MAGIC! - 10
The following was compiled from the magician's message section of
MAGIC!(tm). 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 1991, 1997 by MAGIC!, All rights reserved.
[NOTE: In message #4841 Arnaud VanRietschoten used a special technique
to insert graphics characters. When originally presented on MAGIC!
these characters did not appear if the MAGIC! member's profile did not
permit graphics. Only when the member changed the profile did the
message appear. In this file we have included a simulation of the
graphics characters that were placed between the stars. Some programs,
such as word processors, which individuals may use to read this file
may not display these characters properly. No damage will result from
viewing this message, but the characters may not appear, or they may
appear as standard ASCII characters rather than as originally intended.]
Msg #4500 Dated 0:41:27 12-31-90 -> 4511
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: RISING CARDS UH HUH
Yeah, but Devil puts the handle on the front of the deck. A kinda cute
idea. Pete has the gimmick inside the deck and the audience isn't
interested in it.
Msg #4501 Dated 0:43:19 12-31-90 -> 4540
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: HEY THERE Y'ALL
Welcome back, Steve. Sorry to hear of your friend's passing. Really
good Copperfield review. And the mini-bottle idea is GREAT! And you
mentioned the non-alchoholic variants - in toy stores you can sometimes
find mini-Coke and Pepsi bottles, so it should work. Haven't heard
from our history experts yet, but I think this one is probably original
with you. Congrats!
Msg #4504 Dated 0:51:40 12-31-90
From: MARK LODGE
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: MAGIC! BBS LUNCHEON
COUNT ME IN. I CAN ALSO HELP WITH GETTING NON-MEMBERS IN AND OPENING
THE PUB FOR OUR USE. MICHAEL FLEMMING HANDLES ALL THE BOOKINGS AND IS
VERY HELPFULL IN MAKING ARRANGEMENTS. IF YOU NEED ANY ASSISTANCE OR
INFORMATION FEEL FREE TO CALL ME. (213) 839-5864
Msg #4505 Dated 1:00:41 12-31-90 -> 4506
From: MARK LODGE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: HAPPY HOLIDAZE
ALTHOUGH MY USE HAS BEEN LIMITED, I APPRECIATE THIS SERVICE. I HAVE
FOUND GREAT INFORMATION AND IDEAS. THANK YOU. HAVE A WONDERFUL NEW
YEAR.
Msg #4506 Dated 1:56:49 12-31-90 4505 <--> 4513
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MARK LODGE (X)
Re: HAPPY HOLIDAZE
May you and yours have a wonderful 1991 as well.
Msg #4507 Dated 4:55:07 12-31-90
From: RANDY LUND
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: SAND BRAN
Abbotts told me that OOM is still available but that the liquid Cremora
or other non dairy coffee creamer is the same stuff, won't film up
things like milk pitchers and is far cheaper. Thanks for the comments
Randy
Msg #4508 Dated 7:32:08 12-31-90
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: ALL
Re: NEW YEAR
Happy New Year everyone!!!!!
Msg #4509 Dated 7:54:00 12-31-90 -> 4514
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: ONE MORE THING
Just a note, I must regress,
Does anyone remember Abbot's address,
Msg #4510 Dated 7:54:23 12-31-90 -> 4515
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: U.S.O.
I don't know if this'll help anybody, but this morning I
was thinking about the (maybe) coming war in the ME and flashed
back to Vietnam.
I was there in 1971 and 72, not as a soldier, but as an
entertainer for the U.S.O. Was in fact, the last show to tour the
combat zone and almost got trapped when the US turned everything
over to the RVN just barely making it out on a US transport to
Bangkok...anyway thatz another story, but here's the POINT>
If we do have another conflict and its a drawn out
affair, this will create "opportunity" for patriotic minded
entertainers to tour the area.
In Viet, they wanted "girls, girls, girls" so I took one,
but thisun will be different. The work is hard and you live in
the same conditions as the people you perform for, etc, etc, but
can be very rewarding in the personal sense....not to mention
that the pay is pretty good plus its all expenses paid.
If you're interested in this sorta thing I suggest you
contact the U.S.O. (its beena while so call either 212 infor or
202 information for the number) and request information on how to
get involved.
You've gotta have a pro act, photos, press clippings,
etc, but I'm sure that goes without saying. Let me know how it
works out if you give it a try, plus; you'll never play for a
more appreciative audience!
tabman
Msg #4511 Dated 8:45:32 12-31-90 4500 <--> 4519
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: RISING CARDS UH HUH
Acatually I switch pencils at the finish for one that will write so I
can handle all the requests for autographs.
Msg #4513 Dated 8:46:54 12-31-90 4505 <--> 4558
From: PETE BIRO
To: MARK LODGE (X)
Re: HAPPY HOLIDAZE
Mark, not to be critical but all caps is hard to read and sounds like
shouting. (I used to get chewed out for doing that on compuserve by one
of the sysops). Happy New year and welcome to MOJO land! Or, the 24
hour a day 365 day magic convention.
Msg #4514 Dated 8:48:19 12-31-90 4509 <--> 4588
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: ONE MORE THING
They moved.
Msg #4515 Dated 8:49:01 12-31-90 4510 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: U.S.O.
My pal Jay Leno went over and wanted NO PUBLICITY (he did not TV
special, etc.) Also I noted that because of the sacred sand, HOPE was
not allowed to bring ladies for the shows. I used to do tons of shows
in the military off the back of 2 1/2 ton trucks, etc. etc. We had a
two man (for awhile the driver was a great tap dancer but left) show
with a driver. The "other" act was Charles Dauber a three ime winner of
the Horace Heidt Amateur Hour (a killer accordian player) and I would
open iwht the magic act, he did his music act, combined classical with
jazz and pop (the guy was great) then I would close with the Juggling
and hewould accompany me, standing alongside on my finale, wheich was
similar to the Cigar Box juggling (they just weren't boxes) and we used
to stop the shows with that bit as we had great byyplay with themusic
and jug.
Msg #4516 Dated 8:52:33 12-31-90 -> 4523
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: MORE MOJO
Here's one for the Escapologists out there.
We all know one of the most popular escape tricks is the
straight jacket. And there are many variaitions from a simple on
stage "I'm going to try to break Houdini's record time" etc., to
the upside down from a burning rope -- with danger being the
major ingredient.
And some, like Harry Anderson, have made a reputation doing
comedy with the jacket.
In the 1920s my dad was doing an acrobatic roller skating
act in vaudeville, and Houdini was doing the jacket to promote
his shows. During one season my dad was on the road with Olsen
and Johnson in "Hells-a-Poppin". Sounds great, but if you were a
vaudevillian you usually did you act and left, went to dinner,
lunch, whatever. But not when you worked with the looney Olsen
and Johnson. You had to stick around the theater and do "bits"
walk on gags, etc.
Olsen and Johnson did a parody of Houdini, having a
performer attempt to escape from a straight jacket. The guy would
have trouble. He was in a cloth-frame cabinet. So they would say,
"we'll go on with the show and see how he's doing from time to
time." Well, every 10 minutes or so they would check. As the show
progressed the guys beard would grow! And he would never get out
of the jacket. The kicker was that when the show was over the
poor guy would be rolling around on the floor still trying to get
out in the LOBBY!!!!! And his beard would be about 8 feet long.
So, I decided to try to think up an original gag with the
straight jacket.
And here it is.
This is for the onstage presentation. You do your usual
stuff, but one patter twist TO SET UP THE FINAL GAG, is you have
someone time it to see how long it takes to GET YOU INTO THE
JACKET. Then you say. "OK, it took 4 minutes (or whatever it
took) to get me into the jacket. Now, Houdini was NEVER able to
get out of a jacket under the time it took to get him into it.
Tonight I am going to try to do just that!"
OK, you do your escape -- you are out of the jacket. You get
your applause and you run off stage. And in only a couple of
seconds you come back out for a second bow, right? Right. But
when you re-appear YOU ARE BACK IN THE STRAIGHT JACKET.
Simple. Get a duplicate jacket. Put it all together just
like you were in it. Sew it together so arms, flaps, etc. will
all stay in place. Then at the back, (you will need some strong
scissors) cut right up the back, then sew some more loose pieces,
and sew (if you can get some matching canvas at a sail shop all
the better) about a 10-inch wide flap under one edge. Then affix
strips of VELCRO, and then attach VELCRO to the inside of the
opposite edge of the cut jacket.
Now all you have to do is have a couple of backstage people
hold this open, and as you come off stage they wrap it around
you, the VELCRO holds it all in place and out you go for your
bows!!! And laughs!!!
PS: just remembered one other bit Olsen and Johnson did with the
guy in the jacket. At intermission he was in the Mens Room, still in
the jacket, sitting there. HO HOOHOHOHOO HHHOO HHHOOHHHHOHOHOHo
Msg #4517 Dated 8:58:09 12-31-90 -> 4543
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: COPPERFIELD
Max,
Thanks for the answer and your point is well taken.
My personal reason for the inquiry was not to add it to my act
as I don't think it would be right for me. I had an even worse
motivation, a burning desire to know how the damned thing works.
This is a bad habit that I will occasionally indulge in. I felt
it was best to ask where I might purchase the secret rather than
ask someone how it worked.
Msg #4518 Dated 13:30:58 12-31-90 -> 4823
From: RICK RUHL
To: ALL
Re: CAN I ASK A DEEP QUESTION
Guys:
What is the average fee for a show? I'm making up my pricae list and
would love some input (since I'm in Atlanta, I'm no competion to you
guys, just Dan 'The wizard' Garret. ).
If you'd like to put it in the private message, please do.
Thanks Again
Ricker
Msg #4519 Dated 14:55:51 12-31-90 4511 <--> 4526
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RISING CARDS UH HUH
Yeah, autographs in pencil. 'Bout as good as business cards with your
name pencilled in. There is an old story that might lead to some
appropriate thoughts on what makes a magician - Picasso was once in a
resturant when a lady came over with a napkin and a pencil and asked if
he would do a quick sketch for her. "Madam," he said, "for a quick
sketch I'd have to charge you $7,000." "Why so much," she said, "It'll
only take you a minute." "No, Madam," Picasso said, "It took me 60
years."
Msg #4522 Dated 15:02:52 12-31-90
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: RICE BOWLS
Hah!
Msg #4523 Dated 15:03:50 12-31-90 4516 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MORE MOJO
Hells-A-Poppin was a great show! Despite the need to stick around,
etc. it was a high point in the industry to be in that crew. Your
jacket effect is good, Pete. Do you know if they make small size ones
for my 2-year old to practice in? Could keep him tied up for hours.
Msg #4524 Dated 15:08:46 12-31-90 -> 4525
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: RICE BOWLS
Thanks. Apparently, you are the only one who likes my humor. Oh,
well, I can always switch to a silent act.
Msg #4525 Dated 15:23:31 12-31-90 4524 <--> 4548
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: RICE BOWLS
Actually David, I was sitting here laughing at that wisecrack myself.
I just thought it a bit strange to write "Ha, Ha!", but there it is!
Msg #4526 Dated 15:28:56 12-31-90 -> 4538
From: STAN LAKE
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RISING CARDS UH HUH
I thought I would never own a Svengali deck but now I think I have a
good reason to go get one. Thanks Pete!
Msg #4527 Dated 15:34:08 12-31-90 -> 4547
From: STAN LAKE
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: BICYCLE DECKS
To tell you the truth, I don't know what a racer or fan back is. Is it
the design on the back of the cards?
Msg #4528 Dated 15:38:58 12-31-90 -> 4533
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGICAL MUTTERINGS
Tabman, I'm going to print that one up and post it. You are either a
quick and facile poet or you have a lot of time on your hands! Thanks
for nice words to one and all. Happy New Year!
Msg #4529 Dated 15:44:31 12-31-90 -> 4530
From: STAN LAKE
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: CRIDGE REVEALED!
It's a Deal! Thanks many, many times and I hope your Raiders go all
the way! Happy New Year!
Msg #4530 Dated 15:46:19 12-31-90 -> 4544
From: STAN LAKE
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: CRIDGE REVEALED!
Amen! I hope we as a group can show a level of ethics uncommon in this
day and age. It really would be great! Happy New Year!
Msg #4531 Dated 16:06:58 12-31-90 -> 4549
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: THANKS
I don't know if you ever get tired of hearing this, but I wanted to say
thank you very, very, much for putting together this wonderful bbs for
us all. I have personally gotten not only a lot of knowledge but also
a ton of enjoyment. Thank you very much and have a Happy New Year!
Msg #4532 Dated 17:00:02 12-31-90 -> 4561
From: TABBY CRABB
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: FRIENDS OF THE FAMOUS
Hi Rikker,
No doubt you'll get some excellent advice from Pete Biro,
Max Maven, Jim Sisti and others here on the great computer
network so I'll offer my quarters worth too.
Coupla things, Sammy Smith outa FLA has a spiral bound
book out called "Sell Your Act With Letters" which has some
pretty good examples ideas init. Also let me recommend the tape,
"Negotiating Higher Performance Fees" from Michael Ammar.
Here's how I work. I'd call Dan Garrett and offer to buy
him lunch and talk straight with him. Since he's one of the top
pros in your area and if you feel he's your only competition or
you'd like to be his only competition he'd be the one who could
best tell you how to work your area. By getting together you can
avoid undercutting his fees. You'll probably find him to be
helpful and he may turn some work your way if he feels you can
handle it. I've found that entertainers can get much more done by
helping each other, and think of the great friends you'll make.
It's not much, but give Garrett a call. If he hangs up on
you, then anything goes....if he's willing to talk, you're both
better off....nuff sed...tabman..
Msg #4533 Dated 17:04:56 12-31-90 4528 <--> 4559
From: TABBY CRABB
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: MAGICAL MUTTERINGS
What does facile mean?
Msg #4534 Dated 17:35:34 12-31-90 -> 4572
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: GENO MUNARI (X)
Re: GAMES OF CHANCE
Geno, thanks for your files SCAMS and BJQUEST. I found them very
interesting. On single deck "21" games don't the dealers shuffle after
nearly every hand to thwart counters? I'd be interested in your views
on betting at the craps tables. The most common advice I hear is to bet
the Pass and two Come bets. Also it seems that more oriental games are
becoming more popular in Las Vegas. Where can someone learn the rules
and proper play of games such as Pai Gow etc. ?
Msg #4535 Dated 17:37:07 12-31-90
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MUSCLE READING
I was reading over some old messages and saw you had an interest in
muscle reading and were looking for a book etc. I have a booklet called
"Contact Mind Reading-Expanded" by Dariel Fitzkee. I don't know if its
in print any longer but it gives a good overview of technique and
performance. According to the book when you get good you don't even
have to have physical contact with the subject. Contact through a stick
or even a chain is acceptable. I tried the methods for friends several
years back and was very sucessful at finding hidden objects in a room,
choosing a selected playing card that had been spread among others on
a table, etc. I never felt comfortable enough with it to perform in
public to a paying audience, only because I had not practiced enough.
I did find however that there is a GREAT difference in the
concentration and sending abilities of different subjects. Fitzkee
claims in the booklet to have been able to have an audience member push
a straight pin into a wall and through contact mind reading he was able
to (blindfolded) find the hole and place the pin in it. I've found it
works best for me if I am blindfolded or have my eyes closed as it
allows for better concentration.
The most unique use of muscle reading I ever heard about was in an old
Alfred Hitchcock book of short stories. The police detective had a
murder suspect but could not prove that he did it. The detective told
the suspect that there had been an eyewitness. As the body had not yet
been found the detective suggested that he, the suspect, and the
unnammed witness (the magician)take a ride to where the body had been
hidden. They all cramped into the seat of a pickup truck and took a
very long twisting drive. The suspect eventually cracked and screamed
that no one could have followed him as he was very careful- looking for
tails, doubling back, and taking a very twisting route. When they
arrived at the site of the body the suspect had totally confessed. You
see there is always an eyewitness-THE MURDERER. In the story it was
explained that because of the cramped space in the truck that the
magician had been able to read the suspects muscle impulses and
therefore knew where to turn as they drove through the city. I wish I
could remember now the name of the story. It was published over 15
years ago.
Msg #4537 Dated 18:08:19 12-31-90 -> 4573
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: GENO MUNARI (X)
Re: BLACK JACK
Hi Geno.
I enjoyed your blackjack information immensely. I wonder if youwould
give your opinion of the John Patrick gambling systems. I sstudied him
for several months and was pretty impressed.
Msg #4538 Dated 18:33:08 12-31-90 -> 4575
From: MAX MAVEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: RISING CARDS UH HUH
Similar presentational idea, but different method.
Msg #4539 Dated 18:35:53 12-31-90 -> 4557
From: MAX MAVEN
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: FOCUS
Thanks for the kind words. It was a deliberate effort on my part to
have _all_ necessary sleights explained (other than the most basic such
as a Glide or Double Lift), so that every reader could work through the
material without coming up against a "brick wall" in the form of a
reference to a move they didn't know. Of late it seems that a number of
writers, particularly in the card area, presume that every reader has
a certain amount of prior knowledge, but this is not truly the case.
Stephen Minch then came up with the notion of indexing the sleights,
which I think makes the book quite easy to use, particularly for those
who choose to read the material out of order.
At any rate, glad you like it.
