MUM,09-2012

MICK AYRES

PAgE 36

Editor

Michael Close

Editor Emeritus

David Goodsell

Associate Editor

W.S. Duncan

Proofreader & Copy Editor

Lindsay Smith

Art Director

Lisa Close

Publisher

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Copyright © 2012

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SEPTEMBER 2012

M-U-M (ISSN 00475300 USPS 323580) is published monthly for $40 per year by The Society of American Magicians,

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Volume 102 • Number 4

COLUMNISTS

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

S.A.M. NEWS

6 From the Editor’s Desk

8 From the President’s Desk

10 Newsworthy

11 M-U-M Assembly News

23 Broken Wands

24 S.A.M. Spolight

24 Good Cheer List

65 Our Advertisers

26 The 14th World Deaf Magicians Festival

28 Quick Look Book Look: The Trapdoor Vol. Three

36 COVER STORY • by Christian Painter

42 A Magician Prepares • by Dennis Loomis

46 Illusions of Grandeur • by David Seebach

52 Nielsen Gallery • by Tom Ewing

54 Informed Opinion • New Product Reviews

64 Treasures from the Salon de Magie • by Ken Klosterman

68 Basil the Baffling • by Alan Wassilak

25 Tech Tricks • by Bruce Kalver

32 Stage 101 • by Levent

34 Ellipsis • by Michael Perovich

48 I Left My Cards at Home • by Steve Marshall

50 Unlimited Possibilities • by Roger Blakiston

65 Inside Straight • by Norman Beck

66 Mental Breakdown • by Christian Painter

68 The Dean’s Diary • by George Schindler

70 Confessions of a Paid Amateur • by Rod Danilewicz

Magazine

M-U-M

64

ON THE COVER

42

6

52

Editor’s Desk

Our cover subject this month is a man with whom you may be unfamiliar: Mick Ayres. Mick has a dream gig; as a performer-in-residence at the Walt Disney Resort at Hilton Head, he has the opportunity to utilize all his talents – magician, musician, and story-teller. As you’ll learn in the cover story by regular contribu-tor Christian Painter, Mick is a proponent of careful scripting; his mastery of this important aspect of magic can be seen in the way that he draws in his audience without ever breaking character. Mick has generously offered two of his scripts, which you’ll find at the end of the profile on him.

Speaking of magicians who are also talented musicians, we lost a great one with the passing of Marcelo Contento on the morning of July 3, 2012, after a long illness. Marcelo was a world-renown percussionist, a master magician, a legendary hand-shadow artist, and (with his brother Victor) an expert craftsman of magic props and equipment. He was fifty-seven. I met Marcelo a couple of times at Rich Bloch’s World Magic Seminar. Marcelo played drums for Rich’s all-star magician band, which featured Rich on trumpet, Eric Mead on trombone, Chuck Fayne on ukulele, and me on piano. Rich assumed that the convention attendees would be so surprised at who was in the band that they wouldn’t pay that much attention to the music, and he was right. It was a great memory for everyone involved.

Next month we’ll have full coverage of the S.A.M. convention in Las Vegas, which has received enthusiastic comments from the compeers who attended. Because the convention fell late in the month of July, it was impossible to get a full report into the September issue. However, I did want to mention a few of the awards, honors, and citations that were presented during the

con-vention.

The Society of American Magicians Hall of Fame and Magic Museum elected three members at the con-vention. Living members are David Copperfield and David Goodsell. Doug Henning was elected posthumously. The official installation will be made at a later date.

Christian Painter was presented with the Leslie P. Guest award for his Mental Breakdown column and his various other articles for

M-U-M. Congratulations, Christian.

Mary Ann Blowers retired as national treasurer of the S.A.M. after serving six-and-a-half terms. She received a Presiden-tial Citation signed by the seven PNPs she served under. Mary Ann did a tremendous job for the organization; on behalf of all compeers, I thank her for her service.

PNP Father Cyprian Murray and Dr. Paul Critelli were rec-ognized by the S.A.M. for their many years of service to the

Paul Critelli Close-up Contest of Magic and the Father Cyprian Murray Stage Contest of Magic. Each was also presented with the S.A.M. Gold Medal of Honor. Congratulations on these well-deserved honors.

This year’s Milbourne Christopher Foundation Awards were presented at the S.A.M. convention banquet. Chairman William V. Rauscher along with judges Tony Clark, Raymond J. Goulet, Mike Miller, and Thomas A. Ewing presented the awards to Nathan Burton (Illusionist Award), Jon Stetson (Mentalist Award), Paul Gertner (Close-Up Award), Fantasio (Masters Award), Milt Larsen (Lifetime Achievement Award), and Fergus Roy (Literary Award). 

Photos by Dale Farris

Michael Close

Brad Jacobs and Christian Painter

Mary Ann Blowers with the past presidents

Father Cyprian Paul Critelli

From left: Stetson, Fantasio, Burton, Larsen, Roy, Gertner, and Rauscher

Ph ot o b y E ri c D eC am ps

Chris Bontjes

President’s Desk

President’s Desk

THANk You!

I would like to start this month’s column by thanking all of the compeers who took the time to stop and say hello and who expressed their support during the convention. The support of old and new friends alike means a great deal. We have proven once again that the S.A.M. truly hosts the friendliest convention in the world!

Another big thank you goes out to John Apperson, Mike Miller, Mark and Anne Weidhaas, and the rest of the crew who worked so hard to put together an incredible convention. I can’t wait to see what they come up with for Washington, D.C. in 2013!

I’d like to offer a big thank-you to David Copperfield and Mac King for allowing hundreds of magicians a day to watch their shows in their theaters for two days in a row! Your generosity is greatly appreciated; the shows were outstanding.

On the day following the convention, it was my pleasure to present Mac King with a Presi-dential Citation to recognize his support of the S.A.M. and our 2012 convention. His staff helped me to surprise him with this in front of an audience at the close of his show. Mac expressed his gratitude and told the audience of his long mem-bership in the S.A.M. The audience showed their support of the award with a standing ovation.

SoCIETY

The S.A.M. was founded on May 10, 1902, in the back room of Martinka’s Magic Shop in New York City. It is a story I have heard and read many times throughout my lifelong association with our Society. The story tells me the “who,” “where,” and “when” of our founding. But why did they do it?

The desire to organize and unite magicians for the benefit of the art and its practitioners was the driving force in the chartering of the S.A.M., but why did they choose to start a “society?” What caused the charter members of the Parent Assembly to choose the word “society” over the many other options available to them?

My copy of Webster’s Dictionary defines society as “a group of persons regarded as forming a single community, esp. as forming a distinct social class; company or companionship; one’s friends or associates.” Dictionary.com echoes the definition and goes on to explain that the word is derived from a Latin root meaning “partner or comrade,” and that its original meaning, “friendly association with others,” is very close to its current definition.

I believe that our founders chose the word “society” quite carefully. The word was chosen to describe the type of organiza-tion they were creating. We are more than individual magicians. We are more than a bunch of people with a common interest. We are more than a club. We are a community. We are social. We are friends and companions. We are a society.

nications will occur. However, given time, patience, and the un-derstanding that we are a community of friends with a common goal of advancing the art of magic, friendship and society will win out.

