t meeting locations. Contact said. “You have to set expecta-
tions of assembly members Be Explained. Jim Earnshaw Chuck Kleiner chuckkleiner@ tions.”
we will have a full a schedule performed a manipulation act yahoo.com (206) 236-0608
this season that will include a using three coins, a saltshaker, www.emeraldcitywizards.org
workshop at every meeting, a butter knife, and a napkin. for more details.
a couple of full lectures, two Mark Paulson told us that his
fund-raising events, and lots of father never let him play with
opportunities to perform and cards but that he’s always been 206
see magic. drawn to them. Each card in JAMIE SALINAS VS. JACK
After meeting, planning and his deck had a different name THE RIPPER: SEANCE
eating, what is left to do but on the back. The spectator’s MAGIC IN TEXAS
magic. The rest of the afternoon freely chosen card turned out
was spent exchanging ideas to be named Satan. Maybe his AUSTIN, TX— Interested in Award-winning magician Jamie
and showing each other what dad was on to something. Mark holding a spooky séance this Salinas spoke to Assembly 206
we have been working on this also showed us a balloon that Halloween? Here’s a tip: Never about seance magic.
summer. There were coin we all burst with the power of forget that séances, in very fun-
routines, people running fast our minds. damental ways, are different He said the public doesn’t
and loose, and many homemade Chuck Kleiner performed from magic shows. So proceed want a spooky magic show,
illusions. This is always what Docc Hilford’s Wizard’s accordingly. and as such, it’s a mistake to
happens when magicians get Manual. Otto Miller showed This may have been the most present séance effects as magic
together. Hope to see you at our us a Matrix routine with four important take-away message tricks. Sitters also expect
next meeting. —David Zboray cards and four coins. He then delivered by veteran mentalist candles, eerie sounds, and all
Assembly 181 of Hightstown upped the skill level by per- Jamie Salinas, the Assembly the accoutrement of spiritual-
meets the first Thursday of forming a Matrix routine with 206 guest speaker for our July ism. The maxim “less is more”
every month, September no cards, just the coins and his meeting. also is important. Banish all
thru June at the First United two hands. A fixture in the Texas magic big magic tricks in favor of
Methodist Church , 187 Our club has nurtured a community, Mr. Salinas small, seamless effects that are
Stockton Street, Hightstown, positive and supportive envi- recently has gained a name for creepy.
NJ 08520. Doors open at ronment where members can himself as co-producer of a In that context Mr. Salinas
7:00PM. Contact Stephan workshop new routines and get Victorian “séance” in Houston. demonstrated for Assembly
Sloan lands10@optonline.net positive feedback on how to He spoke extensively about 206 members various men-
(757) 757-5337 http://www. improve them. Michael Jacobs his experiences hosting those talism-type effects, including
magicsam181.com for more took the workshop opportunity spiritualist demonstrations a dual-reality bit in which
details. this month and demonstrated during his nearly two-hour- a haunted doll appeared to
the difference between a long lecture. transmit feelings to a volunteer
200 magician and a mentalist. “You have to let those who from the audience. He also
SUMMER MAGIC Michael’s effect was based on believe…believe,” he said. exhibited a radio that appeared
Milbourne Christopher’s Con- Mr. Salinas and séance co- to pick up sounds from beyond
SEATTLE, WA— Our August centrate on a Card. He got a lot producer Scott Wells set up the grave. —R.A. Dyer
meeting began with an of ideas from Brian Cook, Jim their demonstrations during Assembly 206 meets in various
update on the magic events Earnshaw, and other members each Halloween season in locations around Austin during
our members attended in the on how to improve the effect. a very old downtown bar in the Third Monday of each
previous month and an update We hope he shows us an update Houston. “Sitters” are given month. Contact Jake Dyer
on the upcoming magic in the at a future meeting. plenty of time to mingle and jakedyer@yahoo.com (512)
Seattle area. Tom Payne told are encouraged to buy drinks. 658-0017 http://sam206.com/
us about the closing of an old Mr. Salinas said the atmo- for more details.
magic shop and the opening of spheric bar was selected, in
a new one. part, because it conveys a sense
Our president, Jim Earnshaw, of old history. 252
welcomed our newest S.A.M. Mr. Salinas and Mr. Wells MUSIC TO MY EARS
member, Dave Buck. Dan conduct two “sittings” per
Kennedy, who recently injured evening; during each they FAIRFAX, VA— Richie Klein
his hand, showed us that he supposedly attempt to make began the evening’s magic
could still do card magic contact with the famous mass with a selected card that was
without touching the cards. He murderer Jack the Ripper. returned to the deck and the
had a spectator handle the deck Although billing the demon- deck was replaced in the
and follow his instructions Jim Earnshaw welcoming our strations as “recreations,” Mr. card box. Next the card box
to find the selected card. The newest member Dave Buck Salinas says he encourages was placed in a cardboard
effect was based on Daryl’s believers and skeptics to take box decorated with musical
Untouched. If you’re ever in Seattle on the away from them what they will. notes and marked “Music
Larry Dimmit helped a first Thursday of the month, Salinas said he never Box.” Richie then strummed
spectator see through his own come and visit our magic club. witnessed a séance prior to per- an ukulele and the cards, sans
third eye and the spectator You’ll definitely see some cool forming his own. This led to card box, leaped into the air;
unbelievably divined his own stuff! —Chuck Kleiner more than a few mistakes the selected card adhered to

18 OCTOBER 2015
 Assembly News
the ukulele, ala Card on the bit of foolery. Greg Clements countless hours of service to fun, magic and friends!
Ceiling. ended the evening with an the betterment of the Society, Then came the real fun!
Keith Pass continued the attempt to get a boom box to and their consistent willing- Christopher taught and enter-
magic with a giant sponge ball play. The boom box had no ness to assist with any and tained us with a card systems
routine done to music, batteries and no cord, but Greg all request made of them. All trick. Frank showed us the
producing four sponge balls made it happen with two pieces would do well to emulate as he Space Time Continuum. Roy
that turned into a really giant of string, an electrical outlet epitomizes our motto: M-U-M, delighted us with a card poker
ball. Later he did his highly drawn on a piece of paper, and Magic – Unity – Might.” trick. Howard did an entire
regarded Linking Rings a bunch of magical gestures. After that extraordinary mentalism routine with cards
routine, also set to music. Bob —Alan Wheeler honor, Frank was further with numbers trick, Mathemag-
Malinchock followed with a Assembly 252 meets on the presented with The S.A.M. ic, and then produced a flag. I
performance of the classic Ball third Thursday of each month Heroism and Patriot Award performed a comedy act of the
and Vase, featuring some at 7:30 PM in the Knights of plaque and medal, which is in needle through the balloon, a
original moves and very slick Columbus Hall behind St. dedication of the memory of rabbit in the hat, the rising card
routining. He then did two Leo’s Catholic Church, 3700 John Eichler. Frank earned this in the glass and the disappear-
card effects, the last featuring a Old Lee Highway, City of award for his saving the life of ing coin on the pad tricks (with
numbered card deck made in Fairfax, VA. Contact Tom a judge (who is still alive today) the latter two going wrong,
Austria and expertly performed Bohacek bohacek@gmail. by giving her CPR. Only eight hence the comedy. Heather was
faro shuffles. com (703) 754-2005 for more S.A.M. members have earned magnificent using the cups and
details. this award, given for their acts balls. Les brought out an Owen
of bravery and valor. Congratu- Rapid Rabbit Card Rise that he
291 lations Frank! did not know how it worked,
FREE FOR ALL MAGIC except that it would open its
ears and produce cards. Raul
LOS ANGELES, CA— The amazed us with misdirection
meeting started off with using metal balls. And for the
President Les presenting Frank finally, Ekbog performed a
and Stephen with S.A.M. Pres- card trick he dubs “How Can
idential Certificates, signed That Be?” Overall, the free
by S.A.M. President Kendrick for all turned into a wonderful
“ICE” McDonald for being highlight of talented magic!
Members of the Year. This —William Dow Jr.
Richie Klein makes music was for their “extraordinary Assembly 291 meets the second
support promoting the goals Tuesday of the month at the
Alec Negri brought down and the values of The Society OPICA Adult Day Care Facility,
the house with a routine that of American Magicians, their 11759 Missouri Avenue, Los
involved him singing “99 constant efforts to elevate Frank’s Medal Angeles, CA 90025. *This is
Bottles of Beer on the Wall” and advance the art of magic, subject to change.* Contact
while an audience partici- for their unselfish acts, by Also, as a guest, and a future Les Cooper Cooperl@ucla.
pant counted from ten to one extending themselves to help member of Assembly 291, we edu (310) 473-1820 www.
backwards. Everyone was others within and outside were joined by Heather’s friend westsidewizards.org for more
floored by the ending of this the magic community, their Ed. Welcome into our fold of details. 

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M-U-M Magazine 19
SOCIETY
S A M
OF
N
ociety of
AMERICAN
C A M
merican
MAGICIANS
agicians ational ouncil nnual eeting
July 1, 2015 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Draft)
Call to order: Most Illustrious Kenrick McDonald acknowledged knowledged MI McDonald for his
Kenrick McDonald called the annual that he and council members were the ability to cut to the chase when tackling
meeting of The Society of American people “for this moment.” He stated challenges.
Magicians to order according to ritual that the S.A.M. is one of the best or- National Treasurer Eric Lampert
at 8:45 a.m. ganizations, bar none, because “we are discussed the proposed budget. He said
Invocation given by PNP Jann family; we come together, and we stand he dropped about $50,000 – a big cut –
Goodsell, who began with a moment of together.” He also acknowledged the but he was glad to propose a balanced
silence for departed compeers. National Officers for working hard for budget. He said he hoped that by
Introduce Past Presidents and the membership and asked that the new mid-year, he could return some items
guests: Mi McDonald acknowledged officers honor the member as he has. to the budget. Lampert then asked for a
and honored Past Presidents Bradley In recognition of the Year of the motion to approve the 2015-2016 budget
Jacobs, David Goodsell, George Member, MI McDonald presented Pres- of $329,725.
Schindler, Dan Rodriguez, Harry idential Certificates to Sarah Crasson, Motion: PNP Brad Jacobs moved
Monti, Jann Goodsell, Ed Thomas, Christopher Bontjes and Steven Spence that the 2015-2016 budget of $329,725
John Apperson, Richard Dooley, Andy for their work on the Ethics Committee. be approved. Discussion: Lampert
Dallas, Bruce Kalver, Mike Miller, President-elect David Bowers said requested that all budget questions be
Mark Weidhaas, Vinny Grosso and that working with MI McDonald helped directed do him. Vote: Motion passed
Chris Bontjes. prepare him for becoming president. He with one abstention.
Approval minutes to March 6, said that the S.A.M. came through its
2015, meeting: National Secretary problems with flying colors; still, there ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Marlene Clark asked that the minutes is a lot to accomplish, and he will be Absent – report in the Blue Book:
be approved with the following correc- calling on many council members for M-U-M Editor Michael Close; Media
tions. (1) The report by New Assembly help in the coming year. Library Curator Mark Jensen;
Coordinator Les Cooper was in the First Vice President Jeff Sikora said Chaplain Michael Douglas.
Blue Book, but that fact was omitted. MI McDonald handled many things Absent – no report: Gifts & Insignia
She asked that his name be added to this year and took a lot off the plate Craig Schwarz
the “Absent, Report in Book” category; for Bowers and him. During his time National Administrator Manon
and (2) Mark Weidhaas was mentioned as a National Officer, he and Bowers Rodriguez urged all to use the website.
twice in the presidential acknowl- have grown and helped each other. She thanked the RVPs for updating
edgements. She asked to remove one He mentioned missing last year’s their regions’ information, and Tech-
mention of his name. Motion: Delegate annual meeting because he attended nology Chairman Bruce Kalver for his
Bill Gleason moved the minutes be the funeral of an S.Y.M. member in tireless work.
approved as corrected. Vote: motion Omaha; Bowers got a magic poster Insurance Advisor – Joseph
passed. and got many council members to sign Caulfield, Esq. referred to his Blue
Counting the ballots: Election it. He presented it to the family, which Book report.
Chairman Ed Thomas requested per- was touched that the S.A.M. and S.Y.M. Investments – PNP Richard Dooley
mission to leave the meeting and count honored their child. explained that the account’s conserva-
the National Council Election Ballots. Second Vice President Dick Bowman tive approach has served the S.A.M.
MI McDonald granted permission. said he presented more than 30 certifi- well over the years. It gained about
cates to members throughout the U.S. $44,000 in the past year, slightly out-
REPORTS and Canada who volunteer to spread performing the S&P. The S.A.M. used
Note: The Book of Reports – the the joy of magic throughout their com- $35,000 from the reserve account to
Blue Book – is part of the National munities. As Roles and Responsi- cover a deficit. The S.A.M. is on strong
Council Minutes. Except for bilities Chairman, he said he is just financial footing.
reports listed as “live,” the Blue about finished with job descriptions Legal Counsel Stuart Schneider
Book is available electronically and a detailed listing of each council thanked MI McDonald for a good year.
from National Secretary Marlene member. In the coming year, he said he Roles & Responsibilities Dick
Clark, as hard copy from National hopes to enhance the entries to include Bowman (see above)
Administrator Manon Rodriguez, summaries of committee duties and
or online in the member-only upload the document to the S.A.M. REGIONAL OFFICERS: all have
section at www.magicsam.com. website so each member can see what reports in the Blue Book
they can do to serve the Society.
NATIONAL OFFICERS: All National Secretary National Absent: RVP Midwestern States Shaun
present with reports in the Blue Book. Treasurer Marlene Clark thanked Rivera; RVP Canada Lon Mandrake
National President 2014-2015 those who submitted reports and ac- RVP New England States Thomas

20 OCTOBER 2015
Gentile said that New England is Weidhaas (live report) – welcomed all IBM/SAM Combined Con-
thriving. He had a great experience to Philadelphia and reminded people to vention: The IBM & S.A.M. are
working with Boy Scouts in Connecti- pick up their S.A.M. swag from the reg- working to change the contract
cut, where new S.Y.M. assembly #Y147 istration booth. with the hotel to alleviate possible
got 12 new members. He called on all to The total final distribution to the financial liabilities connected
help with the Boy Scout effort. S.A.M. from the IBM/SAM joint con- with a planned smaller and
RVP North Atlantic Eric DeCamps vention was $21,644; it was a financial shorter IBM/S.A.M. combined
said it was an honor and privilege to success. convention in Louisville 2017.
serve as RVP for the S.A.M. He thanked North America Stage Champions, Assembly Contact Coordinator Kyle
members of his assemblies, adding that Trevor and Lorenna Watters, are unable Peron referred to his Blue Book report.
his region is among the most active in to attend FISM because of an unfore- MI McDonald praised Peron for doing
the S.A.M. His last regional newslet- seen medical condition. a great job in designing the S.A.M.
ter reached more than 3,900 people 2015 S.A.M. Convention: The artwork.
worldwide. committee had to face several chal- Dean – PNP George Schindler (live
RVP Mid Atlantic States Arlen lenges, e.g.: competition from other report for the following: International
Solomon was absent because he was conventions; with only 6 entrants, the Deputy Coordinator, Houdini Hospital
working with S.Y.M. activities at the committee had to cancel the contests; Fund, Publicity.)
convention. the budget didn’t hiring a professional Publicity: PNP Schindler
RVP South Atlantic States Jim photographer wasn’t within the budget; thanked Tech Chair Bruce
Driscoll referred to his Blue Book the fire marshal required a change Kalver and Marketing Director
report. in show seating. However there was Dal Sanders for getting out con-
RVP Central Plains States Steven much to be thankful for: screening the vention publicity.
Spence said his region will hold a 1-day Houdini movie, “The Grim Game”; International Deputies:
mini-Summit in October. He noted that S.A.M. Swag; a stellar advertising He said that our international
the 2016 S.A.M. convention will be in and social media approach, including magicians are not active, but
Indianapolis and described several city Kyle Peron’s design skills and Tech they still want to be part of the
highlights. He urged all to register early Chairman PNP Bruce Kalver’s podcasts S.A.M.
for the convention. and convention blogs; and he thanked Houdini Fund: The fund has a
Spence also highlighted his Ethics his committee. half million dollars, but the only
Committee report. He recognized Future conventions: way the fund can move money
committee members Sarah Crasson 2016: “Get Ready, Get Set, is to provide grants to those in
and PNP Chris Bontjes for their tireless Go!” July 13-16. The Indianapo- magic or the allied arts with
efforts this year. He was proud to report lis 500 will be 100 years old, medical bills. All is confidential;
that all ethics cases had been resolved, and Indiana will be 200 years proof of illness is necessary.
and there are no ethics cases pending. old. The committee has already Ethics – Steven Spence (See RVP
RVP South Central States Michael begun working on the program: Central Plains report).
Tallon referenced his Blue Book report. the “Jersey Boys,” the Magic of Facebook – PNP Dal Sanders (absent
RVP Northwestern States JR Russell Michigan and a possible return to - Kyle Peron reporting). Peron said that
acknowledged state deputies, who said a carnival midway to be put on by the social media aspect of the S.A.M.
they enjoyed the experience of working S.Y.M. members. The committee is growing, and it’s free. He explained
with the S.A.M. Dave Barnett is the is exploring virtual convention that the new Magic Compass has two
winner of this year’s annual raffle. registration. areas: a website and an email news-
RVP Southwestern States Ronald 2017 – (See PNP Jacobs’s report) letter. Within 1 week, the Compass
Ishimaru said his 3 terms as RVP 2018 – Exploring a new approach. website had 2,000 unique visitors; the
has been fun and educational. He 2019 – Las Vegas newsletter has 500 subscribers. This
presented leis to the National Officers Ambassador of Magic – PNP Bradley year, his task is to rebrand S.A.M. logo
and National Administrator Manon M. Jacobs (IBM/S.A.M. Combined Con- products to integrate and coordinate the
Rodriguez. MI McDonald praised RVP vention, FISM and Magic Endowment S.A.M. logo into a consistent message.
Ishimaru for attending every council Fund). Suggestions and ideas are welcome!
meeting during his term as RVP. MEF: With $1,055,000 in its Good Cheer – Anthony Antonelly
account, the MEF is stable. The thanked MI McDonald for his help and
COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN trustees have approved $28,700 guidance and presented the National
Absent – Report in Blue Book: Deaf to various S.A.M. projects. Officers with gifts. MI McDonald
Magicians Deputy Simon Carmel; Jacobs is stepping down as thanked Antonelly for his compassion-
National Magic Week – Shaun Rivera. chairman; PNP Ed Thomas is ate work.
the new chairman.
Absent – No Report: The Magic FISM: He will represent the ELECTIONS
Symbol – Michael A. Raymer; Spotlight S.A.M. at FISM, as will new MI Election Chair PNP Ed Thomas
Program – Barbara Dallas. Dave Bowers, Cinde and PNP returned to the meeting with the results
Conference Executive Mark Dal Sanders. of the annual election. Six ballots were

M-U-M Magazine 21
SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS
void because they failed to follow in- the restoration, which will create great thanked National Administrator Manon
structions publicity for the S.A.M. Rodriguez for the incredible work she
He announced the results for the Life Membership Chair Dan Sclare does every day.
2015-16 S.A.M. year: said the S.A.M. is closing in on 400 life Veterans Program/Military Mem-
members! bership Liaison Christopher Bontjes
National Officers: Magic Center Foundation President asked that all council members please
President-elect – Jeff Sikora – PNP Dan Rodriguez thanked the notify members of this very important
1st Vice President – Dick Bowman M.E.F. for the grant for operational program.
2nd Vice President – Ron Ishimaru costs. Now in its 15th year, the Center Young Members Program Director
Secretary – Marlene Clark has a couple dozen collections from PNP Jann Goodsell referred to her
Treasurer – Eric Lampert around the world; about a dozen are Blue Book report.
Regional Officers: on display. The future may involve a Tenure Committee – Phil Milstead
Northeast Regional Vice “virtual” center at www.sammagiccen- announced a special reception during
President – Tom Gentile ter.com , which contains an example. the convention for those enjoying special
North Atlantic Regional Vice The center is moving from a 1,000 ft. S.A.M. membership anniversaries.
President – Joel Zaritsky warehouse in Parker CO to the west side Old Business: none
Mid Atlantic Regional Vice of the Denver metro area and is looking Society Business (Items from
President – Arlen Solomon for a perfect facility. He welcomed RVP Caucus): None
South Atlantic Regional Vice Jim Driscoll to the board and reminded Society Business (New Business/
President – Jim Driscoll council members that the center has Other)
Central Plains Regional Vice 20 sets of “4-Suit” collectible pins left. National Secretary Marlene Clark
President – Steven Spence National Historian Tom Ewing offered asked that the National Council
Midwestern Regional Vice services via an auction he and David approve the following new assem-
President – Randy Kalin Haversat operate. blies:
South Central Regional Vice Magic for Special Education – High Sierra Nevada Magic Circle
President – Michael Tallon Harry & Trudy Monti: Trudy said S.A.M. Assembly #298
Northwestern Regional Vice she and Harry are stepping down and Winchester Virginia Magic Club
President – JR Russell are looking for someone to take over S.A.M. Assembly #297
Southwestern Regional Vice the committee. She said it has been a Waterbury Connecticut Harry
President – Michael Deschalit privilege to serve on this committee. Houdini S.Y.M. Assembly #Y147
Canada Regional Vice President Membership – Kelly Peron said she Motion: RVP Eric DeCamps
– Lon Mandrake was looking forward to working with moved that the Council approve the
MI David Bowers in retaining mem- new assemblies. Discussion: none.
Hall of Fame and Magic Museum bership. Vote: motion approved.
Inc. Edward W. Thomas said the Magic National Historian Tom Ewing (see Good and Welfare:
Castle has space for display. The Hall of remarks under Magic Center) Second VP Dick Bowman asked
Fame will contact the Castle to discuss Marketing Committee – (see report that assembly members who know
possible use of the space. under Facebook). of compeers who are ill to contact
Heroism and Patriots Committee New Assembly Coordinator Les National Administrator Manon
William Gleason said the committee Cooper (absent, report in book) is Rodriguez or Good Cheer Committee
is enhancing the criteria of the award stepping down. President-elect David Chairman Tony Antonelly.
to include S.A.M. members who are Bowers thanked Cooper for his dedica- MI McDonald thanked council
living organ donors. He will contribute tion and announced that Phil Milstead members for their support during his
articles to the Magic Compass. Frank will be the new chairman. term.
Seltzer has joined the committee and Paranormal Investigation Committee Benediction by PNP David Goodsell.
will serve as secretary. MI McDonald – Charles Siebert referred to his blue Adjourn: Meet adjourned according
and RVP Jim Driscoll presented this book report. to ritual at 10:25 a.m.
year’s awards in California and Florida. SAMtalk – PNP Bruce Kalver
Houdini Gravesite Restoration reported that SAMtalk is strong; it has Respectfully submitted,
Committee David Bowers said the a different approach from FaceBook.
work is progressing well. The cem- Technology Committee – PNP Bruce Marlene Clark,
etery’s superintendent has been paid Kalver hopes to expand the podcasts to National Secretary
and is scheduling work of cleaning and promote the S.A.M. beyond the con-
restoring the gravesite. Bowers plans vention and will be asking the MEF
to have a rededication in the fall; at- for funding. Commended Dal for the
tendance will be by invitation, only, Magic Compass; The new website
because of prior vandalism. He thanked launched in April. Through June, the
the M.E.F. for the grant that financed website has had 69% new visitors. He

