OCTOBER 2014

MARTIN GARDNER
Page 36
 MAGIC - UNITY - MIGHT
Editor
Michael Close
Editor Emeritus
David Goodsell
Associate Editor
W.S. Duncan
Proofreader & Copy Editor
Lindsay Smith
Art Director
Lisa Close
Publisher
Society of American Magicians,
18915 East Briargate Lane, #1F
Parker, CO 80134
Copyright © 2014
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4 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

M-U-M OCTOBER 2014
MAGAZINE Volume 104 • Number 5

S.A.M. NEWS
6 From the Editor’s Desk
8 From the President’s Desk 28
11 M-U-M Assembly News
22 Broken Wands
24 National Council Minutes
26 Good Cheer List
69 Our Advertisers

44

Cover Story Page 36

Cover photo courtesy of the Charlotte Observer

THIS MONTH’S FEATURES

28 Nielsen Gallery • by Tom Ewing
32 Not Just Kid Stuff • by Jim Kleefeld
35 Tech Tricks • by Bruce Kalver 46
36 COVER STORY • by Tom Ewing
42 Hit the Road • by Scott Alexander
44 Illusions of Grandeur • by David Seebach
46 Cheats and Deceptions • by Antonio M. Cabral
48 Messing with your Mind • by Christopher Carter
50 El Roberto Enigmatico • by R.D. Michaels
52 The High Road • by Mick Ayres
54 You Bet Your Life • by Michael Close
57 Cinematrix • by Max Maven
58 Informed Opinion • New Product Reviews
67 Chicago Magic Competition • by Neil Tobin
68 Salon de Magie • by Ken Klosterman
69 Inside Straight • by Norman Beck
70 The Dean’s Diary • by George Schindler 68
70 Basil the Baffling • by Alan Wassilak 57
M-U-M (ISSN 00475300 USPS 323580) is published monthly for $40 per year by The Society of American Magicians,
6838 N. Alpine Dr., Parker, CO 80134 . Periodical postage paid at Parker, CO and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to M-U-M, c/o Manon Rodriguez, P.O. Box 505, Parker, CO 80134.

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 5

Photo by fivebyphotography.com

before the wonders happen on-stage. The Naked Magicians

is a really fun show and an entertaining, outrageous way to
showcase amazing world-class close-up magic.” The show
runs from October 17-31, 2014, at 4 p.m. daily at the Tommy
Editor’s Desk Wind Theater on the Strip.
Michael Close PNP Dal Sanders sent me an email with the following infor-
mation about National Magic Week:
I don’t recall when the name Martin Gardner entered “On Monday, April 28, 2014 the United States Congress
my consciousness, but it must have been when I was twelve recognized magic as an art. Magicians in the United States can
or thirteen. At that time I bought as many magic books as I now refer to this Congressional Record for support in obtaining
could afford, and one of my purchases was Bruce Elliott’s arts grants. Now it’s time to promote and educate the public on
The Phoenix. Gardner was part of the Friday Night Sodality, the art of magic. National Magic Week is October 26-31, 2014.
a group that included Dai Vernon, Doctor Jaks, Jay Marshall, This is a perfect time to launch and promote the art of magic
and other prominent New York magicians, who met regularly to the general public.
at the Elliott apartment. I learned Gardner’s 1-10 Sponge “This year, S.A.M. members and assemblies have more
Ball Routine and studied his columns in Hugard’s Magic reasons than ever to celebrate National Magic Week because
Monthly. And then, of course, there were the columns in Sci- we are also celebrating the recognition of magic as an art. To
entific American and his great book, Mathematics, Magic and help promote the celebration, official press releases will be sent
Mystery. to major newspapers around the country. They will also be sent
This month marks the one-hundredth anniversary of the to the local assemblies to encourage them to reach out to their
birth of Martin Gardner. Tom Ewing penned the cover story, local media outlets.
which includes remembrances of several of Martin’s friends “Mayors across the country will be contacted, requesting
and colleagues. The tricks this month from regular contribu- each of them to submit a proclamation in their cities acknowl-
tors Bob Farmer, Christopher Carter, and Mick Ayres have a edging the art of magic. The goal is to have the highest number
Gardner theme. In addition, there are two tricks, one by Max of proclamations ever proclaimed by mayors from around
Maven and one by me, that are Gardner-ish in their methodol- the country for a single event. Local assemblies and S.A.M.
ogy. I think you’ll really enjoy them. The Farmer offering is a members will just have to contact their local city governments
remarkable bar bet that is completely counterintuitive. Unless and pick up the proclamations.
you make up a set of dice and play around with them for a “National President Kenrick ‘ICE’ McDonald has set a goal
while, you won’t believe that the game is a losing proposition for S.A.M. members to give one thousand free performanc-
for the spectator. My trick is a recent invention. I came up with es for retirement homes, hospitals, orphanages, and for other
it in May of this year and showed it to a few select friends at the groups not able to get out and enjoy a magic show.
31 North gathering in Toronto and at the combined convention. “We are also calling on all members to participate in an
No one had seen anything quite like it, and the payoff of the event we are calling ‘A Magical Moment in Time.’ On October
trick came as a big surprise. If you assemble the props and give 26, 2014, at 7:00 p.m. CST, magicians from Disneyworld in
it a bit of practice (the patter needs to be memorized), you’ll Orlando, Central Park in New York City, the streets of New
have something quite different with which to fool your friends. Orleans, Six Flags in Dallas, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas,
Columnist Norman Beck was featured in a short profile in the Magic Castle in Hollywood, and everywhere else are asked
New Yorker magazine. The article discusses Norman’s day job to join together and perform a levitation at the same moment in
as vice president of claims and security for S.C.A. Promotions. time to the American population. Anything can be levitated…a
If you are unaware of this aspect of Norman’s life, you may be dollar bill, a paper rose, a silver ball, a table, or even a volunteer
in for a surprise. You can find the article online here: www. from the audience. This one single event could highlight and
newyorker.com/magazine/2014/07/21/risky-business-2 promote the art of magic to over three hundred million citizens.
I can only blame fatigue for the fact that I misspelled Steve This would be a perfect way to launch National Magic Week.
Kline’s name three times on page 46 of the September issue of “We will need to reach out to every S.A.M. member and
M-U-M. Steve’s last name is spelled “Kline” and he is the head assembly and even nonmembers in order to involve as many
of Steven Kline Productions. And now that I’ve spelled his magicians as possible. If we all work together we can generate
name correctly three times, I guess that makes it even. Sorry publicity and spread the word that magic has finally been rec-
about that, Steve. ognized as an art.”
If you’re going to be in Las Vegas during the last two Just as this issue was being finalized, the news arrived of
weeks of October and you’d like to take in a new magic show, the death of Lubor Fiedler on September 3, 2014, at age eighty-
consider The Naked Magicians, which features the sleight-of- one. Lubor was a chemical engineer by trade, but those in
hand magic of Charles Bach, Chris James, Jason Baney, and the magic world will remember him as the creator of some of
Andrew Goldenhersh. According to show-creator Bach, The the most ingenious magic tricks ever devised, including the
Naked Magicians “are an elite group of close-up magic and Gozinta Boxes, Lubor’s Lens, and the Anti-gravity Rock. A
sleight-of-hand artists who create extraordinary magic with large book of his creations was in preparation at the time of his
ordinary objects displayed ‘naked’ for the audience to examine death. He will be missed. 

6 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 The national council meeting kicks off the weekend on November
14 at 1:30 p.m., followed by The Magic Summit. Come and be
your assembly’s representative/delegate at the meeting. Hotel res-
ervations be made at www.magicsummit.com.
Thank you to the members who responded to my “What’s
President’s Desk on Your Mind?” request. It is not too late to chime in; email me
(President@magicsam.com).
Kenrick "ICE" McDonald Congratulations to Presidential Citation recipient Bryan Lee,
director of theater operations for The Academy of Magical Arts
Something to Think About: I recently had the honor of per- at the Magic Castle.
forming with Assembly 136 in their twenty-seventh annual Stars
of Magic show. Performed by members of the Tucson assembly, THE PRESIDENT’S GOOD WILL PERFORMER
this show raises money to pay for lectures, allowing the members OF THE MONTH: JOHN ENGMAN
to attend lectures for free. There were eleven performers, including
me and two students from the University of Arizona magic club. John's interest in magic
This show was totally self-contained – from the person calling the started in the 1940s, when he
show to the stage help. The theater was packed; the performances learned tricks from the back of
ran like a well-oiled machine. cereal boxes. He visited Owen
Often, I hear people ask, “What does my local assembly do for Magic Supreme most Saturdays
me?” This is a great example of an assembly doing great things and bought magic books. Les
for its members. Another great example is the Vancouver, British Smith, the owner of Owen
Columbia, Assembly 95. This assembly does fundraising shows Magic, suggested that John join
to pay for its members’ dues every year. Imagine the loyalty of the S.A.M., which he did in
the members to their club, knowing their assembly cares enough 1967. He has been active in his
to cover them financially. Several months ago, Rod Chow, former assembly ever since. John was
RVP and member of the Vancouver assembly, sent me a packet elected to many positions in the
that outlines what they do. I would love to pass this information S.A.M., including president and
on to other assemblies that would like to use this fundraising first vice president.
model to honor their members. John Zweers took John under his wing and taught him stage-
Attention Assemblies: I am still looking for those outstand- craft. John likes all kinds of magic and has performed close-up
ing members of the Society. I hope that by now your RVP has and illusions. But the genre of magic most dear to his heart is
contacted you for your submissions. I want to highlight one parlor magic. John was elected to the S.A.M. Hall of Fame in
member per region monthly, so please submit your selection 1996. He became Life Member #165 in 2002, joined the I.B.M. in
to us. Associate members: please send your submission to the 1986 and Los Magicos in 1996, and is an AIMC with Silver Star
National Second Vice President Dick Bowman (Professor1@ in the Magic Circle of London. He is a graduate of the Chavez
higginsmagic.com). College of Magic.
Young Magical Artists Unite: Calling all young magical John graduated from UCLA School of Law. He was an
artists ages eighteen to thirty. I might be a little older than you attorney for Home Saving and Loan Association for thirty years,
(okay, a lot older than you), but I have young ears and I am retiring in 1996.
listening to you. Tell me what benefits you would like to see at In 1970, John was one of the original thirteen workers at the
the S.A.M., your ideas for the future of S.A.M., and who and what S.A.M. Hall of Fame and Magic Museum. In April 1971, they
would attract you to the national convention. How can I get you moved into the space, putting in displays and decorating the
interested in the Society? Talk to me; I will listen. museum for their grand opening during National Magic Week,
Magic Week: We have several exciting things in store for October 25, 1971. In July 2014, John stepped down from his lead-
National Magic Week, October 26-31, 2014. In last month’s issue ership role at the S.A.M. Hall of Fame, turning the reins over to
I spoke of the “1,000 Magical Acts of Kindness” and “A Magical Ed Thomas. Thank you, John, for a job well done.
Moment in Time.” National Magic Week will promote the art
of magic and celebrate the recognition of magic as an art by the THE PRESIDENT’S YOUNG MAGICAL ARTIST
United States Congress. Official press releases will be sent to OF THE MONTH: TRENT JAMES
major newspapers around the country and to the local assemblies
to encourage them to reach out to their local media outlets. The Trent became fascinated with
S.A.M. will reach out to mayors across the country, requesting magic at age five. Now seventeen,
each of them to submit a proclamation in their city, acknowl- he has already won over a dozen
edging the art of magic. The goal is to have the highest number awards for his craft. A resident of
of proclamations ever proclaimed by mayors from around the Chicago, Trent is no stranger to the
country for a single event. stage. He was one of the chosen few
Las Vegas Here We Come: Join me at the S.A.M.’s national youth performers to present his act
council meeting and The Magic Summit on the same weekend, at both the I.B.M and the S.A.M.
at the same place. This year The Society of American Magicians annual conventions. His dynamic
is sponsoring The Magic Summit along with MAGIC magazine personality and original sleight-of-
and The Magic Summit organizers, headed by Brian South. The hand magic combine to create an
national council meeting and The Magic Summit will both be held unforgettable experience. 
November 14-16, 2014, in Las Vegas at the Sam’s Town Hotel.

8 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 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: Kenrick “ICE” McDonald, P.O. Box
341034, Los Angeles, CA 90034,
(310) 559-8968, ICE@MagicSam.com
President Elect: David Bowers,
(717) 414-7574, David@MagicSam.com
First Vice President: Jeffrey Sikora, (402) 339-
6726 Jeff@MagicSam.com
Second Vice President: Richard Bowman, 719-
527-0678, Professor1@higginsmagic.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
Eric DeCamps, (718) 896-5861,
rvpnorthatlantic@MagicSam.com
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
Shaun Rivera, (618) 781-8621
rvpmidwest@MagicSam.com
South Central States: TX AR OK NM LA
Michael Tallon, (210) 341-6959
rvpsouthcentral@MagicSam.com
Southwest: CA AZ NV HI
Ron Ishimaru, (808) 428-6019,
rvpsouthwest@MagicSam.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, 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, J. Christopher Bontjes, Dal Sanders

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 9

 ASSEMBLY NEWS OCTOBER 2014 Volume 104, Number 5

Society of American Magicians Monthly News

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

2
MAGICIAN’S CHOICE
back home. Hippo showed the
envelope was now empty and then
discovered Jack back in the deck.
of magic’s best talent, including
Shawn Farquhar; the cast included
S.A.M. members who performed
John Caris charmed the members on tour in various venues to sold
SAN FRANCISCO, CA— with a performance of Howard out crowds. Meanwhile, SAM
Tonight was magician’s choice. Adam’s Cidentaquin, an ESP card Sandler and his daughter Tessa
Some mages chose new material effect that borders on real magic. traveled cross-country perform-
to explore, while others presented As usual the cookies vanished ing his Deaf-initely Magic Show
old favorites. Walt Johnson began by the evening’s end with Mary to schools and assemblies in over
the evening’s show with a trans- Caris assisting the members. forty states. Finally, PNP Dick
formation routine. He gave each —John Caris Gustafson announced that he and
member a small stone that was Golden Gate Assembly 2 meets his lovely wife have been invited
examined. Then the members first Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at Frank “Frankini” Glab to return to the Broadway Theatre
dropped their stones into a paper Community Room of Taraval demonstrated his Three Fish of Pitman this holiday season
bag. Walt, taking a magic wand, Police Station, 2345 24th Avenue, Monte routine for the fifth consecutive year to
stirred the bag’s contents. When San Francisco. Contact Corky perform their wonderful illusion
he emptied the bag by turning it LaVallee crl27@cornell.edu (415)
upside down, all the stones had 648-1382 https://www.facebook. Many of our members recall
changed into pieces of candy. com/groups/249018441875771/ for seeing a magician doing a library
Tamaka, assisted by Hippo Lau, more details. show in their youth, and Assembly
asked his assistant to choose
between two decks. Hippo shuffled
the selected deck and chose a card.
3
OFFICER ELECTIONS AND
3 looks to continue that tradition
by making live performance ac-
cessible to the public. —John
When the card was replaced, “CHEATERS ALWAYS WIN” Sturk
Tamaka brought the selected card NIGHT Assembly 3 meetings are held at
to the top of the deck. Tamaka Pilgrim Congregational Church,
then took a third deck and spread CHICAGO, IL— Our Cheaters 460 Lake St, Oak Park, IL Contact
it. The selected card’s double Always Win night featured a John Sturk sam3chicago@
was the only card turned over. number of bar bets, stunts, and gmail.com (773) 769-7646 www.
Rob Shapiro utilized cards with gambling routines from our magicalchicago.com for more
different cereal brands printed members. New member Daniel details. 2014 Gustafson Award Winner
on them. After Walt chose his
favorite cereal, Rob dealt all the
cards into two piles. The backs
Shutters showed a visually
stunning shell game routine using
a coin and three clear glasses.
4
ASSEMBLY 4 MAGICAL
Jim Fiorentino Holding His
Award

of the pile with Walt’s card had Gordon Gluff displayed a clever HAPPENINGS
changed from blue to red. Rob, bet-cha using matches and a coin. show, which is modeled after
the Assembly’s balloon conjurer, Bob Syrup “fairly” dealt a few PHILADELPHIA , PA— Last those of the great illusionists of the
then entertained by taking an hands of poker. Frank Glab showed month’s column featured our past. As for the rest of us, we look
orange balloon with a zombie face his Three Fish Monte routine. annual banquet. Unfortunately, forward to a great year ahead that
and biting it. The balloon turned Ted Resner showed his three- we were unable to submit a pho- will culminate with the S.A.M. in-
green and shrank, becoming an shell game routine, learned from tograph of 2014 Gustafson Award ternational convention being held
alien or shrunken head. Corky local magician Glenn Morphew’s Winner “Gentleman” Jim Fioren- right here in the City of Brotherly
LaVallee, using Bob Swadling’s marketed DVD on the shells. tino with the column. To cure that Love. If you are in the Philadel-
magic box, skillfully performed Assembly 3’s officer elections omission, we are publishing Jim’s phia area when we are meeting,
several amazing Okito box are normally held in February, photo in this month’s column. Jim please stop by and pay us a visit.
routines. Afterwards he demon- but the meeting was cancelled at can be seen in the photo proudly We would love to see you!
strated each move, so the members the time due to severe weather. displaying the award, which was —Peter S. Cuddihy
gained a better understanding New officers are John Sturk as bestowed upon him at the banquet James Wobensmith Assembly 4
of the enchanted box’s power. president, Neil Tobin as Vice- by Assembly 4 Historian Tom meets Third Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
Stu Bacon showed five cards, each President, and Frank Glab as Ewing in the presence of PNP at the Bustleton Memorial Post,
with a different vowel printed on Secretary. Don Dvorak was re- Dick Gustafson and his wife Joan, 810 (American Legion) 9151 Old
it. Walt selected a vowel and then elected treasurer, with Bob Syrup, for whom the award is named. Newtown Road Contact President
replaced it in the packet. Visual- Gordon Gluff, and Chuck Gekas The award, like its predecessor, Eric Johnson coinhandler@gmail.
izing the vowel, Walt transmitted elected as members of the board of the Hopkins Award, recognizes com (267) 317-5675 www.sam4.
the image to Stu who, holding his directors. the Assembly 4 member who best org/ for more details.
hand over the packet, discerned the Assembly 3 is also gearing up exemplifies the virtues of a true
chosen vowel. Hippo told a story
about the Jack of Hearts, who went
to college and ultimately became
to hold its first performance and
workshop in partnership with the
Oak Park Public Library. We are
gentleman; Jim certainly fits that
description. Congratulations, Jim!
Although Assembly 4 held no
6
MAGICAL DAYS OF SUMMER
homesick. Hippo placed the Jack planning to use this opportunity meetings during the summer, its
in an empty envelope that had the to promote our assembly; we hope members were as busy as ever. BALTIMORE, MD— Our
word “college” printed on it. When this will inspire interest in the art PNP and assembly member Mike August meeting brought many
Jack became homesick, he sneaked of magic among young people. Miller traveled to China with some members and guests, all of whom

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 11

Assembly News
Mike Kirby ACAAN that Mark Jacobs Ladder and a sponge ball magazine, January 2014, page 70.
Mason sells. —Eric Hoffman routine while everyone onstage Randy Kalin introduced a new
The Kellar/Thurston Assembly wore fake noses, mustaches, segment for new magic reviews.
6 meets every first Thursday at glasses, and had Germanic names. Columbus Smith reviewed Bently,
8:00 pm at the Magic Warehouse, You really had to see it to under- an interesting close-up bending of
11419 Cronridge Drive suite #10 stand. a paperclip.
in Owings Mills, Maryland. 410- Walter Graham stepped up After the meeting, performances
561-0777. Contact Andy London next, performing the Six-card were started off by Chad Jacobs
alondon@comcast.net www. Repeat, Egg to Silk, and the Nest and a Ring on Chain effect. Joey
baltimoresam.com for more of Boxes. At this point, Walter Lortz knew the exact word that
details. (our oldest member at ninety-one) Columbus had freely chosen

7
ANNUAL PICNIC AT BOYS
said the line of the show, when he
quipped – as the volunteer was
taking forever to unscrew the lid:
from anywhere in a book. Andy
Leonard performed a Color Vision
test that had us seeing spots
TOWN “You know, I don’t have a lot of changing places and then a rope
Joe Harsanyi at the finale of time”. Walt finished with the ten effect that we had our eyes on.
his Cups & Balls routine OMAHA, NE— This year the cards to pocket. John Davit performed Card Warp
performers at the OMS-Boys Tom Neddo closed the show utilizing a dollar bill and followed
wisely ignored the president’s Town picnic had a new experi- with a comedy routine using it up by teaching us his dollar-bill
stated theme, “Magic with Large ence – flooding. A storm the night cups, rubber chickens, and one ring techniques. PNP Harry Monti
Farm Animals.” Jay Silverman before left several inches of water of the sorriest umbrellas ever presented a magician’s challenge
reported on the combined I.B.M./ around the stage, but quick work seen. When the water vanished with great prizes at stake. Paul
S.A.M. convention in St. Louis with mops got the area ready in and a streamer poured from the Rygelski evoked a sympathet-
and showed items he brought time for the show. cup, the volunteer visibly flinched. ic reaction effect with Bicycle
back. The magic got off to a The annual picnic treats some of Throughout the entire per- playing cards. Randy performed a
roaring start when Peter Wood had the boys and girls at Boys Town formance emcee Jeff Sikora “puzzling” effect that seemed like
one spectator name a suit, another with a picnic lunch, close-up kept things moving, doing a a “fitting” ending to the evening’s
a value, and a third a count-to magic before the meal, and a stage trick using colored lights and show. —Dan (the Great) Todd
number. Counting down to that show afterward. Vicki Hughes, colored switches, a wand-pro- Assembly 8 meets at Mount Tabor
card, it exactly matched the spec- wife of member Tommy Hughes, ducing machine, and some of the United Church of Christ located
tators’ calls. Guest Arthur (Art) even tutored some people in how dumbest jokes I’ve ever heard get at 6520 Arsenal in Saint Louis,
Pekarsky did a great little finger to twirl bolo-like objects. laughs. —Larry A. Brodahl Missouri 63139 Contact Dick
ring on string routine, from a Jim Denny Rourke, Ninh Nguyen, The Omaha Magical Society Blowers rmblowers@aol.com
Sisti lecture. Art’s nephew Alek Bob Charleston, and Neil Bable meets every third Monday (213) 846-8468 http://Assembly8.
got called frequently to assist other all did close-up at each table. For at the Southwest Church of com for more details.
magicians. Guest Justin Simpson the stage show, Bob Charleston Christ (124th & West Center)
performed an impressive multi-
phase ring on rope routine using
a thick, heavy rope he borrowed
demonstrated mentalism items,
including one using rune-stones
and members of the audience. He
Contact Larry A. Brodahl
admin@OmahaMagicalSociety.
com (402) 5929038 www.
19
HOT MONTH FOR MAGIC IN
from Tony Anastasi. followed with a prediction of a OmahaMagicalSociety.com for HOUSTON
Mike Parkinson mystified us number. more details.
by, without looking, having
his spectator roll three dice
with three-digit numbers on
8
CONNING AROUND
HOUSTON, TX— August is
a hot month in Houston and the
magic is even hotter. In addition
their faces and then look up their to our regular meeting we also
sum in a book to get an eight- ST. LOUIS, MO — Con-Game have Wayne Houchin lecturing on
digit number. Mike then divined, Effects was the theme of our August 19.
digit by digit, the chosen number July 10 meeting. After a brief Mentalism was the theme for the
(from Bob Cassidy’s Artful business meeting, Columbus pre-meeting magic. Jeff Lanes
Mentalism). Jason Leh’s spectator Smith performed his Ring and began with an offer to Marti Stein
randomly selected a card. It ended Rope routine. Joey Lortz conned to freely select a card. Out of all
up being the only reversed card in Andrew Coats with the Three the cards she could have selected,
the deck. Finger flinger extraor- Duck Monti. George Van Dyke Marti’s ended up with a bold “X”
dinaire Joe Harsanyi performed conned Sandy Weis in all direc- on the back. Eric Falconer was able
Michael Ammar’s delightful tions! Randy Kalin taught several to predict three times accurately
Coins through Sheer Scarf, mere card con-game effects. PNP Harry with the use of his grandfather’s
inches from our eyes. But this Monti demonstrated the old Barrel pocket watch and Marti Stein’s as-
was just a warm up for the Cups Con with a chain, called Fast & sistance. Jamie Salinas twice had
and Balls routine he performed Vicki Hughes teaching Loose, for Ron Jackson. Joey items from his “to do” list selected
for us after the meeting ended, twirling stunt selected a card from Greg Lewis, and was able to properly discern
a veritable graduate course in only to be conned, too. Rebecca them. Thanks to Don Billings and
misdirection. Guest Les Albert Tom Zeph then took the stage. He Harness is conned by Richard Marti Stein for helping out.
showed us some wizardry with his started with a predicted color from Thomas with cards. David Rangel was able to name
Boston Box and silver dollars. He a box of soap, and had a member Uncle Larry, the shyster, the location of all of the Clubs
followed with his take on a of the audience separate a deck of performed a Four Card Monte! from a shuffled deck of cards that
couple of card classics, including card successfully into black and Dan (the Great) Todd performed had been randomly cut into two
his Clock Trick (and then came red, earning the volunteer a quick Grandma’s Necklace. Randy piles. Frank Price used a deck of
back at the end of the meeting to $5. And during the potentially performed a mixed-up card effect. cards with Rubik’s cube faces and
show a second clock trick, which boring process of separating the Closing the show was Andy had Kim Lampkin freely select
he graciously tipped). Guest cards, Tom performed the Hydro- Leonard, more powerful than a any card. The card’s cube matched
Neal Pertnoy placed a die on a static glass. single die. exactly Frank’s prediction. This
dollar bill on top of a glass held Pete Petrashek then performed At our July 24 meeting, Dan was a fun set of magic and was
horizontally (and tightly) by a Soft Glass, in which objects Todd had some photos from his followed later in the evening with
spectator. A quick snap of the penetrate a solid mirror. Neil Bable recent visit, a week after the our regular performances.
bill and the die suddenly appeared (Rutiger) then got volunteers up opening of Diagon Alley. George Jeff Lanes used a set of ESP
inside the glass. Jay Silverman from the audience and did a col- Van Dyke performed and taught symbols to show us how he could
performed X-Act, the mystifying or-changing scarf along with the Impromptu Matcho from MAGIC correctly foretell a choice that

12 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Assembly News
Herb was selected to make. Jerry December) at Angelo’s on Main, which was full of cliché quotes cation. Noland Montgomery
Paul had Sylvia help out as three 289 South Main Street, West familiar to all parents. Very delivered a series of fine card ma-
coins travelled, vanished, and Hartford, CT Contact Dana T. funny. Nate Kvetny next gave a nipulations, including randomly
changed places with one another Ring dana@danaring.com (860) spectator a chance to win an iPad; mixing up a deck face up and face
and Jerry’s pockets. Don Billings 5239888 www.ctmagic.org for the spectator won. Missing out on down before magically bringing
had any Queen selected from more details. cash prizes, the spectator won a it back to order. Jim Flanigan
a packet of four cards and then pad for his eye. presented a routine that thorough-
showed that it was the only Queen
present in an otherwise blank
packet.
22
COMEDY, VARIETY &
Closing the show was Bob
Carroll, an S.A.M. member
moving to Los Angeles from Mas-
ly confused all present, as a series
of white dots on a slate multiplied
in number at his will. Dan Holton
Jamie Salinas tried to mentally MAGIC’S ALLIED ARTS sachusetts and at Assembly 22 performed a slick Chinese coin
discern Donnie Kornegay’s birth for the first time. Bob presented and ribbon routine. —Stan Hillard
date and month with the use LOS ANGELES, CA— Departing a very funny act that included and Jim Flanigan
of just a few questions. David a little bit from the usual program some song and dance routines in National Press Club, 529 14th
Rangel caused a selected card to of magic performances, the addition to his magic. —Steven L. Street NW, Washington, DC 20045
change places with another card, August 18 meeting emphasized Jennings Contact Jim Flanigan jflanigan@
and at the same time, the packet comedy, variety, and other “allied Southern California Assembly aol.com (202) 494-7302 for more
from which it originally came all arts.” President Michael Perovich 22 meets the third Monday each details.
changed to the Aces.
Caesar had Frank Price select
a card, and then name any other
began the program with a detailed
demonstration of a card sleight
briefly described during a recent
month at 8:00 PM, St. Thomas
More Parish Hall, 2510 South
Fremont Avenue, Alhambra,
26
ONE BUSY CLUB
card, a “lying” card, that was not lecture. Mike then reviewed a California Contact Ed Thomas
his actual card. Caesar’s predic- valuable website used to search for magicmred@earthlink.net (231) PROVIDENCE, RI— Before
tion card, which had been in full references and credits for magic 382-8504 for more details. taking a quick break for the
view, magically changed into the effects. Hugo Avila was then summer, the club had plenty of
“lying” card and Frank’s original
selection was revealed. Eric
Falconer did a nice cutting of the
introduced as the producer and
emcee for the evening program:
a competition for several of the
23
A HITCHCOCK MYSTERY
activities. We held our magic
banquet at West Valley Inn. Russ
DeSimone did a great job putting
Aces from a continuously shuffled assembly performance awards. it all together. As always, the
deck of cards. Shane Wilson Opening the show was Matt Savin WASHINGTON, DC— Newly meal was delicious, the enter-
caused the signatures of Jerry Paul who presented a character act as a elected Assembly 23 President tainment was top notch, and
and Marti Stein on the backs and mad/angry scientist. Some inter- Larry Lipman initiated a per- everyone had a wonderful time.
faces of two selected cards to jump esting props were used to produce formance theme for the year There was no shortage of food on
around and reverse themselves. electrical energy and sparks. Ted at the August meeting based the buffet, with plenty of Italian
Thanks to all for sharing. —Miles “Suds” Sudbrack was up next, out on mystery films directed by favorites. After dinner, there was
Root of the Old West as a wagon master Alfred Hitchcock. The first a grand raffle with both magic and
Assembly 19 meets the first and singing cowboy who could do featured motion picture was The “civilian” bounty. Tom Holmes
Monday of every month at card tricks. Suds is always enter- Lady Vanishes, filmed in Great and his family had plenty of luck
the International Alliance of taining. John Engman presented Britain in 1938 before the movie this year, making a number of
Theatrical Stage Employees the Egg Bag and a “Do as I say” master moved to Hollywood. trips to the prize table.
Local 51 Meeting Hall, 3030 card revelation with low key Dwight Redman opened the The evening ended with a great
North Freeway, Houston, TX. A humor for a comedy magic per- night using the theme by causing show, featuring Lord Blacksword,
teaching lecture begins at 7:30 formance. Act four was Brian a Queen to vanish. His effect Mark Thomas, Pete Haddad, and
pm with the meeting beginning Regalbuto. Brian, as a tax accoun- was based on Play It Straight comedian Mike Murray. Cameron
at 8:00 pm Contact Miles Root tant professional, turned tax forms Triumph by John Bannon. Eric Ramsay acted as emcee, perform-
milesroot@aol.com (281) 3347508 (paper slips) to bills and made a Feinberg, a fan of Tenyo effects, ing a trick or two of his own.
houstonmagic.com for more borrowed and vanished bill appear offered a miniaturized version The show spanned the range of
details. inside a packaged and sealed of the classic Metamorphosis emotions, from the serious side of

21
TENYO TRICKS
cigar held for security. Harrison
Lampert next did a monologue
about his employment as a demon-
illusion. Arnie Fuoco performed
a color change sequence with the
four Queens. Stan Hillard used
Lord Blacksword, to the comedy
magic that Pete Haddad presented.
Mike Murray closed the show,
strator behind the magic counter a “Poor Man’s Marked Deck” to leaving everyone in stitches. Mike
WEST HARTFORD, CT— This of a major Hollywood toy and have an audience member select has a knack for letting everyone
month was another lazy summer magic shop. a card face up from a blue-backed into his world to see the humor
evening, with emphasis on classic After a long intermission to deck that changed to a red-backed within.
Tenyo magic. President Dan enjoy the snacks and foods card with bold writing on the back. The club also held its annual magic
Sclare showed us a vanishing prepared by chef Bill Yamane, Joe Tessmer asked several contest, with Bob Boardman,
coin bank, a Zig-Zag rope, and a the show resumed with President audience members to call out Russ DeSimone, and Peter Lennis
large plastic Cubio. Jon Cap had Perovich presenting a very seldom random numbers that matched judging the contestants. Siblings
a volunteer think of a card, and performed “allied art.” Mike did a borrowed bill’s serial identifi- Jazz and Tasha Sussman were
then deal out some cards face a very interesting mini-lecture- the first two performers, with
down based on suit and denomi- demonstration about chalk talk Jazz hitting the audience with a
nation. Jon correctly identified magic. Drawing upon Harlan nice Quad Card Prediction. Tasha
the card, but then showed that the Tarbell material from the 1920s, followed her brother with a silent
entire deck had blank faces. Mike, as always, gave a unique performance of the Never-ending
Soll Levine borrowed a bill and presentation. Henry Springer, Gift Bag. Tasha’s routine was the
put it flat in a contraption; he showing his skill as a money smile-maker of the night. Jeff
then bisected it with a piece of hustler, changed a fan of one- Smith presented a smooth perfor-
plastic. However, once the bill dollar bills to twenties and back to mance of Coin, Card, and Box,
was removed, it proved unharmed. ones. The small fan of bills then as well as Oil and Water. Mixing
Lastly, Dan put a pen through a became a huge stack of bills in it up with a nod to the dairy
hole in a plastic card, moved the Henry’s hand. Act eight was Taylor industry, Mark Thomas managed
pen to another point in the card, Hughes demonstrating his first to transport chocolate milk across
and removed it; the original hole magic trick performed at various the stage. David Hill presented a
disappeared. —Dana T. Ring ages during his childhood. Taylor fine one-time act using cards and
Assembly 21 meets on the second closed by playing the guitar and Noland Montgomery receives rubber bands. Closing the contest
Monday of every month (except singing a tribute song to his mom, past president plaque was Tom Holmes, with his Torn

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 13

Assembly News
routine that included elements of Wake, and me. We all headed to
the Professor’s Nightmare, but club member Jeff Jensen’s area to
was much more and quite magical. learn a short version of a classic
It all added up to a lot of magical dollar bill routine with five bucks
fun in Lynchburg, Virginia. There on the line. Four blank envelopes
is an open invitation to magicians and one loaded envelope were
everywhere to visit with us at mixed up and passed around. It
any of our regular meetings. was amazing how Jeff would get
—John Jennings the one with the five-dollar bill
The Hersy Basham Assembly 32 in it every time. He showed a
meets the third Tuesday at 7:00 clever calculator effect and we had
Pete Haddad with spectator p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 enough time left over to listen to
Morgan Roy, making her Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, Karen Wake recite her memorized
dollar “go up in flames.” VA. Contact John Jennings recital of all fifty capitals of the John Hicks, Shaun Rivera and
investigatefire@aol.com (434) United States. We then witnessed Paul Benner are flabbergasted
851-6240 for more details. instruction from President Matt by Bob Goodin’s prize
and Restored Doves. Brandt on Mark Wilson’s version auction book
When the votes were tabulated,
Tom Holmes was awarded third
place, Mark Thomas came in
37
AUGUST TEACH-IN FOR
of the torn and restored dinner
napkin. Lewis Peacock had a few
items to sale and a fun evening
A member wishing not to be
identified, in an effort to remove
second, and first prize went to DENVER was had by all. —Connie Elstun one picture from his camera,
David Hill. Tasha Sussman took Assembly 37 meets at succeeded in removing the whole
home the coveted People’s Choice DENVER, CO— Another the Riverpointe Senior file of about four hundred; another
Award. teach-in went in the books for the center in Littleton, CO lost their cell phone, but happily it
Congratulations to all, and be steamy month of August. This time Contact Connie Elstun was recovered; and Trevor Korso
sure to support our friend and four clever parlor/close-up feats con n ie@comedy mag icbu n ny. not only doubled as a second auc-
fellow magician Mat Franco on of magic were taught and shown. com (303) 933-4118 www. tioneer but stood on his hands
America’s Got Talent. Best of President Matt Brandt made a few milehighmagicians.com for more to wring an extra $2.50 out of
luck, Mat! —Chris Natale announcements about upcoming details. someone bidding on bundles of
C. Foster Fenner, Assembly 26 events and then the twenty or so magazines.
meets first Tuesday each month
from September to June at 7 pm.
American Legion Auburn Post 20,
participants divided up into four
groups to learn a new effect. My
group started with instruction on
38
ANNUAL AUCTION
Afterwards it was off to the Not
Quite Five Star Bar and Grill,
where a skilled card mechanic got
7 Legion Way, Cranston RI. color changing silks from Sergeant caught with a gaffed deck. The
at Arms Gene Gordon. Gene in- KANSAS CITY, MO —Assembly deck was taken from him.