It is often all too easy at times to adopt an “us vs. them” attitude – to get the feeling that our compeers, our assembly, or members of the national council are working against us rather than with and for us. This is almost never the case, and reacting from this point of view always makes resolving the issue much more difficult.

Our compeers, our assembly members, and the members of our national council are all members of the same community – the same society – working toward our common goal of advancing and elevating the art of magic – all types of magic. It is this idea that makes it so rewarding for me and for all members of the national council and national committees to donate our time and effort in the service of magic and the S.A.M.

We are all human, and mistakes and miscommunication are inevitable within the Society’s leadership as well as its general membership. Solutions to these come most easily when we remember that we are more than a collection of individuals. We are a society. As such, we must work together to accomplish our goals.

The national council is filled with dedicated volunteers who are doing all they can to make our Society the best it can be – for you, for me, and for all magicians, past, present, and future. I am grateful for their service and thank them for their willingness to Get Involved!

ECHoES of THE PAST

“One of the special features of M-U-M is the Assembly Reports printed each month. Every S.A.M. assembly has the opportunity to avail itself of this means of providing a little publicity for the individual members. In his July 1971 newsletter, Midwestern RVP Bill Dunbaugh points out that the reporting of S.A.M. meetings is important to each assembly and its members. Further, the reports are valuable to other assemblies in providing ideas for meetings and as a means of communication with assem-blies all over the country.

“If you haven’t been taking advantage of the opportunity of sending in your Assembly Reports, you should consider doing so, and if you want a few new ideas, read some of the back issues of

M-U-M Assembly Reports.”

The preceding quote was written by M.I. Gary Bontjes and was published in the March 1972 issue of M-U-M. Forty years later, Assembly Reports are still published monthly in M-U-M, and they continue to be a great way to communicate with assem-blies all over the country (and the world). But there continue to be assemblies that do not submit reports. Writing and submitting the reports are easy. You can even find some helpful tips on our website.

If your assembly is one that submits reports monthly, thank you! This exchange of ideas is part of what our Society is about. If not, I encourage you to start writing and submitting reports. Share your assembly’s ideas and activities with compeers around the world – and read their reports for ideas and to keep up with the activities of your fellow magicians.

After all, that is what Society is about. Besides, it is a great way for you and your assembly to Get Involved and Pass It On! 

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

Brooklyn, NY 11229, (718) 336-0605, Fax (718) 627-1397, [email protected]

President: J. Christopher Bontjes, 2313

Atwood Ct., Danville, IL 61834 (217) 442-6244 [email protected]

President Elect: Dal Sanders, 3316 Northaven Rd,

Dallas, TX 75229 (214) 902-9200, DalSanders@ StagemMagic.com

First Vice President: Kenrick “ICE”

McDonald, P.O. Box 341034, Los Angeles, CA 90034, (310) 559-8968

[email protected]

Second Vice President: David Bowers, (717)

414-7574, [email protected]

Secretary: Marlene Clark, 274 Church Street, #6B

Guilford, CT 06437, (203) 689-5730, Skype: marlene.clark, [email protected]

Treasurer: Eric Lampert, (215) 939-5555,

[email protected] Regional Vice Presidents New England: CT MA RI NH ME VT Joseph Caulfield (603) 654-6022, [email protected] North Atlantic: NY NJ Eric DeCamps, (718) 896-5861, [email protected]

Mid Atlantic: PA DE MD VAWV DC

Phil Milstead, (703) 481-5271, [email protected] South Atlantic: FL AL GA MS NC SC Debbie Leifer (404) 630-1120 [email protected] Central Plains: KY TN OH IN MI

Jania Taylor, (231)242-8242, [email protected]

Midwest: IL MN WI MO ND NE KS SD IA

Shaun Rivera, (618) 781-8621 shaun.rivera@ gmail.com

South Cental States: TX AR OK NM LA

Jeff Lanes, (713)850-1770, [email protected]

Southwest: CA AZ NV HI

Ron Ishimar, (808) 456-2780, aliai@hawaiiantel. net Northwest: WA OR UT ID CO AK WY MT Michael Roth, (503)493-8316, [email protected] Canada Rod Chow (604) 669-7777 [email protected]

Society of Young Magicians Director

Jann Wherry Goodsell, 329 West 1750 North, Orem, Utah 84057 (801) 376-0353. [email protected]

Living Past National Presidents

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

Newsworthy

U

F

o

s.a.m. m

embers

Busking

by Jake Dyer

The first time out, we were run off by the cops – true story. My daughter Sofia and I had worked up our courage to go busking on South Congress Avenue, in Austin, Texas. Although Sofia and I had performed together plenty over the years – mostly at home parties and at school events – we had never taken our show to the streets. That changed several months ago, during the autumn, when we set up on a busy sidewalk near a shoe and boot store.

We figured it would be easy. At least the hippie guitarists and jewelry hawkers on South Congress made it look easy. (South Congress is the main thoroughfare leading up to the state Capitol building. There’s a section of the avenue with food vendors and small boutique shops that has a carnival atmosphere during the weekends. It’s a popular area with street performers.)

But as I said, the first time out we were run off by the cops. We had our small table and a few props; I attempted to lasso passersby, carnival barker style. “Step right up! See Sofia, ‘The Girl who Knows!’ Be Amazed!” Parents ushered away their children. Couples averted their eyes. Our act seemed to enrage a homeless man. And then the patrolman appeared.

“You can’t do that here.” “What?” “You can’t do that here.” “We can’t?”

The officer seemed more amused than irritated. “Nope. You have to move on.”

And that was our first foray into the world of busking. But... we got better.

Here’s the first rule of busking: Don’t annoy the customers. My carnival barking style wasn’t quite working. With street musicians, there is no need to approach passersby – to get in their faces. They come to you. So that’s what we decided we needed: a flashy effect that would attract spectators, but without having to badger them. Lately we’ve been using a Dagger Chest, which is that old platform trick in which you stick a box on someone’s head and then stab in the daggers. When you open the front doors, the head has disappeared. I’ve always found the trick to be somewhat goofy, but it sure works to attract a crowd. And the kids love it.

But the meat-and-potatoes of our act revolves around mind reading. Sofia, now seventeen years old, promoted herself as “The Girl Who Knows.” Appropriately, she wears a turban. Often she makes predictions blindfolded. Sofia can name random cards

selected by spectators, as well as random objects. She also has a few other tricks up her sleeve, depending on the circumstances. I only act as the emcee, leaving the heavy lifting to my daughter.

So that’s how we started on South Congress. We go out on weekends, and I think we’ve gotten better over the months. The cops haven’t shown up again, although on occasion we’ve received some grief from nearby property owners. The tips fluctuate wildly, but Sofia says it pays better than baby-sitting. I appreci-ate now how difficult this must be those who depend on busking

for their livelihood. Those professional street performers out there have earned my respect.

The highlight of our adventures came not too long ago, during a Sunday. The crowds were a bit sparse, as they are typically on Sundays. But we were doing okay. We even had a few onlookers come back for repeat performances – but with friends in tow. And then two gentlemen arrived on foot. One looked a bit familiar.

“So, we have another skeptic,” I said in corny carnie fashion. “Nope. Not a skeptic,” he said, “a true believer.”

