MAGIC! - 07
The following was compiled from the magician's message section of
MAGIC!(sm). MAGIC! was an electronic communications system for
magicians. Access was free, except for normal telephone company
charges. New registrants were required to leave a comment with
their name, address, phone number and a brief resume of their magic
background to be considered for membership. The material herein
should be treated as confidentially as other magic information.
Copyright 1990, 1991 by MAGIC!, All rights reserved.
Msg #3000 Dated 16:43:35 11-25-90 -> 3001
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: CARD IDEAS
Hey, there's an idea! When no one is looking, get a really tall
ladder, climb it and attach the card to the window with a nut. It's
amazing how you have the answer and don't know it.
Msg #3001 Dated 16:44:56 11-25-90 -> 3002
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: CARD IDEAS
Hah, sounds great.
Msg #3002 Dated 16:45:50 11-25-90 -> 3031
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: CARD IDEAS
Won't popping out the window create a vaccuum and suck people out the
window? I can't tell you anything about Biro and his laptop...
Msg #3003 Dated 16:47:22 11-25-90 -> 3004
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MAGIC DATABASE
The filename is magicdb.zip and there is a text file called, you
guessed it, magicdb.txt that tells you how to use it, although it is
pretty easy to use if you have a mouse. It's not too hard without a
mouse either.
Vincent
Msg #3004 Dated 16:49:39 11-25-90 -> 3007
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: MAGIC DATABASE
Well it'll have to wait a bit. I've got my bucks saved to bring
something back from the Penn & Teller show I'm going to see this Sat.
(Dec.1) By the way, this is to all, what did you think of the Penn &
Teller tv special?
Msg #3005 Dated 16:54:10 11-25-90 -> 3294
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: PERFORMING
Let me reread the replies I got and I will get back to you. I wouldn't
worry about the big show too much. I mean, you should worry enough to
do a good job, but think of it as experience! Oh yes, I remember Pete
Biro told me the only way to get experience is to do it (is that right
Pete?!). And it is true. I would suggest remembering to have a good
time with it, enjoy it, and try not to become a "holier-than-thou"
magician. I don't know if this is the greatest advice, but it has
helped me.
Vincent
Msg #3006 Dated 17:00:52 11-25-90
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: 400!
Congrats!
Msg #3007 Dated 18:03:51 11-25-90 3004 <--> 3077
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: MAGIC DATABASE
uh-oh....here we go again!
Msg #3009 Dated 19:08:50 11-25-90 -> 3048
From: MAX MAVEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER
Please do not insult me by suggesting that I didn't pay attention while
watching the show. Of course there were "attacks" made by Penn &
Teller, but nothing they said descended to allegations of nazism.
Msg #3010 Dated 19:12:58 11-25-90 -> 3049
From: MAX MAVEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: P&T
Two insults in one day; you're working overtime. It is a cheap shot to
suggest that my opinion of P&T would change if they exposed blindfold
techniques. In point of fact, in their live show at one time they had
a routine which _did_ expose the nose peek. So there.
Msg #3012 Dated 19:42:19 11-25-90 -> 3021
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ABBOT'S
the address is, Abbott's Magic Mfg. Co.
Colon, Michigan 49040
telephone number (616) 432-3235 or 432-3236
Msg #3013 Dated 19:46:19 11-25-90 -> 3118
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PENNANDTELLER
In my personal opinion Penn & Teller are no better than the Mystery
Magician of a few years ago.. If the only way these guys can make a
name for themselves is by exposing other peples tricks, they should
just stay at home and spoil Copperfield specials for their family!!
Msg #3014 Dated 19:52:12 11-25-90
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: P & T 4 G
You miss the point of the problem....It is not what they expose, just
that they do it AND use it as a means to make it in a business that
would not long put up with their sarcastic humor for long.. If they
expose a trick that is not done often, then what will stop them next
time?? Every time it happens it will go farther.. While they have not
damaged any trick I or anyone else I know uses, what about the next
time??? Magic is a art, built on principles that have been around a
long time, and one of those is to not gratutisly expose the workings of
the art for any reason.. Try this, next time you do a show expose a
trick BEFORE you perform it, then see how it goes over, and how long it
is before everyone in your local area knows it.. Magnify that by T.V.
and you start to understand the damage potintal!!
Msg #3015 Dated 20:02:48 11-25-90
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: DENNIS PIERCE (X)
Re: RINGER EFFECTS
There is a book called 21 routines with a himber wallet that contains
some excellent routines, one of which is Polorid Money.. A local magic
dealer should be able to get it for you or call me at my shop and I
will try to send you one.. (714) 626-1773
Msg #3017 Dated 20:18:38 11-25-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: GENO MUNARI (X)
Re: REPLY
Geno: Good to see you online. Will check the Gaffed Shoe files.
Want to get my mitts on your last 3 vidios, let me know the
scoop.
Got the info from Joe on the Close Up deal, but I don't think I
can swing the trip. If so will be glad to come and HELP with the
operations side. Will let you know.
I was going to give you info. on the Sam Bellhop query, but I see
all kinds of replies to you with the same thing I was going to
tell you.
Finally got my hands on a pair of Sure Shot dice boxes. Howie
Schwarzman (here online) has several more for sale. They are two
styles, one turned wood (beautiful) the other some kind of maroon
colored plastic (very good too). Reasonable prices.
TIME LAPSE. Yes, great idea. I wanted to do this with the
set up and teardown of the street racing circuit at the Long
Beach Grand Prix, but the boss didn't care.
You need a 250 exp. back Nikon with AUTO EVERYTHING as far
as exposure, etc. is concerned. Set up with an INTERVOLOMETER.
This stuff can all be rented in Los Angeles. I think Samy's
Camera can do it. I don't know the setup for Cine camera, but
would guess the same.
I have a 250 exposure back Nikon BUT it is an older model
with manual settings, that was you would have screwed up
exposures as the light changed, unless you use negative color
with tons of latitude.
There is a company in L.A. (I would guess they are in the
Black Book the ad agencies refer to) that specialize in time
laps stuff. 90-percent of the TV Commercials you see with the
effect is their work. They shoot tons of stuff on spec to have in
their files and sell as stock to commercials.
Been out of town a bunch, just back, got to settle in and
sort out a lot of stuff. Got a new client for 1991 that will
bring in some scratch but will have me on the road about 15
weekends more during the year. We will be campaigning a car on
the Indy Circuit and the Indy 500. Know anybody that wants to
advertise on the side of the car? Will pay good commission. We
need another 3 Million (net).
Be in touch.
Msg #3018 Dated 20:19:37 11-25-90 -> 3034
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: YEAH!
TABMAN........ Oh, the pain. No computer for 3 Days... And what a
bunch of stuff to read.
Looks like the Penster has shook up the mojo men again. I
have not seen the TV special as I was with some folks that didn't
have much money, (that's why no computer, I didn't want to use
their phone) and watching TV is not one of their things to do...
So, if anyone VHSd it and (no rush) would send me a copy of
the special (PO Box 1009, Gualala, CA 95445) would greatly
appreciate it so I can write 'MY FUMBLE OPINION'.
I nearly had Penn & Teller at the Boston IBM, but they
couldn't get away from a film schedule. They WANTED TO COME. I
was going to give them a full afternoon to do their own thing,
Some Magic, Some Talk Show, Q&A, etc.
I have a standing deal with Siegfried and Roy to do the same
thing when their schedule will permit. S&R have done this at the
Desert Seminar and I told them I would give them a Forum at the
IBM when they want it.
P&T have (I have been told) thier OWN BBS. I have their
private phone number and first of the week will see if I can find
out their computer BBS number and maybe we can get them online
HERE as well to get some dialog going.
Remember.... (Tab, you will appreciate this...) LOVE 'EM OR
HATE 'EM, they are Working. There is an amazing segment of the
audiences that dig what they are doing. The MTV crowd, which 90-
percent (or more) of Magi don't watch. MAGICIANS...YOU SHOULD
WATCH THE CURRENT HIP STUFF. THERE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT
THEATRICS, WARDROBE, LIGHTING, PACING, ETC.
How many magicians out there use:
1: Choreographers
2: Go to Dancing classes
3: Excercise Regularly
4: Take voice lessons
5: Have a wardrobe designer
6: Have a Lighting Technician
7: Have a Music Director
8: Rehearse
9: Utilize professional writers
I could go on.... but no one will want to read more.
Where was I?
Oh, yah, the Card on the Airplane Window. Tab you have a good
idea, but maybe you tipped me onto the REAL WORK.
There are some materials that "stick" to windows, such as window
tinting materials. There are different weights, etc.
It may be one of these would work just fine.
But I really think the best is to get a maintenence guy or a
pilot to rig it.
Actually I didn't want to tip it here. But my portable hologram
projector works fine, especially with a signed card.
Msg #3019 Dated 20:20:55 11-25-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: MAGIC?
Stan Lake:
Sounds a bit like some of your effects might be too small. The
coin effect, etc.
Glad to see you have the Sucker Sliding Die box. This is a killer
in comedy clubs for the "adult" type folks... it is new to them
and they really think you are putting them on!
I don't know if you want to spend any money for new stuff, but
Duke's Dye Version (Abbott's sells it and their address has been
online here about 45 times!) is one of the best effects for
social gatherings and with one silk streamer, literally FILLS THE
STAGE, personalizes the effect with a message shown for the
finish and uses two kids on stage to help. And it is do able
surrounded and is easy to do.
POSTAL WORKERS.... Wow, don't forget the gag, when someone asked
to help or come up, if they are slow, you say, "Do you work for
the Post Office?" Since they all do it will be even funnier (as
long as you do it " tongue in cheek ").
You have to do a prediction effect with a letter you send to
someone in the PO to bring.
Ask Max Maven for a simple method here on line, sure he can help.
I used the letter opener that "loads" the message into the
envelope, but if you don't have the prop you can have the letter
put on a clip board hanging in view and use it for a switch (I
think you have a 2 sided board and just turn it over). But
again, as the Maven.
The silk from Apple is good, this is credited to Slydini.
Have fun, and keep us posted.
Msg #3020 Dated 20:21:57 11-25-90 -> 3040
From: PETE BIRO
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: RING MAGIC
Have you tried the Ring Grinder? It is marketed by Roy Roth of England.
I don't know if anybody has the real rights here in the USA. But it is
a great effect, one I use, and have lectured on. Matter of fact, one of
the top comedy magicians on the Comedy Club circuit is using his
version of my routine. Mike Finney, to be exact. I will write it here
online... oh, heck, I'll do it right now. It took me 52 attempts to get
online tonite!
With the prop you need a 4x4 pc of flashpaper, Gold gilt from hobby
shop and a gaff made as follows. Get one of theose pens that expands,
or a pointer that does the same. Likje a car radie antanea (forgive
spelling here am doing it rush and online real time, OK?).
On the end of the pointer put a small metal wire hook, just big enuf so
it will hold a RING. Close the pointer put in pokcet.
Borrow ring. Put in grinder. Do grinding bit. Look into box, upset,
OOPS an error. Bring out jpc of flash paper. Pour out gold gilt dust
onto flash paper. Wrap flash papaer like candy kiss with gilt insde.
Owing to design of ring grinder yuou have secretly stolen (it is
automatic) the ring into finger palm position.
Bring out the jpointer. AS you extend it load the ring onto the handle,
much like ring on stick move.
Have spectator hang the bundle of flash paper onto end of pointer.
Bring out lighter, as you light flashpaper and flame goes up, let the
ring slide down the pointer and the hook will stop it from falling off
end.
It appears as if the RING MAGICALLY MATERIALIZED from the flame.
In my HUMBLE OPINION this is the most magical and beautiful item I
hafve ever come up with.
I have left out the gags, routine bits etc. as that is up to you to
sort out your own personality, style etc. into. Just the bare bones. It
is strong, believe me, I have used it on the Comedy Club audiences and
it plays as strong as you can believe.
Msg #3021 Dated 20:30:11 11-25-90 3012 <--> 3097
From: PETE BIRO
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
If anybody puts Abbott's address on here one more time, I quit!
Seriously, you don't need a street address, Abbott's is the whole town.
Msg #3022 Dated 21:34:38 11-25-90 -> 3023
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: RING STUFF
All: I noted a couple of messages regarding ring tricks. I have
filed a quick and dirty version of my Ring Grinder routine
already, and here are a couple of anecdotes you might get a smile
out of.
1: Doing Ring Flight. Of course we know the original was with a
huge Willman Pull that was in one trouser pocket. The cord ran up
your back and down the sleeve on the opposite side. There is a
clip on the end of the cord that you can attach to a borrowed
ring quite easily. The better made pulls (they were called
"Lightening Ring Pulls") had a self detaching system, so that
when the ring arrived in the trouser pocket it came off the clip
automatically.
I knew of few people that ever did this trick. I used to use it
quite often. As did Dick Zimmerman.
One night at a convention I came into a party set up to do this
trick, and was waiting for the correct "moment".
In walks Zimmerman and I noted by his posture, hand in pocket,
etc. that he looked like he was set up with the same pull.
HE WAS. We both got a great laff out of the possibility that upon
meeting we would shake hands, the clips would grab one another
and the two of us would fly up one another's sleeve!
If you ever had one of these pulls (I collect and have dozens)
you know how strong they were.
It was, and still is a great version of the trick. The effect,
basically, was, a borrowed ring held in the right hand would
instantly vanish and appear on a selected finger of the opposite
hand.
When Al Koran devised the keycase version using a normal-strength
reel he revolutionized the effect. And also started a dozen or so
dealers to "steal" the idea and make their own variants.
A couple of the better variants were the Nemo Ring Trick, where
the gaffs all disconnected and you could hand the spectator the
keycase, he would find the ring in a clip, but the reel, etc.
were all missing. No Gaff to be found. Nice setup, not too hard
to do, but could miss 1 in 100 times. Was marketed briefly by Ken
Brooke.
The Don Alan version, using the squeeze type case (IN MY OPINION)
is the best and easiest to handle and the squeeze to open
appearnce of the ring is the best surprise.
Then the MASTER, Fred Kaps, came up with one that floored me. He
was working with the Don Alan case and one night showed me his
"new handling".
Everything seemed the same as Don's version, but then Kaps handed
me the case to open and there was the ring. NO REEL. No string,
No Nuttin!!! He had done the effect totally with sleight of hand,
vanishing the ring, and loading it onto the ungaffed clip as he
brought the case out. No method, no gaff. The best (in his
hands!)
(SUB NOTE: I hear the Ed Sullivan shows are going to be
brought back on TV. And as many of you may or may not know, one
of the most famous historic shows was the one the Beattles first
made their US appearance. Guess who else was on that show? Fred
Kaps! If it comes on, you better watch it.
On that one Fred did the vanishing Candelabra. A killer effect,
all custom made for him, much like a vanishing birdcage, but
utilizing TWO MARTIN PULLS, much like Frakson used to bring the
vanished object (cage or candelabra) first up the sleeve, then
the second pull lugged it down your back on to the back of your
leg so it was OUT OF YOUR WAY FOR THE REST OF THE SHOW.
2: Another Ring Flite anecdote. I was doing this one night and
the ring did not seat properly on the clip. When I brought the
case out of my back pocket for the denoument...the ring flew out
into the audience. It went so fast NO ONE SAW IT GO. It landed in
a spectator's lap. Taking advantage of the situation I said, "The
ring has vanished, I wave the magic keys, and the ring will
appear over there... (pointing at guy with ring in front row) in
that person's hand... Stand up sir, and show the audience."
Talk about an effect!
And... if you really want a strong routine with a ring and rope,
try the Johnson Ring Trick. Originally marketed by Ken Brooke,
now available thru Joe Stevens... AND ROY JOHNSON WILL BE
LECTURING AT THE NEXT DESERT SEMINAR.
PS: TO RING FLITE. Those of you that have trouble getting the
ring onto the clip without being caught might want to try Finn
Jon's great cover up. You have a four inch piece of flash paper
in your hand. The clip is hidden UNDER the paper. In the act of
wrapping the ring in the flash paper you get it on the clip. It
will go thru a tear in the paper and can be done totally without
fear of detection. You just let the ring fly, light the flash
paper, the ring is gone. Viola!!! AS they say in my country,
another miracle. Adios for now.
Msg #3023 Dated 21:41:31 11-25-90 3022 <--> 3036
From: MAX MAVEN
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RING STUFF
Pete: It's worth checking out Gaetan Bloom's "Ultimate Ring Flite"
approach, and then Terri Rogers' improvement on same. Not necessarily
better than the standard versions, but there are aspects which top the
reel approach, as well as new limitations.
Msg #3025 Dated 21:45:12 11-25-90
From: HOWARD SCHWARZMAN
To: ALL
Re: P&T/TV
Penn & Teller performed at the 1976 S.A.M. convention in
Philadelphia during their Asparagus Valley days. At
that time they were not expopsing magig. They were not a
smash hit. Perhaps that was the cause for the disdain
they now show towards magicians.
-
Since their PBS show, during which they exposed the
pass, the palm, and the little finger break, subterfuges
that I employ, I have refrained from paying for and
seeing any of their theatrical performances, not that
they care, I'm sure.
-
If I had been living in New York City at the time they
were such a smash hit Off Broadway, I would like to have
gone to the theater every evening and exposed their
secrets to those people who were waiting on line to see
the show. That, to my mind, would have been a fitting
retaliation and in all probability would have been cause
for my expulsion from the S.A.M. and the I.B.M.
-
Regarding their recent video endeavor, and please
understand that I am against all NEEDLESS exposure of
magic methods - even to some magicians - I did not find
this show to be all that offensive. Let's face it
folks, there are among us some pretty bad performers who
are the target of their jibes. You know who you are - I
think?
-
P&T didn't expose the thumbtip to the world by having
the audience do the trick, but only to those who did it
and I might add, they did it creditably. I'll bet that
those folks will be doing that trick for the friends,
nieces and nephews children and grand children for a
long time. In fact, it might just produce more magic
enthusiasts.
-
What they did "expose" were some SPECIAL effects and
ROUTINES that THEY CREATED for their own use and not
used by any other performers. That, I think, they have
a right to do as it is their stuff. The opening mirror
illusion was a piece of junk. The clear lucite box
sequence was an exercise of PoeTry in motion and
impeccable timing that produced some admiration and a
smile from this viewer. The truck sequence was a
mindblower that was understood by the majority of
passers-bye across the street who would have told anyone
who asked what they saw from their angle. The bee
production was something that none of us would have
thought of nor have the guts to try. Jane Curtin's C&R
ribbon was classic magic and the floss through ear lobe
was a neat bit of S&M entertainment.
-
So there. As much as I have not been a P&T fan in the
past, I found this show to have some qualities that were
redeeming. I am still not a fan because of exposures
past but I don't hate 'em as much any more, not that
they care, I'm sure.
Msg #3026 Dated 22:19:40 11-25-90 -> 3035
From: RON BIEBER
To: ALL
Re: SLOGANS
I know that these entrys are late for the contest, but I thought
I would submit them anyway. I figure if any of them is good
enough, it will be considered anyway. If not... oh well.
.
Talk to me about Magic!
Ask me about the newest secret in Magic!
What is the newest secret in Magic!
The newest secret in computers- Magic!
Magic!, the 24 hr. International Magician's Network/forum.
Magic!- Manulipulation And Gimmick Ideas Connection
Phone Magic!
The Magic! world is now at your fingertips.
Your computer can now really perform- Magic!
And
The dream becomes reality- Magic!
.
Did anyone read my article about Video Note-Taking from the
download file section? Any responses?
Thanks
Ron Bieber
Msg #3027 Dated 23:50:22 11-25-90
From: DOUGLAS LARSON
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: THANX
You should have brought that up before it came out. If you talk to
Rick maybe he can get it fixed up. I am only a peon in the large
scheme of things. Sorry I can't fix you up.
You're welcome just the same.
..............Doug
Msg #3028 Dated 1:15:41 11-26-90
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: P&T4G
It is hard for me to discern the signs either way at the moment, so I
am being optomistic. Of course, "scientifically" the '90's don't begin
until the coming January, so we still have time to see. SUre would be
refreshing to get away from the "me first" age.
Msg #3029 Dated 1:17:41 11-26-90 -> 3037
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
Why not do some honest reporting, Wayne? Anyone here is free to post
reviews of books, tricks, tapes or whatever. Of course, the opinions
expressed are those of the reviewer and NOT of MAGIC!, and they have to
be taken in context since one magi's terrible waste is another's gold
mine, but let's see what happens.
And, yes, that may have been one of the things that made Anneman's
"Jinx" shine, but the other was Anneman!
Msg #3031 Dated 1:23:17 11-26-90 3001 <--> 3032
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: CARD IDEAS
It goes over well in Ron's hands. Personally, I couldn't see myself
doing it, but, then again, I do some pretty strange effects myself that
I don't think he could pull off.
Msg #3032 Dated 1:25:32 11-26-90 3002 <--> 3047
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: CARD IDEAS
Er, I think the message thread may have gotten a little twisted here,
Vincent. The guy who was cutting the window out of the airplane was my
story, and, yes, having a few customers pulled out the window was what
probably caused the stewardess to investigate the matter immediately.
Do enough flying and you get to see all sorts of strange things
(although I'm glad I haven't yet sat next to Biro and his hologram
projector). Two of my favorite occurances were watching a stewardess
attempt to help a very large man into a seatbelt, after she got a
seatbelt extender she said "Sir, your problem is that you have a first
class body in a coach seat!" and the second was a stewardess who told
a couple of rowdy children to "go outside and play." For those times
when I do get seated adjacent to children, I carry some small effects
and some origami paper - can make a world of difference. Just one
thing, don't try balloon animals on a plane!
Msg #3034 Dated 1:41:21 11-26-90 3018 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: YEAH!
P&T don't really have a BBS, they have a sort of game and promo line.
Far as I could ever figure out, there is no way to post messages,
download files, etc. I had the number around here somewhere, but can't
find it in the middle of the night. If anyone really wants it, I'm
sure I or someone else can dig it up.
Msg #3035 Dated 1:44:35 11-26-90 3026 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: RON BIEBER
Re: SLOGANS
Not bad, Ron. My, but you are EARLY for next year's contest! By the
way, the judging is going on now and the results of the contest should
be announced shortly (the 1990 contest, that is).
I read your video note-taking file and found it most interesting (it is
in the file area). JVC has recently announced a split camera/recorder
with a small camera that can be mounted on a headband (or worn under a
hat) and I believe that Sony is about to do the same, so the
possibility of being taped unawares is getting higher and higher. I
think that there is more to address on this issue.
Msg #3036 Dated 2:02:40 11-26-90 3022 <--> 3041
From: T A WATERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RING STUFF
Pete -- the version of Ring Flite that Kaps marketed was not sleight of
hand -- it used a reel that threaded THROUGH the key case from its
holder on a belt; when the key ward was drawn into the case it
automatically detached from the reel. Good for magicians, but really
not all that important for working for laypersons.
Msg #3037 Dated 2:46:51 11-26-90 -> 3038
From: EMORY KIMBROUGH
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
Bravo. But I'm even more concerned about junk acts than junk tricks.
It'll be even harder to get the mainstream magazines to give honest
thrashin....er....reviews of inferior acts than it will be to get
them to publish honest trick reviews. Of course, getting honest trick
reviews is a good first step for the ultimate goal of honesty on
all topics of magic performance.
Msg #3038 Dated 4:41:23 11-26-90 -> 3050
From: JIM SISTI
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
Thank you for the "bravo." Regarding magician's periodicals, I edit
and publish a bi-monthly newsletter for restaurant magicians, whcih
contains hardcore advice, new book and trick reviews (applicable to
restaurant and bar workers) and two or three new pieces of magic that,
once again, are usuable by the professional walk-around performer.
It's called "The Magic Menu." I would be glad to send you a sample
issue. (Our policy is to not accept any ads. In fact, we don't even
want free trick samples. This could also taint our objectivity.) Post
your address...it would be my pleasure, Wayne!
Msg #3040 Dated 4:59:56 11-26-90 3020 <-
From: JIM SISTI
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RING MAGIC
I used to use something called the "Ring Cruncher," marketed by
Collector's Workshop that is very similar to the trick you described.
And you're right...that kind of effect does play well for a comedy
club audience and you're ending is really magical! Too many comedy
magicians leave out the magic! Re: Penn & Teller: I didn't tape it so
I can't help...but I will be very interested in your opinion when you
do see it. I've always been amused by them, but this special was
much more abusive toward magicians than usual and certainly a lot more
than necessary.
Msg #3041 Dated 5:07:30 11-26-90 3022 <-
From: JIM SISTI
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RING STUFF
Yes...it's me again! Some addendums to the Ring Flite talk...first of
all, a guy named Alan Sherer is hand-crafting the best ring flite
gimmick I've ever used. I do the trick six nights a week and always
used athe Power Ring FLite by Sterling. Alan's has a high-torque reel,
super-strength line (they don't see the line anyway...why not make it
unbreakable?) and reinforcements around the reel so that is doesn't
show through the leather. Alan's address is 40D Heritage Drive, New
City, NY 10956 for those interested. Also there is a killer ring
flite handling in the new "Magic Menu" that causes the ring, placed
openly in a change purse, to transpose with a key, thus giving a
logical reason for introducing the non-sequitur of the keycase in the
first place. (The trick is by David Acer, a young Canadian magician
who'll be kicking ass in the years to come!).
Msg #3042 Dated 5:16:10 11-26-90 -> 3064
From: JIM SISTI
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: "THE MAGIC MENU"
I am interested as to what you thought of our newsletter. Do you feel
that it may fill a niche? Still working on some questions and will
forward as soon as they're done. Thanks!
Msg #3047 Dated 6:04:05 11-26-90 3002 <--> 3119
From: TABBY CRABB
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: CARD IDEAS
Probably help the overpopulation problem. Actually I suggested popping
out the feke plexy you popped in earlier....tabman..
Msg #3048 Dated 9:49:43 11-26-90 3009 <-
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER
Come on, Max
You know I didn't say that Penn & Teller were Nazis. I was referring
to the "let's get 'em" mentality they appeal to and how that can
transform an audience into a gang.
Let me suggest that you re-read my original post as well.
Msg #3049 Dated 9:55:30 11-26-90 3010 <--> 3065
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: P&T
Max...for someone who defends moustaches on the Mona Lisa, you are very
easily insulted! I have no personal gripe with you. In fact, I like
you. Let's keep the discussion to the issues. Even the best of
friends can disagree on issues, you know.
Msg #3050 Dated 10:11:22 11-26-90 3029 <--> 3051
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
Yes, indeed...here's to Anneman!
Msg #3051 Dated 10:12:26 11-26-90 3037 <--> 3085
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: EMORY KIMBROUGH (X)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
I agree. That's ANOTHER thing that the JINX was famous for. Anneman
called 'em as he saw 'em---tricks, books, acts---you name itt!
Msg #3054 Dated 10:39:54 11-26-90
From: HARRISON CARROLL
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: FFFF
Tabby, hope you got the pictures OK.. if you have any questions let me
know. Also, Fechters probably won't be as wild as Rochester. That was
an exception. But, a great exception for sure. However, FFFF is a lot
of fun, and very late nights...By the way, I caught a wicked cold
driving with all the windows and the top down on the way to that ZAZ
place. If I get to DC, I'll definately give you a shout.
Msg #3055 Dated 11:04:25 11-26-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: REPLY
Max: I guess its out. I was hoping to keep the secret that
we are Nazi Skinheads. Who leaked?
Seriously, tho... I tried the Gaeton version and couldn't fit my
thumb AND a ring in the same place. What was our friend Terri's
improvement? If you can't describe without tipping, just post it
privately.
David L. is going to send me a tape of the latest Penn and
Teller show. Can't wait to see what Stan Allen gets in way of
mail.
When you get to Japan, please give Maki, Takagi, Yoshi and
Ton my regards and regrets that I could not be there.