32
REHEARSING THE MAGIC
corporated his own patter into the
lesson and added silks out of your
ear, multi-colored silks, and silks
38 met on Tuesday, August 19
for our Annual Auction. Doors
opened at 6:00 p.m. for early
—Don Becker
Assembly 38 meets at the Westport
Coffee House and Improv Theater,
to a small bouncing ball. The arrival to review the items; 7:00 4010 Pennsylvania Avenue,
LYNCHBURG, VA— The white silk changed into a red silk p.m. for the auction itself. This Kansas City, MO. Contact Don
Hersy Basham Assembly’s August right before our eyes. reporter arrived around 6:40 and Becker joydonbeck@comcast.net
meeting (in anticipation of a Next my group moved to Vice- found the joint jumping with en- (816) 886-6780 for more details.
magic show or two our assembly President Andrew Bates station thusiastic assembly members and
expects to present in the next few
months) was basically treated as
a rehearsal for members to brush
dedicated to theatrical prin-
ciples and an explanation of
how to turn the Magic Square
guests visiting and laughing and
ready to begin the auctioning. It
began on time with President Rod
49
MEMBERS PERFORM
up on any effect(s) they wanted into a magic trick. It included a Sipe rapping the opening gavel
to nail down pat. Our program printout handed to everyone. His and getting things underway. FORT LAUDERDALE, FL—
chairman Mike Kinnaird led off advice on the three magic rules And that’s about it as far as Assembly 49 held its monthly
the prestidigitation by performing went: no exposure, no repeat, reporting on people goes, in that meeting on Wednesday, August
the Elite Chinese Fortune Sticks, and practice. There was also there was no business meeting nor 13. The theme was Cards or
a dealer item made by Tenyo. And a brief discussion on magic was there any magic performed by Money or Coins or Balls. Most of
yes, Mike correctly identified the and movement including facial members. There were, however, the performing members did card
chosen symbol – several times. gestures and expressions, writing, several interesting asides, such as effects.
Compeer John Jennings presented scripting, adding mystery and an- a visitor who identified himself as Sid Marcus performed a mental
a routine with toilet paper, with ticipation, reviewing and the ever- a P.I., and who apparently attracts card effect wherein a selected
one length of paper being torn and important rewriting. clients by making quarters vanish. card was matched by the right
held by one spectator and another My group was made up of Bruce (A fragmentary report, to be sure, prediction. Henry Epstein
length of paper having a hold cut and Kitty Spangler, Yuy Gordon, but that’s all that came across.) found a selected card from a
from the middle and held by a Treasurer Dave Elstun, Karen There were excellent books and comical spotted card in his shirt
second spectator. After some ho- discs on the block, many of which pocket. Vinnie Rosenbluth did a
cus-pocus, the balls of paper were were gotten at exceptionally good Ten-Cards-to-Pocket routine rem-
found switched in the spectators’ prices, yet members were willing iniscent of the classic Six-Card
hands. As if toilet paper wasn’t to enjoy the “thrill of the chase” Repeat count. Phil Labush spelled
funny enough, there was a gag at and succeeded to keeping prices out a spectator’s chosen card that
the end that provided added humor. sufficiently strong so as to nicely was also found between two mated
Young member Trevor Albright enhance the assembly’s treasury. indifferent cards.
did his part by perform- For those who did not have Roger Firestone turned a black-
ing a nice handling of a pick- enough back issues of magazines and-white card into a colored
a-card, find-a-card mystery. lying around, there were hundreds one. Billy Byron performed a
Highly experienced assembly of copies of Genii, MAGIC, card effect wherein three different
member Bob Staton finished up M-U-M, and The Linking Ring, chosen cards were found one by
the evening’s magic by first dis- enough to meet even the most one by the spectators who chose
cussing methods involved in dedicated packrat’s needs. They them. Michael Easler found a
using a key card as a locator. were carefully bound into one-year chosen card by the use of a small
He followed that by performing Gene R. Gordon demonstrates sets and proceeded to sell like hot mechanical hand accompanied by
an excellent handling of a rope color changing silks cakes. an Egyptian patter story.

14 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Assembly News
Two members, Mark Horowitz
and Ron Lubman, did ball manip-
ulation. —Billy Byron
51
IT’S A MAGICAL JULY
The magic began with our theme
this month, “Color Changes.” Kyle
Bassett performed an instant color
Gorman entertained with Dai
Vernon’s dice routine.
Ed Solomon was at the Teaching
Assembly 49 meets on the second (AND AUGUST) IN PEORIA, change of a white silk to a red silk. Table tonight. Ed provided us
Wednesday of each month at ILLINOIS! Matthew, one of our young guests, with a marvelous teaching table
7pm at the Northwest Focal Point performed a full deck color change, that consisted of, believe it or
Senior Center, 6009 Northwest PEORIA, IL— July’s meeting and Kyle Pfister performed a card not, a card trick of sorts, wherein
Tenth street in Margate, Florida. theme was Magic and Music. To transposition that involved two several cards were torn in half,
Contact Billy Byron billybyron@ start the meeting, we introduced decks, one of which began still each half shuffled, and matched up
comcast.net (954) 522-1466 ourselves to several guests, who sealed. Jerry Tupper showed us a in a magical way. Ed brought all
fortlauderdalemagicsociety.com came to check us out after learning nice and colorful trick called Hot of the necessary cards so we could
for more details. of us through some of the public Spots, a Hot Rod type effect that all tear them up, shuffle them, and
events and from other members. uses a Jacob’s Ladder principle. match them. And then as a bonus,

50
DAVID'S
It’s great to see all the new faces!
There was a brief bit of business to
bring us up to speed on upcoming
Grant Golden taught our young
guests a trick with two cloth loops
that changed color, by changing
he showed us how to make a dollar
bill curl up and then straighten
out without the aid of wires,
BIG NIGHT events, and to recap those just position with one another. Michael threads, or “chambers of smoke!”
finished. Baker performed Pavel’s Rings Thanks, Ed, for an entertaining
NASHVILLE, TN— David and Rope and then discussed a few and very practical teaching table.
Torres, now a ninth-grader, had different sets of Color Changing Door prize winners were
the local newspaper there doing Records, all made by Tricks Co. Napoleon Savoy, Ray Adams, and
a story on David. David started of Japan. Michael Tallon. Napoleon won
magic at the age of seven; his The following Saturday, several How’d He Do That, Ray won Solid
skill set has grown year after year. of us gathered at the Riverfront Thru Solid, and Michael won A
He and his family attend a local Market and did magic for the Hell of a Bell. Many thanks to Ed
ministry called Harvest Hands, crowd on what was a very hot and Solomon for donating his original
in Nashville, and David performs humid day. —Michael Baker magic as the door prizes.
both magic and puppets for that Peoria Magicians Assembly 52 Brother John Hamman Assembly
ministry. meets the third Monday of each 52 meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first
David makes his own puppets. month, 7:00pm at Schnuck’s in the Thursday of the month at La
Kevin King has shared many ideas Metro Center, 4800 N. University Madeleine Restaurant, located at
he has on the art of puppetry with Street in Peoria. Contact Michael 722 N.W. Loop 410. The restaurant
David and more people than I can Baker themagiccompany@ is inside Loop 410 on the access
name. Kevin has been making aol.com (205) 612-3696 http:// road between Blanco Rd. and
puppets since he was in his teens. Kyle Bassett performs peoriamagicians.com/ for more San Pedro. For more information,
David performed and got all the for some Farmers Market details. contact douggorman@att.net.
pictures the paper needed, but
also brought out one of our largest
attended nights of the year, with
attendees, as Michael Couri
and Grant Golden look on 52
SOMETHING YOU MIGHT 56
over nineteen people. Jerry Tupper performed a very PERFORM AT TAOM AUGUST MEETING
Other performers of the night nice routine called, The Mother
were Stephen Bargatze, Wayne of all Diamonds; Jerry had appro- SAN ANTONIO, TX— August 7, DAYTON, OH— Our August
Clemon, Mike Berger, Jason priate music playing in the back- Brother John Hamman Assembly Meeting was held on Friday,
Michael, Scott Cantrell, Albert ground. 52 held its monthly meeting at La- August 15, in Compeer John
Sautner, and Kevin King. There New member prospect Matthew Madeleine Restaurant. President Love’s office building. Our theme
was some great magic and showed his chops by performing a Ray Adams called the meeting was Blocks, Silks, Tubes, and
teaching from all the above, with coin in a nest of boxes, appearing to order. We had several guests Glasses, brought to us by Oran
Mike Berger once again blowing cards, and a mentalism trick tonight: Ray Adams’ family: son Dent. Oran writes, “Okay, where
everyone away with his new trick, with numbers on cards. Very ac- James, daughter-in-law Marion, did this topic come from? If you
followed by Albert Sautner getting complished for a young person, and grandkids Kylie, Katie, and think of an old-fashioned brick-
the most applause. he will make a good addition Andrew. Also, welcome to Susan andmortar magic shop, maybe in
We also had a new family from to our group. Terry Meridan Ruiz, guest of Michael Tallon, cramped quarters, on the second
about an hour and a half away join performed an appearing wand. and Matthew Orta, guest of Paul floor of a walk-up building in
us; what a pleasure it was for us. The prop was not behaving well, Amerson. It was also great to see Manhattan, you enter the door
Sherril and Samantha Knox did so there was some input on how both Napoleon Savoy and David and what do you see? Props, that’s
an escape routine that they had to remedy the problem, so it will Pitts and his son Nathaniel back. what! And you’re sure to see, yes,
worked on with great patter and work better. Helping each other is Quite a few of our members will that’s right, blocks, silks, tubes
great likability. We all fell in love part of what we do here. Michael be traveling to Ft. Worth to the and glasses! So, tonight we’ll pay
with these girls, who really have Baker performed his spin on René Texas Association of Magician homage to those old time props,
only been doing magic for three Lavand’s Three Card Monte to Convention, August 29-September with any selection or combination
years. Sherril even performed Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer.” 1. In honor of the convention, from those four to be used in our
her color changing knife routine There was a lot of discussion of the theme for this meeting was presentations. If your props have
and her vanish at the end fooled techniques with music, different Something You Might Perform at some historical story about them,
most in the room. Great having sound systems, how to choose TAOM. Up first for the open per- that’s even better! Of course,
her family there; Sherril’s father music, how to choose magic to go formances was Ray Adams, who if you’re not inspired by these
builds most of her equipment with a piece of music, how to edit, performed the Passe-Passe Bottles thoughts, any magic you want to
that she uses in her show. etc. Overall, the meeting was good with the help of his grandson, do is welcome.”
We hope that they return and seemed to be enjoyed by all! Andrew. Paul Amerson did a nice Magic, discussions, and
soon and often. They found August meeting: Vice President in-the-hands Chop Cup routine, stories by Oran Dent, Fred
our assembly on the S.A.M. Kyle Bassett opened the regular and Joe Libby did a silverware Witwer, Jo Ann Kinder, Paul
webpage, which you can too. meeting. We heard updates on predictions effect with the help of Burnham, and Craig Morgan.
—Stephen Bargatze upcoming events, our annual guest Susan Ruiz. John Murphy —Matthew David Stanley
Assembly 50 meets at the picnic, the Diamond Jim Tyler was up next with an artworks pre- Assembly 56 meets in various
Harvest Hands Ministries, lecture, and the Houdini Tribute diction, and Napoleon Savoy did locations please contact
Nashville, TN. Contact Mike Pyle Show. We then introduced a quick version of cards from the Paul Burnham pburnham@woh.
sbargatze@tssaa.org (615) ourselves to new guests and mouth. Michael Tallon performed rr.com (937) 4740647 for more
519-1210 for more details. welcome back some repeats. a coins-across routine, and Doug details.

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 15

Assembly News

88
OUTDOOR CORN ROAST
With the show concluded, it was
time for the magicians to pack up
their wares and slowly vanish. —
Ten Card Poker Deal. Jeff White,
an actual martial arts instructor,
did a really energetic Karate Koin.
SOCIAL Jim Folkl First-time visitor Janice Guan told
Assembly 88 meets second us about her renewed interested in
ANN ARBOR, MI— August, Wednesday each month 7pm at magic. Kim Silverman ended the
another outdoor social, two picnics Faith Lutheran Church, 1255 night with Manfredi Corradino’s
over two months. The Ann Arbor East Forest, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Red and Black Color Separation.
magicians are getting spoiled! Our Contact Jim Folkl folkinimagic@ Assembly 94 members continue
annual corn roast was graciously yahoo.com (248) 8514839 http:// to entertain for Magic Mondays
hosted by the Placidos (Maura, www.aamagic.org/ for more at Morocco’s Restaurant. August
daughter Kiley and Jim) on August details. performers were Kim Silverman,
10. The club provided the corn and
chicken, with members bringing
a side dish to share. Again, we
94
MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION,
Sy Hoff, Alan Leeds, and John
Jones. September performers are
Joe Caffall, Alan Leeds, and John
had great weather and a beautiful MAXIMUM MAGIC Jones. —Joe Caffall Henry Tom receives three
setting for the social. Also, we We do not currently have a PCAM 2014 medals from
were fortunate to have a number of SILICON VALLEY, CA— permanent meeting location. PCAM President Mike Norden
lay attendees to share the food and For the pre-meeting Learners’ Please email Joe Caffall at and Vice-President, Gord
entertainment. After the feast, all Workshop, Kim Silverman taught jocaff@comcast.net for meeting Boyes
settled in to enjoy the magic show, his handling of the $100 Bill information. We meet on the
which this year featured seven Switch, done without a thumb second Monday of each month. Assembly 95 Dean and new
poised prestidigitators. tip. Emphasis was on correct Contact Joe Caffall jocaff@ 2014 IBM International President
Jim Placido served as the emcee handling, covered in painstak- comcast.net (408) 3751905 for Shawn Farquhar regrettably
and did a great job introducing ing detail, with the objective that more details. missed his first PCAM because
the acts and keeping the audience everyone attending could actually he was in China on a touring
entertained during transitions.
Jim Folkl set the stage (no pun
intended…well maybe) for the
perform the effect.
The formal meeting began with
Kim and Sy Hoff reporting on the
95
PCAM 2014
performance gig with fellow 4F
close-up magicians. However, a
huge highlight of the convention
mysteries to follow. He presented recent Golden Gate Gathering, a was Michael Dardant’s hilarious,
Dean’s Box, a variation of the great Bay Area convention. Kim VANCOUVER, CANADA— but so accurate impersonation of
classic Stewart James effect Se- also gave a brief review and read a The Pacific Coast Association Shawn, which he first debuted at
falaljia. Two ropes inexplicably selection from Tobias Beckwith’s of Magicians held their annual the 2014 4F earlier this year! Also,
link as they pass through an empty new book, Beyond Deception, convention this August 2014 in it was wonderful to see Shawn’s
box. Volume 2: From the Wizard’s Coquitlam, in Greater Vancouver, wife and new IBM first lady, Lori
Next up was VP Scott Kindshy, Corner. British Columbia. Many Assembly Farquhar, IBM first daughter,
fresh from a sojourn in Ireland. This was one of those rare 95 members attended this very Hannah Farquhar, and Shawn’s
Scott had a card freely selected meetings (for us, at least) when successful four-day event hosted mom, Barbara attend PCAM for
then successfully revealed his pre- everyone there gave some kind by hard-working compeer Mike a great Farquhar representation!
diction on a jumbo (52) card. As of presentation. Sy Hoff kicked Norden and super-organized Gord —Rod Chow
the laughter subsided, he turned things off with an entertaining Boyes. The Carl Hemeon Assembly No.
the card over revealing the actual card routine. Ken Gielow wrote Given the honor of being part 95 meets the first Tuesday of
card selected. Marvin Mathena a prediction on a sticky note pad. of the judging panel in the each month at members’ homes.
demonstrated three jumbo card He chose a card by chance (just general contests were Assembly Contact Rod Chow rod@rodchow.
effects/locations that progres- cutting the deck). A spectator 95 President and new RVP for com (604) 669-7777 www.sam95.
sively became more perplexing. chose a card by choice (she named Canada, Lon Mandrake, and com for more details.
George Honer identified three one out loud). Ken’s prediction Assembly 95 Secretary and
selected cards from an extensively
shuffled deck. After a spectator
shuffled and randomly removed
of the spectator’s card, on the
original sticky note pad, referred
her to another note stuck on the
immediate Past RVP for Canada,
Rod Chow. Congratulations to
all the winners in the contests
104
THE BUSY BODIES OF
and discarded pairs of cards, back of his chosen card. (The from Assembly 95: Henry Tom SUMMER
George ended by successfully pre- effect is Mark Elsdon’s But Not (gold platform, gold most novel,
dicting the number of black and Here). James Tedrow made a $1 and silver comedy), Tony Chris WITCH CITY, SALEM, MA—
red cards that remained. A truly bill and a $5 bill change places in a Kazoleas (gold stage and silver As summer winds down, the
puzzling effect. spectator’s hand. Jesse Rosenberg mentalism), Jeff Christensen September 3 meeting that begins
Emcee Jim Placido demonstrat- gave a hypnosis demonstration (gold mentalism), Alex Seaman Assembly 104’s new year ap-
ed the trick Passe-Passe Bottles using an effect called Clutch by Oz (gold children’s), Ray Roch (silver proaches. The magic does not
using peanut butter and jelly jars. Pearlman. Susan Zeller performed close-up)! Also congrats to Glen rest and neither do our compeers.
It was a nicely presented routine the Vanishing Bandana (Banana). LaBarre, second place bag-o- Several officers met in Woburn on
of a classic effect. Kiley Placido Hugh McDonald described his tricks! August 27 for last minute prepara-
and friend Angelina presented the performance as Chrysopoeia, but The stage manager who was tions, as well as furthering plans
Vanishing Bandana. The routine in typical Hughdini fashion, it also responsible for supplying for SAMCON, on November 15.
on its own is funny, but the girls’ was much more than just turning and running the sound and lights With the extra-added attraction of
acting made it hilarious! I foresee something ordinary into gold. Joe was Assembly 95 member and Jad joining the roster of perform-
budding magi in the Placido Caffall had two spectators cut new FISM 2014 North American ers, our thirteenth convention, at
household. cards behind their backs. Both champion Trevor Watters, ably the Double Tree Hotel in Danvers,
President Bill Brang closed the cut to the same card, but then Joe assisted by his wife and partner, Massachusetts, should be as-
show with three great tricks. He magically switched the red card to Lorena Watters. Trevor ran ev- tounding. Jay Sankey is on board
began by vanishing a liter bottle the blue deck and vice versa (Eric erything smoothly and profes- for a lecture and master class the
of Coke under a silk and then Ross’s Election). sionally, which made for such next day, at Diamond’s Magic, in
proceeded to penetrate a sheet of Terry Liu created two figures, a high quality event enjoyed by Peabody. Christian Painter and
steel with a solid block of wood. a star and a double star, with a all. Lorena even had a booth wife Katalina will lecture and
Bill ended with a science fiction rubber band, then made a band where she provided a profes- perform, as will Oscar Munoz.
theme, producing three silks (red/ penetrate through his thumb. John sional photography service to all Excellent lecturers are being
yellow/blue) and then transform- Jones performed Brother John the magicians present looking to lined up for the new assembly
ing them before our eyes to a Hamman’s Dead Man’s Hand and put together a high quality promo year, and along the way compeer
figure of superman! Twins. Bill Benson presented a photo portfolio! Vince DeAngelis has kept things

16 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Assembly News
hopping over at Diamond’s Magic, comcast.net (339) 227-0797 www. Drive, New Cumberland, PA watch the card man’s moves.
where his own lecturers include sam104.com for more details. 17070 Email: Secretary@sam110. Following Alan, Ric was finally
Wayne Houchin on October 7. His com allowed to perform his new Stare
grand reopening celebration was
a wonderful catered party, filled
with comedy and magic. Among
110
AFTER-MEETING 112
at the Rope trick. The object is
for the rope to remain rigid when
the magician lets go of one end,
the lower calorie treats were our MAGICIAN’S TOOL KIT but due to lack of practice, it only
own Evan Buso-Jarnis, breath- NEW CUMBERLAND, PA, seemed to work when Ric was
lessly entertaining the crowd with There were four members who PLEASANT HILL, CA— For looking away and unaware of what
his very original spins on classic had some magic that they wished this month’s workshop, President was happening. Of course, this is
magic, as “Evan Northrup.” to present to the group in contest Larry Wright presented his Magi- a running gag trick that is a real
Meanwhile, the S.Y.M. 124 kids form. There was no particular cian’s Emergency Kit, an updated favorite with kids.
were busier than ever. In addition theme for the night’s contest. version of his previously published The final performance
to great meetings held in July and After drawing cards to determine lecture notes. The list of non- came from guest wizard Kim
August, the kids displayed their the order of performance, the first magical items in the kit includes a Silverman. Kim delighted the
impressively improved skills to perform was Joe Noll with an large number of things such as a audience with a magnificent per-
at two other venues in August. effect marketed by Marc DeSouza Leatherman tool and gaffer’s tape, formance of the Ninja Rings and
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, called Die of Destiny. Joe asked while the list to cover magical followed with a multi-stage card
President Derek DuBois joined Charlie Shields and Rose Ab- mishaps includes: a Brainwave prediction routine he calls Free
with talent from the Boston botiello to assist him in a demon- Deck, Invisible Deck, Magician’s Choice.
S.Y.M. Assembly to produce stration of how some aspects of Insurance Policy, Devil’s Hanky, Our evening concluded
Magic’s Rising Stars. This three- our lives seem to be predestined. and a Change Bag or similar with the ever-popular raffle.
hour showcase had the audience Charlie freely selected a card from prop. See Larry’s lecture notes —Bill Marquardt
pumped from the first minute and a face-down spread and showed on the assembly website for more Diablo Assembly 112 meets on the
didn’t let go until the final, richly the card to everyone except Joe information. third Wednesday of every month at
deserved standing ovation. and Rose. The card was returned The open performances began the VFW building in Pleasant Hill,
to the spread and the deck reas- with a presentation of Coincidenc- California. Contact Larry Wright
sembled. Rose was asked to roll es by Bob Holdridge, a routine Zappo@zappothemagician.
the Die of Destiny, a blank-faced originated by Alan Ward, recount- com (925) 685-5129 http://www.
die, while Joe dealt the cards ing the remarkable number of sam112.com/ for more details.
into six piles, setting aside the numerical coincidences between
remainder face-up. Rose counted
to her freely chosen number. The
remaining piles were set aside
a gaming die or a deck of playing
cards and the annual calendar.
It was then Ric Ewing’s turn
115
GIVING THEM
face up. The final pile was laid out to present a new rope trick, but ENOUGH ROPE
face down to show six cards, the when he mentioned that he hadn’t
remaining two cards shown face practiced, President “Zappo” CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA—
up and set aside. Rose once again Wright asked him to sit down and President George Buckley opened
Our Evan Northrup turns the rolled the die to choose a number not perform. Zappo seized the the business portion of the meeting
Princess and the Pea into a and counted to that number. That opportunity to present his own with a report on the new SAMAs-
clever card revelation card proved to be the one selected performance of a three-card trick sembly115.com website. Our
by Charlie. in which the cards featured Star new website is up and running
Camp Evergreen, in Andover, John Sergott brought something Wars characters. Zappo correctly with monthly meeting times and
Massachusetts, is the site of the that he had composed on a white predicted which card would end themes, as well as the current
annual S.Y.M. 124/S.A.M. 104 board and a box of dominoes with up in his hand, the spectator’s monthly meeting notes. George
barbeque, flea market, and magic pictures of fruits and vegetables in hand, and which one would be in then reported on the rest of the
competition. This year, the fel- place of numbers. Troy laid out the an envelope. ongoing preparations for National
lowship among young and old dominoes matching similar ends Magic Week. Preparations are set
ran high and the children brought until all of the dominoes were used with the Hunter Holmes McGuire
their competition performances up. During this time John told us VA Hospital to return for our
up several notches. It was a tough about the value of having fruits second Annual Magic Show on
call for judges Bill Jensen, Pete and veggies in one’s diet. The two October 31.
Jackson, and Bob Forrest. By the ends of the domino chain laid out Tim Carrier and Anne Wilson
end, President Derek DuBois and by Troy, bananas and oranges, with the Jefferson/Madison
Vice President Michael Ricciardi matched what John had drawn on Regional Library are making
had retained their offices for the the white board. plans for magic workshops and
coming year. Judging by the plans Performing third was Almar, displays at some of the area
they’ve been outlining for 2015, who showed us a short routine libraries to promote National
Assembly 124 is in very good with a small silk, a thumb tip, and Magic Week. Phil Milstead, John
hands. The shape of Second Vice flash cotton. Very quick but very Larry “Zappo” Wright Jennings, and some of the S.A.M.
President J Hubbard’s car was not entertaining. Lou Abbotiello was demonstrates his Magician’s Mid-Atlantic Officers will be
too good after a recent accident the final performer who showed Emergency Kit presenting a lecture on October
but J and wife Cheryl are coming us a large (four to five inches in 3. The lecture was awarded to
along fine, as are their carload of diameter) coin and indicated the Next up was Roy Porfido, who S.A.M. 115 for winning this year’s
plastic ducks. Secretary Forrest head and tail sides. Lou then sat performed another mentalism Mid-Atlantic Regional Growth
is himself slowly rejoining life in a chair facing a corner so he feat called Mind Control. Roy Competition.
after recent surgery – but he is could not see anyone or anything correctly predicted which of The magic theme for the month
smiling. For details on Assembly behind him and was able to divine three differently colored cards the was Ropes and Escapes. Dan
104 and SAMCON please visit our whether the coin was heads or tails audience would choose. Rowan gave a forty-five-minute
website. —Bob Forrest up. Ric returned to the stage in teach-in on how to make the rope
Assembly 104 meets on the The vote was Joe Noll first, another attempt to show his rope bunny from his wonderful book,
first Wednesday of each month, Almar secondm, and a tie for third trick and again was sent to his Magic Rope Artistry. He then blew
September-June, 7 p.m., at the place between Lou Abbotiello and seat, so it was guest Alan Leeds’ everyone’s mind with the rope
First Baptist Church of Salem, John Sergott. turn to demonstrate his skills at rat and another teach-in on Dan
292 Lafayette Street, Salem, Joe Homecheck, SAM Assembly Three Card Monte. Alan showed Garrett’s Judy the Mouse routine
Massachusetts. Contact Bob 110 meets 2nd Thursdays, 7:00pm, just how easy it is to be cheated out using the rope rabbit. Members
Forrest captainalbrightsq1@ at John’s Diner 146 Sheraton of a bet no matter how closely you then discussed the Swiss Warbler

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 17

Assembly News
formats with some outstanding Evangelical Lutheran Church with an every-way-you-win
talent, so you should be able to on the corner of Spring Road spot-card effect and a version of
find at least one show that meets and Vallette in Elmhurst, IL Ken Fetsch’s Mental Epic.
your taste. (downstairs) every third Monday. Afterwards, a half-dozen folks
Professor Higgins opened the Contact Tony Noice noicea@net. headed for Perkin’s and iced tea to
magic portion of the evening elmhurst.edut (630) 993-3740 talk over what virtually everyone
by making it rain ones, floating www. SAM#148 for more details. agreed was one of the best
a ring, and predicting a chosen meetings of the year – no lecturer,
shape. Chris Bontjes penetrated
a finger ring on and off of a piece
of string. Mark Carlson dem-
150
SAD START, GREAT FINISH
just good magic from a majority of
the twenty-odd attendees.
—Don Dunn
Dan Rowan’s Rope Rabbit onstrated his precognition. The Fort Myers Magicians Assn. meets
Professor took the stage again FORT MYERS, FL— Sadly, the 2nd Tues each month at Myerlee
and its many uses. George than and lit a bulb (unscrewed from August meeting began on a down Manor, 7 p.m. Contact Tony Dunn,
showed some different kinds of a lamp in the room) in his hand. note with word that a founder and sec., at tonyjadu@aol.com Contact
handcuffs and talked a bit about Ken Barham appeared and disap- longtime member of FMMA had richardhpayne@aol.com (239)
the theory of lock-picking. Dan peared a silver dollar, changed the passed away over the weekend. 433-6885 for more details.
Rowan performed his rope and color of a large pocket knife, and, Terry Harris and his warmth,
ring routine and then performed a
wonderful “Magician’s Competi-
tion” in knot tying.
after penetrating his hand with a
quarter, changed it to an oversized
coin. He finished by finding a
humor, and magical skills will be
greatly missed.
Both life and magic shows must
161
NEW MEETING LOCATION
Nathan Clauss followed with predicted card without actually go on, however. So after President AND CLUB NEWS
a Paul Curry rope effect he touching the deck of cards himself Tom McVey and members
learned at the Lance Burton (Untouched). Chris demonstrated discussed how best to honor NORTH BRANCH, NJ— Paul
Young Magicians School in St. his card on the back of a spectator Terry’s memory, the talk turned Draper, who lectured for us in
Louis. Nathan then performed as seen on TV and his version of to plans for a future Christmas February, worked at the Venetian
Aldo Colombini’s Contact A Card is Found. Randy Shields party/show and an invitation in Las Vegas for five years. He
Colors. He then showed the combined four colored silks into from a guest, Glenn Gary, to visit performed the opening effects
members his working on The one four-colored silk. See ya at the his Cabaret of Magic in Venice, from his show: one in which he
Card Trick with no Name from meeting, —Ken Barham Florida. was able to determine which of
Dan Hall’s teach-in from last Assembly 120, The Andy Dallas Then, with “mental magic” the five spectators held a gold candy
month. Nathan showed that he Assembly, meets the third Wed. night’s theme, Rich Stekowski led while the others had white ones,
had solved the problem with the 7pm, (except Nov. and Dec.) For off a parade of performers offering based on Max Maven’s Kurotsuke,
spectator drawing four very low location call Jim Percy at 217- a rash of card tricks that involved and a spoon-bending demonstra-
numbers or four Aces. Nathan and 494-2222 or Ken Barham Sec, predictions: of a selected card, or tion with references to Banachek
Dan Hall then provided members 2318 Winchester Dr, Champaign, the number of cards left after an and Richard Osterlind. Paul said
with another teach-in on the card IL 61821 217-841-5616 email: elimination counting process, or that mentalism only works if the
trick. David Clauss ended the Kebram@aol.com which chosen card would have a audience likes you and your pre-
night by performing his Houdini large X-mark on its back, etc. Dan sentation is engaging. He said your
Card Trick. Another wonderful
evening of magic was enjoyed by
all. —Bethany Hall
148
THE BRIT AND THE WINNER
Tong, John Levy, Wally Feather,
and several others were among the
conjurors shuffling, tossing out
character is important and you
need to decide: What do you want
your audience to walk away with?
S.A.M. Assembly 115 meets on decks, counting, double lifting, Paul said William Larsen,
the first Friday of the month, at ELMHURST, IL— The members and otherwise demonstrating their Sr.’s Mental Mysteries spoke to
7:00 pm at the Pepsi-Cola Bottling are still talking about the fine skill with the pasteboards. him and he recommended it. (A
Company Building at, 1150 lecture from the Big Brit himself, quick search found it for $150 on
Pepsi Place, Charlottesville, VA Mr. Keith Fields. He generously Amazon!) He also demonstrated
22901. Contact George Buckley presented and explained the A-list pocket writing. And then, in a
gbbuckley@mac.com (434) stuff that he actually does for a first for our club, Paul played
409-2643 SAMAssembly115.com living, including his unique Chop a Southwestern flute while his
for more details. Cup routine with all his time- sweetheart Megan sang a song
tested handlings, bits of business, from Bed Knobs and Broomsticks!