The gentleman was of medium build, a bit dark complexioned. He walked with con-fidence.

“Has anyone ever told you that you look a lot like the magician David Blaine?” I asked. “Yeah, I get that a lot.”

As you might have guessed, it was David Blaine. The famous New Yorker was in Austin, for who knows what reason. Sofia was ecstatic. I was, too. We performed our act for Mr. Blaine, and then he spent about twenty minutes talking to Sofia, offering her encouragement and advice. Of course, a crowd gathered about. How would it not, given Blaine’s celebrity? And so he performed a number of stunning miracles on South Congress, officially joining the Austin busking community for a day. Mr. Blaine also gave Sofia a giant tip – twenty dollars – and encouraged others to do the same. It was the biggest single tip of Sofia’s life, although she pledged never to spend it.

Be sure to look for us the next time you’re strolling down South Congress in Austin. We’ll read your mind or stab swords into your head – just as long as the cops don’t run us off first. 

R.A. “Jake” Dyer is a member of S.A.M. Assembly 206 in Austin, Texas. His daughter Sofia is a high school senior at Austin’s Language Arts & Science Academy. Jake and Sofia have been performing magic together for several years.

SEPTEMBER 2012 Volume 102, Number 4

1

Summer in the City

New York, NY— Summer is a quiet time for the Parent Assembly; there are no regular meetings in July and August, but there is still lots of activity.

In late June, members of the gravesite restoration committee, Tom Klem, Alan Ruben-stein, David Adamovich, and Barbara Magic, joined Richie Magic, committee chairman and incoming president, to visit two of the graves the committee has restored. First stop was Mt. Hope Cemetery in Hastings on the Hudson, where we visited the graves of Nate and Leila Leipzig.

After seeing the newly cleaned footstones and paying our respects, we traveled to The Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY, where we visited the grave of Beatrice (Bess) Houdini and the nearby grave of the legendary Babe Ruth. We then adjourned to a nearby diner for some food and conversation, and thenheaded home.

On July 11, the board of directors held their summer organizational meeting. With fourteen members present, the board elected Tom Klem as chairman, and selected

chairmen for the many com-mittees of the assembly. A budget for the coming year was discussed and approved.

New York City is a popular vacation spot and many visitors pass through over the summer. Along with regulars Tom Klem, Rene Clement, Max Droge, Jerry and Lee Oppenheimer, Scott Mero, and Jordan Linker, The Magic Table has seen visits from several visitors: Andrew Gresset from New Orleans, the great Robert Gorodetsky, a clown from the Licedei Theatre in Russia, and Anna Orlova, also from the Licedei. If you’re in NYC visit us at the Café Edison (47th street between Broadway and 8th) on any Friday from 12:30 till 2 or so. Share a trick and some con-versation right in the middle of Time Square. —Jordan Linker

Goldwurm Auditorium Mt. Sinai Hospital, 1425 Madison Avenue at 98th street Contact Jordan Linker Linker.jordan@ gmail.com (646) 6707235 SAMPA1.com for more details.

2

WeLCOme tO JuLy

SAN FrANCISCo, CA— Our July meeting opened with Tamaka doing the humorous vanishing Coke bottle. That was not all. He then raffled off the collapsible bottle; Walt Johnson won it.

Our guest from Spain, Eduardo, was surprised that we only met once a month; his club at home meets twice a week. He then amazed us with two card effects. He did some smooth card tricks ending with an Oil and Water effect.

Nathan invited Eduardo to help with his ESP card trick.

Nathan laid out five cards face up, gave half of the remaining cards to Eduardo, and kept the rest for himself. They put the cards face down next to the face-up cards. Nathan then turned the face-down cards over to reveal that each matched the face-up card. Jack Langdell rolled a normal dollar bill into a cone and pulled a silk streamer from it. Not to be outdone, he stuffed the streamer back into the cone and made it disappear. His clever spiel was that the streamer was the silk threads that were woven into the bill. Bill Langell followed with a colorful version of the Afghan Bands using paper with stars and stripes on it. His cutting caused all the stars to be on one ring and the stripes on the other.

Hippo Lau had Eduardo pick a card and return it to the deck to make it rise. The first card that rose was a “fun” card with pictures of all the cards in the deck; the next rising card was Eduardo’s. Our balloon-ologist, Rob Shapiro, brought a balloon sculpture of Uncle Sam that he made for the Fourth of July occasion.

Corky Lavalle talked about the book Mega Wave by John Bannon and then did a card effect from the book. He had our guest pick one of the Queens from group of four. It mysteriously appeared upside down with a different back. Corky then picked up a packet of red-backed cards that had been lying on the table and showed that one was reversed and had a blue back. It proved to be the Queen that our guest had selected. Stu Bacon ended the evening with his obedient blocks.

Throughout the evening those who showed and those who

were just spectators feasted on homemade chocolate chip cookies that Corky brought. —Stuart Bacon

The Golden Gate Assembly 2 meets the first Wednesday at 7:30 pm at the Community Room of the Taraval Police Station, 2345 24th Ave., San Francisco Contact Tamaka [email protected] (415) 531-9332 for more details.

4

AnnuAL BAnQuet

PHILADeLPHIA, PA— In June, we held our annual banquet, which featured an amazing array of talent. Following the cocktail hour during which we were treated to the keyboard magic of Ralph Armstrong, everyone enjoyed a sumptuous buffet dinner. After dinner Tom Ewing handed out the trophies to those individuals who placed first, second, and third in the close-up, stage, and children’s contests this year. He then presented the Dick & Joan Gustafson award (previously named the Charles H. Hopkins award) to Reba Strong for her dedication to Assembly 4 and the art of magic in general. Tom also presented the President’s Outstanding Service Award in honor of Jerry Remenicky (a.k.a. Professor Rem) to Jeff Carson. A round of applause was then given to outgoing President Ralph Armstrong for all of his hard work this year as he passed the gavel and wand on to incoming President Donna Horn.

After the award ceremony, the stage show began for which Matt Schick ably served as the masters of ceremonies. The first act consisted of a breathtaking

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From left: David Adamovich, Jordan Linker, Tom Klem, Alan

Linking Rings routine set to classical music performed by Bill McElvenney. Following Bill, we were treated to the marionette artistry of master puppeteer Freddie Spencer, whose Houdini handcuff escape and upside-down strait-jacket escape proved that ex-ceptional puppetry is magic in and of itself. The troupe Fred’s Magic World dominated the remainder of the show with the perfect blend of comedy and magic. Fred Siegel had everyone in hysterics when he sang “Pennies from Heaven”

while deftly executing a mean Miser’s Dream. After Fred, the Rosen Sisters amazed the crowd with their psychic abilities, correctly predict-ing the identity, apparel, and cruise destination of a celebrity selected by a member of the audience. Troupe member Eric Van Wie then brought the house down as The Great British Magician with a very comical rope tie escape, thereby ending the evening on a high note. Without question, the 2012 banquet was one of the best we have ever had.

On a final note, we lost three good friends this year: Jerry Remenicky (the first Dean of Assembly 4), Garrett LaMarra (juggler and balloon artist extraordinaire), and Jimmy Ray (a magic luminary). We will never forget them. —Peter Cuddihy

The James Wobensmith Assembly 4 meets third Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Bustleton Memorial Post, 810

(American Legion) 9151 Old Newtown Road. Contact In-formation: www.sam4.org/ for more details.