Stay in touch. Have a great trip.
Msg #3056 Dated 11:05:02 11-26-90 -> 3086
From: PETE BIRO
To: T A WATERS (X)
Re: RINGS N THINGS?
T.A. Kaps for a very short time used the Nemo Ring trick.
That's the one you described where the Reel, etc. detaches. I
mentioned this effect as being only about 90-percent. Every once
in awhile the whole thing would hang up and you were, if you will
pardon the expression, screwed!
That is what Fred had happen to make him work out a totally
non-gaffed handling. He taught it to me and I have one of his key
cases. Basically he went to the old classic vanish with the Ring
in one hand, the handkerchief over it, with rubber band around
wrist, and did the "drop" move to cop the ring. He then just had
the case hanging out of his back pocket with the clasp easily
attainable, put the ring on it and the trick was over.
There WAS some "work" with the clasp, etc.
I can still remember Harbin dong the Ring in Nest of Boxes
(both Kaps and I have the Harbin boxes -- which I found in the
Davenport Crypt!!!!!) and the thing that MOST IMPRESSED me about
the Harbin effect was the vanish of the ring.
What did he do?
The simplest and the best -- because the spectator still
thinks they have the ring when the nest of boxes is brought out.
Nothing more (or better) than a ring sewn in the corner of a
handkerchief!
Sometimes it is the simplest stuff, that a Performer that
CAN SELL, that is (still) the best.
Good to have you online, hope all is going well for you.
Msg #3057 Dated 11:05:54 11-26-90 -> 3063
From: PETE BIRO
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: RINGS N TINGS
JIM: Thanks for more info on the Ring Flite.
I'd like to see a copy of your MENU publication. The routine
with the ring into a purse sounds good. I'd like to know more
about David Acer -- always looking for Killer acts for the IBM
Convention. See my messages to Max Maven and TA Waters for more
ring info. The Cruncher is, I think, much the same as the Roy
Roth Ring Grinder.
You are right about most comedy magicians forgetting the
magic. I was just going over some very old stuff I found in a
filing cabinet I was revamping and came across a comment of
Clarke Crandall's where he discussed doing a book entitled,
"Putting the Magic in your Comedy" -- I don't think he did the
tome, as he passed away shortly thereafter.
Those of you that want to read some really great reviews and
opinions that weren't lucky enough to be in magic when Crandall
was writing should contact the Abbott Magic Co. I think they
still have some of the books with collected writings of Crandall.
If any of you were lucky enough to see him work, the laughs
he got out of cutting a rope to bits and his Un-Gaffed Card
Sword, were equal to anybody tearing them up in the Comedy Clubs
today.
Msg #3063 Dated 17:11:33 11-26-90 3057 <-
From: JIM SISTI
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RINGS N TINGS
A copy of the latest issue of "The Magic Menu" is en route, complete
with David Acer's ring flite routine. Let me know what you think.
David's address is in the issue also. If you can find it, check out a
trick of David's just published by Gary Ouellet's Camirand Academy of
Magic call "Nomen Omen." It's a major killer...and the method is old
but dressed up to the point of almost being unrecognizable. It's a
double prediction card effect that is absolutely startling to laymen.
Talk to you later....
Msg #3064 Dated 17:21:37 11-26-90 3042 <-
From: MAX MAVEN
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: "THE MAGIC MENU"
It struck me as having value, in that there was practical, useful
information for the specific target audience. I'm not sure how large a
readership exists for this information (or, for that matter, how large
an audience you're seeking), but I think the publication fills a need.
You might want to let David Acer know that Mark Leveridge was not
the first to cause a ring and key to transpose. Fred Kaps had a
version, I believe as yet unpublished, and I think Ron Wilson also
worked out a version.
Msg #3065 Dated 17:27:03 11-26-90 3049 <--> 3076
From: MAX MAVEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: P&T
Tolerance for disagreement was precisely my point. I don't think such
discussion is served by suggesting that the person with the other
opinion didn't really pay attention, or has some secret agenda -- both
of which are things you suggested about me. By all means, let's keep
the discussion to the issues.
Msg #3069 Dated 17:47:01 11-26-90 -> 3089
From: JON LUCKE
To: ALL
Re: PENN & TELLER
I may be kicked off the MAGIC! bulletin board, but I have to
admit I enjoyed the Penn & Teller special. In fact, I believe it
had better production values than the two recently aired
"straight" magic shows.
With respect to revealing the secret of the thumbtip and
hankie to the "studio" audience, what about the cut tape
procedures used by David Copperfield when taping in front of the
"live studio audiences"? Although the television audience is
unaware of the secrets, the studio audiences are rehearsed and
view the same setups over and over. The use of stooges in magic
is a time honored tradition, Copperfield and Penn and Teller just
raise it to another scale.
As for revealing secrets of tricks on television, I believe
the plexiglass box trick and truck illusions are Penn and Tellers
own creations. So who's tricks are they exposing? I've seen
name magicians accidentally expose more sacred tricks
accidentally on television, than this pair has exposed
"intentionally". For example the dollar bill hanging out the
back of Blackstone's thumbtip on the Regis and Kathy Lee Show;
the "missing feets" illusion accidentally exposed by a gust of
wind on a David Copperfield special; and the accidental exposure
of several stage illusions by Franz Harary on recent TV
wrassling shows.
I thought the fire eating exhibition was both sensual and
entertaining. The "Trapper" routine had it's own Grizzly charm,
as did the "appearing bee" segment. Even the segment with Jane
Curtin held my interest.
I don't believe Penn and Teller are doing it just for the
money, I think they're delivering a valuable message to magicians
about entertainment and creativity.
Msg #3070 Dated 18:24:39 11-26-90 -> 3073
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: GUILLOTINES AND...
What I did was just in fun onstage. I think it is a cardinal sin to
touch anyone's props without asking. As in your example someone could
get SERIOUSLY hurt. Magic shows should be just like all other theater
with the biggest, meanest stage manager they can find to guard the
stage door to keep EVERYONE out that is not a part of the show. If
someone wants to meet you or give congrats they should do it after the
show waiting outside the stage door. That gives you the opportunity to
concentrate as you pack. Most people don't realize how complicated
resetting an act or striking a stage can be. They also don't realize
how dangerous it can be backstage. Though I'm not involved with it now
I went to college on a technical theater scholarship (Stage lighting,
set design and construction, etc.) and I've seen and been involved in
a few accidents. Costume and prop cabinets can run over people in the
halls, techs in a hurry with cable or other items not to mention the
occasional crescent wrench or counterweight that drops from the flys...
Thanks for the info on your dad. Sounds like he was a great guy. I'm
sure he could tell some stories about the business
Msg #3072 Dated 21:23:40 11-26-90 -> 3080
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: ALL
Re: I.B.M RING 290
This is just to announce that I have offically recived the confermation
that the formation of a new I.B.M. Ring in Claremont Ca. has been
approved.. The first meeting will be on December 6 at 7:00 and held at
the K & L Magic Emproium 415 W. Foothill (in the Griswolds old
schoolhouse).. This is a party really and we will be deadicating the
ring at this time.. Anyone is welcome to attend this party, so I hope
to see you all there....How about it David, you know where we are will
we see you there??
Msg #3073 Dated 22:28:25 11-26-90 3070 <--> 3130
From: PETE BIRO
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: GUILLOTINES AND...
Where do you live? Any interest in working backstage at the IBM
Conventions? Sometimes we need added help.
You mentioned falling weights from the flys...This nearly Killed me one
time. I was setting an illusion in an old theater that had not been
used for a long time.
Suddenly I heard a rustling sound above my head. I looked up, saw
something falling and rolled over. Just as a curtain traveller fell on
the stage right where I was working only a split second before. What
happened was that someone had removed the counterweights and when the
unfamiliar (with the equipment) stage hand released the rope, DOWN CAME
THE traveller. Kaboom!!!! Poor guy tried to stop it with his hands and
the ropes nearly burned through them. He had to go to the hospital.
Msg #3075 Dated 22:53:09 11-26-90
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: HORSE APPLES
I read the review of the P & T special in variety today and they loved
it. Personally, I thought the bees bit was one of the most brilliant
pieces I've ever seen. Who says you need a dove pan for doves. I found
most the other pieces typical conservative network television and was
quite dissapointed but will be going to see the show because there will
be no censors on they're back and they have some really wicked magic.
They have presented magic with a challenge. The rocket bit on the HUGE
platform directly addressed some problems. The dancing of Penn may have
looked ridiculous but he hit it right on the spot. When I saw the show
last time they CLAIM they give away cherished secrets but in reality
they seemed to hold onto them as if the show depended on it. At any
rate, I feel the special was a bit winded and will be curious to see
how these fellas perform in their element.
Msg #3076 Dated 23:18:15 11-26-90 -> 3087
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: P&T
Have you heard the reason teller never talks? Penn needs something to
do during the show.
Msg #3077 Dated 23:20:56 11-26-90 3004 <--> 3115
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: MAGIC DATABASE
the bees were brilliant
Msg #3080 Dated 0:58:35 11-27-90 3072 <--> 3101
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: I.B.M RING 290
Congrats, Ken! Glad to hear of the new IBM Ring (#290) in Claremont.
I don't think I will be able to make it to the meeting, but will be
with y'all in spirit.
Msg #3084 Dated 1:32:55 11-27-90
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: NEW FILE
Burt Carpenter has uploaded a file with two routines using the
principle of spelling to desired cards. The file is named CARDSPEL.TXT
and can be downloaded from the MAGIC! file area (#13). Thanks for the
upload, Burt!
Msg #3085 Dated 2:12:43 11-27-90 3038 <--> 3096
From: EMORY KIMBROUGH
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
I would very much like a sample of your publication:
Emory Kimbrough / 3550 Watermelon Road / Apt. 29-A / Northport, AL
35476
Msg #3086 Dated 2:49:56 11-27-90 3056 <-
From: T A WATERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RINGS N THINGS?
Are you familiar with the Peter Warlock ring in nest of CLEAR boxes --
where it visibly appears? It was published in ABRA by PW writing as
Russell Sharp.
Msg #3087 Dated 3:26:39 11-27-90 3065 <--> 3088
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: P&T
Oh, Max...
Let's not forget that my original message was critical of the Penn &
Teller NBC special....not of you. You responded not with a differing
opinion of Penn & Teller, but with a critical assessment of me and my
opinion. Where was this "tolerance" you portray as being "precisely
your point?"
This entire discussion is getting silly.
I stand firmly by my opinion of the P&T special and I respectfully
disagree with your opinion, as I understand it, of the program.
Let's agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
Fair enough?
Next time we run into each other at the Castle, let's have a drink and
talk about other things magical.
Msg #3088 Dated 3:38:49 11-27-90 3076 <--> 3116
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: P&T
Dante...that's hilarious!
If he needs something to do, perhaps he should read the IBM and SAM
oaths!
Msg #3089 Dated 3:41:12 11-27-90 3069 <-
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: JON LUCKE (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER
Your FIRST point is well taken...the production values left the recent
magic shows on TV looking like cable access!
Msg #3090 Dated 3:46:31 11-27-90 -> 3152
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: ALL
Re: CASTLE AUDITION NIGHT
I just returned from watching another Palace Audition Night at the
Magic Casle. The audience should have received awards for having LIVED
through it! Some bozo was trying to juggle torches...dropping
one....then another....then another...then one went flying into the
audience...another flew upstage and almost burnt the black curtains!!!
Wow!
I almost would have preferred watching Penn & Teller!
Don't panic....I did say ALMOST!
Seriously...did anyone else see this fiasco?
Msg #3091 Dated 9:36:12 11-27-90 -> 3106
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: REPLIES TO REPLIES
David: Yes I do Juggle. I used to do a complete Juggling act.
Matter of fact I made the finals in "All Army Talent Competition"
in Stuttgart, Germany (yes I was even a trained Infantry Rifleman
during the Korean war--luckily stationed a bit behind the lines--
IN GERMANY!) and right in the middle of my act (the winner got to
go on the Ed Sullivan show) someone (there were only about four
judges sitting in the audience (boy try to do reaction adlib
comedy in that situation) shouted "Light Test" and about 18
lights came on. Needless to say, I still haven't seen the balls
that were in the air at the time.
Needless to say the kid didn't win.
My Cigar-box type finish brought the comment from Al
Flosso's manager, Mark Leddy (who by coincidence booked the
novelty acts for the Sullivan Show), that it was "the best exit
for a juggling act he had seen!"
I guess if I lose 20 lbs maybe I can start doing it again!
OK, where were we regarding the original message?
Oh, yeah. I have both Beta and VHS, so appreciate either.
Since this is a public message the following is in code
(hah) (actually if nobody knows what the question was....)
I think the Node advantage with a TAPCIS based based access
(who has tap?) makes the communication system you asked about a
less expensive alternative. However the frammis on the creeb has
nothing to do with it. But the content of the rambling do.
If you know what I mean. Meen? Spell checker can't handle
that one.
Also, the Randy Lund-designed Magic Database is a killer.
Anybody out there that wants to keep track of their effects, this
really does it. You can fiddle out routines and find out how long
a show you have, add or take away tricks, and even keep track of
the skill level. You can put a routine together based on how hard
the tricks are to do! If you are cool, you do all hard stuff. On
a show you might be scared X-less, you enter "NO SKILL" and up
comes a list of stuff you know how to do that is self working.
It is in Lib 13, you need two files, one: MAGICDB.EXE and
MAGICDB.TXT. The latter is the instructions.
Don't treat it like a magic trick and try to do it without
rading the instructions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I read a comment by someone about attending a FIASCO at the
Castle auditions. Will do a separate message on that.
Adios, etc.
Msg #3092 Dated 9:37:19 11-27-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: T A WATERS (X)
Re: PETER FETLOCK
TA: Didn't know about the "fetlock" version. Actually the one
Harbin uses is the "Davenport" boxes, wherein the final, smallest
box, is indeed, CLEAR PERSPEX.
That WONDERFUL day Pat Page snuck me into the crypt was
incredible. There I found parts of the box nest set, and combined
with what they had at the store was able to put together two full
setups, on for myself the other for Kaps.
I dragged out all the magic I could carry and load into
Pat's car from the Crypt. Actually did this twice!
Got Martin rising card stuff from Davenports, vanishing
birdcages, dozens of pulls, dozens of wooden ball vases (sold
those to pay for the trip), a killer table to suitcase, etc. etc.
Best part of the story was when it came time to settle the
bill and pay.
Pat said, "well, let's see, I'll just look here in the
catalog." He grabbed a dusty, yet mint, 1933 CATALOG. And charged
me the 1933 prices. I also bought the catalog. Coincidence, I was
born in 1933.
One night we did several of the effects in a fun show at the
Magic Circle. Some of them I read the effect in the catalog, Pat
did the trick (no resemblance of advert at all) and showed the
gaff. What a riot.
However, when I picked up the table and in a flash it was a
suitcase, before I got to the set up room back of the stage there
was a line of guys (a couple of top pros) wanting to buy it from
me AT ANY PRICE!
Needless to say, I still have it.
Sad to say, the Chair to Suitcase (this one I got from Al
Flosso) that belonged once to Horace Goldin VANISHED off the
moving truck when I moved to Hermosa Beach.
Another amazing, and maybe little known fact about the
Crypt, there was a book shipping room in there. They used to wrap
the books with old lithographic magic posters. There were some
remnants of the old posters still there, all folded up and
falling apart. Posters worth (or at least priced at during recent
auctions) around $1,000 EACH.
I tried to buy the entire Crypt. I made Betty Davenport a
cash offer and she really got frightened by it, I think. She
finally said she "had better not sell" and I understand after not
taking any stuff out of there themselves they opened up the place
and began bringing things into the shop and selling 'em.
Pat later told me what was there (in quantities) was not
that good and I probably would have lost a lot of money on the
deal.
The thing about the early Davenports, when they ordered
things, from say a German maker, they wouldn't buy a dozen, they
would be a couple of hundred, or a thousand at a time. There were
literally hundreds of the same item in boxes. Only trouble, over
the years some pieces got separated and/or the instructions were
eaten by the rats. Etc.
Oh, original message... I don't think I have many Abra's
left, but thanks for info anyway.
Msg #3093 Dated 9:38:34 11-27-90 -> 3105
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: WAYNE POWERS MSG
Wayne: A fiasco eh? Heh, heh. That's the norm. You can't believe
HOW TERRIBLE the greatest percentage of magicians are.
It still goes back to the old deal. A guy buys a trick.
Looks the instructions over ONCE. Runs through the effect, and
seemingly does it correctly.
Not even thinking about the effect, the angles, the
attitude, how it should fit into a routine. If it is MAGICAL and
actually would fool someone watching it.
Then he might try it on a not so interested family member,
who has better things to do, like cook dinner? That person,
wanting to get that piece of magic crap out of mind (because the
cost invested meant not going to a movie or having a nice dinner
out, or in some cases a trip to Hawaii?) so that person says,
"Yeah Charlie, its great!"
So Charlie packs it with a couple of other items that he
thinks will run about 30 minutes (when the ideal act is about 12
minutes) and longer with "My really funny patter" like, "This
rope has two ends" "Hold out your clean hand" -- you got it, he
goes to the Magic Castle to audition.
Result.
No comment.
OR, OR.... he gets his pal to hang a sheet up in the
basement, rents a cheap tux (black sheet, black tux) and VIDEO
TAPES the "act".
He then sends it to me (or someone like me) that books major
convention shows. Luckily I can run it FAST FORWARD and mail it
back saying, "Gee Charlie, we already have 12 acts doing the
floating silver ball on wire, the Rabbit Wringer (he vanishes a
cloth rabbit to apease his animal rights wife), blendo and the
Bees from Dove Pan. Altho it was a nice touch having some music
during part of the floating zombie ball." One comment though,
Chuckaroo.... when the music plays, it might be nice to NOT stand
still there, maybe you could listen to the beat of the music and
react to it a little?" "Oh, also, next tape you do, try to do the
stuff where the lights were aimed."
This folks, is why you often see some of the same acts every
few years. New ones aren't coming along.
What amazes me is how much more creative and advanced the
close-up magicians are. Not just technically, but PERFORMING-
WISE. Look at the Gary Kurtz's and the Dave Williamson's -- they
are original ALL THE WAY. Wardrobe, content, style.
Almost no one doing stage (coming along) has style.
The last batch includes Kevin James, Rudy Coby, Nic Night,
etc. (I can't pull all the names out of my old hat this A.M., if
I left you off, you know who you are and add yourself to the
list) but they are few and far between.
AND I AM NOW GOING TO GO OFF THE DEEP END.
Even tho I have YET to see the Penn and Teller TV show, I
can tell from the comments here online that I bet I am going to
LIKE the show. I might not like the exposures, but I cannot tell
you yet about that aspect.
HOWEVER -- HERE IS THE BIG PHILOSOPHICAL POINT -- I PREFER
EXPUSURES TO STEALING OTHER PERFORMER'S MATERIAL.
While on that. I ALSO HATE WITH A PASSION the shows where
Celebrities do the magic (and even Hate celebrities doing Circus
stunts)... CHEEEEZ, here we are Magicians, Jugglers, etc. and any
fool with a great body (male or female) comes in, runs through
stuff a few times AND CAN DO IT.
We are representing ourselves as SPECIAL, with Magic Power,
with Skill, and we GIVE IT AWAY TO AIRHEADS WITH BIG T-TS.
BUT. For some dumb reason. All the exposures. All the
giveaways, over my lifetime anyway ('cause that's the only period
of time I can judge) have NOT HARMED THE BUSINESS AT ALL.
Maybe the only harm is the quantity OF LOUSY MAGICIANS. But
that still doesn't seem to have hurt.
There are MORE MAGICIANS WORKING, more on TV, More books (at
More Money) more magazines, Clubs, more everything. We can't find
enough space at major convention centers to put all the Dealers
that want booths at the IBM.
And there's even the BIGGEST magic of them all. MAGIC! The
first magic Magazine where a columnist like myself can write an
atricle (like this) and have it read IN A FEW MINUTES and the
READER can write back and add his/her two cents, arguements,
agreements, opinions... and everybody gets to read it.
This is great stuff.
Boy, what did Biro have for breakfast this morning?
Msg #3095 Dated 9:45:12 11-27-90 -> 3109
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PLANE CRASH
Yikes. The guy I set up to try the Card on Window crashed the plane.
Luckily the flight was a charter filled with magicians working on the
method. And they all had auditioned at the Castle and failed.
Sad part, nearly 40 Zombie balls were flattened in the crash and
luckily the 1200 doves in the cargo bay got away, never to be harnessed
again!
Actually I just wrote this message to you so you didn't feel left out
today. Hang tight, and listen for the Bass Solo.
Msg #3096 Dated 10:45:54 11-27-90 -> 3138
From: PATRICE MOORE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
Yes, Magic Manuscript IS ceasing publication. Their next issue (Nov/Dec
is the last. "Commercial" Watch Dec Inside Magic for more on that!
Being more involved with magic publishing, I'm learning it's very hard
to succeed!
Msg #3097 Dated 10:48:45 11-27-90 -> 3102
From: PATRICE MOORE
To: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
Jonathan, you must have had response by now - but in case not...
Abbott's Magic Company, Colon, MI 49040
Phone: (616) 432-3235 or 432-3236. FAX: (616) 432-3357
There is no street address - SMALL town.
Msg #3098 Dated 10:51:30 11-27-90 -> 3110
From: PATRICE MOORE
To: ALL
Re: JUST WANTED TO SAY HI!
I haven't been on the BBS for quite awhile. I'm pleased to see so
much activity! I've gone through and grabbed everything to be saved
on the computer. Can't wait to go back and read it. (My husband's
"helpful hint" - don't read everything while the phone is connected
($)!) Am particularly anxious to check your opinions of P&T. My "lay"
friends enjoyed the special. They agreed with me, though, in not seeing
the purpose of the bees or the animal traps - sort of scarey, but no
real point (their accompanying story wasn't enough of a grabber). I
wouldn't worry too much about the thumbtip thing. I think if you didn't
know to look for the tips, you wouldn't have seen them (much like any
performance using them). One of Stan's friends, on being asked his
opinion of the special, said fine "but how did they make all those
scarves disappear!"
Take care! Hope to be talking to you again. And remember...
(Commercial) Subscribe to "Inside Magic"!!!
Msg #3099 Dated 11:06:07 11-27-90 -> 3122
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: HORSEAPPLES
Besides the fireating spoof, my fave part was when they
slid down the wires (ala Army Ranger) and Penns feet dragged the
floor earlier because of his stature. The dove pan looked like a
60s P&L. Did you see the "leach on the arm" trick they did on
Letterman last month. It was really gross, especially Teller
letting the leach attach itself to his arm.
The only thing that really bothered me was Penn's distain
for the average magician, but since I don't know Mr. Jillette,
this may be directed at only a few - but still hurting the
feelings of many - or is just "part of the act."
The live show is good. We've seen them a couple of times
when they played DC. Their misdirection is very good. For
instance, no one saw Teller roll out from under the cardboard box
as a 1,000 lb (?) weight fell from the fly. My wife didn't see
it, but I did because I was looking for the out. No exposure
here. Misdirection is the most powerful tool a magician possesses
(in my opinion). It costs nothing and takes up little space
(except in the brain). I'll shelve the philosophy for now and
just have fun.
They'd be great at a big league mojo convention. No lack
of conversational topics with those guys around. I've got their
managers address...will send a letter and a MAGIC! flyer to
Teller c/o him and invite their participation here on line with
the rest of us fruitcakes. Take care....tabman...
Msg #3100 Dated 11:42:10 11-27-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: LEFT FIELD
I told that joke to a couple of non music people and they
stared at me like I had a hole in my head (which I do) - then
tried it on a singer who stopped by...he fell out. I'm still
laughing.
The depth created by the thicker plexy is important to
the illusion that the card isn't on the outside, but between the
two panels. I agree that sticking it on from the outside could
prove to be sticky (pun intended).
My mom and sister were in Santa Rosa on thanksgiving too.
She lives in Lake Port just over the mountains. So I was thinking
about you and your mom also because of the Santa Rosa connection.
Hope your day was satisfying to you both.
I was so impressed by the concept of the CEMK that I've
gotten interested in trying the conclave conception in another
location (Tennessee??). I know everyone "in the know" will
probably tell me its not worth the bother and the expense but
what better way to get to see all the lecturers you'd like to see
than to book em yourself. If you wern't worried about making a
profit or even breaking even - then you might be successful in
staging an enjoyable event..
I'd certainly be interested in comments from anyone else
reading this on what makes a small (100 or so) magicians'
gathering successful.
The producers of CEMK do a great job of taking care of
the gatherers - food and drink - nice spacing between events
allowing networking and hanging out - great lecturers and formal
shows comfortyable venue - very well done....there isn't much
about their concepts I'd change...though I'd probably want more
upscale accomodations and a large private lounge (bar) where the
magi could do the hanging out and keep it open 24 hours aday....
I appreciate the humor...........tabman.....
Msg #3101 Dated 12:38:20 11-27-90 3072 <--> 3127
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: I.B.M RING 290
Hello, Welcome, and Best of Luck from RING 21 in Hollywood CA. We can
always use more magic clubs in the area. I am the OFFICIAL voice for
RING 21 here on the MAGIC! BBS and I hope you will do the same foryour
new RING 290 so that people interested in magic can fellowship
togather.
Msg #3102 Dated 12:52:02 11-27-90 3097 <--> 3117
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: PATRICE MOORE (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
CAN SOMEBODY PLEEEEEEEESE GIVE ME THE ADDRESS TO ABBOTT'S AGAIN!!!
I think I must have missed it the first 150 TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!
Msg #3105 Dated 13:36:11 11-27-90 3093 <--> 3107
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WAYNE POWERS MSG
Whatever it was, Pete, save me a bowl!
In fact...let's package the stuff and market it!
Theft of material is rampant...that's true. We all get inspired by the
guys we like and of course we emulate them to some degree or
another...maybe even lift a trick or routine...(especially if it's
published)...and, hopefully imprint it with our own style. I'm not
opposed to that.
HOWEVER...it's interesting to note here that a certain nameless recent
performer in the Castle Parlour seemingly lifted Chuck Fayne's opening
gag (tossing the linking rings)...and then ALSO lifted poor Chuck's
CLOSING routine...(the joining threads).
I'm not pretending to be the historian/scholar of originality...but
certainly Fayne's signature pieces are his opening and closing!
I'm no great originator...and I'm guilty of being "influenced" by the
guys I like...but imagine the look on poor Chuck's face when some
audience member from a recent Parlour performance accuses him of being
a rip-off this week in the close-up room!
What a world!
Msg #3106 Dated 14:13:21 11-27-90 3091 <--> 3128
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: REPLIES TO REPLIES
I too have been impressed with Randy Lund's MAGICDB.EXE (and
MAGICDB.TXT). I hope that people are supporting his shareware concept
and are sending him the fee for using it. If he put it in boxes and
sold it in magic stores or ran ads in magazines they'd expect to pay a
lot more up front, without even getting to try it, for the same
program.
There was a fairly good juggler at the Castle last week, Chad Taylor.
Did a bit with juggling a running chain saw while standing on a balance
board. Ought to pair him with Rudy Colby's Zombie Chainsaw...
Msg #3107 Dated 14:19:23 11-27-90 3093 <--> 3121
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WAYNE POWERS MSG
Make that two bowls... I'm tired of OatBake anyway. Someone once said
that magic is the only performing art where a guy will walk into the
shop and say, "I'm on my way to a party -- sell me a trick that I can
do." Imagine someone walking into a music store with the same request
-- he'd probably get a cassette of Lawrence Welk.
You know, having seen all those videos, you might do a piece on what a
good video should look like. You mentioned once that you prefer one
where it is clear that it hasn't been edited. So, here goes, what do
you look for in a video? How should a guy starting out put together
his first one? Etc.