22 OCTOBER 2015
 Broken Wands
EDWARD L. LOVELAND
(JUNE 26, 1939 – MAY 30, 2015) sixteen, that Don met the love of his life, Claudia. They
became friends and married in their early twenties; they
Edward Loveland passed were happily married for sixty-one years. Claudia told me
away on May 30, 2015; he he could never hold a grudge and still fondly remembers
was seventy-six. Edward the magic tricks he used during courting.
grew up in Pocatello, Idaho, After the Alviene, Don earned a B.A. from Rider
and spent four years in College, hosted Rider’s radio show, joined Rider’s theatre
the Air Force stationed club, and played the leading role in The Man Who Came to
in Puerto Rico. Following Dinner. Don continued his studies and earned a Masters
his military service, he Degree in Economics from Rutgers University, and both a
graduated from the Univer- Masters Degree and a PhD in Sociology from Stonybrook
sity of Utah with a Bachelor University.
of Science degree in electri- Don was a veteran of the Korean War. After the war, Don
cal engineering. After college, he served as chief of engi- worked for Western Electric, the NY Telephone Company,
neering at hospitals in Columbia, Missouri, Grand Junction, and Verizon, retiring after thirty-two years. No matter
Colorado, and the VA Hospital in Seattle, Washington, what he did magic was involved. He joined the Telephone
where he often booked magic lectures for his magic club. Pioneers and created the New York Telephone Pioneer
After retiring, he enjoyed spending time traveling, gourmet Clown Unit (which included magic) to perform gratis in
cooking, and gardening. hospitals and orphanages. Don taught these employee vol-
Performing magic and creating magic routines complete unteers how to do magic, how to perform, and how to
with props were passions of his. He was a member of the apply makeup. Soon, Pioneer Clown Units spread through-
Society of American Magicians (Assembly 200), the Interna- out the country. Don received the coveted “People Who
tional Brotherhood of Magicians (Ring 52), the PEA, and the Care Award” because of this work. In addition, he created
Emerald City Wizards, of which he was a past president. Ed Tello, the New York Telephone Company (magical) Clown,
particularly loved performing mentalism and bizarre magic; and performed for years representing the company,
he had several effects published in The Oracle and Grymoire covering all of the schools on Long Island.
for Brother Bruce. He was always helpful to everyone in An entertainer for children as well as for adults, he was
the club and very generous with building props for them. the founder and president of Aabo Productions, a suc-
He is survived by his wife of twelve years, Sandra cessful entertainment company, where he performed as
Loveland, daughters Vanessa Bloy and Krista Hale, step- a magician, mentalist, mind reader, sleight-of-hand expert,
daughters Melissa Fackrell and Melynda Schmitt, and his licensed hypnotist, and ventriloquist father of his dummy,
sister Judy Taylor. This joyful blended family also includes Rodney. As Jocko the Magical Clown, he was often a
eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. featured performer at the Concord Hotel in Kiamesha
Lake, New York, on television, and for birthday parties, or-
DONALD D. ENGSTRAND ganizations, company picnics, club events, and fundraisers.
(OCTOBER 13, 1930 – JULY 30, 2015) On TV and radio programs Don appeared as “The
Amazing Mr. E” and was a member of the American Guild
My friend, Donald Daniel of Variety Artists. Don was the author of four mentalism
Engstrand, was born October 13, and magic books, the past president of Parent Assembly
1930, and died after a long illness 1 (2005-2006), a member of Spartan Masonic Lodge, the
on July 30, 2015, at his home in Scottish Rite, Kismet Shrine, a board member of the Neu-
Huntington Bay, Long Island, New rodegenerative Disease Foundation, and an animal lover.
York. He had been a member of I remember Don as the ultimate performer. He was
the S.A.M. for twenty-five years. always happy and loved to perform. He was willing to share
He started his magic journey ideas. By using his voice effectively, changing the timbre and
on his seventh birthday when volume, and with his timing, Don was able to get extra
his parents gave him a magic laughs as he performed and gave comic relief to any trick;
set. The magic bug bit him and by appearing to not know why people were laughing, he
he started to perform on street got even more laughs. I enjoyed watching him perform. His
corners of downtown Totten- performances were unique; much of the material was his
ville, Staten Island, as the neighborhood kids gathered to own or his own twists on classic effects.
watch. He saw magic as a way to prevent bullying. He He is survived by his wife, Claudia, his daughter, Beatrice
loved to perform; magic was life changing. At sixteen, C. Engstrand, M.D., and two adopted grandchildren, Claudia
he attended evening high school and during the day B. and Cheyanna B. Engstrand. I thank his wife Claudia for
attended the Alviene Academy of Theatre Arts in New her help in writing this. – Christopher Ward 
York City, majoring in drama. It was at the Alviene, at age

M-U-M Magazine 23
 Twenty-five years can go by very quickly, and there seems to be a direct connection between what
has happened IN that quarter century and the apparent speed of its passing. If filled with turmoil
and worry and concern, it becomes endless. If filled with challenges and successes, values and
laughter, learning and achievement, support from old and new friends – it passes in an instant.

My twenty-five years as Chairperson of The Society of Magicians

Contest of Magic seems as if it just began!

Father Cyprian Murray had a vision for The Contest of Magic, and he, for some inexplicable reason,
asked me to work with him and then become Chairperson. Our primary goals were to make The
Contest of Magic an event that all the Members of The Society – no matter where they lived – would
be able to participate in as well as set the standards for excellence and growth in the Art. If those
have been met, it is due to the support and work of many people.

The Convention Chairpersons and the Volunteers who made the

Conventions outstanding events – Thank You.

The Saints who fed us, timed us, announced us, and made our work possible – Thank You.

The Wonder Crews who made us visible, made us heard, and managed props and
people and feelings and tons of confetti – Thank You.

The Comperes who framed each performer fairly and with humor – Thank You.

The Right-Hands whom I cajoled and coaxed into being co-chairpersons with me – Thank You.

The Benefactors who gave us financial and emotional treasures – Thank You.

The Judges whom I pleaded with to give their time and priceless expertise – Thank You.

The Performers who became yearly teams to share their dedication

and art with all of us – Thank You.

Father Cyp who trusted me and who, I hope, is still OK with what I do – Thank You.

The Society of American Magicians for bestowing upon me what I still am not sure I will ever
deserve: Honorary Membership – Thank You.

My many Brothers and Sisters who encouraged and supported my decisions and, more importantly,
shared their views even when they did not agree with them – Thank You.

It’s been an honor and a blast!

Paul Critelli
 Working in the Real World
By Christian Painter

nity of performing magic for our peers. work a corporate show, you won’t have
Magic contests do help you prepare for any backstage at all. You might or might
the real world of professional entertain- not get a dressing room. The lighting
ment; you must design an act that will play will be the dimly lit chandeliers and cam
to your audience, rehearse it to perfection, lights that hang from the hotel ballroom.
and perform it in front of a live audience. Your music or microphone will be piped
These are skills that directly translate to through the eight-inch speakers that hang
MAGIC real-world performing. in between the ceiling tiles. These are not
COMPETITIONS For magicians who do not have a great performance conditions that a winning
deal of flight time, contests are a fantastic competition act will appreciate.
Magic contests are challenging for the way to work on getting comfortable in front A long time ago, Katalina and I decided
participant and always entertaining for of a large audience. Magic conventions that we would not work on a performance
the audience. Human beings are naturally provide a friendly audience who wants you piece that we couldn’t do surrounded.
competitive; competition is deeply rooted to succeed. You won’t always have that There are too many times you can’t control
in our evolutionary heritage. Competi- kind of support when you perform in the the venue in which you perform. It would
tion creates a powerful, instinctual drive real world. be a shame to work for months or years on
to excel and do better than our previous Magic contests allow you to receive a piece that you very seldom get to perform
attempts. It propels our thinking and cre- feedback from your peers and mentors as a professional.
ativity into new directions. However, are that will aid you in becoming a better I remember one time we had a piece in
magic competitions useful in preparing magician. This will definitely help you our show that we felt was bullet proof. It
you to become a professional performer? in becoming a professional performer. could be done completely surrounded. The
Dancing, singing, and magic contests There will be no other place where you audience could almost be standing right
all share one thing in common: they are will obtain more help than while you are next to us. The only bad angle would be
subjective. How do you compete with engaged in the magic contest circuit. This if you were standing right above us. Not
art? There’s no clear cut scale or ruler to is a great time to work on character, theme, long after we created this act, we were
measure with. We must simply accept the dramatic structure, and methods. I would performing on a college campus in their
judgment of the critics and move on with encourage all magicians to ask for help student center with a balcony full of
our lives. We cannot take it too seriously, during this phase of your career. Listen to college students standing twenty feet over
because if we were to repeat the entire all the feedback, even if you don’t agree us, watching our show.
process with a different set of judges, we with everyone’s opinion. Then take this Many times the success of a magic com-
could very easily end up with a different information and process it. Use it to un- petition act relies on its ability to fool
set of winners. derstand the mind of the audience and how other magicians. Because of this factor,
I am reminded of a story about Charlie they see your presentation of magic. somewhat convoluted procedures can enter
Chaplin, a well-known character and One of the differences between magic- into the flow of the competition act. Moves
movie personality from the early twentieth competition acts and real-world acts is what that seem unnatural to a lay audience will
century. Many movie houses of the time I call playability. Most of the time, contest be included in order to fool magicians
were having Charlie Chaplin look-alike acts are designed to fool magicians. They who know the usual methods. Magic slang
competitions. One needed to dress like, might rely on very specific visual angles; can permeate the script to a point where,
walk like, and behave in the quirky manner perhaps they need very specific lighting, unless you’re a magician, you won’t under-
of the character. Just for fun, the actual or employ a very complicated setup. These stand many of the jokes or dramatic arcs.
Charlie Chaplin entered one of the compe- are factors that will not serve you well in Katalina and I watched a performance that
titions in San Francisco under an assumed the real world of professional performing. relied on the premise that the audience un-
name. He didn’t even make the finals. The playability of these types of acts in the derstood the plot of the coin effect Matrix.
Magic contests should be used for the real world is severely limited. The magician threw in a red herring that
enjoyment of performing and a way to Katalina and I have noted that most fooled the magicians and made them laugh
hone your performance skills in front of winning contest acts are not practical in out loud. However, if you were a lay person
a live audience. It would be wise not to the real world of professional perform- in that audience you would have had no
bet your self-esteem on winning a trophy. ing. We helped load up and assist one idea what had happened or why everyone
Katalina and I competed for a short time winning FISM act at a magic convention. else was laughing. Since much of his act
at various magic competitions. We had the It took almost twenty minutes of prepa- relied on “inside” jokes, it would fall flat
enjoyment of meeting many performers, ration backstage for the eight minutes he playing for a lay audience.
the magic community had an opportu- performed in front of the audience. This Working on a competition act does have
nity to discover who we were through our does not count the time he spent getting the advantage of pushing you to be better.
performances, and we forged friendships everything organized in his room before Magicians are more apt to seek out help and
through these contests that we still cherish hauling it backstage. I was stunned at the guidance when working on contest acts. I
today. Katalina and I did not worry about level of complexity of his act. had the opportunity to watch Oscar Munoz
winning as much as enjoying the opportu- Most of the time when you are hired to work with a couple of young magicians

26 OCTOBER 2015
who were working on their competition to two thousand dollars for an act. There humorous jokes, but you need to be quick
acts. They were getting instruction that are performers who get paid more because on your feet as well. An act might need
you just can’t pay for. Because they had they have name recognition or who more time than originally planned or the
put so much work into their act, it was easy perform with large illusions. Hauling large acts might be moving faster than usual.
for Oscar to share with them subtleties that illusions around the country is not cheap. The job of the emcee is not to be the star
they would never understand unless they Most likely, you will receive a hotel room but to facilitate the rhythm and pace of the
had already put in the hundreds of hours and a small stipend for travel. You will show.
of work. be more attractive to a magic convention The first couple of times Katalina and I
When you are working on a specific goal buyer if you perform multiple functions. A emceed were a struggle. It was difficult
it is easier for people to help you. “This is list of these might be: close-up show, stage to constantly expand and contract to the
my act. It is not great, but here is where show, parlor show, lecture, and emcee needs of the show. Recently, we watched
I want it to go.” People can understand duties. Each of these comes with its own one emcee who decided he was going to
that and give you suggestions, watch you challenges. perform more material than the acts. The
perform it, and give feedback. This is a Just because you have a solid act does not show dragged on forty minutes longer than
great way to learn and understand how to mean you have a good lecture. Katalina and it should have. Even when the show has
take a magic trick and turn it into a piece I have both fallen asleep during a lecture the best performers money can buy, a bad
of theatre. by an outstanding performer because he emcee can ruin the experience.
Magic contests have a legitimate and did not put the same amount of effort in When asked by a magician if he or she
useful purpose. However, I don’t want the creating a solid lecture that he did for his should compete in a magic convention, I
reader to believe that a magic trophy will act. A good lecture is not just talking about will ask why they want to compete. One
automatically change their life or become your act or a specific move. It has much the should want to compete for the enjoyment
a prophetic sign that they will become same dramatic structure as a good magic of performing in front of peers. If your goal
successful as a professional performer. It act. It will take work and rehearsal to have is to garner celebrity and fame, you will be
is best to think of the magic competition a good lecture. setting yourself up for disappointment.
world as a separate entertainment market, Emcee duties are another black hole of Many magic convention champions have
much like cruise ships, colleges, or trade death that you can get sucked into. I believe slipped in to obscurity rather quickly
shows. that emceeing is the most difficult job on after winning their trophies. The magic
Many young magicians believe that if the list to do well. Not only must you have community is a fickle one; after they have
they win a major magic competition they some bits of business, quick tricks, and enjoyed your act, they are quickly looking
will get all kinds of work. This for the next big thing. Fame
is simply not true. If you get in the magic world is quite
work, it will most likely be fleeting.
working another magic con- Recently, while at FISM, we
vention. There are very few talked with a German magician
times when producers from who had won his category three
other markets hang out at years prior. He commented
magic conventions looking for that, even though he had a
acts. prize-winning FISM act, he
Timo Marc is a very success- was offered very little work at
ful German magician who has magic conventions. Here in the
won some impressive magic United States, I know of one
competitions. This propelled performer who had a very good
him into the magic convention year, winning most of the major
world. He shared this: “If you magic conventions; within one
do well in the magic competi- year he had become invisible to
tions, you can probably parlay the magic community.
this into about three years of Although elements of
working magic conventions. preparing and competing in
After that, you have run your magic conventions will assist
course and unless you have you in becoming a professional
new lectures or new products entertainer, it is not a path that
to sell, you will have to look for guarantees success. A trophy
other avenues of performing.” and magic title do not transfer
I have no idea how many to the professional world of
magic conventions there are performing for compensation.
in the world, but they are However, performing for your
numerous. If you want to peers, enjoying the competi-
work this market, winning a tion for what it is, and forging
magic competition is a great new friendships are excellent
way to introduce yourself to reasons to enter magic contests.
this world. Magic conventions Choose your reasons wisely. 
will pay between five hundred

M-U-M Magazine 27
 Not Just Kid Stuff
By Jim Kleefeld

Fraidy-Cat Rabbit, Twentieth Century taken in along with them.

Silks, Hippity-Hop Rabbits, cut and The second motivation is an appar-
restored rope, and a host of puppet props. ently honest inability to attend to the right
Why? Partly because many instruction event at the right time. When you look to
sheets told them to and partly because they the left, the rabbit appears on the right.
have seen it works. It does work. When you turn to the right, he pops up on
SELECTIVE The children see something that you the left. In this case, children are actually
ATTENTION DEFICIT do not. They yell and scream to tell you being sympathetic and trying to help you
about it. This causes positive interaction see what is going on around you. You get
Several prominent children’s entertain- and empowers the children. They have fun them on your side and give them control
ers have examined a common kid show – sometimes. over the adult situation. You can help this
feature. Many have even written about it. Here is the problem: As a kid show occur by good acting. Appear to be trying
Terry Herbert says to “tease the children.” staple it is overused and under-analyzed. to ascertain what is going on and to be
David Ginn calls it “Look, Don’t See.” Magicians try it, or they watch other letting the children give you directions.
Malcolm Yaffe labeled it “They See, You magicians use this procedure, and they This approach is much stronger than the
Don’t.” I’ve named it Selective Attention see kids laughing, yelling, and having fun. sucker type.
Deficit. You choose what not to pay When something feels like fun, it is often Next, besides the motivation factor,
attention to. multiplied, added to, and repeated until it Selective Attention Deficit works best
The technique is familiar to all chil- no longer achieves the desired goal. Either when used sparingly. Most magicians
dren’s entertainers and is used often. it goes on for far too long or the performer overuse it. Generally one event per show
Something happens with a magical prop displays a negative attitude to the audience. and three iterations per event are suffi-
that the children see but the magician does What many kid show workers fail to do is cient. If you have four tricks during which
not. Many classic kid show props are built analyze what kind of activity is happening, you turn side to side eight times trying to
around the idea. Harry Leat’s Run, Rabbit, what caused the heightened actions, and see a popping-up cut-out figure, the ploy
Run is the classic example. This mostly what are the subsequent results of that becomes ineffective. Oh, don’t get me
self-contained prop consists of two com- activity. Before you do your next show, wrong, the kids will still be noisy. But they
partments connected by a partition. Each carefully think about the following in lose respect for you, develop unwanted
compartment has a door. There is a flat terms of your act. behaviors, and become more interested in
cut-out figure that is placed in one com- First, there are two motivations behind proving themselves right than finding out
partment; it moves back and forth from Selective Attention Deficit. One is that you what happens in the trick. It is very easy
one to the other, all while the performer deliberately make something happen and to lose control of a group when they are
apparently does not see. This concept ignore it. Then you prove that you made all screaming at you because of something
has proved so successful that companies something different happen. This makes that seems wrong or stupid in their eyes.
have made virtually the same prop in the prop basically a sucker trick. The rabbit So here are two rules for Selective
dozens of cosmetic and themed changes, is black; no he’s white; no he’s black. Ha, Attention Deficit: 1) Use it infrequently. 2)
including dogs, dinosaurs, wolves, ha! He is really red and I fooled you! Act bewildered or innocent, not smug.
monsters, firehouse Dalmatians, bakery A belligerent attitude on the part of
bears, ghosts, spacemen, reindeer, pizzas, the performer leads kids to become more HERE’S HERKIMER
pirates, Santa figures, and more. excited and more adamant about telling
Farmyard Frolics is another prop built you what is happening. At the end of the The props explained in my example
around the technique. Several animal routine, you let the children know that here are simple to make and versatile. You
pictures are shown; one of them vanishes. you were controlling it all along only so can use them for a Selective Attention
The children see it reappear, popping up that you can prove that you tricked them. Deficit (Look, Don’t See) routine. Just
and down from behind the farm folder Sucker tricks like this were once rampant, remember not to overdo it.
while the performer misses seeing it. Vari- but fortunately have ceased to be in vogue. First, get a small wooden box from a
ations on the commercial market include In almost all cases, kids are too smart craft store. Remove the latch if it has one
the same trick and routine but with a pet for this and feel disappointed or angry at and paint the inside of the box black. Screw
store, a library bookworm, a Christmas the end. After the trick, they think you are a small metal strip onto the top near the
reindeer, and even my own marketed item, either an idiot or a very mean adult. You back corner, extending out past the back of
a Halloween witch’s cat. Rising wands, hold their attention for a while, but they the box. A steel mending plate is good. Tie
silver scepters, appearing bouquets, on- leave the show thinking less of magic in a string on that strip, stretch it taut when
and-off flashlights, spider strings, and general and less of you in particular. Sucker the box is shut and tack or glue it to the
many more props have also evolved around tricks are not universally bad, but they can bottom of the box. On the inside top center
the approach. be clearly distasteful if you gloat. Rather of the box glue a male Velcro dot.
In addition, I have seen many than proving how smart and devious You will also need a piece of thin black
magicians use the concept with a stiff you are by tricking children, it is usually cloth. Glue two big googly eyes and a
rope, a pop-away wand, Forgetful Freddie, better if you adopt an attitude of being female Velcro dot to it. The two finished

28 OCTOBER 2015
props are shown in Figure 1. Fasten them Magic, a special gimmick that allows you
together by attaching the cloth inside the to produce a single snake from anywhere,
lid of the box via the Velcro. even your bare hands.
This routine uses the Selective
Attention Deficit technique three times,
with three iterations each time, so you
need to spread these events apart in your
show. Begin your first magic effect and
mention Herkimer, your pet. “He’s small,
but he’s sneaky. He loves to come to watch
my magic show and he is always trying to
interrupt me. So if you see him…” Secretly
pull down on the bead and let the eyes pop
up out of your jacket pocket. As soon as
Figure 1 the kids point it out, let go of the bead and
allow the card to drop back out of sight.
When you hold the box with your Figure 4 “No, he’s not in my pocket. He always
thumb in back (Figure 2), you can press on hides somewhere, but he’s never hidden
the string and the lid will lift upward there before.” Pull the bead and let the
carrying the cloth with it. From the front, eyes pop up again. Talk to
the audience will see a pair of big eyes the kids so you don’t notice
peering out from inside the box (Figure 3). what they see. Then act as
if you understand what they
are pointing to and look at
your pocket. Right before
Figure 2 you turn your head, let the
googly eyes drop back. Turn
to address the kids again and
sneak the eyes upwards one
Figure 6 more time.
This time slap your hand
over your pocket as if to grab
the creature. Pretend you
have caught something alive,
but let the eye card drop back
inside the pocket. Cup both
hands around an invisible
object; wiggle your hands
Figure 5 and arms feverishly. Pretend
to put the wiggling object
away under your table and
immediately bring out the
box.
Figure 3 “There. I got hold of
Herkimer. He won’t bother
Next, get two pieces of plastic or stiff the show now, because I put
cardboard about the size of a playing card. him in the box. It’s small
Punch a small hole in the bottom of one and but it has a heavy lid, so he
tie a string on it. Glue a pair of big googly dark colored shirt pocket. If you do not cannot get out.” Leave the box setting on
eyes to the top and a heavy washer or other wear a pocketed shirt, you might fasten your main or side table. Continue on with
weight to the bottom. On the second card, this to the back of a flat prop you use in your show. After two more tricks, pick up
punch a hole near the top, thread the string your show. the box with a good excuse for moving it
through it, and tie a bead on the other end. Last, you need a spring snake. Glue to another place. “I’m going to need some
The finished set of two cards is shown in two big googly eyes to one end. This can room for my rabbit hutch, so I’ll just put
Figure 4. If you drop this into your front be loaded almost anywhere, but the routine Herkimer’s box over here.” As you talk,
jacket pocket and thread the bead through works well if that snake pops up out of push on the string to lift the lid so the
a slit at the bottom of that pocket, it will another prop that you use in your show. children see the eyes coming up from
fall inside your coat. When you pull down You might load a snake can inside a Square inside the box. The kids will yell that they
on the bead, the eyes will pop up out of Circle (Figure 6). You could also push the see him. Let the lid snap shut just as you
your pocket (Figure 5). Adjust the thread snake into the back corner of a Drawer look at the box. “No, don’t worry about
length so you can reach it at the edge of Box, or secure it with a rubber band Herkimer. He can’t get out of this box. The
your jacket. If you do not wear a jacket, and drop it into a Change Bag. I highly lid is too heavy.”
you can affix this prop to the inside of a recommend Insta-Snake from Wolf’s Let the box lid pop up again while the

M-U-M Magazine 29
Not Just Kid Stuff

kids yell that he is peeking out of the box. spring snake. “Well, we are near the end She didn’t say anything; she just tapped
Snap the lid shut again just before you turn of the show. I have just one more thing him on the leg and pointed down. It was a
to look at it. Turn back and address the to show you. Oh, and I apologize about cute, funny moment, probably one that has
children. “I’m telling you, this is a really Herkimer earlier. At least he’s gone for happened to all of us.
heavy lid. He cannot push it up. He won’t now.” Do your routine with that prop, but He asked to her to pick it up and put
be able to come out.” One last time, as you contrive to palm the compressed snake. it in the bag. She bent down, grasped the
talk, lift the lid. This time when the kids Take your applause at the end of the effect, scarf, and dropped it over the bag, which
yell, turn and see the open lid. Instantly whether it is a production or transforma- he moved away. The silk fell to the floor
reach inside the box and grab the cloth. tion or vanish. Then release the snake again, and he pretended not to see it again.
Crumple it in your hand and pull it off straight up in front of you, catching it on She waited and tapped him on the leg. A
the Velcro. Wad the cloth into a small ball the way down. “It’s Herkimer! I knew he’d repeat of the gag. Only this second time it
as you open the lid completely and swish sneak back in here somehow.” Hold it near wasn’t funny or cute, just accepted. He did
your hand around inside. You want to give the top and bend the head down so the eyes it again. And again. She stopped tapping
the impression that you are trying to catch point out into the audience. Take another him and just picked up the silk. Five times
a fast-moving creature. At the same time, bow and put the snake out of sight. she tried to put it in the bag and five times
crumple the cloth and palm it. A few years ago, I saw a perfect example he failed to see that it fell. On the fifth try,
Remove the palmed black cloth and set of over-used, under-analyzed Selective the girl looked up at him, shook her head,
the open box on that hand. Show the empty Attention Deficit. Avon, the small town in and walked off the stage. Her parents stood
insides to the audience, while using both northern Ohio where I live, is world head- up, met her coming down the steps, and
hands to display the open box. “Herkimer quarters to ShurTech Brands, the makers walked away. They were not angry, but it
is gone! Boy is he fast. It’s just as well. He of Duck Tape. So every year we host the was clear they were not going to waste any
is always getting in the way of my show.” Duck Tape Festival. One year I went to see more time watching this fool.
Set the box inside your table and ditch the a kid show performer on stage. He held a I wish I could say that I made that story
cloth with it. Change Bag and handed a cute, personable up just to make a point, but every word is
Begin another trick in your repertoire. five-year-old girl a red silk, telling her to true. Are you like the guy who “doesn’t
Do a couple more tricks without mention- drop it in the bag. He moved the bag and see” something a dozen times in one
ing Herkimer. For your last trick, bring the silk fell to the stage floor. Of course, he show? Change. Examine your own use of
out the prop in which you have stowed the didn’t see it fall. Selective Attention Deficit. 