120
TV MAGIC SHOWS
gags, and great performance
tips. The man does every type
of magic, from kid show stuff to
Paul also gave us some tips on
cold reading using playing cards.
In March, Nathan Kranzo, who
mentalism, accompanied by his was born in Detroit, visited with a
CHAMPAIGN, IL— The August zany and beautifully delivered Wow! Guest Glenn Gary mix of mentalism and magic. He
meeting was held at Manzella’s sight and, sometimes sound, gags. Guessed It! did a magazine test in which one
Italian Patio and as usual, the A couple of weeks after the of three magazines was picked,
food was excellent and the service Fields lecture, a group of our guys After Kent Sheets made paper and a page was torn to pieces; he
was outstanding. They are very journeyed to Hines Veterans’ balls from four napkins to forecast revealed a chosen word. He also
kind to let us meet there before Hospital and put on a spectacular a number and visitor Gary divined had a book test in which the top
meetings and, when needed, hold show for these most deserving the serial number on a member’s line of any page was read and
our meetings there. gentlemen. Unfortunately, there dollar bill, yours truly demon- Nathan divined the image. This
The next club show for the will not be a detailed description strated two book tests – one using is a great marketed effect called
Danville VA is scheduled for of their mysteries because your a thrown die and random mul- The Coolest Book Test Ever.
November 9 at 2 p.m. Please scribe was out of town on an annual tiplication of six digits to select Nathan is very affable and knowl-
contact Chris if you would like to gig. However, the performers were a page in a phone book where a edgeable, showing us a copper/
participate. You can do stand-up Rudy Alfano (also the organizer number was predetermined (from silver/brass effect including ideas
or walk-around magic and they are of the event), Don Clancy, Gordon Annemann’s Practical Mental by Yuji Wada and a variation of
a very deserving and appreciative Gluff, Bob Syrup, and the national Magic), and another employing an 3 Fly referencing Ramsay, Geoff
crowd. winner of the combined S.A.M./ instant stooge. Latta, Troy Hooser, et al.
At the August meeting, we I.B.M. convention in St. Louis, Tony Dunn, who stooged flaw- April 2014 brought us Paul
discussed the recent assortment of of whom we are inordinately lessly, combined a card prediction Hallas, who is from Reading,
magic shows on TV. Wizard Wars, proud, our own Trent James. with a Gozinta Box representing Pennsylvania, but originally from
Masters of Illusion and Penn & —Tony Noice his brain. And Tony Chaudhury England. Paul’s books include
Teller’s Fool Us are three different Assembly 148 meets at Epiphany, and wife Gretchen finished up Small but Deadly, Still Small, Still

18 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Assembly News
Deadly, and Magic from the Over- the stage and showed everyone our second monthly meeting, the McCombical Prediction. Larry
ground. Although he does many the process for obtaining a girl- getting volunteers to perform Dimmit closed our meeting by
packet tricks, he focused this friend before the age of computers at a fundraiser for a local food bringing a huge box of old magic
lecture on mentalism. He was able with a few cards. Mark Weidhaas bank, and organizing a magic and letting all of the members
to divine the image on a postcard performed an impromptu card swap meet at a local flea market select any tricks they wanted. This
from a variety of pictures; this is effect in which he made the that would be open to all S.A.M. had younger members excited
based on Sid Lorraine’s Drink spectator the magician. A great and I.B.M. members. It would about tricks they’d never seen
Trick. Paul’s 2012 Book Test had twist to the ordinary. Jeremy be a good way to meet fellow before and older members remi-
its genesis in Stewart James’s Chisum performed an Oil and magicians and expose our club niscing about tricks they hadn’t
1984 Book Test; the difference Water effect that used the specta- to possible new members. A big seen in a long time. In magic,
was that Paul can use any book. tors mixing the cards. Tom had thank you goes to Keith Warner everything old can be new again.
There was a great reaction to three spectators select a card, and who did all the cooking at the —Chuck Kleiner
a routine titled Psychic Poker Too used another spectator to locate picnic. Keith, a former chef, also The Emerald City Wizards
and Paul taught a very simple the cards by wearing a special set made and brought homemade meets 1st Thu. 7:00 PM each
way to force a packet of cards. of magical glasses. I need to find salads as well as his homemade month at a branch of the King
He also shared his So Easy Card a pair of those. Dick Bowman veggie burgers. Of course, after County Library. Contact Chuck
Stab utilizing his PHS Control” performed a packet trick with the planning and food, someone Kleiner chuckkleiner@yahoo.
(Paul Hallas Slip Control). the four Deuces called Blame it broke out a deck of cards and the com (206) 236-0608 www.
When you are in our area, please on Bud. The Twos changed to magic started. It was another emeraldcitywizards.org for more
visit us. —Christopher J Smith Jokers, and the backs went from great day for Assembly 181. details.
New Location for Assembly 161 the “green bud” to the favorable —Stephan Sloan
we meet the second Monday of the
month Stoney Brook Grille, 1285
Route 28, North Branch, New
drink called Bud. The night was
packed, and as expected there just
was not enough time to fit it all in.
Assembly 181 of Hightstown
meets the first Thursday of every
month, September thru June at the
206
MAGIC AT THE CAPITOL
Jersey 08876 Contact Christopher —Larry Scott First United Methodist Church, SHOWS AND WAYNE
J Smith Sam-161@comcast. Assembly 170 meets at the Sand 187 Stockton Street, Hightstown, HOUCHIN LECTURE
net (908) 850-8765 http://www. Creek Police Station in Colorado NJ 08520. Doors open at 7:00PM.
sam161.org for more details. Springs on the 4th Friday every Contact Stephan Sloan lands10@ AUSTIN, TX— Assembly 206
month January through October, optonline.net (732) 757-5337 joined with their brothers and

170
CARD, CARDS, CARDS
then on the 2nd Friday November
and December. Contact Dave
Wintermute bwintermute@juno.
http://www.magicsam181.com/ for
more details.
sisters from I.B.M. Ring 80 in
July to present two Magic at
the Capitol stage shows. The

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO —
Seeing that cards take up most
com http://www.170sam.org/ for
more details. 200
SUMMER MAGIC
first-of-their-kind events were
sell-out successes, with proceeds
going to support the local magic
of our magic books and notes,
having a night of cards is not an
issue. As to put icing on the cake,
181
PLANNING FOR THE YEAR
SEATTLE, WA— Our August
meeting had members sharing new
community. The venue was the
venerable Scottish Rite Theatre.
Assembly members worked both
Jordan Myers took the lead as AHEAD effects, books, and even giving in front of behind the curtains.
emcee for the night, blowing us away magic. Mark Paulson kicked Close-up specialists Ed Boswell,
away with some very impressive HIGHTSTOWN, NJ— This off the meeting by sharing all of Albert Lucio, and Roger Gorss en-
sleight-of-hand magic throughout August some of the members of the upcoming magic events in the tertained the lobby crowds during
the show. Jordan wowed us with Assembly 181 met over some hot area. Roger Sylwester shared some intermission. Houston’s Scott
tricks, and tips on the faro shuffle; dogs and burgers to discuss the stories from The Magician and Wells served as master of ceremo-
he then tipped on how most of the upcoming year. The hosts of the the Cardsharp. He also showed nies.
cards feats were done. I would say get-together were Mitch Geier and us some beautifully engineered Local celebrity Ray Anderson
shame-shame, but nobody in the his wife, who graciously offered billiard balls. Tom Payne shared joined with his assistant Ellana
audience including myself was their home as a meeting spot ideas for practice that included a Kelter to headline the early chil-
mad to see the secrets of the mi- for those who were able to make surrounding of mirrors and how to dren’s matinee. Other matinee
raculous feats with cards. it. This is the third year we met simulate two spectators. performers included Houston
The first effect performed by as a group, so all who were inter- Reymarx Gereda shared a mentalist Jamie Salinas and
Jordan required the use of four ested in participating in planning Michael Close effect called The Assembly 206 members Ken
spectators. To begin the effect, our agenda had the opportunity. Way of the Duck in which he Cummings, J.D. Stewart, Tim
Jordan started by tearing a card Although there are thousands claimed that luck was involved, but Dietz, and Connie Paprika
into fourths and laying the torn of possible topics that can be this amazing routine was clearly Leaverton, a juggler. Also giant
pieces on the table. The four spec- discussed in magic, it always based on skill. Jim Earnshaw first crowd pleasers were young James
tators each selected a card from the seems like a struggle to hone it gave away a set of rings and then Irwin and Drake Stanton, two
deck. The cards were reinserted down to ones that everyone would gave us some amazing moments out-of-town junior magicians who
into the deck and found moments enjoy. There were many excellent with his Okito Box routine. Chuck rounded out the matinee perfor-
later to have all been reversed ideas and ultimately we whittled Kleiner magically sent a selected mance.
within the deck. Upon removing them down to ten. card from the past into the future. The evening show featured
the four selected cards, each card During the year our monthly Mark Eskenazi shared his ex- many of the same performers, but
was found missing a corner. The club meeting usually starts with periences from the recent PCAM also included Austin magician
missing corners matched the four a half-hour workshop given by in Vancouver and Ben Eskenazi John Maverick and South Texas
pieces left on the table from the one of the club members and is performed a routine in which five performer Oscar Munoz. The
initial card that Jordan had torn at then followed by performances spectators mixed up a deck and show’s executive producer was
the beginning of the effect. by others. We try to have the then ended up dealing a straight Trixie Bond. The producer was
The line-up between Jordan’s performances follow the theme flush. Bill Murray predicted the I.B.M. Ring 60 president Carlos
cards went like this. We started of the workshop. For example if identity of two selected Tarot Santillan, the stage manager was
with a new member to the local the workshop was on The Profes- cards and then described the cards Chris Walden, and the technical
club, Jason Gunnels; he performed sor’s Nightmare, we hope the per- in detail. director was Ken Dickensheets.
a signed card stab in a paper bag, formance would at least be rope Hugh Castell shared a book that The front-of-the-house team
and then followed up by producing tricks. However, any performance was entirely about the bill switch. included Heather Poggi-Mannis,
a full shot glass inside of the same is welcome, no matter what the This led to a lively discussion on Peter Garcia, Cathy Wells, and
bag! Jason drank the substance in performer chooses to do. whether or not to use a thumb kids from the Austin Magic Camp,
the shot glass and must assume Additional topics discussed tip for this effect. John Cameron under the direction of Bertil
it was water? Larry Marsh took at the meeting were formatting gave us a nice routine based on Fredstrom. Will Mannis, Mark

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 19

Assembly News
Schaffer, R.a. “Jake” Dyer, and clip), Poker Text 2.0 (blank cards was.) Following that was the real there was a discussion of the work
Grettel Granados comprised the to royal flush), Flux (a moving ink highlight of the evening: magic by in progress in creating a new
stage crew. prediction), Phoenix Prophecy members! website for Assembly 252.
August meeting: If you take (invisible-ink nail writer and Audience participation was
away one message from Wayne holdout), Perfect Open Prediction the theme for this month’s
Houchin, it might be this: don’t (a Boris Wilde effect in which magic. Keith Pass performed the
forget the needles in your mouth. a card is predicted before it is old funnel pumping liquid from
The popular Discovery Channel selected), Psypher (a magnetic the elbow routine but with an
star delivered a first class lecture impression device), Cosmos Duo elegant new patter and presenta-
in Austin for the Assembly 206 (an out-of-this-world red/black tion scheme that made the classic
meeting in August, regaling separation), Pip Streak (a Doug trick seem new and fresh. Richie
members with stories of tricks Conn idea for a moving pip card Klein followed up with a cute
sure to amaze as well as tricks trick), Vortex (a Dan Harlan effect Convention Show and Tell take on the ice bucket challenge
gone horribly awry. He also of a strange card melting), White with Bill and Mike assisted by Phil Milstead. And
performed and explained several Bikes (a deck turns blank with no Greg Clements, assisted by guest
effects, including a perilous nee- rough and smooth), Double Take First up was Ron Grossman, who Nathalie Thompson, found a $20
dle-in-the-mouth stunt. (a double color changing deck), performed Henry Evans’s Instant bill hidden under a choice of four
NFW (a Twisting the Jokers effect Travel Coins. Ironically, our Styrofoam cups.
with an Ace finish), and Token (a assembly had Henry Evans lecture
no-force ESP prediction). in April and the members loved
Brent has created some terrific it! Ron’s handling was very good
magic himself: Torched and and everyone enjoyed his presen-
Restored, his version of the torn tation. Next up was Alexander,
and restored card effect; This That who did a very nice Ten, Jack,
and the Other, a very visual and Queen, and King Assembly
entertaining packet trick; Decks, performed to the theme of eating
Lies, and Videotape, a DVD with Tapas (a wide variety of appetiz-
super effects; and Bullseye, a ers, or snacks, in Spanish cuisine).
Wayne Houchin performs his DVD with a thorough explanation Next was Michael Heckenberger,
needle-on-a-string stunt for performing a trick with a dart who performed two tricks he
and a deck of cards. bought from Magic, Inc. at the
Another crowd favorite was If you haven’t already invited convention: Al James’s Almost
Houchin’s minimalist bit involving Brent to lecture at your magic club, Impromptu Card in Balloon and
a single helium balloon attached to hurry and do so. He has thought Selec-trick Deck – a trick with the Greg Clements finds the
a ribbon. A small child is selected a lot about the “hows and whys” electric deck! They were a little twenty bucks
from the audience and is handed of magic, is skilled technically, rough, having just been purchased,
the balloon. The magician asks and has a quick and fun sense of but the members were glad to see Bob Malinchock performed
the child to take a deep breath. humor. —Roger L. Omanson some new stuff from the conven- several effects that were stunners,
The balloon magically drops as The LMC, Assembly 215, meets at tion. Following Michael was Scott as usual. He started with a nickel
the child fills his lungs. When the Kosair Community Center on Fridinger who performed Dean coin effect that his dad showed
the child lets out his breath, the Eastern Parkway. Contact Roger Dill’s Box and after the meeting him when he was a kid. Bob
balloon rises. That effect and L. Omanson rlomanson@gmail. explained it to the members! Last followed that by stabbing a $20
others in his lecture can be found com (502) 296-6577 or visit www. and definitely not least was bill with a pen and then restoring
in his book, Remix, which can be lmcmagic.com for more details. Watt Hyer, who brought out Doc it. He ended with a commercial
purchased at his website. Eason’s All Screwed Up and asked trick using four blocks that had
“The relationship that we create
when we perform for ourselves and
our audience is always the most
226
CONVENTION SHOW AND
the members for feedback on how
they perform this classic. All in
all it was a fun and informative
Bob’s original touches when he
predicted which spectators would
select certain blocks.
important element of our magic,” TELL meeting. —Michael Heckenberger Phil Milstead performed a sur-
Mr. Houchin explained. “How Assembly 226 meets the fourth prising and very effective golf
you react with your audience – it’s WILLAMSBURG, VA— Two Wednesday of each month (except effect using cards with four letter
relationship building – that what members of the Baker-Temple for August and December) at the words on them that had a comedic
makes the difference. If you give Assembly 226 attended the I.B.M./ Williamsburg Library, Room B, ending. Greg Clements ended the
your audience love and respect, S.A.M. combined convention in 515 Scotland Street, Williamsburg, evening’s magic with an effect
they’ll give it back.” —R.A. Dyer St. Louis: Michael Heckenberger VA. Meetings start at 7:00PM. he was working on that caused
Omni South Park Hotel, 4140 and Bill Baber. The theme of the Contact Michael Heckenberger a nickel dropped in a folded
Governors Row, Austin, Texas, meeting was convention show and ,heck_mike@verizon.net (757) napkin to bend as it dropped.
78744. Contact Jake Dyer tell and that is just what Mike and 812-3299 https://sites.google.com/ —Alan Wheeler
jakedyer@yahoo.com (512) Bill did that at the meeting. Bill site/samassembly226/Home for Assembly 252 meets on the third
658-0017 http://sam206.com/ for took the time to document dealers, more details. Thursday of each month at 7:30
more details. performers, lecturers, contestants, PM in the Knights of Columbus

215
and winners, as well as the flow
of the convention! Bill wore his
Society of American Magicians
252
AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Hall behind St. Leo’s Catholic
Church on Old Lee Highway in the
City of Fairfax, Virginia. Contact
BRENT BRAUN DEALER dress shirt (see attached picture) Tom Bohacek bohacek@gmail.
LECTURE and Mike made sure to bring his FAIRFAX, VA— President Keith com (703) 754-2005 for more
badge and the commemorative Pass opened the business portion details.
LOUISVILLE, KY— The Lou-
isville Magic Club met on July
8. We welcomed former member
I.B.M./S.A.M. lapel pin. Both
brought several items purchased at
the convention.
of the August meeting by present-
ing a membership certificate to
Assembly 252’s newest member,
266
BACK TO SCHOOL MAGIC
Sonny Bass back as a new They basically went through Cherylya Thompson. Cherylya
member; then club member Brent day by day and gave the high- confirmed her qualifications as LAKELAND, FL— Students in
Braun, who represents Penguin lights and observations on what a magician later in the meeting Central Florida are going back
Magic, entertained us with about they liked and what they thought by performing a perplexing card to school, which inspired the
thirteen effects that are marketed could have been better. (Face it, effect. Phil Milstead reported on Lakeland magi with ideas for new
by Penguin Magic: even this convention could have his work in forming an assembly tricks for the upcoming school
Bently (a self-bending paper been better despite how great it in Winchester, Virginia. And assembly season. Our pre-meeting

20 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Assembly News
dinner discussion centered around forming at a local charity event St. Stroudsburg PA. 18360). We broaden our horizons. Also, he
the new magic shows on the CW called “Mady’s Snow Day” that also meet on the first Monday at informed coming lectures, events,
with many mixed opinions. We all benefits many local charities. In the Hughes Public Library (1002 and holidays for us.
agreed that any magic on TV is October we will be at the “Lehman Route 611, Stroudsburg PA.) After, the floor was opened up
great exposure for the art. We also Township Community Day,” and Contact S. Patrick damagician@ and Raul and Frank told us about
discussed the Tampa magic club’s in November we will be again verizon.net (570) 242-6821 www. their time in Vancouver, British
successful Magic Fest convention performing for the Big Brothers/ pmmc.webs.com for more details. Columbia, during the 2014 PCAM.
the prior weekend. Sisters telethon. It was a vast variety of workshops,
President Jerry Kardos helmed
the meeting through a discus-
sion about our fallen magi, Elmo
S. Patrick also reminded
everyone that he will be perform-
ing at the “Cape Cod Festival of
279
BACK WITH A BANG
in which Frank and Raul both
competed.
As we were getting ready to
Bennett’s obit being published, the Magic” at the end on the month segue into the evening’s scheduled
progress of our website, and how in Massachusetts. Check out the COCOA, FL— We are proud to topic, we had a very wonderful
to draw people to our Facebook photo for the entire cast. finally make our way back into the interruption. S.A.M. National
page. We also discussed President Our August meeting theme pages of M-U-M. With a small but President Kendrick Ice McDonald
Ice McDonald’s Year of the was “It’s About Time.” The per- dedicated member base who are presented Assembly 291 with the
Member and the upcoming Magic formances were all based on either busy out entertaining the plaque he received on our behalf
Summit. the concept of time. S. Patrick world with magic or relaxing in re- for the fastest growing assembly.
Jerry stayed on stage to kick off was up first with a routine about tirement here in beautiful Brevard He presented this prestigious
the magic portion of the night by horoscopes and the signs of the County, things have moved at a award to our current and past pres-
shooting a loaded gun at a deck zodiac. A random spectator was slower pace down here in Florida. idents. We were very honored!
of cards and being able to hit just chosen to reveal her star sign and But the year is looking promising
the card selected by Ed McGowan. it was shown that S. correctly with things to come!
Scribe Al D’Alfonso was up next President Dr. Dan and
with his dollar store force bag his family at the Magic
made out of back to school items Dove Magic Shop are
followed by a story using Lubor’s planning something
Cube that illustrated the value of big. As a society we
gifts. often think and talk
Beverly Kenemuth, inspired by about “preserving the
a Magic -Fest find, did a packet art,” but come May
trick that tested our memories as 22-24, 2015, something
cards changed before our eyes. is going to get done for
Next up was the monthly duel of those we sometimes Past and Present Presidents
The Cast of the Cape Cod of 291 with Ice
the card masters. Dean Bob Macey Festival of Magic - Assembly 277 neglect. The children!
explained how algorithms control While we do meet
a simple deck of cards, which Ed predicted the sign with a personal monthly to discuss perform- Right after, our subject got
countered with by counting down message on the back. ing, help each other critique our underway. President Bill intro-
in the same deck to Bob’s chosen He then shared a story about how routines, and introduce old and duced our wonderful talker, Les,
card. Looks like another draw till he and his brother used to have new members to old and new to teach us about numbers in
next month. marathon tic-tac-toe sessions in magic alike, our coming months magic. He brought to us many uses
Visitor Mike Peterson did an the back of the family car on long will probably be busy with ideas for numbers that we don’t realize
unusual Wild Card effect that road trips. A spectator played a and news about the Magic Dove we use on a daily basis. From dice,
had us guessing, in addition to game with S. and then S. took out “Youth” Convention. Encourag- to Keno, to sticks, to squares…It’s
a creation of his own called “the a prediction of a previously played ing youth and mentoring them all about the numbers. And Les
battery powered card.” Inspired by game that matched the current in the art of performing magic opened our eyes and showed us the
all the card play, Al returned with game exactly. is something our members are way to hone our knowledge.
Cameron Francis’s lie detector Our own Odes Odhner was up growing adept in. This May, newly So what did we take away
effect Nothing But the Truth next with a neat little routine elected Vice President Danny from this lecture? Bring Les to
before the group broke up for the called Clock Faced in which Sanz represented our small group a casino, because the house will
night. a round disk was shown to in the FMA fiftieth anniversary lose. Therefore, we predict that
Another month of magic festivi- represent a clock. The disk had no convention in Orlando and was he will be banned from casinos
ties and all that was missing was hands. The spectator placed the awarded first place in adult stage after this article is published.
you. Be sure to visit next time your clock behind his back and, with a magic. But not to be outdone, four —William Dow Jr.
plans bring you to Central Florida. sharpie, drew the hour hand. Odes youth members of S.Y.M. #143 Assembly 291 meets the second
No matter if school is in session or then showed that his prediction competed, and William Zaballero Tuesday of every month at OPICA
not, you’re guaranteed to have a matched correctly. won both stage and close-up in the Adult Day Care Facility, 11759
good time! —Al D’Alfonso The Magic of Ricardo was up youth division! All who attended Missouri Avenue, Los Angeles,
Jim Zachary Assembly 266 meets last and took us on a trip to the had a great weekend. We are sure CA 90025. Contact Les Cooper
the second Monday of the month old west. Ricardo performed we have a positive message to Cooperl@ucla.edu (310) 473-1820
at 7PM at the Lakeland I-HOP, I-4 his Smilin’ Assasin, in which share with young ones interested www.westsidewizards.org for
& US 98 Contact Al D’Alfonso a selected card was shown to in magic. —Danny Sanz more details.
keeper0499@embarqmail.com have been shot in the smiley face Assembly 279 “Cocoa Beach
(321) 4373814 https://www.
facebook.com/SAM266MAGIC
for more details.
head. Of course, Ricardo dressed Magic Club” meets the second
up this routine with a cowboy hat, Saturday of every month at 8 a.m.
badge, and six-shooter, all made at the Magic Dove Magic Shop.
292
SINCLAIR’S SUPER SEANCE
from balloons. Caption: Danny Sanz 1st place

277 Any magicians who may be in Stage at FMA 50th, Orlando

visiting the Pocono Mountains
GREELEY, CO— In August
we greatly enjoyed a brilliantly
“IT’S ABOUT TIME”

STROUDSBURG, PA— The

please give us a call and visit one
of our two meetings. We’d love to
have you stop by. We meet on the
291
A NIGHT OF NUMBERS
designed, quick moving, and high
impact séance show (and lecture)
by Aiden Sinclair. He is a very ex-
members and guests of the PMMC first Monday and the third Friday perienced full-time showman who
gathered in August for some fun each month. —S. Patrick LOS ANGELES, CA— Our has performed in more than thir-
magic and an updates on what the The Pocono Mountains Magic President Bill opened up tonight’s ty-five countries. He designs his
club will be up to in the coming Club meets each third Friday at meeting by talking about séance shows around an historic
months. The PMMC will be per- the “Art Space Gallery” (18 N. 7th upcoming shows and websites to person such as the Unsinkable

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 21

Assembly News
Molly Brown, Jack the Ripper, and tied up Aiden in a straitjacket. His He shared the performing touches
in the show we sampled, Titanic escape included cringe-worthy he uses to move spectators from
survivor Anastasia O’Dell. His dislocating of both shoulders (by thinking to feeling, and beyond
show was a model of ingeniously a gimmick he made), and led to a that, to experiencing strong
linking standard effects to a single bent key trick. For Adam Grace’s emotional impact and visceral
patter theme. cell phone Ringtone, Brian clout.
He uses two “silent disclaimers”: Hallisey and Tim Pendergast The only thing Aiden had for sale
big long banners describing him assisted. was a $10 booklet of lecture notes.
as a Paranormal Illusionist, and Aiden had familiarized us with This would be a terrific program
even more pointedly, as a Master an old Ouija board by using it as for assemblies with members in-
Magician. His costume suggests a table top throughout the show. It terested in how a real pro presents
a formal undertaker, but one with Lew Wymisner, Aiden Sinclair was really Tim Wisseman’s elec- bizarre and séance effects.
showy chains and a big cross. He and Marilyn Dutton tronic apparatus, The Darkboard, —Ron Dutton
worked in shirtsleeves, while still Ink. During Jim Critchlow’s from Outlaw Effects. Aiden used The Dr. Ronald P. Dutton
wearing a vest. Like Chelman’s Titanic living-and-dead effect, it well in an emotional closing Assembly 292 usually meets at
“hauntiques,” some props were White Star, with the assistance of routine that included clearing the Kenny’s Steak House, 3502 West
found in thrift stores. He made Mitch Harwood and Dave Win- Think Ink with a large crucifix, 10th Street (corner of 35th Avenue)
a few props, including aging an termute, Aiden vigorously threw the board’s planchette moving on at 11:00 A.M. (lunch optional), on
Invisible Deck. He speaks quickly, their rejected cards on the floor. its own, and Anastasia ringing a the second Saturday of the month.
and paces much of the time. Marilyn Dutton and Lew simple (spirit) bell to indicate that Contact Jim Pope jlp1616@
Paul Noffsinger introduced him. Wymisner were the volunteers for she is at peace. comcast.net (970) 339-3277 www.
Aiden got right into Anastasia’s Banachek’s gutsy dual-reality Psy- In Aiden’s follow-up lecture he SAM292.com for more details. 
dramatic life story with Think chokinetic Touches. James Lopez focused on “believable theater.”

Broken Wands

JOANIE SPINA She worked with Franco Dragone, the original artistic
(AUGUST 4, 1953 – AUGUST 17, 2014) director of Cirque du Soleil, helped design illusions for Ghost
the musical on Broadway, and assisted in the casting of
Joanie Spina, well known the touring shows Kung Fu Panda, The Circus McGurkus,
in the world of magic for her and How To Train Your Dragon. She was also an animal
choreography, coaching, and rights activist and produced several documentaries on this
mentoring, died on August subject.
17, 2014, in Houston, Texas, Most of all, she was a great friend to all in the magic
at the age of sixty-one. community, who will miss her very much.
Joanie had been treated for
cancer and suffered from DOUGLAS ALLEN SLATER
pulmonary fibrosis. Several (FEBRUARY 9, 1950 – AUGUST 3, 2014)
months ago, she moved
from Las Vegas to Houston Doug Slater passed
to await the replacement of away quietly at his home in
her liver and lungs. Lakewood, California, on
Joanie was born in Boston on August 4, 1953, and August 3, 2014, with family
grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts. She studied dance members present. He had
as a child, but gave it up at age eleven. She returned to been a member of S.A.M.
that field at age twenty-six, and took extensive training Assembly 22 since 1998
in ballet, jazz, acting, and voice. Over the next two years, and was a former assembly
she danced in a few Boston companies before moving to president. Doug Slater was
New York and ultimately answering an ad to be a dancer born in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
in a show with “an international stage and television star.” He moved to Southern Cali-
She joined David Copperfield’s company as a principal fornia with his family as a very young child and resided in
performer, choreographer, and artistic co-director; she the Los Angeles area for the rest of his life. He attended
worked with Copperfield for eleven years, choreograph- Loyola Marymount University, the University of Southern
ing ten of David’s annual CBS specials and his Broadway California, and California State University, earning degrees
show, Dreams and Nightmares. Concerning Joanie, Cop- in physics and electrical engineering. He had a long career
perfield said, “She left a mark not just on my magic but in the aerospace industry with TRW and Northrop
on the world of magic...She developed a different way Grumman, continuing on a part-time basis after official-
of having magic seen by the public – more sensual, more ly retiring in 2005. Doug’s profession was as a software/
dance-driven.” missile tracking engineer.
After leaving the Copperfield show, Joanie developed Doug had a childhood interest in magic, but his real
her own act, playing in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and the passion for magic began in 1988 after taking an adult
Bahamas. She retired from active performing in 2000 and education magic class. He soon became a Magic Castle
became a consultant and director, working with many member, a founding member of the Southern California
of magic’s top acts, including Kalin & Jinger, Jeff Hobson, Association of Magicians, and a member of other local
Juliana Chen, Marco Tempest, Melinda, and Dirk Arthur. magicians’ organizations. Doug was a performing magician

22 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Broken Wands

at the Magic Castle and was very active in the Southern Terry’s interest
California Assembly. He gave his final performance to a full in magic began with
house at the S.A.M. Hall of Fame & Magic Museum show a deaf mute friend,
in Whittier, California, only fifteen days before his passing. Danny Johnson. Danny
Doug Slater had many interests outside of magic, taught Terry magic and
including fencing/sword fighting and extensive international Terry helped Danny
travel with his father. He was beloved in his neighborhood learn sign language.
as generous and caring and will be missed by all who knew Terry’s interest in
him in and out of the large magic community. The many magic blossomed into a
tributes and remembrances expressed at his memorial full-time living as “Terry
service by so many who knew Doug Slater was a genuine the Trixter,” perform-
display of what a good person he was. ing in more than one
hundred school shows,
TONI PERRINE birthday parties, illusion and close-up shows per year with
(AUGUST 1, 1925 – MAY 9, 2014) his wife Sue. He has performed on TV and internation-
ally in Canada, Puerto Rico, Spain, Portugal, Jamaica, and
Toni Perrine was born on August 1, 1925, as Pamela the Bahamas. He also provided magic entertainment at
Young in Brighton, Sussex, England. Toni passed away on trade shows for the Kodak Company. In the ‘70s, he ran
May 9, 2014, in Carlsbad, California. Toni remained an three-day “Magic Fests” that brought major magicians,
active member of Assembly 22 even after moving from such as Doug Henning, to his home for dinner.
the Los Angeles area several years ago. Toni was also Later in life magic took a back seat to becoming a pro-
active in magic clubs in Long Beach and San Diego, Cali- fessional photographer. He excelled at photography, and
fornia. She also belonged to clown clubs and many other later founded the Senior Photographers International, the
organizations. largest photographers association in the world.
Toni grew up in England during a time when England After retirement, photography took the back seat and his
was experiencing the bombing by Germany and the passion for magic took front and center again. He continued
effects of World War II. Her early training and education to perform in Florida and created “Old Magic Props,” a
were in dramatic arts and dance. Toni also graduated from web site for the discussion of and sales of antique magic.
a trade school secretarial course. Her first employment He is survived by his wife Sue, son Brian, daughter Coby
as a secretary was short lived before she began what was Beach, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
to become a lifelong career as a professional performer.
Toni sang, danced, and acted in theatrical circuits. She IRVING FRIEDMAN
came first to the United States as an acrobat with Cole (MAY 27, 1932 – AUGUST 16, 2014)
Brothers Circus and she traveled the U.S. and Europe as a
performer and actress in a variety of shows. Irving Friedman, loving husband of Lorraine Friedman,
Toni’s first permanent home in the U.S. in 1952 was in father of Susan (Ed) Allen and Daniel (Sandy) Friedman,
Las Vegas. She sang and danced in nightclubs and had a TV and grandfather of Alex, Ariannah, Aliyah, Mackenzie, and
exercise show. She soon married and had two children; Katie, passed away August 16, 2014, at the age of eighty-
she later divorced and eventually moved to Southern Cali- two. Irv made his living as a magician in the Washington,
fornia. In 1968 Toni married Bill Perrine, who passed away D.C., area for thirty years. He and his wife retired to Wil-
in 1980. Toni is survived by their daughter. liamsburg, Virginia, in 2007. Born on May 27, 1932 in Ports-
Toni’s later years were very active as she continued mouth, Virginia, he loved theater, movies, art, and dancing.
singing, dancing, and acting in community theatre, became Irv was a great scholar of religion, philosophy, and litera-
a clown and a magician, and traveled internationally. Toni ture.
had a full and exciting life and will be missed by Assembly Lorraine and Irving Friedman began doing shows
22. – Steven Jennings part-time for friends’ kid’s parties. Soon, due to word of
mouth, they found themselves getting more show requests
MICHAEL “TERRY” HARRIS than they could handle and made the decision to become
(MARCH 2, 1939 – AUGUST 11, 2014) full-time entertainers. Over the years, they entertained
thousands with their professional comedy magic and clown
“Terry” Harris, master photographer, magician, antique act as Aladdin the Magician and Lollypop the Clown.
magic collector, and dealer passed away quietly in his sleep Irv and Lorraine performed at the White House,
on August 11, 2014, at age seventy-five. He was a member Kennedy Center, and at many foreign embassies. Private
of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Order of parties were a specialty for many years. Irv graduated
Merlin Excalibur, and a member of Ring numbers 189, from Staunton Military Academy in 1951. Following service
258, and 303. He was also a member of The Society of in the Navy, he enrolled at George Washington University,
American Magicians. majoring in history. Lorraine studied at the University of
Terry was born in Newark, Ohio, where he graduated Syracuse, where she majored in psychology. Husband and
from Liberty Union High School and spent the first forty wife enjoyed special studies together in Jewish mysticism at
years of his life in the area. In 1979, he and wife Sue moved the University of Maryland. 
to the Ft. Myers area of Florida and later to The Villages.