Msg #4540 Dated 18:39:17 12-31-90 4501 <--> 4550
From: MAX MAVEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: HEY THERE Y'ALL
Sorry; the shrinking bottle gag is not new. Remember, although the
Nielsen bottles are a recent development, Himber was selling quality
bottles in the 60s, and the Weller bottles go back decades earlier.
Msg #4541 Dated 18:43:59 12-31-90
From: MAX MAVEN
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: CRANK
I understand your feelings on the Johnsson crank gag, but I think the
average lay spectator takes the crank as a gag and dismisses the idea
of its being the actual motive power -- even though it is.
After all, remember the classic story of Vernon and the wind-up
rising card deck...
Msg #4542 Dated 20:00:53 12-31-90 -> 4589
From: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: IBM SIGNATURE
I just got it today. Thanks a lot for all your help. Thanks
also for the thoughtful card. Have a happy holiday.
--Jonathan
Msg #4543 Dated 20:34:07 12-31-90 -> 4656
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: COPPERFIELD
Y'mean someone ELSE has been doin' my rabbit routine?????!!!!!!!
Msg #4544 Dated 20:35:48 12-31-90 4530 <-
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: CRIDGE REVEALED!
Yes indeed. Happy New Year to you, too, Stan!
Msg #4546 Dated 20:52:52 12-31-90 -> 4551
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: ALL
Re: H.N.Y.
That's for Happy New Year, everyone!
As we begin this new decade, the final one of the century, I wish you
all the very best in health, wealth and happiness.
And now...
LET THE REAL MAGIC BEGIN!!!
Msg #4547 Dated 22:42:53 12-31-90 4527 <--> 4635
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: BICYCLE DECKS
Yes, the fan back has the bike in a fan on the back and racer backs
have only a small circle on the back containing a wheel..
Msg #4548 Dated 0:16:15 01-01-91 4525 <--> 4556
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: RICE BOWLS
Thanks! I feel much better now -- at least TWO people, beside myself,
find one of my attempts at humor funny. Happy New Year to you and
yours!
Msg #4549 Dated 0:17:28 01-01-91 4531 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: THANKS
Thank you for the kind words. In a few moments I'm uploading the first
of the Kaps' letters and an important announcement about something new,
so MAGIC! is already off to a good start for 1991!
Msg #4550 Dated 0:19:30 01-01-91 4540 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: HEY THERE Y'ALL
Oh, well...
Msg #4551 Dated 0:20:41 01-01-91 4546 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: H.N.Y.
It's about to begin, Wayne -- The first Kaps letter will follow an
introduction...
Msg #4552 Dated 0:26:46 01-01-91
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: KAPS INTRO - PT. 1 OF 2
AN ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING FIRST!
PRIVATE FRED KAPS LETTERS TO APPEAR ON MAGIC!
Pete Biro will be publishing a set of private letters from FRED KAPS
here on MAGIC!. Covering the period May, 1972 to April, 1980, the
letters will be published, in serial form, starting today, January
1, 1991. These personal letters have been held by Pete for over ten
years.
"These letters provide a real insight into Fred Kaps," said Biro.
"They let us see magic and magicians through his eyes."
Those who know and who loved Fred Kaps and those who are familiar
with his work will immediately appreciate the magnitude of the
contribution that Pete is making to magic history through the
publication of these letters.
These letters were written to a personal friend and often include
Fred Kaps' comments on a wide variety of topics. To place them in
perspective, Pete Biro has provided the following brief biography of
Fred Kaps.
"Fred Kaps has been described by many as 'The Best All-Around
Magical Performer Ever!'
"Big words?
"Not to anyone that ever saw Fred perform. He was equally at home
on stage in front of magicians, for the lay public, or at the close
up table.
"His first fame came when as a young Dutch magician named 'Mystica,'
he appeared on the scene. His theme then was the appearing cane.
Cane after cane kept appearing all throughout his act. He would be
in the middle of something and ZAM another cane. He just threw them
offstage. It seemed he produced literally dozens and dozens of them.
"With this act, and others, Kaps was a THREE TIME FISM GRAND PRIX
WINNER. That's nine years and no one came along to beat him!
"His real name was Bram Bongers. I remember the first time I went
to his home in Utrecht. I though maybe I had the wrong address,
seeing the name Bongers on the mail box.
"As a youngster Fred was intrigued by magic performed by his wife
Nellie's father. Nellie was his childhood sweetheart and they
married, raising, two daughters, Barry and Gaby. Gaby is a very
talented artist.
"Nellie is a great cook, and its amazing that Fred never became
overweight, as every time I visited there was incredible food to be
eaten!!!
"In the beginning Kaps was a student of Henk Vermeyden. Vermeyden
was a strong teacher with great ideas and a longtime force in giving
Holland a great reputation for so many excellent magicians. Richard
Ross, Ger Copper, Dick Koornwinder, The Niberco Bros., Jos Bema,
Eddy Taytelbaum, Phoa Yan Tiong, Marconic and many others have
achieved success from so small a nation.
"Kaps had two distinct types of stage performance. The one
magicians are aware of was the sophisticated, skilled, silent
manipulation act. His work with dollar bill productions (in place
of playing cards), gigantic coins, Smoking Thumb and his "signature"
presentation of the Salt Trick stopped show after show at magicians
conventions. His style, his acting, his attitude, always
impeccable.
"There was another Fred Kaps.
"One that few knew about. The comedian. To see Fred perform at a
theater in his native Holland, speaking (yes, a talking act) with
his magic, Fred actually would have the audiences in stitches. On
more than one occasion I was privileged to travel with him and watch
him knock audiences dead with his patter. The tricks in that show?
Things many magicians would laugh at. The Professor's Nightmare,
Sucker Silk, The Spot Card and the Chinese Sticks. He would often
do two acts in a review show. The first the silent manipulation
act, then in the second half he would do the patter act.
(Continued)
Msg #4553 Dated 0:28:06 01-01-91
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: KAPS INTRO - PT. 2 OF 2
"At the same time, being the consummate professional, Fred was also
a rabid amateur. He never stopped learning new tricks, trying new
variations, and was always on the lookout for unique close-up magic.
Fred didn't have much in the way of inventiveness, he had a great
curiosity and a great global network of people that dreamed up stuff
and gave it to him knowing that it would be kept to him, and
especially that Fred would perform it so well that they were
thrilled to give him their ideas.
"He also had a very clever group of friends all over the world that
were capable of manufacturing special one-off items for him.
"One item in particular was a card sword. Fred had a card sword
that was almost examinable. The method was very different, and the
sword was made from a REAL sword of ancient origin. It was a piece
of art in itself, even if it didn't do anything. Fred also had a
special Cane built that would actually assist him in the production,
seemingly from nowhere, of a rabbit! The rabbit's ears were "built"
into the cane and would pop in and out of view at his command.
"You all know of the vanishing birdcage, and in particular the
Martin method, used throughout vaudeville by Frakson? Well Kaps had
a mechanic construct a huge Candelabra that worked in the same
manner. If you are lucky you might have seen him do this on the Ed
Sullivan show. He was on the very show the Beetles made their US
debut. An historic show in many respects.
"Fred had another custom-made item, and one I had always admired.
It was a hand carved Miniature Skull, gaffed to do Bill Nord's great
trick, Skullocation. Fred also had a variation on his famed
"Smoking Thumb" a version he had planned to market through Ken
Brooke. But all the ripoff artists (particularly those that nicked
his cork routine) had him very upset. So, he didn't market this.
Instead he gave it, and the Skull to me. Recently, the marketable
item, I decided that a variant of this was too good to keep out of
the magic world. I have not given it away, but I discussed the idea
and principle with Finn Jon. Finn, I know Fred would have approved,
as they were very close friends, has added this to his professional
act and it is a hit.
"Kaps was a wonderful person as well. A good family man, a
consummate professional. He was interested in his art, not so much
in the money he might make. Many times when I was on the spot
moneywise putting on a show or a one-day convention (as I used to
with Lloyd Jones in Oakland some 20 years ago) Fred was happy just
to be there and would work for whatever we could afford.
"I can still remember to this day the time he came to Oakland and
the rumor was he had a floating cork trick that no one could figure
out. Larry Jennings flew up from Los Angeles, came in early,
grabbed a front row seat and waited for Kaps to do his lecture.
Fred saw Larry (they knew each other and were good friends) and did
the Cork right under his nose. Larry was blown away! (So was I and
everybody else! At that time no one had a clue!!!)
"Fred left us shortly after the last letter came to my mailbox, in
July of 1980.
"He has been, and will continue to be missed.
"The letters from Fred will not teach you how to do magic. They
will give you an insight to his way of thinking, and what he was
doing in the period covered -- May of 1972 through April of 1980.
In many cases I will add an Editorial Comment to clarify something
in the letter -- any of these comments will be found looking like
this, with DOUBLE angle/parentheses <>. Otherwise the letters will be verbatim."
MAGIC! is extremely pleased to be the exclusive vehicle for the
release of these letters.
These letters and the related Fred Kaps material that he choses to
publish on MAGIC! will remain the personal property of Pete Biro,
Copyright 1991 by Pete Biro, All rights reserved.
Msg #4554 Dated 0:29:27 01-01-91
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: KAPS LETTER #1
LETTER #1 FROM FRED KAPS TO PETE BIRO
These letters and the related Fred Kaps material that he choses to
publish on MAGIC! will remain the personal property of Pete Biro,
Copyright 1991 by Pete Biro, All rights reserved.
NOTE: All letters are "verbatim" as written, remember English was
not Fred's native language! Any comments or clarifications by the
editor are enclosed in << >>.
<>
5 May 1972
Dear Pete,
Indeed I use the bulb <> as you mentioned.
However I DO know how the switch is laying and because the magnet
is flat on the table in my packet of Pall-Mall cigarettes, I get
the greatest distance possible with my magnet. It's about 2
inches from the packet.
Now you mention that you have a Magnet that even works on a
distance of 5 inches. Wow! You just have to get me one!
Is it made in America or in England? I tried almost every magnet
that the English firm ECLIPSE makes. But 5 inches, no!
I don't care the costs but bring one over. <>.
Did you get the Touch of Midas routine? (From Scotty) <>
I did it several times now, and it is very good indeed, if I may
say so. This afternoon I am going to pick up my Dutch Coins that
I had plated. Done right (as with everything) the switch goes
completely unnoticed.
Am working on a 2 Ring Routine that might go into the
lecture notes. <> It is quite
difficult to describe it!
Ken <> wrote to me about a miracle ring trick <> that he brought out. Will
receive it in about 3 weeks, so I am looking forward to it. He
says I will kill them with this thing! Only hope it is
commercial as well! (Knowing Ken it will be).
Scotty told me in his letter that he is working on a
magnetic dice thing. Sounds very interesting, because not many
dice tricks are around. The Vernon dice routine, I always work,
gets the best audience reaction so far. Very Commercial!
Well Pete, I hope you arrive in good health!
Have to write Ken again.
All the best (signed) Fred-
Msg #4555 Dated 0:30:29 01-01-91 -> 4612
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
--- IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT ---
In order to meet the needs of the growing membership of MAGIC!, we
are adding additional phone lines! These lines will be set up on a
rotary system, so that when you dial in you will automatically be
routed to the next available line. There may still be peak periods
when busy signals will occur, but the new lines should make access
to MAGIC! easier.
The installation of the new lines will occur Friday, January 4th and
Saturday, January 5, 1991. There may be some temporary
interruptions in MAGIC! as we add the new lines and balance the
system.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
Msg #4556 Dated 0:40:06 01-01-91 4524 <-
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: RICE BOWLS
Shh...
Msg #4557 Dated 0:41:20 01-01-91 4539 <-
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: FOCUS
Yes, the book IS easy to use. I've been reading/using it since
Christmas and I've just been having a ball. I've only gotten through
the first two, but because I've been having fun creating my own patter
for the effects. Also, I was glad that you didn't put any "hard"
patter into the text. I'm talking about patter that is definite (And
one little alien decided to beam up...), as it has always given me
trouble in the past. Anyway, I recommend the book, Focus, to anyone
who likes novel card effects.
Msg #4558 Dated 0:45:56 01-01-91 4513 <--> 4822
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: HAPPY HOLIDAZE
What the heck is MOJO?
Msg #4559 Dated 0:52:16 01-01-91 4533 <--> 4564
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGICAL MUTTERINGS
In French, facile means easy, so you are a "quick and easy poet..."
Msg #4560 Dated 1:00:12 01-01-91
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: ALL
Re: HAPPY NEW YEAR
Read the subject line and add an exclamation point!
Msg #4561 Dated 6:42:34 01-01-91 4532 <-
From: RICK RUHL
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: FRIENDS OF THE FAMOUS
Thanks, Oh Tabman, you advice will be well taken.
I met Dan many years ago when I was in oadcasting, so maybe he'll
remeber me. I'll give that a shot.
The other magician in Atlanta that I have seen work and I put on the
level with garret, Biro and yourself is Abb Dickson. Maybe I should
call him too.
Happy New Year!
Ricker
Msg #4562 Dated 7:15:09 01-01-91 -> 4570
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: HUMOR
Funny! You??? Yes, Make it three.
Msg #4563 Dated 7:15:54 01-01-91 -> 4666
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: TOP 10 OF 1990
From: AMUSEMENT BUSINESS 1990 year end issue magic makes it
into a coupla of the top grossing charts.
TOP 10 Concert Grosses for Facilities 5,000 Capacity of Less
1. $953,080 Luther Vandross Fox(Detroit)
2. 876,184 Frank Sinatra Fox(Detroit)
3. 718,899 Kenny Rogers Fox(Detroit)
4. 715,804 Diana Ross Westbury Music
5. 715,641 Kenny Rogers Westbury Fair
6. 711,440 Diana Ross Fox(Detroit)
7. 656,160 Magic of Copperfield Fox(Detroit)
8. 601,000 Michael Feinstein Golden(NewYork)
9. 598,969 Frank Sinatra Sunrise (Fla)
10. 559,661 Patti LaBelle Constitution Hall
Also of interest to MAGIC! members is:
TOP 10 Boxscores Of Variety/Specialty Acts
1. $882,700 Andrew Dice Clay Madison Sq. Gar.
2. 656,160 Magic of Copperfield Fox(Detroit)
3. 396,122 Penn & Teller Chicago Theater
4. 372,498 Red Skelton Fox(Detroit)
5. 351,857 Bill Cosby Westbury Mus. Fair
6. 325,944 Magic of Copperfield Fox(Atlanta)
7. 321,298 Andrew Dice Clay Nassau Vets Col
8. 319,140 Andrew Dice Clay Inglewood, CA
9. 304,660 Andrew Dice Clay Auburn Hills, MI
10. 285,145 Andrew Dice Clay Auburn Hills, MI
No magic showed up in the Top 100 shows of 1990, the lowest
grossing rock show topping a million bucks; however, New Kids On
The Block use magic in their program and they are the numero uno
Touring Act of 1990 with a gross of almost 59 mil from 133 shows.
There you have it......tabman....out.
sg #4564 Dated 8:06:49 01-01-91 4533 <--> 4590
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGICAL MUTTERINGS
It means your quick or fluid in what you do. For instance, you wrote
that long entertaining poem. I would have taken weeks to do something
like that. Maybe you did too, but I doubt it. If you pretty much just
let the words flow without a lot of strenous juxtapositions of words
and thumbing through the thesaurus then you are facile with poetry. It
would have been a lot more precise to just look that up, but you get
the idea!
Msg #4565 Dated 9:05:59 01-01-91 -> 4653
From: RICK RUHL
To: ALL
Re: MORE QUESTIONS
Ya know, since I returned to magic and found this GREAT bbs, I have a
million dumb questions, so please don't laught when I ask them.
I have purchased a TOPPIT. It came with Patrick Page's handbook but the
detail isn't enough, I cant get it right. Here's my questions.
Do you pin the Toppit nearer or farther aways from the buttons.
How high up in the coat should it go.
What is the best move for vanishing something into a Toppit?
These and many more questions are in my head.
Rick
Msg #4566 Dated 9:08:50 01-01-91 -> 4571
From: RICK RUHL
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: YOU DID SEE
in your list that the FOX here in ATLANTA was in the 6th position. Yes,
the South WILL rise again. (Then again, I'm from Ontario, California so
it's not that big a deal if it does rise again.)
Rikker
Msg #4567 Dated 9:16:07 01-01-91 -> 4576
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: MAGIC! 1991
A coupla things -->
First off, Pete Biro coulda put his correspondence with
Fred Kaps out ina limited ed. book, hadem leather bound and
signed and gotten some really good bucks from it, sooooo me for
one wants to say
T H A N K S P E T E B I R O !
Second, David's company is taking on additional expense
at putting in the new phone lines from which we all will benefit,
and I for 1 wonder if we shouldn't all kick in a coupla bucks
each to help with the installation and maintenance of this
convenience. Maybe we could have an online auction.
This message is not sanctioned by David, Pete, or MAGIC!
so we'd have to hear from them on this, but.....
Third, oh yeah, I sed a couple and thatz two....bye
Msg #4568 Dated 9:17:01 01-01-91 -> 4577
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: TOP 100 CONJURING BOOKS
Over the years in magic publications, there have been
attempts to rate books related to conjuring in different manners.
My favorite has been the "Five Foot Bookshelf" and
the Top 100 books.