30 OCTOBER 2015
 Quick Look Book Nook
Looking closely at the image on the card, we see:

Excerpt From: • Contact – the figures’ hands

Inspirations: Performing Magic are touching
with Excellence • Mutual recognition – the
Written by: figures are looking at each
Lawrence Hass other
Description: • Health – symbolized by the
Hardcover, 360 pages caduceus
Available From: • Heart – the shapes marked out
www.theoryandartofmagic.com at the top of the caduceus and
between the cups

Happily, it appears that a small resurgence of magic book pub- Contact, mutual recognition,
lishing is occurring. This month we feature an excerpt from Inspi- health, and heart: these four
rations: Performing Magic with Excellence by longtime M-U-M qualities are essential in our
contributor Lawrence Hass. personal relationships. But what
Lawrence Hass, Ph.D., is the Associate Dean of the McBride I woke up to many years ago
Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas. He is Professor of Hu- was that some version of them is
manities at Austin College and former Professor of Philosophy required for our audience relation- Figure 1
and Theater Arts at Muhlenberg College. In 2010 he retired early ships. With this in mind, here are
from college teaching to pursue magic full time. In addition to the kinds of questions I now ask myself before a show.
his work with the Magic & Mystery School, Larry lectures and Contact: How will I greet the audience? Will I remember to
performs around the world. His company, Theory and Art of look people in the eyes? Will I include the entire audience with
Magic Press, has published his own books and others by Robert my gaze? Will I smile and convey that I am delighted to be with
Neale, Jeff McBride, and Eugene Burger. them? Of course, more dramatic or theatrical openings are often
Inspirations is the sequel to Hass’s best-selling book Transfor- desirable, but in any show (unlike an act) there will be a time and
mations: Creating Magic Out of Tricks (2007). It contains thirty a place for contact. Whenever it occurs, what will be the quality
essays and fourteen fully developed routines from Larry’s profes- of my contact?
sional repertoire. A complete review of Inspirations will appear in Mutual Recognition: Will I really see and engage individuals
the November Informed Opinion column. in the audience or only perceive a wall of faces? Am I trapped
My thanks to Larry for allowing these excerpts to appear in in stock lines that feel inauthentic? Will I let others shine, or
M-U-M. —Michael Close will it all be about me all the time? Do I think of the encounter
as a contest – a battle of wits, for applause, for control? Will I
A FUNDAMENTAL SECRET recognize what this particular audience as a whole is giving me
so I can “dial things up or down” as needed?
(First published February 2015 on www.blog.mcbridemagic. Health: Is the show I am planning to deliver an enriching one?
com) Will audience members leave feeling charged, inspired, touched,
In my early years as a performer, I would stand backstage before thoughtful, astonished? Or will they be relatively bored, disaffect-
a show and focus on these kinds of things: ed, or underwhelmed? Would the producer hire me again? Would
other people in the audience feel as though they want to share
• Are my props set? me with their family, friends, clients, customers, co-workers, or
• Are my pockets loaded? attendees? As I have learned from Eugene Burger, “work must
• How full is the House? make work.” If my shows aren’t generating more shows, there
• Are my hands and voice warmed up? might be something unhealthy going on.
• Is the “mic” going to work? Heart: Where is the heart in my show? So much magic and
• What can I do about these “butterflies?” mentalism focuses on intellect: “give me a number,” “think of
a card,” “remember the conditions,” “follow the procedure,”
Obviously, they are all important. But somewhere along the line “consider this idea.” That’s fine, but laypeople go to art, and pay
I woke up to the fact that there was something far better for me to for art, because it activates deep feelings and allows for their ex-
focus on backstage. I realized a profound truth about performing ploration.
that I want to share with you here: So which piece or pieces in my show perform this function? Also,
The fundamental business of every magic show is relationship will I have the courage to share my heart as I create and perform,
building. or will I hide it behind props, abstractions, jokes, or some façade?
I can’t think of a better topic for this February meditation. In short, what I realized many years ago was that there won’t be
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, this is a time when we much of a magic show at all unless I work consciously before the
focus attention on the relationships in our lives. The classic image show, and once I take the stage, to create and build an excellent
on the Rider-Smith Two of Cups perfectly expresses the spirit of relationship with the people who are there. That’s the bedrock
the season (Figure 1). condition, the fundamental “business” that allows everything else

32 OCTOBER 2015
to flow: applause, astonishment, delight...and further performing them.
opportunities. “So, for this exploration I would like you to have a distinct
mental event...and a secret one, too! Here’s how we’ll do that. In
ONE CARD, AND ONE CARD ONLY a moment, I’ll have you remove a packet of cards from the middle
of this deck...like so...and then put it up against your body so no
The Experience: While the magician discusses the new scientific one can see it. When you are certain I can’t see anything, then
view that the mind and body are two different, yet closely related look at the card on the face of the packet and remember it. Also,
aspects of a person, a participant freely shuffles a borrowed deck show that card to one person next to you to help you remember it.
of cards. The participant then selects a card from the middle of the When you have done that, place all your cards back on top, and
deck, memorizes it, returns it to the deck, and shuffles the deck we’ll take it from there.
again. The participant names a small number and removes that “Go ahead: remove a packet of cards from the middle, and place
many cards from the deck, making sure his selection is among them against your body. Make sure I am not looking, and only
them. While concentrating on the selection, the participant holds then look down and remember the card on the face. Memorize it,
his hand over each of the cards, one by one. The magician feels the and show it to one other person. When you have your card firmly
physical manifestations of his concentrated thought and dramati- in mind, drop all your cards back on top of the deck. Have you
cally reveals the selected card! done that? Good, now cut the cards...and put the bottom part on
Venues: After-dinner table magic, formal close-up top. Cut the cards again, about in the middle, but now shuffle
Background: I am always on the lookout for card material that those halves together. Cut the cards again and put the bottom
can be worked up to become a part of my BCS series (Borrowed part on top.
Card Stunners). One night in Las Vegas, I was wandering through “So you now have a distinct thought in your mind, yes?” Spread
Jeff McBride’s extensive library and came across Quartet (Learn- the deck face up on the table. “Good. When I snap my fingers,
Rite Press, 2009), the latest book at the time from the highly name a number between three and seven.” Suppose the spectator
creative mentalist and Academy Award-winning composer, Jack names five. “Five! Your task is to remove five cards from different
Kent Tillar. I thoroughly enjoyed reading one great routine after places in the deck – just make sure your card is one of those five.”
another, and then I got to One Card, and One Card Only (pages He pushes five cards out, and then you scoop up the deck and set
79-81); at that point I dropped the book, picked up a deck of cards, it aside. “It is one of these, yes?” Separate the five face-up cards.
and went to work. “Hold out your hand.” Demonstrate by holding out one of your
Jack’s routine is a real fooler: the cards are shuffled, a card is hands palm down. Gently guide the participant’s hand over one of
selected, the cards are shuffled again, and you find it. The method the cards. Place one of your hands just above his hand as if feeling
is deceptive and the psychology is excellent. However, I wanted to for something, then place it below – between his palm and the
deepen the method for the one required glimpse, and for years I card on the table. After a moment, decisively slide that card out
performed the routine using my variation of Eddie Fields’s P-O-P and away, saying, “This isn’t your card.” Surprised, he will nod or
Glimpse (The Greater Artful Dodges of Eddie Fields, Kaufman agree. Move his hand over a different card. Feel the air just above
and Company, 1997, pages 43-46). his hand, then just below it. “Have you ever seen a magnetic field?
However in 2014, I read a terrific routine by Bill Abbott that Do you feel that? Me too! But it doesn’t feel right: this isn’t your
used a still better, deeper way to glimpse the top card after the card either.” That card is also pushed away.
deck has been shuffled. Bill’s routine is titled Impossible Killer, Pick up the three remaining cards and shuffle them face down.
and I received it as a free gift for purchasing some of his excellent Lay them on the table. Move his palm-down hand over each card
products and books. Since then, I have been performing One in turn, and then suddenly press his hand down on one of them.
Card, and One Card Only with Bill’s Glimpse added to Jack’s Leaving the other two cards face down, push them away. “What
great routine, and it has completely fooled top card men. I am was your card?” He names it. “Go ahead.” He lifts his hand and
very grateful to both Jack Kent Tillar and Bill Abbott for their turns over the card; it is his card!
kind permission to explain their work in these pages. What Is Happening: For all this routine’s deceptiveness – and it
One final note: A few years ago I was at a party in Los Angeles will astonish magicians who don’t know it – the method is fairly
where Jack was in attendance, and I got to perform my handling simple. In brief, after the borrowed cards are freely shuffled, you
for a group of people while he watched. It was a special pleasure glimpse the top card of the deck in a very subtle way. Thus, after
to astonish the crowd and then publicly honor its creator. the participant memorizes the face card of his packet and returns
Showtime: A deck of cards is borrowed from someone in the it to the deck, it goes directly on top of your key card. The partici-
audience and shuffled by the participant who will assist you. “The pant riffle shuffles the deck, but this will not sufficiently separate
old view is that the mind and body are wholly unconnected. The your key from his selection. So when he removes his selected
view is called dualism: there is the mental (hold up one hand) number of cards “from different places in the deck,” you observe
and the physical (hold up the other hand), and never the two shall which card is closest to and above your key: that’s his card. Every-
meet. thing else is theatre and psychology!
“However, over the past thirty years the traditional view about However, the theatre and psychology are utterly essential, not
the mind and body has been completely overturned. Philoso- superficial. And the glimpse needs to be invisible or the game’s
phers, psychologists, and scientists everywhere agree that the up. Here’s how it all goes.
mind and body are not two separate substances but rather two First, you want to borrow a deck of cards. Sometimes I perform
different aspects of the same person – related like the dancer and the piece with the person whose deck I am using, or I have a
the dance.” Clasp your two hands together, and turn them first up deck handed to the person sitting next to me. If I am in a home
and then down, showing two sides of one thing. or situation where no one has a deck of cards, then I will bring
“If this is true, it means that every distinct mental event has some out mine, using this very important line, “Okay, we’ll use mine,
kind of physical correlate...if we can train ourselves to perceive but when you think about this later, remember that I would have

M-U-M Magazine 33
QUICK LOOK BOOK NOOK
used one of your decks.” This sentence locks in the fairness and “When you are certain I can’t see anything, look at the card on
includes “implied commands” (you will think about this later and the face of the packet and remember it.” Once the block of cards
you will remember...). If we use my deck – which is a marked is against my body, my curled right index finger pushes slightly to
deck – I eliminate my sequence to get the glimpse because, after my left. This jogs the top card to the left, just enough so its index
the deck has been shuffled, I learn the top card of the deck by will be visible. Also, I just slightly reposition my right thumb and
reading the mark. Having said that, however, I believe it’s better bottom fingers to hide the new overhang. We are talking about the
and stronger to use a borrowed deck. smallest of a jog and finger movements; with my attention on the
“The old view is that the mind and body are wholly unconnected. participant, this is utterly invisible.
If this is true, it means that every distinct mental event has some When I instruct the participant to look down to see the face card
kind of physical correlate...if we can train ourselves to perceive of his packet, I glimpse the index of the top card in a flash: the Bill
them.” I only perform this piece for audiences who will find these Abbott Glimpse is done.
opening lines interesting and engaging. In other words, I don’t “Also, show that card to one person next to you to help you
do it at 11:00 p.m. in a drinking venue! However, don’t sell your remember it. When you have done that, place all your cards back
opportunities short; people from all walks of life are interested on top, and we’ll take it from there.” These lines provide a “pa-
in mind and body issues, and the contemporary view of their in- renthesis of forgetfulness” (Ascanio) after the glimpse, and ensure
teraction is thought provoking. I should also mention that this that the participant won’t change his card later on to mess with
prologue, which is strictly true, establishes the premise, plausibil- me. Also, I do not have him show his card all around. This piece
ity, and causality of the entire routine. This is my favorite kind of is so strong that just about the only solution is that someone in the
mentalism: believable presentations that are based in truth and audience somehow cued me, and I want to nullify that idea. As
fact, rather than ones that depend on gullibility and supernatural the script conveys, I place my block down on top of the deck; my
claims. key card is on top.
“In a moment, I’ll have you remove a packet of cards from “Go ahead: remove a packet of cards from the middle, and place
the middle of this deck...like so...and then put it up against your them against your body. Make sure I am not looking, and only
body so no one can see it.” Remember the deck has been freely then look down and remember the card on the face. Memorize
shuffled, so now the task is to learn the identity of the top card. As it, and show it to one other person. When you have your card
I mentioned earlier, I do this by using an outstanding glimpse by firmly in mind, drop all your cards back on top of the deck.” I am
Bill Abbott. It doesn’t have a formal name, but I have never seen repeating my previous instructions almost verbatim. This may not
this handling in any other source, so I propose we call it the Bill read well on the printed page, but in performance it is essential so
Abbott Glimpse. the participant doesn’t make an error or forget his card later on.
To execute it, I pull a small block of cards out of the middle of “Have you done that? Good, now cut the cards...and put the
the deck. Note: I pull it out from the side of the deck, not the end bottom part on top. Cut the cards again, about in the middle, but
(Photo 1). This eliminates any need to reposition the block in my now shuffle those halves together. Cut the cards again and put the
hand for the next action, which is to hold the block up against my bottom part on top.” The participant cuts and completes the cut.
body (Photo 2). Notice the excellent psychology here; I am going Notice: I state it as two actions; thus when I instruct him to “cut
through these actions to demonstrate what the participant needs again about in the middle” he will put the top cards down and
to do – I am being clear and helpful to ensure fairness. Love it! pause just enough for me to shift the concluding action to a riffle
shuffle without my having to rush or arrest him. The goal is for
this to be relaxed and fair. If I have chosen him wisely, the par-
ticipant is likely to be able to do some kind of riffle shuffle. But if
he balks or hesitates at that, I take the two portions, spread them
back toward me in parallel lines (Photo 3), and have him shove the
two lines together. To the best of my knowledge, this stratagem
to overcome this theatrically weak moment of a poor shuffler was
originated by Paul Curry; I use it a lot in my professional work.
If I have to use this alternate, as he pushes the two lines of cards
together I say, “Notice that what you have done is equivalent to
Photo 1 a shuffle.” This is obviously true, and the person always nods,
relieved and grateful to have been “let off the hook.”
After the riffle shuffle (or its equivalent), I have him cut again and
complete the cut. There is no reason I couldn’t let him continue,
but trust me: the audience is fully convinced the cards are mixed
and his selection is lost.
“So you now have a distinct thought in your mind, yes?” I say
this line in conjunction with spreading the deck face up on the
table; the line and action complement each other. Also, I spread
the cards from my right to my left so the indexes are right side up
for the participant and the audience. Very important!
“Good. When I snap my fingers, name a number between three
and seven. Five! Your task is to remove five cards from different
places in the deck – just make sure your card is one of those five.
Photo 2 It is one of these, yes?” This action, right out of Jack Kent Tillar’s

34 OCTOBER 2015
 the riffle shuffle will have placed one or a few cards between
them. No problem! (How terrific is Jack’s insight and handling!)
The riffle shuffle alone leaves most magicians in the dust, but the
borrowed deck and Bill Abbott Glimpse put the method out of
reach. I should mention that Jack suggests you can allow the par-
ticipant to riffle shuffle twice without problematic risk, but based
on my experiences I do not recommend it.
“Hold out your hand. This isn’t your card. Have you ever seen a
magnetic field? Do you feel that? Me too! But it doesn’t feel right:
this isn’t your card either.” Please review the stage directions in
Photo 3
the above script. This sequence is all about acting, intensity, and
creating a build.
Depending on which number the participant named, I remove
routine, is a “pattern interrupt.” The shift from cards to numbers cards until I get down to either three or two. Then I pick them up,
causes a cognitive shift away from the cards. He names his turn them face down, and mix them while keeping track of which
number, and I direct him to remove cards from different places in one is the selection. The cards are placed down, face down, but
the deck. The reason for this instruction is to keep him from just of course I know which one is his. I take my time “feeling” for
pushing out a block of cards or from selecting more than one card the correct card but then surprisingly press his hand down onto it.
close to the key – which might make his card uncertain. Need I Without turning over the other two cards, I just slide them away. I
mention that I learned these things in the “school of hard knocks?” act certain and committed!
I can also tell you from experience that guiding the person toward “What was your card?” He names it. “Go ahead.” He lifts his
“different places in the deck” doesn’t “play” as odd or limiting; in hand and turns over the card; it is his card! These are very strong
fact, it somehow plays as though it makes this harder. theatrical moments. I do not touch his card; I let him turn it over
So, the participant pushes out the number of cards he named. As and display it. If you have handled the build correctly, it will “take
he does this, I look for the card that is to the right of and closest to out the room.” 
the key. In some cases, it will be directly above the key; in others,

M-U-M Magazine 35
 “CALLED BACK”
TO THE MAGIC ATTIC
By Norman Beck
with Geoff Grimes

W
hen I’m home on a weekend, I drive
from Dallas up to McKinney, Texas,
to spend my Saturday mornings at
Main Street Magic & Fun Company. I just feel
a calling. I guess you’d say it’s magic!
Actually, I make the trip for three reasons,
and they’re all related. First, I go to see a friend
of mine who works in the shop. Second, I go
to eat lunch at Hutchins, one of the three best
BBQ joints in Texas. (I use the word “joint”
with the utmost respect; order the brisket
“moist” and tell Dustin I sent you!) The third
reason I go is to see the looks on the kids’
faces as they watch magic in the shop. There’s
a saying: you might not buy anything, but you
have to see magic when you visit Main Street
Magic.
The store is located in an old, turn-of-the-
nineteenth-century, brick-and-plaster three-
story building, located one block north of the
old courthouse square. It is one of only fifty-
three brick-and-mortar magic stores left in the
United States.
According to almost any kid from the area,
the magic store anchors what Money Magazine
designated as “the number one best place to
live in America in 2014.” What in the 1870s
was only a sleepy, nondescript, little farming
community has become, in the last ten years, a
sprawling complex of upscale gated communi-
ties in North Texas that on festival days still
likes to reconnect with its winsome past. Main
Street Magic & Fun Company stands center
court in that nostalgic vision. It’s a magical
shop in a magical setting.
The old, tree-lined courthouse square is sur-
rounded by great restaurants, art galleries,
mom-and-pop stores (like the Mom and
Popcorn Company), a couple of cozy little
bed-and-breakfast nooks, rare book and
antique dealers, dress shops, some high-end
law offices in upstairs nineteenth-century

36 OCTOBER 2015
 digs, and sidewalk performers, old car Chris, who now owns and operates a Main Street Magic & Fun Company
shows, and street artists every weekend. I septic tank company as well as a tornado was something of an “add-on” to all
know! The love of my life and I came up shelter installation business. You don’t their other enterprises. But why a magic
a couple of weeks ago and ate downtown; like to say it, but after “tornado season,” store? “Chris and I just love magic!” says
they had live music – good music, at that. they get almost more business than they Jennifer. “It’s no more complicated than
It reminds me a lot of New Hope, Penn- can handle! “We don’t take any more that!” Jennifer is quick to add, however,
sylvania, or Eureka Springs, Arkansas. orders after June,” says Chris. that she is anything but a performer
Jennifer Gracy, owner of herself. She pales at the
Main Street Magic & Fun idea of having to demon-
Company, operates the strate a trick.
shop with her husband, On the other hand, as
Chris. While Jennifer “Doc Allright” (or all
manages the business end, duded up as one of his
Chris is the number-one other costumed charac-
glad-hand and demonstra- ters), Chris is the con-
tor for just about every summate performer.
pumpkin-haired little He is most comfortable
ten-year old sprout who peering at the kiddos
lines up outside the store through his jeweler’s
with daddy or mommy, spectacles, or out from
sometimes as much as under the goggles of his
thirty minutes before the Stanley Steamer touring
door opens at 10 a.m. costume. All the kids
Those patrons who lined up on the other
show more than a passing side of the counter just
interest in the place— go nuts, laughing and
beyond just the props and Diamond Jim Tyler with Chris, Dan Fleshman, and Jennifer Gracy jumping up and down
gags, Jennifer pulls aside as Chris’s sponge balls
to share an old black- disappear out of his fists
and-white photograph only to pop up again in
of the shop taken in the their own little hands.
early 1930s. Then, the “This is home for me,”
place was a restaurant, says Chris. Much to Jen-
Wood’s Café, featuring a nifer’s chagrin, however,
long serving counter on he often gets so caught
the left, stretching from up in his enthusiasm of
the back, all the way to the moment, he drags a
the front door. Men in routine far beyond the
straw vaudeville boater “closing point” of a sale,
hats and snappy sports leaving more patrons
jackets occupy the swivel standing in line waiting to
barstools, serviced at the be helped. He confesses
end of the counter by a with a wink, “I’ll hear
middle-aged lady in a about it from Jennifer at
starched, white uniform. the end of the day!”
Pete White Hunter, the The Gracys opened the
waitress in the diner, was Demonstrators Erich Biggs, David Matthews, Chris Gracy, and magic store in McKinney
the aunt of Dallas’s Clyde Geoff "Doc" Grimes in 2008, a rather counter-
Barrow, the male half of intuitive time to inau-
the notorious “Bonnie and Clyde gang” gurate any niche business, given the
who terrorized the Midwest from looming financial crisis that year.
1931 until their deaths in a Louisiana “Where other magic shops were
ambush in May 1934. Fact is, the gang closing,” says Jennifer, “we were
frequented the café, ushered into the committed to making it.”
kitchen through the back door, but The opening for the Gracys came
Jennifer is quick to note that they never as a result of the closure of another
robbed the bank three shops down on area magic store. In 2006, Diamond
the corner of the square. Jim Tyler decided to close his shop,
Jennifer and Chris are typical of Magical Gadgets, in Frisco, Texas,
the “can-do” folks who have made to shift to lecturing, product develop-
McKinney one of the most affluent ment, and performing – everything he
communities in the state. Jennifer used wanted to do but couldn’t while tied to
to teach, but she retired to work with Wood's Cafe 1930s the shop. Jim offered the Gracys a deal