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 23

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS
Annual National Council Meeting July 3, 2014 St. Louis, Missouri
MINUTES (Draft)

Call to order: President-elect Kenrick “Ice” McDonald 2ND Vice President:Richard Bowman
Most Illustrious Dal Sanders called the announced that he was reorganizing some of Secretary: Marlene Clark
annual meeting of the National Council of the S.A.M. committee lineup. He is contacting Treasurer: Eric Lampert
The Society of American Magicians to order committee chairs, but was able to announce
according to ritual at 4:15 pm. The invocation the following new chairmen: Ethics: Steven Regional Vice Presidents:
was given by PNP Jann Goodsell, who also Spence; Marketing Director: Dal Sanders; New England: Thomas Gentile
requested a moment of silence for departed Advertising Director: Cinde Sanders; S.A.M. Midwestern States: Shaun Rivera
compeers. Members Facebook Page: Manon Rodriguez. North Atlantic States: Eric Decamps
MI Sanders acknowledged Past Presidents He said he is grateful for those who decided South Central States: Michael Tallon
George Schindler, Dan Garrett, Don Oltz, to stay on with him this year. There was no Mid Atlantic States: Arlen Solomon
Harry Monti, Jann Goodsell, Ed Thomas, discussion, and the consensus was that there Northwestern States: JR Russell
John Apperson, Andy Dallas, Mike Miller, was no need for McDonald to seek council South Atlantic States: Jim Driscoll South-
Mark Weidhaas, Vinny Grosso, David approval for his appointees. western States: Ron Ishimaru
Goodsell, Chris Bontjes, Brad Jacobs, and Later, McDonald sought approval for a new Central Plains States: Steven Spence
Dan Rodriguez. Honored guests included award to recognize exemplary members – one Canada: Lon Mandrake
I.B.M. incoming President Shaun Farquhar from each region – who will be nominated by
and I.B.M. President-elect Joe Turner. their respective Regional Vice Presidents. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
Approve minutes of March 8, 2014, Motion: Dick Bowman moved that the Absent – report in the Blue Book: Gifts
meeting: Motion: PNP Ed Thomas moved council approve the new award. Discussion: & Insignia Craig Schwarz; Investment
that the minutes be approved with the correc- None. Vote: Motion passed. Committee Richard Dooley
tion of the spelling of Cesareo Pelaez. Vote: First VP Dave Bowers referred to the Absent – no report in the Blue Book:
motion passed. previous approval of the S.A.M. caring and Chaplain Michael Douglass; SYMbol
Counting ballots: PNP and Election Chair maintaining the Houdini Gravesite. He said Editor Michael Raymer.
Ed Thomas requested permission to leave the committee expects that it will be a 3-year National Administrator Manon
the meeting to count the ballots. MI Sanders project to restore the gravesite to what it Rodriguez referred to her Blue Book
granted permission. looked like in 1926, and there may be some report, adding that she was proud to
fundraising involved in the future. report that the S.Y.M. is growing.
REPORTS National Secretary Marlene Clark – Insurance Advisor Joseph Caulfield
Note: full reports are in the Blue Book except thanked all for sending reports in a timely referred to his Blue Book report.
those listed as live reports. The Blue Book manner and said that working with MI Legal Counsel Stuart Schneider said this
is available electronically from National Sanders was a positive experience. has been a good year with few problems.
Secretary Marlene Clark, as hard copy from National Treasurer Eric Lampert said that M-U-M Editor Michael Close (live
National Administrator Manon Rodriguez, or despite some ups and downs, the S.A.M. made report) said he was happy to renew his
online in the member-only section at www. it through the year with no issues. He drafted contract for another 3 years. He noted that
magicsam.com. the proposed budget on a conservative basis, assemblies use M-U-M as a resource for
NATIONAL OFFICERS: All had reports but some new programs could give the S.A.M. meetings and thanked those who contrib-
in the Blue Book. (Note: Second VP & Magic more name recognition and hopefully, more ute to the magazine. He is always looking
Week Chairman Jeff Sikora was not present members. He is streamlining budget catego- for good ideas and people to write.
because he was called to perform a broken ries to simplify the budget. National Treasurer Roles & Responsibility – Dick Bowman
wand ceremony and be a pall bearer at the Lampert sought approval for the proposed explained that the handbook he is creating
funeral of Alex, an 11-year old S.Y.M. member 2014-15 FY Budget of $380,550. will enhance the membership experience.
from Omaha and whom Jeff had befriended.) Motion: Arlen Solomon moved to approve
Most Illustrious Dal Sanders discussed the $380,550.00 FY 2014-15 budget. Discus- REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
the process he used in his successful bid to sion: None. Vote: Motion passed. REPORTS
get congressional recognition of magic as an Counting Ballots: Absent – report in the Blue Book: Eric
art from the House of Representatives and PNP Ed Thomas returned and announced DeCamps – North Atlantic.
read the following resolution that was entered the election results, congratulating those who New England – Joseph Caulfield noted
into the Congressional Record on April were elected. that he was at the end of his term of
28, 2014, by Congressman Pete Sessions of Elected to office for 2014-15 were the service and said it had been an honor to
Texas. The resolution is a first step toward following: serve his region as RVP.
full congressional recognition of magic as Mid Atlantic – Phil Milstead reported
an art, which could open doors to possible National Officers: on the Mid Atlantic Regional Growth
National Endowment for the Arts funding for President-elect:Dave Bowers award. He acknowledged John Jennings,
magicians. 1ST Vice President: Jeff Sikora who thought of it, and Assembly #115

24 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

of Charlottesville Virginia, which will Absent – report in the Blue Book: with a medallion, a plaque in recognition
receive a free lecture. Assembly Contact Coordinator Kyle of his hard work, and a clock that reads,
Central Plains – Steve Spence referred Peron; Deaf Magicians Deputy Simon “Use your time wisely.”
to his Blue Book report. Carmel; FaceBook – Eric DeCamps; Hall of Fame and Magic Museum
Midwest – Shaun Rivera welcomed Media Librarian Mark Jensen; New (live report by PNP Ed Thomas): the
everyone to his region. His goal is to visit Assembly Coordinator Les Cooper; temporary exhibit at the Whittier Museum
every assembly in the Midwest: he has 5 Weiss-Houdini Gravesite Curator Eric society will close at the end of July, and
more to go. DeCamps. the Hall of Fame will hold its final gala
South Atlantic – Debbie Leifer referred Ambassador of Magic, FISM Liaison, show on July 19. The museum is negotiat-
to her Blue Book report. She said it was Magic Endowment Fund – Bradley ing with two cities that have facilities and
an honor and a privilege to serve as RVP. Jacobs reported that the MEF had a hopes to open again, soon.
The assemblies in her region are going net worth of $1,033,000.00, and that the Heroism and Patriots Award – Bill
well and she is working hard to welcome trustees will continue to act in a prudent Gleason referred to his Blue Book report.
potential members. manner. The trustees plan to ask those He thanked the Marketing Committee
South Central – Michael Tallon referred who paid $1,000.00 for life membership for the great poster, said he may have an
to his Blue Book report and thanked all to put in another $500.00 over the next article about the award in The Linking
for allowing him to serve. couple of years to match the current as- Ring and added that the committee has
Northwestern – JR Russell talked about sessment. At the July 1 MEF meeting, the received many inquiries about the award.
the “tyranny of distance” of his region fund granted the following: Hall of Fame, He announced that Lance Burton is a new
that he tries to overcome in other ways, $5,000.00; Magic Summit $5,000.00; committee member.
such as a membership campaign. This Magic Camp scholarships up to $7,000.00. IBM/SAM Combined Convention
year’s winner of the Impossible Bottle was He will represent the S.A.M. as a judge at – Mark Weidhaas referred to his Blue
Mont Dutson of Assembly 188 in Utah. the Busan International Magic Festival in Book report.
The award for next year’s contest will be a Busan, So. Korea. Life Membership – Dan Sclare said
magic wand. Conference Executive/IBM-SAM he signed up two new life members at the
Southwest States – Ron Ishimaru said Convention Mark Weidhaas announced convention and thanked Cinde Sanders for
it has been a pleasure to serve as RVP. the winners of the “find the cake” contest. making the Life Membership gathering a
He said that Assembly 248 has honored He said that discussions are still underway success.
its founder by establishing the Robert L. regarding a possible IBM/SAM joint con- Magic for Special Education – Trudy
Bluemle Excellence in Magic Award to vention in 2017 in Louisville, KY, but he Monti referred to her Blue Book Report.
recognize magicians who have shown could not recommend appointing addition- Marketing (PNP Vinny Grosso
dedication and selflessness to the art of al members to the 2017 LLC at this time. reporting for Brian South) thanked MI
magic. Kenton Knepper and Barry S. He announced the following upcoming Sanders for the FaceBook Page that’s open
Schor were the first two recipients of the annual S.A.M. conventions: to the public; the page has 6,000 likes and
award. Assembly #248 has requested that 2015: July 1-4 in Philadelphia, PA, at the is a great marketing tool. He discussed the
the assembly’s supplemental name be Marriott Philadelphia Downtown. Magic Summit being held in November
changed to “The Jack Sutherland/Robert and being sponsored by the S.A.M. and
L. Bluemle Assembly.” He added that 2016: Indianapolis Magic Magazine; it is a great way to
someone may be working to reactivate Weidhaas announced the following expand the reach of the S.A.M. while
Assembly #218. appointments to the S.A.M. convention improving the club experience. People
Canada – Rod Chow reported that committee: Paul Critelli – Contest are asking how to participate. Another
he logged 200 miles jogging around St. Chair; Kyle Peron – Artistic Director; marketing avenue is the “Road Show,”
Louis and found 58 cakes that were placed David Goodsell – Convention Program being taken in conjunction with Penguin
around the city in honor of its 250th an- Editor. Magic and others.
niversary. As this was his last meeting as Motion: Weidhaas moved that the ap- Magic Center Foundation – Dan
RVP, he thanked everyone he worked with pointments be approved. Discussion: Rodriguez announced the center’s new
and recognized I.B.M. incoming president none. Vote: motion passed. officers: President Dan Rodriguez; Vice
Sean Farquhar, who is also dean of Rod’s Dean George Schindler (Houdini President Rodney Housley; Secretary/
home assembly, Assembly #95. Fund, International Deputy Coordina- Treasurer Randy Kalin. He encouraged
tor, Publicity) – referred to his Blue Book people to purchase the collectible pins that
COMMITTEES report. He added that the Houdini Fund are being sold at the convention.
Absent – no report: Ethics – Marc is available to magicians and allied artists Membership – Kelly Peron referred to
DeSouza; Member promotion – Steve who need money for medical expenses. her Blue Book Report.
Marshall; National Deputy Coordina- Good and Welfare – Anthony National Historian Tom Ewing said
tor – Clem Kinnicutt; Sharing Awareness Antonelly thanked all who have helped it will be a pleasure to serve again as
Mentoring Program – Bob Carroll; him and conducted a raffle, giving prizes historian and thanked all current and past
SAMtalk – Bruce Kalver; Technology – to several in attendance. He presented editors of M-U-M and the Linking Ring
Bruce Kalver. President-elect Kenrick “Ice” McDonald for their appreciation of magic history.

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 25

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS
Paranormal Investigation Committee – along with Penguin Magic, Magic Houdini bust.
Charles Siebert referred to his report in Magazine, and other dealers. Discus- MI Sanders presented presidential
the Blue Book. sion: none. Vote: motion passed. citations to compeers Randy Kalin, Frank
Spotlight Program – Barbara Dallas Society business (New Business/ Stelzer and Anne Weidhaas, adding that
(live report by PNP Andy Dallas) said the other) he was amazed that Anne never got a
committee would like to see increased 1. Motion: National Secretary Marlene citation.
effort to honor people in the trenches and Clark moved that the name of S.A.M. First Vice President Dave Bowers
at assemblies. Assembly #248 be changed to The presented the Assembly Growth awards
Veterans Program/Military Liaison Jack Sutherland/Robert L. Bluemle to assemblies that showed the greatest
Chris Bontjes encouraged members to Assembly #248, Society of American percentage of growth in their respec-
volunteer their time to thank our vets for Magicians. Discussion: none. Vote: tive categories, PNP Jacobs presented
their sacrifice. He reminded members motion passed. the Leslie Guest literary award, and Bill
to notify him when they perform for 2. Motion: National Secretary Marlene Gleason presented the Eichler Award.
veterans. Clark moved to approve the Charter
Young Member Program Jann Goodsell of Ring of Smoke S.Y.M. Assembly Good and Welfare
thanked those who helped with the young #145 and Magic Emporium S.Y.M. MI Sanders thanked all for their support
member program at the convention – the Assembly #146. Discussion: none. and guidance during the year.
National Officers, plus Kayla Drescher, Vote: motion passed. Benediction given by PNP Jann
Ed Thomas and Arlen Solomon. 3. Battery: A battery was given for Goodsell.
IBM/SAM Convention Chairman Adjournment: The meeting was
Old business – none Mark Weidhaas. adjourned according to ritual at 7:07 p.m.,
Society Business (Items from caucus): following which the installation of officers
1. Announcement: MI Sanders is Awards: was held.
making progress with the Be Amazed Several awards were presented to Respectfully submitted,
TV contract. We plan to hire an honored compeers, including the
entertainment attorney to review the following: Marlene Clark,
contract when needed. 50-year membership awards went to National Secretary
2. Motion: MI Sanders moved that the Robert H. Little and George Vandyke, Jr.
S.A.M. sponsor a mobile magic store, MI Sanders gave PNP Chris Bontjes the

Good Cheer List

Please take a minute to spread a few words of cheer with a card or note to one of our less fortunate members. Send additions,
changes, or deletions to: Anthony Antonelly, Chairman, Sick and Convalescent Committee, (215) 820-3192 ext. 1512.
magicforfun60@aol.com
Daniel Cudennec Bob King Frank J. McNaughton, Sr Harry Riser
“Dany Trick” 304 Suburban Ct. 1926 Apple St. 11755 N. Michigan Rd. #313
225, Stang-ar-Veil- Rochester, NY 14620 Williamsport, PA 17701 Zionsville, IN 46077
d’an-Traon, Mellac-29300,
Quimperle, France Dick Kohlhafer James J. Morrisey Pat Ryan
408 Century Vista Dr. 24 Grove St. 43 Fairbanks Rd.
Dan A. Dorsey Arnold, MD 21012 Wayland, MA 01788 Churchville, NY 14428
98 Woodvalley Dr.
Fayetteville, GA 30215 Stanley R. Kramien Nahmen Nissen Matt Savin
11205 SW Summerfield Dr. PO Box 1856 P.O. Box 7693
Charlie Gross Apt 161 Colfax, CA 95713-1856 Alhambra, CA 91802-7533
16745 Gertrude St. Tigard, OR 97224-3391
Omaha, NE 60136-3023 Allen Okawa Jack White
Richard Laneau 2101 Nuuanu Ave., Tower 1, 4288 Arguello St.
Roy Horn 4020 55th St. N. #2203 San Diego, CA 92103
c/o Siegfried & Roy St. Petersburg, FL 33709 Honolulu, HI 96817
1639 N Valley Dr. Jim Zachary
Las Vegas, NV 89108 George Gilbert Lott Jim Relyea 2801 South Creek Dr.
1725 Great Hill Rd. 241 W. Lakeshore Mulberry, FL 33860
Guilford, CT 06437 Rockaway, NJ 07866

26 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 The Nielsen Gallery
Houdini - Buried Alive
Dimensions: 8-Sheet: 80" x 105" • Lithographer: Otis Litho
Date: 1926 • Nielsen Rating: Available

Throughout his career, Houdini performed escapes is performing it that week and calling it, “The Mystery of
designed to capture the imagination of his audiences and The Sphinx.” He says, “I am placed into a coffin with a
play upon their darkest fears. Would he die in a large, glass front that is lowered into a vault that has a glass, so I
locked, water-filled metal milk can? Would he meet his can be seen all of the time until the sand completely covers
death upside down in a Water Torture Cell? Could he escape everything – one ton. [There are] Fastenings on the vault
from manacles and a ball and chain at the bottom of a river? and in about two minutes I make my escape. I like it very
And perhaps the greatest fear – could he survive being much. Have everything to make it look Egyptian but am not
buried alive? It was a stunt he not only contemplated but going to do it except for two- or three-week stands.”
accomplished, and it is the subject of this month’s poster. The logistics of presenting such a feat must have been
Houdini considered presenting such a feat on stage as tremendous. It would have required him to travel with many
early as 1914, as evidenced by a full-color lithograph created tons of sand, a large glass-sided tank, ladders, buckets and
at the time. There is no proof he accomplished the staging shovels, and set up, but that didn’t stop Houdini.
at this time; the first record we have of him attempting a Houdini’s new air-tight casket was made by the
Buried Alive stunt is in California in 1915. It was a simple Boyertown Casket Co. of New York for $5,000. Ever the
affair – no trunks, boxes or caskets – just him and a pit in sharp publicist, Houdini put the new casket on display in
the earth six-feet deep. Tucked into a face-down ball at the the window of Summerfield’s in the days leading up to his
bottom, dirt was shoveled on top of him until the grave was third test.
filled. He planned on using what air there was below his He wouldn’t escape from it a little over a month later, when
body until he dug his way to the surface. Unfortunately, the he collapsed on the stage of the Garrick Theater in Detroit,
dirt got in his mouth and nose, his air ran out, and the task Michigan, on October 24, 1926, his last performance.
of digging upward was nearly impossible. He later admitted, He collapsed because his appendix had ruptured
“The weight of the earth is killing.” following an incident several days before, when he allowed
Houdini shelved the idea until the mid-1920s when he himself to be punched in the stomach by a student from
performed Buried Alive to debunk an Egyptian performer, McGill University in Quebec. He was also hobbled by
Rahman Bey, who was claiming he used supernatural powers a broken or fractured ankle sustained doing the Water
to survive in a sealed casket for an hour. Houdini first did Torture Cell escape in Albany, New York, several weeks
his stunt as an endurance test – remaining in a sealed casket before. Rushed to the hospital with a fever of 104 and with
submerged in the pool of the Hotel Shelton in New York peritonitis setting in, he passed away on October 31, 1926, at
for ninety minutes using controlled breathing to stay alive. Detroit’s Grace Hospital at the age of fifty-two.
True, he was not exactly “buried” alive, but again the use of Following his death, the family needed to return his body
a coffin and the specter of death were omnipresent. to New York for burial and used his newly made, glass-top
The noted Houdini expert and author, Patrick Culliton, casket to transport the body by train. We know it was this
recently discovered that Houdini undertook a second last casket because advertisements at the time of the stunt
underwater “burial” in Worcester, Massachusetts, in noted that it would be done in the “…coffin in which he will
September 1926. On the heels of that, Worcester resident be buried when he dies.”
Mark Russell discovered a third performance from that It is interesting that time and again Houdini returned to
same time, this one done in public view. Houdini reportedly the theme of cheating death. Even after his death the battle
had a new, custom-made, glass-topped casket made for continued; séances were held annually by his wife Bess,
the stunt, but it didn’t arrive in time for the second stunt, who attempted to reach Houdini in the afterlife. It is a ritual
so he used the one from the New York stunt. Eventually it repeated to this very day…without success. 
did arrive, and the above-ground test took place in front of —­­­Tom Ewing
Summerfield’s Furniture Co. on Main Street in Worcester
on September 30, 1926. Much of the background for this article came from
Again, he wasn’t actually buried and he didn’t escape John Cox’s wonderful website, Wild about Harry
from the coffin. But he did escape when he performed (www.wildabouthoudini.com).
Buried Alive as part of his big stage show. In a letter
written to magician James S. Harto, Houdini says that he

28 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Not Just Kid Stuff
By Jim Kleefeld

All of the above are fair and decent a list of traits. Are you silly, reserved, coy,
routines, as might be evidenced in any good playful, smug, mysterious, befuddled,
children’s show. Here is the problem: I saw goofy, confused, demanding, capable,
all of these specific routines performed in whimsical, enlightening, sincere, reckless,
a single show by the same magician. The knowledgeable, friendly, caustic, wry,
ESTABLISH YOUR message I garnered from his performance dry, or spry? After you examine who you
CHARACTER was: This was a magician who had not es- are, consider who you want to be. Do you
tablished his character. His show was weak aspire to be so nutty, goofy, and silly that
Allow me to offer a few examples of because of it. everyone will roll in the aisles laughing at
routines for your consideration. When you prepare to put a show you? Or do you want to be the smart, kindly
1) The magician bends over to grab together, you choose tricks and routines Uncle who knows mysterious secrets? Are
some short ropes and bonks his head on you like. But do you always consider your you poised to become an avid apprentice
the table. He gets the ropes and tries to tie character or your professional persona? A wizard who almost gets into trouble with
them together, but they fall apart – twice. magical performer, just like an actor in a his props, but who works everything out in
He finally gets them tied and sets them on play, must stay in character. And in order the end? Or are you a teaching adult who
the table edge, but they fall to the floor. He to do that, you have to know your character. shows children just enough of his advanced
picks them up and stuffs them into a tube, The magician that the audience came to see knowledge that they can learn from it?
but they fall out. He gets them in the tube is not you; it is a character you portray. If After you have made some decisions
and the tube’s end caps fly off. He gets the someone has seen you before and returned, about your performing persona, write
caps back on and waves his wand, which then you probably have a likable persona. down what you want your character to
breaks apart, over the tube. He opens it But most of your audiences come to a be. Literally. Write. It. Down. With a pen
and the pieces of rope have been restored performance not quite knowing what (or, and paper. Defining your character is
to one long rope. Ta dah! Magic! rather “who”) to expect. One of the most never easy, but it will be easier if you try
2) The magician hands a red silk to important moves you can make right now to describe it to yourself in a few simple
a helper and promises to make it change to improve your future outcome in magic words.
color. He waves his wand over the silk, but is to Establish Your Character. Establishing your character can be
nothing happens. He gets a bigger wand Many performers will say that they are difficult, but it is necessary for anyone
and waves it over the silk, but nothing just themselves on stage. Usually that is not who aspires to present good and consis-
happens. He gets a bigger wand and waves true. What an audience sees is a stronger tent shows. After you write down your
it over the silk, but nothing happens. He or more dynamic version of that person. character, re-examine that show you
gets a bigger wand and waves it over the You cannot help but change your persona watched or pondered. Did you see any in-
silk, but nothing happens. He gets a huge at least a little when you agree to stand consistencies in character? Were you silly
wand and waves it over the silk, and the before a live audience and perform. In for one routine and serious for another?
cloth changes to yellow. Ta dah! Magic! fact, the conscious act of performing auto- Did you show two different sucker tricks
3) The magician shows an empty clear matically causes changes in your brain that and act smug during one and baffled
tube and a silk printed with a picture of a affect your behavior. Performing releases during the other? Were there simple props
rabbit. He drops the silk into the tube and endorphins, a hormone that increases your that “misbehaved” and got the better of
covers it with a sparkly cylinder. He makes sensation of pleasure. It also increases you and others that you eventually caused
some magical gestures, dramatically your body’s production of oxytocin, which to operate perfectly? Usually there is a way
removes the cylinder, and a rabbit appears typically relieves anxiety and enhances to routine all of your effects so that they
inside the clear tube. Ta dah! Magic! feelings of trust. So it becomes inevi- match your character. If you cannot find
Now, give these scenarios some in- table that when you perform you become a way to make a trick fit in with who you
trospection. From my briefest of descrip- more of a “character.” Learn to channel portray on stage, then discard it.
tions, you can tell that these are shows that those natural inclinations and define the Here s a fairly open routine with which
involve three different magical characters. character you want to portray. you can experiment. The effect is that you
In which show was the magician a clever You may want to begin by watching a display a packet of three cards. One at a
and competent adult who could transform video of yourself presenting your favorite time, you show that the bottom card, the
things with his powers? In which one was show. But you could also simply sit and top card, and the middle card each have
the magician a goofy child-person who think about your act. (You remember a red circle. Then you turn over all three
always bungled things? In which show was thinking, right? It was the pastime that cards to show that they have changed to
the magician a regular person in control of engaged many of us before phone apps one red circle, one blue triangle, and one
his props, ready to find whatever he needs and Facebook.) Try to define your stage green square. Learn this quick-and-easy
to make something magical happen? behaviors in a sentence or two, or perhaps trick and then try adjusting your presen-

32 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

tation to different characters or personae. might show on its face. They should guess
Here is how to make it. that it will have a red circle. Turn it around
Set three jumbo playing cards in a to show they are correct (Figure 7). Say
stack. Use a ruler and razor knife to trim that the middle card has a red circle. You
a thin triangular sliver off both long sides have now presumably shown that the
of all three cards (Figure 1) to make them
stripper cards. If you already have a jumbo
stripper deck, you can just use three of Figure 7

Figure 3

bottom, top, and middle cards all have a

red circle. For the climax, turn over the
Figure 1 outer two cards to reveal a blue triangle
and a green square (Figure 8).

Figure 4

tensibly the top card. Say that the top card

has a red circle (Figure 5). Turn the double
card face down and slap it atop the single
card to reassemble the packet of three, and
then fan them. The stack will be, from the
back, blue triangle, red circle, and green
square. Up-jog the center card (Figure 6)
Figure 2 and ask the audience to guess what that Figure 8

those cards. Print a large red circle, a large [Editor’s note: This trick is a simpli-
green square, and a large blue triangle on fied and gaffed version of Bill Elliott’s 3
separate pieces of opaque paper and use Card Monkey Business, which appeared in
spray adhesive to affix those geometric Ibidem #16, March 1959. Elliott’s routine
shapes to the faces of the cards. Trim away used normal cards and incorporated Ed
the excess so you have a set as shown in Marlo’s Quick 3-Way move to show that all
Figure 2. The two outside cards have the three cards were identical. It had a spec-
wide end at the bottom. The center card tator-versus-hustler theme. Color Monte
has been reversed so the wide end is at the (a packet trick sold by Emerson and West)
top. You are ready to perform. was merely the Elliott trick with specially
Hold all three cards in a fan with the Figure 5 printed cards. Although Color Monte
backs facing the audience (Figure 3) (and the many knock-offs that followed)
to show that you have just three cards. were huge best-sellers, Bill Elliott’s name
(Note that the illustrations all exaggerate has been forgotten as the originator of
the slanted sides of the cards for clarity.) the effect. The handling Jim Kleefeld
Square up the fan and turn your hand over describes comes from a Barry Hinnant
to show a red circle on the bottom card lecture. Hinnant credits the moves to a
(Figure 4). Say that the bottom card shows close-up card trick published years ago in
a red circle. a Linking Ring Parade.]
Turn the cards around and point to the Now that you have learned a good trick,
back of the top card. Grip both wide cards apply this to help establish your character.
at the bottom and pull the center card up Run through the trick a few times and you
and away. Hold the two cards as one and will see how easy it is. You will probably
turn them around to show a red circle, os- Figure 6 also see that it has potential, as the images

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 33

NOT JUST KID STUFF
are generic and you have not yet resolved must read a couple of books in Barbara or something similar, to define who you
any patter. The next thing to do is to make Park’s Junie B. Jones series.) If you have want to be in your performance guise, so
the trick yours. Think about how you want a clear idea of your stage persona, you you can build your presentations around
to portray your persona in your shows. should quickly come up with a few ideas that character. Without a defined persona,
Then think of a way to adapt this trick to for how to routine this trick. you are just a guy who went shopping at a
fit that persona. You have probably already First, use your character to determine magic store. “Here is a trick I bought; and
realized that you can change the images as what type of pictures, objects, or images here is another trick I bought.”
well as the patter. What would you use for you put on these cards. Then use those None of us should be getting paid for
the faces of the cards? same traits to determine how you script showing off the toys we chose to buy. Or
If you want a troubled magician the routine. You could act self-satisfied for knowing a secret few others know.
approach, you might change three kittens because you know exactly how you are People deserve to see an act, not just a
into a kitten and two skunks. For a silly fooling the audience. Or you could be flip person working with his own stuff. Your
character, you might change three inflated and carefree during the exposition, and tricks and routines should all fit your
balloons into an inflated one, a deflated one, then act surprised at the climax. You could character. Start examining your routines.
and a burst one. For an incompetent bungler portray the type of person who is casually Do you have any tricks that you present
act, you might change three rabbits into a unaware as the trick proceeds and who is just because they fooled you? Or because
rabbit, a tiger, and an elephant. A sophisti- then filled with wonder at the ending. Or you liked the way some other act did it?
cated card worker might change three Aces you could fumble your way through every Your act has to fit you. Every trick. Every
of Spades into Aces of Hearts, Diamonds, move, miscalling the pictures, showing routine. All the patter. All of it has to be
and Spades. In a sensible teacher role, you them upside-down, and otherwise failing done by a single character with a single
might change three Junie B. Jones figures miserably, and then be as surprised as the perspective. Your persona can be simple or
into three different literature characters to kids at the revelation. complex, as people in life are, but it still
emphasize that kids should read a variety This isn’t an important trick in the field has to appear unified. The way to begin is
of books. (If you don’t know who Junie of magic. But it could be very important to Establish Your Character. 
B. Jones is, put down this article and go to you. You can use this trick (or any one
to your local bookstore right now. Anyone of hundreds of other tricks) to help you
who does kid shows of any kind absolutely determine your character. Use this routine,

34 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

Texts from a Stooge reversed in the deck! This makes it a perfect combo trick. Mag-
ic-Card by iPhonestreetmagic.com is available on the iTunes
One of the biggest App Store for $3.99.
problems I face when
performing is remem- Can You Hear Me Now?
bering the spectator’s
name. No matter what I The number-one question I
try – repeating his name get whenever I lecture is about
when he says it, making a the microphone I wrote up in this
mental picture, or simply column and demonstrated at the
just trying to remember – doesn’t work for me. Later I simply S.A.M. conventions. Wherever
forget. Try this: Silence your phone and tuck it into a prop or I perform, I use this mic; ulti-
inside your table. Establish a texting conversation with a friend mately, the other performers on
in the audience to set up your memory aid. the show end up buying one.
When a person comes up on stage, ask him his name and The microphone is the Samson
repeat it out loud to the audience. Your stooge in the audience Airline Micro. It is worn on your ear and is very lightweight
texts you the name. What is great about it is that each person and powerful. Originally created for aerobics instructors, this
who comes up will be on a list, in order, on your phone. As you rich-sounding device is so easy to use. The receiver is about the
get near the end of your show, you will have a long list of names size of a TicTac box and plugs into any sound system.
that you can recite backwards with a quick glance. This normally sells for around $300, but there seems to be
I got a huge round of applause when I said in my final trick, a lot of unemployed aerobics instructors, so there is a steady
“Isn’t that so Stephen, Mary, George, Marisa, Karina, Steve, stream of mics available on eBay for $175-$250. A Google
Lynn, Chloe, and Margaret?” I glanced at each one as I said search will also find them.
the names. The fact that you can recite them backwards really
impresses an audience. Read Me to Sleep
The person who hired me remarked about my amazing
memory and even gave me a big tip for my efforts. A name is Our friends at thinkgeek.
personal. Remembering someone’s name makes them respected com have a neat-looking product
and important. This simple ploy will make you respected for that I think would be useful for
your efforts. anyone doing a chair suspension.
A stooge can also text you the name of a card that a spectator The Olde Book Pillow Classic
shows to the audience or the total of a series of numbers that is a pillow that folds in half to
have been written on a board. Please write to me with your look like a giant book. Classics
ideas on using a texting stooge. include Alice in Wonderland, The
Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,
Second Look at Magic-Card or Treasure Island. I could see
you starting a routine by reading from the book, opening it on
Magic-Card is an app that has been the board, and letting the spectator lie
sitting on my iPhone for a while. I didn’t down on the pillow. This would also
think it was that exciting. It was just another be great for your magic room. The
card moving around inside a phone. Well, pillows are priced from $18-$50.
with a second look, I’ve decided that it defi- I want to remind you about the
nitely has some merit and I now know how great S.A.M. scarves in the S.A.M.
to make it better. Store. These are great for covering
A spectator is shown the back of your things, penetrations, and productions.
phone and draws her favorite card on the These can also be worn by your wife
back. Flip the phone around and you will or girlfriend. They are the perfect
see a card floating face down on the home screen. You remove thickness and have a silky feel. I have
the card from the phone and hold it invisibly in your hand. Turn found many uses for these. They are
the invisible card face up and place it back into the phone. The only $15.
card the spectator drew appears inside the phone.
When I perform this effect, I have added the following: Bruce is always on the lookout for computer magic, iPhone/
After the card appears face up inside the phone, rest the phone iPad apps, Android apps, and tech toys that can be used in
on top of an Invisible or Brainwave Deck and watch the card magic applications. If you have any suggestions for future
melt away on the screen. Now open the deck and show the card columns, write him (SAMtalkBruce@cox.net).

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 35

 AC
M artin Gardner:
H (12 + 3 - 4 + 5 + 67 + 8 + 9) Y
elebration of is th
ear
By Tom Ewing

pieces of paper stuck to both sides of a butter knife were openly

removed, but which appeared magically back on the knife.
Gardner’s name first appeared in The Sphinx in the February
1930 issue, where the fifteen-year-old was listed as second prize
winner in a contest sponsored by magic dealer Blair Gilbert. The
May 1930 issue contained his first published trick, New Color
Divination, a variation on the crayon color divination trick, sub-
stituting colored gumballs for crayons and a moistened fingertip
for the fingernail. Regular contributions followed in that and
other magical publications.
Gardner moved to Chicago in the early 1930s to study at the
University of Chicago, where he majored in philosophy, gradu-
ating in 1936. He was a regular at the Chicago Magic Round-

T
table presided over by “Dorny,” who became the sixth dean of
he above title reflects just one aspect of Martin The Society of American Magicians in 1973. During this period,
Gardner’s multifaceted life – mathematical puzzles. As Gardner wrote his first books on magic: Match-ic (1935), Joe
you will read below, Gardner was fascinated by (and Berg’s Here’s New Magic, ghostwritten by Gardner (1937), 12
wrote about) a plethora of subjects. He was a quiet and Tricks with a Borrowed Deck (1940), After the Dessert (1940),
reticent genius, whose published works have inspired generations and Cut the Cards (1942).
in many fields of study. He served four years in the Navy during World War II, nearly
[The numbers in parenthesis in the title are the answer to two of them hunting German submarines, and then returned to
this puzzle: Make the number 100 by inserting “+” or “-” signs Chicago. He worked in the public relations department of the Uni-
between the digits 123456789 in order. There are other solutions; versity of Chicago until he sold his first short story in Esquire.
you might enjoy trying to discover them. You can find some Titled “The Horse on the Escalator,” the tale was inspired by
answers on page 69 of this magazine.] Gardner’s friendship with Dorny; it appeared in the October
On October 21, it will be one hundred years since the birth of 1946 issue. Its acceptance for publication gave Gardner the con-
the mastermind, Martin Gardner, a man so well known for his fidence to pursue a full-time career as a freelance writer. While
original thoughts, creations, and writings, that he hardly needs still in Chicago, he tracked down and interviewed Marshall D.
introduction. He was interested in many areas – mathemat- Smith, illustrator of S.W. Erdnase’s Expert at the Card Table, in
ics, puzzles, philosophy, physics, logic, skeptical inquiry, and an effort to identify the anonymous author.
pseudoscience. But throughout his very productive life magic His writing career took him to New York City in the late 1940s,
remained his constant star. He once told an interviewer, “My where he edited a children’s magazine, Humpty Dumpty, for eight
main interest in magic is because it arouses a sense of wonder years; he then originated and wrote the “Mathematical Games”
about the universe. It’s like life is a big magic trick and scientists column for Scientific American for twenty-five years, from 1957
are trying to figure out how it does what it does.” He certainly through 1982. In an interview with the Canadian Broadcasting
tried to figure it out himself, taking generations of admirers System in 1994 he explained, “I didn’t take any math in college
along with him on the fascinating journey. and I don’t consider myself a mathematician in any real creative
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1914, his lifelong interest in sense. I’m just a journalist who writes about what the real math-
magic as his primary hobby continued unabated until his death ematicians say.” His lack of mathematical sophistication proved
on May 22, 2010. Awards, accolades, an advantage, forcing him to express
and accomplishments aside, the best complex ideas in laymen’s terms. The
way to define the impact Gardner had column was widely read and remains
during his lifetime is through the eyes of highly regarded in mathematical and
those who admired him most. You will scientific circles.
hear from a number of these and learn One of Gardner’s best known
how many of them keep his memory magic projects began with a column
and love of curiosity alive. But first, in the March 1951 issue of Hugard’s
here’s a peek at his past, drawn from an Magic Monthly. Titled “Encyclope-
article written by Richard Hatch, then dia of Impromptu Magic,” the column
associate editor of M-U-M, in January ran for seven years and featured
2006. magic performed with all manner of
Martin Gardner’s father showed Martin with his wife Charlotte commonly available objects, with the
him his first trick, in which three small and sons Jim and Tom (standing) exception of card tricks and rope tricks.
36 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014
 Just a few of Martin Gardner's publications

The columns were collated into a book in 1978, published by magicians of the day. It was also designed as a force book; the
Magic, Inc. It remains a valuable resource for any magician who fifteenth word of each chapter is “of.”
wants to perform tricks on the spur of the moment. In 1994, In the early 1990s, Gardner moved to Hendersonville, North
Kaufman and Greenberg published Martin Gardner Presents, Carolina, where he continued to write books, columns, and
a large collection of Martin’s published and previously unpub- articles. His most successful book has been The Annotated Alice,
lished conjuring material. first published in 1960 and reprinted many times. There are
His first book for the general public, In the Name of Science currently over a half million copies in print of that title alone.
(1952), was based on an article on pseudoscience he’d written for After the death of his wife, Gardner moved back to his
The Antioch Review. But the book was quickly remaindered and native Oklahoma in 2002, where his son James is a professor
did not become successful until purchased for $500 and reprinted of education at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. He
by Dover in 1957 under the expanded title, Fads and Fallacies continued writing articles for different magazines, including a
in the Name of Science. It has never been out of print since and column for The Skeptical Inquirer. His works in the first half of
much of it – such as the chapters on Scientology, known then as this decade include Smart Science Tricks (2004), The Annotated
Dianetics – remains topical today. Night before Christmas (2005), and an updated paperback edition
of his New Ambidextrous Universe (2005). Just for good measure,
he co-wrote The Colossal Book of Short Puzzles and Problems,
edited by his official biographer, Dana Richards. His twenty-
five years of “Mathematical Games” columns had already been
anthologized in fifteen books, but were reissued in digital form
in May 2005.