6

eLeCtiOnS Of OffiCerS

BALtImore, mD— In June, Assembly 6 held elections of new officers for 2012-2013. The following members were elected to office. Andy London is our new president. Howard Katz is our new vice president/ secretary. Joe Bruno is our new treasurer. Congratulations to all. We had a very nice turnout and good magic as well.

In July, President Andy London presented several new ideas to increase membership and make our meetings more fun and meaningful. Thanks for putting on the thinking cap. Our magic portion was great as well. Les Albert always a nice card routine. Rudy Jackson did a torn and restored newspaper. Eric Hoffman made a selected card appear inside an antique frame. Charles Covington did some nifty magic using coins and an Okito box. Jeff Eline, our former president, also did some great card magic. Howard Katz was able to separate a nut and bolt under a cup without touching them. Joe Bruno did a very smooth silk and coin routine. Oniel Banks did a very nice card routine. After several shuffles and counts, he was able to find the selected card. Joe Harsanyi also did a nice card routine. —Rudy Jackson

Assembly #6 meets every first Thursday at 8:00 pm. Held at the Magic Warehouse 11419 Cronridge Drive suite #10 in Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 (410-567-0777) Contact Andy London [email protected] - www.baltimoresam.com for more details.

7

COme intO my PArLOr

omAHA, Ne— Tonight our program chairman Tom Zepf

came up with another doozy. Members were invited to perform “parlor magic” to demonstrate their wares, and then reveal the mystery if they choose. They performed in al-phabetical order according to height:

Bob Buczkowski led the charge with some rope effects such as Sandsational Rope (a la George Sands) and the one-handed knot (that disap-pears), and a few card tricks. He followed with tips on how to produce and use marked cards. Thanks, Bob, for the free lessons!

Doctor Spoof (Ron Gerard) performed what he called club, or cabaret, magic starting with a book test of The DaVinci Code using the input from three vol-unteers to determine the page (on which the first two words were “thought smiling”). ESP cards were next with the help of Colors the Clown (Linda Hartin), who also tied him up only to see him escape easily.

Pete Petrashek brought his Copentro illusion out of his archives and fascinated us with the transposed half dollars. For an encore he produced an amazing variety of silks from his change bag.

Greg Schuerman brought Tom and Jo Neddo out of the audience and teased them with some nifty monologue where their colors were called by the wrong names, ending with a multi-colored silk. Colors didn’t know it at the start, but she drew the audience into her cooking demonstration while making a birthday cake for me. Dick Sanders was last on the official program and dem-onstrated a physical impos-sibility (at least up until now) – a solid passing through a solid. His performance made the audience think twice about what they thought they knew. Neil Bable with sponge balls and Jared Schaaugard with Squish Stick Man performed encore effects.

Jeff Sikora is wrapping up his three-year term as Regional Vice President. He announced

that National Magic week will be the last seven days of October and that David Cop-perfield will receive the very first S.A.M. Humanitarian Award at this month’s conven-tion. Our September meeting will be a lecture by Banachek. —Jerry Golmanavich

Assembly 7 meetings are held at the Southwest Church of Christ at 124th St, and West Center Road- right across from Hooters Contact Jerry Golma-navich [email protected] (402) 390-9834 omahmagicalsociety. com for more details.

8

PerfOrm WhAt yOu Like night

St. LouIS, mo— Our Most Illustrious requested all to “perform what we like, but please perform something.” Ten volunteers did just that. Don Becker, our new Assembly 8 president, was the emcee for the night. Larry Becker spoke of the ups and downs you see in life, demon-strated by the Arrow Sign he held. Mike Hindrichs, “knot” to be outdone, showed us the ropes, with a nice clean rope routine. Dan Todd had PNP Harry Monti choose a card, which append to be printed on the back of a store-bought book on chance. He then performed Richard Osterlind’s knife pen-etration for those who missed the lecture. Michael Long, assisted by Sandy Weis, quotes “The Raven” with a packet effect, never more! Ray Belz pulled several animals from

Master Puppeteer Freddie Spencer with Houdini

an empty hat, then changed a large die from one color to the next, several times. Greg Lewis asked PNP Harry Monti to mix up some cards for a nice effect. Larry Minth knows all...at least he knew what card hand Larry Becker dealt. Ever expressive, Steve Corbitt dem-onstrated the Afghan Bands with strips of paper and a story. Columbus Smith performed his entertaining Chop Cup routine.

Last but not least, Randy Kalin performed Out of this World with assistants Mike Hindrichs and Michael Long. As always visit our site for photos. —Daniel S. Todd

Assembly 8 meets on the second and forth Thursdays of the month at 6520 Arsenal in the Mount Tabor United Church Christ, St. Louis MO 63139 Contact Don Becker [email protected] (636) 947-7963 Assembly8.com for more details.

11

CINCINNAtI, oH— July, 2012. On December 21, 2011 at the combined S.A.M. Assembly 11 and I.B.M. Ring 71 annual holiday banquet, William H. Brewe was to be honored as the third magician in the Greater Cincinnati area to be awarded the title “The Dean of Cincin-nati Magicians.” However, due to inclement weather, Bill was unable to attend. This title was first bestowed to Oscar

Kamleiter in 1976, followed by Harold Puff in 1989.

Finally, on Saturday July 14, 2012, the clubs were able to officially honor William H. Brewe with the well-deserved title “The Dean of Cincin-nati Magicians Emeritus.” The presenters of this award were Assembly 11President Leland Pennington and Ring 71 President Don Hinton. Others present were Larry Payne, Pat Hartzel, Patrick Thernes. and Mark Wiechman.

Assembly 11 will be celebrat-ing its ninetieth anniversary by doing a public on Friday, September 21, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. The show will feature emcee Artie Kidwell and per-formers Donavan, Don Hinton, Denny Metz, Larry Payne, Leland Pennington, Bill Pryor, and Patrick Thernes. There will be a special presentation by S.A.M. National President

Chris Bontjes. This event will be held at the Anderson Center Theatre, 7850 Five Mile Road. Tickets are $10.00 and can be ordered by calling 513-248-0773. —Mark Wiechman

Queen City Mystics, SAM Assembly 11 generally meets on the 2nd Friday of the month at Haines House of Cards in Cincinnati, Ohio. Contact John Martini www.assembly11.com for more details.

13

reStAurAnt mAgiC ii

DALLAS, tX— President Mark Jensen welcomed DMC

members and visitors David Wall, Kendal Kane, Danny Cheng, and David Grubbs. The meeting started with a perfor-mance by Daryl Sprout. Daryl showed a tear in his jeans, and with a wave of his hand, the fabric repaired itself. Daryl then asked for a volunteer who has had recent pain – Cameron Rivers stepped up to receive the healing touch. As Daryl waved a crystal over Cameron’s back, the pain slowly faded away.

Next up was Trigg, who performed a table penetration with a saltshaker in honor of his grandfather. To follow up on this classic effect, Trigg crumpled a red napkin in one hand and held the saltshak-er in the othsaltshak-er. The salt and napkin transposed, leaving Trigg with a fist full of salt and a shaker containing the red napkin. Following this piece, Trigg performed a Ring on String routine using his lucky, bright orange shoelace and a borrowed ring. After a few phases of the ring passing magically onto and off of the string, the routine ended with the orange shoelace jumping to Trigg’s shoe, with the ring attached.