M-U-M Magazine 37
 they couldn’t refuse for all his furnish-
ings, fixtures, and remaining products,
and the rest is Main Street Magic & Fun
Company history.
Part of their reason for opening Main
Street Magic & Fun Company in
McKinney was the location. The shop
was originally located in Van Alstyne, a
small farming-community-in-transition
of no more than 2,500 people. A freak
sandstorm with high winds severely
damaged the building, and the Gracys
were forced to close.
“We couldn’t have been luckier to have
found this location just off the square,”
explains Jennifer. Only three blocks
removed from Chestnut Square, McK-
inney’s “old city park,” the shop sits
between The Book Gallery, an estab- Doc Allright preps his young audience
lished rare book dealership, and The
Local Yokel, one of the most popular threshold, to the left stretches a row of the tricks.
meat markets in the area. The whole town four six-foot display cases with meticu- In the corner is a six-foot tall display
square has become a destination point lously arranged magical merchandise – cabinet, populated with “pickled punks,”
for many out-of-towners visiting North no clutter in this place! look-a-like little shrunken doll heads in
Texas. It couldn’t have been better for a Against the left wall are shelves with dim, water-filled pint jars. “Those are
quirky little magic store. all the classic stuff: Linking Rings, Cups just the kids who tell the secrets!” Chris
Jennifer smiles, “People just naturally and Balls, and sponge-just-about-every- explains to the curious youngsters.
gravitate to our shop en route or returning thing, topped off with
from a stroll of the shops on the square.” the traditional tricky
Just the front of the building suggests boxes, ornamen-
the “old timey” magic store so many of tal Phantom Tubes,
us frequented as kids in the flush of our Square Circles, and
early magic fever. First constructed in other small illusions
1874, the original building collapsed and that at just a glance
burned in 1913, killing ten people and define the shop as a
injuring many more. Since the opening magic store.
of Main Street Magic, on four different To the right is a
occasions, Texas paranormal groups have single case devoted
identified “manifestations” and “activity” to custom-designed
in the store. Most recently, during one of decks of cards and
the shop’s children’s birthday parties, a card magic; beyond
parent confided to the party hostess the card display is a
that she had witnessed three ghostly wall of gimmicks,
“visitors,” standing in the back corner pranks, and gags. At
also enjoying the show. “Called back!” I the back of the store
guess. The shop is included on McKin- stands a panel of in-
ney’s annual October “ghost walk.” structional DVDs The entrance to the MSM showroom
The expansive windows and leaded – all the typical para-
glass door are not original to the shop, but phernalia you’d expect. Inside the adjacent break-room, walls
the building itself is protected for historic But these are only the basics. What make are painted in Joker gold-and-red
preservation, and regulations restrict Main Street Magic & Fun Company so diagonals, trimmed at the bottom and top
what can and can’t be done to the walls special are the painstaking details that with purple-and-white polka-dot borders.
and ceilings. Hence, when visitors step create the magical feeling. A couple of What has families often coming back
in, they find themselves standing under examples are the small teaching alcove to the shop is the magically-appointed
a grid of tarnished metal ceiling plates, and the staff break-room. After purchas- patrons’ restroom, an entrance to nothing
towering sixteen feet above the foyer; ing their magical gadgets, one of the dem- less than Main Street Magic’s interpreta-
walls are scarred in places that reveal the onstrators escorts the young magician tion of Alice’s “wonderland.” An outer,
musty red, fired-brick superstructure and a parent into the demonstration booth white, hollow-core door opens to reveal
behind the plaster facade. hidden behind fringed curtains. There, a recessed facsimile stone wall. Near
Past the foyer, dark maroon velvet with the help of a three-sided mirror and the top, a narrow white shelf supports
theater curtains, trimmed in braided gold a close-up pad, the demonstrator explains pewter letters spelling “Believe.” A large
fringe, part to the left and right, inviting the props and their handling, and, if time iron key swings horizontally below the
patrons into the shop itself. Across the permits, teaches a basic presentation of shelf. At the bottom of the “wall,” a pair

38 OCTOBER 2015
 Tiger” crate. Birthday parties are two of the hour-long shows are sell outs. The
hours long and include an hour-and-fif- “Magic Attic” is transformed into a cab-
teen-minute magic show followed by a aret-styled coffee shop with small, round,
forty-five minute party for serving the red metal tables and folding chairs. Adult
birthday cake, food, and refreshments. A guests are welcome to “bring their own
staple in the Main Street Magic & Fun bottle.” Jennifer often complements the
Company family since its Van Alstyne evening with surprise servings of wine.
days, Geoff Grimes, the weekend house Children scramble to get the best spots on
magician, performs all of the children’s the floor up close to the stage, hoping for
magic shows, while Emily, the shop’s an invitation to assist the magicians. The
hostess, facilitates each party, serving “Second Saturday Family Magic Shows”
the refreshments, streaming the birthday always feature at least two entertainers
party music, helping the mothers with and occasionally include a cameo ap-
the gifts and party favors, and cleaning pearance by one of the young magicians
up after each event. who is performance-ready.
The “Magic Attic” also hosts kids’ This past spring, with volunteers from
summer magic camps, weekend lessons, the Dallas Magic Clubs, Inc., Jennifer
two public shows each month, and and Chris applied for and received
the meetings of the Society of Young a charter for a S.Y.M. chapter. The
Magicians chapter. S.A.M. approved the charter applica-
Summer camps meet weekly and are tion, and today the Society of Young
Emily Armstrong displays the divided between the younger and older Magicians Assembly 74 meets once
'wonderland' children. John Greene teaches each of the each month in the “Magic Attic.” More
classes. A former owner of a magic store than thirty youngsters attended the
of white rabbits stands guard on either in Portland, Oregon, John is a full-time opening meeting in February 2015, and
side of a tiny wooden door, only three professional magician with wide expe- most have remained active. Adult leader
feet tall at its apex, which opens into the rience in bar and restaurant magic. He Frank Seltzer oversees the meetings with
potty room. Guests have to kneel down is the creator of a number of magical help from Chris Gracy, Stan Kern, Joey
and crawl across the threshold to engage effects, and his work appears in both Byers, Jim Montgomery, Reade Quinton,
the facilities, and each child must be ac- professional books and magazines. As a and other club members, including Main
companied by an adult! lecturer, John is a master of the thumb Street Magic staff John Greene and
The heart and soul of Main Street tip; his fast-paced, rather wonky presen- David Grubbs.
Magic & Fun Company, however, is the tations leave magicians in stitches. Even though McKinney represents
“Magic Attic,” the shop’s magic theater, On Saturday mornings, during the quite a trek from Dallas and Fort Worth,
which spans the length of the shop below. fall and spring school terms, John also several dedicated patrons of the area
Guests climb up a back wooden staircase teaches the hour- and half-hour-long magic clubs frequent the shop, often
that leads to an old-fashioned draped lessons. Each session is appropriate showing up around closing time, some
“ticket booth” (actually, the state-of-the- for the age and experience level of the of them obviously fishing for an invita-
art lights-and-sound booth from which students. They meet in the “Magic Attic,” tion to perform in one of the “Second
the performance tech controls the music which is easily converted into an instruc- Saturday” shows. Then, afterwards,
and lighting for each magic show). tional classroom. Clients of all ages, along with Chris and Jennifer, they’ll all
The focus of the theater is the small, Vic- ranging from five-year olds to retirees, migrate over to one of the local eateries
torian-style stage that rises four inches have sought training through the shop. to continue the magic conversations.
off the original worn, wooden flooring. Perhaps the oldest was a seven-
A handyman with anything constructed, ty-six-year-old retired pediatri-
wired, gimmicked, or operated, Chris cian who, when asked why he
built both the stage and the ticket booth had waited so long to start doing
himself. Laid out on crates and stashed magic, responded, “Why, sonny
around the attic is a menagerie of exotic boy, what makes you think I just
little knick-knacks and a hoarder’s ac- started doing magic?”
cumulation of old turn-of-the-century To date, clients of the magic
fixtures and antiques: discarded travel lessons have also included a
bags and suitcases, a railroad platform number of college and university
kerosene signal lamp, stacks of bound professors, an ER nurse, a cardi-
magazines, wooden bird cages hanging ologist, several business owners,
from the ceiling, an abandoned doll and a local judge.
house, a Ouija board, a dilapidated On the second Saturday of
farmhouse screen door, even a Coney every month, all the shops
Island monkey-in-a-barrel. around the square are open until
For shows, children sit in front of the 10 p.m. On those nights, Main
stage on the floor while adult friends Street Magic & Fun Company
and family members relax comfortably hosts two evening family magic
in draped chairs behind the “Vanishing shows open to the public. Many Larry Hass lectures at MSM

M-U-M Magazine 39
 In short, the shop has become a hire her. A student of magic herself, Kim
booking agency of shop-sponsored has performed in the shop’s “Second
birthday parties, special events, Saturday Family Magic Shows” and is
public magic shows, summer a mentee of renowned magician and
camps, magic lessons, client parties, Emmy Award-winning television actor
social occasions, and seasonal pro- Max Howard in Atlanta, who coaches her
ductions for Dickens on the Square magical growth from a distance.
and an annual theatrical séance For three years, Erich Biggs managed
each October. the store. New to magic, Erich became a
In the fall and winter, when the quick study and a very competent dem-
city closes off the streets around onstrator. He performed regularly for
the square for festivals, Chris the shop in the community and in each
brings the children’s train out of the birthday party before leaving for the
warehouse and sets up the “station” West Coast. Currently, he is studying
right in front of the magic store. The for the ministry and has become reac-
enthusiastic young passengers have quainted with Mike Brigham, another
to buy their tickets inside the shop! former demonstrator, who has relocated
The train ride takes children and in Seattle.
their parents around the courthouse David Grubbs, recently reunited with
and through some of the back- Main Street Magic¸ serves today as the
streets. Long-time family friend manager of the store. David worked as
James Mays is the engineer. Chris a demonstrator for three years before
brings in employees from his other taking a break, but has recently returned
companies to help herd the crowds. from Tulsa to work again in the store. His
Dressed up as Santa’s elves, they quick wit and infectious humor endear
Main Street invaded at Halloween entertain the eager children who him to the patrons, old and new. David
line up around the block waiting continues as one of the demonstrators
By far, however, the shop’s primary for the ten-minute excursion. Tickets for behind the counters.
clientele are youngsters and their parents “coach” are $2.00 each, but to sit “first Since Kim’s recent departure, a new
from the McKinney community. They class” with “Frosty” in the caboose, the young lady has stepped in to learn the
may come in shy, but returning customers price jumps to $5.00.
arrive with great expectations and a list Assisting with all these activities has
of new tricks they hope to buy. It’s clear been a dedicated staff, many of whom
that most have completed their negotia- have been with Main Street Magic for
tions with mom and dad before they step years. Immediately upon opening its
inside the store. They know the limits of doors, the shop became a magnet for
their allowance for the day. Their parents exceptionally bright and eager young-
stand aside while they browse wide-eyed sters who were inspired by their connec-
at all the glittery options before them. tions with the store to pursue magic as
“Can you show me that one?” the both a hobby and part-time employment.
inquiring little minds want to know. Several have become employees, and
“And now, do another one!” the story of Main Street Magic & Fun
Jennifer is a study in meticulous man- Company would be incomplete without
agement. She knows – to an item – what their introductions.
has sold from the very first day they The first young customer to walk in the
opened the shop, the count to date, and, door of the Van Alstyne shop in 2007 was
like any other magic store owner who’s David Matthews, a towering young man,
still in business, the profit margin for most noted in the community as the bass
each. That kind of close attention to detail drum player in the high school marching John Greene floats the suds
is why the store has been so successful to band. David studied and practiced until
date, weathering and surviving the most he earned the coveted position as a
difficult economic downturn of the last demonstrator, working during summer
decade. “We’ve sold more than 1,200 months to earn extra income.
Ball and Vase sets with Svengali decks Before leaving to begin her medical
as a close second,” reports Jennifer, her studies this summer, Kim Baxter served
eyes scanning the database sales records as the hostess for the birthday parties and
dating back to Van Alstyne. Ickle Pickle as the store manager, ordering supplies
Nickel slides in at third place. and products, and booking shows and
Both Jennifer and Chris concede, special events. Like David, Kim was one
however, they can’t sell enough Stripper of the young patrons of the Van Alstyne
Decks and Finger Choppers to keep shop, and she began hanging around
the shop open; they have experimented until Jennifer and Chris, recognizing her
over the years with a number of options. talents and commitment, simply had to Kim Baxter with Dan Fleshman at MSM

40 OCTOBER 2015
 ropes. Emily Armstrong is a McKinney the early morning – are taxing
high school senior, already with a long and exhausting. Just over a year
history of community volunteer work, ago, plumbing problems resulted
and has impressed all the shop employees in severe damage that shut down
with her charm and eagerness to serve. the shop for four months while
Geoff Grimes has served as the weekend Chris and Jennifer completed the
house magician for seven years since the repairs themselves.
shop relocated in McKinney. A college “That was just about the last
English teacher by profession, “Doc,” straw,” confesses Jennifer. “At one
as he is known around the store, has point we were both so depressed
performed magic for over sixty years. He we were just about ready to simply
specializes in children’s magic; his zany, flip a coin to decide whether to
somewhat over-the-top grandfatherly stay and try to pull it all back
persona as the “Keeper of the Attic” he together or to just lock the doors
dedicates to the memory of his childhood and walk away from it all.”
mentor in magic, Howard Campbell, the “But then,” says Chris, “there
owner of Howard’s Fun Shop in Houston, are those incredible, magical
back in the 1950s. moments, working with the kids
“When I was a child,” says Geoff, and their parents in the store
“Howard Campbell always made me feel or upstairs performing in the Norman Beck teaches a card trick
as though I was the only reason he got “Second Saturday” shows; you
up that morning. I will always remember feel the connection with your audience, think Chris put his finger on it. There’s
his patience and grace, and I honor his and I know exactly why it’s all worth something wonderful about the experi-
memory every time a child walks into it! People are hungry for the experience ence of good magic that’s very satisfy-
our little magical world at Main Street that only magic can give! They pay good ing. But there’s something unique to a
Magic. I want every youngster to feel money to be entertained, to be fooled, magic store, and to this store especially.
the same way I felt each time I walked to get their minds blown, and to have a It’s the sense of a special community that
into Howard’s Fun Shop: a person with good time. It does something wonderful you just can’t get anywhere else. Maybe
a name – someone important, unique, for them. It all just comes together, and visitors come to the shop at first out of
special, and magical!” all the questions and reservations are curiosity – a lot of them have never been
In addition to the commercial activi- resolved – well, most of them. Okay. in a magic store before – but they keep
ties, Jennifer and Chris give back to Some of them.” coming back because they feel a real con-
both McKinney and to the North Texas There are always the questions about nection to it.
magic community in many ways. They YouTube exposures of tricks and their I’ve seen them come in. I just stand back
provide pro bono entertainment for secrets and all the online magic stores to watch how happy the kids are. When
charity events, McKinney schools, and trying to drain away every magician’s the families and friends leave a birthday
fundraisers. They donate the “Attic” for last dime, but really, they’re no competi- party magic show, most of the young-
the meetings and performances of the tion to those rare magic stores like Main sters are just giddy with joy; they’re so
Society of Young Magicians. They also Street Magic & Fun Company. excited. Ask them, “What did you like
make the “Magic Attic” available for Don’t get me wrong. I think talking the best? What was your favorite trick?”
lectures by teaching magicians. about the Internet and all it can do – and And the kids tell you. For most of them,
I frequent the shop on weekends when more important, what it can’t – is good. it was probably when the sponge bunnies
I can, and always enjoy entertaining the Think about it. I can order a Ball and exploded all over them near the end of
shop’s young clients with impromptu Vase and get it cheap. Once I get it, I the show, and then, put inside the Bunny
effects. I have premiered one new don’t know what to do with it. I can’t tell Box, they all turned into a real (ToysRUs),
lecture in the “Attic” and will present you how much money over the years I’ve fluffy, little white bunny that the birthday
a second one shortly. My friend Larry saved by getting to see it for real in the child got to take home as a gift from Doc!
Hass, publisher of The Theory and Art magic shop. I overheard one birthday party mom
of Magic Press up in Sherman, has also One of the factors that makes Main last week. She had just come down from
lectured at the shop; he co-hosted there Street Magic & Fun Company special the “Magic Attic,” and she told Jennifer,
“a conversation with Eugene Burger” for is that it is still here. When I grew up in “You know, my husband is military – a
area magicians. In just the last year, Dan Tulsa, we had two magic shops. The first real straight-up burr head, a no nonsense
Fleshman dropped by with Diamond Jim, was Top Hat Magic and the second was kind of guy. I have to tell you; he was
and Dave Solomon from Chicago joined Spot Light Magic. Spot Light is gone, just dying with laughter throughout the
me at the store most recently. but Top Hat is still in business. Unfortu- whole show! In all the years we’ve been
The shop has had its ups and downs. It’s nately, we have lost so many. Dallas, Fort married, I have never seen him so happy
hard to juggle the demands of three busi- Worth, and the surrounding area used or having so much fun with the kids! I
nesses and to maintain any semblance of to have six stores, all at one time. Now, just can’t thank you enough for that!”
family life. Both Chris and Jennifer are there are just two left in all of Dallas/Fort I guess that’s what I’m talking about.
new grandparents, and they divide their Worth, and only one – Main Street Magic It’s the community you find in Main
time, as they can, babysitting to help out. – to serve all of North Texas. Street Magic & Fun Company that keeps
The time they have given to the shop – People ask me why I keep going back to calling me back. 
hours each week that often stretch into the magic store up there in McKinney. I www.mainstreetmagicandfun.com

M-U-M Magazine 41
 The Nielsen Gallery Stuart Cumberland - Portrait
Dimensions: Half-sheet - 21" x 33" • Lithographer: Clement - Smith Printing
Date: Mid-1880s • Nielsen Rating: Unique
STUART CUMBERLAND date being thought of by His Majesty the Kaiser in Berlin. He read
numbers on a banknote belonging to the Lord Mayor of London.
This month’s column is devoted to Stuart Cumberland, a practi- When he appeared in Vienna, the Crown Prince hid his own dog
tioner of one of the allied arts, mind reading – or, more specifical- and Cumberland found it while blindfolded.
ly, muscle reading, a form of entertainment that seems magical, The well-known author Professor
mystical, and thoroughly inexplicable to lay Hoffmann witnessed a Cumberland perfor-
audiences. mance on September 11, 1884, at the Savoy
Back in the late 1800s, when interest in mind Theater in London and described some of
reading acts and investigations captured the his effects. Cumberland had a spectator
attention of audiences around the world, come on stage; the spectator wrote the
there were three prominent exponents in names of deceased people on three slips
the field: John Randall Brown, Washington of paper and folded them over. With the
Irving Bishop, and Stuart Cumberland. All spectator seated beside him at a table,
of their acts built upon a child’s game called Cumberland picked up each slip, held it to
“hide the pin” in which one child hides a pin his forehead, and then had the spectator
somewhere in their house; a sibling is then able do likewise. He had trouble getting the
to find the pin by simply walking around the first name but got the second, third, and
house holding the wrist of the one who hid it. went back to get the first. He accom-
Brown is credited with popularizing this phe- plished this by switching the first paper
nomenon when he began presenting it on the for a blank, reading the name behind the
stage in 1872. He toured with the act for five table, and using the one-ahead method
years and eventually appeared in New York in to obtain the other names. He was blind-
1877 at Chickering Hall. As part of his act he folded and then asked a spectator to
also performed anti-spiritualistic tricks assisted think about someone in the audience to
by his wife in cabinet séances. whom he should lead him. Taking the
His act was so popular that during his perfor- person by the arm and wrist he would
mance at Chickering Hall, he hired an assistant, move directly to the thought-of audience member.
Washington Irving Bishop. Soon, by observing Brown at his With Cumberland still blindfolded, two men were enlisted, one
work each night, Bishop learned the methods and embarked on of whom lightly stuck a pin into the other. Taking the hand of the
his own career adopting both the presentation of muscle reading one doing the sticking, he was able to find the exact spot where
and exposés of fraudulent mediums. Brown may not have been the other person was stuck. He then was able to determine the
aware, but Bishop had previously worked for Anna Eva Fay; numbers on a check known only to the owner and wrote them
Bishop learned her methods and exposed them on stage and in correctly on a blackboard, again while still blindfolded. He even
newspapers. He toured widely and was very popular in Europe. had a spectator think of the first bar of a musical composition;
Bishop’s act included his being escorted out of the theater; a taking the gentleman’s hand, he managed after several attempts to
dagger would be touched to a “victim” in the audience and then play the opening bars of the tune.
hidden. Returning to the theater, Bishop located both the dagger Sometimes Cumberland did not even require that the subject’s
and victim. He also identified numbers from a borrowed banknote hand or wrist be held. He was known to use only a short wire
held by a person who could see the serial number but held in such held by the subject on one end and he (the muscle reader) on the
a way that Bishop could not. The person held Bishop’s wrists other. We do not have the space to describe how muscle reading
while Bishop wrote the numbers on a blackboard. His popularity works, but needless to say, it depends on the subject unconscious-
with audiences soared and he too had to hire an assistant – Stuart ly directing the muscle reader to the object or destination. The
Cumberland. muscle reader has very acute perception of the other person’s
Cumberland’s real name was Charles Garner; like his employer, muscles. The subject is in a state of tension or expectancy. A
he was a quick study and mastered all of Bishop’s techniques sudden release from this tension increases the activity in the
and stunts. With Bishop’s death on May 12, 1889, the field was brain, which results in impulses being transmitted to the muscles.
wide open for Cumberland, who was a star attraction in England A turn of the century magic catalog offered The New Pin Test
and especially London. Presenting his apparent miracles before for seventy-five cents and promised it to be just as good as that
political, military, and government leaders added greatly to his offered by Cumberland. The likelihood that the purchaser could
success. present such an effect as well as Cumberland is about as likely as
For example, he read three numbers only thought of by four-time someone purchasing a deck of cards with the promise that they
British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone. On July 19, would be the next Cardini. Cumberland died of heart failure in St.
1884, Cumberland drew a picture of the elephant His Royal George’s Hospital in London early in 1922. 
Highness the Prince of Wales merely thought of. He divined the —Tom Ewing