Msg #3109 Dated 15:25:57 11-27-90 3095 <--> 3129
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: PLANE CRASH
Hah! I just read your message (#3095) to Tabman. Turns out you DO have
a sense of humor!
Msg #3110 Dated 15:27:19 11-27-90 3098 <--> 3614
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PATRICE MOORE (X)
Re: JUST WANTED TO SAY HI!
Patrice, good to see you back here again. I noticed that Inside Magic
is working to get new subscribers. As a matter of fact, I think the
deal was that if a subscriber recommended another subscriber they got
an extra three months added to their own subscription. Any chance of
doing a similar deal for MAGIC! members? Any MAGIC! member who
subscribes gets 15 months for a one year subscription? Let us know.
sg #3113 Dated 15:40:59 11-27-90 -> 3155
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: I FORGET
Wayne: Just a quick question. What is Chuck Fayne's Opening Gag
with linking rings? I have a quicky gag I have used more than 20
years with rings. I say, "Here's a trick you've all seen..."
(holding up the rings) then I throw them offstage after a brief
pause.
Another gag I created 30 years ago was the Blown Egg (or ping
pong ball) caught on the nose. You balance it for awhile, then
take a bow and it is stuck on your nose. This came from a trick
invented by Bob Nellor. The Nellor effect was as follows.
Magi throws a ball into the air. With sleeves rolled up, he
catches the ball. Upon opening his hand, the ball is gone.
Method: Rubber cement on ping pong ball and on back of hand.
The ball actually lands on the back of your hand and sticks
there.
You open hand it is gone. With proper moves, you can either
get rid of the ball or re-produce it.
When a kid I bought this trick. Loved it and one day stuck
the thing on my nose for a gag... and the gag evolved and
hundreds of people have used it.
The second part of my Egg (I used a blown real egg) routine
(done prior in a comedy juggling routine I did in the late 1940s,
early 50s) was to show an egg and explain that I would toss it
high into the air and catch it on a saucer.
I did a couple of false starts, then tossed the egg into the
air and reached out with the saucer to catch it. The punchline
was that the egg was made of steel, it hit and shattered the
plate, crashing to the floor. I used to cut a notch with a glass
cutter in the plate so I was always left holding a small "V-
shaped" piece of the white plate.
Sometimes I would place the egg on the floor, place it
between my heels and by jumping into the air could throw the egg
up from behind me, over my head to catch it. But it was too much
action, the effect pointed better and caught the audience better
with a "gingerly" plain throw.
The real trick was done. Jugglers would throw an egg up with
thier heels over head and actually catch on a plate, then break
the egg to show it real.
Just a bit more of good old days, historics.
Msg #3114 Dated 15:42:00 11-27-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: MORE STUFF
To all:
Here is a variant on the Paul Curry rope trick as first seen on
TV performed by Doug Henning. And another version, using snap
fasteners is marketed by Pavel. The Pavel version is the BEST
one, as it is great on stage and can be done alone. The Curry
version KNOCKED ME OUT COMPLETELY when I first saw Doug Henning
do it in a live show in New York city. I was sitting in the front
row with Charles and Regina Reynolds.
I had no idea the effect existed and when Doug cut the rope,
slid the know across the stage and untied the rope AS CLEANLY AS
HE DID -- I was fried.
The only other tricks I can recall knocking me that silly
were: Blackstone (Sr) "Lady Without a Middle", Harbin (himself)
presenting Zig Zag (the reason it doesn't do so much for many is
NONE OF THOSE DOING IT READ HIS BOOK AND MISS THE REAL
PRESENTATION POINTS!!!!!!!) Phoa's Cut and Restored handkerchief
and Finn Jon doing the Esoteric Card trick. Those tricks, done
properly are KILLERS.
Anyway the rope trick. It might be hard to do without
illustrations, but if you are clever you will get it.
Use a piece of rope about the length you can hold with your
arms stretched out.
About 8-10 inches from one end, cut the rope on the bias.
(Diagonal) "\" . At the opposite end, cut the rope off on
the same angle. And cut the other end of the short piece on the
same angle. Now take all 4 angled ends (you now have 2 pcs of
rope) and coat with rubber cement.
When dry, stick the rope back together in its original
configuration.
Hold the rope up from the end where the cut was made. With
scissors, come down the rope TO THE PREVIOUS CUT, and apparently
cut it in two (you figure out the best handling for your style --
you can use dull scissors or use like a knife, faking the
cutting, etc.) and show two pieces, one short, one long. Set
scissors aside.
Apparently tie them together, but what you do is to tie the
short piece around the long piece -- so it will slide!!!!
Then you do the 'SLIDE' to the opposite end, stopping about
the same distance from the end as you started.
NOW, AS YOU UNTIED THE ROPE YOU GET THE END OF THE ROPE
CEMENTED ONTO ONE OF THE ENDS OF THE PIECE, and viola, as they
say in my old country -- a veritable Miracle.
If you really want to KILL them... throw the rope out into
the audience. The one or two that get it is worth FOOLING THE WIZ
OUT OF THE OTHER 1499 in the audience.
I did this at a Tannen Jubilee once and had two of the most
knowledgable magicians in the NY area come backstage wanting to
know how I switched the rope so fast and indetectably.
Note: It wasn't this trick, but a version (the NEMO Rope
Trick) of the Professor's Nightmare where the rope wound up all
in ONE PIECE. The Nemo was a variant I had developed of a trick
Ken Brooke already sold, based on the Nightmare, using my
presentation and starting sequences. Ken, just before he died,
had planned to market the NEMO Rope Routine.
Msg #3115 Dated 15:47:08 11-27-90 3077 <-
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: MAGIC DATABASE
I thought that was neat. Penn got 20 stings from that..jeez!
Msg #3116 Dated 15:49:05 11-27-90 3076 <-
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: P&T
Well I read an article where Teller said that he doesn't talk because
it worked out great when they tried it and they've had a lot of fun
working that way.
Msg #3117 Dated 15:51:09 11-27-90 3021 <--> 3133
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
Oh, you want Abbot's address? It's...hehe
Msg #3118 Dated 15:52:51 11-27-90 3013 <--> 3134
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: PENNANDTELLER
I think P&T exposed that illusions to show people how clever the secret
is. The only problem is that it spoils the magic.
Msg #3119 Dated 15:58:52 11-27-90 3031 <--> 3120
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: CARD IDEAS
That sounds great. I'd have to see that. Cow pies, hmph.
Msg #3120 Dated 15:59:58 11-27-90 3032 <--> 3143
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: CARD IDEAS
Hah, what's wrong w/ balloon animals?
Msg #3121 Dated 16:05:41 11-27-90 3093 <-
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WAYNE POWERS MSG
Some great points there...Listen, this is for everyone I LIKED THE
SHOW. I am a fan of P&T and I am going to their SF show Sat. I have
all their books and videos and newsletters and I love 'em. Whew, sorry
Pete, had to get that outta my system...About celebritites doing
tricks..don't worry, I don't think the Jane Curtin bit was that great,
bit too long for me.
Msg #3122 Dated 16:10:15 11-27-90 3099 <--> 3124
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: HORSEAPPLES
Hey Tabman..the article I read said that Teller said,"A lot of
magicians define magic as: Here's a quarter. Now it's vanished.
You're a jerk. Now it's appeared again. You're an idiot." If the P&T
comments were directed at anyone, it would be those who don't respect
their audiences.
Msg #3123 Dated 16:19:43 11-27-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: RICHARD STREET (X)
Re: HORSE FLYS
In 1985 I lived at 7050 Bonnavent Dr. in Hermitage. Did
you notice at the Hermitage the mystical symbols Andy Jackson had
around his house?? Used to go over every couple of weeks and just
soak it all in.
Appreciate your taking care of me down there in Music
City.. Folks there are among the easiest going in the world.
It'll be great to get back. The magic scene seems to have
enlarged there since the early eighties...this makes it even
better for the move now that I have the time to get involved with
things magical.
I've a friend at a large talent agency who told me he'd
book me in whatever fashion I wanted....wouldn't mind doing a
country music themed mentalism act (could be lots of jokes coming
here, but I don't care) - funny, of course, though I'll probably
dust off the old steel guitar and get my chops up and hang around
the opry waiting for a bus to pull out needing a steel player who
does card tricks and knows how to drive a coach....whatever, I
just have a hankering to get back down to central Tennessee where
the water is sweet, the speed limit is 65, and no state taxes
(tell me they haven't changed this one, will ya).
Got a speed metal group in the studio today - BONZ - one
had a sticker on his guitar sez - CONDEMN THE CONFORMISTS -
whateer that means.......looking forward to meeting you next time
I'm in town...it'll probably take months to sell or lease this
place and find a new digs in TN, but if I come down before then
I'll let you know by leaving you a message here or drop you a
note after I get your letter.....thanks again, tabman..........
Msg #3124 Dated 17:01:56 11-27-90 3122 <--> 3145
From: TABBY CRABB
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: HORSEAPPLES
!!NOW WE'RE GETTING SOMEWHERE!!
I've met guys out there like that, but they're
JERKS...known to all but themselves and their jerk friends. Thats
one reason I didn't really hang out with many magic people for a
long time because it seems on one level its all you run into.
One A**hole in Houston would try to do a card trick on the hood
of your car as you were trying to drive away after playing a club
half the night and want you to think he's somekind of genius
mastermind.
I guess we should all ask ourselves if we're the jerk and
if the answer is NO......well, I promised to can the philosophy
and I'm trying, I really am...........I'm in therapy now as wee
speak...they've put this computer in my room and also left me
three copies of Harry Blackstone Jr.s bunny coloring book but no
crayons. Just this &*@!## pencil with no eraser. That nice Mr.
Lichtman phones sometime and a guy named Pete checked in for a
few days and told me funny stories. He knew lots of tricks and
stuff and promised me he'd write and this guy named Howie took me
for a ride in his airplane. I liked that.
Its like everything else. Most people trying to be
entertainers aren't. Talent is relative and it takes more than
guts to entertain an audience...it takes, it takes...empathy and
a great act plus a nice smile, great teeth, hip clothing,
imaculate staging, professional lighting, crystal clear sound
with no feedback, years of proper rehersal, honesty, and the
ability to compartmentalize the BS thats eating at you for awhile
plus a lot more!!
I get 20 tapes a week (and I'm close to nobody, I can
imagine the quantity of stuff that gets to William Morris or ICM
(or Pete Biro, for that matter)) and they're mostly (99.9%) crap.
Photos taken by their dog, letters written in red ballpoint on
crumpled up legal pad paper on an 80 cent radio shack cassette
with the label penciled in asking me if I can help them get a
deal with Warner Brothers or some big dog like that. I used to
listen and try to find a way to reply, not I just let em sit
around awhile and when I have a 20 gallon trash can full I dump
em.....if magic is like this (and its probably worse) then I
UNDERSTAND...I UNDERSTAND AND I'M SORRY...of course, nobody here
on MAGIC! would do this....
Wait, here comes the nice lady who stopped by yesterday.
Ohhh I hope she does that trick for me again....bye...tabman....
Msg #3125 Dated 17:46:16 11-27-90 -> 3211
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: ALL
Re: TWO IN ONE
Two questions in one.
First will someone giveme info on the PCAM. Who/what is it, how to
join, should I join etc..
Secondly, I have a set of billiard balls with on shell, one ball and to
(make that two) balls that are bigger than the shell. Is this common.
Where can I learn to use them? These are German made and wooden.
Msg #3127 Dated 18:00:14 11-27-90 3072 <--> 3132
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: I.B.M RING 290
Congrats on the ring formation. Glad you were able to round up enough
members. How's business at the new shop?
Msg #3128 Dated 18:09:32 11-27-90 3106 <--> 3147
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: REPLIES TO REPLIES
I agree Chad Taylors juggling act was entertaining. At the close he was
juggling one chainsaw WITH THE BLADE ON and two tomatoes. I half
expected the finale to be him cutting the tomatoes in half.......
Msg #3129 Dated 18:20:36 11-27-90 3095 <-
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: PLANE CRASH
I heard one creative guy on board got away by tying all the Blendo's
together to make a parachute.
Msg #3130 Dated 18:37:25 11-27-90 3073 <-
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: GUILLOTINES AND...
Falling weights and scenery can be fatal. I saw a 10 lb weight fall
from the flys hit a guy (broke his shoulder, left arm, 2 ribs + cuts)
and still leave an inch and a half deep gouge in the stage floor. I
still remember the rustling sound you described as it fell. Some fool
once unlocked a rope after removing counterweights and I had a set fall
on my foot. Luckily it was only about 15 feet high before it came down.
I only broke a few bones. If it had been higher or if I had been
wearing the steel toed boots that I was supposed to I would have lost
half the foot.
As far as helping at conventions etc. I could probably be talked into
it. I live in Moreno Valley, CA which is right next to Riverside.
Msg #3131 Dated 18:46:59 11-27-90
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: ALL
Re: CARDSPELLS
I have no idea if or where these effects have ever been published, but
these versions were taught to me by my father. They are self working
packet tricks for you guys new to magic. Have fun all
Msg #3132 Dated 19:18:24 11-27-90 3127 <-
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: I.B.M RING 290
Thanx on the congrats Burt......The shop is doing great, better than
we had hoped.. Just wish more people form this BBS would stop by..
Msg #3133 Dated 19:23:47 11-27-90 3102 <--> 3167
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
Ask and ye shall recieve: Abbott's Magic Co.
Colon, MI 49040
And remember, I can keep this going as long as you keep asking!!
Msg #3134 Dated 19:28:57 11-27-90 3118 <--> 3212
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: PENNANDTELLER
So it makes one clever to expose one's self??
Msg #3135 Dated 20:28:14 11-27-90 -> 3148
From: STAN LAKE
To: ALL
Re: FINN JON'S ESOTERIC
I have heard of this effect before and that it is very good. Does
anyone know what the effect is and where it can be purchased?
I would also like anyone and everyones opinion on purchasing videos for
learning closeup magic. If you could only afford a couple, which would
you buy? Does anyone have any favorites they can recommend? Thanks!
Msg #3136 Dated 20:52:31 11-27-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: SUCCESS BOOK I
Looking for a used copy of Jay Marshalls Success Book Vol I..will buy
or trade..I have Vol II with blue cover pub around - I forget, maybe
early 70s...will take Vol III if available also...tabman
Msg #3137 Dated 22:05:27 11-27-90 -> 3156
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: MISTAKE !!!!!
HALT! STOP! DON'T TRY THE ROPE TRICK I OUTLINED EARLIER! THERE IS
A MAJOR MISTAKE IN IT...
Proving once again, the kid is human. There is a real
blunder in my setup -- I knew it would be hard to do without an
illustration.
So, tomorrow I will make a sketch and load it as a PCX file
and will try to describe it correctly this time.
In the meanwhile here is another handling of a great rope
effect. It is for those that have the NEFF Rope Trick (Available
from Abbott's and if you missed the address here online -- I
think it was posted 362 times -- too bad).
The one drawback, at least for me, was that the Neff Rope
trick required the magi to conceal a LUMP of rope in one hand. I
have eliminated that in a simple, subtle manner.
The effect: Magi fairly cuts (or has spectator) rope in the
middle. No loops, no fakes -- you really cut it in half.
Then, without any cover, false moves, etc. the two pieces
of rope are thrown together and they visibly melt into one piece
which CAN BE EXAMINED.
Maybe the greatest visible rope trick ever.
OK. You start out with a non gimmicked (my version) single
four foot piece of rope. It is fairly cut in the middle. Now you
do any kind of byplay or gag about "Hey if I could put these two
pieces together I would be a magician..." And you put one piece
away and do a knot routine, or anything you wish with one half
the rope. Then (you could have someone in the band, the MC or a
friend in the audience say, "C'mon, I want to see you put the
rope together again."
Now you bring out what they think is the same 2 foot piece
of rope. It is the Neff version (4 feet with 2 feet in the middle
accordian pleated and held together with basting thread). In the
meantime you have gotten the first 2 foot piece into the pull
(like the Lamp Chimney silk vanish) and the rest is history. It
is very inexpensive and you should buy the trick from Abbott so
you get the pull all made up, proper instructions, etc.
Its just that my handling makes it so much easier to do.
Msg #3138 Dated 23:06:13 11-27-90 3085 <--> 3153
From: JIM SISTI
To: EMORY KIMBROUGH (X)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
I'll put one in the mail first thing tomorrow. By the way, our pub. is
called "The Magic Menu," NOT "Magic Manuscript." "The Magic Menu" is
still in business!!
Msg #3139 Dated 23:20:25 11-27-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MUSIC!
tabbo... Hey, maybe you don't know him, but my ol Pal "Al Jazzbo"
Collins just got back onto the airwaves in the SF Bay area. Great
dude, Al...
Lesse, you sure write good stuff. I can't remember all but
here's some answers, even if they don't match your questions.
Abbotts is just up the street from the Legion Hall. And
around the corner from the bridge over the river.
Am sure will get a coupla hundert folks ask for that again.
The reason there is no actual street address is Abbotts is
actually bigger than the whole town of Colon, MI.
Anybody that reads this should ask Jay Marshall, next time
they see him (he is currently in Vegas at the Carnival Operators
convention... that's where (HONEST THIS IS TRUE) all the Freaks,
Geeks (we only need you temporarily until a real Geek shows up),
fire eaters, exhibit owners, ride builders and general perverts
all show up and hustle the carnival ops to get booked for next
season. Er, ask Jay Marshall about the time they stuck Harry
Blackstone Jr. in a large Urn that was out front of the family
home there in good old Michigan. Heheheheh.
Hey... I don't know how you handle Music tapes, but the crap
tapes I get (90%) I run at Fast Forward. I guess the music might
not be the same. Maybe you can hear messages from the Devil?
Or do like I do when I am in Mexico and a strolling Mariachi
group comes to our table and asks if we would like to hear them
play. I put my hand behind one ear, lean over and shout,
"WHAT???"
Actually, I was in one place that had a strolling DRUMMER.
SUCCESS BOOKS. Have you thought of the Obvious? Called the
dealer, Magic Inc? Ask for Frances Marshall (Jay's great wife)
and tell her I sent you. Phone: 312-EDI-BULL
Msg #3140 Dated 23:21:28 11-27-90 -> 3149
From: PETE BIRO
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ESOTERIC
STAN: Finn Jon's ESOTERIC is maybe the strongest visual card
trick anywhere. When I saw Finn do it for the first time, I
actually fell over when my KNEES WENT LIMP.
I did this at a trade show in Detroit at Cobo Hall, in the
lobby, for Karrell Fox and while doing it a crowd (laymen) of
about 50 people stood in amazement watching. That fact, plus the
trick itself really knocked Karrell out.
The only dealer I know of that handles it is Joe Stevens in
Wichita, KS. Also, Joe has a great line of Video Tapes -- best
quality anywhere. You can find his ads in Genii and Linking Ring.
Tell him I sencha.
Msg #3141 Dated 23:22:07 11-27-90 -> 3179
From: PETE BIRO
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: BALLS
Steve: I think if you belong to a West Coast Magic Club, you
automatically belong to the Pacific Coast Assn. of Magicians (if
the club belongs). I recall just about all the clubs I knew of
were members. I used to be very active in the PCAM, and won a big
trophy at one of the conventions for my silly stuff.
I know the Oakland Magic Circle used to be heavy into the
PCAM. You could ask some locals.
Regarding the Billiard Ball set. Throw the shell away and
learn to juggle...No, just kidding.
I think you might just have gotten ahold of some poorly
made stuff. If the shell isn't too small, they should still be
OK, but if you are serious about the effect get the best you can
afford. I just saw an ad, I think in Genii, for the rubberized
balls that Frank Radkey manufactures. These are killer quality
and really easier to manipulate than wood.
I learned with the old Ireland Multiplying golf balls. You
could toss a ball WITH SHELL on it in the air and they wouldn't
separate.
You might want to explore literature and learn to do it with
real billiard balls and no shell.
The guy that did all the hand lettering in the Rice
Encyclopedia of Silk books, Francis B. Martineau, does the
billiard balls with full-size, rubber LaCrosse Balls. No shells,
he also uses them for a Juggling sequence along with the
production and manipulations.
In retrosjpect, maybe the BB's are old and collectible?
Msg #3142 Dated 23:23:09 11-27-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: CRASH
Burt: You live in Moreno Valley. I was considering moving there
only recenlty, but will probably go to the San Francisco Bay Area
where I grew up.
Kieth Droste (look in phone book) lives there. He is Frankie
Avalon's music director. Plays great, great piano and wrote the
music for Norm Nielsen's and Johnny Thompson's acts.
Kieth really likes magic, doesn't do any, but collects some
memorabelia and is very knowledgable. If any body is putting a
pro act together he can write original music, do arrangments and
get a group to record it for you and is a friendly-price kinda
guy.
You missed on the Blendo. That was the guy that slid out the
window of the asylum.
The parachute was made from an old Marconic Silk Fountain.
But the guy didn't live, he forgot to remove the load.
Msg #3143 Dated 0:14:02 11-28-90 3119 <--> 3144
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: CARD IDEAS
Ron is on here. Leave a message to RON BIEBER. He spent days getting
the little cow pies to look just right.
Msg #3144 Dated 0:15:26 11-28-90 3120 <--> 3190
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: CARD IDEAS
Cabin pressure. The balloons will almost totally deflate as the plane
lands. But the real problem is if the cabin pressure suddenly changes
and all the balloons explode. Could actually be a problem. I have
flown inflated balloons, the metal foil type, on planes, but in the
overhead compartment, not in someone's hands, and their possibility of
safe arrival was not all that good (Got a silver Snoopy balloon for
someone who is a holder of a NASA Silver Snoopy - flew it from South
Carolina to Atlanta to NASA Houston to somewhere [who ever remembers
where balloons change planes?] to Los Angeles three years ago and it is
still OK).
Outside of airplanes balloon animals are great! As a matter of fact,
I just tied down a supplier in Brazil for 250/260 and 280 balloons.
Very soft, easy to inflate, and long lasting.
Msg #3145 Dated 0:24:49 11-28-90 3124 <--> 3151
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: HORSEAPPLES
Er, um, yeah, Tabman. But just for the record, I called for a
reason... it's DR. Lichtman. Yeah, really, I'm not kidding. Zo you
zee, Tabman, ze vorld ist beginning to make zense, no?
Msg #3147 Dated 0:29:42 11-28-90 3128 <--> 3154
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: REPLIES TO REPLIES
I did too! But, then again, have you ever seen a tomatoe after its cut
in half with a chain saw? Now if he'd been using a chain saw and two
watermelons...
By the way, I plan to be at the Castle Wednesday night, so if anyone
from MAGIC! is there, say "Hi." So you'll know me, I'll be wearing a
blue pinstripe suit. If that doesn't help, I'm sure you'll notice the
couple I'm escorting... particularly the lady.
Msg #3148 Dated 0:35:47 11-28-90 3135 <--> 3242
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: FINN JON'S ESOTERIC
Stan, you are in L.A., aren't you? If so, you might want to consider
closeup lessons. Try Jim Kahlert (213-472-3770).
Msg #3149 Dated 0:40:16 11-28-90 3140 <--> 3157
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ESOTERIC
I can't resist.... Stan... Joe Steven's address is Colon, Mi. 94040...
Nah, wait... that's not it... it's...
Stevens Magic Emporium
3238 East Douglas
Wichita, Kansas 67208
(316) 683-9582
Fax: (316) 686-2442
And I understand it is now OFFICIAL -- there will be a MAGIC! session
at Steven's Desert Seminar. Tropicana Hotel, Las Vegas, March 21-24,
1991. The Desert Seminar is great in general (see ads in Genii,
Linking Ring, etc.) and this first ever gathering of MAGIC! members
should make it really special. If you are planning to come, why not
give MAGIC! a plug and tell Joe that's why you're gonna be there!
Now, if I could figure out how to bill Abbott's a buck for each time
their address has been on here.....
Msg #3150 Dated 0:52:10 11-28-90
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: MAGIC! MEETING
I understand it is also now official that there will be a MAGIC!
meeting at the I.B.M. in Baltimore! A chance for MAGIC! members to get
together in person, and a program on how to use MAGIC!'s many features
to save time on the phone. I'm also told that the I.B.M. registration is
closing fast, so check Linking Ring for registration forms.
ALSO, we are working on plans to make MAGIC!'s coverage of both events
a knockout! On the scene reporters with nightly uploads from Desert
Magic and I.B.M. and some special "technical effects". Thanks to Pete
Biro, we did some great "live" coverage of last year's I.B.M. and this
year's should be even better!
Msg #3151 Dated 1:53:39 11-28-90 3099 <--> 3176
From: T A WATERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: HORSEAPPLES
Penn's disdain for the average magician is more than appropriate --
because in magic the average magician is terrible and the good ones are
not all that hot. I have long held the view that if you had a singer
or dancer of the competency of the usual working professional magician,
that singer or dancer could never be hired. Compared to the amount of
work and training put in by almost any other type of performer, the
average magician does very little.
A magician often thinks that when he can get through a routine
without dropping the prop on his foot he is ready to perform it in
public -- that would be like an actor thinking he is ready to perform
when he's memorized the words of the script.
That's why people like Lance Burton and Jeff McBride and David
Williamson are so annoying -- they prove that magic is possible, so one
has a lot less patience with what Peter Warlock called "trick conscious
cretins" whose only claim to the word magician is that it is on their
business card.
I'm with Biro on this -- bad magicians (and those are the ones Penn
and Teller are badmouthing) are doing magic harm. Though I am less
than thrilled with P&T's attitude -- it's their attitude, one of many,
and they're entitled.
Msg #3152 Dated 2:23:06 11-28-90 3090 <--> 3158
From: EMORY KIMBROUGH
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: CASTLE AUDITION NIGHT
I'm amazed that fire torches were allowed. This WAS indoors, wasn't it?
I'm a juggler and I do own a set of torches, but I get very little
use out of them because I mostly perform indoors. To me, being a
professional means A) Being able to perform without breaking any
laws and B) Being able to perform without scaring the **** out of
a good percentage of your audience, and indeed a good percentage of
the audience will be afraid of open fires in a crowded room. And well
they should be.
. I hope I'm not being rude, but what bozo allowed this bozo to go on?
. On a related note, there was once a fire at a fire safety lecture
at the International Jugglers Association Convention. First rule is
that you screw the cap back on your fuel. The guy giving the lecture
just rested the cap on. Then he walked a long, long way away to give
his fire safety lecture. You would be amazed just how far a dropped
torch can roll on smooth concrete. Knocked over the can. WHOOOOOSH!
. Since this was outdoors, we were able to laugh all the way to
the fire extinguishers.
Msg #3153 Dated 2:42:11 11-28-90 3138 <--> 3342
From: EMORY KIMBROUGH
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
Of course: "MAGIC MANUSCRIPT" was just the old thread header, which
I just went along with.
Looking forward to seeing Magic Menu. Thanks.
Msg #3154 Dated 8:39:25 11-28-90 3106 <--> 3161
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: REPLIES TO REPLIES
Brad was very good. His talent was impressive...his personality and
style make him a fave of the audience.
I'm not too crazy about the chainsaw effect in such a small room as the
Palace, (although it IS the largest showroom in the Castle, it IS a
small room by normal standards). The noise and the fumes are a bit
much on the audience...even though Brad kept the bit to a conservative
time.
Msg #3155 Dated 8:46:31 11-28-90 3113 <-
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: I FORGET
Okay, Pete...so Chuck is doing YOUR linking ring bit! I've seen Chuck
do it so many times...especially at the Castle...that, in MY mind, it
has his fingerprints all over it.
I absolutely LOVE the egg bit. Let me know if I can steal it! (Did
Milton Berle ever ask permission to steal a joke?)
Msg #3156 Dated 8:58:06 11-28-90 3137 <--> 3162
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MISTAKE !!!!!
Has anyone seen Mac King (early Parlour) at the Castle yet this week?
He opens with a very clever progressive rope routine. Check it out.