I've wondered over the past coupla years why this hasn't
been done ina while. I want to compile such a list and request
your help on this score.....everyone reply, cause I need your
brain and opinion.
It works like this:
If you could only keep ten (10) of your books, which ten
would they be. You don't havta say why, but when this is over
(assuming anyone responds) I'll compile the list into hopefully
the hundred book library. You don't have to actually own the
books, it could be a book you've always wanted to get your hands
on.
Here's mine off the top of my head:
Modern Magic
Jarrett
Expert Card Technique
Conjuring and Magic
Twelve Have Died
Historian's Guide To Conjuring
Greater Magic
The Riddle of Chung Ling Soo
The Magic of J.N. Hofsinser
Thirteen Steps To Mentalism
This is tuff, cause now I'm trying to sneak my Vernon books in,
and I haven't finished Focus yet, but itsa start.
the quick and easy,
_|_ |_
| /-\ |_| |\/| /-\ |\|
tabman
Msg #4569 Dated 10:55:00 01-01-91
From: TABBY CRABB
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: VARIATIONS ON GH EFFECT
Rikker,
Whatdoya mean, the South will rise again. According to
the last Cray simulation on the greenhouse effect and global
warming most of the South will be a desert by 1999....California
long before then.....I guess since you now know that I know
what's going on, you'd wonder why I'm going back down to
Tennessee. Heck, they're gonna build a dome over Nashville and
I'm gonna sell em water....
Re: TOPIT
Again, let me refer you to our friend, Michael Ammar.
Write him at:
5107 Evergreen Court
Austin, Texas 78731
Request his lists (he's got good stuff on Topit, etc..and uses it
as well as anyone ever has). Tell him the tabman suggested you
write when you do.... Michael's supposed to be signing onto
MAGIC! sometime soon, but til then, drop him a line. He's a
great guy, you'll be glad you did........
--> tabman <--
---> PROGRAMMERS ONLY --->
PS...on user supported software - Steve Messer (Stella Parton's
hubby) and I developed SIDEMAN (R) for the recording industry a
few years ago....packaged it beautifully and Computerland sold it
for $495...well, when our contract was up (I was pixxxed at them)
we released ver. 2.1 to user supported on Compuserve Midi Forum.
Over 200 people downloaded it (by this time we were asking $35
for a five hundred dollar software pkg (we were the first to time
delay lines with musical pulse using computers)...anyway, out of
200+ downloads, two people called saying they were gonna send
their money in....and zero actually did...I'd be curious about
the magi response cuz magi people, with a few exceptions are
pretty sensitive people......I've been wanting to tell you this,
but never got around to it....guess since its 1991 Day 1 I've
decided to be truthful this decade, then start lying again in the
year 2001.....by the way, Steve Messer and I are still software
partners (friends) and are setting up a digital editing suite in
Nashville (he will hands on run) he and Stella will be joining
our small community in the hills...and are developing two more
programs - one for gardening of the future, the other delves into
the psychic sphere which we WILL NOT release honor system unless
its an abbreviated version that will be short on function and may
scramble their hard drive if they use it more than five times or
something like that......I did not download your database, though
if you'll mail me a disk (5"360k flp) I'll send you a check.....
Heard its great from several peoples who did....can you print the
manual out for me as both my printers are down and I will not buy
more til we move and get a relationship going with supplier in
TN...actually Steve is selling them out of the trunk of his car
he just sent me a new 42 meg hd....so there.....
Msg #4570 Dated 11:30:31 01-01-91 4562 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: HUMOR
OK. We'll STOP at three votes. Otherwise I'll get a complex.
Msg #4571 Dated 11:32:31 01-01-91 4566 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: YOU DID SEE
Rick, Tabman, et al - Hope you had your black eyed peas and collard
greens this morning. Supposed to do that New Year's morning, you know.
I had 'em and I et al.
Msg #4572 Dated 11:31:16 01-01-91 4534 <-
From: GENO MUNARI
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: GAMES OF CHANCE
Burt, there are really not that many single decks to be found in Las
Vegas, however they can be found. You will mostly find double decks
dealt from the hand. I think Circus-Circus and a few others have them.
Single deck games are usually dealt two complete hands, that is to six
players twice before shuffling up, unless a player makes an unusually
large wager, then the dealer will shuffle the cards. Remember that
card counting itself is not illegal, and about only 10% of the card
counters even make a dent on the casinos win record. What is dangerous
for the casinos are computers that are secretly hidden on the body,
that give the player an advantage over the casino.
Years ago, we would actually have a person (eye or florman) count the
cards down for the dealers, giving them a special signal, such as
rubbing the head, telling the dealer when to shuffle. The person doing
the signals might be at the bar, or on the outside of the game
watching.
Craps- the best bet to make is the DON'T PASS, with odds. It is the
best bet on the table with the house percentage at 1.404 % against the
player, or so. On the PASS LINE, the % is about 1.414% against the
player. Interesting reverse psychology isn't it. Nobody likes to bet
on a negative, even though it is by far the best bet.
The oriental games are interesting, but have a built in advantage
over the player, just as craps has. In blackjack a person can use
skill and proper playing strategy, not the case in Pai Gow, or PAi Gow
Poker; only is there proper strategy, rather than skill. However,
there have been many attempts at trying to mark the dominoes, etc.
Thanks very much for your interest. I will upload a short paragraph
on Pai Gow for you.
Sincerely,
Geno Munari
Msg #4573 Dated 11:40:54 01-01-91 4537 <-
From: GENO MUNARI
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: BLACK JACK
He is interesting but not very "real" in the sense that I know
gambling. He states that he is a player. I have my doubts, yet his
information is worthwhile. I will soon be making a set of gaming tape
on advantage casino playing. I'll post the infor when they are ready.
I just finished a four game series on Table Game Cheating. Will be out
in two weeks.
Sincerely,
Geno Munari
Msg #4575 Dated 11:59:30 01-01-91
From: STAN LAKE
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RISING CARDS UH HUH
I have come up with an easy way to do the same effect with a non-gaffed
deck. (I didn't want to buy a Svengali deck!) What I do is control
the selected card to the second from the top position in the deck.
While placing the deck into the envelope I slide the top card over
about an inch or so. It is then an easy mattetoe the pencil into the
envelope and slide it in between the top card and the selected card
which is second from the top. Then proceed in the usual manner.
Msg #4576 Dated 12:04:04 01-01-91 4567 <--> 4583
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC! 1991
Both are good points. Thanks from me too, Pete. I will be looking
forward to all future installments in the Kaps series.
As much as I enjoy this BBS I wouldn't mind at all making some
contribution to help defray the cost of the extra phone lines etc.
What do you think Dr. Lichtman?
Msg #4577 Dated 12:07:36 01-01-91 4568 <--> 4584
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP 100 CONJURING BOOKS
Most of my favorites are the basics because that is what I use the
most. So here are mine:
The Amateur Magicians Handbook, Coin Magic (Bobo), Royal Road To Card
Magic, Expert Card Technique, Close Up Card Magic, Stars of Magic,
I guess we have to count each volume of the Vernon Chronicles and the
Tarbell course as separate books so I'll need some of each to round
things out. Come to think of it, Kerry Ross, a locally based fellow
who does cruise ships, parties, and teaches the Circus of the Stars
performers to do magic, said that anyone could make a living doing
magic using just the material in the Tarbell course alone and adding
their own embellishments. I don't own the course but I'd like to get
it someday soon.
Msg #4578 Dated 12:16:43 01-01-91 -> 4585
From: STAN LAKE
To: ALL
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
So far I have only gotten requests for six decks of red, rider back,
poker size Bicycle playing cards made into a one way force deck for the
astonishingly low price of only $2.00. That includes postage and
handling. I can make them up in just about any way you want. So far
Tabby Crabb wants any two decks, Dr. Lichtman wants any two non-face
decks and Doug Larson wants any two number decks under nine.
I need at least 14 more decks to be ordered within the next four or
five days. I'm looking forward to hearing from y'all...
Msg #4579 Dated 12:35:45 01-01-91 -> 4581
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: PEA TRICK
Maryland stuffed ham - ham stuffed with greens, it cooks all day and
Georgia style blackeyes with fatback for good luck. Watching the cotton
bowl - hook em horns - sending out some fax mail, waiting for a coupla
clients to bring me a check (I hope)....doing about five diff things -
I'm taking the day off since I usually ten or fifteen.....yo pal.tabman
Msg #4581 Dated 12:45:05 01-01-91 4579 <--> 4614
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PEA TRICK
Tabman has a new effect -- he makes a Maryland Stuffed Ham vanish. But
wait, both Maven and Waters say it's been done before.
Msg #4582 Dated 13:00:45 01-01-91 -> 4636
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: PAI GOW
Geno Munari has uploaded a file on Pai Gow. If you've ever passed the
Pai Gow tables in a casino and wondered what those folks were doing,
well, here's your answer! The file is named PAI .
Msg #4583 Dated 13:51:37 01-01-91 4576 <--> 4593
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: MAGIC! 1991
Sometimes a few of you are TOO perceptive! Well, here's the
story....
I've made an arrangement with my company, ECA Inc., under which I
personally now "own" the MAGIC!(tm) section. This will give us the
latitude to add features, equipment, and phone lines dedicated to
MAGIC! From the member perspective this will not change anything
about MAGIC! and everything will continue as usual.
As to the contributions that some members have suggested. Actually,
yes, that would be nice. I've struggled with this issue for some
time. I want MAGIC! to be free and open, but there are expenses
connected with it and there are new things that we would like to be
able to add. Our plans for 1991 are ambitious and contributions
would help to make them happen.
If you would like to make a contribution to MAGIC! you can send it
to:
David Lichtman
P. O. Box 900
Arleta, CA 91334
While we are not tax deductible, contributors will receive a
handsome certificate, suitable for framing, indicating that they
have contributed to MAGIC! and they will receive one of the first
MAGIC! buttons.
Msg #4584 Dated 14:51:50 01-01-91 4568 <--> 4599
From: RICHARD HART
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP 100 CONJURING BOOKS
Oh Tabman, isn't there a way I can sneak my 5-foot shelf into the list?
I mean, does Tarbell count as 1 or 7? Or Rice's Encyclopedia as 3 or
1? Or what about my Tannen-bound Jinxes?
Egads, man, I'd be lost! But in any event, ignoring the above...
1. Greater Magic
2. Expert Coin Magic (Roth)
3. The New Modern Coin Magic (Bobo)
4. 13 Steps to Mentalism (Corinda)
5. Practical Mental Effects (Annemann)
6. Impossibilia (Bannon)
7. Derek Dingle's Complete Works (Dingle)
8. Stewart James in Print (James)
9. Sleight of Hand (Sachs)
10. Magic Without Apparatus (Gaultier)
And what about the Fitzkee trilogy? Magic and Showmanship by Nelms?
The Jennings book, the Hamman book, Focus, Marlo, Chemical Magic by
Lippy? Glad I don't have to make a REAL choice!
Msg #4585 Dated 15:08:27 01-01-91 4578 <--> 4594
From: RICHARD HART
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Stan: at $2 a deck, I can't pass the offer up. Give me 10 decks. I
would like one to be the 5 of Diamonds, and don't care about the
others....
Msg #4586 Dated 16:36:29 01-01-91 -> 4617
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: DAVID SACKS
Re: GREETINGS
Speaking of "THE-DAY-OF-MAGIC" it is going to be even bigger and better
this year. I don't have all of the details yet but I do know it is
going to be at the UCLA campus this year and I guess they have some
great lecturers this year. I myself missed last year and have kicked
myself ever since. I will post more information as it becomes
available. RING 21 will also be hosting two Michael Ammar lectures on
January 25 if you or anyone is interested.
Msg #4588 Dated 16:57:11 01-01-91 4509 <--> 4595
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: ONE MORE THING
Some Gags die hard!!!!! HAHAHAHA
I am trying to convince Lichtman to put togather an Abbott's Address
thread with ALL of the Abbott's address messages. This way when and IF
someone EVER, I said EVER asks for Abbott's address we can send them to
that file for downloading. Of course it will take them an hour and a
half to download but...
Msg #4589 Dated 17:07:52 01-01-91 4542 <-
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: JONATHAN KAUFTHAL
Re: IBM SIGNATURE
It was my pleasure Jonathan and let me be the first to welcome you the
The International Brotherhood of Magicians. HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
Msg #4590 Dated 17:21:23 01-01-91 4564 <--> 4596
From: TABBY CRABB
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: MAGICAL MUTTERINGS
I wrote it in about 20 minutes working piecemeal as I did
other tasks while we prepared in the kitchen for new year
traditional brunch of good stuff. The stuffed ham takes three
days to prepare (I was cooks helper and it was New years Eve) It
was fun. Sometimes you just feel like writing a poem. A poem is
no good to me unless its fun to write, then read...Glad you
enjoyed it....Been writing a fantasy in my spare time and since
I'd been developing an epic poem to chronicle history, etc of
this strange new world, I was pretty warm so just went at it and
thought everyone might have a coupla smiles outa the deal...
Thanks for the new word...thatz me ...quik'n'eze..tabman.
Msg #4591 Dated 18:00:51 01-01-91
From: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN
To: ALL
Re: MAGIC!-NL
H A P P Y N E W Y E A R F R O M H O L L A N D !
========================================================
.
From this side of the ocean I wish all MAGIC! members a
wonderful 1991. I must congratulate David and his Co. for the
great job they are doing with MAGIC!.
.
I want to thank Pete Biro for giving us an insight view to the
Fred Kaps letters!!
.
As from 1st february 1991 MAGIC!-NL will start its bbs live. I
don't have the new number yet, but will let you all know when I
know it.
.
I have commitments from various dutch magicians (Tommy wonder)
they will participate in this BBS. After David and I have solved
some system problems on how to link the BBS's. I hope this will
be the beginning of a growing group of participating BBS that
will link magicians all over the world.
.
From my side I will see if I can get some contributions from the
dutch magicians to be added to the Kaps-mania on MAGIC!.
I think about Dick Koornwinder, I told him about Pete's
initiative and hope I can persue him to offer some info for
publication on the MAGIC! boards.
.
Finally I would like to congratulate David with the addition of
extra lines to MAGIC!. This really shows the success of MAGIC!.
.
Best regards,
Arnaud.
.
P.S.
I have to excuse myself for the MAGIC! lunch.....
Msg #4593 Dated 19:37:32 01-01-91 4583 <--> 4604
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: MAGIC! 1991
Sounds good. My check will be in the mail tomorrow. (Seriously!)
Msg #4594 Dated 19:40:48 01-01-91 4585 <--> 4603
From: STAN LAKE
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
OK Richard, 10 it is. I'm confident we will be able to get some more
orders in so I am going to raid all of the Thrifty stores tomorrow!
Msg #4595 Dated 19:44:32 01-01-91 4588 <--> 4609
From: STAN LAKE
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: ONE MORE THING
That could fill up someones hard disk in a hurry!
Msg #4596 Dated 19:47:02 01-01-91 4590 <--> 4630
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGICAL MUTTERINGS
Yes, you seem to have a gift of "Sleight of pen" (or keyboard). We all
enjoy hearing from you so thanks again.
Msg #4597 Dated 19:49:35 01-01-91 -> 4825
From: STAN LAKE
To: ALL
Re: UNSLEIGHT OF HAND
Last night for new years eve my wife and I celebrated at the Magic
Castle. They really did it up right with great food, champagne, a live
band and plenty of shows. One of my favorite performers, Brian Gillis
was performing in the Parlour and he was doing some of my favorite
effects. I have seen him many times and although he may come across as
a bit arrogant, (One of his lines is- "I'm the best I've ever seen!) he
is very skilful and entertaining. I was in the front row when he had
five people each choose a card and he was going to locate them in five
different ways. While shuffling the deck he lost control of his cards
and crash landed them on the floor. What a mess! He missed on a few
other effects and it got me thinking- if someone this talented could
make these kinds of errors it certainly will happen to us lesser magi.
Obviously you can never be good enough. The question for the real pros
is what do you do when a calamity occurs?
I thought it was interesting that the people I was with still marveled
at his skill and even thought it was part of the routine! Didn't
someone once say we should know a dozen outs for every possible thing
that could go wrong with a trick or something like that?
Anyway, I have 11 days of vacation and I will be happily perusing tghe
books and tapes I got for Christmas along with frequent visits to our
bulletin board. I'm starting the new year right!
Msg #4598 Dated 20:11:35 01-01-91 -> 4605
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: QUALITY MAGIC FOR QUALITY
A U C T I O N!
The Old Principal's House Magic Library wishes to place
the following book in auction the proceeds to go to the
operational budget of MAGIC!. Bids are to start at $35 and will
end January 21, 1991. Upon receipt of your check at MAGIC! World
Headquarters we will ship your book to you Priority Mail. Here's
a chance for you, if you don't already, to own a small piece of
the great history of magic.
QUALITY MAGIC by Okito.
First Edition 1921. Original as published by Will
Goldston. This book when available is usually
priced at $75 in this condition (price reference
Joe Stevens Magic Co. catalog).