The next performer was David Wall, who performed a number of rope effects including a “fool’s knot,” a cut-and-re-stored rope, and a version of Professor’s Nightmare.

Brad Ingle performed a table penetration with four coins. Frank Seltzer amazed the attendees with a copper-silver transposition from Frank’s hand to the spectator’s. Frank then asked his spectator to think of a card. Frank attempted to name the thought-of card, but the audience was not impressed when he declared the name of the card to be “Clyde.” However, Frank showed that he was in fact correct – every card in the deck had a different name on the back, and the thought-of card was named Clyde.

Geoff Grimes started his routine by magically changing a blank piece of paper into a

dollar bill. Then, after discuss-ing his dental hygiene, Geoff took a number of small pieces of dental floss, rolled them into a ball, and magically restored the floss into one long string. Cameron Rivers performed a card transposition and an Ambitious Card routine.

Trigg then returned to perform a number of card effects, including a “time travel” story, his own Ambitious routine, and a “marked card” effect in which the marks jumped to the spectator’s card. John Greene was the final performer of the evening, performing effects with silks, sponges, and paddles. —Reade Quinton

The Dallas Magic Clubs are currently meeting at Wizard’s Sports Cafe in Richardson, Texas on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Contact Reade Quinton reade.quinton@ gmail.com (972) 400-0195 www.dallasmagic.org for more details.

19

rAfAeL BenAtAr LeCture

HouStoN, tX— In July we had Rafael Benatar visit us with a very fine lecture. Rafael had been to Houston back in the 1990s and a few of the attendees even remembered his previous visit. This one will be memorable as well. We will be taking a break from lectures until after our upcoming TAOM convention is over. Dan Garrett will be here on Tuesday, September 18 to present his lecture.

Michael Hendrichs on the Ropes

William H. Brewe named Dean of Cincinnati Magicians

Emeritus

Rick Hebert, who demonstrat-ed the breather crimp, ldemonstrat-ed the teach-in session for July. Rick taught us how to make this crimp in a card and then shared the secret workings of a card routine he had shared earlier. Rick’s routine began by finding the four Aces in a magical way. A card is then selected, lost in the deck, and then further lost with shuffles and cuts. The chosen card ended up as the only face-down card in a face-up spread. Rick even taught Lindy McElroy how to do the routine, just to show how easy the moves are to perform. Rick also had a handout that contained his entire routine. We give many thanks to Rick for his efforts and his sharing of magic.

We again had numerous per-formances at this month’s meeting. Johan McElroy, Phil Kampf, Dick Olson, Scott Wells, Randy Stulken, David Rangel, Ben Jackson, and Frank Price all performed for the group.

Don’t forget the TAOM Con-vention this coming Labor Day weekend, to be held here in Houston. Visit TAOM2012. com for more information on this upcoming event. —Miles Root

SAM 19 meets the first Monday of every month at the IATSE Local 51 Meeting Hall, 3030 North Freeway, Houston TX. A teaching lecture begins at 7:30 pm with the meeting beginning at 8:00 pm.

21

WAyne hOuChin LeCture

HArtForD, Ct— This evening saw a great lecture by Wayne Houchin. To help our fund for David Oliver, Wayne donated his lecture fee plus half the proceeds of his sales tonight to our “DO” fund. It seems David interviewed Wayne for

M-U-M a while ago and Wayne

is happy to participate in this fundraising effort.

Wayne began by talking

about his start while working with a sword-swallower. This was prologue to an odd effect wherein he swallowed a length of string, which he then pulled out of his eye! He then explained two different methods of performing this effect: one “easy,” one...not so much.

Other highlights: After an unusual pick-a-card, a balled-up newspaper was unwrapped reveal a prediction of that very trick. This odd trick, which uses photographs of playing cards, Wayne calls Houdini’s Influence. A nickel vanished and re-appeared inside a can of Sprite. In a trick called Counterfeit Holling-worth, a torn-and-quartered card (playing or business, he used a playing card tonight) was restored piece-by-piece. The last piece required a little heat to finish, and the card was completely restored, if a little burnt. As a finale (which he did not explain), Wayne ate forty sewing needles, along with about five feet of thread. He then retrieved the needles, threaded, from his mouth, it was a spectacular finish.

After giving Wayne time to sell his lecture wares, President Dan Sclare announced the club was selling silicone wristbands to benefit David Oliver. The bands are purple and say “DO magic for David Oliver.” Dan, along with Dana Ring and Soll Levine will take a hefty supply with them to the Vegas Con-vention. (If you were there, we

hope you got a chance to see them and perhaps buy one.) — Dana Ring

Assembly 21 meets at Angelo’s On Main 289 South Main Street, West Hartford CT 06107 Contact Dana Ring [email protected] (860) 523-9888 ctmagic.org for more details.

22

A triBute tO rOBert

LoS ANgeLeS, CA— The program for the July 16 meeting of the Southern California Assembly 22 was a tribute to the much beloved Dean of our Assembly, Robert Rodriguez, who, sadly, passed away on October 10, 2011. James Holguin and Jon Bestwick, two of the many young magicians whom Robert mentored over the years, produced the program. Prior to the tribute program beginning, President Jim Callen conducted a short meeting to make necessary announcements and present trophies to those unable to attend the June awards banquet.

James Holguin and Jon Bestwick produced, emceed, and performed in the tribute show. They and each of the performers did magic that they either learned from Robert or was an effect that Robert used in his own performances. During each act, the performer provided remembrances of Robert’s influence in their lives and on their magic.

Opening the show was Jon Bestwick, who presented a thimble routine and silk knotting effect. Ed Thomas next located cards selected by two spectators and jumbled in a bag with the remaining deck. Michael Perovich, per-forming to some rock and roll music, presented a card and card fan manipulation set and a routine with billiard balls mul-tiplying and changing colors – classic magic that Robert often performed. The fourth performer was John Engman, who performed the flexible/

porous mirror and an Egg Bag routine.

James Holguin, co-produc-er of this show and a vco-produc-ery talented young magician, then performed a Robert Rodriguez favorite, the Miser’s Dream; but with a comedic turn of his own. James also did a routine that featured billiard ball ma-nipulation and card fans and sleights – always included in Robert’s shows. “Chazz,” a Los Angeles area professional and a one-time student of Robert’s, performed a six-card repeat taught to him by Robert using only six cards and some skillful sleights. Chazz also did a very nice rope routine and closed with a three-ring routine, a Robert Rodriguez signature effect. Closing the show was Taylor Hughes, presenting a chain and bar handcuff escape, a comedic presentation that Robert often did.

After the show, all enjoyed the buffet of foods and treats provided by Corinne Murphy. Most of the membership lingered long into the evening in the fellowship of Assembly 22 magic. With many members making the drive to Las Vegas for the S.A.M. national convention in a few days, the magic continues. —Steven L. Jennings

Southern California Assembly 22 meets the third Monday each month at 8:00 pm, St. Thomas Moore Parish Hall, 2510 South Fremont Avenue, Alhambra, California Contact Ed Thomas magicmred@ earthlink.net (213) 382-8504 for more details.