Msg #3157 Dated 9:02:40 11-28-90 3149 <--> 3163
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ESOTERIC
Really?
I must've missed something...
Has Abbott's address been on here???
Msg #3158 Dated 9:06:30 11-28-90 3152 <--> 3191
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: EMORY KIMBROUGH (X)
Re: CASTLE AUDITION NIGHT
Amazing!!! That's like Harry Lorayne forgetting his own phone
number!!!
The Palace is the ONLY showroom at the castle which allows open flame
or smoking or flash paper.
The problem was that the bozo-in-question was so inept that he
could've started a fire in an underwater asbestos factory!
Msg #3159 Dated 11:26:09 11-28-90 -> 3164
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: FIRE
OK you guys... here's MY FIRE STORY. (Luckily it was outdoors)
(and, actually I have 3).
First: At the Indy 500 (this is going to be hard to condense and
it has nothing to do with magic, but it is INTERESTING) announcer
Chris Economaki was doing a demo on the different way Gas and
Alcohol burn. Alky is used in the race cars NOT GAS.
I had just taken a camera to the mobile repair shop and only
the lens needed fixin' - so I had a camera around my neck WITH NO
LENS.
Other announcer Jackie Stewart saw me and said "Come over
here and lets watch Chris tape a feature" so we stood there
watching. To dem he had two pie tins on the ground. One filled
with Alky, other with Gasoline. He tossed a match into the
alcohol (NO VISIBLE FLAME) saying how it burned without visible
flame. He then turned and threw a match into the gasoline. It
burned with huge red flame and black smoke.
Suddenly Chris was hopping up and down like crazy. Jackie, a
former driver KNEW what was up, saw someones jacket laying on a
golf cart, grabbed it and dove for Chris wrapping the jacket
around his ankles. By then Chris had (YES THE MIKE WIRE CAUGHT
THE PAN AND SPILLED THE BURNING ALCOHOL ON HIS PANTS LEGS)
unzipped and dropped his pants trying to get them off!
Here the VISUAL, a guy standing there with his pants down
and another guy Kneeling in front of him!
Guess who's camera didn't have a lens on it?
Even worse, it was a rehearsal and the ABC TV crew HAD NOT
TAPED IT! Luckily he was barely singed (thanks to Jackie). WE
still laugh about it today.
The 2nd story was a magician at the British Ring that wanted
to do a puclicity escape from a packing box and straight jacket
INSIDE A HUGE BONFIRE. This was done on the beach out in the
open. I looked the scene over and noted he was wearing a Silk-
like tux. This scared me. I didn't know the guy so said nothing.
They put him in. I was there taking pictures for Genii article on
the convention.
They piled on the stuff, set fire to it and within SECONDS
the blaze was so big we had to move far back from the heat.
A long time passed. I figured the guy was dead, but suddenly
he burst out and ran to the surf diving in.
He was burned badly, all over. Actually his flesh was
literally COOKED from being in the heat. He had a very lengthy
recovery, but thankfully he did recover. I heard later that he
was waiting to come out for an accomplice that was supposed to
hit the box with a pole after a certain time. But the heat was so
intense the guy couldn't reach with the pole he had.
This AGAIN underscores my thoughts following the recent
death of the escapologist trying to do the Buried Alive.
IN THE MOVIE BUSINESS THEY ALL USE STUNT COORDINATORS. And I
really think the LAW, magic clubs, you name it should do several
things ANY TIME SOMEONE DOES A STUNT, ESCAPE, WHATEVER.
1: Insurance. The performer MUST carry at least $1 Million
liability and sign a 'hold harmless waiver and release' and have
as named insured all entities, the hiring organization, the
property owner, the assistants, etc.
2: There should be an EXPERIENCED veteran stunt/escape
coordinator involved. And anyone hiring someone should have
documentation as to the "record" of the performer. Has he done it
before? Is it REALLY dangerous?
The other case was the fellow that fell from a "burned
through" rope. Anybody that was stupid enough to let him do it
without a cable inside the rope should have been sued! And to do
it without the cable protection would never have happened with a
coordinator that knew what he was doing.
EVEN THEN, IT IS STILL DANGEROUS.
One of the most experienced guys in the business, Steve
Baker was hurt doing a stunt for the IBM some time back, which
wound up in a lawsuit.
Unfortunately that is today's climate. A guy stumbles on the
sidewalk near your house - you get sued.
MY FUMBLE OPINION... THIS COUNTRY HAS GOT TO GET PEOPLE
THINKING THAT "THEY THEMSELVES" HAVE TO START BEING RESPONSIBLE
FOR WHAT THEY DO AND WHAT HAPPENS.
Msg #3160 Dated 11:27:28 11-28-90 -> 3243
From: PETE BIRO
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ESOTERIC
STAN: When you get Esoteric -- here is a performing hint that
really plays well for me (and my style)!
I tell the people I am doing this for that it is done with
INVISIBLE STRING (DON'T SAY THREAD) -- And I want them to help. I
MIME handing them the said string and ask them to PULL. As they
pull, do the necessary. When they move you move. If you rest the
"busy" hand on your leg, above the knee, just by straightening
your body you will have enough movement to do the work.
BUT THE BIG THING.
At the finish you ask for "their" strings back AND OPENLY
MIME WINDING THEM AROUND THE DECK (IN ACTUALITY YOU "ARE" WINDING
THE THREAD).
You can do it OPENLY because nobody sees it and they don't
believe there is a thread that connot be seen.
Msg #3161 Dated 14:18:13 11-28-90 3154 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: REPLIES TO REPLIES
I agree that the Palace is not the best venue for a running chain saw.
I guess we can be particularly glad that he wasn't doing a doubles act
with whoever this audition guy with the torches was.
Msg #3162 Dated 14:20:29 11-28-90 3156 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: MISTAKE !!!!!
I've always been impressed with Mac King. He has good style. He could
sign on to MAGIC! a bit more often however.
Msg #3163 Dated 14:21:31 11-28-90 3157 <--> 3170
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ESOTERIC
Nah, Abbott's address hasn't been on here, but Costello's phone number
has.
Msg #3164 Dated 14:22:53 11-28-90 3159 <--> 3171
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: FIRE
Thanks for the fire stories, Pete. I think you raise some very
interesting points. I agree that we really do need to find a way to
get people to remember that they are responsible for their own actions.
But there's no way the lawyers are going to let us do that.
It is almost incredible - heck, it IS incredible - that the "rules" you
suggest aren't already firmly in place. Last week our contract
custodian was talking to me about how restricted the use of ladders is
in his business. He told me that to use a three story ladder he has to
get SPECIAL PERMISSION from his insurance company! And that they are
even likely to send AN INSPECTOR to the site to check it all out! Now
admittedly, that is a result of the "lawsuit happy" environment we
have, but you would think that someone would check before a guy in our
business sets himself on fire or puts together some jury-rigged escape.
Msg #3165 Dated 15:32:06 11-28-90 -> 3172
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NO SUBJECT
I've been hiding the little pills (well, most of the
time) inside an OLD STILLWELL BALL I keep under my pillow. I told
em it was the gearshift knob off my daddys old 39 Plymouth
stickshift.
Got a neat book from BYRON WALKER (he said HEY, PETE) in
the mail today called the GERMAN LABORATORIES OF MAGIC by that
magic doctor, ALBO THE GREAT, keeper and preserver of magical
treasures. Lots of pictures (I like pictures) of shiney metal
vases, watch stands, cannisters, decanters, pricey (and heady)
stuff. One reason I admire Dr. Albo so much is cause he is able
to get dollars per page for his books instead of pennies like the
rest of us. This book is like 2bucks a page and someofem are
blank. AMAZING and I'll buy the next three in the series.!!
If PATRICE MOORE - INSIDE MAGIC - reads this please send
me a subscription - no, wait till I move - no, I don't know when
that'll be...the water people asked me if I'd sell them a three
month option on the springs for a thousand a week...I said SURE,
NO PROBLEM..so it might be six months...I'll wait till I see the
whites of their eyes and the color of their money......send it to
TABMAN, BOX 590, CHARLOTTE HALL, MD 20622-0590 and invoice or
invoice first if you don't think you can trust me - i am CRAZY,
you know...MAGIC MENU too, I'm still waiting, hamburger in hand
(foot in mouth)...this is TOO MUCH to take...this great old guy
from the veterans home across the highway is riding by on a bike
wearing his uniform with a red and blue sash blowing in the wind.
The clincher is he's wearing a helmet liner and TANK GOGGLES.....
....about a month ago they decorated the compound with old
missles and missle launchers...what are they trying to tell me??
I guess the reason thumb tips bugg me so much is that
the same JERK who used to do card tricks on my hood wore one all
the time ( I did too til I saw his ). I have an old metal cig
pull I got from a kid - kept it in whatever coat I was wearing.
We used to smoke on stage in the Honky Tonks and when I'd feel
people watching me I'd vanish the cig, much bettern a TT...one
nite in a latenite breakfast joint I was breakfasting with a guy
and decided to vanish the cig I was puffing on....in the hand,
let fly, like nothing going on...he was staring at me like I was
some kind of moron.....the pull got caught on the button of my
levi jacket.....what an jerk (me)...I think he thought I was a
moron from then on too, even now...this magic stuff can be
dangerous...
Still waiting for MAX MAVEN's epic FOCUS to arrive....I
only buy books I think I want to read ( I try to readem all, I
promise, but sometimes its hard )(did read RICHARD HATCH's, J. N.
HOFFSINGER translation - TWICE - and OKITO ON MAGIC several
times).
I've followed MAX's career for almost 20 years since
running into (sorry Max) him at Crazy Hank Lees Magic Factory in
Boston's Chinatown a few years ago. I just deleted another
sm*rt*ss remark, I wonder why...wait.....its clearing up..DR.
LICHTMAN's hypnotic suggestions must be working...its been
somesorta alterted state - a pivotal experience as great gramma
Crabb used to say - say, i've sure met some super people here
(and elsewhere) because of MAGIC!..where did that come from??..
This is GOING NOWHERE and As The World Turns is coming in
over my wrist tv....no wait, its MAX MAVEN from Japan, no sorry,
its Alf...ps, that nice lady said she was a NURSE, and showed me
a whole bunch o' trix yesterday...now I know why these pajamas
have drawstrings.......YOU GOTTA HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR (well at
least a sense of smell).......gotta go.....your enternal friend,
the tabman candu..waiting for the water man..now what did I do
with that STILLWELL??.....DR. BART WHALEY's WHO'S WHO IN MAGIC
and T.A. WATERS ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGIC AND MAGICIANS...great
reading, especially if you're confined to quarters....wait, its
THAT NURSE and she's carrying a pair of ROPE SHEARS.......yeah...
Msg #3166 Dated 15:34:56 11-28-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: T A WATERS (X)
Re: REPLY
AS WE HUDDLE WITH THE DOGS at the feet of the masters
waiting for crumbs to fall; never forgetting which dogs have
bitten us on the ankle...is it appropriate for us to gather these
crumbs and save them for digestion at some later date or to
devour them in haste....say, which?...or none of the above...
Still no GENII - that east-west 2nd class mail is soooo
slow...sure have enjoyed having your ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MAGIC AND
MAGICIANS in my library (also an excellent photo resource.....I
refer to it and Dr. Whaley's WHO'S WHO frequently)....thanks for
taking the time to put it all together.
What you said about many unprepared magi is one of the
reasons I liked CEMK so much is because most of the participants
were better than average mojo men, and met several really nice
guys to boot...especially looking forward to the DESERT SEMINAR
for the same reason, though I wouldn't be going if not for the
MAGIC! meeting at same.
The first thing I look at in a submission is the photo.
It must be professional (especially facial lighting) and at the
overall quality of the press kit. I think its probably easier for
a music person to make a tape cause most any BOOM BOX will do
(not really)....the homemade magic videos must be a hoot. I once
got a tape that was so bad I sent it around as a joke to record
companies on feke stationery. A song called DADDY DIDN'T TAKE ME
FISHIN'.... we heralded it as the new Hank Williams....I liked it
though, but what do I know...
I have judged magicians by the quality of individuals
whom I've met over the last few years and am not subjected to
"bad tricks by jerk magicians"...and by the quality of the
literature I've acquired and read.... too, I'm impressed by the
quality of individuals I've communicated with online here for the
mostpart...people of character and humor, 2 excellent qualities
in homosapiens....is he BSing us or what??
The world of a music hustler isn't much different from
any hustler's world. The basic principles are the same, only a
different presentation...
My old boss told me - after he got loaded and did the
same song three times in a row on a big show one night - "they
don't know the difference" and sure enough, I got to watching and
he was right...this guy may know cause he's got the record of
most straight #1 records in the country music field..success is
measured by longivity...it isn't whos hot today but whos cookin
for twenty years or more. It isn't that this guy didn't respect
his audience cause he'd stay around to shake hands and sign
autographs til the cows came home, its that he knew his audience
and accepted them for who they were, and they him.....he had an
800 number his fans could call to find out his schedule, and he
didn't mind taking the trash out at night in his nightclub...
I'm rambling out of control today so I'd better get OUTA
HERE!!.....tabman
Msg #3167 Dated 17:07:46 11-28-90 -> 3173
From: MARVIN STERN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ABBOT'S
Jonathan:
In case no-one has given you Abbott's address, it's
Abbott's Magic Mfg. Co., Colon, Michigan 49040,
phone (616) 432-3235 or 432-3236. Rgds,
Marvin Stern
Msg #3170 Dated 18:42:51 11-28-90 3163 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ESOTERIC
Boo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Msg #3171 Dated 18:43:26 11-28-90 3164 <--> 3185
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: FIRE
Sadly so. Actually it all would be hinged on Insurance. Any venue,
booker, club, theater SHOULD insist the act, if of a dangerous nature,
carry Liability Insurance. Any performer that does not is nuts! There
is a certain phase in my photo business that requires me to carry $1
Million liability.
Msg #3172 Dated 18:46:57 11-28-90 3165 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NO SUBJECT
Just make sure she cuts the Imbicile Cord. Tabb... don't stop.
Fooey the top part of your message scrolled off and I can't rmember
what I was gonna commment on. Spelling?
Er.... Albo, that's it. Quick one. I had a Dr. that was gonna put me in
the hospital for surgery. I thought, 2nd opinion time. Called Albo, he
said come over got a card trick wanna show ya.
So I got there, he checked me over and told me to get on his desk (with
stuff all over it) and he DID THE SURGERY RIGHT THERE!!! OK, it was
minor, but then the PAY. I had to watch him do a card trick.
Boy, I tell you. He is one great Medic. I recently met HOwie Long the
killer football guy with Al Davis' great Raiders. I told Howie we might
have a mutual friend in Albo. He said, HEck yay... every guy on the
team always gets their 2nd opinions from Albo before they let ANY OTHER
doc work on them.
You see Albo Often at the sidelines with the Raiders. He is one of the
team Doctors. I first met him wehen I was the official photog of the
Hockey Team in San Fran. He was sewing 'em up in the penalty box. We
knew each other for a year before we knew each other was into magic.
He alsow works out with the Warriors Basketball team. Doc was an All
American at Cal Berkely, worked way thru school, Medical, etc. doing
tricks. Great guy.
Msg #3173 Dated 18:53:44 11-28-90 3167 <--> 3196
From: PETE BIRO
To: MARVIN STERN (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
I just heard Abbott's has moved. Does anyone know where?
Msg #3176 Dated 19:12:48 11-28-90 3099 <--> 3177
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: HORSEAPPLES
The leeches were great, Compact and easy to carry on the road.........
Msg #3177 Dated 19:30:30 11-28-90 3176 <--> 3296
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: HORSEAPPLES
And oh so easy to feed........
Msg #3179 Dated 20:09:57 11-28-90 3141 <-
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: BALLS
I got this set of Billiard Balls fron Mark Burger
at House of Magic. They were about $15.00, wooden
and say they were made in Germany. The shell is
turned out of wood, not metal. I will call him and
ask what the story is when I get the gumption.
I currently use a set of Vernet silver Billiard
Balls but wanted the red ones to expand the
routine. I was working from some lecture notes I
have from a performer named Niberco (friend of
yours by chance?)
-On the subject of magic clubs. I want to join a
club mostly to have access to conventions and
lectures etc.. as well as the Castle. I propably
wouldnt make a good club member on the local scene
as I have very little time to attend meetings. I
would be willing to drive to the city once in a
while if I found a good club. Any suggestions?
I have semi purposely avoided fraternizing with
other magi's for reasons I am sure many will
understand. With only a few exceptions most of the
folks I have encountered where too hung up on
method and not on presentation. That is one reason
I find this board so exciting.
One person who has helped me out a bit is a fellow
named Paul Chosse. I understand you are acquainted
and I mentioned that you moved in to the area
recently.
I hope you have recieved the tape I sent you for
review. I am looking forward to hearing your
reaction to it. Dont't hold back Pete, I can take
the really tough criticism ( just send it by
private e-mail please). Personally I am not and
have never been satisfied with my act. I just go
through periods of lesser dissatisfaction.
We are looking to take the act in a totally new
direction. Dance lessons start after the first of
the year, new costuming is definitely being
considered, and we are currently looking into
hiring lighting and theatrical direction. I hope
to have an act I am totally happy with before I am
95 years old.
Msg #3180 Dated 20:47:18 11-28-90
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MORENO VALLEY
You've missed a good thing by not moving out here. We have good access
to both L.A. and Palm Springs. It gets a little warm durng the summer
but you don't have to contend with the fog and damp like in the bay
area. We don't have as many restaurants but then again we don't have
any flagrant limp-wrists either (No offense intented to anyone of that
persuasion, I just don't like to see it in public.) I remember yousaid
youhad family in Lake County. I lived in Ukiah one winter. It was
theonly place I've lived that was so damp moss grew on the tires of my
car--while it was moving!
If you ever want to visit this area, I could put you up for a few
days. The digs are humble but you'd certainly be welcome.
Msg #3181 Dated 20:55:40 11-28-90 -> 3183
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: SHOOTING
Tabby, Thats great to hear about your wife's shooting ability. There
are so many anti-gunners out there it is refreshing to hear about women
who are not swayed. I'm lucky to be in an office where everyone is a
shooter. One of the guy's here shoots combat .45 matches (IPSC I
think) Good luck on building the range in your backyard. Wish Icould
but....Have you ever thought about magic that could be done with
firearms besides the bullet catch? I know there is a coin with a .45
stuck through it that has been marketed and a card effect where the
deck is shot at with a blank and the selected card is the only one with
a hole. Any Ideas?
P.S. Watch your mailbox for a surprise.
Msg #3183 Dated 0:31:50 11-29-90 3181 <--> 3357
From: T A WATERS
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: SHOOTING
Yeah -- but at least one of those coins with the bullet through it
still has the CARTRIDGE CASE on -- now THAT'S magic!
Msg #3185 Dated 1:13:24 11-29-90 3171 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: FIRE
I'm surprised to learn that clubs and theaters don't automatically do
that. Of course, it would probably be great to have an insurance guy
taking all your props apart.
Msg #3190 Dated 1:32:06 11-29-90 3047 <--> 3298
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: CARD IDEAS
I've been thinking this Card in Airplane Window thing through.
It's too simple. So here's a couple of ways to do a SIGNED card
to airplane window:
Method 1: Have a fax machine installed under the window, able to
eject a facsimile between the perspexii. Have another cordless
fax machine in your attache case... Since only the signed side of
the card can be seen, you only need to fax one side.
Method 2: (This one is for real). Sit on isle. Have the card
signed. Use YFM to steal. Pass to compatriot who walks past and
takes window seat a row ahead or behind you. Search for card and
show gone. Meanwhile, compatriot lowers shade on their window,
simultaneously using Tabby's Crabb's extra perspex to place card.
Reveal as appropriate.
Now let's look at the way some others might do this...
LANCE BURTON. Lance does card waterfall, during which miniature
signed plane drops out. He shows spectators plane, smiles, and
changes it into a signed dove.
DAVID COPPERFIELD. David buys plane, has it rebuilt, and
reveals signed card on outside of window.
SIGFRIED & ROY. Using one of the 747's left over from the Tokyo
trip, and now leased to Flying Tigers, they keep card in hand
while they vanish airplane.
THE PENDRAGONS. While Jonathan talks about equal rights for
female magi, Charlotte changes into white leotard, opens access
hatch, skims through wing braces, around wing struts and over
hydraulic lines (carefully avoiding smuges) out onto wing (-65
degrees F., 650 mile per hour wind), stands on the ball of one
foot, slithers up fuselage, and holds card against window.
DOUG HENNING. Reveals card on horn of white unicorn that runs
down aisle.
MAX MAVEN. Blindfolded, Max walks out on wing and reveals signed
card inside cowl of one of twin engines.
FELT TIP & BANK CLERK. Have plane built out of clear
plastic. Reveal everything but card. Make obscene gestures to
audience, parachute to ground.
Msg #3191 Dated 2:38:57 11-29-90 3158 <-
From: EMORY KIMBROUGH
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: CASTLE AUDITION NIGHT
I've never been to the Castle. (Never been to Southern California, for
that matter.) Thus, I didn't know which rooms allow flames and which
don't. Although I can understand allowing things like flash paper
and candles on a larger stage, I'm a bit surprised that juggling fire
torches would be allowed anywhere indoors. They aren't in my state.
Msg #3192 Dated 3:47:26 11-29-90 -> 3253
From: EMORY KIMBROUGH
To: ALL
Re: COMPUSERVE REVIVAL
The magic group on CompuServe is being revived. We opened
for business last Sunday and are off to a good start.
The Grand Re-Opening Party will be a conference at 10:00 pm
Eastern time on Tuesday, December 11.
.
The Magicians Only sections in the Science/Math Forum
are now fully operational. Three areas are now open:
.1.) A Message Board: Read and reply to messages from
all participating magicians in subtopic #14. Open now.
.2.) A Conference Room: Live teleconferences with other
magicians are held in Conference Room #6. (See you December 11.)
.3.) A Library: Text files and programs will be in
Library #14. This library is currently empty, but we're
working on restoring all the old files and getting
some new ones. Uploading on CompuServe is free, and we would
really appreciate uploads now.
. All three of these areas are private - Only magicians
have access. If you participated in the old CompuServe
magic group, then check your CompuServe mailbox. You should
have mail waiting from me. If you received no E-mail or if
you have a CompuServe I.D. but didn't participate in the
old group, just send me your I.D. here or on CompuServe,
and I'll enable access. To get to the Science/Math Forum,
type GO SCIENCE. All the procedures are the same as they
were on Broadcast Professionals. If you have any trouble,
just send E-mail to 72777,1553, and I'll be glad to help.
. The Science/Math Forum offers several advantages over
the old meeting place, Broadcast Professionals. First,
Science/Math is a smaller forum, so messages will not scroll
into oblivion as fast as they did in BPForum. Also thanks to
the smaller size, there will be no constant threat of being
kicked out if we don't post zillions of messages. Finally,
I'm already a System Operator on CompuServe. Steve Burton,
the founder of CompuServe's magic group, was one heck of a
hard working guy, but since CompuServe didn't make him a sysop
he found it ruinously expensive to manage the group. I can
post messages, send E-mail, and otherwise support the group
for free, so that problem has been solved.
. The only problem right now is that the CompuServe magic
group has been dormant for several months. We've scattered.
Groups like this must achieve a certain critical mass to
sustain the activity. Thus, please visit the message board
right away and post some interesting question or contentious
comment designed to start a discussion.
. Please also spread the word, especially if you're in touch
with any of the people who used to participate on CB or in
BPForum but are no longer active on CompuServe. Let your local
magic club know.
. I hope to cooperate rather than compete with this Magic!
BBS,which I'm enjoying a lot. The CompuServe group can fill a
slightly different niche because it offers live conferences
and because it is much easier for the Japanese and European
magicians to participate on CompuServe. Of course, the real
hard-core people (i.e. most of us) will eagerly use both.
Besides, CompuServe will give you something to do
when the phone line to Magic! is busy .
Msg #3193 Dated 5:57:53 11-29-90
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TRIP
Tabman, I leave Saturday for Baltimore. I'll give you a call when I
get in. For now it looks like Wednesday evening is the best time to
get together. I've talked to Howie and that's the best time for him.
I'm looking forward to it. It's been busy around here with regular
work and list #2. See you soon, with your books.
Charlie
Msg #3194 Dated 7:43:57 11-29-90 -> 3227
From: TABBY CRABB
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: PYRO
Sayyyy...that was one nice surprise today in the
mail..You're OK, boy...how did you ever SNEAK THE PYRO past the
postal boys (and girls)....On that note, its coincidental, but in
the mid 70s I got hung up on match and MATCHBOX TRIX...used to
keep AMEDEO VACCAS ACROBATIC MATCHBOX hooked up in my pocket all
the time and compiled a compendium of effects using same from
many years of magic mags...came out to over 100 spiral bound
pages...bound only one copy and have it in my library..its all
great stuff by many others..stuff from Phoenix, Sphinx, Genii,
Dunningers Encyclopedia, etc, etc...
How close to Chino and Prado Int'l Range are you..we used
to go out every year to the nationals and of course the 84
Olympiad...got some friends who FLY STUNTS outa China airport.
Rode withem on an airshow last feb....great..
I'm very interested in effects with shooting....though
the "CATCH" is just about it...not much you can do indoors..we
hope to find a nice farm with around 60-100 acres down in
tennessee and base outa there....with sattelite commo and phones
we'll be as mainstream as ever...more I'm sure because being out
from under the expense of living in a millionairres estate on an
out of work steel guitar players pay will be a blessing...haveto
stay on the phones all the time right now just to make my nut..
only the right one left, I gave my left one to live here...my
uncle Ben was into magic as a young man before he discovered
WOMEN, WHISKEY, CUBAN CIGARS AND CASINOS...I found his HOFFMANN
BOOKS in a barrel in the attic along with a nice MYSTO MAGIC SET
from the twenties or so...relics of a MISSPENT YOUTH..though my
grandma liked magic (she knew THURSTON) cause she usta buy me
magic stuff too, unfortunately my exwife gave my oldest boy most
of the stuff to play with in his sandbox...what canya do but keep
on keepin on...I've rambled enough for one morning..thanks again
for the surprise...keep up the good work....tabman...
By the way, thats me with family in Lake County...my mom
and my sis + one niece and one nephew...we looked at a ranch out
there in Feb of this year, but it reminded me too much of
mechanicsville, maryland.....nooooooo thanks.....
Msg #3195 Dated 7:45:36 11-29-90 -> 3204
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: MEN WHO SHAVE
DR. LICHTMAN...you musta stayed up all night thinking of
that stuff..thats goooood...funny man you are..saaay!!! I can't
top it and won't even try..between you and PETE BIRO this morning
I've been laughing all over the place...who said this wasn't
fun.....
Do we have a day and time for the MAGIC! meeting in the
DESERT yet? I'm trying to figure out when to come in. The seminar
is going to fall on a critical weekend for me and I wanna make
sure my timing is right...I don't wanna miss this meeting...sooo
as soon as we get the slot worked out LET ME KNOW...
Still laughing about your CARD IN AIRPLANE WINDOW
spoof...thats good stuff..have you ever thought about being a
writer?? Theres another way to starve, boy! Thank BIRO for
getting that one going..theres one dude whos mind never
sleeps...how does he have time to do all this...me I'm strapped
in this chair and spend all day tapping this stuff out with a
pencil between my teeth...PETE SEZ you're working on a TAPCIS
sorta prog for MAGIC!..is this a possibility.....he turned me
onto TAPCIS a coupla weeks ago at the Inner Harbour in
Baltimore.....Looking forward to getting to tennessee, getting a
nashville line and pc-pursuit so I can put motime into MAGIC!....
Worked through a coupla effects in the VERNON CHRONICLES
Vol I last night...I've really neglected the finger work over the
last few years...think I'm gonna make a try for the five coin and
champagne glass routine toward the end of the book...have you
tried this or seen it done...sounds elegant.....??..