Let tabman know and the winner will be announced January 22, 1991.
x x x
Msg #4599 Dated 20:44:38 01-01-91 4568 <--> 4668
From: JIM SISTI
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP 100 CONJURING BOOKS
Here are my ten, for what it's worth:
EXPERT CARD TECHNIQUE--Hugard & Braue
THE EXPERT AT THE CARD TABLE--Erdnase
SECRETS & MYSTERIES OF THE CLOSE-UP ENTERTAINER--Burger
THE DAI VERNON BOOK OF MAGIC--Ganson
MODERN COIN MAGIC--Bobo
ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF MAGIC--Christopher
THE ANNALS OF CONJURING--Clarke
THE COMMERCIAL MAGIC OF J.C. WAGNER--Maxwell
THEATRICAL CLOSE-UP--Samelson
CLOSE-UP CARD MAGIC--Lorayne
BTW, happy 1991 everyone!
Msg #4602 Dated 22:15:15 01-01-91 -> 4654
From: JACK TAVES
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: AMMAR SEMINAR
THE AMMAR WORKSHOP AND LECTURE WILL BE JAN 22ND.... 6:00PM SHARP
THE LECTURE WILL BE AT 8:00PM THE ADDRESS IS 9791 ARROW RD. CUCAMONGA
CA. CALL BE SOON AS WE ARE GOING TO FILL UP FAST YOU MUST I REPEAT YOU
MUST HAVE YOUR NAME ON THE LIST WE DON'T WANT TO TURN ANYONE AWAY AT
THE DOOR.. PLEASE CALL ME AT 818 914-1288 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I'LL GIVE
YOU ALL THE DETAILS.. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN ADVANCED MAGICAIN TO
ATTEND. BUT HE WILL BE DOING A MORE ADVANCED WORKSHOP THAN LAST TIME...
DON'T DELAY....... JACK TAVES PREZ M.A.G.I.C. THE MAGICAL ARTS GUILD IN
CUCAMONGA. aka. THE BEAR GULTCH MYSTICS.....
Msg #4603 Dated 23:02:32 01-01-91 4594 <--> 4613
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Stan, I spoke with Ron Bieber (another MAGIC! member) tonite and he
would like 4 decks. For convenience, you can add them to my 2 and just
mail them to me. Thanks!
Msg #4604 Dated 23:09:06 01-01-91 4593 <--> 4667
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: MAGIC! 1991
Thanks, Stan. Your support of MAGIC! is appreciated.
Msg #4605 Dated 23:10:48 01-01-91 4598 <--> 4827
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: QUALITY MAGIC FOR QUALITY
TABMAN! You are INCREDIBLE! The only mind-bogler here is that I can't
bid! But thanks to your generosity MAGIC! will get some cash and
someone is gonna get one Hell of a book!
Msg #4609 Dated 23:26:56 01-01-91 4595 <--> 4631
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE MORE THING
Yeah! It almost filled one of MAGIC!'s hard disks!
Msg #4612 Dated 0:35:36 01-02-91 4555 <--> 4652
From: DOUGLAS LARSON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
David,
It seems that you are going beyond the call to provide the BEST Bbs
I've ever been on. Thanks for all the effort that you put in. BTW ...
have a Very Happy New Year.
Doug
Msg #4613 Dated 0:46:07 01-02-91 4578 <--> 4618
From: DOUGLAS LARSON
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Stan,
if it makes a difference I will take two additional decks just to get
the number of decks you need to move. I don't need em now but you
never know ... besides someone else may want em in a few years at a
swap meet!
let me know...........Doug
Msg #4614 Dated 0:49:32 01-02-91 4579 <-
From: DOUGLAS LARSON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PEA TRICK
Tabman,
Can you upload some of these goodies so we can sample here.......?
It can be another first on Magic!
Msg #4615 Dated 0:57:10 01-02-91
From: DOUGLAS LARSON
To: CHARLIE RANDALL (X)
Re: HOFZINSER BOOK
Charlie,
Great to talk to you on Monday, "The check is in the Mail" . I got
the Hofzinser book today and wanted to thank both you and Richard. I
guess I should also thank my Wife... All of you have made this a
special time of year for me. I can hardly wait for the next list to be
published. BTW Can you do tracking of special requests for books that
might be wanted for a certain library that is now being formed??? I
missed out on a few that were on list 2 and wouldn't like that to
happen again. Let me know.
Thanks a million
Doug
Msg #4616 Dated 1:47:59 01-02-91 -> 4633
From: DAVID LUTHER
To: ALL
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
If you have access to February 1991 issue of Playboy turn to page
83 (or what should be page 83 since it has no page number on it)
and at the top left is photo of Paul Matthews performing at nudist
beach at Brighton.....Matthews claims to be Britian's first naked
magician. My secretary noted the floating (nude) lady in front of
Matthew's mid section and suggested he might be using a real novel
way for a levitation effect.... (you gotta see the photo to
appreciate).
Msg #4617 Dated 2:37:09 01-02-91 4586 <-
From: RICHARD HART
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: GREETINGS
Ring 21 hosting the Ammar lectures? Yes, I am DEFINATELY interested!
Msg #4618 Dated 2:39:34 01-02-91 4594 <--> 4638
From: RICHARD HART
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Ok, Stan. If you're having a hard time filling the rest of the orders,
let me know, I may up my order. I'm so sick of popping into my local
magic store and finding out the only force decks they have are bridge
Fox Lake backs, I could just cry. Any chance I have for Bicycle poker
force decks, I'll jump at. I do the "Tossed-out Deck" mental effect in
my act, and I'd like to vary the composition of the deck from time to
time.... Hence, the need for multiple force decks....
Anyway, let me know how the orders go....
_richard
Msg #4623 Dated 6:57:32 01-02-91 -> 4928
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: QUALITY MAGIC AUCTION
I'm bid fifty....do I hear fifty five???
Msg #4624 Dated 6:58:02 01-02-91 -> 4627
From: TABBY CRABB
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: SLIGHT OF FOOT
Hi Stan,
Happy you enjoy reading what I'm ritin. I read everything
that goes by and MAGIC! is helping me sharpen up my pen
(fingers). You're definately right, starting the New Year right
with MAGIC! I'm killing some time the past few daze myself, but
got to get back to the grindstone next week and try to make some
money. The bands with my management co are putting on a drive to
get hoppefully at least 2,500 tapes and cds together for the
grunts in the field in Operation Desert Shield and shipem out
next weekend. If you can't make money, then make friends....
thatz part of my code anyway.....boils down to always trying to
give more than you get cause you always get back what you send
out anyway..........I do what I can.........Best Wishes for 1991
your friend, tabman...
Msg #4627 Dated 7:17:20 01-02-91 4624 <--> 4628
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: SLIGHT OF FOOT
Tabman -- for all I know I may be hittin a bad button here, but in your
tape/CD drive, have you been in touch with Wayne Green of CD Review?
He might could help.
Msg #4628 Dated 7:53:29 01-02-91 4627 <--> 4641
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: SLIGHT OF FOOT
I don't know Wayne, but really don't have a problem with many peoples.
By the way, No, Thank You!!! Like you sed "Us magicians need to stick
together!" I've got one band who is a little slow in the "help others"
department and I'm trying to "let" them spearhead the operation to get
a feel for the truely meaningful things in life......No, not Card Warp.
Msg #4629 Dated 7:56:10 01-02-91 -> 4929
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: TOP BOOKZ
Thank you for your response thus far....I'd like to hear from everyone
on this...I think we'll all benefit from this helpful guide. I built
part of my library using old materials and it is time we magi on the
edge of technology update it for all.......tabman...
Msg #4630 Dated 8:34:58 01-02-91 4590 <--> 4655
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGICAL MUTTERINGS
Enjoyed your poem very much. By the way when was MAGIC! formed? I think
we must be coming up on an anniversary!!!!!
Msg #4631 Dated 8:43:22 01-02-91 4595 <--> 4658
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE MORE THING
It could fill up someones hard disk but they would NEVER ask for
Abbotts's address again. It would also be a great inside joke among the
old timers like myself.
Msg #4632 Dated 9:27:58 01-02-91 -> 4634
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: ALL
Re: MAGIC! LUNCHEON UPDATE
Well guys here is the list thus far of people who have signed up for
the MAGIC! Luncheon at the MAGIC CASTLE on January 25, 1990. If you
are going to attend and your name is not on the list send me a message
on the system and I will add your name to the list. I also need to
know if you would like to perform at the luncheon!!!
MAGIC! LUNCHEON
NAME TIME AND DATE OF RESERVATION
======================================================================
1. DARRELL MURPHY 08:00:00 12-18-90
2. WAYNE POWERS 09:23:59 12-19-90
3. TABBY CRABB 09:39:31 12-19-90
4. MARVIN STERN 16:01:06 12-19-90
5. DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop) 22:18:25 12-19-90
6. MIMI HERTZOG 03:47:18 12-22-90
7. MARK LODGE 00:51:40 12-31-90
Msg #4633 Dated 10:28:46 01-02-91 4616 <--> 4671
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LUTHER (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
Well, Mr. Mathews is wrong.
A much earlier British nudist magician was known as Anthony Alexander
and performed in England in the late 1930's.
Anneman was intrigued by him and claimed that his real name was Blair.
Ted also quipped that a nudist magician's ad for a trick might contain
the line, "At finish, spectators can find nothing on you."
(heh heh)
Well, while we're all busy toasting various things in this new year,
here's a toast to the great Ted Anneman!
Msg #4634 Dated 10:37:58 01-02-91 4632 <--> 4642
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: MAGIC! LUNCHEON UPDATE
I'm looking forward to it!
By the way, Darrell, if there aren't any more than a dozen or so
people, we might just be able to book the Houdini room.
I'm in a group that has a standing reservation for the Houdini room
every other Friday Lunch...a comedians/actors/voiceover artists
hodgepodge of funloving, magicloving idiots...
...anyway...the 25th is our "off" week...so the Houdini room might be
available.
Msg #4635 Dated 12:37:17 01-02-91 -> 4637
From: MARVIN STERN
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: BICYCLE DECKS
It was I. You're welcome.
Msg #4636 Dated 13:01:29 01-02-91 4582 <--> 4673
From: MARVIN STERN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: PAI GOW
My wife is an expert at Pai Gow. The real Pai Gow. The game with
tiles, not Pai Gow Poker. PG Poker was recently made up to take
advantage of a loop hole in the law. My wife was one of the very first
"round eyes" to play in Vegas. The term round-eyes, is the dealers
term , and is not racest. It is an interesting game, but hard.
Nothing like PG Poker. If you have any questions, I'll be glad to
answer them, although I'm not the good player that my wife is. Also,
a friend of our in Vegas, wrote one of the first books, in English, on
Pai Gow. Regards,
Msg #4637 Dated 13:11:26 01-02-91 4635 <--> 4643
From: STAN LAKE
To: MARVIN STERN (X)
Re: BICYCLE DECKS
Thanks again Marvin. Would you like a couple of force decks? How
about a deck full of jokers? That's 26 card warps! (That's probably
what I'll end up doing with them!
Msg #4638 Dated 13:13:44 01-02-91 4603 <--> 4639
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
OK David, his order is in. I'll be making these decks up tonight and
they will be ready for shipping by tomorrow. By the way, the deck that
I purchased from Hollywood Magic came with only 50 cards with two
indifferent cards. They said that's the way they all are. I plan on
giving everyone a full deck to play with but I wondered, should it be
48 same and 4 indifferent or 50 same and 2 indifferent? I need some
continuity here, I can't have some one way and some another. As a
matter of fact unless someone says something quick I am just going to
have 50 same and 2 indifferent, OK? As a humorous aside, one of the
Thrifty stores I went to to get these decks didn't have 52 red back
decks. The lady said why not just get the rest with blue backs?
Somehow I don't think you guys would have liked that!
Msg #4639 Dated 13:21:31 01-02-91 4613 <--> 4640
From: STAN LAKE
To: DOUGLAS LARSON (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Thanks Doug, I have you down for a total of four decks. Since I paid
$7.00 for the last force deck I bought, I'm sure you could get at least
$5.00 for them at a swap meet. As a matter of fact that's what I will
probably do with the rest that our Magic! members don't want.
Msg #4640 Dated 13:23:48 01-02-91 4618 <--> 4664
From: STAN LAKE
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Richard, I bought 52 decks to make these up and I have orders for 22 so
far. So, I have plenty left! Let me know how many you would like
before I ship your order this we.
Msg #4641 Dated 13:25:56 01-02-91 4624 <--> 4670
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: SLIGHT OF FOOT
Tabman, that's really nice of you to ship out all of that music to our
boys (and girls) overseas. At my job we put together boxes full of
candy and lotion and sunglasses etc. for them. We got a quick and
happy reply back. They were very apprecitative and surprised that
somebody cared enough to send them goodies and letters. Makes one feel
good!
Msg #4642 Dated 13:29:55 01-02-91 4632 <-
From: STAN LAKE
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: MAGIC! LUNCHEON UPDATE
I will try and switch my days off but I won't know until after the 14th
or 15th. I'll let you know as soon as I can.
Anymore info on the Ammar seminar? Cost etc.?
Msg #4643 Dated 15:08:55 01-02-91 4637 <--> 4647
From: MARVIN STERN
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: BICYCLE DECKS
I can use two decks, Poker Rider BLUE - one 7 diamonds, the other King
of Hearts. Nope, I've changed my mind. Pls make both the 7 dia.
Catch you later.
Msg #4644 Dated 15:15:50 01-02-91 -> 4648
From: MARVIN STERN
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: BICYCLE CARDS
Could I get a bridge size blue back deck with 4 of Dia? I need to get
a supple of this card, and while I don't need 26, I would take them.
Msg #4646 Dated 18:36:26 01-02-91 -> 4649
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: ALL
Re: BUT SERIOUSLY FOLKS...
Some brief bits of advice from the Wine Country Wizard.
1) Originality in all you do onstage is the key to success in magic.
Therefore, only steal your material from magicians who are unique
and creative.
2) Good grooming and costuming is essential. Get those old sweat
stains out of you bowling shirt before going on stage. Also knock
the excess mud off of your boots.
3) Modern audiences love to be harassed and insulted. Also be sure
to make lots of jokes about handicapped people and women. You
will surely get an overwhelming response.
4) One way to insure success in the business is to go into a magic
store, buy new material, and use it that same night. Excess
practice just leads to frustration. Its best to spend that time
drinking booze.
5) Dress your assistant using a mathematical formula with a high
flesh-to-fabric ratio. The larger the woman is, the less fabric
you use.
6) Arriving at the show site late and drunk is a good way to project
that "Star" image to your clients.
7) Call a major theatre and tell them you are David Copperfields
manager. See if they will send you a deposit check of %10. If
you do this succesfully, you should be able to retire comfort-
ably after the third time.
I only hope that these bits of advice will help elevate the fine art of
magic. Humbly yours, Steve Kucera - the Wine Country Wizard.
Msg #4647 Dated 18:41:50 01-02-91 4643 <--> 4657
From: STAN LAKE
To: MARVIN STERN (X)
Re: BICYCLE DECKS
Sorry Marvin, I bought 52 RED decks. No can do with the blue.
Msg #4648 Dated 18:43:28 01-02-91 4644 <-
From: STAN LAKE
To: MARVIN STERN (X)
Re: BICYCLE CARDS
About all I can say about the blue back decks is that Thrifty Drug
Store has plenty of them on sale until January 9th for one dollar per
pack. They are a little low on the red backs after I raided the
shelves.
Msg #4649 Dated 18:47:46 01-02-91 4646 <--> 4665
From: STAN LAKE
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: BUT SERIOUSLY FOLKS...
You've been emptying your props again, haven't you Steve?
Msg #4650 Dated 18:50:02 01-02-91 -> 4674
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: DONATIONS TO MAGIC!
I sent in a donation today to what I thought was your P.O. Box number
900, is that correct? I see when we first log on and the screen
scrolls down it shows your P.O. box number as 1000. Do you have two
boxes or did I goof?
Msg #4652 Dated 20:35:19 01-02-91 4555 <--> 4663
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Bravo, and thanks for your dedication to this project. It means a lot
to us all. Could you give us an idea of the expense involved? Many of
us will come up with creative ways to help.
Tabby, you hear fifty-five. Whwill make it sixty?
Msg #4653 Dated 20:39:11 01-02-91 4565 <--> 4824
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: MORE QUESTIONS
If you can get Michael Ammars Toppit book.
Msg #4654 Dated 20:40:53 01-02-91 4602 <-
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: JACK TAVES (X)
Re: AMMAR SEMINAR
Jack, Please try to type in lower case it's a lot easier to read.
Am I correct from your previous message that the workshop is $25 but
the lecture to non-members is $40? One messge said annual membership
was $15. another one said $115. which is it?
Msg #4655 Dated 20:46:13 01-02-91 -> 4677
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGICAL MUTTERINGS
Thanks for the sediment....
.
Yours is prose that can only be appreciated
by them that have been initiated.
It would take me an entire vacation to
put together such an incantation.
Years from now when historians gather,
the hidden meanings will work them into
frenzied lather.
XRQ3 What could it mean?
Did Tabman go off his royal bean?
The Truth, they may never find it
For only those in this inner circle
mind it.
As the green glow of CRT casts
it's spell about us, for those who know
this work astounds us.
Friendships found and friendships made,
Make MAGIC! a wonderful place to trade.