THE G4G FOUNDATION

Being widely admired by so many people, a non-profit orga-
nization, The G4G Foundation, was formed in the early 1990s
to honor Gardner and “promote the lucid exposition and discus-
sion of new ideas in recreational mathematics, magic, puzzles,
In 1976, Martin was one of the founding members of the and philosophy.” Tom Rodgers conceived the idea of hosting a
Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Para- weekend “Gathering 4 Gardner” to honor him and bring some
normal (CSICOP), becoming widely regarded as the “dean” of of his friends together. The first G4G1 was held in January 1993.
American skeptics. Speaking of his interest in pseudoscience Elwyn Berlekamp publicized the idea to mathematicians. Mark
he said, “I cannot recall when or why I first became interested Setteducati took the lead in reaching the magicians, and Tom
in pseudoscience. Not being a scientist, but only a science jour- Rodgers contacted the puzzle community. Since that time, ten
nalist, I have always been intrigued by fringe science, perhaps more biennial conferences have been held; the most recent was
for the same reason that I enjoy freak shows at carnivals and in March 2014, when hundreds of people met in Atlanta to com-
circuses. Pseudoscientists, especially the extreme cranks, are municate in the lingua franca of Martin Gardner.
fascinating creatures for psychological study. Moreover, I have An article in Scientific American noted that a feature of all the
found that one of the best ways to learn something about any G4Gs has been magic. Gardner was an inventor of magic effects
branch of science is to find out where its crackpots go wrong.” for eight decades, but shied away from performance. He admitted
For magicians, Martin authored two books under the as much during an interview with the CBC: “Magic is strictly a
pseudonym, Uriah Fuller. Titled Confessions of a Psychic (1975) hobby with me. I’ve never been a performer. The closest I ever
and Further Confessions of a Psychic (1980), these books were “a came to getting paid for magic was when I was at the University
factual account of how fake psychics perform seeming incredible of Chicago; during the Christmas season I demonstrated magic
paranormal feats.” In particular, the books explained methods sets at Marshall Fields.” Still, well-known magicians owe a debt
for duplicating effects made popular by Uri Geller, including to Gardner for finding, sharing, and, in some cases, creating the
bending silverware and keys, starting broken watches, duplicat- principles they use today.
ing drawings, and much more. In conclusion, one must wonder what Gardner thought of his
Gardner’s long relationship with Dover Publications began life’s work, upon which he labored day in and day out. Was it
with the publisher’s release of his second book for the general work or a labor of love? With a twinkle in his eyes he summed
public, Mathematics, Magic and Mystery, in 1956. This title it up saying, “I just play all the time and am fortunate enough to
also has never been out of print and remains an engaging and get paid for it.” 
useful compendium of many of the mathematical principles used Tom Ewing is the S.A.M. National Historian and writes
by magicians. It explains the math behind many of the top card The Nielsen Gallery column each month in M-U-M.
OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 37
 MARK SETTEDUCATI DANA RICHARDS
Setteducati was a close friend of Martin Gardner and a co- Dana Richards is Gardner’s official biographer.
founder and organizer of G4G. In March 2012, he was appointed Richards is a professor of computer science at George
president of the G4G Foundation. He is a magician and inventor Mason University and a noted author. He was the driving
of magic, illusions, games, and puzzles and one of the most suc- force and editor of Gardner’s last book.
cessful artists in the world to integrate magic and illusion into TE: How did you come to help Martin write the
commercial products. Colossal Book of Short Puzzles and Problems?
Tom Ewing: When did you first meet Martin? DR: It happened by default. Gardner’s wife had died,
MS: I first met him in 1990 and visited with him often over and he wasn’t handling it very well. He became listless
the years. I was first introduced to him through his friend Mel and disinterested. I had an idea for him to have a project
Stover. I went to Martin’s house in Henderson, North Carolina, and told him, “Look, if you’re not feeling particularly
and, like everyone, was impressed with his file cabinets. He had creative, why don’t you just put a book together of all the
files on everything. Plus he corresponded with everyone and puzzles that appeared in your Scientific American column
those files were filled with newspaper clippings, flyers, letters, over the years.” He didn’t think he could get around to it,
and reference materials. This is how he could write so broadly so I copied all of the puzzles, pasted them up, and sent
on so many subjects. them to him saying, “Something like this.” He still wasn’t
TE: How did the G4G conference come about? sure, so I organized it more, put the puzzles in categories,
MS: The G4G was meant to be a one-off thing just for his sent it to him, and said, “See, this would be a really fun
friends and people who had direct contact with him. It quickly project for you to do.” Finally he said, “Why don’t you just
developed into a major event. Tom Rodgers drove him to the put your name on it,” and that’s what we did.
first conference and he attended one more. Eventually, it got TE: How did you first meet him?
so big we decided not to do it every year, but every two years. DR: We got to know each other because I stumbled
Martin didn’t fly, and his health also kept him away, but his on a paper he’d written in 1950 called “Mathematics
heart was in every convention. And finally, he was a very shy and the Folkways” in the Journal of Philosophy. I wrote
man. He didn’t want to be idolized. him asking for a bibliography of his works. He sent me
TE: Give our readers your sense of the man. a Xerox list of his books, but I told him that I wanted to
MS: Martin was one of the kindest, nicest human beings know about everything he wrote. That began a give and
you ever met. Forget about whatever he accomplished. That’s take; I visited him over the years and he’d show me things
nothing compared to the most important thing about Martin. in his files and his library and we became really good
He was a genuinely nice human being. No ego, just kind and friends. The first time I actually saw him was 1979; he
very inquisitive. Even in his last days, you’d show him a trick did an effect called Card Warp. He gave me those cards.
and he’d be like a little kid. He never lost his childlike sense of One of the proudest moments for me was that I figured out
curiosity and wonder. how the trick was done by studying the tears in the card.
TE: Do you have a favorite book of his? I came back the next day and told him how it was done.
MS: My favorite is Mathematics, Magic and Mystery. I love He’d use tricks to break the ice.
principles; it’s filled with many of these, but it’s easy to read. TE: What were his most striking attributes?
It’s very accessible. Martin wrote simply and the principles DR: He was a very humble person. Except for demon-
were so fascinating that no matter how many times you looked strating magic sets at Marshall Fields, he never performed
at the book you could find something new or be reminded of in public. This humility kept from doing that, but it also
something you forgot. kept him from doing other things like accepting honorary
TE: What makes him special? doctorates and speaking engagements. In fact, I’ve never
MS: He never lost his curiosity or enthusiasm. He never got found a single example of when he spoke in public. He
bored with the topics he was interested in. He loved ideas and was always in the mix and liked being in the room when
interacting with people – that’s why he loved magic. Even things were discussed, but never set himself up as an
though he was interested in many areas – math, magic, puzzles, expert.
and skeptical inquiry – he was very kind and truly open TE: Which do you think Gardner liked most, math or
minded. Even though he was a skeptic, if you gave him proof of magic?
something that he didn’t agree with, he would actually change DR: He definitely liked magic best. He published in
his position, unlike others who can’t admit they were wrong. magic journals for over eighty years. He didn’t do that
TE: What’s your favorite anecdote about Martin? with math. He was a latecomer to math, but had an early
MS: It happened at the G4G event two years ago. I organized appreciation for it. Initially, the math was in service to
the magicians and Elwyn Burlecamp organized the mathema- magic. His only degree was in philosophy; I guess I could
ticians. So Elwyn and I had to give a few announcements. I say that his first love was philosophy and not magic or
told attendees that Martin loved magic more than anything. math. But the reason I put magic before math is because
But Elwin said, “No, no, math was what he loved more than magic was closer to philosophy for him. What made
anything.” I suddenly realized that when you’re with him as a magic interesting to him was that it was a vehicle to
magician you think that’s his main interest. But when a math- opening people’s eyes to the wonders of our world. He
ematician is with him, he gets the impression that math is the was a “Mysterian,” someone whose philosophy is that we
only thing he’s interested in. He was a chameleon who went into should study life but we will never understand everything
all these different areas and had just as much enthusiasm for the – there will always be mysteries. Magic primed people’s
math as he did for magic. minds for the awe he felt when he appreciated nature.

38 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 REMEMBERING MARTIN GARDNER

MAX MAVEN JOHN RAILING

Orson Welles wrote that Max Maven has “the One of the country’s top close-up magicians, Railing is based in
most original mind in magic.” He’s published Chicago and performs regularly for an impressive roster of celebrities,
over 1,700 creations in the conjuring literature, entertainers, presidents, foreign dignitaries, and heads-of-state from
and has been an advisor to over a hundred around the world. He is actively involved with the Gathering 4 Gardner
television shows. As a consultant he has worked Foundation and serves on its Magic Advisory Council. He is a member
with David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, of the organizing committee of the annual, worldwide Celebration of
Doug Henning, Penn & Teller, Lance Burton, Mind event, focusing on Gardner’s life and work, including his playful
and many others. MAGIC magazine included and fun approach to mathematics, science, art, magic, and puzzles.
Max among the one hundred most influential TE: How did Martin Gardner come to your attention?
people in the field of theatrical magic during the JR: I spoke with him on a number of occasions, but never met him
twentieth century. personally. Like most admirers, I was exposed to him through his
TE: When did you first encounter Martin columns in Scientific American. In fact, when I was in high school in
Gardner? the late ‘60s, my twin brother and I used to rush to the local library
MM: I can’t remember exactly when I in Scottsburg, Indiana, to read each new issue. To us, the rest of the
began reading Martin Gardner’s “Mathematical magazine was simply a wrapper around Martin’s column. This was
Games” columns; it’s simpler to say that I can’t long before I ever became interested in magic.
remember a time when I wasn’t reading those TE: What was it about his Scientific American articles that inter-
columns. My father was a physicist, so from ested you?
my earliest childhood, Scientific American had JR: Several things. It was a wide-ranging series of articles about
a presence in our household, and somewhere in curious things that, for the most part, had some wonderful math and
the late 1950s I became a fan, eagerly awaiting underlying principles; they were presented simply at first, but when
the arrival of each month’s issue for the express they finally opened up to you, they created an “Aha!” moment. He put
purpose of devouring whatever odd and together these columns in a natural way, written like a student and not
wonderful ideas Martin had chosen to share. a professor. He would pose a puzzle or a problem and you’d have to
TE: How did you come to know each other? wait until next month to learn the solution. People would write him and
MM: I corresponded with him beginning he’d direct them to other experts. Long before the Internet, he was a
in the early 1970s, mostly about mathematical one-man social media resource, connecting people behind the scenes,
puzzles. But I was also interested, of course, which became the genesis of the Gatherings.
in mentalism and underlying principles, and TE: Gardner made it to the first several Gatherings. Do you think he
that was another subject of mutual interest. It wanted them to continue after his death?
wasn’t until the first Gathering for Gardner that JR: Absolutely. He didn’t want any memorials. He didn’t want
I actually met him. However, he was a big part anyone to do anything special for him. He was cremated and just
of my life – almost like family. Of all the people wanted his ashes thrown away. He didn’t want any idolatry. Even with
I have encountered during my life, precious his autobiography he simply told a friend, “Do whatever you want with
few have informed and inspired me as much as it.”
Martin. One shelf of my library is devoted to TE: What fascinated you about him?
Gardneriana, and I revisit his pages frequently. JR: He seemed to somehow be connected with so many interesting
TE: What made him special from your stand- super minds in fields unrelated to what people thought he was inter-
point? ested in. We’re talking great poets, inventors, and writers like Isaac
MM: Gardner is at the center of this huge Asimov and even some of those working on The Manhattan Project.
collection of intersecting sets – mathematics, During World War II, he was in the Navy; when the commander of
magic, puzzles, logic, linguistics, philosophy, the ship talked about a special bomb that had been dropped that would
theology, physics, and I’m certain I’m leaving change the course of the war, Gardner said he knew exactly what it was
out a lot of things, but they all intersected in this because of his connection with the University of Chicago. He and the
one fascinating guy. This is evident in the people commander were the only ones who knew what was going on and what
who attend the Gatherings. There are scientists, the bomb was.
mathematicians, magicians, puzzle enthusiasts, TE: How do you think he’ll be remembered?
physicists, skeptics, all interested in exploring JR: I think he’ll be remembered for how he touched so many people
these areas and sharing their wonder and fasci- in so many different fields. I’m talking life-changing encounters. And
nation. it’s these people, the founders and attendees at the Gatherings, who are
M: Which of his books is your favorite? working to ensure Martin is remembered by future generations. They
MM: My favorite is Mathematics, Magic and all nurse Martin’s celebration of mind. No matter where people are in
Mystery because it was the first. In fact, I may the world, they should take time during this centennial of his birth and
have read it before reading any of his columns. get together and have a party. It could be two people in a bar in Tokyo
It all happened around the same time. It’s worth or 1,500 people in Omaha, Nebraska. It doesn’t matter. Come together
noting that Martin’s own favorite among his to share a puzzle, a magic trick, a toy, a mathematical diversion. Just
books was Whys of a Philosophical Scrivener. give a toast to Martin and the Celebration of Mind. In describing the
My guess is that very few people actually read essence of Gardner, one word comes to mind – “wonder!” Throughout
that book all the way through. I did, but didn’t his life, he wrote articles, books, and essays on a range of topics driven
tackle it until about fifteen years ago. by that sense of wonder or surprise.

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 39

 REMEMBERING MARTIN GARDNER

JAMES RANDI Autobiography of Martin Gardner.

JR: I’ve really no idea where – or exactly when – I first met
Martin Gardner. I believe that moment may have occurred
in the offices of Scientific American magazine almost seven
decades ago, but it seems I have always known him. He
became such a fixture in my life, such a dependable part of my
world; I was so very accustomed to picking up the telephone
to call him, or answering a call from him that would always
result in an improvement of my knowledge of the universe.
He always expressed delight at something he had just
stumbled upon or that had occurred to his agile mind as
he applied it to a problem at hand. Indeed, “delight” was a
major characteristic of this man’s makeup. That enthusiasm
certainly carried over into his books and SA column. He was
James Randi and Martin constantly celebrating discoveries, expanding on them, and
looking for new ways to communicate them to the public – and
Retired stage magician and author James Randi is best especially young people. He was never happier than when in
known for his challenges and investigations into paranormal the company of kids to whom he would present a brainteaser,
claims and pseudoscience. He founded the James Randi followed by the “Aha!” phase in which he would provide the
Educational Foundation. His comments are excerpted from answer – usually totally unexpected – that made everything
the afterword of a new book, Undiluted Hocus-Pocus: The quite clear.

Then one day, in the summer of 1999, I went to the

RICHARD HATCH mailbox and found an uninsured book-rate box from Martin
Gardner. Inside was his first edition copy of Erdnase, signed
Richard Hatch is known as the translator from German on the title page by illustrator Marshall D. Smith. Although
into English of works about Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser not in good condition, I knew it was a valuable book. Charlie
(1806 – 1875), Paul Potassy, and the first four volumes of and I decided to sell Martin’s first edition on eBay, which was
Roberto Giobbi’s acclaimed Card College. He is the author relatively new at the time and something we had no experi-
of the illustrated bilingual (English and Japanese) children’s ence with. We discussed it with Martin; he seemed intrigued
book, Taro-san the Fisherman and the Weeping Willow Tree with the notion of an online auction and suggested that it
published in December 2012. might be made more interesting by the addition of his research
RH: I had never cared much for Erdnase. But I cared a materials on Erdnase, including his correspondence with
great deal for Martin Gardner. Edgar Pratt, Marshall Smith, and others. We agreed and in
It seems I had known about him almost since I began to due course another box arrived with those things. We were all
read. I had borrowed his Mathematics, Magic and Mystery surprised when his first edition and research materials sold on
from an older neighbor boy in Ames, Iowa, when I was about eBay for over $10,000 in February 2000, leading to a front-
twelve and soon thereafter began reading his columns in page story on Erdnase in The Wall Street Journal!
my father’s copies of Scientific American. The Dr. Matrix Charlie and I visited Martin several times in North
columns particularly fueled my imagination. I became Carolina (once to pick up his library of magic) and then
obsessed by magic, then abandoned it for a time and studied a few more times after he moved to a retirement home in
theoretical physics, and then became re-obsessed by magic Norman, Oklahoma. Others who knew him better and who
and abandoned physics to pursue it. But all the while I were more familiar with his incredible output have elsewhere
continued to read and admire the works of Martin Gardner. ably described this remarkable man. To me, he was a modest
Then Charlie Randall and I started to sell magic books, genius, a generous friend, an unpretentious intellectual, and a
both new and used, and even to publish a few ourselves. At real magician. I am grateful that our mutual interest in magic
some point Martin got in touch with us. He had a few books brought me for a brief time into the orbit of this uniquely
to sell, ones he no longer needed, would we be interested? Of gifted individual.
course we were interested! Anything Martin had handled had [Excerpted from MAGICOL with permission.]
to be interesting, even if he no longer wanted it.

40 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Hit The Road
With Scott Alex ander, Puck,
Jenny Alex ander, and Adam Ace

to my show; this required a box

truck to transport them. These
trucks look like they have a
TROUPING ILLUSIONS box stuck on the back. Rather
than lay out the expense of
So, you want to be an illusionist? buying a box truck, I found a Photo 1
The idea of performing illusions onstage local company that rents these
beckons through a swirling cloud of wind, trucks at a more reasonable
intelligent lighting, and stage fog. It may rate than the big boy rental
seem sexy to own a big shiny box with a places such as U-Haul, Hertz,
lovely assistant alluringly locked inside or Budget. It may pay to look
while facing the peril of flaming spikes around your area and find a
or sharp blades, especially to those of us rental place that is more of a
who grew up watching David Copperfield mom-and-pop joint. They often
on television. Some of you may have one, give you unlimited mileage and
two, or more illusions; or perhaps you are cheaper rates. Plus, the trucks
thinking of getting some. But transport- are usually plain white and
ing, setting up, maintaining, and perform- don’t say in big, bold, tacky
ing illusions is no easy task. Here are some letters on the side, “Rent This
tips on schlepping them from show to Truck!” A plain white box
show. truck can give the impression
When I first decided I wanted to add to clients that you actually own
larger props to my shows, I considered the truck, which can help if
many options. I finally bought as my you are trying to score prestige
first illusion an Owen Magic-built Zig points with a client. Companies
Zag, based on the Robert Harbin plans. sometimes sell their used box
This prop was awesome because it folded trucks and vans after a while, so you may Crystal Box takes a standard wrench and a
down flat and would fit in the trunk of my be able to get a good deal on buying one socket wrench along with twenty lag bolts
Chrysler Sundance. There are illusions of your own from them, if you think you and cap nuts. All of these, including the
such as a sword basket, sword suspension, are going to continue doing the big stuff. tools, are kept in a small plastic Tupper-
or Temple of Benares that will fit in the They always maintain them, so you know ware container. Crown Royal bags, pencil
trunk or backseat of a car. Illusions like that it is most likely a good buy. This type boxes, and Tupperware containers are all
this are relatively easy to transport and set of truck, at about fourteen to seventeen great receptacles to hold all your illusion
up and are a great way to get your feet wet. feet in length, should fit all your bigger hardware so that everything is in its place
If you are adding larger props such as show needs until you are ready for that when you go to put your props together.
a Ladder Levitation, Blammo, Wakeling next step, which is the big semi truck. You Having the tools included makes it easy
Sawing, or Crystal Box to the act, it might know, the one with your smoldering, sexy and convenient when it’s time to build the
require you to get a van. Early on when eyes painted on the side. Well...all things prop. Inexpensive tools can be purchased
I was touring colleges, I bought a panel in good time. to include with each prop; you’ll find that
van, which is a great way to troupe a the convenience definitely outweighs the
small illusion show. Nowadays, there are EVERYTHING IN ITS extra expense.
minivans that can be a great general-use PLACE If I have to do a really fast load in, I
car, especially for a family, and can double will often rent a box truck and travel with
as your illusion transport vehicle for your Every illusion should have its own everything pre-assembled. This way I can
local gigs. case or shipping crate. This keeps ev- just roll everything right into the venue
If you are already doing some smaller erything from getting banged up during and not have to take time building the
illusions that travel by car or van, but want transport. Each illusion should be packed prop. If you do this, just make sure you
to jump up to some bigger gear, you’re with its own container that holds all the use packing blankets to protect the edges
going to need a bigger truck. I added a necessary tools to break down and set up of your props and invest in some durable
Fire Spiker, Windshear, Water Levitation, the prop and all of the nuts and bolts to ratchet straps from Home Depot to secure
Cremation, Eclipse, and other large props hold the prop together. For example, my everything and keep it from rolling around

42 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

(Photo 1). Even if everything is being silicone lubricant can come in handy encounter while trouping with illusions.
transported in its cases, it is still a good to keep your equipment lubricated and But please remember, although we call
idea to strap everything down. working flawlessly. them illusions, the illusion is not the prop;
Hot-glue Gun: A hot-glue gun can it is the whole performance that incorpo-
THE ILLUSIONIST’S easily make quick repairs on a multitude rates the prop. My favorite analogy is one
“JUSTIN CASE” of parts and surfaces. It cools quickly, brought to my attention by Jim Steinmey-
molds to any shape, and can even be used er. He suggests that a Broadway director
Last month I talked about having a on fabrics. doesn’t point to a pile of scenery and say,
“Justin Case” for emergencies in case you Extra Screws and Bolts: Along with “There’s my latest musical.” The prop is
need to repair or fix up things in your show. having all of your necessary parts in a just the scenery and it needs a compelling
When you are doing illusions, your repair convenient container packed with your story or presentation to make it a success-
kit needs to be expanded a bit. In addition props, it is a good idea to have some extra ful illusion. Always take care to protect
to your black gaffers tape, zip ties, colored nuts and bolts with you in case one falls the prop with some quality cases, and
Sharpie markers, and the other items I through a crack in the floor while you are take everything with you to keep up and
suggested, you should also have these building your props. maintain the prop. Have extra parts and
items along if you are doing illusions. Tools: You should also carry some pieces for the prop, in case some get lost,
Black Spray Paint/Painter’s Tape: general tools with you, such as pliers, a and be sure you have the right vehicle to
It is inevitable that while moving props crescent wrench, a hammer, screwdrivers get your prop from point A to point B. And
around the stage dents and chips will etc. And remember that your entire prop most important, before you just roll that
happen. Black spray paint combined with is really a tool as well. A tool that helps prop out on the stage and do it the way you
some blue painter’s tape can easily touch you create an illusion during your perfor- saw the guy on YouTube do it, make sure
up any minor dings. mance. you have an entertaining presentation that
Spray Silicone: A lot of these props This just scratches the surface of all takes it from just a piece of scenery to an
have sliding and moving parts. A spray the multi-level challenges that you will amazing illusion. 

The Society of American Magicians Contest of Magic

Philadelphia – July 1-4, 2015
Probably Warm – Probably Crowded – Definitely Exciting!
The Society of American Magicians Contest of Magic is open to all members of the S.A.M.; it will be a featured event of
the 2015 convention. As performers from all over the world who have shared their skill and art with us will attest, the S.A.M.
Contests of Magic are unique, fair, independent, welcoming, and hot – sort of like Philadelphia itself and what got started there:
The USA!
There are two contests: The Dr. Paul Critelli Close-Up Magic Contest and The Father Cyprian Murray Stage Magic Contest.
You may apply for either or both.
If you would like to be considered for this event, your first step is to obtain an application packet. To do this, email me at:
MagicPaul@aol.com with “S.A.M. – Contest” in the subject line. Please make sure to include your email address, your full
name, regular postal address, and your phone number. If you do not have access to email, send your request to:

Paul Critelli, 858 Iroquois SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

All application packets will be made available electronically or sent out on or after December 31, 2014.
Do not put any act on line or send it to me in any form before you read, complete, and submit the application form.
All requests for an application packet must be in my possession by or sent on or before May 15, 2015.
All applications and all videos must be on line as instructed in the application packet by June 5, 2015. (These videos must
be sent so that only I, Paul Critelli, can view them on YouTube or some other video service. More details will be given in the
application packet.)

Thank you and good luck!

Paul Critelli, Chairperson

Contest of Magic
The Society of American Magicians

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 43

 by David Seebach
Joe Fox to the Rescue!
for sale at the combined I.B.M./S.A.M. convention. Apparently,
You may recall that my last column was about Zella’s Divided the seller decided not to part with it, even though Brian met the
Lady illusion as supplied by Abbott’s Magic Co. I commented asking price with cash. I told Brian he was welcome to borrow
that I had no idea who Zella was. It turns out that Zella was the mine if necessary, but I cautioned him about one of the act’s
nom de plume of U.F. Grant! He worked at Abbott’s from 1940 issues. The load chamber is very small and only a really small
to 1942, but did not get along with the “Caliph of Colon,” Percy shoe will fit. Therefore, the audience helper must be quite young.
Abbott. While working there, Grant also invented/developed the And, at that age, the helper may not realize that the destruction of
Modernistic Amputation, the Bullet-Proof Girl, and the masterful his (or her) shoe is fantasy and not reality. (This is a lesson that I
Super-X Levitation. The parting was acrimonious; after 1942 learned the hard way.)
there’s no mention of U.F. Grant as the inventor of these effects, And, unfortunately, so did Jason Hudy. The young boy who
except for the Divided Lady under his fictitious name. For any surrendered his shoe was horrified when Jason’s almost mon-
younger readers, you should know that Grant went on to produce strously large – and unique – prop gobbled up his shoe, and with
lots of entry-level magic apparatus sold under his own name. some smoke and sparks disgorged a burnt bit of footwear.
Much of that line would be familiar to you today as MAK Magic. The boy’s screams and shrieks filled the gym. Jason did every-
Here’s a sincere thank you to reader Joe Fox, who filled me in on thing he could to persuade the moppet that it was all part of the
these details. show, but the lad was inconsolable, much to the uncomfortable

Come With Me to Colon

delight of all in attendance. Jason raced (I believe) to get to the
finish to return the shoe, and I suspect we missed some aspects
of the routine. And, I’d like to have seen that, since the Rube
Goldberg prop was immense and very fanciful.
I’m composing this just a few days after the seventy-seventh Jason opened his set with the clear, see-thru version of sawing
annual Abbott Magic Get-Together. I will share my personal and executed it well, although this illusion concept does abso-
observations of the five public shows and the performers who lutely nothing for me. He had an updated version of Jim Stein-
featured illusions. The talent line-up was very good this year, meyer’s Girl in the Puzzle that also doesn’t do much for me, but
with one night devoted to “under twenty-five” talent and another it was presented well. He scored much better with Steinmeyer’s
to cruise ship entertainers. There seemed to be more acts making masterpiece, Op-Art. This may be the greatest illusion of recent
their Get-Together debuts. invention. His show closed with the transposition of a lady
The performers must contend with a typical high school assistant in a glass box atop a pedestal and himself on stage level.
stage in a gymnasium that has limited wing space, not much The “switch” was breathtakingly fast.
backstage space, and Spartan lighting, with only a cobbled-to-
gether mid-stage traveler and no flies for backdrops. But, the event
boasts a very dedicated technical crew that will move heaven and
earth to “make it work.”
Outerbridge was the name of the act that closed the Friday
night show. This was a very slick act with illusions that looked
terrific. I felt that this couple demonstrated a lot of experience;
the performance was very smooth. Although not an illusion, his
handling of Tricky Bottles was impressive to me with a great
surprise finish. They closed their act with an exchange illusion
with the illusionist winding up at the back of the gymnasium.
Earlier in the show, Losander performed and received a tre-
mendous standing ovation (the only one of the Get-Together) for
his signature levitation of a table. His surprise finale was unex-
pected and certainly helped him receive the Jack Gwynne award Jason Hudy
for excellence.
The Saturday afternoon matinee can be a hit-or-miss show It was announced that Jason is soon to begin a long-term run in
because it often has performers who are not as experienced as Asia and I’m sure he will only get better. His Saturday afternoon
their evening counterparts, but this year’s matinee was excep- matinee appearance was outstanding. He had three female as-
tional. sistants who were uniformly adept in the mechanics required of
Jason Hudy was the illusionist and impressed everyone and them. I think their costuming could be much improved and I’d
provided a never-to-be-forgotten incident, which needs a bit of start by getting them appropriate shoes with heels for more of a
explanation. My long-time stage manager, Brian LeBoeuf (thirty showgirl appearance.
years experience with my show!), who is also Abbott’s audio The evening’s show had emcee Chris Mitchell dressed and
engineer, had mentioned to me that he had seen a Wiz Kote prop wigged as the cruise director of our magical voyage. He was

44 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

extremely effective and immediately reminded me of the Tony priate number; her vocalization was a tour de force.
Curtis role in Some Like It Hot, when Curtis masquerades as a I cannot emphasize how impressed I was with the Beckers.
pseudo-Cary Grant to woo Marilyn Monroe. I felt that – more than any other act at the Get-Together – they
John Shryock and Mari Lynn featured the popular Origami displayed a complete understanding of entertaining: humor,
illusion. I feel it is a major mistake to introduce the illusion with drama, strong personal emotion, and exciting magic.
the three swords in view. Why alert the audience to their presence? The Beckers and John Shryock returned for a combined finish
After you’ve accomplished the impossible – folding your assistant that involved a straitjacket escape and a transposition that had –
into a tiny box – introducing the swords has even greater impact. another – appearance from the audience and a surprise substitu-
Assistant Mari Lynn was fantastic throughout John’s act with tion onstage. And, as if this wasn’t enough of a finale, the entire
wonderful stage presence and poise and a perfect showgirl’s cast returned for what was billed as “The Fountains.” It played
beauty and grace. I hope Jason Hudy’s girls were watching. like a Sid Caesar sketch from his old Your Show of Shows and it
won the cast the Senator Clarke Crandall comedy trophy. It was
funny, but it was also self-indulgent and w-a-a-a-y too long. It was
a good finish, but it would have been even better if it had been
edited, especially since this show was already clocking in at two-
and-a-half hours.
Losander electrified the crowd and won the big trophy. I’m
glad I didn’t have to choose the winner; I would have wrestled

John Shryock - Origami Illusion

Later, the stage was taken over by Fred Becker and wife
Bobbie. They opened with a very clever version of Hans Moretti’s
cardboard sword-box effect using umbrellas. This may not sound
like much, but it was a superb bit of stagecraft; I do not want Losander
to spoil it for you by giving away more here. Although not an
illusion, Fred’s routine with animal crackers captivated everyone. between Losander and the Beckers.
It was wonderful. Please do not take any of the criticisms here to indicate that I
did not care for any of the acts mentioned. These were all top-notch
performers. I’m sharing a lot of personal preferences; you might
disagree. I’d gladly watch any of these artists again.
I must also mention a pair of college roommates who appeared
at the matinee, the Sensational Suitemates. They were funny and
inventive, and like Jason Hudy, they managed to pick a little girl
from the audience who turned everything onstage on its ear. I
expect to see more of these fellows and I hope it’s soon!