Ah, I hear her footsteps coming down the hall now...metal
taps on her SPIKED HEELS...where can I hide this pencil.....???
tabman
NOPE...it was the UPS GIRL bringing my longawaited copy
of the MAVEN'S - FOCUS - ...just a cursory glance, but its a very
nice book...well made and it smells good too...HEY! I just sniff
books, OK..he promised me an autograph so I'll send it out to the
coast in a few days by priority sooz it wont get lost in the
holiday rush....gotta get over to the studio and get the tape
machines fired up for a big mix today...later....
s
Msg #3196 Dated 10:31:59 11-29-90 3167 <--> 3210
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MARVIN STERN (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
ARRRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!
Msg #3197 Dated 12:48:12 11-29-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: MAIL CALL
A package of goodies in this afternoon from RAY MERTZ..
I'm a big fan of Ray's and because of this was doubly excited to
receive the material.....Two sets of lecture notes #s 1 & 2, the
notes from EDDIE FECHTER lecture Ray does, and THE CLOSE-UP MAGIC
OF RAY MERTZ, softbound book...
I ran into Ray (sorry Ray) at CEMK 1990 and we became
instant friends....great minds in the gutter or something like
that (gotta mention HARRISON CARROLL in the same breath cause
he's part of this too)...well off we went and here we are...don't
worry guys, the secrets safe with me....ohhh, come on, its
nothing like that...just good clean, all American funn.....
Back to the package.....if you've ever seen RAY perform
for an audience, you'll know they howl at surprise after surprise
(remember the 300lb bikerchickfromhell).....he's worked the bar
at THE FORKS for years - was mentored by EDDIE FECHTER - and is
very much the pro....Ray works at a fast pace and keeps em
hanging on the edge of their seat (usually a bar stool)....Ask
Ray what happens to a glass topped table when you produce a 10lb
brass nut on top........gotta be more gentle Ray...just kidding,
but it shattered..good thing it was safety glass, huh...
His coin matrix has three big finishes each bigger than
the last...it was at this point the bikerchikfromhell called home
for a ride....he's great with the lay people, doesn't depend on
off color humor for laughs, has a great smile, dresses well and
stays in practice with his routine....lots of magi could take
lessons from Ray, which is exactly what I'm doing...if you're
interested in any of Ray's stuff you can write him at: Mertz the
Magician, 323 No. Creek Dr., Depew, NY 14043.
Also our own JIM SISTI's - MAGIC MENU - which also came
in the afternoons mail...THE MAGIC MENU is aimed at restaurant
workers - walking around working from pockets. Jim has some heavy
help here...FRANK GARCIA, EUGENE BURGER, DAVID ACER....column
from AL THE ONLY...nicely printed on heavy buff stock, its easy
to read on should be interesting to anyone doing magic out of
pocket...six 8 page issues a year for only 15 smackkers...coming
up next issue (jan/feb) will be an interview with BURGER THE
GREAT.....when this guy talks I wanna listen....you can find Jim
here on MAGIC!...thanks Jim...
MAGIC MENU has a review of FOCUS in this issue so I won't
elaborate, but it promises to be a great book....some 1,000 card
effects by GOLDSTEIN THE GREAT melted down into 60 gems..I've
only tried #1 which STEVEN MINCH (the author) says is the weakest
in the nicely hardbound book and already I'm hooked....no
gimmikked up cards here - pull a couple of cards from the pack
and go to work....especially nice feature is the index of
SLEIGHTS described in the book....great, great feature...
Gonna be in the big apple at WOODY'S near the Cat Club on
Dec12 with CATCH 22 for their first Manhattan showcase - they're
on my little record/tape label - , soooo if any one is in town
then, let me know via MAGIC! and I'll put you on the guest
list...This place is in the ROCKNROLL COMBAT ZONE so be warned.
yours.....tabman...............nurse jane sez hey baby...
Msg #3198 Dated 13:56:56 11-29-90 -> 3222
From: PETE BIRO
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: REPLIES
Steve: Call Burger and tell him a guy that calls him Buma Jr.
said to "Shape Up and Quit Selling CRAP!" Then tell him it was
Biro that said it... and to HOLD the Effie Clinker 'til I get
located!! He'll know.
Best Magic Club in Bay area is the Oakland Magic Circle,
OMC, they meet once a month at the Bjornson Hall, on MacArther
Blvd., in Oakland, a couple of blocks East of Fruitvale ave, on
the N. side of street. Check Busby, or Buma Jr. for the dates.
I don't know how close you live to there tho. Also there is
a good club in Sacramento, I understand.
Got your tape yesterday. Took a quick FIRST LOOK. Want to
look at it 3 or 4 times, digest it, think, etc.
If you are not happy with it THAT IS GOOD SIGN.
Most are thrilled and delighted with all they do (and so are
their friends) and figure they have gone as far as they can and
it is ready for the big time.
Your act isn't, yet, but with what you are thinking about in
your last message you are heading in the right direction.
Give me some time to do it right. Thanks for wanting my
Fumble Opinion.
Actually, I have thought of starting a business to direct
and produce Other Person's acts. Some day.
Msg #3199 Dated 13:57:49 11-29-90 -> 3202
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN ET AL
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
Boss! You and Tabman (combined, of course) are screwier than I
am!
Of course you did over look a couple of performers' versions
of the card on Airplane Window.
Martin Lewis: He would do somone else's method.
Tabby Crabb: He would confuse you with hypnotic steel
guitar.
Bruce Cervon: He would Write Up a Method, then would "Retain
the Performing Rights"
Abbotts: They would have the best method, but no one would
know what it is because they don't have their address.
Joe Stevens: He would only do it in Vegas.
Milton Berle (he does some card magic): He would do what
Martin Lewis does.
Penn and Teller: They would kidnap the plane, take it to a
pygmy village in the jungle, a group of Amazon Women would
capture them and the only way they would get away is Teller would
have to talk. He doesn't but the card trick convinces the girls
they are indeed True Mojo Men and let everyone go.
By the time everyone gets home they believe anything and
tell all their friends that P&T are not only great magicians, but
saved thier lives by showing these giant broads how to use a
short card.
Note: My mind is now flying faster than my memory. The
following guys I know of but can't recall their names.
The guy selling the Video on how to make out with chicks:
His method wouldn't matter but he would leave the plane with a
girl on each arm
The guy that does the card on Ceiling (written in an Ammar
book) would have the card thrown THRU THE PROPELLER.
Howie Schwarzman: He would sell you his method. (Don't get
mad Howie -- you are going to be booked at Baltimore) (So start
to practice).
Tannen's: They would sell the method Lewis and Berle do.
Mark Burger: His method would use an antique airplane.
Doc Albo: His method is exactly the same as done by Okito
(only it was a derigible) and Doc has permission to do it, as he
has the derigible in his collection.
Mark Wilson: His mothod would make him $500,000.
Johnny Thompson (as the Gt. Tomsoni) He would be outside the
plane, the card inside, but couldn't get back in because he lost
his ticket.
Norm Nielsen: His would be made of clear soft plastic with a
catsup label on it.
Billy McComb: He would tell you stories about how he did it
on various celebrity flights.
Joe Stevens: He still hasn't figured out how to do it, but
he would buy the Albo stuff, then do a video on it.
TA Waters: He know everyone that has ever done this trick.
And when, and what flight number.
Christian Fechner: He would build the plane. The windows
(all of them on the left side) would have built-in flaps,
connected to card indexes so "any card called for would appear in
any freely chosen window" (Only frightening thing is that his
skeleton Herve (you saw a dupe he made and gifted Siegfriend and
Roy) would be flying the plane (with the cockpit door open).
Ballantine: His method wouldn't work but we would DIE
LAFFING.
MORE?
Msg #3202 Dated 14:09:18 11-29-90 3199 <--> 3206
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
I love it! There are some real gems in your list. But I had a
different version (originally) for McComb, only I forgot to include it.
McComb would place the entire deck between the perspexii. On command,
the card would stay in place and the AIRPLANE would rise.
Penn and Teller WERE on my list, see: Felt Tip & Bank Clerk. Hey, it
beats their reference to "Sigmund and LeRoy..."
Here's a call to everyone else -- join in -- reply with your own or
someone else's version. Personally, I'm waiting to see Steve
Kucera's -- I have visions of a plane in a bottle, but I'm not sure.
Msg #3204 Dated 14:19:40 11-29-90 3195 <--> 3218
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MEN WHO SHAVE
Thanks, Tabman. Actually, it came to me in a dream. I used to have a
computer consultant working for me who, if he came up with the answer
to your problem while he was asleep, would bill you for the full eight
hours. I always thought that was a bit unfair.
Yeah, I should be a writer. Tabums, I AM a writer! In my spare time
I do documentation and training materials. Stuff like "Insert Tab A in
Slot B." My hot job right now is a thing called "XPLC on PC Compiler."
But don't worry, they're gonna change the name -- likely to be "XJLC on
PC Compiler." And yeah, it is another way to starve.
Consider yourself VERY LUCKY to hear the tap-tap of spike heels.
Around L.A. all we get is the tread-tread of running shoes. Spikes
here only come on hair, mostly in purple and green.
Will get back to you with the day and time for the MAGIC! session at
Desert Magic.
Also, here's a secret. We have some "blow away" plans for MAGIC!'s
coverage of the Seminar, but, before that, probably in January, Pete
has cooked up a stunning first anywhere publishing event that is gonna
occur right here on MAGIC! Can't reveal it yet, even to you, but it
will be a "scoop."
Msg #3206 Dated 14:59:17 11-29-90 3199 <--> 3215
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
How about MIKE FINNEY? Card would appear in plane's bathroom. "Bruce,
the stewardess" would bring it to his seat.
Msg #3210 Dated 17:29:28 11-29-90 3173 <--> 3229
From: MARVIN STERN
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
Re: Abbot's
I have just received my Nov issue of Tops, put out by Abbot's, and it
still shows the address as Colon, Mi. 49040.
I'll bring the issue to the office tommorow and see if there is an
800 number. See you later.
Msg #3211 Dated 17:35:34 11-29-90 3125 <--> 3615
From: MARVIN STERN
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: TWO IN ONE
Re: PCAM
For information on PCAM, you can contact Leslie Manning, 7347 Haskell
#211, Van Nuys, CA. 91406, (818) 780-0885.
Msg #3212 Dated 17:56:14 11-29-90 3134 <--> 3297
From: MAC KING
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: PENNANDTELLER
Come on! It's just magic tricks. And besides what did they really
expose? Well okay, so now I can't do my giant foam truck tire running
over my best friend trick, or my three boxes up on a carpeted platform
trick. But, those are really about it.
Msg #3213 Dated 18:00:35 11-29-90
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAC KING (X)
Re: WHAT
Hey, Mac! What are you doing here? You have to be at work in an hour!
Look forward to seeing you tonite at the Castle. I've heard you're
knocking 'em dead!
Msg #3215 Dated 18:49:04 11-29-90 3202 <--> 3216
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
Well, if you want to know what Siegfried and Roy are called in some of
the dressing rooms of Las Vegas.... see next messasge. And, you see,
McComb will tell you 1000 stories about every trick. When his great
Uncle Fergus, from the Celtic period, saw Queen Gwendemire's cousin in
law do .... etc.
Msg #3216 Dated 18:50:32 11-29-90 3206 <--> 3221
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
OOps, forgot the S&R message. Pigmeet and Poi.
Msg #3218 Dated 18:52:09 11-29-90 3204 <--> 3235
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: MEN WHO SHAVE
Here is the scoop. We are going to give, free of charge, a 386 laptop
to all members. Then they write their own reviews to themselves.
Msg #3220 Dated 19:52:12 11-29-90
From: JIM SISTI
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: "THE MAGIC MENU"
Thanks for the kind words about the "The Magic Menu." Glad to hear you
got it OK. We'll be running your torn & restored card in the next
issue. Keep in touch..!
Msg #3221 Dated 22:42:11 11-29-90 3202 <--> 3223
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
The Wine Country Wizards version of the trick goes like this. I produce
six bottles of wine and we get so drunk we forget about card tricks and
take turns trying to fly the plane.
Msg #3222 Dated 22:43:37 11-29-90 3198 <--> 3224
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: REPLIES
Pete,
Mark Burger has been bery berry good to me. If I spend at least
$500.00 in his shop he always throws in a free copy of Genii.
What a deal.
Do you / he really have an Effie Clinker? What a gas. Of course
he might try to pass off one of his inflatable girls instead.
No need to thank me for asking for your humble opinion. On the
contrary I appreciate your taking the time to review the tape and
respond. If I wanted to be patted on the back or "Stroked" I
would have gone to someone else.
I am presently breaking the act down into its basic elements
(Stage setting, lighting, music, costuming, etc..) and will
analyze it in its skeletal state. Then we are going to re-routine
it etc... and bring it in that condition to a director,
choreographer, lighting tech etc.. for further work. In the
meantime I will continue to finance the act by performing at
privates and clubs.
I am not sure where I want to go with the atmosphere of the act
but I am pretty well convinced that I need to modernize it. I am
talking to a costume designer tommorrow about new threads and am
thinking about a modern day wizard outfit ( sans robe ) or a high
tech tuxedo made of black leather with metal studs. Needless to
say we are talking about taking the act in a different direction
entirely. I still want to work with wine and candles but I am not
happy with the style ( or lack of ) that we are working in.
I will be looking into attending a Magic Circle meeting in the
future. Thanks for the tip. I live in Santa Rosa so a trip to
Oakland is not out of the question.
Msg #3223 Dated 23:45:41 11-29-90 3221 <--> 3231
From: PETE BIRO
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
It must have been a Chardonay.
Msg #3224 Dated 23:47:04 11-29-90 3222 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: REPLIES
Whoa.... forget theleather and studs... its been done and it is passe.
So is neon passe. Think about a waiter, an elegant... or FUNNY waiter
wtih a beautiful female customer sitting at a table waiting for
her MAN.... who never shows... but in the end the Magician, being the
good guy wins! Just a late night thought.
Msg #3226 Dated 23:49:43 11-29-90 -> 3239
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: NEW GREAT TRICK
Actually it is a challenge. Only problem with the card on the outside
of the airplane window challenge is that Marlo is not online to give us
his variants. My guess he would have several, but the angles would be
bad. OK, this next on is not a gag (altho the airplane wasn't either).
Have card selected. You are on a yacht, or at a pool party. You throw
the cards in the water to reveal the selected card. I know the method,
but want to hear some variations. Will give the real method out to you
in a couple of days.
Actually, TRUE, this is a challenge Vernon gave me, then explained his
way. I have also made up another trick using same principal that can be
done anywhere.
Msg #3227 Dated 0:37:15 11-30-90 3194 <--> 3287
From: EMORY KIMBROUGH
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PYRO
Shooting effects? Manfred Thumm sells an air pistol that you can do
several interesting effects with, including a dart catch and shooting
the correct selected card out of bunch spinning on a wheel.
Msg #3229 Dated 2:42:33 11-30-90 3210 <--> 3248
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
That one is on YOUR OWN HEAD, Pete. Go back and read message #3173.
Msg #3231 Dated 2:47:41 11-30-90 3215 <--> 3233
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
Oh, don't get me wrong, your McComb version was right on. I've just
seen him wind up that self-operating jumbo card rise too many times.
Heck, I've heard that he got it from Abbott's. Say, does anyone... No,
no! I'm NOT gonna do it!
Msg #3233 Dated 2:52:40 11-30-90 3223 <--> 3236
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
Hey! I flew in one of those once! a '39 Chardonay. It was a
tri-motor and had a sorta corregated aluminum body.
Msg #3235 Dated 3:00:16 11-30-90 3218 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MEN WHO SHAVE
Er... What "We," Kimosabe? Better idea -- give the laptops to the
performing magi and they can write their own reviews while they
perform.
Msg #3236 Dated 3:04:47 11-30-90 3221 <--> 3338
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
Well! That's refreshing!
(For those who come upon this message cold, here's a little trick...
when the message menu appears at the bottom, type B for back and
press the ENTER key. After reading Steve's message, you can just
press the ENTER key again and you will return to this message).
Msg #3238 Dated 3:09:04 11-30-90 -> 3241
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
It's almost 3 a.m..... Do you know where your Sysop is? I must
be out of my mind. I'm sitting here at the console typing
messages. Just got back from the Castle. Some night! Let's put
it this way... NORM NIELSON, LARRY JENNINGS, and a host of others
were in the AUDIENCE. And MAGIC! was well represented - myself,
RON BIEBER, BURT CARPENTER, MAC KING... Here we go -- I call 'em
as I see 'em.
PETER PIT, GLENN FALKENSTEIN and FRANCIS WILLARD did the Palace
show. Can't call 'em 'cause I didn't see 'em. Too much going on.
So maybe everything was different tonight and maybe Glenn and
Francis did a sub-trunk... but if they did, I don't know about
it. I was sorry not to see them, I really like their act. Part
quaint, part corn, but there is something really beautiful about
it. I did hear someone raving about Glenn, so I assume they did
well tonite.
JAMES LEWIS did a nice job of close-up magic. Bills and coins.
OK, so they weren't all slights, but good presentation, and his
coins thru a glass topped table really caught the attention of the
audience.
CHUCK FAYNE followed him. Chuck does straightforward all-business
card work and is a great all-around magi. Kept the audience
riveted, as usual.
Meanwhile, JIM BLANTZ was working the Museum room. He was fun.
Nice handling of the cards. Bothered me that into an otherwise
sophisticated card routine he injected a pretty cold Nu-Idea deck
bit. Jim does stories during his routine - they aren't
accompanied by magic, they are more like intermissions. And they
are funny, if a bit long. He does "Tairy Fales," yep, complete
fairy tales in which he transposes parts of words. He got the job
done - the audience really liked it.
Upstairs -- MAC KING. I like this guy. I really like this guy.
He has an incredible style and audience rapport. Works for him
and I don't think anyone else could do it. And he does beautiful
technical work too. But one word of caution, Mac. I know you
have to live in comedy clubs to make it, but they're begining to
get to you -- the advancing scatological bits don't fit your
character so well. Yeah, I know, in the real comedy club world of
Larry the Lounge Lizard you gotta do it, but it isn't you. Still,
Mac is one of my favorites, a brilliant performer and a nice guy.
MICHAEL AMMAR followed Mac. (Yeah, Tabman, I gave him your
regards). There aren't too many words that can describe Michael
technically. The man is unbelievable. His thread work is superb
(although the lighting in the Parlour is horrible), his bottle
production is incredibly flawless, and his quarter into (and out
of) wine bottle is fantastic. His "Russian Palm" in which both
his hands are shown empty and yet a card appears on the table is
mind and heart stopping. I don't know if Michael does a different
act for the Castle than he does elsewhere, but (and it's been said
before) he is truly a magician's magician. I'm not sure what the
lay audience sees or understands, but the mojo men (and women)
fall dead. And afterwards, Michael did about a half hour with a
small group of magi. He plans to join us here on MAGIC! around
the first of the year, after his current tour.
Eventually they chased all of us out of the second floor... then
they chased all of us out of the building... and that's how I got
here. Yawn, stretch, now let's see what the others have to say.
Msg #3239 Dated 3:17:45 11-30-90 3226 <--> 3262
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEW GREAT TRICK
>From the "You heard it first on MAGIC!" department... Don't dismiss the
card on outside of airplane window challenge too quickly. Rumor has it
that David Copperfield has something like it in mind for his next
special... Not quite an airplane, but not too different either.
Msg #3241 Dated 9:10:34 11-30-90 3238 <--> 3244
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
I was there last night too, David. Sorry I missed you.
The Castle has been my home this week. (If only my wife understood!)
Yes, I agree that the lighting in the Parlour is horrible...but
Michael's show (I've seen it 3 times this week) is a blockbuster! The
lay audience was knocked out and the visiting magi were in awe.
Michael is working out his next "hunk" for the Tonight Show. I still
don't understand why he isn't doing a lecture while he's here. He said
that he "just gave a lecture at the Castle around February." When I
reminded him that was almost a year ago, he thought for a minute and
then, in his characteristicly tentative, slightly nervous, nodding
fashion, said "Oh....yeah.....hmmmm....wow....I guess it WAS almost a
year ago. Maybe I should've done a lecture this time."
ANYONE LIVING WITHIN TRAVELLING DISTANCE OF THE CASTLE: YOU SHOULD
NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SEE AMMAR'S PARLOUR SHOW!
Also...Chuck Fayne in the Close-up Gallery...(his usual top-notch
hilarious stuff)...Mac King in the Parlour is a real treat, too.
Also, Peter Pit is doing his "Chair Routine" in the Palace...he's very
funny, as usual...and, (Sorry you missed this, David)...Glenn
Falkenstein's mentalist act (complete with coins, cloth and a metal
blindfold covering his eyes)...the audience is stunned by his
blindfolded revelations. Then he brings out Francis Willard for their
famous "Spirit Cabinet" routine. It's remarkably wonderful hokum...a
real audience-stumper! ALL THIS...NOW THROUGH SUNDAY NIGHT...YOU CAN'T
BE DOING ANYTHING MORE IMPORTANT!
(My past as a commercial actor is showing, I'm afraid!)
Msg #3242 Dated 10:01:45 11-30-90 3148 <--> 3256
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: FINN JON'S ESOTERIC
Thank you for the tip on taking Jim Kahlert's magic lessons. I called
him just a minute ago and it seems he is over an hours drive away from
me. His classes last until 10:00 PM on week nights and I have to be up
by 5:00 AM the following mornings. So, unfortunately it doesn't look
like I will be able to take his classes. I will be going to
Christopher Love's classes being held in Chatsworth tomorrow and the
next one in two weeks. I'll let you know how those work out.
>From what Mr. Kahlert was describing, it sounds like his course is
geared more toward the very beginner. He described it is good for
someone who has bought a few tricks and doesn't know what to do next or
has a few books but has gotten frustrated with them. He offers an
advanced class but you have to do his beginner class first. I guess I
will just keep working on the material I have which is really more than
enough and make my routines smoother. You can never get good enough,
right? Thanks again... Stan
Msg #3243 Dated 10:11:04 11-30-90 3160 <-
From: STAN LAKE
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ESOTERIC
Thank you very much for the hints on Esoteric. I ordered it just this
morning along with all of their catalogs. Sounds like a real winner!
Msg #3244 Dated 10:22:12 11-30-90 3238 <--> 3257
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
Wish I could have been at the castle when you were there last night
(and morning!) However, Saturday night is about the only night I can
be counted on being there. I am really looking forward to seeing those
shows tomorrow. I know this has been mentioned before, but I wanted to
remark on it anyway. Since you frequent the Castle, don't you notice
a lot of lines being used by the same performers? Sometimes it gets to
be that I don't know who is copying whom. I have heard several
performers say "Have we ever me before? (no.) You seem rather proud of
that!" That was supposed to be "Have we ever MET before? Chuck
Fayne's bit with the Linking Rings thrown off stage is also done by
more than a couple performers. What really makes it bad in my eyes is
when we hear the same lines or see the same gags by different
performers on the same night. My guests look over at me "Didn't we
just hear someone say that?" I just squirm in my seat, "Well they must
have the same writers!" There is an article in a recent issue of the
Linking Ring magazine which addresses Ethics. I think that's what this
is really all about. Not stealing other peoples material. Anyway, I
feel better now! Had to say that to someone! Later...
Msg #3246 Dated 10:42:12 11-30-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: CARD ON WINDOW
I suddenly remembered... it wasn't the card on the airplane window. It
was card on outside of a submarine window. I was supposed to joing the
sub corps (JOIN) but I was "washed out" because I liked to sleep with
the window open at night.
Msg #3247 Dated 10:43:36 11-30-90 -> 3255
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: CASTLE
I really envy you guys that can zip down to the Castle and see the good
stuff. but maybe I have one on you. We have a Jugglers Castle up here.
Msg #3248 Dated 10:44:46 11-30-90 3173 <--> 3252
From: PETE BIRO
To: PETE BIRO
Re: ABBOT'S
They moved, but didn't re-located. It was an earthquake.
Msg #3249 Dated 10:47:28 11-30-90 -> 3268
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
Ahhh, Peteman, just didn't want you to feel left out of
things today...one set of those lecture notes i saw on used lit
list was "Son Of batman...no, Greater Magic"...i think it was on
your pal, B. Walkers latest list....so many lists, and so little
time.....anyway...i'm sitting with one of our watchdogs spot.
spot had orthopedic surjury yesterday and he's in a lot of
pain...gloria showed me how to give him the morphine shot in his
back...didn't know if i'd be able to do it, but i did...here hold
this mirror for me, will ya...
i've heard lotsa good things about your friend Robert
Albo....his writings are the only way a lot of us ever get to see
the great magical apparatus of daze gone by....i can see it now,
the ALBO COLLECTION IN LAZER DISC HOLOGRAMOGRAPHY for the home
holographic display port...actually, not that far away and what a
cool idea...i'd better start adding that one to my pub contracts
in 1991...
Anybody read the rights reserved sentence at the front of
FOCUS...sounds like and could be interpreted to mean you can't
actually do any of the tricks in the book...only read about em..
it basically sez.."REPRODUCTION OR UTILIZATION OF THIS WORK IN
ANY FORM IS FORBIDDEN"....you can't do any of the tricks in this
book, well i can't cause i'm a law abiding citizen...this thing
is gonna havta be settled...since i don't really perform magic
anymore it doesn't really affect me - i bought the book cause i'm
a supporter of his work and enjoy his writing and sense of
humor.....especially the part where he sells you the book and
then sez you can't do any of the trix....genius....thats one of
the best tricks i've seen ina while....
Do like the music industry...thats a bunch that knows how
to milk a cow...let anybody do it, but collect a royalty
everytime its performed...send the MAGIC POLICE around to
nightclubs, etc to collect...have the magi keep a log book..no
pay on rehersal, but pay per public performance (for money)..you
think i'm nuts...so what, but people are gonna stop buying these
books if they can't do the trix....i believe itll come under the
same catagory asa play, where the publisher (not the author,
unless he's the publisher too) sets the performance fee...i'm not
stating my opinion, but as i see it from working within the
structure of a performing rights organization and current US
copyright statutes this is one of several interpretations....if i
were arguing the case for the book buying magician, i might point
out that since the price of most quality trick books is
disproportionately high to the cost of other hardbound books,
this implies blanket performance fee payment...won't affect my
life much either way, its just another puzzle (unless I decided
to start publishing high quality magic books...i think what
they're doing right now is claiming everything they can since no
concrete precedents have been set.....wait, whats thatt loud
knocking at my door...guys in tuxedos wearing gass masks with
attack rabbits outside...waitll they get a load of my six dogs.
your friend, tabman
Msg #3250 Dated 10:49:41 11-30-90 -> 3259
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: NO GREEN
Knowing you guys, itll be excellent... neither one of you
are slack in any dept magical.....your admn skils with petes
knowledge of the subject should be a winner...Thanx for helloing
michael ammar for me...he's living just east of gods country down
there in austin...we (my drummer and i) used to play golf at
willies at perdnales 9 holer by his studio...no rules except no
more than 40 in a 4some and if men and women played together the
guys hadta wear shirts and the girls hadta go without....ahhh,
country music. Willies philosophy on stage lighting (he carried
over 600 cans) is........NO GREEN
What did Pete say about between the two of us? Stranger
than him?...he's out in the world so he should know ..... he
seemed pretty normal to me, but what do I know...I wear overalls
and a rolex and have haystack hair but nobody ever accused me of
going with the grain....magicians notoriously have bad hair..
except for felt tip and bank clerk, elvis and jimmy grippo... and
you and biro, of course.....i don't know why i write this stuff,
i just do..five of our dogs like it (peewee cant read)...