With the past year now behind us
let this brotherhood now bind us
May this spell which I spread, be just a part
of a neverending thread!
.
Seriously Tabby, them was some good mutterings. Have you put it to
music yet?
Msg #4656 Dated 20:48:17 01-02-91 -> 4659
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: COPPERFIELD
Thanks for the review. It was almost like being there. David is a joy
to watch. Sounds like you picked a good time to go to the LBR that tape
is not that exiting after youv'e seen it a few times though the
appearance on the steel plate at the end is great. Anybody know how
it's done?
Msg #4657 Dated 20:51:17 01-02-91 -> 4672
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: BICYCLE DECKS
David, I'll sell you a used, partial deck of collector quality Red Fan
Backs for the incredible low price of only $350.......
Msg #4658 Dated 20:52:40 01-02-91 4509 <-
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: ONE MORE THING
If you must so regress,
with an unending Abbott's address,
with this thread that is not dead,
the curse shall be upon your head!
Msg #4659 Dated 20:53:23 01-02-91 4517 <--> 4754
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: COPPERFIELD
Steve, asking each other how something works is one of the main reasons
for being on here or in any magic club. If you find an effect is
worthwhile for your style and ability then purchase it. Only by getting
input from others can you make a valid decision and keep your wallet
from emptying while your closet is getting full of junk.
Msg #4660 Dated 20:56:37 01-02-91 -> 4680
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: ALL
Re: DEALER WARNING
Well.....As promised here is my report on attempting to return
defective merchandise to the Rabbit in Hat Ranch. This is a dealer
that purports to be "The world's largest mail order discount magic
company". I had only ordered from them two times previously and both
times the merchandise was ok but not top quality. When I first called
and reported that about half of the merchandise I had recieved in my
most recent order was of poor quality in both materials and workmanship
I was told "No problem, just ship it back to us". I was left with the
impression that I would cheerfully get a refund on the returned
merchandise. I shipped back the poorly constructed effects and
included a letter to the owners that expressed how I was happy that I
had been treated so nicely about the return. I also said in the letter
that I was a member of MAGIC! and that my experiences with them would
be reported to hundreds of magicians throughout the country on the
MAGIC! BBS.
In todays mail I received a real shock. I received a refund check
MINUS A 25% REVEAL AND RESTOCK CHARGE! THATS ROBBERY! No mention of
any such charge was made over the phone. I had previously known how
the effects work, so there was nothing to REVEAL to me exept the true
colors of this dealer. Though many dealers have a no return policy I
feel that this is even less ethical. I was not dissapointed in the
tricks- just the quality of their construction.
What I got were knock-offs of American products that had been poorly
manufactured in India. The instructions that came with them (Inside
the manufactures sealed packaging) were photocopies of the instructions
from the American manufacturer, complete with the American companies'
name and address on them !!
Rabbit in the Hat Ranch has now lost this customer. I will not deal
with a company that rips off it's customers with phoney exhorbitant
fees and that sells counterfeit merchandise. I hope this message to
y'all will be felt by Rabbit in the Hat Ranch as the buying power of
MAGIC! members shifts to other dealers.
Msg #4663 Dated 21:43:05 01-02-91 4652 <--> 4676
From: RICHARD HART
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
I will stick my wand in the air, and make it $60.
Do we hear $65?
Msg #4664 Dated 21:45:05 01-02-91 4640 <--> 4678
From: RICHARD HART
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
I'm going to stick with my order for 10 decks (1 deck 5 of diamonds, 9
don't care...). Looks like I may be in a bidding war on the Okito
book, so I'll have to keep the pocket book in a Scotch purse for now,
hehe. Where do you want me to send the check? Or, if you're local to
me (Panorama City, or halls of the Magic Castle) I could just drop by
and pick 'em up, save you the postage and handling...
_richard
Msg #4665 Dated 21:53:52 01-02-91 4649 <--> 4679
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: BUT SERIOUSLY FOLKS...
Yes Stan my man I must confess that the prop shelf is empty. But as a
professional, I write wine off of my taxes.
Msg #4666 Dated 22:05:08 01-02-91 4563 <--> 4693
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP 10 OF 1990
Thanks tab! Glad to see Penn & Teller doing so well...Copperfield is
doing great too. Sheesh..Andrew Dice Clay (!)
Msg #4667 Dated 22:07:55 01-02-91 4567 <-
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC! 1991
Sounds like a good idea to me...that is, kicking in a few bucks to help
pay for installation and all the other costs of additional phone lines.
Msg #4668 Dated 22:10:40 01-02-91 4568 <--> 4780
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP 100 CONJURING BOOKS
Hah, that phrase "quick 'n' easy" is sticking eh?
Msg #4669 Dated 22:14:08 01-02-91
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: 10 BOOKS
I'll let you know in a few days about mine...busy, busy...
I'm not sure..hmph..have to decide which books...it's a good
question..But I CAN tell you Focus will be in there!
Msg #4670 Dated 23:19:01 01-02-91 4628 <--> 4690
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: SLIGHT OF FOOT
Ah, but Tabman, Card Warp IS one of the truely meaningful things in
life! Think of the metaphore -- a little money and even the stiffest
of us will turn inside out...
Msg #4671 Dated 23:23:31 01-02-91 4633 <--> 4682
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
Hear! Hear! for Ted Anneman! Don't know if he would have enjoyed
MAGIC! (he was a bit of a loner) but I have a "hunch" that he might
have.
Msg #4672 Dated 23:25:22 01-02-91 4657 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: BICYCLE DECKS
Thanks, but the only trick I know with Red Fan Backs requires an
UNOPEND package, a clear plastic die with no pips, and a stick of
dynamite.
Msg #4673 Dated 23:27:12 01-02-91 4636 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MARVIN STERN (X)
Re: PAI GOW
Thanks for the Pai Gow/Pai Gow Poker info. Geno may have a comment or
two to add here.
Msg #4674 Dated 23:30:56 01-02-91 4650 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: DONATIONS TO MAGIC!
Don't worry. Either P. O. Box 900 or P. O. Box 1000 is fine. The real
secret is the zip code -- 91334. They changed it from a different one
a few years ago and they really like it when mail arrives to the new
one. Local pride.
And Thank You very much. This will help defer the installation and
upkeep of the additional lines.
Msg #4676 Dated 23:47:57 01-02-91 4652 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
Thanks, Burt. The basic expenses consist of maintenance to computer,
hard disk, diskette drives (we currently have a dead one), phone line
installation, modems, monthly phone bills, etc. I do agree with the
"operational expenses" definition Tabman used - any contributions
should go for those expenses.
So far I'm willing to support the balance of those plus the "extras"
like responding to letters and phone calls for more info, flyers,
buttons, PR releases, overhead transparencies and materials for the
upcoming MAGIC! seminars (Desert Magic and IBM), etc.
I really appreciate the wilingness that MAGIC! members have shown to
financially support MAGIC! As the membership grows the expenses grow
and I didn't want to hurt the free status of the system. I was
thinking of "user support" along the contributions line when it was
suggested.
Msg #4677 Dated 0:01:15 01-03-91 4630 <--> 4687
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: MAGICAL MUTTERINGS
MAGIC! was formed a week before last year's Desert Magic (St. Patrick's
Day weekend). The official "first anniversary" will be the MAGIC!
meeting and seminar at this year's Desert Magic.
Msg #4678 Dated 0:05:13 01-03-91 4638 <--> 4705
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
50 with 2 indifferent sounds fine to me. And if people want to change
that, they should be able to swap in a few cards. After all, if they
don't have one or two decks lying around, then maybe they should
consider a different career (or hobby) than magic.
Msg #4679 Dated 0:07:53 01-03-91 4646 <--> 4756
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: BUT SERIOUSLY FOLKS...
Despite the humorous replies others have made to your message, I think
there is some real "meat" in it that could be discussed. I really
wonder, for example, what does make acts (magical and non-magical) that
feature rudeness, insults, put-downs of women and handicapped people
and others, explicit sex, etc. so popular? What is it about us/our
society that makes this "entertainment?" For example, we are
supposedly less sexually inhibited than previous cultures. That SHOULD
render sex less titilating, yet audiences seem to enjoy sexually
oriented humor. We consider our society less sexist and more concious
of the handicapped, more liberal toward ethnic groups, yet we (as a
culture) consume "put down" humor in these categories. An odd
dichotomy to say the least!
And where does magic fit in to all of this? Does it provide an escape
from our high-tech "scientific" society? Does it restore the "awe" in
a "God is dead" culture? Is it only a crutch for "comedy?" Or is it
merely a "death defying" thrill?
Msg #4680 Dated 0:20:18 01-03-91 4660 <--> 4689
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: DEALER WARNING
I have not delt with Rabbit In The Hat, and I am VERY SURPRISED that
they didn't mention a "Reveal and Restock Charge" when you phoned them,
but such charges have become popular with all sorts of mail order
operations in any category (photographic equipment, etc.) and are
sometimes part and parcel of "low prices." The photocopies of
instructions from American companies are a real rip-off.
Msg #4681 Dated 0:46:05 01-03-91
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: NEW FILES
Geno Munari has added two new files to the MAGIC! files area!
JARGON.TXT - Gaming jargon defined by Geno
MID-DEAL.TXT - A nice pseudo middle deal effect
Check 'em out!
Msg #4682 Dated 1:09:32 01-03-91 4671 <--> 4702
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
I'd venture to say that he'd appreciate the honest exchange of views on
magic...opinions presented, agreed with, disagreed with,
debated, argued...and all in the good spirited fellowship of magic!
He never was one to shy away from controversy...although many mistook
his editorial comments to be personal in nature, rather than the
strictly professional criticism they were.
I don't think he'd be to pleased with the general state of magic and
magicians today. He was of a different time, when the fraternal
nature of magic was much stronger.
Msg #4685 Dated 5:01:59 01-03-91
From: GENO MUNARI
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: HARBIN TELEGRAM TRICK
Pete. I came across this great MC gag/effect from an Genii
special on Robert Harbin. I have used the effect many times and
always gets a chuckle. I changed some of the words around to
suit me. You might like to use it. Here is the workings.
You are on stage in the middle of your act, and a voice from
the wings, "Telegram", "Telegram", interupting you. You reply,
"For me!, etc.
You ask a spectator to assist you in reading the letter. Make
sure here that they read it loud and clear. You then can read
it again, stressing the important points and making some fun at
the lines.
As you can see there are two paragraphs, and a division
between some of the words in the lower section. The lower right
section will be the section that will be the reply to the
telegram. I usually mark the sections with a fine colored
pencil, so that I can proceed with the tearing of the telegram
correctly.
You then tell the spectator that the telegram has no meaning
to you and you rip it into four pieces. You hold two pieces in
each hand, and ask the spectator to point to a hand. You then
remove the undesired pieces, and hold a piece in each hand. You
ask them to point to a piece. You can have some fun with the
lines here. "By the way when is the last time you had a piece,
etc.?"
You the read aloud the reply, from the torn telegram. I hope
you enjoy it. Do you know of any similar effects?
Geno Munari
TELEGRAM
DEAR GENO:
THIS TELEGRAM IS TO REMIND YOU ABOUT THE MONEY
AND I.O.U'S YOU OWE ME FROM GAMBLING. IT GRIEVES ME TO HAVE TO
SEND THIS TYPE OF MESSAGE......BUT YOU WILL AGREE THAT
THIS DEBT IS LONG OVER DUE.
WE DO NOT WISH TO CAUSE YOU WORRY. I WON'T
TAKE THIS TO THE BOYS YET,BUT IF YOU FORGET SO
FREQUENTLY YOUR OBLIGATIONS, SO WILL I, AND
WILL TURN THE MATTER OVER TO ROCCO. WE WILL CALL IT
A NECESSARY STEP IN CUTTING YOUR HEAD OFF!
SINCERELY
THE COSA NOSTRA
PROVO LOAN COMPANY
A
Msg #4686 Dated 6:07:04 01-03-91
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: BURGER BOOKS
Tabby, you asked about Eugene Burger's books. They are highly
recommended. Although I've heard some people say they're nothing but
philosophy and not worth it, I totally disagree. Maybe it is a lot of
philosophy, but Burger's writings make you think about what you are
doing (and I know you like doing that!). His writing's inspire me and
make me want to be better. Now before you think I worship Burger or
something of that sort, I don't. As a matter of fact, I don't always
agree with him. But at least Burger writes in a manner that I can see
and understand his point of view even when I disagree. He gets me
going and I have to examine why I believe what I do. Thinking...Biro
says it best...you gotta keep thinking.
I think you'll enjoy them, there are even some great tricks along
with lots of the nitty gritty details for making them work in real
environments. If we had extra copies of the books for sale, I send
them to you free of charge!
Charlie
Msg #4687 Dated 8:19:34 01-03-91 4677 <-
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: MAGICAL MUTTERINGS
LONG LIVE MAGIC! !!!!!!!!!
Msg #4688 Dated 8:28:30 01-03-91 -> 4831
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: ALL
Re: RING 21 MEETING
I know this is last minute news but the RING 21 meeting at the Wattles
Mansion is tonight January 3 at 8:00. Due to the holidays there was no
club newsletter so I don't know what is on tap for tonight but I plan
on going anyway. I will also find out tonight about the RING 21
sponsored Ammar lecture.
Msg #4689 Dated 10:38:32 01-03-91 4660 <--> 4755
From: TABBY CRABB
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: DEALER WARNING
Again alight, so here I go
My candle supply is getting low,
For those who preference tabman's candor
And those who practice shaman's slander
Burt offers up another proof,
In sacrifice to the gods of truth.
Msg #4690 Dated 10:39:46 01-03-91 4670 <--> 4726
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: SLIGHT OF FOOT
Dr. Light,
How are things at MAGIC! central. It has been some time
(never) since we last visited you there. The auction seems to be
going well, and with several daze before the cutoff, we hope to
realize a tidy sum to help in the operation of this Great Computer
Network.
I hope that you will send the winning bidder of the OKITO
book a certificate and a MAGIC! button as their enthusiasm for this
project is proof of their loyalty to the bulliten board as well as
their desire to further sustain the fine work you and your staff
(actually a lucite wand) are doing for us all.
We know your desire is to keep this bulliten board free and
open to those who qualify for a password. This in itself must be a
difficult task, deciding who comes and who goes. First, there was
the "Professor", then the "Prez" and now there is "Dr. Light".
Who would of imagined that the flame would be passed in the
glow of CRTs all over the planet. Houdini would have been online
everday along with many, many others had they had this forum.
Additionally, I'm excited about the coming exchange with
the Dutch magicians re: Arnaud's bbs. Holland has a rich tradition
in magicdom; so well known I needent expound.
Haven't heard from Max Maven or Pete Biro ina few and hope
these esteemed gentlemen are "alive and well". I'm sure Dante is
busy with GENII, T A Waters is packaging lots of tapes, Jeff Busby
is still on vacation. Lots of great repartee going down online.
Geno Munari has been especially productive at his typer of late
sending up much privileged information preparing everyone for the
coming trip to the valley of green and red felt, crystal
chandeliers and "free" booze.
I'm counting on coming to the desert, but we're sitting
limbonic awaiting the outcome in Desert Shield. We were planning a
trip to the grammys in NYC in Feb, and its up in the breeze tooo.
Hope they work it out over there. There's lots more at stake than
just my family.
-tabman-
PS. If any of our pro and simi pro magi with promo photos are
inclined, I've also been working on a project started by a disabled
Vietnam veteran in Florida which collects and distributes signed
promo photos and letters to similarly affected men and women around
the USA. The country music industry has responded well as have
personalities from the circus. This is my first mention to the
variety arts. If anyone would like to respond let me know and I'll
post Sgt. Kalin's address in Jacksonville........pax..
Msg #4691 Dated 10:41:34 01-03-91 -> 4703
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: TOP 100 BOOKZ
Thanks to those who've responded to my request for your
top ten books for the ultimate library of 100.
I'd like to hear from as many people as possible on this
as your input will help make this a valuable tool.
In a few weeks I promise to write it up and offer it for
your edification. Also plan to send it to one of the monthly
magazines if I get enough help.
The respondents so far have offered up many valuable
suggestions and a coupla surprises and it looks like its gonna be
good.
Need to hear from Mac King, T A, Geno, Max, Pete, Jeff,
Dante, Arnaud, etc on this to make it count all the way around.
Send me mail private if you wanna, but please let me hear.
Msg #4692 Dated 11:21:21 01-03-91 -> 4694
From: GENO MUNARI
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP TEN BOOKS
My list of the 10 top books:
(NOTE: these are not is any preferential order, I like some just as
much as other. But if I had to take some magic books with me on an
extended vacation, here they are.)
1. Scarne's Magic Tricks/Card Tricks
2. Bobo's Coin Magic
3. Magic of Jimmy Grippo
4. Magic of Francis Carlyle
5. Art of Magic
6. Dai Vernon Bok of Magic
7. Greater Magic
8. Tarbell's
9. Expert Card Technique
10. Amateur's Magician's Handbook
Runner ups-
Enclyclopedia of Card Tricks
JINX
Phoenix
Darwin's Thumb Tip Book
Frank Garcia's How to Detect Crooked Gambling
Corinda's 13 Steps to Mentalism
Scarne's Gambling Book
Hope this helps you.