42 OCTOBER 2015
 El Roberto Enigm atico
The M agic of Bob Far mer
tr anslated from the spanish
By R .D. Michaels

the face of the deck and drop them to your neath the Ace of Clubs.
right. (If you encounter an Ace among Repeat the sliding, squaring, and
ALEX CUTS these cards, toss it aside and continue to double-undercutting action with pile C,
THE HENRY CHRIST spread until you have three cards.) Drop bringing the Ace of Spades to the bottom
ACES more groups of three cards, making a total
of four piles on the table. (Again, if you
beneath the first two Aces.
The action changes slightly with the
Even though his father is heralded as encounter an Ace, toss it aside.) final packet. As the right hand slides pile
one of the great unheralded creators in Continue to spread cards; you’re D off the table, the left thumb pushes the
magic, Alex Farmer showed little interest looking for the Eight of Clubs. Toss the top card of its pile to the right slightly. It
in conjuring until he attended Roberto cards in front of the Eight (there will immediately draws it back, and the left
Giobbi’s Dai Vernon lecture in 2008. (See probably be three, four, or five of them little finger gets a break under it. Pile D is
this month’s Informed Opinion column depending on how many cards were cut to slid onto the left-cards; the left little finger
for more on this lecture.) Alex wanted to the bottom after the shuffle) on pile A, B, retains its break.
learn his first trick, so Bob created a sim- or C. Push off the Eight and the next three Now all the cards above the little finger
plified version of Henry Christ’s Fabulous cards and drop them on pile D. (This pile break are double-undercut to the back
Ace Trick (see end notes for references). now contains seven cards.) (bottom of the pile). The order of the cards
Combining elements of a Frank Garcia Continue spreading through the deck, at the back of the deck is: seven indifferent
variation of the effect, and using only basic randomly dropping cards on piles A, B, cards, the Eight of Clubs, and the four Aces
card technique (mostly double-undercuts), and C. Do this with small groups of cards in Diamonds, Spades, Hearts, Clubs order.
Bob’s handling provides maximum punch so the process looks haphazard. As before, (A note for curious readers: Since
for minimum work. I will describe Bob’s toss out any Aces you come to. At the end the trick requires that there be seven
handling but along the way I’ll include sug- of this, the Aces will have been tossed cards below the Eight of Clubs, you may
gestions for those of you who are beyond aside and there will be four piles of cards wonder why Bob simply didn’t form pile
the beginner stage. on the table. Pile D has the Eight of Clubs D with seven cards below the Eight at the
The Set-up: The effect can be on the face, with six cards below it. beginning. If he had done that, the same
performed with a borrowed deck. If using Laying Out the Aces: Pick up the Aces indifferent card that was on the face would
a borrowed deck, spread the deck between and place one on each pile; the Ace of show again after the double-undercut, and
your hands and ask if it is a full deck. As Clubs goes on pile A, Hearts on B, Spades that would be a tipoff that some type of
you do so, spot the Eight of Clubs and cut on C, and Clubs on D. This is CHaSeD control was going on. Bob’s method allows
it to the face of the deck. (If you are using order, and is easy to remember. for a change in the face card – very clever.)
your own deck, simply preset the Eight Losing the Aces: As the packets are Spread off five or more cards from the
on the face.) Now give the deck several reassembled, each Ace will apparently face-up deck, showing that there are no
genuine riffle shuffles, keeping the Eight be lost. Actually, they will be controlled Aces near the bottom. Flip the deck face
on the bottom. This is easy to do. Finish using double-undercuts. (An excellent and down into the left hand. Spread off five or
the shuffles by cutting off about a dozen little-used method for the double-undercut six cards and show the faces of these cards,
cards from the top and complete the cut. can be found in Giobbi’s Card College proving (?) that there are no Aces near the
This brings the Eight to about the thir- 1, page 95.) The idea of losing the Aces top.
teenth position from the bottom while through double-undercuts comes from Finding the Ace of Hearts: The four
convincing the spectators that the deck has Dai Vernon’s Cutting the Aces in Stars of Aces are now magically produced, each
been thoroughly mixed. Magic. in a different way. Announce that you’ll
Making the Four Piles: You will now Slide pile A into your left hand. It find the Ace of Hearts. Give the deck a
look through the deck and toss out the should remain slightly unsquared. As you false cut. A simple but very convincing
four Aces as you come to them. As you square the pile, get a left little finger break one is the Jay Ose triple cut (Close-up
do this you’ll make four piles of face-up under the Ace of Clubs and immediately Card Magic by Harry Lorayne, page 93.)
cards (designated A, B, C, and D, reading perform a double-undercut, bringing it to Another option (which requires a bit more
from your left to right). Only one pile (D, the back (bottom) of the packet. Slide pile technique) is Frank Thompson’s F.T. False
the one furthest to your right) has specific B (unsquared) onto the left-hand cards. Cut from Frank Garcia’s Super Subtle
requirements; the other three piles contain Square up, getting a break under the Ace of Card Miracles, page 143. Spell A-C-E-O-
random numbers of cards. Hearts and immediately perform a double- F-H-E-A-R-T-S, dealing one card for each
Spread off the first three cards from undercut, bringing it to the bottom under- letter, with the cards going face down into

44 OCTOBER 2015
a pile. Retain the card on the “S” and pause you in the exact same position as the easier Aces to Order, pages 27-31. This trick is
dramatically. Turn it over, revealing the handling while dispelling the idea that any well worth whatever amount of practice is
Ace of Hearts. Toss the Ace aside. arrangement of the cards could have been required to perfect it.)
Scoop up the dealt cards with your right preserved.) The plot of Henry Christ’s Fabulous
hand and drop them back onto the cards in Finding the Ace of Clubs: The deck Ace Routine has inspired many variations
the left hand. As you square the cards, get is face down in the left hand with the by some of magic’s best creators. In 1958,
a left little finger break under the top card face-up Ace of Diamonds protruding. Alex Elmsley published Arab Roto-Pack
(the Ace of Spades). Spread through the deck until the Ace of (The Collected Works of Alex Elmsley
Finding the Ace of Spades: Since you Diamonds is reached. The right hand takes Volume II, pages 365-368), which uses
found an Ace by spelling, announce that all the cards above the Ace and tosses them faro shuffles to position the Aces for their
you’ll find an Ace by cutting. Perform a onto the table in a loose spread as the left subsequent revelations. Simon Aronson
double-undercut, bringing the card above hand tosses the Ace of Diamonds onto the has long been interested in the effect. In
the little finger break (Ace of Spades) to the first two Aces. The right hand takes the Sessions, he published Mediations on
bottom. Pause for dramatic effect, and then left-hand cards and tosses them onto the the Christ Aces (pages 112-119). Simon’s
turn the deck face up into the left hand, portion of the deck on the table; the cards method eliminated the need for any un-
displaying the Ace of Spades on the face. are squared. dercutting or displacement of cards. In the
(This can be made a bit more dramatic by Announce that the last Ace is the most thirty years since Sessions was published,
using the Giobbi double-undercut handling difficult. Repeat the Jay Ose cut (or the Simon has not stopping thinking about
mentioned above.) F.T. False Cut, or any other good false cut the effect. For those of you who use the
Finding the Ace of Diamonds: that you know). Say, “I think I’ve found Aronson stack, the Christ-Aronson Aces
Announce that you will find the next Ace the card I need,” and dramatically (there’s (Art Deco, pages 241-249) may well be the
by shuffling. Take the deck from above that word again) turn the card (the Eight of ultimate version. It allows you do all the
with the right hand and begin a face-up Clubs) toward the spectators. The audience phases of the Fabulous Ace Routine, and
Hindu shuffle, pulling the cards off into will inform you that you missed. Look at at the end of the routine the Aronson stack
the left hand. After about half the deck has the card and say, “Well, at least it’s a Club. has not been disarranged. This is a valuable
been shuffled, turn the right hand palm And actually, it is the card I need.” addition to the memdeck literature.
up. With the left thumb, drag off the top Place the Eight aside and count off Inspired by Simon’s Meditations on the
face-down card onto the left-hand cards, eight cards, holding the eighth card face Christ Aces, John Bannon created Beyond
leaving it face down and in-jogged for down with your right hand. Look at and Fabulous (Dear Mr. Fantasy, pages 71-83).
about half its length. Turn the right hand turn it toward the audience, revealing the John’s trick adds a killer kicker: after the
palm down and slap all of its cards on top Ace of Clubs. four Aces are produced, the four cards
of the left-hand cards. The face-down card Reference Notes: Henry Christ was making up a royal flush in Spades are also
is now in-jogged in the middle of the deck. a member of the New York City magical revealed. John’s routine requires a more
Pause for dramatic effect (there seems underground. His Fabulous Ace Routine extensive set-up than the other versions
to be a lot that going on). Grasp the outer was to appear as part of the Stars of Magic of the effect, but he also explains a simple
end of the deck with the right hand, thumb series, but the series ended before that method for achieving that set-up during a
above, fingers below. Turn the deck over happened. Christ developed his routine natural handling of the deck. John’s routine
end for end, revealing the face-up Ace of after seeing Dai Vernon perform his will floor anyone.
Diamonds protruding from the front of the famous Cutting the Aces routine (which Finally, if you’d like to study a full-
deck. did appear in Stars of Magic). After seeing blown analysis and professional presen-
(Michael Close has suggested an extra the Christ routine, Vernon created a re- tation of the Christ effect, you can do no
bit of handling that increases the difficulty markable version, Aces to Order; Vernon’s better than Roberto Giobbi’s Study for
only marginally while burying the method effect added an extra conundrum: the Four Aces (Card College 5, pages 1207-
a bit deeper. Perform the Hindu shuffle spectator was allowed to choose the order 1219). Giobbi considers this one of his
as explained above up to the point when in which the Aces were produced. most prized Ace routines, one that has
the Ace of Diamonds has been dragged Henry Christ gave Howard Schwarz- been in his repertoire for more than twenty
face down onto the left-hand cards. Now man the Fabulous Ace Routine for inclusion years. Spend some serious time with this
instead of just flipping the right-hand cards in Cliff Green’s Professional Card Magic routine; it is a textbook example of how
onto the left-hand cards, the right hand (pages 48-54). However, the routine as small details produce extraordinary magic.
turns palm down and the Hindu shuffle is described there was not exactly the way The reason I have given all these refer-
apparently continued until the right-hand Christ performed it. A more accurate ences is to point out how valuable it is to
cards have been exhausted. Actually, the explanation of the routine appeared in research any effect that you plan on adding
idea behind John Cornelius’s Oh Calcutta Karl Fulves’s Epilogue No. 20 (h.c. aces, to your repertoire. Read, study, analyze,
Shuffle is used. Instead of pulling cards pages 190-191). A more robust description think, rinse, and repeat. Create a version
from the top of the right-hand packet, appears in The Vernon Chronicles: More that fits you. I think the information given
cards are pulled from the bottom of the Lost Inner Secrets Volume 2 (The Christ above would make an interesting pre-
packet. Performed briskly, this looks like Ace Trick, pages 242-245). Vernon’s sentation at an assembly meeting. I hope
a continuation of the Hindu shuffle, but it handling of the trick is explained as well. someone takes the time to do that. 
does not mix the right-hand cards. It leaves (This volume contains an explanation of

M-U-M Magazine 45
 Escaping From Card Tricks their faces on classic magic
posters. It was a painstaking job
A lot of you are probably that took hours to do. Thanks
unaware that many years ago to a new app, you can now do it
I did a Guinness Record event yourself in minutes.
during which I performed Face in Hole allows you to
thirteen hours of card tricks replace a face on a photo or poster
without repeating. The event with your own. Take a picture of
took place at a large shopping the Houdini King of Cards poster,
mall, so there were lots of take a photo of yourself with
spectators to work with. your head at the same angle as
I ended at 1 a.m. and was exhausted. A security guard, who Houdini’s, and with a few clicks,
thought he was being funny, slapped his handcuffs on me and you have Houdini looking like
said, “If you’re such a great magician, get out of these cuffs.” you! The $3 app allows you to
Luck was on my side this night because I had a bobby pin on use any background to do the tricky stuff. The app also includes
my belt that I was using as a card clip. Not only did I get out of hundreds of stock photos for you to have fun with. A great idea
the cuffs, but a news reporter was there to cover the event and is to take pictures at your next magic meeting or fundraiser and
loved the story. After thirteen hours of card tricks, the lead of print them out. Think in the genre of a Photo Tent at a carnival
the story was the fact that I got out of a pair of handcuffs! where you put your face on various bodies. This app is a lot of
My reason for telling you this story is that if I wasn’t lucky fun and is available on the iTunes App Store.
enough to have that bobby pin, a new gadget called TIHK
could have helped me back in 1975. TIHK stands for Tiny Little Chocolate Magic
Handcuff Key. It is made of plastic and inconspicuously clips to
a belt loop or clothing edge. TIHK works with standard cuffs I’m not sure why I’m
and is the perfect little gimmick for escape artists or occasional writing about this. There’s
Houdini clones. something magical about
If you are into escapes, this is a must have. If you are a card it and I feel that magicians
magician, you never know when someone will ask you to do an could use this somewhere
escape. It happened to me! in their performances. The
The TIHK sells for $12 and is available at http://tihk.co Candy Craft Chocolate Pen
could possibly be a dream
An App with Possibilities prop for children’s perform-
ers.
Tech Tricks is not a review column but Some ideas I immedi-
rather a recommendation column. I don’t ately came up with include writing out the name of a card and
usually write up apps that fall short or are putting it on a cookie. Switching the cookie could show a sweet
unimpressive. Occasionally I talk about prediction. This pen melts discs of chocolate that allow you to
apps that are not perfect but have possibili- draw 3D-like objects. It also makes it easy for you to write with
ties. This is one of those apps. chocolate ink. I played with drawing card symbols and numbers
The Card – A Magical Experi- on top of candy bars. Reseal the bar and then after you can’t find
ence is an app that has people choose a the selected card you give them a candy bar. When they open
card from a handful of cards. You then the bar the card is written across the top in chocolate. If nothing
show a face-down card on your iDevice. else you and the kids will have fun with this relatively inexpen-
Tap the card and it reveals the selected sive prop. Available at Toys R Us and Target, the Candy Craft
card. Nothing unusual here except that it Chocolate Pen by Skyrocket Toys sells for $30. 
allows seven different ways to cue the app on the selected card,
including your Apple Watch. It’s free to download and costs Found a cool gadget, app, or website for magic applica-
about $5 to open all the triggers and get rid of the annoying ads. tions? Share your discovery with Bruce to include in a future
The Card – A Magical Experience is available on the iTunes column. Email him (SAMtalkBruce@gmail.com).
App Store.
Note: Pricing and details are not guaranteed and are accurate
A Face for Magic at the time of writing this article. Prices and features are subject
to change.
For many years, when the young magicians were selected for
the Stars of Tomorrow Show, I would, as a present, Photoshop

46 OCTOBER 2015
 Cheats & Deceptions
(For Entertainment Purposes Only)
By Antonio M. Cabr al

newsreel footage. The point was to tell a classic handling of the effect, but the start
story of a human mimic who used his of a runaway train of variations that hasn’t
uncanny skills to connect with people. The stopped since. Meanwhile, I have yet to
“To me, the technique was fine. I mean, it movie does this by doing exactly that: it find a pamphlet called 101 Tricks with a
was fun to do, and it was a small accom- leaps through technical hoops to convince Cheek to Cheek Deck.
plishment, but it was the content of the the audience that Leonard Zelig was a real, I’ve developed a reputation for techni-
film that interested me.” – Woody Allen, historical person. The story on paper is ev- cally demanding card work; I won’t deny
on his 1983 film Zelig erything I said it was. In practice, however, or refute it. (When I was selecting tricks
I doubt it would have been as successful a for my DVD The Usual Suspect, even I was
“There was […] a point when I thought I film without that technical component. surprised by how many of them required
was going to go nuts. I have never worked Magicians have a love/hate relationship a large amount of second dealing.) But I
so hard at making something difficult look with technique. They’ll ask if you can do don’t think of myself as a technician. I’m
so simple.” – Gordon Willis, cinematogra- such-and-such a move, because they love a performer, with a certain toolkit of skills
pher for the 1983 Woody Allen film Zelig seeing difficult things made to look simple. at my disposal. My goal is to create strong
But if a trick requires the same technique, and effective routines using the tools that
they sadly tut-tut and move on to something I have. Some of those tools allow me to
ON TECHNIQUE else, even if they know they’re passing up create effects that can’t really be achieved
something strong and effective in spite of any other way. If I could create a version of
If you haven’t seen Woody Allen’s themselves. my effect Five Aces from my DVD without
Zelig, I highly recommend it. It’s the story Gambling-related techniques are partic- resorting to a week’s worth of second
of a strange man in the 1920s, ‘30s, and ularly vulnerable to this attitude, because dealing, I’d do that version in a heartbeat.
‘40s who can precisely mimic the people magicians are used to seeing these tech- But since I haven’t figured out how to do
he’s around in order to fit in. It’s very sweet, niques demonstrated in purely academic that, I have to stick with what gets the job
very funny, and very poignant. It’s also an contexts. “Here’s a thing that can be done done. And the results from my audiences
amazing technical accomplishment. with cards,” says the performer. Then he are worth it.
The story of Zelig is told in fake docu- does it. Then he says, “That was it.” It’s not my intention to shame anyone
mentary style, with a number of segments Back in the early part of the twentieth into learning any particular technique (or
presented as archive footage or newsreels century, when magicians like Dai Vernon, all of them!) or to scold people to “work
from the time. Woody Allen and his cin- Charlie Miller, and Jacob Daley were harder!” I will, however, continue to
ematographer took great pains to insert hunting down the secrets of the card table, try to convince other card workers that
Allen and other modern-day actors seam- they weren’t just learning these tech- these techniques don’t just exist for their
lessly into old footage to make it look like niques to show them off. They tried to own sake. I’ll continue to insist that just
the character was actually of those eras figure out how to use them to make the because these techniques are difficult,
and meeting Babe Ruth, F. Scott Fitzger- performance of close-up magic better. A doesn’t always mean they’re impractical.
ald, Fanny Brice, and other celebrities. perfect example is the classic Triumph They’re just like any other sleight-of-hand:
This was well before the days of CGI, effect from Stars of Magic. The effect a means to an end. That end is creating an
Photoshop and digital compositing – and predates Vernon; Theodore Deland’s impossible illusion, which is the ultimate
eleven years before Forrest Gump. In Inverto was a gimmicked approach with a goal of the magician.
order to create those effects in Zelig, they slew of double-backed cards (now usually
had to hunt down cameras and film stock referred to by U.F. Grant’s name, Cheek DOCTOR DOO-LOTS
from those vintage eras, hire technicians To Cheek). Vernon took a gambler’s move,
experienced in film processing techniques the strip-out false shuffle, and realized My friend Andrew Wimhurst buried a
of the Thirties, and actually damage the that you could achieve the same powerful lovely little two-card selection routine in
new footage to create the effects of aging effect with an ordinary deck of cards. You his lecture notes Down Under Deals called
to match the genuine old footage. It was, could argue the strengths and limitations Doctor Doolittle. It’s one of the few ap-
by all reports, very exacting and difficult of each approach; my point, however, plications of a second deal for a magical
work, but the results are tremendously con- is that it wasn’t enough just to do a false effect, and makes for a great little bar or
vincing. shuffle and say, “See? I just did a false walk-around opener. I’ve worked out a
Of course, the point wasn’t just to shuffle.” Vernon applied the technique to a handling that has been working very well
show Woody Allen walking around in old desired effect, and the result was not only a for me.

48 OCTOBER 2015
 Spread the deck between your hands
and ask two people to each choose a card.
As you spread the deck to have the cards “Magicians have a love/hate relationship
returned, cull a random card from around
fifth or sixth from the top under the spread.
Have the two selections replaced in reverse
with technique. They’ll ask if you can do
order (second selection first), cull them
to the bottom with the random card and such-and-such a move, because they love
control all three back to the top with a lift
shuffle (this is a control I’ve described in
this column before).
seeing difficult things made to look simple.”
“Just to prove I’m not cheating before I
start cheating, did anybody’s card end up
near the top of the deck?” As you ask this
question, turn over the top single card. Photo 2
Under cover of this card, pinky count to
get a break under three cards and turn over
a triple on top of the deck (Photo 1). When
your participants have confirmed that they
don’t see their cards, place the single on the
face of the triple and turn everything face
down on top of the deck. (This is the “sin-
gle-triple” idea I’ve mentioned before. It
puts you in position of having gotten con- Photo 4
firmation that the selections are nowhere
near the top a millisecond before you bring
them to the top.) by the ends. Under cover of both the card
Photo 3 and your hand, push the reversed bottom
card underneath it and take both cards as
one in sort of a hybrid double deal/covered
Photo 1 side-steal (Photo 4, seen from below). The
cards don’t have to be in any type of square
alignment; in fact, it’s a little better if the
lowermost card is jogged to the right a little
farther under the hand. Place the card(s)
on top of the dealt cards and pick up the
whole pile; square up everything on top.
You should still have the first selection face
up on top, only now the second selection is
revelation, top change the selection out and face up behind it as a double.
apparently drop it face down on the pile of Ask your second participant to hold her
Turn the deck face up and spread a few dealt cards. hand out, turn the double face down, and
cards off the face to ask/confirm that the Turn to your second participant and ask deal the top card off into her hand. Palm off
selections aren’t there, either. As you turn her for a different number. Second deal the first selection and produce it from your
the deck back face down, contact the bot- down to that number and reveal the first pocket, then have your participant reveal
tommost card with your left fingers and person’s selection again. Look confused, the transformed selection in her hand. The
hold it in place as you turn the rest of the turn the card face down on top, second addition of the “I’ve Got a Surprise for
deck face down on top of it (Photos 2 and deal some more cards, and reveal the first You” ending makes for a nice callback on
3). A slight body turn to the left will help selection again. As my buddy Wimhurst the repeat appearance of the first selection.
cover this reversal. This leaves you with points out, magicians see this as a cute It’s a fun routine full of surprises. Enjoy. 
the second selection face up on the bottom bit. Normal people (who don’t know what
of the deck and the first selection on top. a second deal is until you tell them) find If any M-U-M readers want to get in
Turn to your first participant and ask this amazing, confounding, and not a little touch, please feel free to contact me at an-
him to name a number from one to twelve. funny. toniomcabral@yahoo.com. I look forward
When he names the number, second deal Once you’ve milked the gag, leave the to answering your questions.
down to that number and reveal the first first selection face up on top. Push it off
person’s selection. As he’s reacting to the the side of the pack and take it from above

M-U-M Magazine 49
Blast from the Past
MR. FINNEGAN
BY J.G. THOMPSON
(FROM M-U-M, JANUARY 1969)
This puzzling demonstration won’t help you to become an
Eagle Scout, but with it you can fool the heck out of the citizenry,
including members of the Beaver Patrol.
There are two 3½-foot lengths of nylon rope involved as well
as two small rings about 1½ inches in diameter – the type used 3
with your Ellis shell. You don’t have one? Okay, try key rings, or
any other type about that size.
What you propose to do is teach some eager person, who
has been clobbered into submission, how to tie a new knot. This
accounts for the two ropes and the two rings – one set for him, one
set for you. It does not account, however, for his inability to arrive
at the same result as you, although he follows both your verbal and
illustrative instructions to the letter.
Hand a rope and ring to the spectator and station him to your
right, telling him to follow your actions exactly.
Lay your ring flat on your left middle and third fingers. Hold 4
the middle of the folded rope (one end being two to three inches
longer than the other) in your right hand between the forefinger
and thumb. Insert the loop under the right edge of the ring (Photo
1) and turn it back upon itself (that is, to the right over the top
of the ring’s right edge) with the left thumb until its open end
(leftmost portion) can be pressed with the left thumb against the
two strands below (Photo 2). The turned-back portion of the loop
should be approximately three inches long.
Pull the loop and the
strands around the ring
5
in a quarter-arc (from
three to twelve o’clock)
to your front, so they As this is done, secretly turn the ring over so the strands lie on
lie on and extend over and are above the ring (Photo 6). Slide your left forefinger and
the left forefinger edge thumb downward to the end of the longer strand, pointing out to
(Photo 3). Then turn the the spectator that the ends of the cord remain in view throughout
back of your left hand (Photo 7). It is important to execute this maneuver because later
toward the spectator you will repeat it while performing another secret move.
1 who will have attained
the same result as you...
so far. Hold everything
in place against the left
fingers with the left
thumb.
Enter the loop from
above with your right
forefinger and thumb,
grasp the two strands
and pull them through
2 6
the loop (Photo 4). Slide
your forefinger and
thumb to the ends of the strands and pull on them until the loop Then grasp both strands with your left hand, raise them high,
tightens against the ring. Drop the strands so they hang down and pull the ring free, loosening it slightly first (if needed) by
along the back of the left hand, that is, on the side toward the slipping one strand up each side of the ring secretly with your
audience (Photo 5). Make sure the spectator executes the same right thumb. When the spectator pulls, the ring emerges from his
action. hand tied tightly to the rope.
Bring your right fingers up between the hanging strands and Tell the spectator that he must have done something incor-
the back of your left hand, taking the entire assembly into your rectly and that you’ll try again to show him the proper way to do
right hand in the same position that it was held in the left hand. it. Suggest exchanging ropes and rings. Take his set and actually

50 OCTOBER 2015
 condition of both ropes appears to be identical.
When your strands are pulled through the loop as before and
then tugged upon, the rope will be free of the ring, but do not
allow the true condition to be known. Simply allow the loop’s end
to slip through the ring, but hold it fast against the inside of your
left forefinger with your left thumb.
Using exactly the same moves as before, take the rope in your
right hand, but leave the ring in your left hand (Photo 10). Again
point out to the spectator that the ends are always in view. Appar-
ently to confirm this, run your left forefinger and thumb down the
long strand until its end can be guided into the finger-palmed ring
7 with your left thumb. Then move your left hand upward, allowing
the ring secretly to go up the long strand (Photo 11). About four
untie the ring. Do not remove it as you did yours previously. inches below your right hand, close the left hand around both
Proceed exactly as before, except that, just after the loop is strands, clamping them tightly with your left little finger.
pushed through the ring at the beginning, and is being pulled to
the right, lay your left thumb on the right edge of the ring that is
visible between the two strands of the loop. As your left hand is
turned with its back toward the spectator and the loop and two
single strands are being draped over the left forefinger edge of
your hand, secretly pull up on the ring with your left thumb and
revolve it (the ring) one-half turn from right to left. As the latter is
done, the strands of the loop must be allowed to slip, also secretly,
to the upper edge of the ring – one going up one side of the ring
and the other up the opposite side (Photo 8), which is easy because
of the position of the left thumb.