This year the grammys are in NYC (usually in LA) so i
won't be able to make my annual visit the Castle in feb...too
bad....probably wont go then unless i am invited to backstage
host again....quien sabe?? At this rate i'll be so poor i'll
havta fly standby coach to the desert seminar...how about some
info on how some greats of the past - okito, hoffmann, houdini,
thurston, etal - would do the card on airplane window...and the
professor too?? Would Michael Ammar be able to top it ??..
Ever yours, tabman.......
Msg #3252 Dated 11:10:38 11-30-90 3173 <--> 3613
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
ON NO!!! HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!
Msg #3253 Dated 11:21:58 11-30-90 3192 <--> 3269
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: EMORY KIMBROUGH (X)
Re: COMPUSERVE REVIVAL
I for one am and will be on both systems. Just an idea to start some
messages flowing on CompuServe. Ask someone for the address to Abbott's
magic or what they thought of Penn & Teller!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Msg #3254 Dated 11:53:13 11-30-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: DOC EASON
iN CASE NOBODY ELSE CAUGHT IT, THAT CARD THROUGH FAN BLADE THROWING
MAGICIAN...soory, keps key stuck...is none other than DOC EASON..
Msg #3255 Dated 13:52:19 11-30-90 3247 <-
From: MARVIN STERN
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: CASTLE
Regarding jugglers castle, where is "up-here"?
I know of the get together every Thursday night at Valley College in
the Valley in No. Hollywood, I think it's N.H. but where are you
located?
Looked at my latest issue of Tops and Abbot's appears not to have moved
and is located at the address I gave yesterday.
Looking forward to the CARD ON OUTSIDE OF WINDOW. RGDS, MARV.
Msg #3256 Dated 14:07:11 11-30-90 3242 <--> 3276
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: FINN JON'S ESOTERIC
I'd like to hear more about Christopher Love's class. What, when,
where, how, and how much? And will be interested in your review
afterwards too.
Kahlert is good. His classes are well planned and well thought out.
Yes, his first class is for real tyros, but his more advanced ones
offer a lot of good stuff. But yes, he is like a private college, you
gotta do the whole curriculum and he doesn't allow transfer credits.
Msg #3257 Dated 14:10:33 11-30-90 3244 <--> 3261
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
In an environment like the Castle, I always wonder if it is a "steal"
or just a "rub off." Somebody hears something and forgets that they
heard it. Next thing you know, they're doing it. Something like the
Fayne Linking Ring bit is more likely to be a steal, but something like
a line -- well, it may just drift.
Also, there are fads in effects. So suddenly everyone is doing packet
tricks. Well, that means that 2 or 3 or whatever people are going to
be doing the SAME packet trick. Maybe a new book came out.
There are effects that I generally won't do at the Castle 'cause I know
that someone else does them. But I've also decided that some of 'em I
do differently enough that maybe it's OK.
MAC KING delivered a great line last night. He was applauded back on
stage for a second encore. He said, "Here's one of my favorite tricks.
That's why I don't usually do it here. Some of you know what I mean."
Msg #3259 Dated 14:21:23 11-30-90 3250 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NO GREEN
I'd never noticed the connection between magic and hair loss. Hasn't
affected Melinda. "The Great Tomsoni" has a good line. He says,
"People think I wear a cheap toupe. It isn't. I have cheap looking
hair." Hmmmm.... maybe MAGIC! isn't a communications system, maybe it
is a magician's hair restorer -- mine is doing very well. As a matter
of fact, it has provided some pretty hysterical moments. Like the
time, in rural South Carolina when I was mistaken for J.C. (yes, I also
had a beard at the time). Too long and boring to tell here, remind me
at Desert Magic. Custodial service at our home is fun... I have long
hair, my wife has long hair, and our son has long hair.
Msg #3261 Dated 14:29:08 11-30-90 3241 <--> 3266
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
I was very unhappy when I realized that Michael Ammar wasn't going to
lecture this time. And I'm sorry I didn't get to meet you last night.
After the MAGIC! buttons come out, we can all wear 'em and find each
other. (Contest judging is going to be finished soon, folks).
Agree with everything you said about everyone's performances. Yes, I
did particularly miss seeing Falkenstein and Willard. Just couldn't do
it and everything else last night. I really like their act and usually
try to see it everytime they are there. One thing I would someday like
to learn is how Glen keeps his glasses so clean. Seriously. There are
about 1/2 dozen people in the World who seem able to do that, and he's
one of 'em.
Msg #3262 Dated 14:34:34 11-30-90 3226 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEW GREAT TRICK
I think we're gonna need some more detail, Pete. For example, are we
talking fresh or salt water here?
I tossed a deck into both today, although I don't think I had the right
percentage of salt. Of course, that would vary depending on which
ocean or sea (the Atlantic is less salty than the Pacific, I think, and
it is almost possible to do a clean walk on water on the Dead Sea).
Learned a few things... 1) The cards WERE more likely to float on salt
water, 2) the angle of the toss makes a BIG difference, and, 3) Cheap
cards (comped from the Tropicana) get soggy FAST.
So you got a few things to clarify here. BUT I think there are some
clues in your message - "on a yacht, or at a pool party." Well, not
only would the water be different, but the wind conditions are likely
to be CONSIDERABLY different, so my guess is that the selected card
doesn't make it to the water.
And Vernon made the challenge, so it is more likely to be a move than
a gimmick.
Am I on the right track here?
Msg #3263 Dated 14:41:20 11-30-90 -> 3616
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: INSIDE MAGIC
I talked with Stan Allen today. He has a BETTER deal for MAGIC!
members than the extra issue deal. If you want to subscribe to Inside
Magic ($24/year in U.S., $34/year "overseas") and you mention MAGIC!
AND the "Doug Henning Deal" then he will throw in a FULL COLOR DOUG
HENNING PROGRAM.
His number is 213-531-0953 and the address is Stan Allen, 4067 Hardwick
Street, Suite 322, Lakewood, CA 90712. I suggest you contact them
direct since they don't sign on to MAGIC! everyday (P.S. - If you do
want to send 'em a message on MAGIC! address it to PATRICE MOORE).
Msg #3265 Dated 15:15:27 11-30-90
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: MAGIC! INDEX
I'd like a volunteer or two who would like to help put together an
Index of MAGIC!. I started, but could use some help.
Also, we are still looking for someone who could serve as a MacIntosh
consultant to help with MAGIC! related questions.
You can leave a C)omment to the Sysop if you'd like to help with these.
Thanks.
Msg #3266 Dated 16:02:39 11-30-90 3261 <--> 3278
From: MAC KING
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
Boy oh boy! Thanks a zillion for the fine compliments. I feel I must
defend myself against the charge of "scatalogical." I believe that what
I do is not at all dirty or rude. There is nothing in my show that I
would not be allowed to do on television (network, not cable), or that
I would be embarrassed to do for anyone's grandmother. You are correct
that in the area where I work as a headliner in comedy clubs the run of
the mill act can be quite lewd and rude in both language and deed. But
I feel that I am neither. And I honestly don't think the audience sees
me that way either. As a matter of fact, that is a compliment that I
get with great regularity, and one which pleases me immensely. "It was
such a pleasure to see someone so clean and gentle, but still funny."
...or words to that effect. Granted, if someone else were to do the
exact same actions as I, it could come off as dirty and/or rude. But
that is simply a difference in character and attitude. And that is why
I do what I do. For whatever its worth. Again thanks for the words of
praise as well as the criticsm. I like 'em both. My intention isn't to
argue about what you've said, only to indicate that it is something
which I have thought about a great deal. Thanks again.
Msg #3268 Dated 17:07:06 11-30-90 3249 <--> 3281
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
I haven't bought FOCUS yet...
...but what's the purpose of buying the book if you can't use the infor
mation it...
...this is more of the CERVON SYNDROME...
well, if I do buy the book, I would feel absolutely free to perform any
effect in it that I am capable of performing.
This FOCUS/ULTRA CERVON nonsense needs a test case...
As far as I'm concerned, such a notice is unenforceable and would never
hold up in any court of law.
We went through this argument when ULTRA CERVON was released...
...this silliness gets my blood pressure up.
(GRrrrr!)
Msg #3269 Dated 17:17:48 11-30-90 3253 <--> 3289
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: COMPUSERVE REVIVAL
AAAAAaaaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!!
Msg #3273 Dated 20:29:58 11-30-90 -> 3277
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: PENN & TELL 'EM
I'm sorry that I read comments about Penn & Teller's latest TV
Special before I saw it.
I was afraid the comments would TAINT my watching. Wrong.
Just a couple of minutes into it I forgot what was written and
immediately became engrossed in JUST WATCHING THE SHOW.
To be honest -- I LOVED IT!
Don't take their "Mr. Magician" or "Rabbit Puller"
personally, unless it fits!
Frankly they are right. There are a lot of crummy magicians
out there, just like, as the Great TABBO says, "a lot of crummy
musicians". I bet if you went to a tap dancer's convention you
would see act after act copying "their" equivelant of Lance
Burton. Probably 3,000 to 4,000 Liza Minelli's out their tappin'
and singin' with a top hat in hand... which in fact was created
by Ray Fosse, her great choreaographer (choreographer to the
world, really).
Anyway, I really don't think the audiences BELIEVE that
magicians use the "methods" that P&T reveals. What they are
watching is satire at its best. Saturday Night Live magic. And as
someone online said "they only give their own secrets away".
Regarding the enitire audience doing the silk vanish with
(we presume) a thumb tip. How different is this to David
Copperfield's audience seeing the forklift drive through the
theater with a girl on it seemingly floating in the air to the TV
viewer. Same with the hundred or so stooges that let go of their
joined hands so they could drag the Lear Jet out of frame?
Tell me the last magic show you saw that had so MANY,
ORIGINAL CONCEPTS, PROPS AND PREMISES THAT YOU HAD NEVER SEEN
BEFORE?
There is NO ONE writing material better (in my opinion) than
Penn and teller.
The Fire Eating sequence was as creative a sequence as
anyone has ever written. The staging, attitude, bits, costuming,
all fantastic.
The animal trap routine. I have done the Abbott daring
spring trap for years. Never thought of making a big production
out of it. This, to me was genius.
The illusion sequence with the box and the trap doors was
very funny, lots of action, a nice visual routine. Then the
version with the clear boxes was one of the most entertaining
bits of stage craft I have seen. And believe me, this will not
hurt one creative professional magician anywhere. It might
stimulate the public, the agents, the TV producers to want we
magicians TO BE MORE CREATIVE. TO THINK MORE.
One of the most brilliant minds in magic, French film
producer Christian Fechner, who's Illusion show won the Grand
Prix for Illusion at FISM and who's effects are totally original,
totally entertaining and totally mystifying says in a recent
interview with Amy Stevens, "The secrets mean nothing!"
As soon as he created and performed his magic he published
not just a book showing the tricks and how they are done, but
full workshop blueprints.
I'll bet if you wait a week or two and ask laymen that know
you are a magician, and that saw the Penn and Teller show what
they thought of it, NONE WOULD SAY ANYTHING ABOUT SEEING 'HOW IT
WAS DONE' they would all say they "enjoyed the show".
Just off the phone with Jay Marshall, who was in Las Vegas
for the "showman's league" convention with Mike Caldwell, John
Shirly and Graham Putnam. This is a gathering of show and
Carnival operators. All the sword swallowers, carneys, 10 and 1
show operators, Geeks, candy makers -- you name it -- attend to
show thier wares and hope to get work next summer. Well, in
addition they have door prizes, shows, etc. and Putnam won the
$25,000 door prize!
PS: On P&T -- WISH YOU WERE AS CREATIVE. WISH YOU WERE AS SUCCESSFUL.
OVER AND OUT.
Msg #3274 Dated 20:32:18 11-30-90 -> 3283
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: HOFZINSER
The Card in water... or Lake, Pool, you name it was in fact done
by Vernon on with Jumbo cards. Effect: Card chosen, deck sprung
high into air, cards scattered, land on water -- all but selected
card land face down. Selected card face up.
Ok, they were gaffed cards. All were double backers, except
selected card, which was a double facer. The evidence sank!
Another effect, using this principle, that I worked out was
as follows.
Three cards chosen. Shuffled into deck. Magi says, "Cards
will leave the pack, run up my sleeve and into my pocket here
(points to outside handkerchief pocket of suit coat), then the
will fly out of my pocket and reveal themselves. Watch!"
Just as he said, ZING, out of the pocket fly three cards.
They land on the floor FACE DOWN. Magi picks 'em up, turns 'em
over and they are the three selected (can be signed) cards. It
could be 2 cards, 4 cards and you could use in a routine with
signed aces... whatever.
The how?
I had built, a tin box to fit the pocket. It had a rubber
band arrangement so that when you put the three DOUBLE BACKED
CARDS (actually for stiffness I used cards glued face to face)
into the small box they would fly up and out if you didn't have a
little latch. What I had was a simple hook at the top that the
cards fit under. When you wanted them to fly out, you just (under
the excuse of pointing INTO the pocket) push down farther on the
cards, let them out from under the little tab (not related to
crab) and when you let go, up they fly.
Being double backed they always land FACE DOWN!!!! (I think
this has roots with Hofzinser).
In the meantime, you have controlled the chosen batch of
cards to the top (a push thru multiple shift is the most direct)
and gotten a break under them.
It is a simple matter to pick up the cards on the floor,
placing them on top of the deck, and turning the entire LUMP over
all at one time.
Viola... a veritable Miracle, wot?
Msg #3276 Dated 21:12:44 11-30-90 3256 <--> 3285
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: FINN JON'S ESOTERIC
Christopher Love's magic classes are held at the Learning Tree
University in Chatsworth every couple of months. The address is 20916
Knapp St. in Chatsworth 91311. Phone (818) 882-5599. They have a
catalog they send out full of the usual evening and weekend classes.
The first class is called It's Magic. It is held from 9:30 AM until
3:30 PM on Saturdays, in this case Saturday December 1st. The Tuition
is $45 with a $10 materials fee. The course promo says the following:
Amaze and delight an audience using cards, coins and other everyday
objects. Applying the fundamental concepts of close-up magic, you will
learn to combine simple sleight of hand and basic psychological
techniques to create stunning illsions. In class, you will develop a
short routine comprised of several feats of magic, including card
manipulaitons, palms and vanishes and multiplying objects. Christopher
Love is a member of Magic Castle, the Academy of Magical Arts. He has
performed as an amateur and professional for more than 11 years.
The second course taught is titled appropriately enough, It's More
Magic. It sez- This very special class is designed for magicians
wishing to add some truly spectacular illusions to their act. By using
complex slight-of-hand techniques and strong presentation skills, the
illusions will take on aspects of true "magic". Students will learn
various coin tricks including: coins across, spellbound, copper/silver
transposition, as well as gypsy thread magic. Card tricks covered will
include: cards across, 3 typs of passes. This class is not recommended
for beginners. $15 materials fee payable to instructor.
This is also held on one Saturday, in this case, December 15, and the
course fee is the same, $45. I am looking forward to doing the second
class more than the first one but I do not have that day off for sure
yet. I will let you know how it goes though. I spoke with Kerry Ross
today who you may or may not know from the Castle. He says he knows
Christopher and is familiar with his work and says it should be good.
I'll file my report on Sunday!
Msg #3277 Dated 21:37:23 11-30-90 3273 <--> 3282
From: STAN LAKE
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: PENN & TELL 'EM
Pete- I found your comments as well as all of the other about the P&T
special to be interesting. It seems people either like them or they
don't. They certainly don't leave room for ambivalence about them.
I guess everyone has his or her own tastes. Some people like to watch
bullfights while other find the subject repugnant. P&T don't strike me
as being satirical. I don't remember them coming across as though they
were trying to tickle the audience. To me, it was more like they were
jabbing and twisting a hot poker at magicians everywhere. Maybe I
should take another look at their special with a different attitude.
But then again, I don't like bullfights. I guess it's just a matter of
taste and preference.
Msg #3278 Dated 22:28:43 11-30-90 3266 <--> 3332
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAC KING (X)
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
MAGIC! is the only forum where the performer and the "critic" (and
anyone else who cares to join in) can continue the discussion. Try
doing that in the pages of Magic Manuscript...
Believe me, Mac, I recognize your skill, and the effort behind it, in
making your magic persona work so well. That's exactly what makes me
think so highly of you. And yes, one of the reasons I've always liked
watching you work is because I too can say, "It was such a pleasure to
see someone so clean and gentle, but still funny."
That doesn't mean that I'm some sort of prude, by the way. I know two
or three four letter words (besides "four") and I've been known to use
'em on occassion.
BUT I really don't know if the networks, and/or my sainted grandmother,
would really "buy off" on unzipping your fly and producing cards and
fig bars and offering them to the spectators. Does that really fit
your carefully developed character?
Msg #3280 Dated 22:35:41 11-30-90
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: LOOKED HIM UP
I pulled out the phone book and found the listing for Kieth Droste. I
will probably give him a call in a few days. I'll say hi for 'ya
In '76 I helped do the lighting for Frankie Avalon's show in the big
theater at Knott's Berry Farm. He was a great guy During the rehearsal
he brought his kids (13 at that time! --all adopted) It looked like he
was leading a kindergarten class. They were all very well behaved. I
was running one of the big carbon-arc follow spots.
Msg #3281 Dated 22:41:47 11-30-90 3268 <--> 3333
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
What is beginning to bother me is the "have your cake and eat it too"
that I see in this "Cervon Syndrome." There is a simple way to keep
people from learning and using your "secrets" - DON'T PUBLISH THEM.
After all, intellectual property can be sold in a lot of different
forms, why put them in a book?
Msg #3282 Dated 22:44:58 11-30-90 3273 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: PENN & TELL 'EM
I do have to say something for "your side." I DID do an informal poll
of a non-magician audience and I DID pretty much get "enjoyed the
show."
I'll now return to my regular position - Felt Tip & Bank Clerk are poor
entertainment. Their appeal is to someone who would find it
"entertaining" to watch popcorn pop in a microwave.
Msg #3283 Dated 22:47:59 11-30-90 3274 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: HOFZINSER
Oh, foo! I wasted a whole cheap deck trying to get those suckers to
float on command. But wait a minute, Biro... Isn't the guy who fishes
'em out of the pool gonna figure it out? Or do you close the pool
right after the toss? I mean, OK, it's gonna work in Loch Ness or the
Atlantic Ocean (but NOT in the Dead Sea), but it ain't gonna work in a
pool.
On your other effect -- I LOVE the spring box idea! Nifty!
Msg #3285 Dated 22:55:37 11-30-90 3276 <--> 3370
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: FINN JON'S ESOTERIC
Thanks for the info on the classes. Please let us know the results on
Sunday. Thanks.
Msg #3287 Dated 22:42:52 11-30-90 3194 <--> 3360
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PYRO
Glad you liked the local matchboxes. I am currently looking for other
matchbox effects. Sounds like you've really done the research. Do you
know a good way to switch the boxes for ungimmicked ones without
putting them in your pocket? I was thinking of putting together about
3 minutes of matchbox and/or small wooden match effects. In that
particular venue I could borrow 2 straight boxes,switch 'em for the
gimmicked ones, do the bit I sent you, then switch back and no one
would be the wiser. They'd never suspect house brand matchboxes.
Chino and Prado are about a 20-30 minute drive from my house. I've
never shot on that range, preferring a less structured environment such
as local canyons, desert, etc. That way I cantake my family--wife & 3
kids--ages 4,5,8 and can shoot rifle, pistol and shotgun all from the
same location. I can set up my own trapthrower and shoot, eat lunch,
etc at my own pace.
RE: Effects with guns etc. I'm sure in most venues pulling out a
concealed handgun to shoot a deck of cards etc. would FREAK most
audiences. They can tell the difference between real and a blank gun or
starters pistol. I was once asked to help with a lecture to college
students who were visiting the U.S. from Japan regarding our
constitution. The sponsor and main lecturer had asked me to bring
several firearms to the lecture(no ammo of course) to give these 60 or
so students the opportunity to sample our 2nd amendment. None of them
had ever seen agun except in the movies. They really thought it was
neat. After we had taught them basic safety skills, we passed around
several rifles and shotguns. Their reactions were very positive. They
then began asking about handguns. I was all set up and (back to magic
-sort of)began "producing" handguns and explaining the differences in
each one. There were a total of 6 "body loads" in all. The kids eyes
were really popping out to find that I'd been with them over an hour
carrying all that hardware without them being aware of it.
Oh yeah -back to effects. You could do the rattle bars using rifle
cartridges. I wonder if the NRA has an official magician......
Msg #3288 Dated 23:08:32 11-30-90
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MICHAEL AMMAR
I talked with Michael last night. He said he got your card and means to
reply soon. He says he has a computer and is going to get a modem. A
friend has been giving him hardcopy of our messages. Michael says he
hopes to join us here soon.
Msg #3289 Dated 2:41:01 12-01-90 3253 <--> 3334
From: EMORY KIMBROUGH
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: COMPUSERVE REVIVAL
We've already started talking about Penn & Teller. Best comment so
far: The Cheech and Chong of magic.
Msg #3290 Dated 6:25:38 12-01-90
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: ALL
Re: TRIP
Well, I'm out of here for a week - going to Baltimore. Will visit the
Tabman. Can't wait to meet him. If anyone has any H&R business please
contact Richard Hatch to expediate it. Oh, who called at 2:00 in the
morning? Have a good one.
Charlie
Msg #3291 Dated 6:34:45 12-01-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: NO GREEN
Yo, Dr. L.....BAD HAIR was referring to haircuts...just a joke..so I'm
not funny...never have been, if I was I'd get a job...more later after
it warms up down here in the DEN...this old house costs toooo much to
heat in the winter...ask HOWIE..he's coming by today..told him to be
sure he wears his longhandleunderwear.....
Msg #3292 Dated 8:06:26 12-01-90
From: GENO MUNARI
To: ALL
Re: CLOSE UP CLASSIC LAS VEGA
Don't forget the Close-Up Classic in Las Vegas Dec 7-9. Call Geno
Munari at 702 383-8660, or 702 595-7770 or Joe Stevens. It will be at
the Ramada Hotel San Remo. There number is 702-739-9000. It will be
great fun, and we will be honoring Jimmy Grippo.
Msg #3294 Dated 9:23:51 12-01-90
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: PERFORMING
Thanks.
Msg #3295 Dated 9:24:43 12-01-90 -> 3304
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: PERFORMING
I've never encountered money-throwing audiences before!
Msg #3296 Dated 9:27:35 12-01-90 3124 <--> 3364
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: HORSEAPPLES
ah, a Blackstone coloring book, and no crayons? Try flipping the
pages. Who knows what may happen! I get the idea...I have the book
Find the Stuff That's You and it has many of those ideas..by they way,
you mentioned "deal with Warner Brothers or some big dog like that." Do
you deal in the recording industry or something similar?
Msg #3297 Dated 9:30:22 12-01-90 3134 <-
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: PENNANDTELLER
No not always. I'm just saying maybe it was designed to show the
audience how clever it is...I really don't care...I enjoyed it because
of its "madness" as well as the rest of the things they do.
Msg #3298 Dated 9:32:35 12-01-90 3143 <--> 3299
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: CARD IDEAS
Hah, okay thanks.
Msg #3299 Dated 9:33:29 12-01-90 3144 <--> 3305
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: CARD IDEAS
Yep, I enjoy doing them, they're cute, unique and novel. I learned how
to do them just by picking up a book that came with a small pump and 20
balloons.
Msg #3300 Dated 9:46:49 12-01-90 -> 3306
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: GUNS?
Tip and Clerk.... HAH! I GET IT.
Look at the audience in the video. All the same demographics
that attend Comedy Clubs. Absurd is the word. Maybe I should have
said they are more Absurd than Satirical.
Again, I repeat. Wish you were as creative.
David... When and If I ever unpack, one of the Hofzinser
card boxes is yours. (Boy this will get the rest wondering what I
am talking about) A REAL HOFZINSER BOX? Yep, Old Hoffie, as we
called him, gave it to me himself.
Note to Stan Lake. See above. Also, I don't like bullfights
either, but again, I would rather see someone expose the secret
rather than steal material.
I would bet that if Penn and Tell 'em were doing Zig Zags,
Super X levitations, Doves, they would still be working Lions
Club Father and Son's nights. The talent coordinators wouldn't
touch them. But they are offering something Unique, Different,
and appealing to the Younger Hip audiences.
Maybe some of us are too old (mentally) to accept NEW IDEAS.
I know I got KILLED by a number of (thankfully a SMALL NUMBER)
members of the IBM for booking Vaudeville 2000 at St. Louis, and
for using Young, Hip MCs like Michael Finney!
They complain we don't have enough Dove Acts, Zombies and
Substitution trunks, not to mention Zig Zags. Stuff they are
familiar with and recognize (based on their limited knowledge) as
magic.
What is a magic show?
What is a good show?
I can only tell you that following Vaudeville 2000, we
queried some teen aged attendees in the lobby after and thier
UNANIMOUS reply was, "This was the best SHOW we have ever seen,
magic or otherwise."
OOOOPS.... WRONGMESSAGE I WANTED TO SEND THIS MESSGE BUT THE TITLE
GUNS IS WRONG... SORRY FOLKS, ITS COLD HERE THIS MORNING. AND MY
FINGERS ARE WALKING ON THEIR OWN
Msg #3302 Dated 9:50:44 12-01-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: GUNS (CORRECT TITLE)
Hi Y'all: I see some GUN stuff online. So here's "MY" Magic/Gun
story.
Karrell Fox was MCing at a British Ring convention. (the ver
same one that Seabrooke, seeing us walking back from the hotel,
jumped out of his car to do a gag -- and while he was doing the
gag, I jumped into his car and drove away) and recruited yours
truly - and a couple of other Yanks, to help with some of his
sight gags.
I was there also taking pictures for Genii. Here's the old
gag he wanted me to do. He is on stage, I walk on with my camera
and say, "Can I shoot your picture?" He says OK, I pull out a
picture of him and a blank gun, "SHOOT" the picture, Laff, exit.
OK, its an old gag, but it fits Karrell and venue, etc. But
we don't have a gun. I usualy (in USA) keep a small starter's
pistol in my case. But not travelling overseas.
We check the dressing room and our friend Pavel is there and
he says "Here use my gun". We take it.
OK, dumbo here doesn't know a gun from a cap pistol. I liked
the one Pavel just gave me, because it is big and the audience
can see it well.
We start the gag. I pull the pic, pull the gat... BREATH,
AIM, SLACK AND SQUEEZE (some of you will know what that means,
the rest of you, ask) anyway, when the SMOKE CLEARED. There was
NOTHING LEFT IN MY HAND. The pic had been BLOWN AWAY.
It was a REAL GUN. The "blank" was incredible. I guess if I
had not aimed at the middle of the photo I might me missing a
couple of fingers! And if Fox was in line, we might be using
someone else to MC the contest shows evey year at the IBM.
PS: Any one have an address/phone numober for Pavel? I need
to get in touch with him.
HOORAY, MY BRAIN WORKED AND I GOT THIS MESSAGE SENT WITH THE
CORRECT TITLE. BYE FOR NOW
Msg #3304 Dated 11:20:51 12-01-90 3295 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: VINCENT HANCOCK
Re: PERFORMING
Money throwing is the best! But don't work agricultural areas... they
throw fruit and vegetables. If you duck the corn and turnips they make
good eating (and good props - Michael Ammar uses "seasonal fruit and
vegetables" for final loads for cups and balls), but the tomatoes just
squish on your tux.
Msg #3305 Dated 11:24:22 12-01-90 3299 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: VINCENT HANCOCK
Re: CARD IDEAS
I think I have that book... "Balloon Animals" by Aaron Hsu-Flanders?
My favorite two balloon books are "Balloon Magic" by Marvin L. Hardy,
Vols. 1 & 2. (Book 1 is actually better than Book 2).
If you want a sample of my easy to inflate Brazilian balloons, just
leave me a private message with your address.
Msg #3306 Dated 11:29:39 12-01-90 3300 <--> 3311
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: GUNS?