31

RoPe MagiC aT HaRRY

RiSeR aSSeMblY 31

INDIANAPoLIS, IN— The theme for the July 9 meeting of the Harry Riser Assembly was rope magic, and a rope-a-dope evening it was. President Steve Spence (also a professional mediator) introduced us to the “magic of mediation,” illustrat-ing his educational comments

Wayne Houchin receives a David Oliver wristband

with a nicely done version of Dean’s Box.

Daniel Lee started out with a variation of the Professor’s Nightmare, but then proceeded to amaze us all with a litany of other effects using the three ropes. Taylor Martin did his own modification of The Great Coat Escape from the Mark Wilson Course. His “tell the truth” routine with one of the younger visitors was quite en-tertaining. Barry Rice set about squeezing his rope and we watched it become shorter and shorter and shorter. The effect was his, but based heavily on a Shoot Ogawa routine.

Instead of doing the “ring on the rope,” Jay Newby impressed us with his creativity by doing “soap on the rope” using a bottle of dish soap. Tom Win-terrowd reminded us of one of the oldest effects in magic, the Hindu rope trick. In his version, the vase held the rope. Then the rope held the vase. And for the finale, the rope became rigid and needed no assistance from gravity in holding the vase in any position.

The meeting was held at the Forum at the Crossroads re-tirement center so that our namesake, Harry Riser, could attend. The highlight of the evening occurred when Harry sat at the table and entertained us with several one-armed card routines. As always, Harry, for twenty years a columnist for

M-U-M magazine, did not pass

on this teaching opportunity to share tips including the one-handed break and a Squeezer deck.

Also included in the evening’s agenda were the formal instal-lation of officers for the coming year, a report on the financial status of the club, upcoming events, and a substantial dis-cussion regarding how best to organize and produce our lecture series. —Dale Benson

Assembly 31 meets on the first Monday of every month at 7pm at the Irvington United Methodist church at 30 North Audubon Road, Indianapolis. If the first Monday conflicts with a holiday weekend, we postpone the meeting by one week. See our website for details. Contact Steve Spence sspence@ mediationalternative.com (317) 507-4534 www.sam31.com for more details.

37

mAgiC APriL mADneSS

DeNver, Co— April in Denver became the spotlight month with an informative member’s only teach-in and our second annual public close-up show called Magic Monday Madness!

Our Mile High city has a world-renowned lecturer and coin wizard, Dave Neighbors. He has created an easy four coins across with a matrix ending that he was willing to teach to the Mile High Magicians Society members. There are very few members of our club either past or present that have had the legendary Dai Vernon say something about their work. David Neighbors is one. Vernon said, “Never before have I seen such truly beautiful coin effects. His handling of coins is superb.”

Card sensation and local pro Gene Gordon has a card trick or two up his sleeve. Gene’s passion is for card magic but is overall an incredible close-up magician. He loves sleight of hand but respects any form of magic that is done well. Gene taught a unique dice trick with a nifty utility switch that was a great segue into his rendition of Paul Harris’s Overkill.

Past four-time president Dave Elstun set-up an interest-ing demonstration on how to build your own Invisible Deck, complete with spray lacquer. Amazing Dave has an incred-ible array of past experiences from working as a pro for the past twenty-five years. His stories that went along with the instruction on the Invisible Deck were priceless. Our new

Abracatabloid (newsletter)

editor Matt Brandt brought plenty of practice cards along to teach a very good version of an Elmsley count. He went through the process step by step, teaching even the most card challenged members his fun effect. Club members Brad Mongomery and Tommy Walker enjoyed the evening immensely.

We had a huge turnout for our public show that was held at the world famous ghost haunt called the Lumber Baron Inn. Innkeeper and long-time magic fan Walter Keller loaned the use of his legendary place to us so that all the proceeds could go to support our Colorado Conven-tion in September, Magic in the Rockies, which is held every year by our sister club Ring 250 in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Everyone was delighted with the six grand close-up perform-ers who gave their all on behalf of magic in Colorado. Featured were The Amazing Dave Elstun, Gene Gordon, Brandon K. Parker, Steve Aldrich, Doc Murdock, and Mattew Brant. Good times were had by all! —Connie Elstun

Asssembly 37 meets at the Riverpointe Senior Center in Littleton Colorado Contact Chad Wonder chad@

idomagic.com (303) 933-4118 www.milehighmagicians.com for more details.

52

WhAt DO yOu DO When SOmeOne ASkS yOu tO

DO A mAgiC triCk?

SAN ANTONIO, tX— July 12, 2012, Brother John Hamman Assembly 52 held its monthly meeting at LaMade-leine Restaurant. Newly-elect-ed President Paul Amerson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. We had a rather small turnout tonight in large part due to the date change because of the Daryl lecture being held on our regular meeting night. Mayor Julian Castro has again proclaimed a week in October as Magic Week. We had a great time last year throughout Magic Week performing in different venues. We hope that everyone will participate to make this year even better. The theme for this meeting was “What do You do When Someone Asks You to do a Magic Trick.” Starting off the performances was Paul Amerson, who performed the Color Changing Knives. Michael Tallon did The Blind Man’s Shuffle, and Napoleon Savoy entertained with a book test. Dwayne Stanton tricked us all with the 1089 trick, Ray Adams performed D’Lite, and Don Moravits did an impos-sible four-of-a-kind prediction. Doug Gorman did Twins, and George Castillo performed In the News.

Harry Riser shares tips

The Stars of Magic Monday Madness

George Castillo (L) receiving a plaque from President Paul

Amerson for his years of service to Assembly 52.

P r e s i d e n t P a u l A m e r s o n presented long-time Sergeant-at-Arms George Castillo with a plaque recognizing his years of service to the assembly. Unfortunately, due to health problems, George has stepped down as an officer. George still plans on attending our meetings and hopes to be able to return as Sergeant-at-Arms in the future. We all wish George a complete and speedy recovery. Preliminary plans are under way for the assembly to do a public show to both support a local charity and to raise some funds for our club. Tonight’s door prize winners were Ray Adams and Napoleon Savoy. Ray won King of Magic and Napoleon won Multi Color Matrix by Sam Dahlal.

Brother John Hamman Assembly 52 meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month at La Madeleine Restau-rant, located at 722 N.W. Loop 410. The restaurant is inside Loop 410 on the access road between Blanco Rd. and San Pedro. For more information, contact [email protected].

56

JuLy meeting

DAYtoN, oH— Our July meeting was held on Friday, July 20, 2012, at the new home of Jim and Pam Rawlins. Prior to the start of the meeting members were encouraged to explore the Rawlins’s home as if it were an open house. We enjoyed browsing the new layout of his large magic col-lection and beautiful home, with each room being more spectacular than the last. After our business meeting, we broke for refreshments provided by Jo Ann Kinder and Paul Burnham. Our performance theme for the month was “a new twist on the same old trick” provided by our program chairman, Stan Goode.