10

After the turnover of the ring, slide your left thumb up until it 11
can conceal the true situation with respect to the relative position
of the loop and the strands. At this point, the rope genuinely will
be fastened to the ring, but the spectators will not be aware of this Move the left hand above the right and apparently pull the
(Photo 9). ring free, using the same motions as you did the first time. The
spectator finds that once again his ring remains tied to the rope.
Close the right hand into a fist and carry it to your right.
Appear puzzled by this odd turn of events and then say,
“Maybe you aren’t successful because you can’t make your ring
dematerialize.” Make a tossing motion upward, open your hand
and disclose the vanish of the ring, at the same moment releasing
your left hand grip on the ring, which will fall and end up hanging
from the loop. Its discovery there by the spectator provides an
effective finish.
Retrieve the rings and ropes, and put them away, muttering to
yourself that it’s all too much for you to understand.
[J.G. Thompson’s excellent book, Magic to Delight, was serial-
9 ized in M-U-M from May 1968 through February 1969.] 

The spectator, of course, is following along, but is unaware of

the secret move that has already tied your ring to the rope. Every-
thing at this point looks exactly like it did the first time and the

M-U-M Magazine 51
 Ten Questions
Asked by Scott Alex ander

Teller is a true artist by every accord I lived in Philadelphia. Kanter’s was the
Devant sets out in that wonderful book. classy one. It was beautiful and expensive.
As a kid, I always felt magic had to have Mike Kanter would take you in the back
that rapid fire, clever patter, that “diarrhea to explain the tricks. The other shop was
TELLER of the mouth” that a lot of magicians rely Chanin’s, in the storefront on Market
on. As I sat in that darkened theater, I truly Street. Chanin sold my mother a set of
had a magical, transformative experience. cups and balls for me when I was five.
There is great power in silence. For a birthday present, I selected a crystal
One day in Las Vegas that silence was ball from Chanin’s window. I still have it.
broken. I received a phone call. The voice Later, Chanin moved to the walk-up shop
on the other end of the line was Teller. Yes, on, I think, Walnut Street or Locust. It was
he talks! They had purchased my trick wonderfully creepy to go up those rickety
called Shattered, and Teller was calling to stairs to where Chanin surrounded himself
ask me if I minded if he and Penn did it with exotic merchandise he had converted
on The View with Barbra Walters. What an from thrift store finds into magic tricks. He
honor. It was a full circle moment for me. could make anything seem like a miracle.
I felt assured in knowing that I must have
been doing something right in my work, if 3. Give a few examples of effects
they felt this material was worthy of P&T. from your act in its early years. What
It made me think back to that evening as material did you consider your “go to”
a teenager, when I sat in that theater. I stuff? Did any of it make it into what you
reflected on where I had come from and do now?
where I was going on my own magical As a kid I pulled lots of silks out of
journey. It made me want to be an even Temple Screens. I did about a thousand
better magician. different Zombie routines. I did a vanishing
Thinking back on what you have candle that reappeared inside a plywood
done and evaluating it can perhaps help “temple” my father and I constructed. I did
Artwork by James Carroll to show you the way forward in your a profoundly unconvincing version of the
magic. It can give you much needed per- vanish of Ho-Toi, from The John Mulhol-
“Shadows of the Past, Shedding Light on spective and even inspiration. No matter land Book of Magic.
the Future” whom you are in the world of magic, a By the time I did street perform-
performer at school assemblies, or a star ing, my act was silent and featured the
As a seventeen-year-old kid, on a on the Las Vegas strip, we all should have East Indian Needles. That was generally
balmy June evening in 1987, I distinct- one common goal. That goal should be to preceded by two tricks: a cut and restored
ly remember sitting in a theater called make our magic as perfect as it can be for ribbon, whose methods were the root of
Center Stage in Baltimore watching what our audiences, and as artistically satisfy- the Polyester Messiah trick Penn and I
I felt was the best show I had ever seen. ing to our fellow magic makers as it is to currently do; and the Miser’s Dream, in
It was Penn & Teller. They did their now us. Let’s take Teller back in time and read which I devised many of the techniques I
well established classics, Casey at the Bat his answers to the Ten Questions, to see now use in Silverfish.
and The Card Stab, and Teller did what I where he has come from in his pursuit of
think is the finest and most artistic piece of our magical art. In his answers, you just 4. Is your character now anything
magic on the planet, Shadows. This show may see a shadow of yourself. like your character in your early de-
wasn’t a magic show. It was art. It was pure velopment? How did you develop your
and unaffected by the usual slap-dashary 1. What is the first magic you current persona?
of magic. It was clear, concise, and clever. remember seeing and what impact did The childhood performance was all
It was theatre, just as David Devant said it it have on you? ersatz Asian. I claimed to be a Chinese
should be in Our Magic: The first I remember is seeing a clown magician hundreds of years old. I wore an
“Herein we are confronted by no party magician doing the Color Vision orange, embroidered velvet robe. You can
shadow of difficulty, either in connection trick and some trick involving cracking an imagine how well this went down with an
with general principles or with specific egg on a child’s head. audience of Cub Scouts (I can still feel
details. High Art in Magic is, in every the welts from the hard candy they threw
essential, the counterpart of High Art in 2. Did you frequent and/or work at at me). I went silent (without music) at
other callings. It is that which originates any brick and mortar magic shops in about age nineteen and discovered over the
and executes truly artistic conceptions. It your formative years? If so, which ones years that it gave me authority, clarity, and
represents the most complete triumph of and where were they? How did this intimacy.
mind over matter.” influence your development?

52 OCTOBER 2015
 5. What did you consider your biggest only in magic are missing a lot, and so is Anything. Parks, birthday parties, gigs
break in your career that took you to the their magic. you are terrified of. The more time you’re
next level? onstage, the more you will learn.
Penn and I were persuaded to take our 7. What effect that you currently
show off-Broadway in 1985. We had been perform gives you the most satisfaction 9. How do you think the Internet has
in business for ten years, and had enough and why? impacted magic?
experience that we could take the pressure. The Red Ball is the most challenging It’s created a genuine international
We knew by that time how to function I’ve ever composed. Generally I prefer to communal network that allows us to
as a team, and were secure and focused create pieces of magic that – once composed see the work of magicians both past and
onstage. We had superb producers and – are not so technically demanding that present, that we’d never previously have
press agents, and in New York, that can be I’m distracted from performance. The Red had an opportunity to see or study.
a career-maker. It was a good decision. Ball is an exception. Every performance is
a tightrope walk. So I give myself a gold 10. If it was possible for Houdini to
6. At what point in your life did you star every time I execute it perfectly. deliver a message to you from “the great
realize you had to be a part of the world beyond,” what would you like to like
of magic? 8. What is the one piece of advice you him to say to you?
The moment I received the Howdy would give an aspiring performer who “I forgive you for doing my Needle
Doody Magic Set (at age five), I’d found wanted to turn pro? Trick.” 
my world. Or one of them. People who live Take every show you are offered.

DID YOU KNOW?

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COMPUTER OR TABLET AND READ THEM ON THE GO.
CHECK IT OUT NOW! CLICK HERE

M-U-M Magazine 53
 Chautauqua Conjurors and
Lyceum Legerdem ain
By David Haversat

PAUL FLEMING Part two opened with Mrs. Fleming

presenting “Tests in Mind Reading.”
She would sit blindfolded on stage and
add numbers only thought of by the
audience and transmitted mentally
by her husband; would “see” playing
cards selected; and she mentally
“read” passages from a book selected
by a spectator. Part two closed with
the Spirit Cabinet with all the ac-
companying bells and tambourines
flying through the air.
Part three opened with
Germain’s Floating

warm endorsement and so began a

five-year association between Fleming
and Germain. He also managed to
work his way through college, earning
The subject of this month’s column, a B.A. and eventually a Ph.D.
Paul Fleming, is a man of distinction. With this magical foundation,
This is not to imply that those featured Fleming toured Chautauqua and
previously are in any way less important Lyceum as well as becoming one
or talented, but our subject is unique in a of the most popular entertainers
number of significant ways. working the university and college
He was first enticed into the realm of circuits. In 1915, he even went out
magic after witnessing performances by with Germain’s show as “Paul
Kellar, Rouclere, Valadon, and others. He Germaine,” under his mentor’s
entered the profession in 1909 after sending management. Germain had retired
the famous Chautauqua artist Eugene to study law.
Laurant a letter offering his services as an The show for which he became
assistant. As fate would have it, Laurant both famous and popular was called, An
was filling dates in Pennsylvania when Evening of Magic. The troupe consisted of Ball, a version of Thurston’s
his chief assistant left. Laurant contacted Mrs. Fleming, his brother Walker, and his Rising Cards, DeKolta’s Card Fountain,
Fleming and he joined the show. For the wife. His three-part program opened with and the Miser’s Dream; it concluded with
next nine months he and Laurant traveled silk productions reminiscent of Kellar, The Hindu Gong. In this illusion Fleming
25,000 miles across the United States dyeing silks, Germain’s Flying Handker- placed his assistant “James” in a big velvet
doing one-night shows. chief, and the Flight of Time; he closed bag and tied it closed. He then built a wall
He must have been good, because with Germain’s famous visible growth of of screens around him on stage. Donning
the next season Karl Germain contacted a rosebush, including handing out fresh a Hindu robe, hood, and scarlet mask he
Laurant to ask about Fleming. He received a roses to members of the audience. walked across the state and struck a gong.

54 OCTOBER 2015
 On the seventh strike a bewhis-
kered policeman rushed down
the aisle from the back and
burst on stage to untie the sack.
Inside was Mrs. Fleming. The
man in the Hindu robe turned
out to be James and the
policeman was Fleming.
Besides his success in
magic, Fleming (real name
Paul Fleming Gemmill)
was a professor emeritus
of economics at the
University of Pennsyl-
vania where he taught
for forty years. He
produced no less
than six textbooks
on economics, most
of which were Young
reprinted multiple Fleming
times. In fact, he was the Program
Cover
only magician listed in Who’s Who in
America both as a magician and as an educator.
With his brother Walker, Fleming also formed the famous Fleming
Book Company. These talented brothers reprinted, translated, and

brought many classic magic texts to the public. One of is entertaining and his program, comprising three quarters of
their more noted efforts was Camille Gaultier’s Magic a ton of baggage, including a velour cyclorama suitable for the
Without Apparatus. Fleming also entertained at the White House. largest theater, embraces all the ramifications of the magician’s
Linking Ring editor John Braun wrote, “Paul Fleming’s magic art.” Fleming died December 30, 1976, at age eighty-six, after a
is at one and the same time dignified, baffling, technically perfect, prolonged illness. 
and charming. His manner is deliberate, unhurried; his patter

M-U-M Magazine 55
 The High Road
script writing, char acter
development, and act construction
for the modern conjuror
By Mick Ayres

the flourish transforms the presentation Say, “In a moment, I’d like you to deal
into a contest of your dexterity against three hands until you run out of cards, like
their wits. To a guest, any solution (even a this...” Demonstrate by rapidly dealing out
“A conjurer is not a juggler; wrong one) is still an answer. three hands of five-card poker. “Once you
he is an actor playing the For example, if a guest sees a common have dealt all the cards, pick up the piles
overhand shuffle but misses the jogs and one at a time, look them over quickly until
part of a magician; an artist breaks that control the cards, then you have you know which pile has your card in it.
whose fingers have more left them nowhere to go. The lack of any Just nod when you see your card.” As you
need to move with deftness solution allows the possibility of magic to say these words, pick up the piles one at a
creep into their world. time and, without looking at the faces, fan
than with speed. Truly, where What follows are two simple dramas them towards the spectator. As you reas-
sleight-of-hand is involved, that entertain the audience but leave the semble the piles into a single packet again,
conjurer plenty of room for acting, to handle it so his pile is sandwiched between
the quieter the movement change the handling, or to adapt the script the other two piles. In other words, his
of the performer, the more to better fit their own character. In both noted card is one of the middle five. The
readily will spectators be presentations, I took existing effects and simplest way for this to happen is to keep
“made them my own.” I am challenging a break between each pile as you reas-
deceived.” – Jean Eugene you to do the same. The first piece is an semble the packet. Usually, a simple cut
Robert-Houdin example of self-working mentalism. The will put the spectator’s pile in the center...
second piece employs a common gimmick but often you don’t have to do anything at
and basic sleight-of-hand. all. Remember, you are still instructing the
If there is a more misquoted statement spectator, so continue by saying, “Once
in conjuring, you would be hard-pressed MICK BE NIMBLE you know which pile has your card in it,
to find it. Robert-Houdin’s advice from his just put that pile in your shirt pocket...I’ll
1898 book Secrets of Conjuring and Magic You hand a small packet of cards to turn away while you deal. Once the pile
is often spouted “a conjurer is an actor a guest for shuffling. The guest cuts to a with your card is in your pocket, let me
playing the role of a magician,” which takes card, notes it, and reassembles the packet. know so I can turn back around, Okay?”
the quote out of context and ignores Rob- Next, the guest divides the packet into a Turn away. When you hear the
ert-Houdin’s true point. Robert-Houdin few piles and then places the pile with his spectator sound the “all clear,” turn back
wanted magicians of his day to slow down, card into a shirt pocket. You have never around, pick up the remaining two piles,
breathe easy, and quit trying to win their seen the faces of any of the cards. You and drop them on top of the deck. Remind
audiences over with dazzling flourishes. only know that the guest’s card is one of the spectator that you have never seen the
He was not disparaging jugglers; he was several in his pocket. Still, you reach into faces of any cards and that all the shuffling
pointing out the difference between our the guest’s pocket and nimbly withdraw a and cutting was done by himself. Say,
purposes. single card. It is the noted selection. “You know, when this experiment is suc-
To take Houdin’s point further, ask All you need is a deck of cards and cessful some people believe I have some
yourself which is the better compliment: a guest with a shirt pocket. Begin by kind of special ‘touch.’ In fact, when I was
“He has fast hands,” or “How did that shuffling a deck and, in the process, obtain a boy, people told me all the time I was
happen?” One proposes a solution to a a break below the fifteenth card (this is touched – right about here!” Smile and
trick and the other declares astonishment an easy use of the jog-shuffle). Square the point to the side of your head as you quip
about a mystery. deck, cut off all the cards above the break, this line. “Anyway, focus on the image of
A properly executed sleight leaves and hand the cut-portion to your volunteer your card long enough for me to get a grip
no clue of its passing. If your goal is to for shuffling. Obviously, you require a on things.”
create the illusion of magic, then the guest spectator who is sporting a shirt pocket. Reach into his shirt pocket and remove
should have no hint that you are skilled at Caution him to keep the faces hidden at all the center card from the five-card group;
all. Flourishes certainly have their place; times. Once the shuffling is complete, have bring it out face down. Ask the guest to
just ask Dan and Dave Buck. However, an the spectator cut the packet approximately name his selection aloud for the first time.
ill-timed flourish will kill any possibility in half, note the exposed card and replace Turn the card over for a perfect match.
of your guest believing in magic because the halves together. By this time you probably realize

56 OCTOBER 2015
this is a redressing of the old Twenty- to make up for my blunder I will show you down and use your left thumb to peel the
one Card Trick. By reducing the number a four-Ace trick that magicians only do top Ace off the top of the packet. This Ace
of cards used, eliminating one of the for one another. This is underground stuff is tabled face up. Repeat this procedure two
tabled counts, and cloaking a count in that the general public never sees. See? more times, each time dropping the Ace
the guise of a demonstration, this effect These four Aces are so special I even keep on the table to make a small pile. After the
becomes far more entertaining – even to them separated from the rest of the cards.” third Ace has been tabled, keep the final
seasoned magicians. Remove the card wallet from your pocket two cards aligned as you rotate your right
and bring out the five-card packet. Do not hand one last time to show the back. Mo-
READ ‘EM AND WEEP expose the backs. mentarily place the aligned cards into your
Display the Aces using an Ascanio left hand, holding them in dealing position.
A playing card is selected, noted, and Spread. Briefly, hold the face-up packet Your right hand reaches down and spreads
lost in the deck. In fact, it is so lost it from above with the right hand. Use out the three Aces a little.
can’t be found. To compensate, you offer your left index finger to pull the bottom Bring your hand back to put the last
to perform a special trick that the general card toward the left about an inch. Next, Ace down and perform a gambler’s cop
public rarely sees. Using only the four use your left thumb to pull the top card or bottom palm to steal the double-backed
Aces, the cards first perform a series of slightly to the left also. Finally, extend card into your left hand. Your right hand
eye-catching antics and finally reveal the your left middle finger under the packet drops the last Ace on the others as your
guest’s chosen card. This effect requires a until it contacts the second card from the left hand goes into your pocket. Ditch
gimmicked card and a basic sleight or two, bottom; pull this card slightly to the left, the double-backed card and bring out the
but you are absolutely clean at the finish. too. The second and third cards are held as marker. Hand the marker to the guest and
Back in the mid-seventies I worked as one between the right thumb and middle say, “Like I said, these special Aces can do
a demonstrator and pitchman in a Ripley’s fingertip. The Ascanio Spread cleanly some amazing things; but they have one
Believe It or Not museum. During that displays the four Aces without exposing the more surprise for you. I know this sounds
time, magicians frequently stopped in and double-backed card in the center. Close the crazy, but I’d like you to uncap the marker
showed off their favorite pocket miracles. packet and say, “Watch carefully, because and pretend to write the name of your
I kept seeing variations on the following these Aces have a number of surprises to chosen card in the air over the cards.” As
card trick performed; everybody seemed show you.” you pick up the Aces, shift the pair of red
to have their own handling – a trend that Hold the packet from above in the right Aces below the black pair and hold the four
continues to this day. I suppose one more hand. With your left thumb, pull the top cards in a face-up fan.
will not hurt too much. three cards one at a time into your left Once the guest “writes” the name of her
Get an old red Bicycle deck and remove hand; the final two cards remained squared card in the air, wait until she begins to put
the four Aces. You’ll also need a red/blue in the right hand. To the guest, when the the cap back on the marker and then quip,
double-backed card. With a black marker, blue-backed card is revealed, it will appear “Let’s recap for a moment. Earlier, you
write the following words on the back of as if one Ace has turned upside down chose a card and I couldn’t identify it – and
each Ace as shown here: YOU (Spade); during this display. Place the two aligned I still can’t. So, to compensate, I showed
CHOSE (Club); THE (Heart); TEN OF cards on top of the spread and square ev- you a secret magician’s trick during which
SPADES (Diamond). Once the ink dries, erything up. the Aces turned upside down one at a time.
arrange the face-up Aces from top to Repeat this procedure three times. I can’t explain how they do that. Next, the
bottom in Club, Heart, Spade, Diamond Each time it will seem that a different Ace backs of the Aces changed from blue to
order. Insert the double-backed card with has turned upside down in the packet. Your red, and I can’t explain that either. But I
the blue side up between the Heart and the script here should reflect upon the fact that did promise you another surprise. Finally,
Spade. Place the packet face up in a thin no cards are being flipped or turned. you pretended to write the name of your
card wallet and put it in your left pocket After the fourth Ace has “turned over,” secret card over these cards. So I have to
along with the marker. You are ready to perform another Ascanio Spread to show ask you one final question...”
begin. all four Aces are now face-up again. One at a time, deal the Aces face down
From another deck of cards, force However, this time pull the two aligned on the table to reveal the message: YOU
the Ten of Spades using any method you cards out from the middle of the spread CHOSE THE TEN OF SPADES. “Is that
wish; the Cross-Cut Force, the Classic and transfer them as one to the bottom of surprising enough for you?” 
Force, or Balducci’s Cut Deeper Force are the packet. Square the cards and continue
all suitable. Do some respectable acting holding the packet from above with your Mick Be Nimble copyright 1981 and
and make several efforts to locate the right hand. Read ‘Em and Weep copyright 1977
chosen card but fail at each one. Then say, Ask the guest if he remembers the color by Mick Ayres. Mick is a conjurer,
“I’m sorry. It’s embarrassing when this of the backs. He will answer, “Blue.” Now, tunesmith and tale-swapper. He welcomes
happens. Did you know that magicians go perform Brother John Hamman’s Flushtra- opinions and dialogue. Contact him at:
to great lengths to guarantee that it never tion Count to display all four Aces with red mick@mickayreswares.com.
happens to them? It’s true. I know one guy backs. Briefly, rotate your right hand palm
who took out an insurance policy against up to display the red-backed card on the
it; that’s too rich for my blood. However, back of the packet. Turn your right hand

M-U-M Magazine 57
 Infor med Opinion - Latest Product Reviews
Compiled and Edited by W.S. Duncan