Will look forward to receiving the Hofzinger Box. Thanks! (P.S. -
Sorry UPS was unwilling to pick up the rest. Maybe S&R would loan you
a 747?),
Thanks for telling me I'm an old fuddy duddy who can't understand
anything other than linking rings (I like Karrol Fox's version - the
one in which he carries a velvet bag on stage and asks if the audience
would like to see his linking rings. Then he produces the previous
three month's issues from the bag). I thought Vaudeville 2000 was a
great show (and said so on here). I LIKE Mike Finney, I LIKE Kevin
James, I LIKE Rudy Colby, I LIKE Les Bubb, I LIKE Franz Harary, heck,
I even like Pete Biro! I just don't equate creativity with
destruction. As a matter of fact, I think the two terms are
antithetical. Being rude, insulting, etc. is NOT creativity in my
book. Chain sawing off two extra legs is clever and funny (notice that
Colby doesn't have to restate the obvious and have blood gushing out
onto the floor).
Msg #3311 Dated 12:31:42 12-01-90 3306 <--> 3317
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: GUNS?
OK you may keep your Antiquated Opinion. And any body that does not
know how to spell!!! It is Rucy Coby (no l)...NOEL? One of Mike
Caldwell's great gags is he starts to sing a song looking at a pice of
papger. He sings: "LEON LEON..." turns paper over and strts over
singing "NOEL NOEL"... and I know a guy that has the lst name NOEL, and
he named his kid LEON>
Honest.
Anyway. I am having line trouble with the clone. I can't hook laptop up
to the modem to run a test as it shows "RX and TX" on the modem lights
as soon as I attach the cables> Dumbo here has no clue as what to do.
I treid to upload the Kaps Bio and KAPS.PCX photos on the clone and no
way... cannot read my screen. Will try some more. Crap it is costing me
mucho dinero.
Msg #3317 Dated 13:59:49 12-01-90 3311 <--> 3325
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: GUNS?
Hey! I was in a hurry and wasn't thinking. Besides, his original name
was Colby - like the cheese. The L got sawed off one day during a
rehersal.
Msg #3321 Dated 14:05:04 12-01-90 -> 3324
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: HOWIE
Hey, me and Howie just wanted to say hello from Chlotte Hall. Howie
flew down to the local airport where the runway is so short he scorched
his brakes trying to stop at the end.........he got attacaked by my
dogs until he started attacking them, oh well. just wanted to say hell
o from the country....more later...tabman
Msg #3322 Dated 14:03:46 12-01-90 -> 3330
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: I GOTTA BRAG...
I was in my office, on-line to MAGIC! My son (2 years, 2 months) was
on the other side of the gate trying to get my attention. He threw
toys over the gate, he did all sorts of stuff, finally I heard this
little voice say, "Take a card, Daddy." I turned around and there he
was with a small packet of cards fanned in his hands. His force wasn't
too good, but the fact that all except one had the same back was a
pretty good clue... I picked it and he said, "Put it back." Then he
sorta shuffled, went through the packet and found my card! Honest!
Msg #3324 Dated 14:10:14 12-01-90 3321 <--> 3329
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: HOWIE
Sounds like a mini-MAGIC! meeting going on there! Was there a card on
the window of his plane? And did you at least get him for half the
cost of the call?
Msg #3325 Dated 16:18:11 12-01-90 3317 <--> 3328
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: GUNS?
I didn't know that. That should send as Buzz through the magic
community.
Msg #3328 Dated 16:20:05 12-01-90 3325 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: GUNS?
Ah, Pete -- You are nothing if you're not SHARP.
Msg #3329 Dated 16:19:40 12-01-90 3321 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: HOWIE
He scorched his brakes? Hell, he could have just ground looped it! And
he has a link trainer in his office, that will stop on a double lift.
Msg #3330 Dated 16:20:58 12-01-90 3322 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: I GOTTA BRAG...
The kid is in real trouble.
Msg #3332 Dated 17:20:56 12-01-90 3278 <--> 3343
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
I think, (by way of my several previous posts on the subject), that you
know by now that I think VERY HIGHLY of Mac's talent and performance...
...but, yes, I must admit that I felt a little uncomfortable with that
"brief" sequence. It seemed uncharacteristic of Mac's stage personna.
The audience seemed to love it...but I don't think it was necessary.
Msg #3333 Dated 17:25:34 12-01-90 3281 <--> 3344
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
WHY, you ask?
The answer: greed.
Why the feeble and unenforceable attempt at restriction of performance
rights?
The answer: (see first answer) and add to it: juvenile selfishness
and paranoia.
Okay...
...taking a break now for Maalox! (Grrrr...)
Msg #3334 Dated 17:29:40 12-01-90 3289 <-
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: EMORY KIMBROUGH
Re: COMPUSERVE REVIVAL
How about...
the Steve and Idi Amin of magic.
That's more like it.
Msg #3335 Dated 17:53:57 12-01-90
From: RICK RUHL
To: ALL
Re: PENN AND TELLER
Let's just ay it like it is! Penn and Teller Sucked! I never did like
them and most of the 'lay people' that saw the show, including my wife,
though it was gross.
I turned it off after the bee thing. How many bucks did they make off
of this? If it's more than $1.25 they were overpaid.
Msg #3336 Dated 17:55:35 12-01-90 -> 3345
From: RICK RUHL
To: ALL
Re: ON A MORE HAPPIER NOTE...
I was able to download the magic database and let me tell you my opnion
of it.
This DB is GREAT! I work for an Operating Systems company in Atlanta
and we have to work with THOUSANDS of DOS programs to make sure that
they are compatable with our OS. The user interface is great, and this
is the first compiled basic program that we written CORRECTLY. Congrats
Randy! This is better than most of the commerial database packages I
see on a daily basis!
This also marks my return to doing magic after a 10 year lul! I
beleive the magic fraterity is alot like the programmer fraterity I'm
involved with now. All are creative and use diferent method to show
thier creativeness!
Rick
Msg #3338 Dated 20:12:42 12-01-90 3199 <-
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: BEST TRICK EVER!
You forgot that Collectors Workshop would make the whole thing out of
clockworks and brass and sell it for therr times what anyone else does
Msg #3340 Dated 21:54:33 12-01-90 -> 3353
From: JACK TAVES
To: ALL
Re: INTRO
HI! THERE MY NAME IS JACK TAVES I'M PRESIDENT OF THE MAGICAL ARTS GUILD
IN CUCAMONGA. WE MEET ON THE FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH. EXCEPT THIS
MONTH BECAUSE OF XMAS. ANY ONE IN THE L.A. AREA WHO WANTS TO KNOW MORE
ABOUT US LEAVE A NOTE. WE HAVE HAD THE TOP NAMES IN MAGIC LECTURE FOR
OUR CLUB AND WERE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR THE BEST NAMES IN MAGIC.
I'VE BEEN DOING MAGIC FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS AND STILL LOVE TO SEE THE
SUPRISE IN THE EYES OF LAMAN WHEN MAGIC IS PERFORMED.
I'LL KEEP YOU IN TOUCH ON WHATS COMING UP, CLUB NEWS
THIS MONTH WE ENCOURGE OUR MEMBER TO BRING A DESERT A DO SOME MAGIC
THAT THEY ARE WORKING ON, THAT'S WHAT A CLUB SHOULD DO HELP THOSE WHO
NEED HELP
THAT'S IT FOR NOW HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Msg #3342 Dated 22:44:43 12-01-90 -> 3347
From: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
I just got a letter in the mail the other day and, yes, it's
official.
Msg #3343 Dated 23:44:35 12-01-90 3332 <--> 3380
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
I've been thinking a bit more about it to. The first "zipper" sequence
comes off OK, due to Mac's character, perhaps an analogy, although not
a comparison, could be made to it being done by Charlie Chaplin... No
problem, right? The repetition bothered me. Supposed that cute bit
with the straw being upside-down in his drink had been repeated? Oh,
well, it is all up to Mac. After all, he's the one who has to make it
work.
Msg #3344 Dated 23:47:43 12-01-90 3333 <--> 3381
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
I still think that there are a LOT of ways to make money off of
intellectual property. But if you don't want it done, don't tell how
to do it. Wonder what would happen if folks read the licenses first
(given the chance to do so on a shrinkwrapped Cervon book) and then
said, "Nah, I'll buy something I can use."
Msg #3345 Dated 23:50:12 12-01-90 3336 <--> 3363
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: ON A MORE HAPPIER NOTE...
I spoke with Randy Lund and the only problem is... no-one is sending
in their bucks for the program! He's working on a version 2, which
promises to be even better, but without checks he'll probably loose his
enthusiasm soon.
Nice to have you on here and I hope we can drag you, kicking and
screaming, back into the magic fraternity.
Msg #3347 Dated 23:54:12 12-01-90 3342 <--> 3350
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL (X)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
What are they going to do about your subscription, Jonathan? Refund or
what?
Msg #3350 Dated 0:18:45 12-02-90 3347 <--> 3354
From: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
Actually, they sent me a letter explaining that the cost went
up, etc. and said that the next issue (nov/dec) would be the
last. They gave me two choices: One, to just refund my
subscription, or... Two, to give me a store credit worth the
money that they owe me plus an addittional 25%. (I took the
second one.) Now that MM is history, I may subscribe to Genii,
which is probably a better magazine anyway. It was nice
chatting w/you at 2 in the morning (at least on the East
coast.) See you next Sat. Nite.?
P.S. Do I really have to get up tommorrow (no, make that..)
this morning?
--Jonathan
Msg #3351 Dated 0:23:50 12-02-90 -> 3378
From: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL
To: ALL
Re: ABBOT'S
Thank you all VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY
VERY much for ALL your responses. I'll never forget Abbot's
address. By the way, did anyone see Penn & Teller's special on
TV? --JK
Msg #3352 Dated 0:28:18 12-02-90
From: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL
To: HOWARD SCHWARZMAN (X)
Re: ORDER
Just wanted to let you know that I got the stuff. Thanks.
--Jonathan
Msg #3353 Dated 0:36:12 12-02-90 3340 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JACK TAVES (X)
Re: INTRO
Welcome to MAGIC!, Jack. Just pull up a chair, take off your shoes,
and join in the conversations!
Msg #3354 Dated 0:37:39 12-02-90 3350 <--> 3379
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL (X)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
Thanks for the info on the Magic Manuscript "deal." I wondered what
they would do.
Msg #3355 Dated 0:41:31 12-02-90
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: RING 21
Darrell Murphy has privided info on the next I.B.M. Ring 21 meeting
(Hollywood, Ca.). The meeting will be on December 13th, NOT the 6th,
and sounds VERY interesting. Those in the area may want to download
the file, FFDEC90.DOC and read all about it. It is in the files area.
Thanks, Darrell, for keeping us informed. By the way, other magic
groups are welcome to follow Darrell's lead and post their
announcements and even their newsletters in the file area.
Msg #3357 Dated 2:59:31 12-02-90 3181 <-
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: SHOOTING
There is a saying: If Women Had Guns Men Might Think
........................................................................
....2O..
s
2O
Msg #3358 Dated 6:35:34 12-02-90 -> 3359
From: JOE RYAN
To: Y
Re: COLD READING
hi i would to know more about cold reading. i am using this now to read
palms. if you know of any reading i should look at please leave me a
note joe ryan
Msg #3359 Dated 6:56:57 12-02-90 3358 <--> 3386
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JOE RYAN (X)
Re: COLD READING
Hey Joe...got any steel guitars for sale...
Msg #3360 Dated 6:57:28 12-02-90 3227 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: EMORY KIMBROUGH
Re: PYRO
Airgun and dart catching...that sounds dangerous...I like
it..never really seen any of Magic Hands stuff though I've read
about them re:Genii issue a few years back....the airgun angle
seems (I've been mulling it over in my pea sized brain for a
coupla daze since you told me about it) more 90s...even the US
Army is using airguns to train new troops with these days (Gloria
commandeered one for me last year after doing a clinic up in Wash
state.....do you have a FAX number on them, I'd like to get some
info and if the rig isn't out of production, acquire one...that'd
stir em up the next time I go out to a big match with the
Captain......tabman...
Msg #3361 Dated 6:58:11 12-02-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: MATCHHEADZ
Burtster, can't find your address since rearranging my
office (dining room) for thanksgiving...I want to send you the
stuff I collected on matchboxes back in the 70s...just send it
back when you've gotten what you need (if anything) from the
book.
Msg #3363 Dated 8:14:05 12-02-90 3345 <--> 3373
From: RICK RUHL
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ON A MORE HAPPIER NOTE...
That's been the problem with shareware, it's good stuff, but not alot
of people send in the money for it. $25.00 is not a big price to pay
and when payday comes, I'll be sending mine to him.
I written alot of shareware also and found that it's best used for just
'show and tell' rather than maing a buck, a few excepions of shareware
that was sucessful is Qmodem and PKZIP.
Maybe the magic fraterity will enjoy the program so much (as I have)
that they will make this program the exception rather than the rule.
I was also wondering, what is the knowledge level of most magcians with
computers? I could break down and write a couple articles on the
basics of the use of computers for the business side of magic. We
could make it available to the magizines too (interested Dante?).
Msg #3364 Dated 9:05:20 12-02-90 3296 <--> 3374
From: TABBY CRABB
To: VINCENT HANCOCK
Re: HORSEAPPLES
Hi Vincent, i work in the recording industry as an
independent manager and producer (mostly for my own label db
Records) and have enjoyed some degree of critical success though
its been a struggle...i'm probably best known, though, in country
music as a player with The Urban Cowboy Band, however much is my
time now is devoted to rock...
We're planning a semi retiremental move back to tennessee
where i hope to devote more time to pet projects and get back
into playing the road on a limited basis (for the bucks and the
captive audience (tour bus)....i want to write more about and
spend more time with magic people (who seem to be at least as
craaazy as i am)...
Magic and Music are only two letters apart (what does
that mean)....music is in my heart and magic in my brain..the two
have always been very close with magic being my first real
interest since a kid age 10 or so....
I've been working on a writing project for a coupla years
now on the subject of aural perception and how it can be
controlled...hopefully to bring music (sound) for magic from the
background (backdrop) role into the collective consciousness of
magi as to how stereo sound can be used to not only fool the
ears, but to direct the eyes (misdirection)....the advent of
digital sound and sampling will usher in a new era of sound usage
by magicians....my primary interest here is in use of mineature
sampling and reproduction for workers in the intimate areas of
magic; close-up and parlour....you heard it here...SLEIGHT OF
SOUND (Controling Aural Perception)....tabman.
Msg #3366 Dated 11:42:06 12-02-90 -> 3710
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL (X)
Re: GOOD CATALOGS
Johnathan! Boy have I got a catalog for you! The HOT SHEET is an
excelllent catalog. If you're interested, the catalog is put out by
Daytona Magic, 136 S. Beach Street, Daytona Beach Florida 32114. I'm
just an amatuer magician, and not in any way affiliated with Daytona
Magic, but I sure am a big fan of thier catalog!
-Scott Cram
Street
Msg #3367 Dated 12:04:11 12-02-90 -> 3382
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: ALL
Re: THUMB TIPS
I just joined MAGIC! on Dec. 2. I am an amatuer magician who performs
mostly at SAM meetings. My fi9st love is thumb tips. Anyone know new
effects for a thumb tip? I cuurently have Darwin's Thumb Tip Miracles,
Darwin's Thumb Tip Secrets #1, 50 Tricks with a thumb tip by Milbourne
Christopher, so I can probably answer as many questions as I ask about
the Thumb Tip.
Speaking of Thumb Tips, I just got Jay Scott Berry's Eclipse effect!
You should take a gander at this! As an interesting note, my particular
Eclipse was delivered to the local magic shop by Jay himself, who was
on some kind of sales tour.
Msg #3370 Dated 12:57:58 12-02-90 3285 <--> 3377
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: FINN JON'S ESOTERIC
The beginners class offered by Christopher Love was worthwhile. It was
of course designed for the neophyte who is interested in learning some
basic sleight of hand and a routine. In this respect, he did a pretty
fair job. He gave many good and useful tips such as an effect is only
10% mechanics and 90% presentation. What really makes a trick magical
is how well it is presented. Also, practice a trick until you have it
down cold before you show it to anyone. THEN, practice for another
month before you do show it to anyone. We all got a pretty good
reality on this when at the end of the class we all had a chance to do
one of the effects that we learned and perform it in front of the
class. It was much more difficult when the "heat was on".
Many basic sleights were covered such as the double lift for cards, a
very easy pass of the instructors own design, classic and finger
palming of coins, the use of a thumbtip to vanish a silk, the
professors nightmare and the cut and restored string.
My only complaint was that he showed too many variations of ways to do
the same effect. An example is he showed as how to do a nice coins
across routine with 4 coins. Then he showed us how to do the same
routine using a fifth coin and then how to do it if we had a shell!
This just served to confuse most people and since there were no class
notes or lecture notes handed out and most people werent't taking notes
I doubt if they will remember how to perform it. He also should have
had us all practice each step of each trick after showing it to us
rather than taking a break after 20 minutes or so of talking and saying
"Now you try it". I noticed not everyone was keeping up to speed.
On the whole, the class was informative and helpful to me and I am
hoping to be able to get next Saturday the 15th off from work so I can
attend the advanced class. He says he keeps that one smaller (10
instead of 14 or so) for more individual attention.
Msg #3371 Dated 13:45:38 12-02-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JOE RYAN (X)
Re: READING IN THE DARK
QUICK AND EFFECTIVE COLD READINGS by Richard Webster.....Webster is
good, writes good books and makes his living with this stuff..Avail
from J. Busby (here on MAGIC!)...not sure of cost, prob around 30
buckeroos...
Msg #3373 Dated 13:47:39 12-02-90 3363 <--> 3384
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: ON A MORE HAPPIER NOTE...
Thanks for your reply. Yes, typically the number of people who send in
their checks for shareware is small compared to those who use it. The
problem here is that Randy has written something that is very good and
that is specialized to a small community. Consequently, I feel that if
we are going to encourage others to work on such projects, we need to
have a higher percentage than usual send in their payments.
In a sense, I view Randy's effort as a "test case" for shareware for
magic.
As to the overall skill level of magicians with computers, I can tell
you that we have a few highly skilled people on MAGIC!. We also have
a few magi who are actively involved in the computer business. But
most are NOT in either of the above categories. I think that any
articles on the use of computers, for managing the business side or
otherwise, would be welcomed by many. And if Dante is also interested
(or Jim Sisti or any other of the publishers here on MAGIC!) I'm sure
we can arrange for them to also publish it.
Msg #3374 Dated 13:54:13 12-02-90 3364 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: HORSEAPPLES
Wow, Tabman! I've always been interested in "Sleight of Sound"
although I haven't done much with it. Even beyond stereo, there are
some very interesting things that can be done (surround, etc.). I hope
your message sparks a thread on this concept.
Msg #3377 Dated 13:58:41 12-02-90 3370 <--> 3490
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: FINN JON'S ESOTERIC
Thanks, it does sound interesting. I think I'm booked on December 15,
otherwise I might try to attend the second session myself. By the way,
Jim Kahlert handles his classes differently from what you are
describing. His are very structured and he has preprepared notes that
are EXCELLENT.
Msg #3378 Dated 14:21:20 12-02-90 3351 <--> 3398
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
ARGH!!! Oh, Jonathan... I have an idea... Let's play "Penn &
Teller"... You can be Teller. Now all you have to do is lie down
under this 69,999 pound truck...
Msg #3379 Dated 14:20:12 12-02-90 3350 <-
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL (X)
Re: MAGIC MANUSCRIPT
Yes...welcome to reality...GENII is a FAR better magazine! It's also
been improving lately. My hope is that the editorial policy will begin
to be more independent and unafraid of controversial views.
Msg #3380 Dated 14:23:07 12-02-90 3343 <--> 3410
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
Yes indeed...and we ARE picking a few nits here...Mac's act was truly
excellent.
Msg #3381 Dated 14:24:12 12-02-90 3344 <--> 3392
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
That's what I've been saying all along.
Msg #3382 Dated 14:30:59 12-02-90 3367 <--> 3399
From: PETE BIRO
To: SCOTT CRAM (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
Why don't you set all the books aside and think of SOME TOTALLY NEW
CONCEPTS with the Ubiquitous Thumb Tip?
Msg #3384 Dated 14:35:23 12-02-90 3373 <--> 3393
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ON A MORE HAPPIER NOTE...
I think the magic database could be marketed through a couple of the
more aggresive dealers, quite successfully. It is tops in my humble
opinion.
Msg #3385 Dated 14:36:49 12-02-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: TIME
time to go back to the TV and watch the Raider game, later tonite
be in touch.
Msg #3386 Dated 16:18:22 12-02-90 3358 <--> 3556
From: HARRISON CARROLL
To: JOE RYAN (X)
Re: COLD READING
Hello Joe: You may want to try and get a copy of Richard Webster's book
entitled "Quick and Effective Cold Reading".
Msg #3387 Dated 16:23:17 12-02-90
From: HARRISON CARROLL
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PICTURES
Tabby, did you get the pictures ok? Is there anything you can use?
Msg #3388 Dated 16:24:12 12-02-90 -> 3394
From: HARRISON CARROLL
To: ALL
Re: CHECKING IT OUT
Does anyone know of Whit Haydn is registered here?
Msg #3392 Dated 19:37:01 12-02-90 3381 <--> 3400
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
It is bound to happen. Of course, as long as they continue to
"shrinkwrap" the license on the inside, where you can't see it, I
suspect (although I am no lawyer nor should this in any way be
construed as legal advice) that the thing isn't very binding.
Msg #3393 Dated 19:39:44 12-02-90 3384 <--> 3401
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ON A MORE HAPPIER NOTE...
Randy tells me he is working on Version 2 with even more features. He
hopes to have it on here in a couple of weeks.
Msg #3394 Dated 19:44:49 12-02-90 3388 <--> 3402
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: HARRISON CARROLL
Re: CHECKING IT OUT
To the best of my knowledge, Whit Hayden is not presently registered
here on MAGIC!
Msg #3397 Dated 1:11:38 12-03-90 -> 3404
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: DAVID'S IMPOSSIBLE SELECT
I've consulted my notes and tried to reassemble this. It is an
effect I would ONLY do for magicians, NOT for laypersons, since
laypersons would miss all the clues to what I'm NOT doing... So
it might be good for your next Ring or club meeting.
o Remove a deck of cards from a card case and execute a POOR
false shuffle, rather obviously protecting the bottom of the
deck (just for fun you may also want to obviously protect
the top, but my notes don't say to do this).
o Ribbon spread the cards and ask a spectator to select one,
look at it and remember it, show it to others, etc., but to
"Be careful not to let me see anything." You want to make
a big show of not peeking, just like a rank amateur would
do.
o Reassemble the deck and have them put their card ON TOP.
(Ah! We have him! A poorly done key card!)
o Ask the spectator to cut the deck. Ask if they'd like to
cut again and let 'em.
o NOW YOU SHUFFLE. (Whoops! There goes the key card!)
o Ask the spectator to cut the deck into four piles.
o Ask them to pick two of the four piles.
o Hesitate a moment.
o Now ask them to pick one of the two remaining piles.
Remove the other piles from the table. (A magician's
choice, but of WHAT?)
o Now ask them to pick a number between two and ten and to
count down to it, face down on the table.
o Look EMBARRASSED and say, "Oh, I'm sorry!" Replace the
cards on top of the deck. (A terrible countdown to
SOMEPLACE to bring a card to the top of the deck. What the
heck is this guy doing?)
o Say "I meant to have you SPELL the number!" Count cards
face down onto table as you spell their previous number.
(Whatever he's done, either he's lost at this point, or
this is pretty impossible!)
o Take the next card from the deck and slide it onto the
table. Pick up the cards you spelled down and place them
back on the deck.
o Ask the spectator the name of their card and turn the one
remaining card face up. Incredibly, it IS their card!
Tell you what -- let's do a little challenge here... You have a
couple of days to tell me how this is done. Then I'll tell.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Whoopee! I've finally published this thing!
NOTE 1: No part of this may be reproduced, transferred, copied,
photocopied, transmitted, transcribed, or translated into any
language or computer language, in any form or by any means,
electronic, magnetic, optical, manual, or otherwise.
NOTE 2: This effect is described without any express or implied
warranties whatsoever. Because of the diversity of conditions
under which it could be performed, no warranty of fitness for use
is offered. The user is advised to practice the effect before
doing it. The user must assume the entire risk of performing it.
NOTE 3: Ignore Note 1.
Msg #3398 Dated 7:40:45 12-03-90 3351 <--> 3405
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
ON NO NOT AGAIN!!!!!!!!
Msg #3399 Dated 7:44:25 12-03-90 3367 <--> 3406
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: SCOTT CRAM (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
Welcome to the MAGIC! BBS. When it comes to Thumb Tip miracles you Have
gone to the right place with Darwin's Book. I myself love the thumb tip
even if Ten and Peller did expose it on thier TV Special. The ECLIPSE
TIP is even better because it allows you to do things with the tip that
until its invention was not possible like a color changing scarf
without trying to ditch the dye tube.
Msg #3400 Dated 9:17:03 12-03-90 3392 <--> 3413
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
I am going to ask the legal beagle of the IBM, and a fine magician what
the Cervon stuff means. I will fax him the page with the exact wording.
Maybe (if the law is with us) we can file a Class Action suit against
the publisher and author? Just kidding? Hmmmmm. At least maybe we could
get the book free.
Msg #3401 Dated 9:18:26 12-03-90 3393 <--> 3430
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ON A MORE HAPPIER NOTE...
Great. I will hold off and then shareware the version he is talking
about.
Msg #3402 Dated 9:18:58 12-03-90 3394 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: CHECKING IT OUT
He may not be here, but he has one of the best linking ring routines
anywhere... and I think he has published/sold it.
Msg #3404 Dated 9:21:53 12-03-90 3397 <--> 3431
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: DAVID'S IMPOSSIBLE SELECT
I got it. Hey, great method. One thing you didn't mention. Is it Void
where Prohibited?
Msg #3405 Dated 9:22:42 12-03-90 3398 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: ABBOT'S
Yay... Abbotts didn't move?
Msg #3406 Dated 9:23:14 12-03-90 3399 <--> 3412
From: PETE BIRO
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
Hay.... Penn and Tell 'em didn't expose the thumb tip. They sold them
to all participants, just like any wasoo can walk into any joke store
and buy one. There is nothing better than having someone that knows the
thumb tip, then you fool them WITH A THUMB TIP, by using either Slydini
or Salvano's handling. Then there are those that use Chrome Plated
ones, 'cause you should never let the audience see the dumb thing
anyway.
Msg #3408 Dated 9:25:57 12-03-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: CLEVERNESS
I just was reminded that the professional, trying to be CLEVERER THAN
NECESSARY can get his/her self in trouble.
At the "It's Magic Show" in Hollywood, some time ago... Bob Haskell,
one of the best of his day (his Gambling Lecture/Act is still the best
commercial version available--still sold by Owens) was doing a great
effect, where a selected card was shot by an arrow as cards were thrown
in front of target. OK, we know it is a force right? Now, because
there were tons of magicians in the audience, when he went into the
front row to have card selected he TRIED the classic force. He missed.
Then he said, OK, that's the indicator card, stick it in the deck -- HE
MISSED AGAIN. Finally he got a card selected.
OK, with 1500 people in the audience, who but the closest to the spot
he was having the card chosen could even see what was going on?
So in that case, why not a Svengali or a one way deck, all cards the
same? Make it easy on yourself in "working" situations.
The master of that principle is Don Alan. Read his stuff, and his use
of gaffed decks, etc.
See next message for a world championship quality, no skill force of
three cards.