Stan kicked us off with a Pro-fessor’s Nightmare routine and demonstrated how he incorpo-rates a message with the magic. Next up was our executive

officer, Paul Burnham, who put together a very clever “Let’s Make a Twisted Deal” routine in true game show fashion. Fred and Millie Witwer performed a transposition of silk hand-kerchiefs and Fred blended three separate red, white, and blue shoelaces into one multi-colored shoelace with a second multi-colored shoelace “twist” ending. Millie then caused a long silk and a short silk to change places.

Our newest member Jo Ann Kinder performed a clever pre-diction involving a necklace that was given to her by her grandmother. Our host Jim Rawlins then showed us a new addition to his collection, which is an extremely rare P&L Four Bird Cage Carrousel Production. Our chairman then returned and showed us a colorful silk and tube Blendo routine. Our guest Bill Hagen then demonstrated a sequence of effects that involved trans-forming red liquid into a red silk, vanishing the silk, and then making it reappear inside of a glass bottle. After Bill, I performed a four-Ace routine causing the Aces to turn over and reveal themselves one at a time. Oran Dent then showed us a clever prediction routine involving a map and multiple kicker endings. Jeff Porges showed us a trick with a unique deck of cards that he brought back from a recent trip to China. Scott Miller showed us a very visual Twisting the Aces effect. Chairman Stan Goode concluded with a sponge ball vanish routine. We had great performances and all had fun. —Matthew David Stanley

Assembly 56 meet at various locations, please contact Paul Burnham (937) 773-7409 for more details.

59

the SWAP

PortLAND, or— Assembly 59’s final meeting before going dark for the summer was on June 27. The activities for the evening began with our annual

swap meet. Some may do magic with nothing more than a deck of cards and perhaps a few coins; however, many magicians, it must be said, have extensive caches of miraculous materials and have been known to be willing to relinquish them in exchange for other magic materials or in many cases good, old cash money. This event is looked forward to by both those people looking to collect (and possibly use) new magic reference materials and apparatus and for those who are trying to make room in their closets, their basements, and their garages. It has been known to bring smiles to the faces of wives, I’m told. Bargains were to be had. No one left unhappy.

But the evening was not dedicated entirely to barter. President Schreiber decreed that show time would embrace the theme of “My Favorite Gimmick.” Larry Seymore, Bob Eaton, Michael Just, John Edsall, SYMer Riley Schreiber, and Mel Anderson all had something to share and astound their fellow club members.

Now we turn ourselves over to summer. Some will bask in the sun and partake in glorious road trips. Others will roll the metaphorical boulder in front of the cave to spend serious practice time perfecting effects with which to dazzle the world come September. —Glen L. Bledsoe

Assembly 59 meet at the Beaverton Elks, 3500 SW 104th_,

Beaverton, OR 97005 Contact Glen L. Bledsoe glenbledsoe@ mac.com (503)580-0502 or www.sam59portland.org for more details.

71

classic four coin assembly with handkerchief, David Brahinsky did a haunted key routine, Wayne Hicks did an old effect (a number mystery prediction in jumbo – this great old effect is in every magic set I have ever seen and plays well), David Dunlap did a slop shuffle prediction, and that was just our first round of magic. In our second round, Robert Bass did a blindfold four-Ace revelation, Larry Marken did Destination Unknown, David Brahinsky did Phantom Cards, Wayne Hicks did a very clever card prediction, and VP David Dunlap did a three-phased Oil and Water routine. —David M. Brahinsky

Assembly 71 meets at 3205 Central Ave. NE, Al-buquerque, NM 87108. Contact David Brahinsky at: davidbrahinsky@comcast. net (505) 235-2997 for more details.

82

miChAeL eAtOn LeCture

SAFetY HArBor, FL— Vice President Bob Klase opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance. We welcomed a new member, Jonathan Nash. Some of the members entertained the audience while Michael Eaton was getting set up. Jonathan Nash, Greg Gaulden, and Lawrence Hookway each wowed the audience with different magic effects and Jim Greiner made everyone laugh with his jokes.

Lecture: Michael Eaton had everyone’s attention when he produced and vanished coins right before our eyes. I would highly recommend his DVD to learn the techniques in Pretty Fly, his version of the 3-Fly effect.

The Gathering uses a non-gimmicked deck of cards. Three audience members select cards and place them back into the deck. Michael revealed the cards had gathered on the top of the deck between the four Aces.

Michael also had some great advice for anyone who uses the invisible coin purse. He made a coin fall out of thin air, while both of his hands were holding the holding the purse right in front of the spectator.

Don’t miss Francis Menotti on Thursday November 15, 2012.

Assembly 82 meets the third Thursday of each month at Sherffs Youth Ranch in Safety Harbor, Florida. Members only close up class at 6:30 PM. TBMC monthly meeting starts at 7:30 PM. Contact Chris Ostrowski cmmagic@ verizon.net (727) 8477837 www.tampabaymagicclub.com for more details.

88

Anti-BuSineSS meeting

ANN ArBor/YPSILANtI, mI— In July and August the Ann Arbor Magic Club has picnics instead of our regular meetings. In July, on the 21st of the month, we hold our anti-business meeting, which will be at Vice President Jim Placido’s home this year. It’s a time for fellowship and good food, and we show some of our magic skills to members, friends, and family! In August we have our annual “Corn Roast,” which will be held at

the church again this year. It’s basically the same as the anti-business meeting, except the church con-gregation is welcome to stay, since it will be after services on the 12th of August, (so we have a change of audience). Both are a lot of fun, I’ve never missed going to either one yet! —Randy A. Smith, Secretary, AAMC

Hank Moorehouse Assembly 88 meets the second Wednesday at 7pm at the Faith Lutheran Church, 1255 East Forest Ave, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Contact Randy A. Smith [email protected] (313) 562-3875 www.aamagic. org for more details.

94

OPen PerfOrmAnCe meeting

SILICoN vALLeY, CA— In July, Ken Gielow performed Micro Psychic and Frame-Up, did Spoon-Around (and got some constructive criticism), and Ignition (key through bill). Suresh Govindachar performed a Jay Sankey coin vanish and reappearance that he is working on. Phil Ackerly showed his presentation for Daryl’s Cardboard Chame-leons. Alan Leeds gave a trade-show presentation for a signed card found by spelling a company’s name. Stan Sieler showed a batch of wine tags, had one signed, and lost it in the bunch. He had another spectator select a card from a regular deck, and had the first spectator spell the name of the chosen card using the packet of wine tags, to get to his signed

tag.

John Jones used a deck of cards to see just a little bit into the future. He wrote a prediction on each of two cards, had two spectators come up, and each chose a card. The card that Sy Hoff chose was written on one of John’s prediction cards, and the same for Leonard Levine’s (Paul

Harris’s Touch). Phil Ackerly came up again and told us about his appearance at Monday Night Magic in New York. He did his Rope and Block Release (Cube-On Release). Hugh McDonald showed two rings of different sizes, small could go through big, but big couldn’t go through small, then big did go through small and they linked. Then he did a Coin into Bottle, repeated with a different bottle and a different method. Kim Silverman had Leonard and Carl Thomsen each shuffle some cards, fan them out, and take out one card. He had someone else take one from his remaining packet. The spectators each selected a card and put it in the other’s deck, reassembled the deck, and Kim found all three in five seconds; oops, found he two of them. The third selection was in his pocket. Hugh McDonald, with some funny business, made a small silk streamer vanish and reappear.