Roberto Giobbi’s Dai Vernon Seminar but for the most part, it is very good. Giobbi begins with a biblio-
Two-DVD Set graphic overview of Vernon’s work. Despite the fact that Vernon
By Roberto Giobbi never actually wrote a book, there is a tremendous body of his
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies work in print and on video. After that, a video of Vernon himself
Price $45.00 is shown. This comes to us from Mark Wilson’s Magic Circus TV
show (all of the video is courtesy of Bill McIhany) when Vernon
REVIEW BY MARC DESOUZA was seventy-eight years old. This was a time when Vernon was
still considered by many to be in his prime. Giobbi discusses the
Let’s just start with the bottom construction of the routine and brings up many general principles
line. If you love Dai Vernon and that speak to all of magic. He not only analyzes Vernon’s theories,
his magic, you want this. If you but those of others, including Ascanio. This is a wonderful
have little or no knowledge of Dai analysis of numerous subtleties and details that vastly improved
Vernon and his magic, there is the performance. A video of John Scarne, a contemporary of
no better starting point. Vernon’s, performing the Cups is shown as a contrast to Vernon’s
Roberto Giobbi is a groundbreaking version.
performer, creator, author, The next routine discussed is The Peripatetic Walnuts. This
lecturer, and scholar of magic. was not an original Vernon effect (I believe it was created by
He fully researches everything Marc Jacobs) but he certainly popularized it. Giobbi shows it to
he does, and truly thinks about and emphasize that Vernon made it a point to be familiar with all the
analyzes his subjects. Best of all, despite the magic of his day. He knew how to take a potentially good effect
fact that English is not his first language (he speaks six and make it his own. The Cone and Ball is also related to these
languages) he communicates this research and his thoughts beau- two effects. Again, Vernon did not invent the effect, but certainly
tifully. The difficult part of writing this review is classifying this made it his own, using it in his legendary Harlequin Act and in
project. I want to be clear about what it is and what it isn’t. It more standard cabaret-type shows. A video of Vernon performing
is a video of a three-hour lecture he delivered at The Session in his routine is shown, which despite Giobbi’s credit, I believe was
2015, a convention conveniently organized by Joshua Jay and shot at a Tannen’s Jubilee.
Andi Gladwin, who have a passing relationship with the producer Giobbi goes on to discuss at length what he refers to as a minor
of this project. In this lecture, Giobbi talks a bit about Vernon, piece of magic, Mental Card Miracle from Stars of Magic. Again,
the man, but this is certainly not a biographical presentation. He he does not thoroughly teach the handling, but deals with the con-
also talks about Vernon’s thoughts about his own routines, as struction of the effect. He also shares a discussion he had with
well as the magic of others, but this is not the primary focus. He Juan Tamariz, and offers Tamariz’s thoughts on the proper timing
teaches a number of Vernon’s effects, as well as some that Vernon of some sequences. The last effect discussed on Disc One is Five
performed that were not his. The effects taught are explained in Coins and a Glass. He shows a video of Vernon performing the
varying degrees of detail. The purpose, however, is not to have effect (again from the Tannen Jubilee) and it is simply superb.
you learn the handlings from this DVD. In fact, he always refers Giobbi discusses some of the details, especially how Vernon
the viewer to the original or later sources to learn the items more makes the vanish of a coin so effective. He goes on to analyze
completely. His reason for the explanations is so he can dissect Vernon’s Retention of Vision vanish and the difference between
and analyze details of the handlings and discuss why Vernon did vanishing a coin close-up and on stage. He finishes by showing a
things the way he did and praise his genius for thinking of them. video of Fred Kaps performing his handling of Vernon’s Coins in
The best way to describe this project is the title of the lecture Handkerchief. It is, of course, a delight to watch Kaps’s perfor-
book Giobbi wrote to accompany this presentation: Homage to mance. Vernon and Kaps were great admirers of each other’s skill
Dai Vernon, Life and Work, A Practical Seminar. Fortunately, and ingenuity. I am certain that Vernon was pleased that Kaps
there is a PDF file containing the full seventy-nine-page book on would choose to perform this routine in his act and would ac-
Disc One. The book itself has been selling for several years for knowledge Kaps as the better performer of it.
$30 and is well worth every penny asked for it. This makes the Disc Two kicks off with a brief discussion of what Giobbi thinks
price of the entire package the buy of the year. Within the book are of as Vernon’s major effects. He then speaks of Vernon’s character,
Giobbi’s thoughts and details about The Cups and Balls, The Dice both good and bad. This section is also very brief. He goes on
Routine, Mental Card Miracle, and Vernon’s Poker Demonstra- to demonstrate The Banana Trick, which Vernon performed in
tion. There is a section discussing ten techniques from Vernon’s his 1984 lecture. This is the Dan Garrett routine that Vernon just
arsenal. There are quotes and lessons throughout this tome, which liked doing. Giobbi gets back to talking about Vernon’s profes-
also includes reprints of all of the Vernon material from the Third sional work, but made it clear that any real money he made was
Expanded edition of Expert Card Technique and a rare manu- derived from his work cutting silhouettes. Whenever he needed
script, 28 Secrets, the material of which is credited to Dai Vernon. money, he would just set up shop somewhere like Coney Island or
The entire book is a must read, as much of the material is not even Atlantic City and make some needed cash. Giobbi finds this to be
covered by Giobbi in his presentation. a good point to talk about the conflicts in Vernon’s family life. He
As to the video itself, it is well shot and the audio is excellent. I was neither a model husband nor father.
have a few minor quibbles with the angles chosen and the editing, Now Giobbi gets back to the magic and discusses Triumph. He

58 OCTOBER 2015
notes Vernon’s need for creating emotional hooks; he certainly The fun begins with a strong visual change of a box of matches
had a fine understanding of how to accomplish that. He continues into a cigarette lighter. Ravi gives you three ways to do this, all
by performing Vernon’s Dice Routine. He does not dwell on of which are fairly easy to make. The only drawback here is that
method or technique, but offers some very sound advice. The boxes of matches and lighters, at least in the USA, are getting
next section of the seminar deals with some of Vernon’s card more and more difficult (but not impossible) to find.
handling and techniques and, fortunately for us, this is a rather Post-X will have you running to grab your little mini Post-It
lengthy segment. There are some valuable comments and work on pads as soon as you can. I loved this effect and will certainly be
a variety of common and not so common techniques such as the using it. It was my personal favorite on the DVD. Post-X lends
jog shuffle, holding a break, the G.W. Hunter shuffle, several false itself to wonderful variations, some of which are discussed further
cuts, top stock control, the second deal, and capping the deck. at the end of the video.
Of particular note is some great work on the classic force and a Mini-bar is the simple production of a mini bottle of water that
wonderful justification for the multiple shift. changes into a sealed mini bottle of vodka complete with label.
Vernon’s Poker Demonstration is next performed and Again, this could be great in the right hands. Some of you will be
discussed, followed by one of his most famous routines, The raiding the hotel mini-bar.
Symphony of the Rings. Roberto begins by showing Vernon per- Refresh is a torn and restored stick of chewing gum – a clever
forming this routine on The Merv Griffin Show, and it is a fine idea that reminds me a bit of Slydini’s Torn and Restored Cigarette.
performance. Giobbi completely avoids the controversy of how This only takes a minute to prepare.
and where Vernon got the routine (supposedly it was actually There is an effect in which a bill appears from a folded lottery
Cardini’s), choosing to focus instead on Vernon’s innovations (if ticket and a nice transposition of a train ticket and a travel card
they were indeed Vernon’s) and further details. Giobbi states that in a spectator’s hand. The drawback here is that it uses items
Vernon was the first to use the straight cut for the key, as opposed only found in England, I think. The lottery effect can probably
to the diagonal slit. I have seen no evidence of that in everything be adapted to US lottery tickets, depending on the style sold in
that I have read and find it a little hard to believe. Other than that, your area.
this routine has some wonderful sequences and handlings that ATM is the final offering. It allows a bill to magically “snap
are different to what had previously seen print. These include the out” of a credit card. Fortunately, this time you can make the
chiming of the rings as a throw off to disguise the key and the effect with any credit card and bill. Just don’t use a credit card
Spinning Rings Switch. He focuses on understanding the moment that is still active. It is one of those effects that all spectators love
of magic, a key element particularly in the early stages of the to see, namely, the fantasy of the magician creating money with
routine. Giobbi believes that the figures are an impressive portion magic.
of any routine and that Vernon’s structure of the finish is the best The final segment of the DVD is an interview and discussion
way to end the routine; all rings are linked on one ring, which is with Stephen Leithwaite, giving some insights and additional
then removed and bounced on the floor or handed for examina- ideas on several of the items taught. It is worth watching. The
tion. The ring is instantly linked back on, and then each ring is explanations, performances, and video quality are all good. My
removed, one by one. I am inclined to agree with both Mr. Giobbi only minor complaint was that the surface Ravi used for the ex-
and Mr. Vernon. planations and making of gimmicks was an image of dozens of
In three hours, Roberto Giobbi can only scratch the surface of different brand playing cards randomly face up and face down. It
the subject matter, but how well he scratches it. It is a herculean was too busy and visually confusing to the eye.
effort, but Mr. Giobbi is certainly up to the task. The three hours This DVD contains good real-world performances and clear
breeze by quickly and only makes you want to take the time to explanations. Some effects require simple gimmicks you will
burrow further into the man and his magic. To sum this up, it need to make – nothing difficult, all fully explained. All of the
is a discussion of Vernon’s genius, but Giobbi’s thoughts and material is from Ravi’s repertoire, so they are all workers. None
variations of these moves, routines, and theories display his own of the items require knuckle-busting sleight of hand, just simple
genius. I highly recommend that you buy this and watch it more sleights. All of the effects get great reactions from his audiences.
than once. I fully intend to. We have enough card tricks. Go out and do something different.
Recommended.
Storyteller DVD
By R avi Mayar Euphoria DVD
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies By Adrian Guerra and Vernet
Price $30.00 Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
Price $29.95
REVIEW BY DAN GARRETT
REVIEW BY DANNY ARCHER
Storyteller contains seven cool
effects, but no card tricks. Ravi The name of Adrian Guerra
Mayar had me from the moment is probably unknown to many
I read the DVD title. However, I magicians and that’s a shame. He
discovered the title had little to won the first prize in card magic at
do with the material on the DVD. FISM in Yokohama in 1994. Since
All of the effects use common then, he has become one of the most
objects that everyone recognizes. successful professional magicians
Some of the effects require gimmicks, in South America. On this DVD
which you can make by following the (produced by Vernet Magic), the
clear instructions. camera work and sound are well

M-U-M Magazine 59
done, as is the disc navigation. You should be aware that Adrian provided by
speaks Spanish and that the disc offers subtitles in English. He Murphy’s Magic
is a likeable performer, but some of the humor doesn’t translate, Supplies. For a
though it plays for the studio audience. $9.95 per month
The first act begins when Adrian has a card named, and with membership, the
a snap of his fingers the card leaps from the deck, and is caught subscriber can
with his hand. The deck is then placed in his pocket and a named access two lectures
card is instantly removed. A card is merely thought of; he starts each month. The
to remove cards one by one until the spectator calls stop; he is Paul Draper lecture
holding the selection. Two women join him on stage and they each appeared March 12,
shuffle half the deck. One card is selected from each half. There 2015, but is still available at Murphy’s as a stand-alone download
is a lot of shuffling by the spectators, which shows his Tamariz for $7.95. The interested reader should visit www.MurphysMagic.
roots. Each half is put in his coat pockets; the two cards are named com for more information about the lecture service.
and instantly withdrawn. If you know the name Paul Draper, you have probably been to
Adrian has a card and a number from one to fifty-two named his website, MentalMysteries.com. If not, you should check it out.
and does his version of ACAAN. Again a spectator shuffles the Why? Because a dozen years ago Paul set out to become one of
pack before Adrian springs it into the air and grabs a handful of America’s most successful mentalists. He has achieved that status,
cards, which he shows to be each of the six selections from the and a quick review of his website will help you understand why.
preceding tricks. This provides a strong finish to an excellent set Paul Draper thinks about what he does. He analyzes his effects
of card magic. and routines, adding here, discarding there, so that what he does
The close-up set begins with his borrowing a deck and per- makes sense to his audience even while it bewilders them. This is
forming Triumph. Then Adrian truly shuffles face-up cards into because his audience is of primary importance, so Paul attempts
face-down cards and spreads the cards on the table. A spectator to analyze his routines through their eyes. Because he cares, Paul
removes a face-up card and turns it face down, replacing it back really strives to do more than merely entertain. He hopes to touch
in the spread. The cards are gathered, shuffled, and spread on the each person in some way that will make his presentation person-
table. One at a time he eliminates cards until one card remains. ally meaningful. Is this so much fluff? No, not at all, as anyone
That last card on the table is the selection. The deck is divided and who has attended a McBride Magic and Meaning session will
given to two spectators and Adrian calls out, one at a time, the attest. Magic, and mentalism, can mystify and delight, but can
cards that each person is holding. also motivate and be fun at the same time.
Next the deck is placed into his pocket and a freely named card In this At the Table Experience, a conversation, really, Paul
is removed. He deals cards onto the table into two piles, looking shares the personal anecdotes, bits of business, off-hand refer-
for matching cards and none are found. Then every single card ences to other sources, and personal philosophy that can only
in the deck has found its mate! A card is selected and the deck is come from experience gained by setting and achieving goals
dealt in four piles; the selected card is found on top of the third against many odds. Paul shares with the viewer how he became
pile; then the other three mates are shown. A suit is named and a mentalist. Why and how he avoids the “good enough” trap –
again the deck is dealt into four piles; one pile is seen to have all the dangers that come from thinking that a trick, a routine, an
thirteen Clubs in order. For the climax, the other three piles are act, a show is good enough. He answers the question “Is the love
shown and the other three suits have also arranged themselves in of magic enough?” and he outlines the steps necessary to take
order for a blockbuster finish. one from being a starving magician to a magical entrepreneur. He
The DVD ends with an interview of Adrian exploring his discusses the art of cold reading and its necessity to a mentalist.
history of card magic and his seminal moment where he attended He analyzes the relationship the mentalist should seek between
an early seminar during which Tamariz taught his Mnemonica himself and his audience, and how that is accomplished, and why.
stack and how that influenced his direction in card magic. Here is Paul Draper sharing wisdom, knowledge, experience, un-
Except for the three tricks leading off the second act, all the derstanding, common sense, and insight.
tricks utilize a memorized deck. The first three tricks are Adrian’s For example, his approach to method is similar to Dai Vernon’s
method for getting a shuffled or borrowed deck into stack order. theory of natural action. If a sleight or move is disguised as a
The effects in the first half can be done with any stack, while the natural action, your audience will not recognize it as a move or a
second half needs the Mnemonica stack. Adrian has been doing sleight. If you engage your audience with your presentation, not
memdeck work since 1987 and it shows. This DVD does not teach only your moves but also the props you use (a Native American
the stack itself, but that is not its purpose. I have been using a flute, as an example, in Paul’s case) can be used for magical ends
memdeck in my work for the last ten years and I can attest to because the audience will not suspect them of having devious
its effectiveness. I highly recommend this DVD for anyone doing purposes. In addition, while moves must be natural, methods
memorized deck work, and for anyone that wants to learn a stack should be simple. Simplicity is a key ingredient of successful
and ultimately, some hard-hitting, effective card magic. mentalism, not the least because simplicity usually moves the plot
along. A slow pace almost always results in boredom, which is
At the Table with Paul Draper – Video Download deadly to mentalism!
By Paul Draper The tricks in this session are few, and are likely ones you
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies already know – such as Psychometry and a few tricks with a
Price: $7.95 thumb tip. Do not be put off by that. While you may know the
basic premise of Psychometry, and how to vanish a silk with a
REVIEW BY DAVID GOODSELL thumb tip, Paul will show you how to get so much more out of
both the routine and the gimmick than you can imagine. These are
The At the Table Experience is an online lecture service part of Paul’s “twenty-minute show when your luggage is lost!”

60 OCTOBER 2015
He always has a few small props in his carry-on luggage with that card), the first Oil & Water (it creates a couple of wonderful
which to amaze an audience, large or small, including five thumb visual moments), and the Three Card Monte routine. The point
tips and some small envelopes. More than once these have saved of a move like this, however, is finding where you can plug it in
an otherwise embarrassing situation. A mind reader should not to tricks and routines you already do. It actually fits perfectly as
have to rely on props in lost luggage, right? a substitute for the Paintbrush Change in certain packet tricks
For example, Paul shows us his handling of thumb tips to divine (some handlings of Reset or Wild Card, for example). It’s nice to
the serial number of a borrowed bill, determine a simple drawing see a move offered that has some real utility beyond the novelty
on a small piece of paper, force the scent of lemon, or orange, or factor.
alcohol. While his handling lifts these old effects into a new realm The move is taught through visual demonstration and explan-
for many of us, equally as important are the tips, techniques, and atory subtitles. In that respect, it’s like a video booklet. You’re
subtleties that Paul uses. Here, too, natural movement and sim- taught everything you need to know to perform the move; the rest
plicity are essential. In his version of Psychometry, by the way, is up to you “getting the hang of it.” It’s not an essential move or
you will see how the “peek,” the move necessary in the effect, is a game-changer by any means, but it’s a nice change of pace if
natural and, therefore, ceases to be a move to the audience. you’re looking to add some visual zing to your packet tricks.
The two-hour session was informative and enjoyable. Paul
Draper has a magnetic personality, speaks thoughtfully and well, Reduction DVD
has a wealth of information at his fingertips, and makes sense. By Nicholas Lawrence
Whether you are already a mentalist or are merely considering Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
the possibilities, you will find something here for you. If it’s new Price $19.95
tricks you are after, check out one of the other Murphy offerings.
If you want to know how to make tricks better, and how to become REVIEW BY CURTIS KAM
a great performer, this fits the bill.
This is another SansMinds release of a
C3: Center Color Change DVD Nicholas Lawrence idea, probably
By Nobuyuki Nojima one of the last we’ll see, judging
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies: by the buzz on the Internet.
Price $35.00 And like a lot of such releases,
Reduction offers a quick,
REVIEW BY ANTONIO M. CABRAL simple effect without much
polish, a method that’s slightly
The card magic literature is novel and sort of fun to play
loaded with moves, and substi- with, and a one-word title. This
tutes for moves, and alterna- one, Reduction, declares itself to
tives for moves, and improve- be a “Gaffless Visual Diminishing
ments on moves. Some were Deck Technique.” More specifically, what
created to solve common you see on the video is a deck of cards sitting on
problems, some were created the table. When the performer presses downwards on the deck
to better fit different styles, with his fingertips, the deck visibly collapses, compressing down
and some were created for to the thickness of a dozen cards, which are then spread. That’s
novelty’s sake. C3 is a very pretty what they mean by “visual diminishing deck.” Here’s the rest of
visual sleight-of-hand color change the story.
of the middle card of a small spread, and Is it “gaffless?” Well, in the strictest sense, yes, the cards are
while it might not fit everyone’s style, it definite- all ordinary cards taken from an ordinary deck. Those cards are
ly provides a useful alternative to certain techniques if prepared in a certain way, however, and that preparation would be
you perform a lot of packet tricks. difficult to do on the spur of the moment. So this is not impromptu
What the audience sees when you perform C3 is that you or improvised magic. And in at least one of the presentations, you
make a small spread of three (or four, or even just two) cards and will need a gaff to ring in the prepared cards, so there’s that con-
hold them from above at your fingertips in a Biddle-type grip. sideration as well.
With a gentle wave of the hand and no visible finger movement, Okay, the cards are not gaffed, but they are prepared. Is the
the center card changes. That’s the ideal, at any rate. Its creator, preparation evident if the spectators examine them? If they are
Nobuyuki Nojima, makes the move look easy and effortless. In given a casual examination, possibly not – close examination,
practice, it’s a little knacky to get down. It’s similar in concept to almost certainly. I would also be reluctant to shuffle the cards
Guy Hollingworth’s version of the Optical Alignment from his back into my working deck and then carry on with other tricks.
Waving the Aces. C3, in comparison, is easier to get into, and less So, while the cards used are not “gaffed,” you do have to
discrepant. You’ll have to experiment to get the right handling for prepare them beforehand, you need a gaff to get them into play,
maximum viewing; holding the cards from above is fine if you’re they can’t really be examined, and you’re not really left with a
working for one or two people looking down on the cards, but for useable deck afterwards. It’s hard to see the benefit, especially
more people, you might experiment with performing the move since there is a perfectly good and workable method that can be
holding the spread from behind and making the change happen performed completely impromptu at any point in your set. It’s the
facing outwards at chest height. well-known technique of “inflating” the deck, making a few cards
Of the applications demonstrated on this DVD, the most inter- appear to be many. Using this technique to vanish part of a deck
esting are the first sandwich routine (in which you use the move to appears to be a Jerry Andrus idea, from Andrus Deals You In
cause a card to appear in between two sandwich cards, then change (1956). The only difference between Reduction and the Andrus

M-U-M Magazine 61
technique is that the Reduction technique allows twelve cards to So far, so good.
pose as the entire deck (that’s a bit of a stretch with the Andrus However, the method of the stage version is driven by the fact
technique), and the “deck” created by Reduction is free-standing. that you’re on stage. And, method aside, when performing for
Whether the disadvantages are worth these modest gains is up to groups of two or four people, it can be very difficult to borrow
you. three rings. Mr. Romhany’s solution to these problems is to have
The instruction on the disc is clear, and Lawrence covers a few the performer volunteer his own ring to be one of the three. That,
variations of the Reduction routine. One routine requires the use in and of itself, is a pretty good solution, especially when the
of the switch and gaff taken from Dean Dill’s Blizzard, exposed performer’s ring can be carefully examined, as it can be here.
here without so much as a credit. There is also no mention of However, the sticking point for me is the fact that even if the per-
Andrus, but Lawrence does say that a flourish from a Jeff McBride former’s ring is examined, in this handling, it’s the middle ring in
video was his inspiration. He also mentions the gaff made by Eoin the chain of three. That’s a very conspicuous place for the magi-
O’Hare and sold by Theory 11 that does pretty much the same cian’s ring to be, since it’s pretty clear to even the casual observer
thing, but is probably easier to ring in. that the center ring is the only one that has done any actual pene-
One final thought. The viewing angles on Reduction are the trating. That being the case, the final conclusion is likely to be that
same as with the sleight-of-hand version. In other words, the spec- the performer has a very clever ring, and that’s a far cry from the
tators should be looking down at the “deck” and they should be miracle we’re after. Granted, I haven’t tried it myself, so perhaps
not more than three feet away. It seems to me that a good way people don’t notice, but that’s not a bet I’m eager to make.
to arrange for this would be for the spectator to be holding the If there were some way around that one problem, I’d be a fan
deck on his open palm. That’s something that the free-standing of this routine. The handling has no angle problems, and allows
Reduction setup can do that the impromptu version cannot, and the rings to link in the spectator’s hand. The un-link also avoids a
would make for a rather strong effect. To be clear, that idea is not lot of the fussing about with the gaffed ring that you see in some
taught or mentioned on the Reduction DVD. That’s something you routines. And to be fair, Mr. Romhany does provide a method for
get only here, as a reward for suffering through the entire review. creating the illusion that the two borrowed rings are linked to each
other after the performer’s ring has been removed. This method
Merge Trick comes from Pete Biro, and is little-known, despite having been
By Paul Romhany published in Genii many years ago. The author doesn’t exactly tell
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies us how to work Biro’s touch into the routine, but it wouldn’t be
Price $49.95 that hard to figure out.
The credits provided by Mr. Romhany are extensive, and he
REVIEW BY CURTIS KAM also provides contact information for people who can provide
different versions of the gimmick. Just a couple more reasons to
I really don’t know if I like this. like this product. And while it might not be as strong as the stage
Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot to version, it just might be the strongest way to end your ring on
like about it. The idea of perform- string routine. I don’t know. I don’t do that trick much, either. But
ing the Linking Finger Rings close if you’re still interested in this routine, even after my misgivings,
up certainly appeals to me, and the I think you ought to pick this up and give it a try.
handling is good. The psychologi-
cal underpinnings are also solid. Uni-Verse Trick
The gaffed ring and the ordinary By Magico Productions
duplicate are the standard ones used Available from: showbizmagic.net
successfully in the stage handling. Price $27.50
The rings can link in a spectator’s
hand. But the effect is not as mysti- REVIEW BY DAN GARRETT
fying as the stage version, a fact that
the author, Paul Romhany, readily Something old is new again.
admits. I say “author,” because this routine comes to you in the This principle in card magic has
form of a booklet. Yes, old-world printed text and photographs, been around for many years, but
always a plus in my book. But if that’s a problem for you, there’s is not widely known. Show-Biz
also a link to downloadable video instruction in the book. I have Services, owned and operated by
to admit that I didn’t bother, because the booklet is quite complete, our very own Dean of the S.A.M.
and it details Romhany’s thinking on his effect. and living Hall of Fame compeer
Okay, here’s the thing. In the well-known stage version, the George Schindler, has released
performer causes three finger rings to link together in a chain, a deck whose main purpose is to
and then unlinks them. Those three rings are borrowed from force a card or to locate a card. Any
three members of the audience, and each confirms for the crowd card may be forced.
(since the rings are pretty hard to see) that his or her ring is indeed The deck contains a gimmick
linked to the other two. At the end, each person receives his ring especially made for it. In this case it
back. The sheer impossibility of that effect is something people is made to match standard Bicycle
remember and talk about later. Mr. Romhany performs the effect poker-size cards. The gimmick has been meticulously crafted and
in his stage show and, like many of us who also perform it, he improved from earlier versions. Not only will the gimmick allow
wanted to be able to present the same effect when performing for a very fair looking force, it may also be used as a locator to find
close up. Not for the same audiences, mind you, but in other any card lost in the deck. The pack may be overhand shuffled, and
situations where he would not be performing his stage show. shown to be mixed, if done correctly. The spectator can handle the