Geno Munari
Msg #4693 Dated 12:55:26 01-03-91 4666 <--> 4784
From: TABBY CRABB
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: TOP 10 OF 1990
You're welcome......I know, the good, the bad, and the ugly!!!
Msg #4694 Dated 13:01:29 01-03-91 4692 <--> 4731
From: TABBY CRABB
To: GENO MUNARI (X)
Re: TOP TEN BOOKS
Yes it will. Many thankz....
Msg #4698 Dated 16:11:55 01-03-91 -> 4732
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: ALL
Re: ROCKY RACCOON
An earlier message mentioned Rocky Raccoon and how far back it goes.
The first time I ever show it was about 10 years ago and a young man
by the name of Michael Ammar was demoing it!
Charlie
Msg #4700 Dated 16:12:55 01-03-91
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: DOUGLAS LARSON (X)
Re: WANT LISTS
Doug,
H&R does accept want list. If you have something you are looking
for, let us know. We just bought another library, over 1200 lbs. of
magazines! Thanks
Charlie
Msg #4701 Dated 16:38:50 01-03-91 -> 4708
From: MARVIN STERN
To: ALL
Re: PAI GOW
This will probably not interest too many people, except
whoever/whomever entered the Pai Gow information.
As I indicated earlier, my wife and I both play, and were amoung the
first non-orientals to play in Vegas. My wife is quite good.
I was surprised to find that the information given to MAGIC was very
accurate.
An interesting side-line. Both Vegas and Tahoa were "taken" by a
group, the same group in both cities.
There are 7 seats, should say, there were 7 seats at the table, plus
the dealer, who stands. Each seat gets 4 tiles, equaling 28 tiles.
The dealer gets 4 tiles , making a total of 32 tiles in use, each time.
This means that all tiles were in use. It is necessary to fully
understand the game to completely understand what happen, but here
goes. By means of elaborate signals, the players were able to signal
each other, indicating where the main/important tiles were. Knowing if
the dealer had or did not have any of these special tiles, enabled dthe
players to play their hand differently and to their advantage.
After both places got hit, they removed one seat from the table,
eliminating this happening again.
Hope someone was interest in all this.
Msg #4702 Dated 17:17:10 01-03-91 4682 <--> 4704
From: MAX MAVEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
I think Annemann, along with many "names" from his day, was not at all
thrilled with the "fraternal" level of magic at that time... Refer to
comments from such as Cardini and Keating.
Msg #4703 Dated 17:19:34 01-03-91 4691 <--> 4752
From: MAX MAVEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP 100 BOOKZ
The problem with trying to construct "best ten" lists is that there are
too many variables. Is the purpose to find the best foundational
information, or a specialized area of interest, or historical
background, or ...
Msg #4704 Dated 18:05:58 01-03-91 4702 <--> 4727
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
Yes, indeed. They were longing for the fraternal level of days gone
by...if Anneman could only see the results of about 50 more years of
de-evolution! I sure would love to see a 1991 "Editrivia!"
Msg #4705 Dated 19:10:24 01-03-91 4664 <--> 4706
From: STAN LAKE
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Richard- I will be at the Castle nearly every day this week and next
week in the library. I have your decks ready so just name a date and
time and I will be happy to meet you there. If it's not too late by
the time you read this, how about lunch at the Castle tomorrow?
(Friday) My home phone number is (818) 768-6181.
Msg #4706 Dated 19:14:43 01-03-91 4678 <--> 4709
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Ok David, the decks are all ready. Would you like me to mail them to
your P.O. box or would you like to meet at the Castle? There is a
chance I will be able to make the lunch slated for the 25th but I won't
know for another week and a half. I will be there just about every day
though for the next week if you want to meet there.
Msg #4708 Dated 19:35:27 01-03-91 4701 <--> 4758
From: STAN LAKE
To: MARVIN STERN (X)
Re: PAI GOW
Thanks for the story, I know I found it interesting. Most everyone who
has gambled has dreamed of "breaking the house" one way or another. I
wonder why the casinos didn't know they could be taken like that. I
mean, it's not like it's a brand new game or anything!
Msg #4709 Dated 20:46:49 01-03-91 4705 <--> 4725
From: RICHARD HART
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Stan, won't be able to make lunch tomorrow afternoon, however, I will
be at the Castle tomorrow evening. Will you be there that late? I've
got dinner reservations at 6:30...
Msg #4711 Dated 21:45:35 01-03-91 -> 4733
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: ALL
Re: AMIGA USERS
Now that an Amiga section has been added, I looked for files in there
and found nothing! Let's start filling it up, Amigites! Besides text
files, remember you can send most types of IFF files. Graphics, sound,
etc. I'm working on an interesting one to send, but might need a ZIP,
UNZIP package. The SysOp is working on one, but if you have something
like that put it up! With a hobby as great as magic and a computer as
great as the AMIGA (Sorry, Macers and IBMers) there should be plenty
in there! Happy New Year and a magical 1991!
Msg #4713 Dated 22:04:09 01-03-91 -> 4778
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: MESSAGES
Holy XhrisX I stay away couple of days and there must be 400 messages
I just downloaded... whew, hope I can A: answer them, B: have enuf
memory on this computer to capture em all..... whew... G'NITE ALL (OH,
i AM IN WICHITA WORKING ON SCHEDULE ETC. FOR DESERT SEMINAR WITH JOE
STEVENS. BYE
Msg #4714 Dated 22:05:43 01-03-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: GETTING ONLINE
Just got into the Hilton and there is NO phone wire I can hook intok
and the set up is not possible to get into the wall. So, and Item from
Radio shack, 2 aligator clips hooked to the red and green wires off a
short phone modular plug hooked o the two little metal gizmos inside
the phone MOUTHPIECE work fine. You hook the two clips on the gizmos,
get a dial tone and ten log on. Works great. Adios, etc.
Msg #4716 Dated 23:11:12 01-03-91 -> 4782
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: I FORGET
Taboo )) top 10 books on my shelf.Hocus Pocus Jr. 1st Ed.Ditto, 9th
Ed.Ditto, 14th Ed.The Whole Art of Legerdemain, 2nd Ed.Soirees
Fantastique, Christian Fechner (2 vols)Dai Vernon Book of MagicMagic of
SlydiniCard Magic of Bro. John HammanGreen (Gambling)Greater Magic Vol.
2 (still being written by yours truly) Note: Either of the first four
books are for sale, and when
sold will pay off the mortgage on my new house.
Msg #4717 Dated 23:12:07 01-03-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: CRANK MESSAGE
Max. I assumed yours was merely a "crank" message.
Msg #4718 Dated 23:12:41 01-03-91 -> 4762
From: PETE BIRO
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: OLE & CHIC
Wayne... I really don't have many OLE AND CHIC stories, and sadly
my pop has gone to the great vodvil stage in the sky, However, there
was one incident he mentioned many times
about some guy that used a Blank Gun and nearly killed somone
when another person put real slugs in it!!! They sent the guy off
to the bus station with a one way ticket to somewhre my Dad
couldn't recall, but with NO MONEY, NO NOTHIN!!! Dad did not
speak highly of the guys. Sorry.
Msg #4719 Dated 23:13:30 01-03-91 -> 4772
From: PETE BIRO
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: STABBY CRABBY
Stanley )) Hey, just do the Venon Card Stab and put the cards
into the envelope ifn you don't wanna used gaffed cards.
Msg #4721 Dated 23:14:34 01-03-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: GENO MUNARI (X)
Re: STUFF
Geno: At Joe's tonite. Will look at Telegram bit when I get home,
thanks. Any word on R. Little?
Msg #4722 Dated 23:15:07 01-03-91 -> 4742
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: BOOKLIZT
Is it anything Like Franz's Lizst?
Taaabbbbmmmmaaaaannnnn )) I understand Kreskin used a
handkerchief for connection to subject to do Muscle Reading.
Someone of great esteem once told me that M Reading 'IS THE ONLY
THING CLOSE TO REAL MIND READING'... Hope you realized my Top 10
book list is in jest. I will have to really think out the list
and will get to you as I decide what it should be. And... is the five
foot shelf only one layer of books?
Msg #4723 Dated 23:16:05 01-03-91 -> 4736
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: S. JACKET FOR JR.
I don't know what smaller sizes they make for little lunatics, but why
not cobble up some kind of escape out of the newer type Pampers?
Msg #4724 Dated 23:13:51 01-03-91 -> 4773
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: CONTRIBUTION
Stan - Your contribution arrived in the mail today. Thank you for your
generosity. Your Certificate of Appreciation will be on its way in a
few days and your "collector's edition" of the first MAGIC! button will
be sometime in February or so.
By the way, up until your letter arrived, it had never clicked with me
that you were in this corner of the Universe, probably not far from
"MAGIC! Central."
Msg #4725 Dated 23:21:32 01-03-91 4706 <--> 4771
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Thanks, Stan. Why don't you hold on to my decks until you know if you
will be at the MAGIC! luncheon at the Castle on Jan. 25th? If you can
be there, you can give 'em to me then. If not, you can mail 'em.
Msg #4726 Dated 23:25:41 01-03-91 4690 <--> 4785
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: SLIGHT OF FOOT
Actually, Tabman, I gave up on staffs some time ago. You may recall
that it was a great MOJO man, also named David, who said, "Thy rod and
Thy staff, they comfort me." But that it was an even greater MOJO,
named Moses, who discovered that most magic staffs turn into snakes
every Monday morning. So I fired my staff a couple of years ago.
Not only will your high bidder get a MAGIC! Certificate of Appreciation
and a collector's First Year Button, but, ahem, so will the incredible
book contributor. Now all I gotta do is create the Certificates and
the Buttons...
Hope all goes well both for Gloria's sake and for all those others who
are caught in this situation.
THANK YOU for posting the message about Sgt. Kalin's project. Maybe
some of our folks can get involved.
Msg #4727 Dated 23:34:31 01-03-91 4704 <--> 4763
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
Who knows what he would have been like if he'd been around today. He
might be walking around with sunglasses and calling everyone "Dude."
Maybe he would have kept his stuff to himself. Or published it with a
"Cervon Notice." Or maybe he'd be uploading it all to MAGIC! Our
culture has changed so much that it would be impossible to determine
the difference.
Msg #4731 Dated 23:43:27 01-03-91 4692 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: GENO MUNARI (X)
Re: TOP TEN BOOKS
Geno - I found your list particularly interesting. I've been wondering
what you thought of Scarne and there he was on top of your list and in
your "runner ups." He was a boyhood hero of mine and I think I read
everything he wrote. Still like his stuff, even though my wife claims
she found an error in his blackjack calculations (if she ever gets a
chance to reconstruct her mathematical data I'll upload it. Also, she
is a fan of your articles and reads 'em avidly).
Msg #4732 Dated 23:48:56 01-03-91 4698 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: CHARLIE RANDALL (X)
Re: ROCKY RACCOON
Great! We'll have to ask Ammar about that when he gets here. He said
he would be signing on in January.
Msg #4733 Dated 23:51:15 01-03-91 4711 <--> 4787
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: SCOTT CRAM (X)
Re: AMIGA USERS
As an avid Amiga fan, I'd like to see Amiga Magic stuff too! Alas, I
don't get to "play" with my son's Amiga much, but it IS my first choice
for all around best computer.
The problem with the Zip/Unzip file was that it arrived Zipped! Sorta
like the "locked room" problem with the key on the inside. I got it
unzipped by porting back and forth to an IBM, but haven't figured out
how to upload it to MAGIC! without making a mess, since it has a number
of files in it. If any Amiga user has a self-un"xxx"ing program (ARC,
ZIP, or whatever, as long as it is something that, when run, will take
itself apart) and is willing to upload it, I will package the Zip
program in it and put that here on MAGIC!
Yep, Amiga magicians now have a file section -- let's see you folks
fill it with magic oriented material for the Amiga.
Msg #4736 Dated 0:05:39 01-04-91 4723 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: S. JACKET FOR JR.
Great idea, Pete! He's already working on escaping from the new "pull
ups" without our help. Frankly, my plan was to show him how to get
into the straight jacket, but NOT to show him how to get out!
Msg #4738 Dated 0:09:25 01-04-91 -> 4741
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: PREDICTION
I predict that you will be logged on to MAGIC! at 12:10 a.m. on Friday,
January 4th.
Msg #4741 Dated 0:45:16 01-04-91 4738 <-
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: PREDICTION
wow! Move over Max.
Msg #4742 Dated 0:53:24 01-04-91 4722 <--> 4768
From: RICHARD HART
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: BOOKLIZT
The five foot shelf is really 14 feet (and growing) but, then again,
who's counting?
Msg #4745 Dated 1:14:36 01-04-91 -> 4774
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
Is anyone familiar with the Johnson Smith Company of Bradenton,
Florida? Just got an unsolicited mail order catalog from them.
Seems to feature a lot of odd stuff and some magic stuff. They
titled the catalog "Things You Never Knew Existed... and others you
can't possibly live without."
Some folks are gonna be ticked, since this is apparently a general
audience catalog that openly includes a "Secret Thumb Tip" ($2.98)
and "The Klutz Book of Magic" ($12.95) which includes a thumb tip
(the book, including props, is also sold in major general
bookstores).
Anyway, they also have some pretty interesting stuff:
The "Pocket Electronic Insult Device" that Geno mentioned ($17.98);
a "Life Like Leg" ($19.98) that is "molded from a real foot" that
goes well with either their "Lifelike Shapable Hand" ($9.98) or
their "Electric Wriggling Hand" ($17.98).
"Magnetic Cards Set - Kling Cards, made of micro thin steel with a
plastic coating last longer and handle like any good quality deck.
When used with the 20"x20" magnetic playing board, they stay put!
Board folds easily for storage. Set includes one full deck of red
cards, playing board and card tray. ($32.98), Red Magnetic Cards
($7.98), Green Magnetic Cards ($7.98)." (David's note: It appears
from the description that the cards are NOT magnetic, but that they
are steel. It is hard to tell what the backs look like, but they
look somewhat like "Bee" backs with NO white margin. Still appears
to be an interesting item.).
There's more, both magic stuff and some interesting stuff that it
looks like a creative mind could turn into "magic stuff." Maybe too
much magic for a "general" catalog, but they got my attention. If
you want to talk to these folks, their voice number is (813)
747-2356 and their fax number is (813) 746-7896.
(This is NOT an ad. They don't even know it's here.).
Msg #4746 Dated 1:16:12 01-04-91 -> 4747
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: IMPORTANT REMINDER
--- IMPORTANT REMINDER ---
In order to meet the needs of the growing membership of MAGIC!, we
are adding additional phone lines! These lines will be set up on a
rotary system, so that when you dial in you will automatically be
routed to the next available line. There may still be peak periods
when busy signals will occur, but the new lines should make access
to MAGIC! easier.
The installation of the new lines will occur Friday, January 4th and
Saturday, January 5, 1991. There may be some temporary
interruptions in MAGIC! as we add the new lines and balance the
system.
Msg #4747 Dated 3:52:32 01-04-91 4746 <--> 4791
From: RICHARD HART
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: IMPORTANT REMINDER
Of course you know what this means, don't you? New DLX software, that
will allow multiple users to interface with the board, and each other
at the same time.... Imagine an on-line forum with Tabby, Pete, Max,
Geno, Howie, and the rest of us all shouting at the same time... You
know, I may have to make a prediction here!
David, do you know what you may be getting into???
Egads!!!
Msg #4748 Dated 4:33:29 01-04-91
From: CHARLIE GLISSON
To: ALL
Re: PC CLIPART
Can anyone direct me to a source for clipart with a magic theme on
diskette. I'm using the Springboard Newsroom Pro to p[repare our
club newsletter and need to locate magic clipart. Thanks,
Charlie Glisson the Magician
Msg #4751 Dated 6:57:23 01-04-91 -> 4793
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: TAP CITY
If you ever, (like me last night) get into a hotel where the phone is
weird, or the phone line is in the wall with no JACK and you cannot
stick your modem's modular plug anywhere (some hotels have phones with
a modular plug outlet in the side just for modems!) you can still
access like I am doing right now.
First, go to Radio Shack and get a one foot long modular plug with
the opposite end, the bare wires. Tape off all but the Red and Green.
At same magic store (RS) buy two aligator clips. Attach these to the R
G wires.
Now, unscrew the mouthpiece of the phone handset. You will see two
silver-colored metal tabs. Attach one aligator clip to each.
With phone off the hook, you will hear a dial tone. Just dial (with
Procomm you just selected the Nr. and hit enter) and your computer will
dial and log on to MAGIC!
Hey, who said you don't learn tricks here on MAGIC! The latest
addiction.
Adios for now. Biroman (watch for Greater Magic Vol. 2 announcement
any year now)!
Msg #4752 Dated 7:21:38 01-04-91 4703 <--> 4769
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: TOP 100 BOOKZ
Hi Max...
I guess I shoulda expected your reply and, as usual it is
most insightful. In asking everyone for ten books I hoped to get
strong choices from everyone in order to compile an "all around"
type library list to help magi who are interested in building a
small library some guidance.
In perusement of Annemann's Five Foot Shelf and the Top
100 book list from Sphinx done years ago, it made me aware of
books I might not of considered (or even knew about) and caused
me to inquire. This inquiry led me to acquisition when the books
fit into my "plan."