It’s Halloween!
For the twenty-fourth consecutive year, my Illusions in the
Night show moves once again. It will play on October 10, 11, 12
and 24, 25, 26 on Milwaukee’s southwest side. We’re going to
The Beckers an abandoned department store where half of the building will
become a Halloween Express retail outlet and the other half will
Fred came across as a very genuine, likeable person (as did be converted into our performing space. I’m expecting to stage a
Jason Hudy). I felt some of the other acts were a bit over-the-top sequence of Chinese magic with multiple stage illusions, a return
with stage swagger; the people in our party commented that it of the spooky “Monkey’s Paw,” and other seasonal surprises.
appeared that some acts were doing their best to elicit the coveted Please contact me for additional information. 
“Standing O.” I don’t care for a posture that begs applause as you
finish your turn and then ask, “Do you want to see one more?” We David Seebach
witnessed that more than once. david@davidseebach.com
Bobbie Becker stopped the show when she sang a very appro- Photos by David Linsell

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 45

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

hands.” And to be perfectly frank, there’s order out of chaos. More specifically, Dai
a whole vast subbasement of card tricks Vernon used the story of someone else mis-
that are created for the amusement of the chievously or maliciously trying to ruin a
PUT WORDS IN MY performer, based wholly on intriguing or performance by mixing up the cards that
MOUTH clever methods. But there’s a whole other way, only for the performer to “magically”
group of card tricks that get a bad rap pull the fat from the fire. Both of these
I recently received a very nice com- even though they’re very effective with things are a big deal. If you keep that in
pliment in the form of a question from a audiences. mind, you’ll go a long way towards normal
magician friend of mine. Most magicians These types of tricks usually suffer audiences appreciating your topsy-turvy
ask me questions along the lines of “Do from what the late Tony Giorgio dubbed shuffling more than your bored magician
you have any tips on the second deal?” “cooking show patter”– walking through friends do.
or “How did you learn the table faro?” the steps of the trick while describing Another thing worth remembering
or “You do two hours of walk-around what you’re doing. I suspect that part of is that while you and all your magician
and don’t do the sponge bunnies?!?” My the reason for that is that the performer is friends may have seen a gazillion versions
friend, on the other hand, asked me, “How too busy recalling the steps, moves, and of a given “plot,” ninety-nine percent of
do you go about scripting your effects? I’ve sequence of the trick to figure out what normal audiences haven’t. (The exception
noticed a really nice, clear imagery when else to say about it. And if that’s as far as that tests the rule is the pick-a-card trick.
you perform, like carefully placed jokes, the performer cares about the trick, the They know you’re going to find the selected
etc.” It’s a compliment, because finding a audience certainly isn’t going to care. They card; they just don’t know how.) So to do
good script is as much work as learning might think it’s nice you have a hobby and Triumph or an Ace assembly or such with
any advanced card technique. read a book, but that has nothing to do with a bored air of “you all know how this goes”
This magazine already has a terrific them. is a recipe for death on toast. If you’re
column about crafting scripts (by my The good news is that audiences will bored with this thing they’ve never seen
colleague Mick Ayres). This is the card care. You just have to let them know why before, the audience will be bored; they’ll
magic column. The kind of card magic I they should care. follow your lead. But if you present these
specialize in, however, presents its own tricks like you’re the first person to ever
scripting problems. So I thought I’d talk a WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT do them, your audience will follow suit. As
little this month about how I work out what NBC once said about summer repeats, “If
to say for the kind of card magic I perform.
(ALFIE)? you haven’t seen it, it’s new to you.”
The first step – after deciding the trick
WHO CARES? is worth performing, naturally – is to LIKE I’M A FIVE-YEAR-
figure out what the trick is about. What’s
Typically when I meet other magicians actually happening? Card magicians
OLD
and they find out that I perform exclusively have been ruined by the idea of “plots” Once you have a clear understanding of
with cards, and I then tell them I do gam- and “problems.” Terminology is handy what’s going on, the next task is figuring
bling-related material, Ace assemblies, to be able to classify and codify the vast out how to explain it to your audience so
countdown effects – basically anything ocean of magical possibilities with a that they have a clear understanding of
other than “pick a card and find it in the deck of cards. But anyone who’s taken what’s happening.
mashed potatoes” type card magic – they notes knows of the entry in his notebook We generally like to keep our effects
smile politely and wait to admire my that made perfect sense when he wrote it as simple as possible for that reason, but
technique. They think that kind of card down, but years later became a meaning- you can also present more complex effects
magic is only good for magicians, and that less scribble. Effects that are miracles get successfully if you can figure out a way
“audiences don’t care.” reduced to concepts. to communicate them simply. A two-card
They’re not wrong. Gambling-related Take Triumph, for example. Every transposition is a dead-simple effect to un-
material aside, there’s nothing inher- card magician past the 21-Card-Trick derstand; this card is here, this one’s here,
ently interesting about finding unknown stage knows a version of Triumph: the and presto-chango, they change places.
playing cards, or making playing cards cards are mixed face up and face down, It’s a favorite with bar magicians and
jump around, or making the Aces turn and all the cards magically straighten out tradeshow workers because it’s easy to un-
face up one at a time, or any of those kinds (except for the chosen card, or the four derstand and packs a punch.
of events. Eugene Burger has famously Aces, or whatever). But the reason that this The standard description of a one-at-a-
referred to these kinds of tricks as “the magical event is a “triumph” is because time (or “slow-motion”) Ace assembly, on
adventures of the props in the performer’s it’s a powerful demonstration of creating the other hand, is usually: “We start with

46 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

four Aces and twelve indifferent cards. We able. For those who think the lottery is “a Provides many
lay out the Aces in the classic T-formation, tax for people who can’t do math,” you’ve different approaches
and the Ace of Spades will be the leader communicated the idea of something so from many great and
Ace. We’ll put three indifferent cards on improbable, it might as well be impos- successful performers
this Ace, three indifferent cards on this sible. Once you’ve created those pictures and tips on crafting
Ace, and three indifferent cards on this in everyone’s mind, when you have to and writing scripts.
Ace …” I almost fell asleep writing that, count down twenty to thirty cards to get Michael Close,
and I’m a big fan of card tricks. to the named card, you don’t have to worry Workers 3. A succinct
But forget “indifferent cards,” “classic about whether or not they’ll care about the and extremely in-
T-formation,” and “the leader Ace.” That’s outcome. formative essay on
magician jargon, and jargon obfuscates. A The tricky part is finding the right “patter,” featuring
one-at-a-time Ace assembly is just three analogy; it has to inform, but it has to one of my favorite
transpositions in a row. So, for example, be simple. You want to evoke without bullet-point guideline
when I do my version of Jazz Aces for a obscuring. I have a vivid memory of wit- lists for evaluating a
regular audience, I don’t talk like I’m at nessing a professional performance of script for a trick.
the Magic Castle bar or the Marlo round- Card Warp play to complete silence. Not Darwin Ortiz,
table in the middle of a session. I say, “It’s stunned silence – dead, indifferent silence. Strong Magic.
my job to get each of these Aces, one at a The performer had decided to do the trick Probably the most
time, to change places with the card I put with a presentation about psychological exhaustive treatise
over here.” And that’s what happens: three blind spots, but in an effort to sound in- on every facet of
two-card transpositions, one after the telligent and informed he’d filled his script presenting close-up
other – easy to follow, easy to understand. with buckets of techno-psychobabble. As magic. It’s not a joke
Sometimes card magic can be a little a result, his script – rather than enhancing book of one-liners, or
more complex or abstract. That doesn’t what was happening – completely a handbook of ready-
necessarily mean that the trick won’t fly for drowned out the effect. This is an effect made presentations,
a normal audience. It just means you need that almost speaks for itself. He could’ve but a post-graduate
to figure out the simplest way to explain gotten a better reaction by saying, “Now, course on everything
what’s happening. This is how science watch!” I’m not saying his presentational you have to consider
fiction TV shows and movies find wide idea couldn’t have been effective. Where to perform close-up
audiences outside of physics and computer he went wrong was that he gave a compli- magic that is not just
science PhDs. They described it best on cated explanation, and forgot to include the entertaining, but
the animated show Futurama: simple analogy. The audience’s mind, as a truly mystifying.
Fry: Usually on the show [Star Trek], result, got overloaded – “Like putting too In addition I’d recommend watching
they came up with a complicated plan, and much air in a balloon!” video footage of magicians you admire
then explained it with a simple analogy. (either readily available on DVD, or on
Leela: Hmmm...If we can reroute GO TO THE SOURCE YouTube) performing tricks you’re familiar
engine power through the primary with. I’m not advocating copying presenta-
weapons and configure them to Melllvar’s I would love to be able to say that I’ve tions or stealing jokes; I mean study their
frequency, that should overload his elec- learned what I know about scripting/pre- presentations. What did they say, and why
tro-quantum structure. senting card magic sprung fully formed did they say it? Was it to cover a moment,
Bender: Like putting too much air in a from my skull and my performance ex- or to sell a condition? Or both at once?
balloon! perience. That’s half-right. You’ll ulti- Sure, you could just copy what someone
This can be a good way to find your mately know what works by doing it in else did and what someone else said and it
emotional hook to a trick. I was once privy front of humans. But I will, in a heartbeat, might get a better reaction than what you
to an online discussion/argument about recommend a number of my favorite were doing before. But you won’t under-
whether or not Any Card at Any Number is resources for putting together presenta- stand why. And you won’t know how to get
a good effect for normal audiences. Some tions: the same reaction in a different trick. It’s
folks argued about what the actual prob- John Mendoza, Close-Up Presenta- a Band-Aid solution; for this situation you
ability was, some argued that “improb- tion. A little obscure and hard to find in want a developed immune system. 
able” isn’t “impossible,” and some were this day and age, but
complaining about having to deal more an influential and This column (as are any of my previous
than ten cards in front of an audience. extremely practical columns) is a matter of discussion and
After thinking about it, I realized the resource for present- debate. I welcome any questions or
best analogy I could think of for why ing close-up magic comments. If any M-U-M readers want
ACAAN is a good trick also makes a great for real audiences. to get in touch, please feel free to contact
emotional hook for any audience: “Has Pete McCabe, me at antoniomcabral@yahoo.com. I look
anyone here ever played the lottery? Has Scripting Magic. A forward to answering your questions and
anyone here ever won the lottery?” For writer’s approach to opening a dialogue or two.
anyone who’s ever played the lottery with creating scripts for
any hope of winning, the appeal is undeni- magic performance.

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 47

 Messing With Your Mind
By Christopher Carter

I begin by bringing out an envelope and the luxurious Occidental Grand Resort.
the chain. I say, “Every winter my wife and Beautiful beaches, women in bikinis, all
I spend a week in Cozumel, Mexico. We’re the drinks included. If you lose, you’re
from Chicago. If you can get out of the going to Jose’s Hotel. Umm...it’s a dump.
snow, you do it. No beach. In fact it’s right on the fishing
“There’s a game they play on the street pier. You get to wake up to the stench of
corners in Cozumel and on the mainland fish. Which will it be? Place your finger
When my esteemed editor asked if I had of the Yucatan. It involves a little chain down now!”
a contribution that connected to Martin like this. It’s a gambling game. They lay After the spectator chooses a loop, I
Gardner, I was at a loss. I do nothing in out the chain into a figure eight, and you pull it so that his finger goes free.
my act that involves mathematics. This is get to decide which loop to put your finger “Very good,” I say. “You’re a natural
not because I don’t enjoy it, but because in. When they pull the chain, you get two at this. Now you’re sitting on a beach chair
I can’t find a way to make mathematical possible results. Either your finger gets at the Occidental Grand. You look down
effects congruent with my favorite theme, caught in the loop, or it doesn’t. the beach. A woman is walking up to you.
manipulating people. So I scoured my col- “Here’s the catch. The operator can Choose a side. If your finger breaks free,
lection of books by Martin Gardner, and lay down the chain in two possible ways. she’s Olivia, a five-foot-ten Brazilian super
happened upon a routine from Encyclope- Sometimes the loop that traps your finger model. If your finger is trapped, she’s
dia of Impromptu Magic that bore a resem- is on the right. Sometimes it’s on the left. Olga, the captain of the Russian women’s
blance to something I do. And you can’t tell by looking at the chain weightlifting team.”
The Gardner effect in question is which side will trap your finger. The only This time when I pull the loop, I trap the
a precursor to a popular swindle, The thing you can go by is the operator’s body spectator’s finger. “Uh, oh. Not so good.
Endless Chain, also known as Fast and language. He knows, and if you know how But I’m sure Olga has a lovely personality.
Loose. In that effect, you lay out a chain to read him, you’ll win the game.” Let’s play again. You and Olga decide to go
or necklace into a figure eight and invite a As I deliver these lines, I demonstrate for a drive. The rental car has two choices.
spectator to place his finger into one of the the operation of the loops on my own One is a brand new Mercedes 500 SL. The
loops. When you straighten out the chain, finger. One time I trap my finger; one time other is a rusty Yugo. Choose a loop. If you
the spectator’s finger is either entrapped by I let it go free. Then I lay it out for a third break free, you get the Mercedes, if not,
the loop or free from it. The nature of the time and I continue with the story. you get the Yugo.”
game, you explain, is for the spectator to “I’m going to play this game with you, I pull the loop so that the spectator’s
guess which loop will result in his finger but I’m not going try to psych you out. I’m finger is trapped. “Okay, so you’re driving
becoming trapped. If he does that success- going to be as neutral as I can be. There around the island in your Yugo. I don’t
fully, he wins. If not, he loses. are the loops. Take your guess.” know how you do it, but you get it up to
Gardner’s impromptu version involves When the spectator places his finger fifty-five miles per hour. Unfortunately the
coiling one’s belt on the table and inviting into a loop, I pull the chain so that his speed limit is thirty-five. A cop pulls you
the spectator to place his finger into the finger goes free. over. Place your finger down. If you get
coil. The challenge is to see whether he “Well done. Be honest with me. Was trapped it’s a 5,000 peso fine. If not, there’s
finds the middle of the belt. If he does, he there anything about my body language no ticket.”
wins. If not, he loses. that tipped you off?” Usually the spectator When I pull the chain this time, I allow
I’m sure you know that the swindle is answers, “No.” I respond with, “Then the spectator’s finger to go free. Then I lay
that you, the operator, control the outcome. you’re very intuitive. Of course that was the loops down again. “Great! No ticket.
You can trap the person’s finger or allow it easy for you because there was nothing at There’s one more thing we need for our
to go free depending on your evil whim. In stake. I forgot to mention at the beginning, vacation: a man’s name. Choose a loop.
the case of the belt, you control whether his this is a gambling game. You start by If your finger breaks free, the man’s name
finger ends up in the middle or not. wagering fifty pesos. If you win, you double is Octavio. If it gets stuck, his name is
In the routine that follows, the fact your money. If you lose, you lose it all. Xavier.”
that you secretly control the outcome is “But we’re not going to play for money. When I pull the chain, I cause the finger
the driving force behind the method. It’s We’re going to play for a fabulous, all- to get trapped and I say, “Xavier it is. Your
not a case of “I win, you lose,” as per the expense-paid vacation. It’s a completely choices guided the bizarre twists and turns
traditional presentation. Instead, the game imaginary one; but trust me, your subcon- our imaginary vacation took. Please be
becomes a means of creating a series of ap- scious mind won’t know the difference. honest. Were you able to consciously read
parently random choices. Although I will “Imagine you’re on a trip to Cozumel. my body language on any occasion?”
describe it using the Endless Chain, feel You could go to one of two places. Right When the spectator says, “No,” I
free to substitute Mr. Gardner’s impromptu now, place your finger into one of the loops. continue. “Then what you’re about to see
version if you prefer. If your finger breaks free, you’re going to is either dumb luck, or you’re extremely

48 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

intuitive. Please pick up and open the rusty old Yugo. We took it for a ride, and I can create this tone, the routine packs a
envelope.” got pulled over for speeding. Fortunately I surprising wallop in spite of its light heart-
When he opens the envelope, he finds a got out of the ticket. Unfortunately, I spent edness. 
postcard from the Occidental Grand Hotel the night in a Mexican jail. By the way, my
in Cozumel. cell mate, Xavier, says ‘Hi!’” [If you are unfamiliar with the methods
“That’s from my last vacation. I sent As you can see, this is a very light- used in Fast and Loose, you can find in-
it to myself as a joke. Please read what is hearted routine. Of course, you can create formation in Lewis Ganson’s The Art of
written on the back of it.” whatever options you want for your Close-up Magic Volume 1, Whit Haydn’s
The postcard reads: “Hello from the imaginary vacation. Or, if you prefer, use Notes on Fast and Loose, Johnny Thomp-
Occidental Grand in Cozumel. It’s been another theme altogether. The goal is to son’s DVD Commercial Classics of
a strange trip. I met a girl named Olga on play it as if you’re making up the story as Magic Volume 2, and on various Internet
the beach, and we decided to go for a ride. you go along, and the options are just crazy websites.]
All they had at the rental car agency was a ideas you came up with on the spot. If you

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 49

 El Roberto Enigm atico
The M agic of Bob Far mer
tr anslated from the spanish
By R .D. Michaels
shakes the die inside, inverts the cup, and day. You shouldn’t be surprised when I tell
slides it off his hand onto the bar, trapping you that the Hustler will win this game
As was mentioned in the Editor’s the die underneath. The remaining three two-thirds of the time. This advantage,
Desk column in the January 2013 issue of cups are treated the same, with the Mark combined with using even-money bets,
M-U-M, I ran into Bob Farmer in 2012 in being invited to join in. means the Hustler will quickly accumulate
the small coastal town of Jávea, Spain. Bob There are now four inverted coffee cups a small fortune.
was working as a tableside magician, using on the bar. Under each is a poker die, with The Scam: The secret is in the alloca-
the pseudonym El Roberto Enigmatico. an unknown value up. Each player now tion of card values to the dice. Figure 1
Although Bob was working for tips (and throws an equal amount of money into the below shows an unfolded layout of dice;
making pretty good money from it), he oc- pot (this is an even-money bet). The Mark A, B, C, and D. There are twenty-four
casionally supplemented his income with lifts any coffee cup and the Hustler lifts different card values from Ace to King on
the occasional bar bet. The following item, any other. The player with the highest card the four dice and all four suits are repre-
Bar-racuda, is one of his favorites. showing (Ace is high) wins. sented.
What makes this bar bet work is the The winner collects his winnings. The first thing to notice is how the suits
principle of nontransitive dice. Since this The dice are placed back in their respec- are dispersed. Clubs and Diamonds appear
issue of M-U-M is dedicated to Martin tive coffee cups; the cups are shaken only on die A, Clubs and Hearts only on
Gardner, you might want to track down and returned mouth down to the bar. All die B, Spades and Diamonds only on die C,
what he wrote about the subject. Check the cups are mixed around and the game and Spades and Hearts only on die D. This
out Mathematical Games: “The Paradox continues until the Mark runs out of is easy to remember because the progres-
of the Nontransitive Dice and the Elusive money – which will happen sooner rather sion of the suits from A to D is alphabeti-
Principle of Indifference” in Scientific than later. cal: CD - CH - SD - SH.
American, December 1970, pages 110-114, The G on the Joint: It’s tough to The next thing to notice is how the suits
or in Martin’s book, The Colossal Book of imagine a simpler or more (apparently) le- are arranged on each die. Note that on dice
Mathematics: Classic Puzzles, Paradoxes, gitimate game. The Mark can handle all the A and B, all the Clubs are in a row. On dice
and Problems. – R.D. Michaels props, shake all the dice, and choose any C and D, the Diamonds and the Hearts are
cup he wants. No one knows what value in a row. Arranged this way, when a die
BAR-RACUDA is under any cup at any time. Betting even rests on the table, it will display three of its
money looks scrupulously fair, since each six sides to you, and those three sides will
The Scene: The Hustler drops four player appears to have the same chance of allow you to quickly and easily identify
“poker” dice (that is, dice with card values, winning or losing. Cheating in any manner which die is which.
Ace, King, etc., rather than numbers) seems impossible. If you have some foam craft cubes
on the bar and adds four coffee cups. He But this is Farmer Town, and the im- left over from your set of Monte Bones
drops one die into each cup. Then he picks possible and the landlord looking for the props (M-U-M, May 2014), you can easily
up a cup, covers the mouth with his hand, rent money are things we overcome every construct the necessary dice for Bar-ra-

50 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

cuda. Simply follow the pattern of Figure transitive card games. (For example, in would form the mathematical basis for my
1. (Incidentally, the foam dice are great, poker, which is a transitive game, an Ace dice in Las Vegas Dice (The Pallbearers
because they won’t make noise when you beats a Seven, a Seven beats a Deuce, so, Review, January 1971, p. 393). Created by
use them; this avoids arousing the attention transitively, an Ace beats a Deuce). Professor Bradley Efron of Stanford Uni-
of those around you.) If you photocopy the Strategically, the Hustler’s job couldn’t versity, the dice consisted only of numbers.
diagram, you can cut out and assemble be easier. The Mark picks a die and the I sent Professor Efron my version and he
some paper dice to see how this works Hustler picks the one that will probably wrote back, “Thanks for your interesting
(and also test the amazing claim I’m about beat it. For example, if the Mark picks B, idea...Hope it makes you more money than
to make). the Hustler picks A. If the Mark picks A, I ever got out of the dice.”
The dice are nontransitive. This doesn’t the Hustler goes for D. The Mark takes D, [Editor’s note: Should you choose to
mean they’re not in a trance. It means this: the Hustler goes for C. use Bar-racuda for anything other than en-
I know what you’re thinking: “But how tertainment purposes, you do so entirely
• Die A will beat die B two-thirds can the Hustler use that strategy when the at your own risk. Bar-racuda can easily
of the time. dice are hidden from view under coffee be presented as an entertaining example
• Die B will beat die C two-thirds cups?” Read on. of a very fair-looking scam by simply
of the time. The Coffee Cups: These are the final providing the Mark and yourself with
• Die C will beat die D two-thirds tools for taming fate’s whimsy, though they an equal number of poker chips, tokens,
of the time. appear to be straitjackets for the cheater. matches, pretzels, or other item with which
• Die D will beat die A two-thirds The cups are secretly marked to cue to bet. It will not take many rounds before
of the time. the locations of A, B, C, and D. At the the spectator’s pile is depleted.
beginning of the game, the Hustler drops Should you run into a string of bad
If this feels illogical or unintuitive, die A in cup A, die B in cup B, and so on. luck and the spectator’s pile does not
don’t feel bad. It is unintuitive. Look at that (During the game, the Hustler ensures the deplete quickly, you can offer the Mark
bulleted list again. If A has a two-thirds dice go back into the correct cups.) The another game. Have him discard three of
advantage over B (at the top of the list), suits cue which die is which, and the secret the dice and one cup. You now perform
how can D (at the bottom of the list) have marks on the cups identify which cup is Bob Hummer’s Mathematical Three Card
an advantage over A? which. Monte with these objects, betting all the
This looks wrong – but it isn’t. You can For the secret marks, I made some chips that you can discover where the
prove it to yourself by spending some time small decals with my computer that say, in hidden die is. This trick can be found in
rolling A and D together and logging the very small print, “Made in China.” For cup Martin Gardner’s classic book, Mathemat-
results. You could also just write out all A, I placed this on the bottom of the cup, ics, Magic and Mystery.
thirty-six possibilities for the two dice. near the edge. For B, I put the decal half If you would like to learn more
Intuitively and logically, the Mark way between the edge and the middle. C about nontransitive dice, visit Colm
thinks that there must be a die that will went right in the middle. For D, I put the Mulcahy’s website Card Colm
give him an even chance of beating the decal near the edge, but at a right angle to (cardcolm-maa.blogspot.ca/) and search
Hustler’s die – but there isn’t! As he keeps the decal on cup A. for the June 14, 2014 blog entry, Dicey
trying to find it, he just keeps losing more You could also use dice cups or small, Cards. This website is a treasure trove of
than he’s winning. In math lingo, the Mark metal shot glasses, but a choice that would mathematically based tricks. A Google
thinks he’s playing a transitive game, let you perform this almost impromptu (as search will also lead you to more informa-
but he’s actually playing a nontransitive long as you’re carrying the dice with you) tion.] 
one. The use of card values and the rule is to use Styrofoam cups. Use nail nicks to
that high card wins, reinforces this error make identifying marks on the cups. Copyright 2000 Every Trick in the Book.
because these are elements of familiar Background: I learned of the dice that All marketing rights reserved.

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OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 51

 The High Road
script writing, char acter
development, and act construction
for the modern conjuror

By Mick Ayres

simplicity. Read their works. Study how begin enjoying satisfying responses to
each of these men take an independent your presentations. That being said, even
The great jazz musician Charles approach to the idea of “less is more” and after you have thoroughly field-tested your
Mingus once said, “Making the simple apply it in precise doses to their methods scripted presentations into a complete
complicated is commonplace. To make and presentations until the results are and marketable act, you will discover
the complicated simple – awesomely consistently powerful and baffling. the pokes and nudges from your muse
simple – that’s creativity.” That certainly A muse relationship is born of necessity never seem to stop – and so the endless
is a maxim to live by within the world of and release. As we ponder and meditate tweaking of your show begins. You start
conjuring as well. At its foundation, the about the best method for an effect and how to instinctively know which ideas will
creation of magic is about accomplishing to present it well, our muse kicks in. How? work and which will not. You learn to
a task in a manner few people would By digging deep into our subconscious understand why lay audiences react to
consider – the very definition of the phrase mind and reminding us of things we certain mysteries far differently than the
“thinking outside the box.” While the rest may have otherwise overlooked. These fellows at the magic club. You develop
of the world sees a straight path from Point recollections then let us consider all our confidence in your ability to adjust the
A to Point B, creators of magic study the options as we deliberate on how to reveal it details of your movements and words until
roundabout paths, simplify the journey, to others. Over time, this relationship often just the right emphasis here and the well-
and then reach Point B by following an becomes personal enough to cause many timed pause there makes every person in
unexpected trail. Poof! An illusion is born. creators to speak of their muse like an old the room feel like they should have paid
An entertainer who wishes to construct friend. For example, my muse keeps a fickle more for that ticket. The point is, once you
an interesting act or develop an appealing schedule, works best under pressure, and have learned to listen to your muse, do
character or write a relevant script has no delivers results only when she’s good and not stop. A successful career in conjuring
choice but to make friends with his or her ready. To her, patience is a good, vintage relies upon it.
creative muse. There are two meanings wine. Frustration gets me nowhere. I refer There are ways to practice listening
for the word “muse.” In Greek mythology to my muse in the feminine because our to your muse. Try this the next time you
the Muses are the nine daughters of Zeus relationship is like a never-a-dull-moment pick up a new book on magic: peruse the
and Mnemosyne who inspire and preside courtship with someone who has a keen pages and read only the effect descriptions
over the creative arts and are responsible appreciation for simple beauty with just a until you find one with appeal and you
for epic history and tragedy, poetry, music, touch of sparkle and who loathes anything can imagine a place for it in your act. Do
song, dance, and comedy; or one can muse gaudy. not read the method yet. Instead, put the
by meditating on something in a deep The voice of my muse is whisper- book aside and ask yourself, “How would
and serious manner or by speaking of it quiet and drop-dead honest. When I do that?” There is no doubt the effect
thoughtfully. So, a muse is the source for contemplating new ideas, she fills my can be accomplished, so the goal now is
that which motivates you. If you have ever thoughts with snarky questions and critical to come up with your own solution. This
been inspired by another magician’s act commentaries: Why should anyone care? gives you (and your muse) a springboard
and felt stimulated as an artist to change So what? Where’s the drama, the tension, into the pool of creativity. Over the next
your own, then that magician has been the conflict? If that’s theatre, I’m a jet pilot. few days, ponder the effect and make notes
your muse, even if a temporary one. Really, that’s what you think is important? about possible methods. Write down every
In my life, Martin Gardner, Sid C’mon, show me a little emotion! I have idea no matter how outrageous or crazy.
Fleischmann, and Lewis Jones have all learned to appreciate the directness, the Nothing is sacred or worthless. Next,
held that title at one point or another. honesty, and all the rewrites. In time, tackle these ideas one by one, take them
Martin Gardner’s love for spur-of-the- the trial-and-error always pays off. as far as you can, and consider all your
moment conjuring, Sid Fleischmann’s This confession would probably make a options. This is you and your muse having
gift for putting the story in front of the psychiatrist happily raise his fee but, even a conversation. Soon, this internal dialogue
magic, and Lewis Jones’s ability to add now, my muse is sitting on the corner of will result in one of two things: a method
streamlined cleverness to every mystery my desk helping write these words – and with potential or fodder for the trashcan.
puts them all squarely in the role of muse. grinning at this description. The important thing to understand is that
What do these magicians have in common? Performance artists believe that faith none of this is wasted time. You are slowly
They all embrace a collective focus on in your muse develops rapidly once you training yourself to listen to your muse

52 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

while you begin to trust your ability to presentations and ideas that are waiting for complete the following requests:
create. you to feed them with tasty and original “To begin, please deal as many cards as
Now is the time to compare your ideas. you wish to the table. Next, write down the
solutions to those in the new book. At first, Finally, while on the topic of putting year you were born. Now, deal a few more
your methods may not be as clever as those old wine into new wineskins, here is a cards onto the pile…or take some away.
proposed by the author, but you may be performance piece that was constructed Next, think about the most significant event
pleasantly surprised to find your ideas are using the techniques discussed above. The that ever happened in your life and write
sometimes better or that your method fits presentation has been field-tested often down the year it happened. Now, pick up
your performing style more appropriately. and warmly received in both stage and the packet of cards and deal them into two
Either way, you and your muse have made intimate settings. I hope that mentalists equal piles. Next, write down your present
the effect personal and, perhaps, original. and magicians alike will find it of interest. age. Now, pick up the top card of either
Another muse-training technique pile and write down its value. Next, think
is to carefully examine each method RESCUE 2000 about how many years have passed since
in that same book and check each one that significant event happened in your life
for any performance weaknesses. You Many decades ago, Paul Curry and write that number down. Now, turn
and your muse consider the effect’s published a simple, yet brilliant, mind- over the top card of the remaining pile and
methodology with an intense, critical eye reading effect titled Padding. Before write down its value as well. Finally, add
from a theatrical point of view. Can the his untimely passing, Michael Skinner everything together. Remember: don’t let
weaknesses be eliminated, or at least be republished Curry’s effect in his book anyone see the special number you have
strengthened? Is it possible to perform this Classic Sampler under the title Birthday created.”
card mystery without stacking the deck? Mentalism. Unfortunately, the effect While she is adding up her numbers,
Can more guests from the audience be was rendered useless by the passage of you work out an easy math equation in your
involved? Is there a way to end this effect time; performing it after the turn of the head. Multiply the current year by two and
clean? Lewis Jones, author of Ahead of last century ran the risk of making the then add the combined value of the two
the Pack and Seventh Heaven, is terrific at method obvious. But, with a few simple noted cards that were forced upon her. You
this sort of thing. His methods will often adjustments to the presentation and now know your guest’s final number. This
have you slapping yourself in the head and handling, the effect is rescued from the is much easier than it sounds, especially
wondering, “Why didn’t I think of that?” discard pile and is once again available to near the beginning of this century. For
A third way to practice with your muse is modern-day tricksters. example, if the top cards were a Seven and
to take simple, impromptu effects and find You will need a deck of cards with at a Six, you currently add: 2014 + 2014 +
ways to exploit these demonstrations into least one Joker in it, a piece of paper, and 13 = 4041. Bear in mind that it works this
feats of showmanship. There is no better a pen. To begin, ask a guest to mix the way if she has not celebrated her birthday
source for ideas than Martin Gardner’s cards. While she is doing so, ask if she has yet. However, if she said yes to your earlier
Encyclopedia of Impromptu Magic. With already had her birthday this year. If she question, then you simply add one to the
entire chapters dedicated to stunts and answers no, say, “I’d like to give you an final number to get the correct answer.
mysteries using one specific prop, you and early birthday present.” If she says yes, The revelation of this final number is up
your muse will have a field-day exploring then say, “I’d like to give you a belated to you. You could bring the presentation to
ways to thread the myriad of ideas into birthday present.” In any case, this is an a close by saying, “Your special number is
relevant showpieces. There are magicians important question, so do not fail to ask it. a combination of several numbers to which
who perform for ten minutes using nothing Say, “Please find the Jokers and remove you have an emotional attachment. Since
but a pocket handkerchief. Can you them.” Watch carefully during her search. all emotions are centered in the heart and
imagine doing something similar with a She will find the Joker quickly enough but the heart is on the left side of the body,
borrowed necktie? How about a ballpoint will continue through the entire pack to take your left fingertip and touch it to the
pen or a set of car keys? The challenge is confirm there isn’t another one. This dodge leftmost digit.” With a little acting, the
to entertain by making the commonplace allows you to innocently note the values of final number is accurately revealed little
uncommon. the top two cards without the pack leaving by little as her finger moves to the right.
Listen to your muse and believe this: if her hands. The suits are not important. Say, “If you use your special number
someone else is doing it, then you can, too. Say, “If you are willing, I’d like to ask to play the lottery, I get half when you win,
Yes, it is a challenge – and it is work. Rise you a few questions during this experiment. right?” 
above it. Some questions will deal with some
You now have several exercises in personal matters, but I promise no one will Rescue 2000 was previously published
creativity and muse-training available see anything you write down. The answers as Skinner’s 21st Century Miracle in
and ready to be embraced. Unfortunately, you give will be in the form of numbers… The Holy City Session (2004). Credit for
this means there is no longer any excuse some of them with four digits. I’d like you the new title goes to Steve Beam, who
for the magician who despairs by saying, to write your private answers in a column included the effect in his Semi-Automatic
“I just can’t come up with any ideas for so they can be added together later. Card Tricks series. Mick is a conjurer,
new tricks.” Look around the room. If you There will not be difficult or roundabout tunesmith, and tale-swapper. Reach him
are like most conjurers, you have shelves mathematics involved – just some simple at: mick@mickayreswares.com.
of hungry books teaming with interesting adding, okay?” Once she agrees, ask her to

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 53

 You Bet Your Life
By Michael close
What you’re about to read is a very inter- each of crescent moon, plus-sign, triangle,
esting trick. I’ve not seen anything exactly squiggly lines, control-key symbol, and
like it in the literature; no one that I’ve one double-backed card that shows “You
shown it to has seen anything similar (and Bet Your Life” on each side.
I’ve shown it to some very knowledgeable Page three will print two pairs of gaffed
people). The reason it’s a fresh plot is that cards plus an extra two cards (Photo 3).
the inspiration for this trick comes from Page four will print two pairs of gaffed
outside the world of conjuring. This trick cards plus an extra two cards that pair up
has also surprised and fooled everyone with the extra set from page three (Photo
who watched it. The ending is completely 4). So, print three of page one and print
unexpected. It is relatively easy to do, one each of pages two, three, and four on
demanding only very low level sleight of the backs. (Make sure you orient the paper
hand. All it requires is that you take the 1 properly when you print pages two, three,
time to print up the cards and practice the and four.)
patter and the handling. Before you tear out all the cards, take
The tone of this routine is a bit dark; a look at how page three printed out. At
you’ll have to choose your audiences with the upper left of the page is a business card
discretion. However, the life-and-death with the upper half of the word “YOU” at
premise of the patter is compelling and en- the left edge, a circle that is bisected by
grossing; it invokes a “how is he going to the perforation of the cardboard, and the
solve this problem?” response in the viewer. upper half of the word “DIE” at the upper
The presentation and the final payoff can right edge. Below this you’ll find the lower
be altered, but try it my way in front of an half of the word “YOU” at the left edge, a
audience first before you change it. square that is bisected by the perforation
I never met Martin Gardner, but I think of the cardboard, and the lower half of the
he would have enjoyed this trick. It has a 2 word “DIE” at the right edge. Remove these
genuine “Aha!” moment. four cards; together they make up what I’ll
In an effort to dissuade as many people refer to as one complete gaffed set. Orient
as possible from actually doing this trick, these four cards so the half-words are at the
I’m going to explain the effect as I explain top, and place them aside in a pile with the
the handling. You’ll have to read through half-word/half-design side up.
the whole thing to understand what’s going Now punch out all the cards from page
on. two. Find the double-backer and place it
Preparation: You’ll need to print out onto the four gaffed cards with the “You”
some cards using the templates provided of “You Bet Your Life” at the top (Photo
in the YouBetYourLife.pdf file (which you 5). Arrange the other nine cards face up,
will find in the members section of the from bottom to top as follows: control-key,
magicsam.com website). These are stan- square, crescent moon, circle, squiggly
dard-size business cards, so you can use 3 lines, square, plus-sign, circle, and triangle
any blank, perforated business card stock. (Photo 6). Turn this packet face down. Place
It is good if the edges of the cards are rela- the other five cards on top of this packet.
tively smooth, so you may want to use a (Don’t turn over the second packet; the
high quality stock. gaffed cards will be face up in a face-down
Page one of the PDF file shows what packet.)
will eventually be the backs of the business That’s the preparation. I snap a rubber
cards (Photo 1). You’ll want to print up at band around the cards to keep them
least three of these to try out the effect. together in my pocket. Once you under-
Page two of the PDF file shows the faces stand the setup, it is very easy to reset. To
of the business cards that will not be perform, you’ll also need a very small (but
destroyed during the trick (Photo 2). When sharp) pair of scissors. These should be out
printed onto a sheet that already has the of sight, so the spectators do not suspect
backs printed on it, you will end up with that scissors will be used.
two square cards, two circle cards, one
4 Handling and Presentation: As I

54 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Your Life.”
7 I remove either two squares or two
circles and I display them. I place them
back onto the other two spread cards. As I
say, “he was put to death,” (a line that
always gets a reaction) I look up at the
spectators. My right hand squares up the
spread cards and in a continuing action I
turn over all the cards above the little-fin-
5 ger break (Photo 9). I immediately spread
off the top four cards (these are now the
gaffed cards) and I call attention to the
8 backs and the words “You Bet Your Life.”
These four cards are dropped onto the
table and the other cards are placed aside.

begin the story, I bring out the packet of

business cards and I remove the rubber jogging the control-card (Photo 8). When
band. “One of the popular theories of this is done, I roughly square the cards and
quantum mechanics is the concept of flip them face down into my left hand.
9
alternate universes. This idea is the basis The situation at this point is that there
for what you’re about to see. are four cards out-jogged from the front [The audience management and the
“Once upon a time, in an alternate of the packet; these are two circle cards use of the double-backed card make this
universe, there was a very popular televi- and two square cards. There is one card switch unsuspected and undetectable. The
sion show called You Bet Your Life. This slightly in-jogged; this is the control-sign trick has not started, yet I am way ahead of
show had no resemblance whatsoever to card. My right thumb presses down on the the spectators. Because of the story they
the TV show that aired on our planet in in-jog and squares the control-sign card are about to hear, they will never catch up.]
the 1950s: no Groucho Marx, no secret into the packet. As this happens, I get a “When the television network
word, and no duck that came down and left little-finger break above this card. In announced this game show and explained
gave you a hundred dollars. The show on the same action, the right hand grabs the the rules, there was a lot of discussion
this alternate Earth was more somber; but out-jogged cards and strips them out from about it. The first question was, ‘What
even so, it was the most-watched program the packet. I flip them over onto the packet; are the odds?’ At first glance, it seems to
on the entire planet. they do not fall square but extend off the be a fifty-fifty proposition. You have two
“The show was basically a guessing right-hand side of the packet. I spread out winning combinations: square-circle or
game; it used cards like this – cards the cards using both hands; the spectators circle-square; and you have two losing
with symbols on them. To show you how can see two circles and two squares. All combinations: square-square or circle-
it worked, I’ll use four cards: two cards this happens during the preliminary three circle. It seemed reckless to risk your life
with a square on them and two cards with paragraphs of patter. on what was essentially a coin-toss, so
a circle on them.” “The game worked like this. A contes- nobody wanted to be on the show to play
As I talk, I casually spread the cards tant came on the show. The four cards were the game.
between my hands, showing the various mixed around, face down. The contestant “Then some smart math guy wrote a
symbols. (I make sure not to spread past would make a choice. If he chose a circle blog saying that the actual odds were better
the card with the control-sign.) I then and a square, he won a billion dollars, than that, and here’s why. The first card
roughly square the cards and I spread tax free. That’s a substantial amount of you pick has no bearing on your chances.
through them again; as I do this, I up-jog money.” So let’s suppose you pick a square. Of the
the two cards with squares on them and the From the spread of four cards, I remove three cards that remain, two are winners
two cards with circles on them (Photo 7). a circle and a square and I display them. for you – the two circle cards. Only one
As I up-jog these cards I tilt the cards so Then I replace them onto the other two card is a loser – the other square card. So
the spectators cannot see the faces. spread cards. the real odds are two to one in the contes-
As I up-jog the second square card, “But, if the spectator got two squares tant’s favor. That got everybody excited,
the control-sign card will be under my left or two circles, he was put to death – which and a lot of people wanted to be on the
thumb. I move my thumb down slightly, in- explains the name of the show, You Bet show.”