Ken Gielow, who organizes our nearly famous Performance Ex-perience Program events, came through with some good ones for July. Teaming with I.B.M. Ring 216, Ken, Joe Caffall, Jim Blashek, and Sy Hoff performed walk-around and stand-up magic on the 4th of July at the VA facility in Livermore. On July 14, Stan Sieler, Joe Caffall, Fred Rasmussen, Jim Blashek, and Theron Schaub performed walk-around in a picnic-like setting for veterans, staff, and family at the VA in Menlo Park. —Joe Caffall

We do not currently have a regular meeting location. Please contact Joe Caffall at [email protected] (408) 3751905 www.sam94.org for more details.

95

absolute highlight of which was the visit of the 95th national president, M.I. Vinny Grosso, to Assembly 95, July was the beginning of summer break for the very active Vancouver Assembly. Now holding bragging rights of being the only assembly to have ever been visited by a national president whose number exactly matches the assembly number he visited (95), and being the only assembly to have the number of characters on the top portion of every national council member business card also exactly match the assembly number (95), Vancouver Assembly 95 will be well represented by its members at the S.A.M. national conference in Las Vegas this July. Accepted for competition by process of video tape selection were Henry Tom in stage and Steve Dickson in close-up. Delegates

for the national council meeting will be: Rod Chow, RVP Canada; Lon Mandrake, Assembly President, Ray Roch, alternate delegate. Treasurer Jens Henriksen, and Dean Shawn Farquhar and his family will also be in at-tendance. Good luck to the Assembly 95 competitors! —Rod Chow

The Carl Hemeon Assembly No. 95 meets the first Tuesday of each month at members’ homes. Contact Rod Chow [email protected] (604) 669-7777 www.sam95.com for more details.

Michael Eaton Lecture

Members and Family at Anti-Business Meeting in 2011

Steve Dickson performs close-up for M.I. Vinny Grosso during the S.A.M.

#95 National Presidential Visit Reception

112

PAtriOtiC mAgiC

CoNCorD, CA— We were happy to have Bob Steiner back at one of our meetings again, and we have Jerry Barrilleaux and Lance Snead to thank for arranging for Bob’s transpor-tation to and from our June meeting, whose theme was Patriotic Magic.

Following a few announce-ments, Bob Holdridge adapted an Aldo Colombini comedy silk routine to the theme by using red, white, and blue silks; he also used an empty wooden box instead of paper bag to produce the magic.

Jerry Barrilleaux smoothly performed Chameleon Silks, a very commercial comedy effect. Unless we have changed our national colors to yellow and green, it was not an on-theme effect.

Sir Lantz then placed five pebbles (four clear and one black) inside a velvet bag and had five audience members each pick out one (without looking into the bag before, or their closed hands after). Lance correctly eliminated one clear pebble holder at a time until he ended up with Rod McFadden as the black pebble holder.

Zappo ended up performing a couple of card effects with a borrowed deck, one of which was the prediction effect of using two random cards to name a chosen card’s suit and value.

Douglass the Magic Man then performed a handcuff escape; since I don’t recall the handcuffs being red, white, and blue, it must also have been an off-theme effect. Guests David and Sandy Butner assisted him.

Instead of performing an effect, Loren Lind taught us his version of the French Drop.

Then came Rod McFad-den’s Trick of the Month, an ingenious effect using six cards, each with a different ESP symbol drawn on its back. Rod correctly predicted the

selected symbol by having a spectator roll an invisible die (not the Hot Rod force).

Rod then adapted the effect to our theme by using cards bearing the faces of six presi-dents. He also stretched the theme a bit with a card effect in which two selected cards are lost in the deck, one retrieved, another mistaken card retrieved before the mistaken card turns

into the first one retrieved and the first one turns into the correct second card. It turned out to be patriotic magic only because Rod explained that the backs of the cards were blue, while many of the fronts were printed in red ink to go along with the white borders and background. —Bob Holdridge and Dave Anderson

Diablo Assembly #112 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the Round Table Pizza in Concord. Contact Doug Kovacich dou-glassthemagicman@hotmail. comdouglassthemagicman@ hotmail.com (925) 435-4824 http://sam112.com/ for more details.

118

mAgiC in neW hAmPShire

NASHuA, NH— Assembly 118 continues to keep busy per-forming for local charities and community events. Member Ken Wilson performed at Camp Sargent, a YMCA camp in Merrimack, NH, and several members performed at the 2012 Nashua Fairy Tale Festival. (The performance of

Lord and Lady BlackSword can be seen at the following link: youtu.be/PlQ-QiB5Uf0). In future weeks, the assembly will be donating several perfor-mances to Camp Allen, a camp for special needs patrons of all ages. At the August meeting, we expect Lord and Lady BlackSword (Joseph and Kathy Caulfield) and Bob Bodman to give reports of the S.A.M. national convention.

Assembly 118 meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the Nashua Church of Christ, 97 Farley Rd., Nashua, NH. Our venue rotates, so contact us first. Contact Robert Granville [email protected] (603) 505-8749 http://sam118.com for more details.

120

VA ShOW

CHAmPAIgN, IL— The club VA show was, as usual, well-received last month. The vets are a great and well deserving group to perform for. Chris Bontjes and Jim Percy showed us the new S.A.M. brief case.

The topic this month was paper, and Roy started us off with some really nice paper tear/cuts from Gene Ander-son’s Newspaper Magic,

including Star of the Show, a paper ladder, ball and chain, rotary wheel, and a tree. JR Thomas took the stage with Acrobatic Chameleon Cards, torn and restored “perm” papers, a Wizard of Oz routine,

$1 to $100 transformation in his hands ($1 to $5 to $10 to $20 to $100). Chris Bontjes tore a round hole in a paper that was square when unfolded. JR followed up with a one-handed knot tie, Dr Seuss Rope Trick, ring on/off rope and rope through thumb. Andy Dallas presented his Folding Paper Mystery and all in attendance signed Chris Bontjes picture in M-U-M. See you at the meeting. —Ken Barham

The Andy Dallas Assembly 120 meets the third Wednesday at 7pm (except Nov. and Dec.) For location call Jim Percy at 217-494-2222 or Ken Barham Sec, 2318 Win-chester Dr, Champaign, IL 61821. Phone: 217-841-5616 email: [email protected]

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tuCSoN, AZ— We had a great turn out for the July meeting; it was two days before Inde-pendence Day. During the business meeting, we took care of business and talked about the upcoming 25th Stars of Magic

Show. George Franzen held a

mini-lecture on rubber band magic and everyone really got involved! Thanks, George.

Kenny showed off a flawless handling of a color-changing coin routine that ended up with a stretched coin! The stretch really looked magical, and I heard a few “ohs and ahhs” from the crowd.

The Amazing John Redmon was up next and performed a really nice card routine based on the theory of NLP, but it was the card handling that really got me. Nate shuffled the deck as much as he wanted; I freely selected a card and returned it. Nate then dealt through the deck, one card at a time, face down, while he tried to peer into my brain to figure out my card. At what seemed to be a random point, he asked Nate to stop dealing and to deal the

Bob Holdridge showing his silk routine

Bob Bodman performs his Favorite Rope Trick at the 2012 Nashua Fairy Tale