My goal here isn't to compile a Top 100 list like the
charts in Amusement Biz or Billboard, but as a tool, or roadmap,
if you will. Shelfishly, I'll use it to round out areas in my own
as will others here on line.
Since we're (mostly) individuals with minds and interests
of our own limiting the choices to ten asks the respondent for
strong choices which hopefully will make up a good all purpose
library - a stepping stone, if you will, for expansion into areas
of individual interest.
I like your word "foundation" for a description. Thats
what the old lists did for me. Give me a foundation to work off
of in building my own areas of interest.
Thanks......tabman...
Msg #4753 Dated 10:04:16 01-04-91
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MO' MODERN
Peteman...
I almost choked when I read your list of books. Since I
take most everything seriously I didn't get it til I read later
msg re: tongue in cheek.
Figured you were in the midwest by now...glad to hear
from you. Guess all the messages maxxxed out your 2meg on the
pocket computer you carry on the road. Mailed the monograph out
to cal and presume it'll be waitin for you when you get home.
Liked the stories re: your dad and his performing daze.
Some of my best friends in the entertainment industry are second
and third generation. There's a wealth of knowledge and karma
associated with the passing.
My grandfather wrote very dry textbooks on writing and
very uplifting songs and poems. His wife (granny) liked magic and
house parties and she passsed the love of both to me. Both their
children are/were writers. Their son (uncle) was a playboy,
writer, magicnut who lived in Mexico most of the time...an
international biographer who chronicled the lives of Trujillo,
Juan Peron, Batista, and the others he liked to hang out with and
party. My mom is a retired teacher and edited books on Jimmy
Carter, Madan Zena (opera singer) and others. My grandfather
started the Old Principal's House Library. When I started paying
attention a few years back there were five magic books on the
shelves. Three Hoffmanns - Modern, Mo'& Mo'better - and two
pamphlets dated 1921 from the U.S. Playing Card on, what else,
card tricks. Early on, Granny had sent me (I lived in Ga with my
cropduster dad) Magic as a Hobby and the Amateur Magicians
Handbook. Fortunately we've had this old house here and we've
been able to keep most books (several thou - never counted as I'm
allergic to dust) as thieves stole furniture, old pictures, rugs,
etc. Worst of all they stole granny's safe.
My dreams of magic started with Richardi Jr who (2me)
personified the international magician. Billy Robinson inspired
me because he caught a horse and rode him to the end (maintenance
is necessary). Houdini because he never gave up but let his ego
kill him. Apocalypse Now (the movie) for "...never get off the
f----g boat, not til you're rady to go all the way."....tabman
PS. Is Dick Zimmerman the celeb photog in H'wood the same as
magician Dick Zimmerman of H'wood????
Msg #4754 Dated 10:11:27 01-04-91 4656 <-
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: COPPERFIELD
Burt,
I lost a bit of sleep wondering how Copperfield rose up on the
sheet metal. I was especially perplexed by the fact that he was
surrounded by audience members.
But I understand now that Davids audience members are often
in on the secret. So I can only theorize that there was a
mirror between the sawhorses that blocked the view of the dirty
and exhausted David Copperfield crawling up through a trap in
the gimmicked piece of sheet metal.
I forgot to mention in my Copperfield message that he had
some incredible sets. His main set was a city skyline that was
very nice. Three dimensional, not just a flat. He also had a
giant sized mural of a sleeping blonde cuty, a star background
for his amazon rainforest, origami set was as seen on t.v.,
dancing ties were done before a massive sateen backdrop.
Now the main secrets that I would want to know from
Copperfield would have little to do with magic. I would want to
know things like how does he survive his schedule. Where does
he get the time to do 500 shows a year and still produce tv
shows. And most important, who cuts his hair.
Msg #4755 Dated 10:12:17 01-04-91 4660 <--> 4759
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: DEALER WARNING
Burt,
I was raised in a small logging town with a population of fifty.
I had no chancee to go into a magic shop for the first five years
that I did magic. My only link to the magic world was through
Genii and the books I could buy in a store. As a result I am not
in the habit of purchasing magic from dealers, choosing instead
to build my own.
When I do buy magic I always go to the same dealer when
possible. I buy from Mark Burger at the House of Magic in San
Francisco. I don't know about others but I always get great
service from Mark. I have returned things that are defective and
gotten refunds with no problem at all. And I always get a freebie
when I go into his shop.
I have only been to Hollywood Magic a couple of times.
Sometimes I found the clerks knowledgeable and helpful, other
times not.
Thats all I can report about my limited experience with
dealers. Sorry about your bad experience.
Why don't we start a MAGIC co-op buying service. We could pool
our resources and buy silks and supplies directly from the
wholesalers. Of course there would be limitations on what we
could get as well as ordering minimums etc.. I would be willing
to put it together as I am already buying kits and so forth
directly from wholesalers. I will be willing to co-ordinate this
effort only after a members discussion on the ethics of such a
thing. I don't want to step on any toes, but I am sick of paying
high prices for silks and slush powder. What do ya say people?
Msg #4756 Dated 10:14:27 01-04-91 4679 <--> 4795
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: BUT SERIOUSLY FOLKS...
David,
I don't think the problem is that we find sex and black humour
funny. I think the real problem is that many comics won't use
other subjects. I can only take so much of dick jokes, put
downs, black comedy or any category of humour.
Its possibly because the top comic draws of our times( Pryor,
Carlin, Murphy ) use nasty humour. Comics like so many
performers are mostly copying someones formula instead of
developing their own.
I had a gig booking and hosting a comedy night for several
months here in town. We had a low budget so I couldn't get great
people to work. I spent much time going to the city and sitting
through open mike nights to find performers. For every fifteen
people I saw I would only book one or two, and only at fifty
dollars a pop. Everyone else was doing a non-stop barrage of
the most grotesque material imaginable.
THe problem as I see it was that these comics were learning
by watching other comics. A kind of in-breeding takes place
that I think we can see in magic also. These people had no idea
of the many types of humour available.
I suggest that people take the time to read books on comedy
and humour writing. In the book Showmanship for Magicians,
Fitzkee lists 24 Causes For Laughter. Its good reading.
May I be the next greatful user to say thinks for the BBS.
Its like having an interactive magic magazine. The phone bill
will be here any day. I hope I dont have a heart attack at the
tender age of 28.
Msg #4757 Dated 10:15:28 01-04-91
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WINO
Pete,
To the best of my knowledge I was drinking a '91 Mogen David
Kerosipple. Thats a combination of kerosene and ripple for
those that don't know fine wine.
Here's a good recipe. Take one magician, add two six packs,
allow to ferment, give him a wordprocessor. What you get is
semi-humorous satirical writing.
The lovely Wizette brought home a bottle with 79 on the
side. I asked if that was a good year. She said no, but it was
a great price.
I fretted about the cork trick for a good three minutes
before I remembered the answer. I saw it when I was a gourmet
chef in Arcata. But I will not reveal it so all the others
can lose sleep.
Msg #4758 Dated 10:25:07 01-04-91 4708 <-
From: MARVIN STERN
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: PAI GOW
Pai Gow was a new game for most of the casinos. The Golden Nugget in
Vegas, had only just put the game in. But I,m sure they made in up at
the crap tables.
Msg #4759 Dated 10:55:07 01-04-91 4755 <--> 4776
From: RICK RUHL
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: DEALER WARNING
well, a magic co-op may be a good idea, most of the stuff would have to
come from D.Robbins and Co.
Any mail order I have ever done is only with Abbot's, and they were
perfect (except for backorders, but I expect that). I ordered three
things the day after Xmas and go two of them by the 28th, (of course
the book was on back order).
I think that the shops would get a better break, as they buy in
quanity. Here, we would get maybe 10-15, which is ok, but then you add
shipping, etc in, and it would be close to the dealers' price.
Our dealer in Atlanta, is Eddie's Trick Shop, owned by the Mckinnon
clan. They've always done me right..
Ricker
Msg #4760 Dated 11:08:24 01-04-91
From: TABBY CRABB
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: COLD READING
Hi Burt...
Thank you for the info on cold reading....I don't have
the book in the library. Only book we have here is his
Misdirection volume of the trilogy. Never added the others
because of the Flemming Book reviews on them.
Muscle reading takes extreme patience and concentration
to be effective. My hat is off to those highly skilled in this
area az it is genuine partyline mind reading.
I knew a girl who could control a polygraph by
concentrating on a spot on the wall.
The speed skiiers and combat fighter pilots talk of the
"blue light syndrome". Under intense concentration the brain
speeds up its processes to a point where events seem to be
occurring in slow motion.
Gloria has learned to concentrate on her heart beat in
shooting events waiting for the moment between beats to squeeze
the trigger - to be a champ one must do this - and you can follow
the bullet to its target in this state allthewhile reading wind
and mirage 50 to 300 meters downrange.
Napoleon Hill suggests that concentration is primary for
success in any endeavor. During the 1984 Olympics (she finished
fourth which was only two points out of first two girls tying for
second) I operated as Gloria's coach, roadie, gopher, etc...I
spent many hours with one eye glued to a highpower spotting scope
with the image of the center rings in half my brain and with the
other observing the firing area. I got so tuned in that I could
actually feel the moment of calm that would pervade her point
just before firing a7d was exhausted at the end of the day. The
shooters would eat lots of pasta for dinner, party half the
night, and get up (early) and do it again. It's called "keeping
the spirit in the now"...operating just on the edge of the next
moment.
All this the effective cold reader must do. The way
things are going with this disease business, I can see why
Kreskin wants to use a handkerchief while he holds on to
strangers hands....what a world, huh?
"Across the miles....."..tabman...
Msg #4761 Dated 11:10:04 01-04-91 -> 4796
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: COPYRIGHT
A thought for any of you who want to protect your
original routines from mostly word for word/action for action
copying might check into US Copyright Form TX and copyright it as
a dramatic work or play.
If you think someone is "infringing" your work (doing it
for profit) its up to you to stop them either by notification,
court, or slamming a steel door on his hands. The government
provides no regulatory agency but the courts can "injunct" the
infringer.
It is the specific form or language by which the work is
presented that provides original treatment. The manner of
expression is at issue when copyright infringement is discussed.
Original works can be copyrighted in the following
catagories:
1. Literary works.
2. Musical works, incl words.
3. Dramatic works, incl music.
4. Pantomimes and choreographic works.
5. Pictoral, graphic, and sculptural works.
6. Motion pictures and other audiovisual works.
7. Sound recordings.
Copyright has also been extended to computer displays.
"Look and feel" has been an issue in the courts and until
we get artists into power it will probably continue. Thats why
I'm voting for MAX FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!!
Forms are available from Register of Copyrights, Library
of Congress, Washington, D.C....
-Source PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS, AND TRADEMARKS by Foster and Shook-
This is NOT legal council, but campfire talk......tabman..
Msg #4762 Dated 11:17:16 01-04-91 4718 <-
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: OLE & CHIC
Real slugs, eh?
Oh those Krrrrraayyy-Zeeee guys!
That's the "Anything For A Laugh" School at work, I guess.
Sure they weren't working on a Bullet Catching routine?
Msg #4763 Dated 11:20:49 01-04-91 4727 <--> 4767
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
Yes, but the very thought of it makes the imagination sizzle!
Msg #4765 Dated 11:51:58 01-04-91 -> 4816
From: TABBY CRABB
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: CO-OP
Hi Steve...
Lets hear it for GENII. Been reading it since the sixties
and it was my most regular contact with the world of magic, that
is til MAGIC!, but since Dante Larsen is one of us, it just adds
to the pleasure of GENII each month.
There are effective buyers co-ops in a number of
different fields and I guess can help save you money, though on a
small scale it doesn't hardly seem worth the hastle, besides a
coupla my fave people are magic dealers.
You could import the silk hankies yourself from Korea and
save a bundle; I just wonder what you'd do with all those
hankies. Heard where to buy 55 gallon drums of sluch powder from
Howie, but thatz a lotta frozen coffee. Maybe buying in quantity
from your fave dealer would be a good solution - he takes a cut
for order taking and you save by doing all the work. There's a
guy in Illinois that has a book co-op and pre-sells books twice a
month before he orders and saves everybody about 15% when its all
over.
I do buy through Magic Book House, but also Jeff Busby
Magic, Charlie Randall, Byron Walker, David Meyer and others. It
makes life a little more fun for me but these are special dealers
who put magic before money and give so much more than they get in
return by not selling their customers crap, though it was pointed
out to me once by my neighbor, Farmer Greene...."It takes a
little crap to make the corn grow."
Glad to see you back on MAGIC!. How is the act coming
along? You're in Santa Rosa, right? I'm supposed to be there late
March before the Desert Seminar - family thing - and maybe we
could pop a bottle of port and if possible, if anybody is driving
over to the seminar, I could catch a ride and fly home from
Vegas........tabman...
sg #4767 Dated 17:23:08 01-04-91 4763 <--> 4770
From: MAX MAVEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
I think you missed my point. I think that Annemann would have found the
current fraternal aspect of magic distressing, and that he had similar
negative feelings about the fraternal circumstances of his day.
Msg #4768 Dated 17:26:09 01-04-91 4722 <-
From: MAX MAVEN
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: BOOKLIZT
Kreskin is hardly the first to use a handkerchief for contact reading.
Other items have also been used: rope, watchchain, etc. Then, of
course, there are those such as Newmann who took it a step further and
used no physical contact.
Msg #4769 Dated 17:29:48 01-04-91 4752 <--> 4775
From: MAX MAVEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP 100 BOOKZ
With specific attention to the idea of "foundation," I'll give some
thought to a list and see if I come up with something worth posting.
Msg #4770 Dated 18:03:40 01-04-91 4767 <--> 4852
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
Thanks for the clarification, Max. You and I don't have a very good
record of "speaking the same language," do we?
I agree that Anneman had a distaste for the fraternal aspects of magic
in his day, but I believe that he created his own fraternity of
magicians who were all of a certain "integrity" (at the risk of
sounding elitist). I don't really think he gave a tinker's cuss about
the social aspects of the magic fraternity, but the group he drew from
for JINX material is certainly a select fraternity...with some Magi
being on the "outs" or back on the "ins"...(Burling Hull, et al)...the
frank discussion of magic, along with the personalities and issues
relating to magic was all very stimulating for the art of magic itself.
Msg #4771 Dated 18:22:34 01-04-91 4709 <--> 4779
From: STAN LAKE
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Sorry I didn't get your message in time. I left around 4:00 PM. I
will be there for the Saturday night shows and I will be in the library
until around 12 or 1:00 pm on Sunday. Give me a call and I can meet
you just about any time since I am on vacation this and next week.
(818) 768-6181.
Msg #4772 Dated 18:29:54 01-04-91 4719 <-
From: STAN LAKE
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: STABBY CRABBY
Where is the Vernon Card Stab described? That reminds me, I do have
one effect I use a knife for. I'm sure it's been invented long, long
ago but I did come up with it on my own. I have a card chosen and
shuffled back into the deck. I ask if the top or bottom card is theirs
and it isn't so I say that narrows it down. That means I will have to
cut to your card and when I say cut I do mean cut. I take out a very
large Bowie knife and say I will even do this blind folded. I wrap the
deck in a sheet of paper and say the deck is blindfolded, not me. I
show how there is no way that I or anyone could know where the card is
and ask if they would like me to cut above or below their card. I
slide the knife into and through the deck ripping the paper away from
it and show either the card above or below the blade whichever they
chose is the selected card. If you haven't guessed by now, this is all
done by a simple deck switch before the trick using one of my amazing
one way force decks available for only $2.00 while supplies last...
Msg #4773 Dated 18:40:17 01-04-91 4724 <--> 4800
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: CONTRIBUTION
Well, we are all just a modem away! I would like to see the
headquarters someday since we are in the same corner of the universe.
Your first message scrolled by before I could answer it. I will wait
and see if I can confirm attending our first luncbefore mailing out the
cards. Today at the Castle I showed the world famous "David's
Impossible Selection" to a couple of pros and left them scratching
their heads. It definitely works better on magicians since lay people
see it as just another card trick. None of the pros could figure it
out!
Msg #4774 Dated 18:48:52 01-04-91 4745 <--> 4832
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
I got the same catalog and I have been meaning to write a little blurb
similar to yours on here. They also have folding quarters and half
dollars for $7.98 each. That seems to be a bit cheaper than what I can
get locally but I don't know about the quality. So I too wondered if
anyone is familiar with the company.
Msg #4775 Dated 18:55:38 01-04-91 4752 <-
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP 100 BOOKZ
I'm glad you wrote that clarification. I talked to T. A. Waters today
and he had a similar complaint. The idea of the 10 best books was just
too vague for him so maybe now he will add his ideas. That guy really
knows what he's talking about. I was at the castle library trying to
help another magician locate a trick, he overheard me and Zingo! he had
the answer! (Yeah, it sounded just like that- Zingo!)
Msg #4776 Dated 19:05:50 01-04-91 4755 <--> 4867
From: STAN LAKE
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: DEALER WARNING
Count me in. That's the whole reason I decided to put together 52
decks of one way decks. I bought my first one a few weeks back which
only had 50 cards in it for $7.00. There are lots of things that most
of us will use or use up on a regular basis which if we could buy in
large quantities we could realize a tidy savings. I certainly can't
afford to buy everything I want so the more I save the more I can get.