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 55

You Bet Your Life
As I talk about the odds being fifty- I bring out the scissors and immediate- counterintuitive. But the producers of the
fifty, I slide two cards to the right and two ly begin cutting the four cards in half show didn’t want to give him the prize.
to the left. These cards are face down, but (Photo 10). This cutting is done widthwise; They said to him, ‘That’s not fair. The way
I refer to them as if they were face up. I the center of each card lies just above the you did it there was no risk whatsoever.’
then arrange them back into a face-down top of the word “YOUR.” As each card is The guy said, ‘Of course there was a risk. I
row of four. As I discuss the actual odds, cut I place the lower half (with “YOUR could have picked these four pieces.”
I slide one of the four cards toward me. LIFE”) in front of me and I push the other As I say the above patter I push the
Again, I refer to the card as if we are half aside. My patter consists of saying, halves with the square and the circle aside
looking at them face up, but the cards “I’ll take this, and this, and this, and this and I reach for the other four pieces. I pick
remain face down. This discussion of the one.” After the cards have been cut, I put them up, keeping the backs toward the
odds is correct, but the emphasis on them the scissors away and I focus my attention spectators, and I fan them so I can see the
is simply smoke. Even though I’ve never on the four half-cards that are in front of faces. Then I put them down on the table,
shown the faces of the cards, there will be me. arranging them so they say, “YOU DIE.”
a strong false memory that I did. This will This concludes the trick. I pick up all
make the ending even more surprising and the pieces and pocket them. I snap the
astonishing. 10 rubber band around packet of cards and I
“But here’s what happened. People pocket them as well.
went on the show, and even though the Please put in the effort to give this a try.
odds were in the contestant’s favor, when The stunned looks that will greet you at
they got to the point when they had to the climax of the trick are very satisfying.
choose, they froze. They just couldn’t go
through with it; the penalty for failure NOTES
overwhelmed the vast reward. Nobody
chose, and nobody won or lost. This trick is based on a puzzle. The idea
“Granted, this did create compelling of getting one of each type of thing when
television, but the producers were frus- you have two each of two items that look
trated that nobody wanted to play the “The guy had followed the rules; he identical came from one of the Puzzlers
game to the end. They were going to pull made a choice and ended up with two on the NPR program Car Talk. It was
the plug on the show, when they got a call complete cards. And because he had taken broadcast as part of the show on February
from one guy. This guy had carefully read a half from each of the four cards, he had 19, 2000, and was submitted by listener
the rules of the game, and he had discov- to end up with one circle and one square. Scott Crass. You can find this Puzzler on
ered something. He told the producers, And he won the billion-dollar prize.” the web on the Car Talk site. They have an
‘I’ll come on the show, and I won’t chicken I pick up the four halves, keeping the archive of all the Puzzlers, categorized by
out. I’ll play the game to end, and you can faces of the cards away from the specta- year.
promote that fact.’ tors. I shift them around a bit and then I In the first version of the trick I came
“The producers were delighted and toss them face up on the table. I continue up with, the two halves of the word/symbol
spent millions of dollars on commercials to move them around, and then I arrange gaffed cards met at the middle of the card.
hyping the fact that someone was going them so they form a complete circle and a The problem with this was that if I didn’t
to play You Bet Your Life to the end. complete square (Photo 11). (It is necessary cut the card right down the middle (or if
The night of the show the Internet almost to shift the pieces around a bit when they the printer was a little off when it printed
melted down from the Tweeting and social are face up so the spectators will lose track the card) there might be a telltale extra
media posting. It was the largest viewing of how they should be oriented. Because bit of red or black on one or more of the
audience in the history of television. The of the way the cards are printed, the edges half-cards when I put them together. This,
guy was introduced and the four cards that line up are not the cut edges. However, obviously, could tip off the method. Max
were mixed up. Do me a favor. I’ll play the no one notices this. Maven offered the excellent suggestion of
part of the guy and you play the part of putting the split word/symbol against the
the host. I’ll turn away. You mix the cards ends of the cards. (This ploy comes from an
around on the table so I can’t know which old trick, Albert Spackman’s Newspaper
card is where.” 11 Test from The Gen, October 1964. This
As I tell a spectator that I want him to principle was then used in a trick in which
mix the cards, I demonstrate by sliding a strip of paper containing symbols was
around the cards on the table. I don’t want cut at a spot dictated by a spectator. The
the spectator to lift the cards (he might in- symbol that was apparently cut matched
advertently turn one over). He should just a prediction.) Using Max’s suggestion, it
slide them around. When he announces he doesn’t matter if my cut is off-center, as
has finished mixing them, I turn back. long as it is a straight cut. 
“Are you done? Is there any way I can Copyright 2014 Michael Close. All
know the order of the cards? No? You’re manufacturing rights reserved.
right. Any thoughts on what the guy did? “The guy deserved to win the prize;
No? Then I’ll show you. He did this.” his solution was ingenious and completely

56 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Cinem atrix
By M a x M aven
This month marks the centennial posters.
of Martin Gardner’s birth, on October A third person is given the
21, 1914. Martin was with us until token, which is dropped onto one of
mid-2010, and during his long life he the remaining choices. Again, the
produced an astonishing body of work. face-up posters that share the row
It is said that through his monthly and column are turned face down.
column in Scientific American This leaves one untouched poster.
magazine, he inspired more young The value of that poster is added to
people to enter the field of mathemat- those of the three selected ones, to
ics than any other twentieth-century produce a total.
figure. This is where the Kraitchik force
It was via Martin’s seminal comes into play. Despite the fairness
1956 book Mathematics, Magic and of the proceedings, the total of those
Mystery that I first encountered the four numbers will always be thirty-
Matrix Force – a problematic title four. Happily enough, there is a well-
because there are two other well-es- known (and beloved) movie to use as
tablished elements in magic that share the prediction (Figure 3).
the “matrix” appellation. Here, I refer
to a mathematical principle with an
extensive history, beginning with its
earliest use as a means of informa-
tion retrieval in Walter Gibson’s Date
Sense in The Jinx #41, 1938. The first
forcing application was published by
Maurice Kraitchik in his 1942 book,
Mathematical Recreations. Since
then, dozens of applications and pre- Figure 1
sentational gambits have appeared in
print, for several of which I will accept
blame.
The application here is fairly
straightforward: With suitable con-
versation, the performer lays out a
set of miniature posters from famous Figure 3
movies. Each film has a title that
conveys a number, one through sixteen Some brief notes: Of course, there
(Figure 1). are alternative movies with number-
An additional poster, somewhat related titles that can be substituted.
larger, is also brought out, but kept Some browsing on IMDB.com or
face down and set aside. This, it is similar websites will provide such
explained, is a prediction. information, as well as images that
Several spectators now choose can be downloaded and printed onto
posters. One person is asked to drop suitable card stock.
a marker on top of any of the posters. Note that printing and using
(This can be a coin or a token, or you these images falls into the “Fair Use”
might want to use something more category allowed by copyright law.
germane, such as a ticket stub from You have the legal right to make the
a movie theater.) The posters that poster cards and use them in perfor-
share the same row and column as the Figure 2 mance. You do not have the right to
selection are eliminated from play, put such a set up for sale. To do so
by the simple expedient of turning A second participant is given the token, would not only go against the rights
them face down. Thus, for example, if and asked to drop it onto another one of the of those who created the images; it would
the spectator were to place the marker still-showing posters. As before, the ones also go against the rights of the fellow who
onto poster ten, the result would look like in the same row and column are turned face came up with this trick, whose words you
Figure 2. down. This will leave four as yet unchosen are reading at this very moment. 

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 57

 INFORMED OPINION
LATEST PRODUCT REVIEWS
Compiled and Edited by W. S. Duncan
Not much room for this, so I’ll be brief. After many months This month you’ll find an interesting collection of non-card
with little new material, we are happily in a place where there’s a stuff from hardcore card guy Doug Edwards, novelty items
lot to tell you about. In fact, a couple of reviews had to be cut for covered by Jamie Salinas, Jim Kleefeld, and Payne, and a
space. You’ll see them next month, along with full coverage of the wonderful three-DVD set (that I can also recommend) reviewed
new four-DVD set on Paul Daniels and Daryl’s magnum opus on by Dan Garrett.
sponge ball magic. See you next month.

Nukes Book a ring, or some other contrivance around on the chosen page,
By Doug Edwards Dunninger used no such device. Years later, Edwards discovered
Available from: vanishingincmagic.com a box of props under the sink in Dunninger’s home, and discov-
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies ered the secret to this effect. He reveals his findings here, but I’m
Price $35.00 not convinced that this method will work, which also seems to be
typical of Dunninger’s methods.
REVIEW BY CURTIS KAM There is a method for performing the “smash your hand on
the spike” effect safely. The spike is still there, and it’s still sharp,
This is a book full of surprises, es- and you crush the harmless cups just as always. In fact, the effect
pecially to those who, like me, have works the same way as you’re used to. (It will work with most
known Mr. Edwards only through the methods for performing this.) However, if (and when) you make
advanced card material he has released. an error, you will probably be spared an embarrassing and serious
For while there is card magic included injury. It’s an extremely practical solution to protect yourself
in Nukes, and it is up to the author’s from the moments when your brain just fails you. I was doubly
known standards, there are also secrets, surprised to find this solution in Nukes, because it is something I
big and small, from famous others, and had also come up with myself. Turns out, Mr. Edwards beat me
from Mr. Edwards himself, concern- to it, and we both recommend that this simple and inexpensive
ing a wide variety of things magical. precaution be taken by anyone performing this effect.
Consider some of these and tell me you In addition to these surprises, there is a very clever ring and
are not surprised. rope routine, a full routine for the rigid rope apparatus, an unusual
Roy Benson’s routine with three display technique from Roy Benson’s card manipulation act, and
sponge balls and a small bowl is a an ending for the Professor’s Nightmare (aka Equally Unequal
modern classic. Everyone knows it, and many have some variation Ropes) that allows the three ropes to instantly meld into one,
of it in their professional acts. But what if I told you that after Mr. without gaffs or other apparatus.
Benson published that famous routine, he continued to work on As to cards, there is the deck that Cardini used to cut to any
it? Late in Benson’s life, Doug Edwards had a session with Mr. card named, Edwards’s own handling of a Harry Lorayne effect
Benson and was shown the final version, which he teaches here. in which a mentally selected card appears as the only card in a
What changes did Benson make? Did he change the number of blank deck, several other routines by Edwards with an ordinary
phases to the routine? Did he add a final load? All of these aspects deck, and a routine Edwards accurately describes as “Almost Any
are addressed in the book, and while I won’t give you the answers Card at Any Number,” which is just that. Since the popularity of
here, I can tell you that Benson made changes to many things, this effect has made the vocabulary so specific, I don’t need to
including the way that the wand and the bowl are handled, and tell you much more. This is not an impromptu method, but rather
that considering his choices here is an enlightening exercise. The something you would do for a formal show. The handling is well
handling touches described here do not appear in Levent’s book within the reach of any card worker; there is a negligible amount
Roy Benson by Starlight. of memory work, no estimation, and no shifting the cards around
Once upon a time, magicians made a feature effect out of a once they are removed from the case. Once the card is named, the
trick involving rope penetrating a big block of wood. You don’t see deck is shown, and it remains in plain sight while the number is
it anymore, but perhaps Doug Edwards’s routine for this classic named. By the way, the cards are seen to be different, so it’s not a
will help bring it back. Mr. Edwards has added a human touch, one-way force deck.
causing the ropes to pass through the block and the hands of the The highlight for card handlers will be a handling tip for
spectator. I like this kind of small change that adds significantly the Zarrow shuffle, taught to Doug by none other than Herb
to the effect, and I wonder if this could somehow be incorporated Zarrow himself. While the claim that this technique has never
into a presentation of Dean’s Box. been published before is accurate, the technique was shown on
Back in the 1920s to 1940s, Joseph Dunninger was able to ac- the Zarrow Shuffle video by Meyer Yedid, and it was also the
curately predict the telephone number that someone would choose subject of a video download (featured by Mr. Edwards) released
from a randomly chosen telephone book, on a freely selected page. previously by Vanishing Inc. Edwards’s writing style is terse, but
While others have approached this effect by sliding a metal plate, this is what he says about this one change to the way you handle

58 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

the top card of a standard Zarrow shuffle: “It’s the handling in My one major complaint about this booklet is that it’s rife with
which the audience can never see one half going on top of the errors. At first I noticed a few typos here and there, then I noticed a
other after the secret unweave.” Frankly, I like how this feels, big error in the table of contents, and then I tried walking through
however, I’m not convinced that handling the shuffle in this way the twisting routine that’s the first phase of Fifty-Two Backs and
accomplishes the invisibility claimed. And during the description realized it doesn’t work the way it’s written. It was easy to figure
of the move, Edwards says that the technique serves to make the out, but with three people credited as “editor” someone really
unweave invisible, not the actual passing of one packet over the should’ve spotted that before it went to press.
other. So while I’m intrigued enough to play with this, I can’t say All in all, this is a solid piece of work – not heavy-handed
that it delivers. Given its provenance, if you’re seeking the perfect or overwrought, and full of practical ideas at a good price point.
Zarrow shuffle, you should at least give this a try. Recommended.
This book is unique in a number of ways, and especially in the
range of topics covered. In its pages it is possible to find that one Tom and His Merry Men
little secret you’ve been needing to perfect your card manipulation The Experts at the Breakfast Table Lecture Notes
act, your ring and rope routine, your telephone number prediction, By Tom Dobrowolski
your Zarrow shuffle, or just your collection of interesting facts Available from: www.chicagomagicbash.com
about famous magicians. So I feel safe in saying that everyone Dealers contact Tom Dobrowolski
will find something of interest in it. And if you do the Smash and Price $15.00 for both PDFs (see website for printed copies)
Stab effect, do me a favor and check this out.
REVIEW BY DANNY ARCHER
Calculated Chaos Booklet
By Chris Westfall Most of my reviews have been of
Available from: www.vanishingincmagic.com DVDs, so it was refreshing when I
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies received this PDF of a set of lecture
Price $20.00 notes from Tom Dobrowolski. (I know
Tom from lecturing in Chicago and from
REVIEW BY ANTONIO M. CABRAL meeting him at convention.) These notes
were written in February 2013 and in
One thing I miss in modern magic addition to the creations of the author,
shops is the presence of little booklets. they also feature close-up magic from
Some of my favorite magic has come some of Tom’s friends: Jeremiah Zuo, Ed
out of slim little volumes like Charles Oschmann, Jack Carpenter, John Carey,
Hopkins’s Outs, Precautions & Chal- David Kuraya, and Curtis Kam. All of
lenges, Jack Merlin’s …And a Pack of the material from contributors is new and has not been published
Cards, or the plethora of booklets Ed elsewhere.
Marlo published through Magic, Inc. After the foreword and introduction, Tom and His Merry Men
Not everyone needs to put out some kicks off with BBQ Ribs Three Coins Across by Zuo. While not
huge, six-volume series of two-hun- earth-shaking, it’s a solid handling of the Visible Coins Across
dred-page tomes. Sometimes a few solid plot that is not too hard to perform. Unlike with video, where you
ideas in a small, economical booklet go can see exactly what the presenter is doing, at one point you are
a lot farther. Chris Westfall’s Calculated given the advice to do your favorite vanish. This is not a bad thing
Chaos is a good example of that. per se, but you have to have a favorite vanish to do the routine, so
M-U-M readers will know Chris Westfall from his November this isn’t beginner stuff.
2013 cover feature in this magazine. I have the pleasure of With The Contest, Ed and Tom combine to offer a fun version
knowing Chris from the annual Buffalo 52 close-up gathering. So of the classic Lazy Man’s Aces routine. Three spectators are
I know he’s a worker, and a good one at that. Calculated Chaos is each given part of the deck, and after much shuffling, switching,
a small collection of some of Chris’s pet routines combined with a trading, and dealing, everyone ends up with an Ace on top of
few short essays on the ins-and-outs of performing in restaurants their packet. This is a self-working effect that should get a great
or similar venues. I particularly liked the essays titled “Approach- reaction. Carpenter’s Poor Old Uncle Joe is a poker story trick
ing Tables” and “Rejection.” They contain great advice for anyone with a Six-Card-Repeat theme that uses a count that is pretty easy
who’s done time as a professional dinner-interrupter. to master for anyone familiar with the Elmsley count (which is
The material offered is short and to the point, and solid almost everyone). The prolific John Carey contributes his Stream-
working stuff. Some of my favorites are Nested in Nothing, a lined Prediction in which the magician’s prediction matches the
short, magical, and funny introduction to your favorite sponge spectator’s selection. There are many versions of this plot and this
ball routine; Fifty-Two Backs, a great routine for a Rainbow or one does the job nicely.
Prism Deck; and Time Cap, a great interlude you can perform Kuraya from Hawaii offers Blackjack for Brother John. This
with a Sharpie in the middle of your favorite signed card or has its roots in the Pinochle Trick by Brother Hamman and the
marked coin miracle. He also offers a version of Triumph called skill level takes a big step up. The Gemini Count is used (and
Cheeky Triumph, which I feel is better from the method side explained); if you can master this trick I think you will have a
than the effect side. It’s a color-changing-deck Triumph in which good solid piece of magic. Tom’s handling of the Out of this World
everything happens all at once: the deck straightens out except plot is called Right Down the Street and was originally published
for the selected card and all of a sudden the backs are a different in a manuscript the he and Zuo did on the Oil and Water plot. It’s
color. It’s too much all at once for my tastes, but if you bring it to based on a John Kennedy idea. Using two spectators to do the
your next close-up session, you’ll knock a few heads back for sure. dealing (after the cards have been shuffled) makes for a direct and

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 59

quick handling that I think you will like. with ear buds. A little work is required. You can’t do this with
Hana Ho means “do it again” in Hawaiian and this simple borrowed ear buds, but you should get a good reaction from the
moving-hole effect can be used anytime you have a signed card, right crowd. Tom returns with Away We Go, his take on Cards
making the card even more memorable to the recipient. The hole Across. I liked this handling and it gets the job done very efficient-
moves from the center to the end, to the side, and is removed and ly. Kam closed things out with Haunted Bolt, a self-unscrewing
then replaced. A lot of magic happens. This combines ideas from nut-and-bolt effect that is very different from the original. This
Dai Vernon, Don England, and Michael Weber. This is not self- was slated to be an online download, but it first saw the light of
working, but Kam’s construction has taken out most of the hard day here.
work. This is suitable for repeat performances. This is the only These two set of notes offer up a lot of good magic at a very
effect in the PDF that has any illustrations, in the form of photo- good price. They were fun to read; I recommend these for others
graphs. who want to do the same.
So to sum up, you get six card tricks and one coin routine – some
solid material in printed form instead of a DVD or download. As a The Heinous Collection Volumes 1-3 DVDs
guy who grew up learning magic from books and lecture notes, I By K arl Hein
was right at home reading and trying the material. Tom offers this Available from: www.karlhein.com
PDF and The Expert at the Breakfast Table together for $15 – a Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
real bargain. Printed copies are $15 each and include a gimmicked Price: $35.00 each
card for one trick in each set of notes. I like what I read and I think
that you will like it as well. REVIEW BY DAN GARRETT
The Experts at the Breakfast Table continues the theme set
above and adds new contributors Trent Ketchmark, Patrick Florida magician Karl
Flanagan, Richard Hucko, Benny Lau, and Jeff Prace to the crew Hein, aka Karl Koppertop,
above. This set of notes is forty pages filled with eleven effects. has been a rising star in
Naked Deck Opener by Ketchmark starts the ball rolling by close-up magic for some
having a blank deck magically print itself. Gaffs are used and you years; by now most of you
must be able to do a reverse fan. Tom’s Cheater Cheater Pumpkin should have heard of him, or
Eater is an impromptu version of the classic lie detector plot based attended one of his lectures.
on a David Solomon routine. This is self-working and is a very This collection of three
nice effect to be able to do at the drop of a hat. DVDs contains some excellent
Jack Carpenter updates his trick with Poor Old Uncle Joe 2 material, parts of which will appeal
from the first set of notes. Less fiddling and a cleaner handling to different levels of competence.
make this already solid effect a winner. Zuo’s Portal adds an Volume 1 (False Shuffles and Cuts) runs approximately
interesting bit into what is essentially a sandwich effect. After forty-two minutes. It contains explanations of ten false shuffles
the card has been selected and lost, the performer holds the two and flourishy false cuts, from easy to advanced difficulty. It is
Jokers about a foot apart; as the spectator throws his invisible card produced with the idea of actually teaching the viewer the
through them, the card becomes visible. This uses Zuo’s Playing material. There are very few fillers or distractions, and the detail
Card Muscle Pass. given is superb, without bogging down in minutiae. The produc-
I (Heart Symbol) U from Flanagan has the magician drawing tion quality is excellent, with close-up views from several angles
a stickman holding a heart on the back of his business card. The and speeds. The explanations are done without speaking, using
heart is visibly slid to the other side and then removed and given the visual views and English subtitles to convey the information.
to the spectator as a souvenir. While this uses some extra props There is also a music soundtrack. Eventually, you will probably
(special pens, a lighter, and Goshman hearts), this could be a want to mute the sound as you study the video.
winning routine for the tableside performer. Tom explains The The full-deck, in-the-hands, false riffle shuffle that put Karl
Real Theory 11 with his essay on what and how magicians should on the magical map was his Heinstein Shuffle. While not the first
aim for as they present their magic. After Effect by Hucko has the magician to create a false riffle shuffle that simulates a bridge, Karl
spectator selecting a card he claims will match the prediction he refined the technique to create the perfect illusion of shuffling and
has shown and pocketed. It doesn’t, but then it is rubbed on the bridging a deck of cards. It seems impossible to any observer that
pocket and does, then it doesn’t but it now matches the pocketed the cards could be anything other than completely mixed.
prediction. Some more sleights are used to make this happen, but Karl offers many credits for others who developed similar false
it’s a fast, fun effect. shuffles and cuts. In particular, he properly credits my late friend
Carey offers Neither Short Sighted or Mad, his handling of Ronald (Ravelli) Wohl, who created the first documented false
the Juan Tamariz classic Neither Blind Nor Silly. Not an improve- shuffle to simulate a bridge by springing the cards. You will want
ment, but it can be done impromptu. Lau returns with Out of this to study the Heinstein Shuffle and the Heinous Shuffle, which are
World (Prequel) a handling of the color divination plot based on revisited here. I think that the teaching method in this collection
Pit Hartling’s Colour Sense routine, which is in turn based on an shows more clarity and detail than any previous video, and this
unpublished Michael Weber routine. This effect, while not tech- DVD will put Karl’s technique within reach of more magicians
nically difficult, will stretch your brain a bit as it requires some than ever before. Like Herb Zarrow’s well-known, tabled false
memory work both beforehand and on the fly. The underlying riffle shuffle, both these methods require two shuffles to retain the
Pattern Principle by Lewis Jones is taught with many charts. full order, unless a slip cut is performed before the sleight.
While not that hard, this is something that will require some Also on his volume is Hein’s take on Derek Delgaudio’s Truffle
serious study and practice (and that’s a good thing). Shuffle, which eliminates the cover card and keeps the deck un-
Things get easier when Prace describes his Earfun routine, molested with just a single shuffle. Karl’s handling of this shuffle
which brings the Stiff Rope trick into the modern era doing it is at the pinnacle of false riffle shuffles. Karl’s variation simulates

60 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

the advantage of using a cover card very nicely, and puts a perfect my mine, either. It’s a small world, and I’m delighted that Jerry
finish on an already great method. is still remembered. I have no comment on Breaking the Second
There are other nice false cuts and overhand shuffles as well. Rule. It is just too darn good! Don’t ignore the three routines I
Some are classics but some are lesser known. The collection haven’t mentioned. They are all workers. (Do you want a great
ends with the classic Charlier shuffle, which every card magician card routine with sponge balls?)
should be able to do. When done correctly it is very deceptive, and I’ll just touch on one more routine, Sublime, simply because
is a perfect method for using with ESP cards; it is a convincing it is Karl’s favorite ending to any multiple-selection routine;
mix that looks like the shuffle used by people who don’t shuffle a selected card appearing inside a lime. And this presentation
cards often. I feel that all ten techniques on Volume 1 are worth makes it probably the strongest card effect you can perform for
careful study and can recommend it to anyone interested in the any group of non-magicians. Here is that one effect that will make
subject. a reputation and get repeat bookings.
Volume 2 contains routines using false shuffles and runs about Overall, the material is presented clearly and taught efficient-
one hour. This volume gives six excellent routines and a bonus ly. Karl doesn’t waste your time. The Heinous Collection is what
effect. Most of these routines showcase the false shuffles and cuts all DVD sets should be: outstanding magic by an outstanding
taught in Volume 1. The routines are very good, but with Karl’s magician. With proper work, most of the material could be gold
false shuffles and cuts mixed in, they are devastating. It is en- for you, as well. Highly recommended.
tertaining to watch the live performances for a small group of
lovely young women. Their reactions are terrific, and often quite Self-Working Card Tricks (World’s Greatest Magic)
amusing. I will touch on a few of the routines, but I liked them all. Vols. 1-3 DVDs
Magic Square routines are not everyone’s cup of tea, but I quite Available from: llpub.com
like them. Square Deal is Karl’s take on the effect. What makes Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
this routine appealing is that the only prop required is a deck of Price $19.95 each
cards. Everyone probably has played with Bill Malone’s version
of Sam the Bellhop, or Diamond Jack, or some sort of “story” REVIEW BY DANNY ARCHER
routine with a stacked deck. Karl’s own Jack Spade offering is
one of the best of this genre I’ve ever seen. It’s very funny, and As Eugene Burger is fond of saying, the
entertaining. Hein’s shuffling and cutting the cards throughout house of magic has many rooms. One
takes this to new, unbelievable heights. Simply witness the pretty of the biggest rooms in that house is
ladies’ reactions during the performance and you’ll understand devoted to magic with cards. Within
why this sort of routine is so commercial. that room there are many smaller
The feature effect on this DVD is Every Card, Every Number, rooms, (or closets), and one of those
Every Time. This is Karl’s version of the ACAAN plot. It is not a is dedicated to self-working card
true “any card at any number” effect, he admits, but it seems that tricks. A self-working trick has all
way to the audience. The amazing twist at the end proves that the (or most) of the hard sleight of hand
performer has openly predicted the selected card and the number removed from it, theoretically making
chosen by the spectator before the revelation. While a false shuffle it easier to perform because you don’t
is not required in this routine (spectators can genuinely shuffle need to do heavy card moves. Of course, we all
the cards), Karl does put the Transformer Cut to good use. This is know that no trick is self-working; attention must be
strong and commercial card magic, folks. paid to the procedure, audience management, and presentation.
Karl also offers a bonus non-card effect (explanation only) There are some truly great self-working card tricks and some of
called Give Me Five. This is a hidden gem that will appeal to all them can be found on this three-volume set from L&L Publishing.
close-up magicians. I don’t think Karl wants too many to know Most of these routines appear to be taken from video sets
just how commercial this simple “why didn’t I think of that?” idea offered quite some time ago, judging by the hairstyles, fashion,
is. Whether you work for tips or not, you may find this one worth and card handling in vogue at that time. When was the last time
the price of admission. you saw a Hindu shuffle being used? But that doesn’t diminish the
Volume 3 contains routines for multiple spectators, and runs effectiveness of some of these routines.
just over an hour. The five (plus two) routines on this DVD are The first disc begins with Harry Lorayne and his version of
specifically designed for an audience of three to five people. With Al Koran’s Lazy Man’s Card Trick. Allan Ackerman follows with
multiple selections, more people are involved, and the skill level an expanded version of a classic Karl Fulves trick, and after him
shown also appears multiplied. As with Volume 2, Karl performs Daryl shows a very basic effect called The Whispering Queen.
each routine in a real-life situation and later privately explains it. David Regal has an audience member name her lucky card,
Here he offers valuable tips and subtleties on how to structure the which happens to match his lucky card that he removes from his
individual sequences in order to get the maximum impact out of wallet. One of my workers, when I was just starting down the
each routine. path of card magic, was a Paul Harris effect called Overkill, here
Grandmother’s BLT is the exception to the multiple-spectator presented by Michael Ammar. Johnny Thompson teaches Birds
motif. It only requires a single spectator. It is a wonderful multi- of a Feather, a quick but effective trick. The 21 Card Trick gets
ple-phase sandwich routine with a very surprising finish. You’ll kicked up several notches in the capable hands of Bill Malone. His
find it very tasty. The third sandwich phase is the one Karl uses to three-phase routine will fool layman (and most magicians), and is
fool magicians. I’ll bet it fools you. The next routine is named Col- one of the highlights of this set.
lecting Camaro after my good friend Jerry Camaro, who passed Daryl returns with a revelation based on a basic force and then
away. It is so named because it uses a multiple shift idea that Eugene Burger closes out the magic by demonstrating how a deck
Jerry showed Karl. Karl doesn’t know it, but I taught Jerry a lot of of cards can locate any card just by spelling to it. I perform a
magic when he was getting started, including this move. It is not version of Eugene’s trick professionally (using a glimpse instead

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 61

of a force), and I can attest to its effectiveness. quality of the video and audio provided
The second disc starts off with Allan Ackerman doing a by the producer, SansMinds, make this a
classic from Al Leech by finding not only the spectator’s chosen good value.
card but the four Aces as well (I taught this effect at magic classes The items are all card related. There
for many years). Johnny Thompson follows with another classic are updates to some of Kun’s previously
effect in which the magician’s card finds the spectator’s selection. released material, such as Counterpoint
Daryl returns to show how his sensitive fingertips can remove Retouched, that are very worthwhile
cards from his pocket that reveal the identity of the selected card. additions. Some gimmicked cards are
This routine plays well and if you glimpse or force the selection provided in the package that will allow
you can make the trick play a little stronger. you to perform one of the effects, but
Harry Lorayne does a quickie by causing a playing card to you will need to provide a Blank Deck to
penetrate the card case. Michael Ammar shows and teaches a way perform Snowblind, which is one of the
to straighten out an impossibly mixed-up deck (Slop Shuffle). Allan highlights of the set. In it, a card is selected and replaced. There
Ackerman returns with a card matching effect, and is followed by is a very visual transformation of the entire deck to a blank deck
Johnny Thompson, who offers his version of one of card magic’s except the selection. I think this is one that a lot of magicians
all-time classic tricks, You Do as I Do. Daryl reappears with a will be performing. One of my favorites was DIY Aces, which
small packet mentalism gem, the Eight Card Brainwave (with a is an improvement of a Father Cyprian ace-cutting routine. The
nice display), while Larry Jennings performs and teaches one of original has been one of my favorites for years, but Kun’s small
his most-beloved effects (in spite of an annoying fly), an impos- changes in handling really kick it up a notch. I’ll be adding this to
sible location called Impossible (this will fool most magicians as my repertoire.
well as laymen). Inflict Evolved is a terrific sandwich routine in which a face-up
Disc three continues the self-working fun with Daryl card appears between two face-down cards, but it is the wrong
combining birthday greetings with the discovery of a selected card. Suddenly, the face-up card visibly changes to the selection.
card (this uses some minor technique). Allan Ackerman puts a In Morf, four indifferent cards change into a four of a kind in a
colorful twist on the venerable Clock Trick. The next two effects very visual manner that is a real eye-popper. The other pieces
are poker themed. First, Michael Ammar shows how to cheat at include a really cool appearance of a selected card between two
poker by dealing himself a royal flush, and then Harry Lorayne Jokers and an interesting, but slightly flourishy, one-handed
shows how to win with the Ten Card Poker Deal (keep watching double lift.
and Harry performs a bonus trick). The Ten Card Poker Deal has All in all, this is a very good effort and something that card
many improvements and variations, but you and your audience guys are going to want to check out. Recommended.
will be pleased if you learn and present Harry’s version. Marlo’s
Perfect Stop Trick gets the Bill Malone treatment before Johnny Techint DVD
Thompson plucks the four Aces from a spectator-shuffled deck By Yoshito Kitahara
while the cards are in his pocket. Daryl returns with a wonderful Available from: penguinmagic.com
effect in which the spectator finds the four Aces from a shuffled Price $47.00
deck. Lastly, Harry Lorayne returns to finish off the DVD by
turning the deck of cards into a lie detector. REVIEW BY W. S. DUNCAN
While not every effect is a killer (and there have been many
new self-working effects created since the days these videos were Techint begins with three and
shot), there is enough wonderful material that I think this set will a half minutes of black-and-white
appeal to anyone looking to add an impromptu (as most of these footage of card manipulations,
are) card effect or three to his arsenal. Each disc contains at least performed to music that seems like it
one or two items that, if learned and presented properly, will was taken from the coolest elevator
generate all the acclaim and reaction you can hope for from a self- you ever rode in. This footage
working trick. I can recommend this set for anyone looking for a appears on the brushed-metal and
trick that can be performed when presented with a pack. skinny-font menu as “Walkthrough.”
It shows off all the material on the
Patrified DVD DVD so you can pick something and
By Patrick Kun jump right to it, which is nice, because watching this DVD from
Available from: sansminds.com start to finish is a daunting task. Not to say it’s an unpleasant task.
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies There is some very nice magic on this DVD, and if you like the
Price $34.95 sort of presentation-less style in which it’s performed, you may
even be able to watch the entire thing in one sitting. I couldn’t.
REVIEW BY MARC DESOUZA Part of the reason for that is there is almost no instruction
here, and what instruction there is, is incomplete or useless. For
I first became aware of Patrick Kun when he released of a few example, there is a very nice impromptu item called Thorndike in
items as online downloads. He seemed to have some good ideas the bonus section. You apparently break your thumb and twist the
for card guys, but nothing earth shattering. This DVD very pleas- end joint about 180 degrees around, and then restore it. The video
antly surprised me. In it, Kun performs and explains seven items. shows you the effect, repeated a couple of times, and then offers
In general, the length of the video and the number of items taught the explanation, “simply twist your thumb: not thumb tip, not dis-
would leave me with the opinion that this is overpriced in today’s location” as the full instruction. If you want more, you can turn
market, but such is not the case here. I feel the quality of the moves on the Chinese subtitles, but I suspect they don’t have much more
and routines, coupled with Kun’s teaching of the material, and the to say than that. The entire segment runs two minutes and twenty