62 OCTOBER 2015
cards briefly, but the pack may not be handed out for “examina- smoothly from start to finish. Use a mirror and get a friend to help
tion.” watch for any flaws or flashing. This should go without saying for
The deck may also be Hindu shuffled. George Schindler every effect performed by every magician. It is just good to be
explains the latter shuffle very nicely. reminded of this from time to time.
No DVD or online video is provided because it is not needed. This is a nice visual effect with ordinary objects that may be
You do receive a nice little high quality eight-page instruction borrowed. It starts clean and ends clean. With just a bit of practice
booklet with the basic handling and plenty of extra ideas. This on the handling, misdirection and presentation skills, Chapswitch
includes mental effects, four-Ace productions, card revelations, should be within the reach of close-up magicians of any skill level.
torn and restored effects, and more. I like it.
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. I’m not sure
about that, but with this item you can teach new dogs some of Cross DVD and Gimmicks
the old tricks. The new dogs will fool the other new dogs with it. By Tjiu Magic
More important, it works well for commercial audiences. If you Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
need a good card force that doesn’t look at all like a force, then the Price $39.95
Uni-Verse deck is for you.
REVIEW BY DANNY ARCHER
Chapswitch Trick
By Nicholas Lawrence Cross begins with a silent perfor-
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies mance (highly edited); a selected
Price $25.00 card is signed and then the
performer draws a small X
REVIEW BY DAN GARRETT on the back. The performer
blows on the X and it moves
The title of the trick describes the from one location to another.
effect very well. A borrowed (may Then a flick of his finger and
be signed) rolled-up dollar the X changes location again.
bill visually changes into a Finally the performer runs his
Chapstick. thumb over the mark and the X
As usual these days, the leaves the card and is now on the ball of
promotional video is more his thumb. The signed card can be handed out.
about the hype than the per- Pictures, sound, and navigation are very good.
formance of the effect. You There are no spoken words for the performances and subtitles are
mainly get to see different per- used for the brief explanation. The DVD is less than eight minutes.
formances of the effect, which is Included are two gimmicks, one red and one blue, on Bicycle
a very good visual change of the stock. The gimmicks allow the X to move twice, from location to
bill into the iconic lip balm. You get a location, and then appear to be removed from the cards. There are
narrator telling you how wonderful this trick is no threads, flaps or magnets used, and it’s a very clever method.
and how great a magician it will make you, and you This seems like it would not be easy to make yourself. It will take
also get some strong reactions from females in a mall. What’s a little practice to get the hang of making the X move and stop
not to like? For one thing, what you don’t get in the trailer is the where you want.
set-up, lead-in, and clean-up. They are necessary for the perfor- I thought the gimmick in blue was more deceptive and that is
mance, but they are not all that difficult to do. the color they chose to use in the demonstration. I would use the
The studio performance on the DVD, however, does give you red one for practice and the blue one for performance. Because of
a full performance from start to finish. Here you see where a little its nature, the gimmick can’t be palmed and added to or removed
bit of misdirection and audience management comes into play. from the deck. I would have liked to seen these issues addressed.
It is all built in to the routine. There is also a special gimmick Also having an X on your thumb may limit when and how you
required. You’ll have to make it yourself, and some of the material do this. The gimmick is unusual, and I have no idea how long
you need comes with the DVD. My package included enough of it would hold up in real-world conditions. No information was
the “special something” to make up three gimmicks, but once you supplied on this subject; I found some people online voicing the
understand what that “something” is you can make up as many same concerns.
gimmicks as you need. When performed correctly, this looks very magical and thanks
An arts and crafts project is involved. This is becoming the to the gimmick, is mostly self-working. Other than neck-tying the
norm these days, rather than taking the trouble to provide the deck when initially making the X, and a double lift, there are no
customer with a completed gimmick. One day, a magic company sleights required.
will come up with the revolutionary idea of providing a ready- Cross has a toy/fun factor that is hard to beat, and a gimmick
to-use gimmick (as though they were the first to think of it) that you most likely can’t make (and would never have thought of).
can be used right out of the box. In this case, the work involved No credits were given; this method is unknown to me, (although
to make the gimmick is not as difficult as many of the items out moving marks and holes on cards have been around for a long
there. time). I may have seen something similar many years ago by Lubor
Herman gives a studio performance and then explains every- Fiedler, but I can’t find a reference. I can cautiously recommend
thing clearly. The video quality is excellent. Herman’s advice in this, because you get two gimmicks but only the blue one seems
the final segment earns him a lot of points in my book. He cautions really useable, and that makes it a bit pricy for a gimmick with an
the customer to practice the effect until it can be performed unknown life span. But boy is it fun to play with.

M-U-M Magazine 63
Extortion DVD and Gimmick boxes is actually attached to your key ring and your set of keys
By Patrick Kun and SansMinds has been sitting on the table in full view since before you began
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies the routine.
Price $29.95 The Vault is nicely made of heavy-duty plastic, all in solid
black. There are three small, round, two-part boxes that friction-
REVIEW BY DANNY ARCHER fit. The inner one is suitable for a quarter, £1 coin, a wedding
band, or other personal item of similar size. Yes, it is quite like the
Still reeling from my review of toy sets that have been available for years, but a bit sturdier and
Five, I grab the next DVD from done in all black, not in various bright colors.
my review pile and slip it into In the routine, you stop by a table or bar and casually deposit
the player. I glance at the case your keys. You borrow a coin and have it initialed on both sides.
and see that this is another bill You vanish the coin (taught here via a classic small paper packet
change effect. I’m happy to move) but use any method you like. Then you pick up your key
say that Extortion has changed ring and show that a small round box is attached. You open the
my mind about the bill change. box; inside it is another box, and then another. Inside that box is
Patrick Kun is the creator, and the the spectator’s ring or coin.
production and disc navigation are What is new here is that the outer box of the box set is specially
all up to the usual quality you expect constructed with a projection that attaches to your key ring. The
from SansMinds products. Everything is spectator’s perception is that the keys (that have been in plain sight
shot very clearly, close-ups where you need it, and since the beginning) are holding their coin. The idea is novel and
the sound is excellent. very workable. The effect is
The DVD begins with a studio performance of the classic One straightforward and looks
and Five Transposition. When I saw a one-dollar bill (folded in impossible. The props are
half and held at the extreme tips of the fingers) visibly change a very nice quality, easy
into a twenty with just a small shake, I thought it looked like CGI to use, and handy. The in-
special effects instead of a magic trick. The effect on the specta- structions are clear and
tors was everything you could hope for. thorough. This is a very
Next up is the gimmick construction (and materials are included decent trick with a good
with the DVD that you will need to make a single gimmick). This prop that almost anyone can
will take some time; the process is fully explained and once made, use to amaze.
will last a very long time (Patrick says that if the bill doesn’t rip, So now, you ask, is
the gimmick will last a lifetime – the one he is using is years old). there anything that I should
There are ideas included on how to make this up with other cur- consider before buying it? Well, sure. As good as it is, it may not
rencies that are not all the same size. be for everybody. First, remember that your prop is a set of plastic
Once made, Patrick’s handling is taught, and it’s fairly simple boxes, not brass. While clever, they are almost toy-like. This will
to do. Again, angles are critical but proper routining would allow pass muster in a bar or most casual settings, but you might want to
this to be used in real-world situations. The sheer beauty of the avoid using this in a black-tie, fund-raiser cocktail party.
change is very magical, and when viewed from the correct angle, Also, you have to travel with a key fob attachment that is two-
really looks like you are watching trick photography. There is no inches wide, and half-an-inch thick. It also helps if your key ring
cover. The bill is folded in half, held at the fingertips, and just is rather bulky with several keys and a few other objects on it,
changes into the other bill. It’s that clean and deceptive looking. because you need to disguise the extra container. I suggest you
One of things I really like about Extortion is that the gimmick couple this effect with another one, such as Steve Haynes’s Fair
allows you to do the One and Five Transposition, but it also Play.
operates as a bill change. Patrick also details how to clean up after Such routining can help justify your bulky set of keys as well
the effect (a detail not always included but always appreciated by as segue into other key-themed effects. Bill Duncan suggested
the purchasers). The astonishment is so strong at that moment that combining this with Paul Gertner’s ring box vanish from the
the clean-up will fly by any audience. This is a very visual piece Hourglass effect. Borrow a spectator’s ring and set your keys on
of magic that will get you all the gasps and dropped jaws that you the table as “collateral.” Vanish the ring and claim it will reappear
have been hoping for. Hats off to Patrick Kun and SansMinds for on the table in plain sight. Pause a moment when nothing happens,
delivering such an interesting and magical product to the market- and then call attention to the key chain with its attached ring box.
place. For those strollers concerned with pocket management, your
pockets need to house a hefty set of keys, a rather awkward
The Vault Trick and Gimmick unseen gimmick, a Sharpie, a lighter, and some flash paper for
By David Penn the coin fold vanish. If you don’t mind carrying all this stuff, it’s
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies a very good trick. Oh, and you cannot repeat it. Not just because
Price $50.00 the climax is a surprise; anyone who watches a second time will
spot a big discrepancy.
REVIEW BY JIM KLEEFELD As to the production of the marketed item, well, credits could
be better. I was especially perturbed to see that no credit was
In an impromptu setting, you can have a spectator’s ring or given to Takuya Yoshizawa who, in 1976, invented the holder for
initialed coin instantly vanish and appear inside a nest of boxes the nest of boxes that makes this trick possible. The plastic holder
that is attached to your key ring. This is very similar to a standard keeps the nested lids and the nested bottoms separated yet able
Coin in Nest of Boxes routine, except for that last part. The set of to be loaded and slipped together instantly. Has this marvelous

64 OCTOBER 2015
gimmick been so ripped off over the years that it is thought to be around the bill. Using Jay Sankey’s paper-clip move, the bills
in the public domain? For the record, it is not. appear to change places. A gaffed bill is needed, one copy of
One last point on the presentation instructions: Penn and which is included with the DVD. This looks very good and is
Wayne Fox (who demos the routine very well) teach you to pick equivalent in reaction to a good sponge ball routine. However, if I
up your set of keys and open the boxes yourself to reveal the coin. was performing this in a tip situation I would change the lower bill
This advice comes after they suggest that you tell the spectator to the higher one in their favor. The fourth segment of the DVD
that you never touched the keys. When both of your hands are ma- is dedicated to showing how the three effects can be routined
nipulating the small set of boxes, it looks like you could easily slip together.
a palmed coin inside. By handling the boxes yourself at the crucial The video is low resolution, but has been well shot. Rear view
climax of the trick, you telegraph a method. Not the method you angles are shown in addition to the clear explanations, which are
used, but a viable method. I have used this, and the routine feels effected with English subtitles to go with the Korean dialogue.
much stronger to me when I let the spectator pick up the key Many magicians are credited for their influence and methods,
ring and open the boxes, so I really never touch them. Having including Richard Sanders for Visi-Bill, Jay Sankey for Paper-
the spectator open the boxes is slightly risky, but well within the clipped and Henry Evans for Modern Times. There is no indica-
grasp of a performer with good audience management skills. tion as to whether permissions were granted.
It’s a great idea and a well-executed prop, so if you don’t mind The price feels high for work that, while good, feels a bit de-
carrying a bulky set of keys around, I think you can floor some rivative. I would recommend waiting for a deep sale or swap meet
people with this. before picking this one up.

Time is Money DVD Unboxing DVD and Gimmick

By Seol Park By Nicholas Lawrence
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
Price: $45.00 Price $19.95

REVIEW BY JOSHUA KANE REVIEW BY NORMAN BECK

Magicians have long had a passion The effect of Unboxing is simple

for bill transformations, from Mike and to the point. You show a deck in
Kozlowski’s seminal Hundred the card box and wave your hand
Dollar Bill Switch, to the numerous over it; instantly, the box is gone
variations on Pat Page’s Flash Cash. and you are left holding a deck
On this DVD, Mr. Park teaches of cards. You are almost clean at
three effects with paper currency. this point, and can start perform-
The first is a very visual bill change ing your card set.
that he calls Time to Change, which The bad news is that I would
involves tapping the bill against your never buy this effect, nor do I think you
watch to effect the transformation. He should. You can call me old fashioned,
believes that his version is better than others call me hard headed (and you will be right), but
because it does not use a thumb tip, and that (in his you can’t do this effect when you buy it. More than just
mind) the bill is covered out of view for less time. As for his some assembly is required.
assertion that it happens right before your eyes, I feel that it does The DVD shows you how to make the very involved prop
so no more than many other methods and versions on the market. necessary for the effect. It is not easy to make. In the event that
In general, the effects on the DVD look best with currency where you mess up the card box they send you, you’re in trouble. I don’t
there is a dramatic shift in color or picture. You will need the think that a magic dealer should sell you a trick that you have to
ability to palm and with this effect the bills can be prepped do assembly on in order to use it.
quickly while out and about. Note that unlike other versions, the Of course you can find a video on YouTube to check out the
hands cannot be shown empty before or after. visual impact. If you really like the look of this, and enjoy arts
The second effect is a very visual Torn and Restored Bill and crafts, then I would say “have fun.” I personally don’t like
routine. The bill is folded in half and torn into two pieces. Park watching an instructional DVD on which they don’t talk while I’m
lets the torn half flutter to the floor and then proceeds to restore watching them make the gimmick. Think of something to say, or
the bill one quarter at a time. This does not make sense and tips edit the video to limit the dead time. The production quality of the
part of the method because the original torn half is there on the DVD is good, and you should be able make the gimmick based on
floor. It would be better to vanish the half or use a flash bill before the instructions, but it’s hard.
the restoration. The gaff shows the influence of Henry Evans’s
Modern Times. Limitless Trick Deck and DVD
The bill restoration is a real arts-and-crafts project and will By Peter Nardi
require scotch tape, dental dam, a box cutter or Exacto blade, Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
a ruler, super glue, detachable glue, and a glue stick, as well as Price $39.95
some playing cards and the bills of your choice to assemble the
gimmick. Dental dam is included with the DVD. REVIEW BY NORMAN BECK
The third effect is an in-their-hands bill transposition in which
two paper-clipped folded bills are shown, one high currency and This is a factory made deck of cards, thirteen of which are
the other low. A spectator picks the high one and closes her hand gaffed. The idea is not new, and has been around for a long time.

M-U-M Magazine 65
 The first time I saw it
was in a PEA newslet-
ter. Peter Nardi gives
credit to Charles
Reynolds. Let’s for a
minute forget about
what the trick taught
on Limitless is, and
consider what can you
do with this pack. You can
show the deck as ordinary and
that is a good start. You can then, with no
funny moves or breaks, riffle the deck and have
the spectator think of any card she sees. At that point, you
know the card she is thinking of. You can then show the deck to be
normal again, and reveal the card in any way you like.
At the end of the day, this is a deck with which you can force
a card. It is not a one-way deck in the most literal sense, and the
spectator does not take a card. The spectator only thinks of a card
that she sees. I have been using this since I read it over twenty years
ago in the PEA newsletter. Do you need this? I can’t say. There are
certainly enough methods available to force a card without a special
pack.
I can say that the video production is very good. Peter teaches a
version of Paul Wilson’s effect with three one-dollar bills that have
writing on them; when they are turned over, the bills reads “5 of
Hearts” with one word on each bill. In the original, the spectator
named any card and you got it. In one version you have two decks
and you riffle one deck at the spectator and he riffles the other deck
at you and you both think of the same card. The power in this prop
is that the spectator only thinks of a card, though you can’t fairly
shuffle beforehand. The deck cannot be used for anything past this
one point without a good deal of work. Spoiler alert: I have done
a version of this effect thousands of times. The method is not one
hundred percent sure fire, but it is very close, and for me it’s worth
it. I can say that this is a product that should have a space in your
pocket. 

IF YOU WISH TO
HAVE YOUR PRODUCT
REVIEWED,
PLEASE SEND IT TO:

BILL DUNCAN
P.O. BOX 50562
BELLEVUE, WA
98015-0562 USA

66 OCTOBER 2015
 INSIDE STRAIGHT BY NORMAN BECK

TIME MANAGEMENT
OUR ADVERTISERS
I just came back from a magic convention. Yes, a real
Burgoon Magic 9 magic convention. Did I have a good time? Yes, I did. Was
Christian Painter 35 the dealer room good? Were the shows up to par? How
were the lectures? These are the questions your friends
Empower Sound 4 ask upon your return.
Genii Magazine 71 I noticed that the format of most magic conventions is
the same now as it was when I started going to them. But
Jim Kleefeld 30 over the years, I have changed: I don’t have to go to every
Joe Mogar - Magic Stars 69 event and I don’t have to buy every new trick in the dealer
La Rock’s Fun & Magic Outlet 3 room. I also now know most of the performers and dealers
at the conventions.
Lybrary.com 27 During the discussion at the convention, I was made
Murphy's Magic Supplies 24 privy to one little piece of advice that I want to share
with you here; it concerns time. Time is so important and
Murphy's Magic Supplies 67 often so wasted. When you get booked to work an event,
Nielsen Magic 66 remember you are no longer the boss. Magicians like to
S.A.M. Convention 2016 68 say, “I am self-employed and can do what I want.” That is
just not true. You may think that you are, but you’re not.
S.A.M. Insurance 31 When you get hired for any type of event you are paid
S.A.M. Life Membership 2 for your time. If a booker says, “I want eight minutes on
stage,” your show needs to be 7:50 to about 8:10 in length.
S.A.M. on Facebook 72 I think twenty seconds is about all the wiggle room one
S.A.M. on Twitter 9 should have.
I will not mention who the performer was, but he was
Show-Biz Services 9 told that his show was too long; his response was, “That’s
The Magic Bakery 47 too bad.” So the guy performed for a longer length of time
Tony Cabral 53 and the show suffered for it. Now did the guy get fired?
Was he told that he was a bad guy? Will he ever be booked
back? I think that it is safe to say that the answer to all
three questions is no.
I think that the problem with people going too long is
twofold. First, the performer has a big ego and thinks that
the audience wants to see more of him. The second pos-
sibility is that he is just not professional enough to give
the client the time requested. I know that at one event a
performer was asked to cut his part and he said “No.”
Now what did this do? This forced other people to cut
their parts and he got to keep his show intact. This is a
shortsighted victory because I think the chance he will be
booked back is slim to none. I lost a lot of respect for the
performer in question.
I was once told I needed to cut a trick from my show at
the Magic Castle. The reason was that that same trick was
being done in another room. I did not argue. I did not say
no. I did not get mad. I cut the trick and smiled. The fact
that you are asked to cut time does not mean that you are
bad or that your pay will be cut. It means that the bookers
are treating you like a pro. A pro can do it in any show and
DID YOU KNOW? smile. A non-professional cannot.
Let’s say that you do a great act, but you always go
on too long, or you do a good act and you are right on
YOU CAN ACCESS THE the money on doing the time you are given. The good act
will be rebooked every time. The great act will be booked
LAST THREE YEARS OF THE once, if they are lucky. I can’t stress how important this
M-U-M MAGAZINES ONLINE is. Sometimes it works the other way, and you will have to
be ready and able to go a bit long if asked. At the end of
the day, give them what they ask for and you will be fine.
CHECK IT OUT NOW! CLICK HERE Sorry, I have to go; I am out of words for this
month. 

M-U-M Magazine 69
 M a x i M-U-M
By m a x M aven

Shuffle the entire deck, retaining the as card eight or less?”

yet unused part of the set-up (Queen of By the spectator’s answers to these
Hearts, Jack of Spades, Nine of Diamonds, questions, you will determine the identity
Photo by Richard Faverty

and Eight of Hearts) on top. of the thought-of card, even though you
Table the pack. Discuss the classic do not know whether the spectator is
puzzles involving Truth-Tellers and Liars, answering as a Truth-Teller or a Liar.
and invite the spectator to decide which The answers will be converted to a
role he/she wants to play. It should be numerical value, using a binary system.
made clear here that a Truth-Teller always “Yes” answers will have values that you
tells the truth and a Liar always lies. will total together; “no” answers add
BEST POLICY Explain that you will ask some nothing to this total.
questions about the card the spectator is In standard binary fashion, a “yes”
Philosophers and logicians have been thinking of, based upon some “random” answer to the first question has a value
wrangling with the linguistic paradoxes cards from the pack. Four questions will of one; to the second question, a value of
inherent in lying for at least 2400 years. always be asked: color, suit, parity, and two; to the third, a value of four, and to the
As noted in my previous item for this number range. However, there will be fourth a value of eight.
magazine, magicians entered into the dis- some variables to be aware of. When the four questions have been
cussion surprisingly late, during the 1930s. Turn the top card of the deck (Queen answered you will have a total. If this
As with that last entry, the following was of Hearts) face-up, dealing it to the table. result is over seven, subtract it from fifteen.
devised around 1992. It sees publication Say, “As this card is red, I’ll ask if the card Thus, you will arrive at a final value from
here for the first time. you are thinking of is also red.” zero to seven. This value is then converted
This is a rather different approach to Now, if the spectator’s answer is “yes,” into one of the original set of eight cards,
the truth/lie premise. In this routine, a the next question (suit) will also be asked by consulting the following list:
spectator thinks of a playing card. The based upon the Queen of Hearts. However,
participant then decides whether to be a if the spectator’s answer is “no,” the next 0 = Seven of Hearts
Truth-Teller or a Liar. The performer asks card (Jack of Spades) is turned over to 1 = Ten of Diamonds
a few questions about the thought-of card, generate the suit question. 2 = Five of Diamonds
generated by the qualities of random cards This situation is easily remembered if 3 = Three of Clubs
dealt from the deck. Despite the performer you simply consider that a “no” answer ne- 4 = Four of Clubs
having no way to assess the veracity of the cessitates bringing a black card into play, 5 = Eight of Spades
spectator’s replies, he is able to ascertain in order to ask a logical next question. 6 = Two of Diamonds
the identity of the selection. The suit question employs the actual 7 = King of Hearts
A set-up is required. From the top of suit of the card in play. Thus, if you are
the pack: Eight of Spades, King of Hearts, still on the Queen of Hearts, ask if the Although there is nothing wrong with
Three of Clubs, Ten of Diamonds, Two of thought-of card is a Heart. If the Jack of using a crib sheet or prompter, there are
Diamonds, Seven of Hearts, Nine of Clubs, Spades has been turned up, ask if the card several ways in which this list can be
Five of Diamonds, Queen of Hearts, Jack is a Spade. committed to memory. As it’s not a lot
of Spades, Nine of Diamonds, and Eight Regardless of the answer, turn up the of information, you can of course use
of Hearts. Crimp the Queen of Hearts, and next card, which will be either the Jack gut memorization. Alternatively, you can
you’re ready to begin. of Spades or the Nine of Diamonds. As use mnemonic links to associate the list
Shuffle the deck, retaining the top both of these cards are odd, there will be positions with the correct card values.
twelve cards. Cut or shuffle the set-up no variation in the third question: “Is the As one example, the following silly
to the center, holding a break above it. card you’re thinking of an odd value?” (It sentence will provide all of the necessary
Riffle force to the break, and then cut off is helpful here to point out that the value of information: MOM, I LOVE RIPE
the eight cards above the crimp, handing a Jack is eleven, a Queen is twelve, and a DATES; A SHINY NAIL CAUGHT ’EM.
them to the spectator. (An excellent King is thirteen.) Each word of the sentence (other than the
variation of the riffle force can be found Turn up the next card, which will be single-vowel words) is a Number Alphabet
in Roberto Giobbi’s Card College 1, page either the Nine of Diamonds or the Eight translation of a list/card combination
224.) The situation should be perceived as of Hearts. The question here will have the (MOM = 3/3; LOVE = 5/8, and so on). It is
if a random assortment of cards is being same meaning in either case, but must be not necessary to add the suit information
handed over, the contents and quantity phrased differently according to which to this, as the original stack of eight cards
being of no specific importance. card is used. For the Nine of Diamonds, follows standard Eight Kings order, in
Direct the spectator to mix the packet say, “As this card is a Nine, I’ll ask if SHoCkeD suit rotation (with the singular
of cards, and then to look them over and your thought-of card has a value of less exception of the Two of Diamonds, which
think of one. The packet is re-mixed, and than nine.” For the Eight of Hearts the is easily recalled). 
then buried in the middle of the talon. question is stated, “Is the value of your

70 OCTOBER 2015