Msg #3409 Dated 9:30:43 12-03-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: WORLDCLASS FORCE
One day, while fiddling about with the rising cards. (I use either a
Martin, spring wound, clockwork deck, or the one I designed and built
for myself and Fred Kaps, using a similar electronic system to the
Anverdi, but without RADIO CONTROL. My version had a gravity-based
timer made of a soda straw filled with motor oil, suspending a rope
magnet that made contact with a reed switch. This was the most
reliable Kaps had ever seen and became the one he used. Ron Wilson has
another version, but with electronic clock delays. It is excellent.
OK, what was I doing? I was trying to think of a rational way to
routine the effect and force the needed cards.
I am typing this online and it is long distance. I will write it
up carefully off line then put it on line shortly. Bye for a few
minutes... see next message, OK? No? Oh, c'mon, let me save a few bucks
here. Last month's fone bill was over $400
Msg #3410 Dated 9:54:24 12-03-90 3380 <--> 3418
From: MAC KING
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
Wow! You guys are really swelling my head. Thanks! One more comment on
the Fig Newtons and Fly bit, and then I think I'm all done on that
subject... For me (and for the audience, I honestly believe) there is
a big difference between being "rude" and just being "naughty." I think
it is okay for Mac King (referring now to the character on stage) to be
naughty. Rude would be bad and out of character for me. And I don't
think this is just semantics. I believe there is a giant distinction.
Anyway, thanks again for all the nice things, and the ideas for
improvement as well.
Msg #3412 Dated 10:33:01 12-03-90 3406 <--> 3414
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
I will have to check out those two handlings. I use a thumb tip quite
a bit and it blows lay people away because they are looking for such
complicated methods. The hardest part about using a thumb tip, in my
opinion, is not looking at the thing!!!!
Msg #3413 Dated 10:46:29 12-03-90 3392 <--> 3421
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
I already discussed it with and friend who is a copyright attorney and
he says that it constitutes the attempted imposition of a blind
contract....totally unenforceable.
I hope these authors can read these
words...NONBINDING...UNENFORCEABLE...PARANOID...CHILDISH.
The issue that this DOES address, however, is a sad lack of common
courtesy between working magicians...even at the Castle. It should be
COMMON COURTESY not to perform an original effect by another magician
if that author/magician is working at the Castle the same week and
performing the effect himself...EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED. Taking
the time to check out the others on the bill is part of something
called PROFESSIONALISM.
Common courtesy and professional ethics seem to be dinousaur attributes
in a business that rewards rudeness, exposure and destruction...(YUP...
HERE I GO AGAIN ABOUT P&T!!!)
AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!
Msg #3414 Dated 11:47:25 12-03-90 3382 <--> 3415
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
Actually, I have been making up my own original Thumb Tip effects. I
have one very Christamssy Thumb Tip effect in the December 1990 issue
of GENII. I'm just interested in other people's Tip ideas. My third
love, after computers and magic, is creating new effects.
i
ENII
Msg #3415 Dated 12:04:20 12-03-90 3399 <--> 3419
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
I had another reply from Pete Biro who thought, and rightly so, that I
should toss the books and make up my own. I do create effects on my
own. You're right about Darwin's book though, he's ingenious. Keep an
eye out for the December 1990 issue of Genii. One of my favorite
original Thumb Tip effects is going to be published via "Tarbell
Treasures". To whet your appetite, it's called "The Silk Pointsettia
Production".
Msg #3417 Dated 12:28:39 12-03-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: HARRISON CARROLL
Re: SWAPPING SHIRTZ
Hi Harrison, I did get photos and left you a message but
it mightof gotten lost somewhere between the bits and bytes...
THANKS will be returning them to you soon....Haven't heard from
Obie yet, but Howie said he'd put in a good word too. Thanks
again.
The CEMK write up is scheduled to be in the January issue
of GENII....give Ray a call, willya, and let him know he said he
wanted to subscribe before the story makes it in...
Msg #3418 Dated 12:36:07 12-03-90 3410 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAC KING
Re: QUITE AN EVENING!
Mac... my guess is that in the real world (NOT THE CASTLE) nobody
considers the bit "even naughty" but quite tame based on my experience
working comedy clubs. Hey, even old fuddy duddy Biro here says F**K in
one bit on comedy clubs -- not always, depends on tone, crowd, prior
act, set up... you know what I mean. It is used as a throwaway line,
but only when it fits.
Msg #3419 Dated 12:37:53 12-03-90 3412 <--> 3420
From: PETE BIRO
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
It's easy. Just work for girls with great bodies and you will not think
about looking at your own thumb.
Msg #3420 Dated 12:38:49 12-03-90 3415 <--> 3427
From: PETE BIRO
To: SCOTT CRAM (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
Will look for it. Again, you might want to research Slydini and Salvano
handlings. Slydini stuff is in some of his books (again my files are
all in storage and can't look up much of anything) and Salvano had his
stuff in lecture notes during a Desert Seminar. Joe Stevens might have
some copies left. His handling was BRILLIANT. You can reach Joe by
writing Abbotts.
(just kidding)
Msg #3421 Dated 12:41:05 12-03-90 3413 <--> 3423
From: PETE BIRO
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
It is also up to the Booker, or the Boss, to see what everyone is
doing, and DIRECT the shows. You hired 'em and you can tell 'em what to
do. But it is also up to the performers to check see and discuss who
will do what, etc.
I recall two times I had conflicts. I was on the same show with Dai
Vernon. I said to Dai that I had been booked because of the gag stuff
I worked up with the linking rings. And Vernon had been booked to do
his linking rings. Dai said "It is important when doing a comedy
version of something that the straight version be seen first." He was
right. We both did the rings. He first. We both got great audience
reactions.
Another time I was getting ready early backstage and noted another
guy was setting up the same major effect I was. The one where the legs
fall off the table, and a pair of ladies' legs appear in place to keep
the table up.
He wasn't really taking advantage of the gags (I had a brief talk
with him) so I decided and told him GO ahead. You do it. You are on
first anyway. I might and might not do it.
Well, what I did was completely revise the way it worked. Instead
of the 2 legs falling off and being replaced by the ladies legs. I let
ALL FOUR OF THE LEGS FALL OFF.... put the table on the floor, kneeled
down and did the mulitplying bottles on my hands and knees. To a
tremendous reaction. (I did, however, go out into the audience during
rehearsal and check to see if they audience could see the table on the
floor (sometimes the rake is such they cannot) and since they COULD I
went on with the gag. Only thing that did go wrong. I ruined a brand
new $100 pair of velvet tux pants!!! But it got a laff.
Msg #3422 Dated 12:47:10 12-03-90 -> 3435
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: FORCE!!!!
WORLD'S EASIEST THREE CARD FORCE that works well with a Jumbo
Rising Card Routine -- or any effect you wish to use it with:
First, if you read my earlier message, you know what kind of
rising card deck I am using. If you have the cards selected from
a Jumbo and they rise from a Jumbo, then you have to switch
decks. (Note: I do not have any made to sell anymore).
Most magi would have the cards chosen from a normal (Poker)
size deck then say something like, "Can you see the cards, there
in the back?" Then they would pretend someone said "NO", then
would bring out the Jumbo's saying, "OK, you can see these..."
Well in many cases the audience COULD see the poker cards
just fine and it really didn't make a lot of sense. Except it
worked OK.
One day I hit an idea and it solved several of the points
and made a nice sequence.
I did the diminishing cards to start the routine. The
version best to use is any that leaves you with REAL small cards,
that are individual, as opposed to some of the versions where the
cards are printed and all in one piece, or are threaded together.
Now, this is, I should have mentioned earlier, basically for
a Parlour type situation where the audience is somewhat intimate
and close in to you.
You get to the point where you have finished the diminishing
routine and have the batch of little tiny cards in your hands.
You get near a member of the audience and chatter something
like, "aren't these neat, these little "toy" cards... yes,
they're real, not an illusion, here (now you HAND CARDS TO THREE
PEOPLE) feel them...." (By coincidence these are the three cards
set to rise from the Jumbo Deck).
Now, as an apparent afterthought you say, "Hey, I have an
idea, lets do a trick with these little cards. Look at them and
remember them. Give them the other few small cards asking them to
shuffle them. Bring them back on stage or to your table. NOW IT
IS LOGICAL TO SAY, "Oh, maybe the people in the back can't see
these too well.....
Now you have a logical reason to bring in the other deck. No
switch, no skill to the force, you ACTUALLY JUST HAND THEM THE
CARDS. There is not reason to not take them, you (at that moment)
aren't doing a trick with them. The rest of the audience does not
know you Handed The cards to the selectees... IT DOESN'T MATTER
ANYWAY.
ADDED INFO: Best performers I ever saw do rising cards. Frakson (Jumbo
Martin deck), Al Flosso (poker size Martin Deck), Ken Brooke (Nemo
Rising Cards), Goshman
(Devano)
line was scsrewed up??? Best after Ken Brooke line should read:
Don Alan/Al Goshman (tie) (Devano Deck, close up).
Msg #3423 Dated 14:48:37 12-03-90 3421 <--> 3424
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
You illustrate my point perfectly, Pete.
Professional ethics, common courtesy...somebody should do a magicians'
seminar on this subject!
(The problem is that the only magis who would show up are just the ones
who don't need to!)
Msg #3424 Dated 15:14:21 12-03-90 3423 <--> 3428
From: PETE BIRO
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
You got it. The majority feel they already know all there is to know.
A perfect example (in the past) was Lance Burton. Following his win o
the IBM Gold Medal (and my article saying he had a long way to go, that
an act with dealer props would not make it at the FISM or in the big
time) he thought HE HAD FINALLY MADE IT TO THE TOP. He was, initially,
really ticked off at me. He later told me the first thing he wanted to
do was slug me! Then after some time he started to THINK, "Maybe he is
right?" He then found out what the real world scoop was and THANKFULLY
he DID SOMETHING ABOUT IT. That is why he is now at the top. That is
why he won the GRAND PRIX AT FISM, he still keeps working. He still is
creating new stuff. I have seen his private rehearsal video of some new
material that will blow you away! I think he plans to make this stuff
public and show it for the first time at the coming Las Vegas Desert
Seminar.
When you get real people together, not egocentrick I know how to do a
few tricks, you get real cooperation.
You should have the fun I do booking all the acts for the IBM
Conventions... the suggestions from the political side to book so and
so... Unfortunately most magicians don't know a good magic act when
they see one. They are interested in the wrong aspects of the act. You
have to look at acts based on the balance of a show. Big magic, small
magic, Birds/no birds, male and female vs. only male, fast performer
vs. slow, funny vs. serious... Each night, of the four, has to get a
little better, each individual show has to have a star. We had an act
that was on a mid show that pretended his props were lost by the
airlines and couldn't go on until the final night. Like a dummy I
believed him. He was on the final night and died! On the show I had
planned tohave him work he would have been the star and would have
knocked the audience dead. Because of routining, placement on the bill,
who was on ahead of him, etc. But in the fast company the final night
the act came off a small and didn't fit. It all takes much planning and
thinking (as well as experience and a LOT OF LUCK) -- PLUS GOOD
ADVISERS HELPING.
NOBODY CAN DO IT ALONE. Ask Milli Vanilli -- Hey I hear now they do
sing, its the Dancing they didn't do!!!!!!!!!
Msg #3426 Dated 15:25:20 12-03-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: CERVON MESSAGE
Here's how you get Cervon. You learn his sleights so good and can do
them indetectably, that way when you do your own network special, he
won't know you are using his moves. No need to run up any legal fees.
Msg #3427 Dated 15:52:00 12-03-90 3399 <--> 3437
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
I'm not familar with the Eclipse Tip. What's different about it?
(Unless you aren't supposed to tell - even here) Where does one get
one and what does it cost?
I like tips, although I don't really use 'em much. I have a fancy
custom thumb tip that I had made last year at Desert Magic. Even can
reproduce my thumb print with it! Alas, it isn't quite perfect. The
guy was doing them under florescent lights and the color is just a bit
dark. Of course, I've been told, in line with Biro's comment, that a
good thumb tip worker can use one that is BRIGHT RED and get away with
it.
If anyone would like to share any thumb tip tricks/techniques I'm sure
several of us are interested.
Msg #3428 Dated 15:57:36 12-03-90 3400 <--> 3429
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
You know, you really have a great idea there! Put a stop to this legal
nonsense once and for all. All the folks who have bought books with
these strange rules in them SHOULD do a class action thing! Force a
recall! This could get interesting...
Msg #3429 Dated 15:59:45 12-03-90 3413 <--> 3459
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
"Common" courtesy and professional ethics have gone down the tubes
throughout our society. They've been replaced by big buildings full of
lawyers. Magic is just a reflection of what is going on.
I agree with what you are saying, I'm just sorry that too many others
don't.
Msg #3430 Dated 16:03:02 12-03-90 3401 <--> 3438
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ON A MORE HAPPIER NOTE...
Er, I think that you can have your cake and eat it too in this case,
since I'd imagine that Randy has taken upgrades into consideration.
But I'm hoping he will log on and clarify how the upgrade will work.
The main point is that if we want to encourage shareware for a small
group, we're going to have to pay for it.
Msg #3431 Dated 16:05:03 12-03-90 3404 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: DAVID'S IMPOSSIBLE SELECT
YES, it is definately void where prohibited! Furthermore, if two magi
try it (particularly if one of 'em is ME) in the same place at the same
time, the wrists of the one who didn't invent it will melt.
Msg #3435 Dated 16:12:57 12-03-90 3422 <--> 3440
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: FORCE!!!!
Pete, as per usual, your three card force is BRILLIANT! Simple,
direct, etc.
Marvin & Carol Roy do an interesting jumbo deck switch. In between
effects, he puts the cards down on a little table that has a shelf
under it. Each time, while he is talking, she helpfully puts the cards
away. Then he goes to do something and she gets them out again. I
think I counted 143 deck switches during the act and I'll bet that the
audience never noticed.
Msg #3436 Dated 16:18:29 12-03-90
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: DAVID'S IMPOSSIBLE SELECT
The IMPOSSIBLE SELECT that I described in a previous message should
only be done for magicians for two reasons - 1) As I mentioned
originally, they are the only ones who will see the "puzzle," but 2)
they are generally the ones politest enough not to mess it up
(Really! Most magi are so interested in seeing what you are doing that
they won't do anything [unless they are your best friends] you don't
want 'em to).
And, as a general rule, they won't drop the cards on the floor... Which
is VITAL to the Impossible Select 'cause it is a one-way deck. That's
right - 52 cards, all alike. Makes the effect really simple!
But I've done it, and it is remarkable. No-one would ever think you'd
be so low as to use a one-way deck...
Msg #3437 Dated 17:55:04 12-03-90 3427 <--> 3444
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: THUMB TIPS
No way can you use a BRIGHT RED thumbtip and get away with it. Altho
Penn has one red fingernail and he gets away with it?
I said a Chrome Plated thumbtip.
Msg #3438 Dated 17:56:22 12-03-90 3430 <--> 3452
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ON A MORE HAPPIER NOTE...
OK
Msg #3440 Dated 17:57:31 12-03-90 3435 <--> 3458
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: FORCE!!!!
People suffer switching items when there is only one way to do it. Just
set the item down and go back and pick it up. Just pick up a different
one. Spectators STILL BELIEVE IT IS THE SAME SILK THAT APPEARS IN
BETWEEN THE OTHER TWO IN THE 20TH CENTURY SILK TRICK.
People want to believe. One of the great tools of magic is to just LIE
onstage.
Msg #3444 Dated 18:38:57 12-03-90 3415 <--> 3445
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: SCOTT CRAM (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
I'll have to look for it!!
Msg #3445 Dated 18:40:09 12-03-90 3419 <--> 3446
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
The girls sound great but for my small time operation the wife won't
buy it!!!!!!!!
Msg #3446 Dated 18:42:59 12-03-90 3427 <--> 3448
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: THUMB TIPS
The Eclipse Tip is basically a RUBBER Thumb tip that has had the Nail
sliced around from the cuticle. With this flap it is possible to take
silks from the air with no awkward moves. It also allows Color Changing
Silks with NO DYE TUB. Think about it opening at the top to insert
thumb and the nail flap cut out!! You put a white scarf in the top and
lift the nail flap and remove the PRELOADED black Scarf. The thumb tip
is much easier to hide than a dye tube.
Msg #3447 Dated 20:12:03 12-03-90
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: SON OF GREATER MAGIC
Pete, you gotta write that book!!!!
Msg #3448 Dated 20:57:28 12-03-90 3420 <--> 3454
From: RICHARD HART
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
A Slydini thumb-tip handling can be found in the book "Slydini Encores"
by KLeon Nathanson, M.D. And a rather "pretty" handling it is too!
Msg #3451 Dated 22:52:46 12-03-90 -> 3548
From: JIM SISTI
To: ALL
Re: TOP 5 EFFECTS
I'm putting together a little article for the next issue of "The Magic
Menu," and I'm requesting your help. This is primarily for those of
you who do restaurant, bar, or any type of walk-around magic. I would
like to know what would be the five top effects you would use in these
environments. I'm not necessarily interested in original stuff here.
If you would do sponge balls or invisible deck...then please say
sponge balls and invisible deck. I'd really appreciate your input.
Thanks!
Msg #3452 Dated 23:27:29 12-03-90 3363 <--> 3507
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: ON A MORE HAPPIER NOTE...
Yes.
Msg #3454 Dated 23:33:54 12-03-90 3415 <--> 3455
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: SCOTT CRAM (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
Wow Scott, How'd you know it would be in the DECEMBER issue? was it a
tip?.....arf arf
Msg #3455 Dated 23:35:18 12-03-90 3437 <--> 3456
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
OK, I sense a "sucker" bit here. Why can't you use a BRIGHT RED thumb
tip if you can use a CHROME PLATED one?
Msg #3456 Dated 23:36:48 12-03-90 3446 <--> 3493
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
Thanks! Will look into an Eclipse Tip.
Msg #3458 Dated 23:39:55 12-03-90 3440 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: FORCE!!!!
A magician I know says, "You can do ANYTHING in magic if you can
justify it verbally."
Msg #3459 Dated 23:38:41 12-03-90 3413 <--> 3475
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
The policy at the castle is to, (if two people are performing the same
effect) have one or the other pull the effect. this can be settled by
a flip of the coin or on rare occasion by fisticuffs. The problem is
that sometimes they both go on a few days before anyone knows so by
Sunday night(the last night) the effect is usually pulled. members, If
you see the same thang. Mention it.
Msg #3464 Dated 1:25:43 12-04-90
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: MAGIC-06
The sixth set of MAGIC! messages - #2500 (Nov. 13, 1990) to
#2999 (Nov. 25, 1990) have been transfered to a downloadable
file. The file is named MAGIC-06.TXT. This means that you can
now go to the file area, download that file, and read the sixth
volume of messages off-line. For those who know how to use the
PKUNZIP system for uncompressing files, there is a compressed
version of this same file. It is called MAGIC-06.ZIP and is about
1/2 the size of the full-text version.
This set of messages includes the "Card In Airplane Window"
discussion, as well as the first portion of the "Penn & Teller:
Don't Try This At Home" discussion, along with a number of
excellent tricks.
Not only will transfering these messages to a file make it easier
for you to obtain a complete set of them, but it will make the
search for new messages easier and faster.
Msg #3472 Dated 10:20:40 12-04-90 -> 3523
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: SIXTH FINGER
To: All Y'all -- A request for a sixth finger story has been
made. Here is mine.
One of the theories I had in the beginning was to pracice
certain things in unusual places and/or times.
I used to ride to school on the bus with things palmed, do
change overs, etc. No one saw any effects, I just did the stuff
that wasn't to be seen
You could do this with steals and loads of all kinds, it
just takes some imagination. It is good practice to be within
people and doing things totally unbeknownst to them.
I also used to sit on the bus reading Eddie Joseph's book
"How to Pick Pockets" just to see if anybody noticed!
So one day I decided (oh, I was now at a closer school and
walked) to walk to school wearing my "new" Sixth Finger. A great
device I might add.
I had gone about 3 blocks when I noticed a buddy of mine had
come out of his house ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET. So, I
yelled "Hi" and waved at him.
You guess it. He yelled back, "HEY, WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOUR
HAND?"
Not a major story, but one that had to be told.
Note to Lichtman: Not a RED thumbtip, but a Chrome Plated
one--because! That's why.
(OOOPS a couple of words snuck in mis spelled--sorry)
Msg #3473 Dated 10:21:47 12-04-90
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: JIM SISTI LIST
My Favorite walk around/table tricks?
Edward Victor Bat Trick
Copper to Silver (using Silver Dollar and U.S. Penny witching in the
Giant Copper Penny for the Dollar)
Koornwinder Kar (if you have a surface to work on)
Chop Cup
Egg Bag (Malini version)
Card on Forehead
Coins through table (if you have surface and conditions)
Sidewalk Shuffle
Twisting the Aces
NO TRICK WITH COMPLEX PLOTS OR SUSTAINED MENTAL WORK BY AUDIENCE
Msg #3474 Dated 11:19:32 12-04-90 -> 3479
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: NOTHIN IN PARTICULAR
Just got a newspaper sized list of magic stuff for sale
from RAY-MOND out of Westminster, MD...Ray is one of the last of
the oldtimers still performing today..he just got back from an
extended lecture tour of the south...OLD TIME MAGIC...if you're
interested in seeing his "paper" write Raymond Corbin, Box 12,
Westminster, MD 21157 (send 2bucks)...over 2,000 items from this
first list...Ray is past prez of SAM and performed vaudeville,
etc.......
100% SANKEY....Howie brought me a copy (no, not for free)
when he flew down this weekend...most of this stuff is from his
(Sankey's) current lecture...the stapled card routine (TRIO) is a
real killer..doesn't read all that well, but I saw him perform it
at CEMK and its strong magic...his method is the best I've
personally seen (Harris, etc) and is a real convincer...don't
know if its worth the "price of the book" (30) though....send me
ten bucks and I'll PHOTOCOPY it for you...just KIDDING....
With the recent folding of MAGIC MANUSCRIPT maybe more
magicians will get behind GENII with the improved format and full
color covers...sorry to note that THE VERNON TOUCH will be in
Decembers issue for the last time.....WE LOVE YOU PROFESSOR and
will miss his ramblings...maybe the EDITOR could go back and run
his columns from time to time from #1 for the benefit of those
who missed them the first time around and for those of us who'd
want to read and learn from them AGAIN...
I'll try to keep this brief....gotta pay a 500+$ phone
bill on this line (we've got 4 here counting the studio) been on
here almost 350 times.....hope I see 10,000 though..where else
can one converse (albeit with the fingers) with so many fine
folks..
I have a feeling that the controversy over authors rights
will soon come to an end with the publishers bowing to the will
of the end user as in the computer software industry....maybe we
can get someone from the different publishers on here to present
their side of the palming coin....they'll all be here before the
END OF THE CENTURY.....hope to still be here.....tabman...
Msg #3475 Dated 11:25:07 12-04-90 3424 <--> 3476
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
heheh...
Your understanding of the showmanship and production aspects of the
Magic biz is precisely WHY you are in a position to book these events.
Some bookers/producers make decisions guided by political/personal
criteria. I guess that makes some performers suspicious of their
judgement. The primary concern of bookers/producers is the overall
quality of the show...(or should be). Individual performers should
realize that and also come to an understanding that the better the
entire show is, the better each of the contributing performers looks.
Petty jealosies between performers on the same bill is silly. Some
guys think that if they follow a really weak act, they'll look great by
comparison. What they don't understand is that the audience is usually
unhappy after sitting through a weak act...and who in their right mind
wants to perform before an unhappy audience? You have to UNdo what the
previous act has done before you can even start to impress them.
Msg #3476 Dated 11:37:19 12-04-90 3459 <--> 3480
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
It's a sound policy, Dante.
It demands the good intentions, cooperation and communication between
the performers in the same room and in the different rooms.
What about the guys that perform at the "guest" tables? I've seen some
guest performers outside the Palace performing routines that were being
done on the same night by a scheduled performer in the close-up
gallery!
Perhaps the subject of PROFESSIONAL COURTESY AND ETHICS should be
addressed at the upcoming general meeting.
Msg #3479 Dated 12:17:04 12-04-90 3474 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NOTHIN IN PARTICULAR
Thought you died... glad to see the fingers still hammerin' the board.
Msg #3480 Dated 12:17:59 12-04-90 3475 <--> 3481
From: PETE BIRO
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
Thanks Wayne. Appreciate it. You can't believe some of the crap that
gets sent here to view on tapes. Bill Wells and I have one other
measure of acts. The Better, more elaborate, beautiful, the brochure,
the Lousier the act!
This is the rule but there are exceptions. You see the good performers
are usually too busy to even make up brochures!
Msg #3481 Dated 12:19:47 12-04-90 3476 <--> 3514
From: PETE BIRO
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ATTACK RABBITZ
Good Idea. Actually and one doing a guest spot should check with the
host on duty and ask, "Since I don't have time to watch all the shows
going on, what effects are they doing so I don't kill some ones big
finish working in the rooms for pay?" Or say, If I do the Chop Cup the
Card in Wallet (or whatever) is anyone working doing those effects?"
It isn't tough to find out.
Msg #3487 Dated 12:44:52 12-04-90 -> 3489
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: SQUASH!!!!
Our Dear Sysop keeps asking me to toss anecdotes online. So
here's another.
One of the best close up effects of all time is Percy
Abbott's "SQUASH". Matter of fact, I think this was THE trick
that literally helped to found the company that bears his name.
And (correct me if I am wrong) I think that the money behind
Abbott came from Harry Blackstone.
Anyway -- Squash. Oh, if you don't do it you really should
send for it and add it to your repertoire.
NOTE: TO JIM SISTI -- ADD THIS TO THE LIST OF GREAT TRICKS
FOR A WALK AROUND RESTAURANT MAGICIAN.
Sorry I interrupted myself (I do that a lot).
I had performed Squash for a gentleman that was visiting me
at my home. This same fellow was to become my employer. A job in
the sign painting business. He liked to see the magic I did from
time to time and he was really amazed at the Vanishing Glass of
Liquid (Squash) that I did that day...
So... some time later we are at a function of some kind and
I start to do a couple of tricks. And HE says, "Hey Pete, do that
terrific BALL and Glass trick you did for me at your house!"
As Leno says, "DUH"....
If you know the trick the Ball is not supposed to be seen.
It is the part of the PULL that keeps the liquid from spilling.
Anyway, I can highly recommend the Ball and Glass trick from
Abbotts. Only problem is, there address is hard to find.
Msg #3489 Dated 13:11:05 12-04-90 3487 <--> 3492
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: SQUASH!!!!
That's funny, Pete! I'm trying to think back on any times I've had a
gimmick malfunction or be seen and had the spectator think it was part
of the plan. Something nagging at the back of my mind, but can't quite
recall it. But how about others on here? Has anyone "snatched victory
from the jaws of defeat"? Let's hear about it!
Msg #3490 Dated 13:36:18 12-04-90 3135 <--> 3510
From: RICHARD STREET
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: FINN JON'S ESOTERIC
Video's are great for learning close up. They don't save the time
required to learn the sleights correctly, but you can see how it's
supposed to look. My two favorite closeup tapes are probably John
Mendoza's routined close up, and Daryl at the Magic Castle. Daryl has
a new Professer's nightmare routine that will get you. I know I said
two, but Paul Harris has four tapes out. He is an excellent teacher and
if your willing to devote some time, you can do some mind blowing card
and coin magic. Good luck ... Later
Msg #3493 Dated 14:57:21 12-04-90 3454 <--> 3511
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: THUMB TIPS
How'd I know? Magic! Actally, Dean sent me a copy of the article which
said it would be #6, so actually I thought it would be two months ago.
Then there were two issues without (yikes!) TT. So I figured, when it
was continued, that it would be in the Decmber issue. This was
confirmed when I recieved a certificate, SIGNED BY YOU, stating that it
would be in the December issue. Congratulations on your recent
appointment as editor of my favorite magazine!
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