62 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

seconds. I assume that I understand the method, since there isn’t revelation of what usually ends up being a single word and not one
much to see, but it sure doesn’t look as convincing when I try it, that is always of interest or appropriate to the audience.
as it does on the video. Besides flexible joints, I suspect there are Fortunately for the buyer, Mr. Kleefeld has solved every
nuances that help the illusion, but you’ll have to figure them out complaint I have ever had about a book test with this excellent
for yourself. product. (Please be aware that Mr. Kleefeld is a fellow reviewer
The other bonus item, Porno Link, is a rubber band penetra- and columnist for M-U-M.)
tion of a straw, which from its one really good angle looks quite The books can be examined and read cover to cover. Kleefeld
nice. After that is demonstrated, the word “exp.” appears in the has obtained the rights to modify the text of specific books by
lower left corner of the screen as the method is displayed. I’m not the most famous and best-selling mystery writer in history. I will
sure if “exp.” means explanation or exposed view. Like the rest of not name the author here to avoid Internet searches revealing the
the DVD, you’ll have to sort that out for yourself. existence of such a product to audience members who Google.
One of the more beautiful card effects, inspired by “Rene’ The first pages have been left completely intact, so if you call a fan
Levand” (as it is printed on the screen), involves stealing a card onto the stage there will be no discrepancy in the style. The tests
from the top of the ribbon-spread pack and inserting it, out- feel eminently fair and are clean and direct. Invite the spectator to
jogged, as the spread is turned over twice. It looks pretty darn pick one of the two books, open to any page, then ask her to read
good, even when you know the steal is happening; it really popped the first line to herself and look at the nearest illustration in the
when I saw it for the first time. But simply knowing it’s possible to book. You are then able to reveal details about the scene or action
do something like this is not enough to motivate me to experiment and reproduce as a drawing the most salient images created by
and reinvent the method so that I can do it. The entire explanation the illustration The participant does not need to let you know the
for this one is a single sentence telling you to ask the spectator a page number; instead of revealing a single word, you are able to
question as you steal the card, and an overlaid arrow on screen “receive” impressions of the actions taking place.
showing where you insert the card back into the spread. The books are well-produced hard covers with heavy-duty
The rest of the DVD offers a fancy way to spread the cards that dust jackets. They have the look of subscription editions or books
is part ribbon spread, part cascade, a couple of fancy double lifts, published in a series, the kind one often finds on the remainder
card changes based on flourish double lifts, visual color changes table at a chain bookstore. The bindings have a linen finish and
in which your hands look a bit arthritic for a moment (but no one the type is large and readable, with a fine contrast on the page. A
will notice), and a very nice one-handed deal. deluxe version is also available that includes a third volume. The
You can try to find the official trailer on YouTube, but my only flaw is one not easily noticed. The spines (under the covers
Google-fu landed me on Penguin’s site. I visited the homepage on two of the volumes) have the title of the book and the name Jim
listed on the DVD case (http://www.script-m.jp) and found a Kleefeld. This may be correctable in future editions and is my
trailer (which oddly, is hosted on YouTube). View that, and you’ll only concern. To mitigate this, I would suggest plastic wrapping
get a good idea of both the material and the instruction. Learning the covers and making them look like library copies with stickers
from this DVD is a bit easier than just watching a trick on YouTube and such. Or, if you are going to depend on having the covers
until you figure out how it works, but only just. without plastic, scan the covers and print backups as needed.
So if you like flashy card magic, have fifty bucks burning a hole The instructions are excellent and are provided in a hard-copy
in your pocket, and don’t mind working things out for yourself, booklet. The method requires some memorization; a crib is
this DVD will provide you with some interesting and challenging hidden in each volume if you need to refresh before a performance
stuff to work on. And if you manage to perfect that stuff, you’ll or during one. Fans of Al Mann and Leo Boudreau will delight
have some visually entertaining material that isn’t the same stuff in the combination of methods employed. This is a fine tool for
everyone else is doing. the professional and a delightful find for the amateur. Order them
while they are available.
The Mysterious Affair Book Test
By Jim Kleefeld Martin Lewis Presents: Die-Namic Trick
Available from: JimKleefeld.com By Ken Allen
Price $169.00 plus s/h Available from: www.MagiKraft.com
Price $29.95
REVIEW BY JOSHUA KANE
REVIEW BY PAYNE
Every once in a while, a product
comes across my desk that raises the Ken Allen, according to the blurb in
standard for all similar products. The the back of the accompanying instruc-
Mysterious Affair, an exceptionally tions, was a magician, pitchman, acrobat,
good book test and a very good value, and tap dancer. He invented, among other
is such a product. things, the Chinatown Half, Jumping
My usual complaints about book Gems, the Monkey Bar, Robot Coins,
tests are as follows: the books rarely and of course Die-Namic – an effect that
look and feel like real books; they do seems to have been off the market for far
not hold up under scrutiny; they have too long a time.
titles and authors which, if Googled, do But thankfully for us, and the magic
not exist; they require modifications to avoid the former problem; community at large, Martin Lewis has
they are cheaply produced and do not hold up well in performance; confronted this issue head on and has
and they require the participant to announce a page number. Most rereleased this classic effect, which is good because: “Die-Namic
book tests end up being a lot of procedure and justification for the can make you a better performer than you think you are. It can

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 63

make you the world’s greatest magician in the eyes of the person On the Deceptus DVD, host Ben
who saw you do it. You can do it, you will do it, and you’ll thank Williams explains the method for using
me for telling you about it.” At least that’s what the original ad for the gimmick (which is provided with the
Die-Namic said about it back in 1962. But then it also proclaimed DVD), and then demonstrates the basic
that it was: “Unquestionably and without peer the greatest close-up effect using coins, cigarette lighters,
effect you will have the opportunity of owning and performing rings, and other small objects. The first
during your time.” So I would take the aforesaid hyperbole with, method, throwing the object into the
if not a grain of salt, a whole salt pours worth of the stuff. can, is not very convincing, perhaps
That said, Die-Namic, even after all these years, is still a great because it suffers from the “too perfect”
little piece of magic. The effect is simple and direct. A dollar bill syndrome. With the can held in one
is draped over the side of a glass which is then given to a spectator hand, Ben tosses a cigarette lighter at
to hold between the palms of his hands. A drug store die is then the can and we see it go. He immediately
set atop the bill. While talking about the juggling feat of pulling a shakes the can so the lighter can be heard
table cloth off a table without disturbing the items and objects on inside, and allows spectators to look into the pull-tab opening of
said table, the magician quickly whisks the dollar from the glass. the can to see the lighter. All sides of the can are shown, and ev-
Instead of being flung across the room or being left sitting undis- erything looks fair. But the action is awkward because we imme-
turbed atop the side of the glass, the die is seen to fall inside the diately think, “I don’t know exactly how, but I know what must
glass, seemingly penetrating through its solid side. have happened.” Too perfect!
If this isn’t exactly your cup of tea, you can perform Mr. Further demonstrations are far superior and remind us of the
Allen’s original presentation of having the die penetrate a coaster charm of the coin in the bottle. The coin, ring, or other object
or playing card that has been set atop the mouth of a glass. Or is held in the palm of one hand and is then slapped against the
you can have it penetrate through the lid of a sealed jar. All of bottom or side of the can, which is immediately shaken to signify
these routines are included in the written (yes, actually written) the presence of the object inside. The can and is then shown on all
instructions that accompany this effect. For those who are adverse sides, including the bottom. Why is this more effective? I’m not
to written instructions, fear not, there is a link to viewable video sure… it just is.
instruction online as well. Alan Rorrison’s approach, demonstrated by Ben Williams,
Die-Namic comes with everything you need to perform this takes the effect to a higher level. The coin or ring is placed in a
feat. You get two gimmicked dice (finely handcrafted by Mr. spectator’s outstretched palm. Holding the can in one hand, Ben
Lewis himself) and a duplicate die that can be handed out for takes the spectator’s hand in his other hand and slaps the specta-
examination, which is something I find unnecessary because the tor’s hand (and the object) against the can. The object is inside,
gimmicked die will easily pass a rudimentary look-over. Also and the can is instantly shown all around. The object is seen
included are gimmicks to shim a bill for one version of the pen- through the pull-tab opening, and the spectator may even handle
etration. Instructions for a borrowed bill version are also included, the can briefly (though it may not be minutely examined). Use
if using a shimmed bill makes you nervous for some reason. good judgment here. The can is then cut open with a utility knife
The die is nearly three-quarters of an inch square, making it a to release the object.
tad bit larger than the traditional size of drugstore dice. This size A magnetic gimmick is involved, which provides the plus
was chosen for ease of handling and better visibility. Even though of being able to combine Deceptus with a PK ring for variety
you can keep this trick in your pocket and carry it around with in handling. On the negative side is that, to perform the trick
ease all day, you could perform this trick for a small roomful of as designed, you need to use a steel can – readily available in
people. England and Europe. Most U.S. cans are aluminum, however,
The angles are good, but for the jar and coaster penetrations and have been for thirty years or more (although Coca Cola is
you’ll need the audience to be looking down on the setup. The actually currently considering a return to steel cans, as the price
angles are better for the bill version of the trick. It’s durable, well of aluminum steadily rises). This requires the performer to modify
made, and should last for a lifetime of use. But buy two in case the gimmick, which Ben explains how to do. Internet reviews by
you lose one. Harry Anderson did. those who perform Deceptus regularly indicate this is not a major
obstacle, however.
Deceptus Trick The DVD is thorough, and Ben Williams shares many tips,
By Jimmy Strange ideas and stratagems, which the performer will find useful.
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supply For example, several ideas about how to make the trick appear
Price $35.00 impromptu are discussed, including crushing the can when
through and tossing it into the trash. You have to retrieve it later,
REVIEW BY DAVID GOODSELL of course, unless you plan to use a $35 gimmick for each per-
formance! Deceptus is a good trick, perfect for impromptu street
It is not surprising that more than a few magicians have magic or for a minor miracle at home when friends are sitting
conceived of ways to pass a coin into a soda can. After all, Coin in around the living room.
the Bottle has been a classic for many decades, ever since quality
folding coins were invented. But canned drinks far outnumber Pocket One-trick DVD
bottled drinks, and passing a coin (or any small object, for that By Julio Montoro
matter) into a soda can is a natural for street magic, especially Available from: www.sansminds.com
when the trick appears to be impromptu. The Deceptus method is Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
one of the better efforts. Unlike folding coins, the objects used are Price $29.95
not gimmicked – but the can is, in a clever and very convincing
manner. REVIEW BY JAMIE SALINAS

64 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 Pocket is a hands-free visible card change cube or the back showing on all sides.
that takes place with a card sticking out After you learn the creation of the card cube, Perseus walks
of your jacket pocket. The effect is you through his routine. You are taught the set-up and all of the
visually stunning. Without any cover steps needed to perform his effect. You will need to have some
and with all attention on the card in basic sleight of hand skills but it is not too difficult to perform.
your pocket, it visually changes to the The apparent removal of the selected card to the hand that “folds”
spectator’s selection. You may remove the card to a cube looks good and allows you to create the illusion
the card and give it to the spectator as of using one hand to fold the card into a cube.
a souvenir. This sounds too good to be In addition to the standard routine, a few variations are included
true, but it is not. The effect is simple as well. One variation has the selected card instantly being trans-
and direct. formed into the cube in their hands. Another is where you toss
You are required to wear a jacket with an outside the selected card from one hand to the other and it instantly turns
breast pocket for this effect, but I think you could also set this up into the cube while yet another variation has the card being pulled
for use with a vest that has an outside breast pocket as well. The from one hand to the other and the card instantly is transformed to
DVD begins with demonstration video clips that show you how the cube form. The cube can be produced with the back showing;
amazing this looks. This is then followed by the construction of using some variations of a Spellbound move, the cube can be
the gimmick that you will have to make for your jacket. transformed to having the face showing.
The process looks intimidating, but is simple to follow and uses Included on the DVD is a PDF file to further help you create
common items; you can construct the gimmick yourself without the card cubes. The same principle can be applied to business
the need of a seamstress. A few of the items needed are included cards to create the cubes as well. I have to admit, I was not very
with the DVD, but you will need some additional supplies which, excited to perform the effect, but after testing the routine out on
thankfully, are readily available. Also included are a blank-faced a lay audience, I received a stronger response than I thought I
playing card and a double-sided blank card that you can use for would get. This will not be your closing effect, but the reactions
the card that is changed into the selected card. are good. Card workers will enjoy this unusual offering for card
Again, a jacket with an outside breast pocket is required to magic. If you are a card worker, this is something you may want
perform this effect, and you will have to construct the gimmick to consider purchasing.
yourself. It is not very difficult to set up the gimmick and the
effect truly is stunning. The fact that the card that is transformed Noted 2.0 Trick
can be examined both before and after the change is great! Did I By Gary Jones
mention that it looks stunning? Once your jacket has been con- Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies
figured for this effect, you will perform it often. This is not very Price $24.99
difficult to do and is great visual card magic. It is well worth your
investment of time, construction, and money for this effect. REVIEW BY JIM KLEEFELD

Card Cube One-trick DVD First of all, do not mistake this for the
By Perseus Arkomanis identically titled trick by Richard James
Distributed by Murphy’s Magic Supplies in which a rolled-up dollar bill is pushed
Price $15.00 through a flattened dollar bill. Noted 2.0
is a very simple idea for a very simple
REVIEW BY JAMIE SALINAS trick, but it looks pretty deceptive. You
come forward holding a simple spiral
So what exactly is a Card Cube? notepad and a pen. You write something
Simply, it is a single playing card on the pad and then offer to make the pen
that has been transformed into a disappear. The pen vanishes, and then the
cube using a series of folds. This spectators discover that the notebook has
DVD teaches you how to make vanished as well. In its place is a deck of
one, and includes methods to use cards.
the cube in a magic trick. The folds What you receive is a well-made simple gimmick that visually
are an original creation of Perseus changes from a spiral notebook into a deck of cards, and a skimpy
Arkomanis. DVD with a scant nine minutes of instruction. True, the concept
A playing card is taken from the and method are simple, but more routines or other handlings
deck; with one hand (and using just would have made the instructions more suitable.
one hand), it is transformed into a When I opened the product, I was skeptical at how well the
cube form in a very short time with some motions of the hand. The gimmick would be received. At a quick glance, it looks like a
cube is folded with the backside of the playing card out, showing spiral notebook, but spend any more than a few seconds looking
on all sides of the cube. With just a wave of a hand, the card cube at it and you immediately perceive that it is a stand-in for a real
changes to be folded with the face of the card showing on all sides notebook. However, after several trials in the real world with
on the outside of the cube. actual lay people, I found that the trick went over well. The visual
After a performance of the routine, Perseus teaches you how discrepancy seemed to fly by everybody. So if you get this, don’t
to fold a playing card into a cube form. The instructions are very be put off that the gaff is not a perfect simulation. Try it out. In
clear. With a playing card in hand, simply follow along and you performance, the effect is so short that nobody will have time to
will have your own cube in just a few minutes. You can make inspect the props anyway.
them either with the face of the card showing on all sides of the I do think there are better ways to handle the transformation

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 65

other than the one Jones demonstrates. He literally turns his entire the core of John’s magic. This essay (and the entire book for that
body away and then back to hide the move required to change matter) is required reading for anyone who seeks improvement in
the notebook into cards. As far as most spectators are concerned, the art of conjuring. Other books and DVDs followed, including
you could simply be turning around to place an object aside while the wonderful The Book of Secrets and Magic by Design. Again, I
you pick up a different object. An in-the-hands method would urge you to seek out copies and study this material.
be much cleaner. Consider this script: I am taking notes on what In 2013, John undertook a new endeavor: monthly, streaming-
people want to see. Show the notebook. I wrote card trick, rope video lessons. Titled Carney 2013: Twelve Lessons in Sleight
trick, cigarette trick. Which would you prefer? Whatever they say, of Hand, the lessons covered both close-up and stand-up magic
reach into your pocket and remove an empty card box. Change the (John has expertise in both fields). The set of twelve lessons cost
notebook to a deck of cards under cover of this misdirection. Drop $125; when the series was first offered, it was necessary to sign up
the card box and show the deck. Well, let’s start with a card trick. for the entire year’s worth of information. Now John is offering
Another note: Jones says that you have to use this as an opener. the lessons individually, for $18 each. Considering the amount of
You don’t. Simply keep a deck in your pocket and have the gaff in time you will save by studying this information, John is offering
the same pocket, set in the open position. Reach in your pocket, you an unbelievable bargain.
grab what you need and bring it out. Each lesson begins in a similar manner, with John providing
Not a flaw, but for your consideration: The gaff you receive is background information on the topic at hand. These are extensive
still in play after the effect is over. In other words, you have a deck discussions, covering both historical and technical information,
with a gaff in it. So if you want to go into a routine using a regular and they demonstrate how deeply John researches his subject
deck you will have to remove or ditch the gimmick. This would matter. What follows next are performances, demonstrations, and
not be at all difficult, because you can either easily vanish it, or explanations; generally, these are static, one-camera shots, sup-
openly remove it from the deck and put it away. Neither act would plemented by live performance footage and reverse angle shots.
be particularly suspicious. Noted 2.0 is a decent gimmick and one There are not a lot of bells and whistles here, but all the material
you can have some fun with for the price. is clearly shot and is explained thoroughly.
Half of the twelve lessons are devoted to stand-up material;
Carney 2013 Streaming Online Videos you may be surprised to see how much work John has on these
By John Carney routines. The lessons are titled The Vanishing Bird Cage Re-imag-
Available from: CarneyMagic.com ined, Four Gone, Leon’s Haunted Doll House, Choptricks, Okito’s
Price $18 for each lesson; $125 for all twelve Elixir Silk, and Touches on the Classics (which includes discus-
sions of the Egg Bag, the Linking Rings, and the Color Changing
REVIEW BY MICHAEL CLOSE Hank, as well information on the Ambitious Card, Cards Across,
and Card to Wallet). Because this is not an area of magic I spe-
Here is an odd question with which cialize in, I learned a great deal from these lessons. Choptricks
to start a review: How much is your time comes straight from John’s comedy stand-up magic show, and I
worth? If you are a magic hobbyist and loved all the subtle bits of business that John has added to the
I hired you to spend eight hours doing Leon Haunted Doll House (including a great method for hooking
whatever your day job is, what would it up the gaff). If the Vanishing Birdcage interests you, you’ll learn
cost me? If I said to you, it’s Saturday; a method that allows you to vanish the cage and then completely
instead of spending the day with your ditch all the apparatus during the course of a natural sequence of
family, I want you come over and paint my actions.
house, what would you charge? The lessons on close-up magic include The Mora Ball Routine,
I ask this question because studying Eddie Fechter’s 8 to 12 (a wonderfully funny, commercial card
the art of conjuring (and I mean really routine), Time/Space Coin-tinuum (John’s variations on Fred
studying, in order to be a better magician) takes time. It takes Kaps’s Purse Routine), The Impromptu Collection (terrific
years. If you don’t have the benefit of a mentor (as was my case routines that you rarely see performed), Commercial Cards, and
during my first fifteen years of studying magic), you will spend a a two-part lesson on Fixing Fundamentals. In my fifty-five-plus
lot of time just trying to figure out which things to do and the best years of magic study, I have learned a great deal about close-up
way to do them. You will read as many books as you can get your magic, but John still surprised me with information I was unaware
hands on, watch videos, and sift through the avalanche of magic of (for example, Louis Zingone’s modification of the grip for the
product that overwhelms the marketplace these days. In the end Erdnase one-handed shift). You should be aware, however, that
you may discover what you need to know – the proper techniques, John does all his card moves left-handed, so right-handed viewers
the sound principles, the best effects – but it will take time. And, will have to adjust.
as I asked in the first paragraph, what is your time worth? These lessons are streamed online via a program called
I believe the answer to this problem (especially if you’re going Revizzit. This means you must be online to view the videos.
it alone) is to seek out information from authorities in the field Revizzit is available for many platforms. I had no problem install-
who have established their credentials through a long involvement ing it.
of the study and performance of conjuring. Some examples would Whether you choose to purchase all twelve lessons of
be Dai Vernon, Juan Tamariz, Tommy Wonder, and the man who Carney 2013 or opt for purchasing individual lessons, you will
is the subject of this review – John Carney. be spending your money wisely. This is great information,
During the past three decades, John has cemented his status as presented by one of the modern masters of the craft. It has my
one of magic’s preeminent performers and thinkers. The first big highest recommendation. 
book of his material (Carneycopia, written by Stephen Minch) was
published in 1991. John’s introductory essay to that book, “Secret If you would like to have your product reviewed please send it to:
Philosophy,” is a concise exposition of the principles that are at Bill Duncan, P.O. Box 50562, Bellevue, WA 98015-0562

66 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

MAGIC COMPETITION MAKES CHICAGO HISTORY and provided all competitors with constructive written
feedback.
The judging panel included one experienced
magician, Don Wiberg, a past president of the Inter-
national Brotherhood of Magicians. At the opposite
end of the spectrum sat the Chicago History Museum’s
Public Programs Coordinator and magic novice, Ani
Schmidt. Balancing the two extremes was the magic-
savvy executive director of the Mercury Theater, L.
Walter Stearns.
After the performers drew their performing order
at random, the magic began. Frank “Frankini” Glab
From left: Ani Schmidt, L. Walter Stearns, Ryan Lawrence, AJ Sacco, Frank hooked the crowd with a fast-paced Three-Card Monte
Glab, Luis Carreon, James Sanden, Tori Noquez, Kyle Bassett, routine set to ragtime music. Mark Presley skillfully
Mark Presley, Don Wiberg, Neil Tobin
produced a profusion of thimbles. Tori Noquez treated
Magic is an inextricable part of Chicago’s history, so it’s no co- two onstage participants to close-up card magic. Luis Carreon ma-
incidence that the Chicago History Museum would be home to nipulated coins and neckties before invisibly transporting cards
the 2014 Chicago Magic Competition. Co-presenting the com- across the stage. AJ Sacco provided offbeat comedic commentary
petition was the Chicago Assembly of The Society of American when he wasn’t coughing up red sponge clown noses in alarming
Magicians. sizes. James Sanden inflated currency, transposed cards, and ma-
On Sunday, August 24, the museum set off the work of eight terialized a full bottle of wine for one lucky audience member.
Chicago performers. Event Chair Neil Tobin explained the nature Ryan Lawrence located a selected playing card with a hockey
of the contest: “Unlike other competitions in the magical world, stick, and Kyle Bassett danced with a floating table.
this isn’t an event in which magicians stroke their beards and The winners were: Third Place, AJ Sacco; Second Place, Luis
sit in judgment of other magicians. This is the Chicago Magic Carreon; First Place, James Sanden; People’s Choice, Frank
Competition, one of the few events in which the public gets to tell Glab. Each was awarded a handcrafted wand from Fortress Wand
magicians what’s entertaining to actual audiences!” Works. All eight competitors were recognized with calligraphed
Eight performers were each allotted eight minutes to impress certificates and complimentary tickets to the upcoming October
the audience at large, which decided by secret ballot the recipient revival of Supernatural Chicago at Castle nightclub.
of the People’s Choice Award. A three-member judging panel The Chicago History Museum has already agreed to host next
decided the recipients of the first, second, and third place awards, year’s competition.  —Neil Tobin

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 67

 Treasures from
the Salon de M agie
By Ken Kloster m an

invention of British magician Fred Culpitt. The concept was both

funny and magical. A silk-screened picture of a bathing beauty
was shown. Standing at the seaside, she was wearing the standard
bathing costume of the day: a cape and a bathing suit – one-piece,
of course.
THE BATHING BEAUTY Rolling up the 16” x 24” picture, the magician reached into it
and pulled out the young lady’s cape. Opening the picture revealed
that indeed the cape was now gone. She stood in the same alluring
pose in nothing more than her all-concealing bathing suit. But the
magician could solve that problem. Rolling up the prop again and
reaching into it, he removed the suit of the bathing beauty with
ease. The patter possibilities were many and audience anticipation
was high.
But the trick concluded with a twist; the magician unrolled the
picture for the final time to reveal the coming of the tide, which
had preserved the beauty’s modesty.
The trick was not cheap. In fact, at a whopping thirty-five
dollars (a tremendous sum for the time), it was the highest priced
item the company offered. Even in times as good as the Roaring
Twenties, the average worker’s income was seventeen to twenty-
five dollars a week. This is probably why few other examples of
the original Bathing Beauty have survived.
Blackstone Magic advertisements for the trick described a red
cape and a green one-piece bathing suit, as in the prop in the Salon
de Magie. When the trick was reintroduced by the Abbott Magic
Company fifteen years later, in the middle of World War II, she
was no longer the “Hotsie Totsie” as earlier advertised and cost
One of magic’s most talked-about, failed partnerships came ten dollars less. However, this more modern beauty wears a sexier
into being just before the Great Depression, in 1928. America two-piece suit. The colors of the cape and suit changed as well, but
seemed to be brimming with economic opportunities, and Harry such details did not bother the tide, which unfailingly rolls in to
Blackstone Sr. smelled opportunity, too. Wanting to capitalize on squelch audience anticipation and prevent embarrassment.
his growing stardom in the world of magic, he thought it a good
idea to attach his name to a new business, the Blackstone Magic
Company.
The company was to be headquartered in Colon, Michigan,
a small town where Blackstone and his troupe summered. Percy
Abbott, an Australian magician recently settled in the United
States, was to be the firm’s manager. He would stay in Colon and
run the operation while Blackstone was out on the road with his
full-evening show. Abbott had earlier experience in the magic
business; he had run two shops of his own in Sydney, Australia,
his home town.
The Blackstone business offered a few original products to the
magic fraternity, including an early model of the now popular, me-
chanical, jumbo-sized Find the Lady cards, and what were listed
as Blackstone’s favorite card tricks. Standard effects, current pub-
lications, and common accessories filled out the company product
line.
For whatever reason, the Abbott-Blackstone partnership did
not last more than eighteen months. Rumors circulated for years
that after their partnership dissolved, the two refused to speak to
each other again. While individually successful, these two strong
personalities could not work together. The “magical pinup” was part of the Bob Ellis collection,
Among the tricks the Blackstone Magic Company offered, which was purchased by Venture III and thus became part of the
one, The Bathing Beauty, had a risqué appeal. The trick was the Salon de Magie. 

68 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014

 INSIDE STRAIGHT BY NORMAN BECK
OUR ADVERTISERS A SMALL GIFT
A House of Fire 4 You know sometimes you itch and you have to
B. Happie Entertainment 67 scratch it. I am certain that most readers know that I
Burgoon Magic 9 took a little medical vacation a year ago, on August 29.
I was out for a brain tumor. I have spent a good part
Genii Magazine 31 of the last year recovering from the removal of the
Haversat & Ewing Galleries 3 tumor. Reading about magic, thinking about magic,
and talking about magic were also a big part of my
Jim Kleefeld 27 life. However, I haven’t really done any magic for real
Joe Mogar - Magic Stars 49 people in the real world under fire. It is one thing to
LaRock’s Fun & Magic Outlet 2 do magic for other magicians or for family and friends
and quite another to do magic for total strangers who
L&L Publishing 27 you just cold called.
Magic Summit 71 Last weekend I was in Ohio; I did a magic lecture
MiX16 Apps by Gregor Krasevec 49 for Penguin Magic and talked a bit about when I first
started doing magic in the restaurant environment.
Nielsen Magic 10 The talk brought back old memories of working to
S.A.M. Convention 2015 72 live and living to work. I noticed a bit of an itch at
S.A.M Facebook 41 the time and it just got worse; this Sunday we were at
brunch and I had to scratch it. We were at one of our
S.A.M. Gifts and Insignia 34 favorite places to eat in Dallas and a four-top came
S.A.M. Life Membership 7 in with two kids, aged eight and ten. I could tell the
S.A.M Twitter 9 manager knew them; I asked him if he would find out
if the two kids would like to see some magic. Was I
Show-Biz Services 9 loaded for bear? No. Did I have a set routine in mind?
The Magic Bakery 30 No. Was I expecting a tip or to be paid? No.
T. Myers 10 I had an itch, plain and simple. I also have a face
that droops, an eye that won’t blink, and a speech
pattern that is not clear. The manager checked; it
was okay with the parents and I was off to work. The
Other solutions to the math puzzle kids were great and the parents were wonderful. I did
about six minutes out of my pockets and was glad to
on page 36 finally scratch the itch. I had no idea who the people
were. They looked like your normal family of four. I
had no idea that he was the owner of one of the top
• 1 + 2 + 34 - 5 + 67 - 8 + 9 = 100 places to eat in Dallas, a place called Nick and Sam’s.
I assumed that when the set was over and I sat down,
• 12 + 3 - 4 + 5 + 67 + 8 + 9 = 100 we were done. The kids got to see some magic, I got
to scratch my itch, and the parents got to see the kids
• 123 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 + 8 - 9 = 100 smile.
On the way out, the kids both came over to the
• 123 + 4 - 5 + 67 - 89 = 100 table and shook my hand and thanked me for the
magic. They had no idea what that meant to me. The
• 123 + 45 - 67 + 8 - 9 = 100 dad also thanked me and gave me his card and asked
that I let him know the next time I was in Nick and
• 123 - 45 - 67 + 89 = 100 Sam’s. After they left, the manager came to the table
with desserts that the father had ordered for the table
• 12 - 3 - 4 + 5 - 6 + 7 + 89 = 100 as his way of saying thank you for the magic.
• 12 + 3 + 4 + 5 - 6 - 7 + 89 = 100 Please understand that I had no hidden agenda in
doing the magic. I simply wanted (or rather, needed)
• 1 + 23 - 4 + 5 + 6 + 78 - 9 = 100 to actually do magic for real people under fire. The
only thing that I needed was to see the look on the
• 1 + 23 - 4 + 56 + 7 + 8 + 9 = 100 kids’ faces. That was my paycheck and all that I was
looking for. I got so much more than that. I got a new
• 1 + 2 + 3 - 4 + 5 + 6 + 78 + 9 = 100 contact at a great place to eat in Dallas. The manager
and the kids got to see the magic. Everything else was
• -1 + 2-3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 78 + 9 = 100 lagniappe. 

OCTOBER 2014 - M-U-M Magazine 69

 The Dean's Diary
By George Schindler
me made it impossible to hear or be heard.
My next step was to show the parking
guy the written address of the studio; in my
best high school Spanish I said, “Cinema.”
The word clicked and he made a call that
NEEDED: AN OLD HAND brought a minivan to the lot. The studio,
which was located about half mile away,
The casting company called me three looked like an abandoned factory refitted
days before the shooting date looking for to house the sets, cameras, lights, and
an active magician whose hands were over sound equipment.
seventy years old. Hey, that’s me! The I climbed the concrete staircase and
film called for a body double to do a short entered a large room filled with fifty or
“hands” shot. I agreed on the money and more extras seated at tables, waiting to be Robert De Niro's stand-in hand
as a member of the Screen Actors Guild, called. Many had been there since early
I was qualified to appear. I was to report that morning. A large buffet filled with hot time; my new partner and I watched the
to the studio in the Bronx, about an hour and cold food, snacks, and drinks covered filming of other spots. The director of our
away from my home in Brooklyn. The one entire wall. I found someone to talk to sequence finally got to us and we filmed the
time was 7 a.m. on the following Monday. and signed in, filled out voucher forms and same moves over twenty times: one actor
Sunday morning I got a quick manicure other paperwork, and joined the throng in shaking hands with another. I won’t reveal
and was prepared to set the alarm to wake the makeshift cafeteria. the details of this half-minute bit, but when
me at 5 a.m. The phone rang that afternoon An hour later I was called and escorted you see it, you’ll recognize my part, appar-
with a cancellation! The director was ill; upstairs to another set of large rooms filled ently done by the star of the film.
they would shoot again on Thursday. I with equipment. I met another extra who It may be months before the movie is
worked out a noon arrival. I was to report seemed to know what we were there to out. Look for the gag handshake in the
to a parking lot, where there would be a film. Luckily, I had taken a snack earlier, movie Interns. My right hand stands in for
van to bring me to the studio. for it took another hour to be assigned a Robert De Niro. I got home after 7 p.m.
I set my GPS and on Thursday morning makeup tech who painted a few spots of that evening and was paid for both the
was off to do something with my hands. I color on the back of my right hand and shooting day and the day they cancelled.
arrived early at the lot and encountered a updated my manicure. Things seemed to Now I’ll look for something to wear at the
Spanish-speaking attendant who spoke no be moving when I met the wardrobe man Oscars if they get an award. Not bad for an
English; we were almost unable to commu- who handed me a shirt, tie, and pants to old hand! 
nicate. I tried to dial my contact number, wear.
but a jack hammer on the roadway above There followed another hour of waiting

70 M-U-M Magazine - OCTOBER 2014