Msg #4777 Dated 19:17:51 01-04-91 -> 4802
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: DAVID'S IMPOSSIBLE
I forgot to tell you one good line I used that totally averted any
suspicion of me using a gaffed deck. Some of the cards I bought from
Thrifty's have a yellow label printed across the outside of the card
case touting a $1.00 refund, blah, blah. Well I point that out and
tell them about the great sale they are having on Bicycle decks etc.
Like I said, none of the pros had a clue as to how it was done!
Msg #4778 Dated 20:14:23 01-04-91 4713 <-
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MESSAGES
Thanks for the warning. I'll be off-line after tonight for about a
week. Sounds like I'll have to make room on the hard disk to download
all the new messages when I get back.
Msg #4779 Dated 20:16:02 01-04-91 4578 <--> 4834
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
I'll take three. Where do I send the $$ ?
Msg #4780 Dated 20:17:20 01-04-91 4568 <-
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP 100 CONJURING BOOKS
This is an extremely hard choice, but with the idea of "foundation"
material the choice would have to be Tarbell 1-7, Showmanship for
Magicians, and Magic by Misdirection by Fitzkee, and Illustrated
History of Magic by Christpoher.
Msg #4782 Dated 20:25:58 01-04-91 4716 <-
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: I FORGET
Some people keep their money in a bank.... others on a bookshelf. What
about the Albo books? With your list they'd fit right in.
Msg #4784 Dated 0:07:58 01-01-80 4693 <-
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP 10 OF 1990
Hah!
Well I don't have a top ten, but the few books below are a sampling of
my favorites.
Focus-Phil Goldstein
Find the Stuff That's You-Chris Carey
Magic and Showmanship-Henning Nelms
Mark Wilson Complete Course In Magic-Markilson
Msg #4785 Dated 0:10:11 01-01-80 4670 <--> 4805
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: SLIGHT OF FOOT
Haha..nice one there...
..tn us inside out...maybe others will see your sense of humor, David!
Msg #4787 Dated 0:22:11 01-01-80 4733 <-
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: AMIGA USERS
After writing this message, I'm going try to Upload a file, unzipped if
that's legal. This series of files is not only a MAGIC! demo, but a
test to see if IFF Graphics and IFF Sounds can survive
Modem-mutilation. Hope you like it (if you get to use your son's
AMIGA)! --Scott
Msg #4790 Dated 0:34:58 01-01-80 -> 4818
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: NEW MAGIC! LINES!
MAGIC! IS NOW MULTI-LINE, MULTI-USER!
Thanks to a number of your for your patience on Friday (and into
Saturday morning). But it appears that we were successful! A few
hairy moments here and there.
Everything should look the same and work the same, but with less busy
signals (at least until MAGIC! becomes even busier). If you do
experience any problems, PLEASE LET US KNOW. You can leave a Comment
from the Main Menu or, during normal Pacific Time business hours you
can call us at 818-899-8812.
Msg #4791 Dated 0:40:01 01-01-80 4747 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: IMPORTANT REMINDER
Thanks for the cheery words, Richard! Actually, we aren't going to try
on-line forums at this point. That sort of thing is still
problematical and rests on having a lot more lines than we can support
at this time. But who knows what the future will bring?
Msg #4793 Dated 0:48:08 01-01-80 4751 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO
Re: TAP CITY
WOW! Talk about a bit of dedication to MAGIC! And I thought I was
bad, carrying accoustic couplers around and using hotel lobby pay
phones.
Msg #4794 Dated 0:49:58 01-01-80 4755 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: DEALER WARNING
We had a start of a MAGIC! Co-op at one point, but it hasn't followed
through of late. Did a few good deals including a great buy on Jumbo
Card decks. I'd be interested.
Msg #4795 Dated 0:51:50 01-01-80 4756 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: BUT SERIOUSLY FOLKS...
A good point, Steve. Your message deserves a more complete and
thoughtful reply than that, but I'm going to have to beg off for
tonite. My brain went down the serial ports while we were installing
them.
Msg #4796 Dated 0:53:48 01-01-80 4761 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: COPYRIGHT
Thanks, Tab. The idea of copyrighting magic routines as a "dramatic
work" is a good one. I heard a story, perhaps apocryphal, that
computer software, at least originally, did not qualify for copyright
in Australia. So one enterprising programmer began his program with a
remark... "One dark and stormy night a programmer wrote..."
Msg #4797 Dated 0:57:07 01-01-80 4763 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
True! Would have been interesting to have Anneman and a few others join us
here.
Msg #4800 Dated 1:03:40 01-01-80 4773 <--> 4918
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: CONTRIBUTION
Headquarters moved from Arleta to Chaos this weekend! Modems and
cables all over the place! Yes, I think the message was that you could
hold the cards 'til you knew if you would be at the MAGIC! Luncheon at
the Castle on Jan. 25th.
So you've been showing "David's Impossible Selection" around the
Castle, huh? Didn't I declare that "off limits" in my "Cervon Notice"
at the bottom of the description??? Oh, well..... Glad to hear you
blew a few minds!
Msg #4801 Dated 1:06:21 01-01-80 4774 <--> 4919
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
Saw the folding coins and thought that was a pretty good price too.
There was quite a bit in there I was going to describe, but the message
got longer and longer as it was. I may order some stuff and see what
arrives.
Msg #4802 Dated 1:07:20 01-01-80 4777 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: DAVID'S IMPOSSIBLE
I like the line, Stan. I notice the yellow label on some of the decks
I bought, but wouldn't have thought of using it that way. Thanks!
Msg #4804 Dated 1:12:11 01-01-80 4765 <-
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: CO-OP
Hey Tabby,
I use a lot of silks so it would be worth it for me to get
thirty or so new ones. It seems like I can never have too
many. I like dealers too. I wouldn't want to screw any out
of their well deserved money.
How is the act going you ask. I had a great year end as I
did a private party in a very swanky house in the hills. The
good news was that it was attended by some very wealthy
business people and my forty five minute show got an
outstanding response ( due in great part to the philosophies
I have picked up here). I asked my clients at the end how
they had found me. They said my yellow page ad indicated
that my services are appropriate for black tie and upscale
events. I was most pleased as that is the image we have been
trying to project in the last couple of years. We have been
trying to convince the local folks that magic is not just
for kid shows and birthday parties.
It was supposed to have been attended by one Mr. Tom
Smothers but he was not there. No great loss as I am sure
several of his friends will recommend me to him. I have no
great delusions about being " discovered " but he owns a
winery and might be a good source for gigs. I also am a
pretty good banjo player and would like to get together
with Tom for music playing.
I have decided to take the act in a whole new direction
presentation wise. It has been my intention to develop an
act that is unique. I have realized that using wine instead of
more traditional props is not unique unless presented in a
different way. Again the philosophies shared by the users of
this board have caused me to dissect my act and re-think
everything. I just hope when I finally get it all figured
out I will still be young enough to perform.
BY ALL MEANS please contact me about your time here in the
wine country. I would be most pleased to have you over to my
humble abode for drinks and discussion etc... I may be the
Wine Country Wizard but I am actually more an afficianado of
fine brews.
I will even introduce you to Sting, my break-dancing
dingo.
Msg #4805 Dated 1:17:16 01-01-80 4785 <--> 4930
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: SLIGHT OF FOOT
Thanks, Vincent!
Msg #4809 Dated 5:15:50 01-01-80
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: RAY MERTZ
Just got a call from Ray Mertz from the Forks Hotel up in
Fechter's country. Ray will be contributing stuff for the Doc
Eason issue of Genii which will be coming out later this year.
First saw Ray work last year at CEMK - he's the magician
who turned the 300lb biker chick from hell into a stone. Ray is
interested in doing more lecture work in addition to his Tannen's
Jubilee, CEMK, 4Fs, and Fla. State Conv gigs each year. He and
his pal, Harrison Carroll, took good care of me and us tabmen
never forget.
I'm using one of Ray's gags from his lecture notes now.
Yep, it has a double facer plus a turnover wallet. He just gave
me a tip on remembering which side to open when you first bring
it out.
If the Nashville Conclave materializes we'll bring Ray
down to lecture if his schedule permits. He's one of the best bar
magicians working today.
The editor of a leading French language monthly just left
Ray and will be doing a Ray Mertz issue in a few months. I should
be getting one so I'll let you know. He's got a chapter in an
Italian magic book, but doesn't know what he said cause he
doesn't speak Italian. Also for you Magic Menu subscribers, I'm
trying to get Ray and editor Sisti together so hopefully look for
Ray in those pages also.
Ray was a protegee of Eddie Fechter and is carrying on
Eddie's tradition at the Fork's Hotel.......tabman
PS...Steve DeBerg, QB of KC Chiefs is an amateur magician...big
story on his "magic" on the sports tonite...
Msg #4812 Dated 0:11:27 01-01-80
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: NEW LINES
>>> A FEW PROBLEMS <<<
Well, things aren't going quite perfectly yet with the new lines. On
some occassions the modems aren't resetting properly and calls are
going UNANSWERED. If you are having this problem, please call back in
a while. MAGIC! is here. We haven't died. We're working on it.
Thanks for your patience.
Msg #4813 Dated 0:16:57 01-01-80
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: BOOK HELP
Thanks for helping me clarify my question about naming a
top 10 list of books for my proposed One Hundred Book Library. A
decade ago when I was in Houston, I was going to flip a coin to
decide whether to go to Nashville or LA when the phone rang. It
was a band in Music City offering me a job so I never got to move
to LA and have missed being there.
Because of books and magazines - old and new - I've been
able to carry on my magical education. When I started adding to
the library here I perused 30 years of Genii reading "Light From
The Lamp", Sphinx from 1922 - 1941, etc. and finally got my hands
on Flemming Book Reviews which proved insightful also.
Everybody has certain faves and I hope to incorporate
them into a 1991 100 book library updating the lists from the
past.
Thanks again for giving it some thought....
Msg #4814 Dated 0:17:49 01-01-80 -> 4835
From: TABBY CRABB
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: FORCERS
I see the forcing decks are ready and I'd like to know
where to send the $$$ for my two decks. Thanks for clarifying the
book list with T A and for taking the time to make up all those
forcers...my address is tabman
The Old Principals House
Rt 2, Box 4
Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
Msg #4815 Dated 0:18:21 01-01-80 -> 4836
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: BOWING TO THE BONE
OK....here's the deal. Just make some suggestions on books you
think belong in any library of conjuring....# doesn't matter,
most important any help you all can give me for this project.
Also, by bowing to the bone, perhaps I can take the ceiling off
from my end, but will try to keep it to around a hun or so. I
just wanna help and do appreciate all yours. I obviously don't
think that 10 books can cover it, but I would imagine a hundred
book library would be helpful to lotz of enthusiasts.....tabman
Msg #4816 Dated 0:17:10 01-01-80 4765 <--> 4837
From: STEVE KUCERA
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: CO-OP
Hi Tabby. I replied to your message last night but it doesnt seem to b
on the system so I will upload it agin. Sorry if this is a re-run
Hey Tabby,
I use a lot of silks so it would be worth it for me to get
thirty or so new ones. It seems like I can never have too
many. I like dealers too. I wouldn't want to screw any out
of their well deserved money.
did a private party in a very swanky house in the hills. The
good news was that it was attended by some very wealthy
business people and my forty five minute show got an
outstanding response ( due in great part to the philosophies
I have picked up here). I asked my clients at the end how
they had found me. They said my yellow page ad indicated
that my services are appropriate for black tie and upscale
events. I was most pleased as that is the image we have been
trying to project in the last couple of years. We have been
trying to convince the local folks that magic is not just
for kid shows and birthday parties.
It was supposed to have been attended by one Mr. Tom
Smothers but he was not there. No great loss as I am sure
several of his friends will recommend me to him. I have no
great delusions about being " discovered " but he owns a
winery and might be a good source for gigs. I also am a
pretty good banjo player and would like to get together
with Tom for music playing.
I have decided to take the act in a whole new direction
presentation wise. It has been my intention to develop an
act that is unique. I have realized that using wine instead of
more traditional props is not unique unless presented in a
different way. Again the philosophies shared by the users of
this board have caused me to dissect my act and re-think
everything. I just hope when I finally get it all figured
out I will still be young enough to perform.
BY ALL MEANS please contact me about your time here in the
wine country. I would be most pleased to have you over to my
humble abode for drinks and discussion etc... I may be the
Wine Country Wizard but I am actually more an afficianado of
fine brews.
I will even introduce you to Sting, my break-dancing
dingo.
Msg #4818 Dated 0:33:09 01-01-80 4790 <--> 4829
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: NEW MAGIC! LINES!
Great! So MAGIC has two lines now?
Msg #4819 Dated 0:55:30 01-01-80
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: CHARLIE RANDALL (X)
Re: BOOK LIST
I don't think we have talked before, but I really enjoyed the way the
H&R booklist #2 came out..very easy to use..I ordered some books and
was very satisfied. I was wondering if you and your partner were going
to release another booklist.
Msg #4821* Dated 23:11:08 01-05-91
From: DAVID TEST
To: SYSOP
Re: COMMENTS
This is a test comment from David Test. 1-05-91 11:07 p.m.
Msg #4822 Dated 23:29:50 01-05-91 4513 <-
From: MARK LODGE
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: HAPPY HOLIDAZE
Pete, sorry for the loud voice. I appreciate your comment. Keep up the
good work.
Msg #4823 Dated 23:39:38 01-05-91 4518 <-
From: MARK LODGE
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: CAN I ASK A DEEP QUESTION
As a host at the magic castle in hwd, I occasionally hear bits and
pieces of information. I have heard prices range from $75.00 for a 20
minute show to $450.00 for 1/2 an hour. When I magished in Santa
Barbara, my fee was around $125.00 for 30 minutes (not a childrens
show). I hear trade shows run $500.00 a day to $2500 a day. It all
depends on what you do, how you do it and who is paying the bill. Local
competition also factors in. My suggestion is to ask your locals what
they are charging and assume they are giving you a high figure. Good
Luck.
Msg #4824 Dated 23:50:48 01-05-91 4565 <-
From: MARK LODGE
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: MORE QUESTIONS
Save yourself some time and money and buy the Michael Ammar topit
pattern (about 10 dollars). This will give you the exact location for
pinning. As an occasional user of my topit, my best suggestion is to
install it and then play with it. Find out, through use, what is deep
enough and what is comfortable. I like a LARGE pocket because I do not
use it enough to maintain pinpoint skill. I know somebody who uses a
breast pocket as a topit and another who uses a cumberbun. Two topiters
to watch are Michael Ammar (also has an extensive video available) and
Joe Given (Colorado). Good Luck.
Msg #4825 Dated 0:03:03 01-06-91 4597 <-
From: MARK LODGE
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: UNSLEIGHT OF HAND
Last October I did my first week at the Castle. I was in late close-up
and on one particular night I had ****"The Audience From Hell" ****.
Everyone standing to my left was plastered and commenting on everything
I did or didnt do. As it happened, Bob Jardine was also in the room -
to my delight and subsiquent shame. Anyway, I was shook. I make more
errors in that show than all the shows before and since - for that
week. Remembering what Marty Nash did on the first and only error I
witnessed, I pretended nothing had happened and kept going, throwing a
little clowning around into it. At the end of the show Bob suggested
that I use a different card each time I did the torn and restored (with
a corner missing) card trick. I was thrilled !!!! I do use a different
card, however in this show, the corner fell on the floor and was
spotted by the drunks in the corner - who made no bones about
mentioning it. Bob thought it was a leftover from the last show. The
lesson I learned is that if you don't tell the audience you fouled up,
they won't know!! Good Hunting and Happy Outs.
Msg #4826 Dated 0:06:32 01-06-91
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: NEW LINES
>>> WE'RE WORKING ON IT <<<
This has not been one of my better days! There were a few bugs, here
and there, in getting the new lines for MAGIC! installed. Like
modifying the system software.
Fortunately, it looks like most of the bugs are now gone!
Unfortunately, it looks like one or two are still here. So we are
continuing to work on software, controller boards, modems, cables, etc.
Remember those signs that they seem to put up only in New York -
"Buiding a better New York." Well, we are building a better MAGIC! and
we hope you will bear with us a bit longer.
There are three areas where we need your help:
1) Please log off by entering the G for Goodbye at a menu.
The system is getting stuck, right now, if you "time out" or
if you leave by just hanging up. If you say "Goodbye" first
(From the Main Menu or File Menu, just type G and press
the ENTER key) the lines clear properly.
2) If you dial in and the line just rings and rings, do NOT
assume that MAGIC! is out of service. We may be temporarily
testing something, or one of the lines may be stuck. Just
dial back a few times. For the most part, MAGIC! is up right
now.
3) Conjur, do magic, say spells, and pray! We need all the help
we can get!
Msg #4827 Dated 0:14:59 01-06-91 4598 <-
From: MARK LODGE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: QUALITY MAGIC FOR QUALITY
My bid is $40.00. Please advise me by telephone if successfull. thanks
Msg #4829 Dated 0:19:29 01-06-91 4818 <--> 4871
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: VINCENT HANCOCK (X)
Re: NEW MAGIC! LINES!
Yes, one is the line we give people before they join MAGIC! and the
other is what they find out after they a9e here.
Msg #4831 Dated 0:21:00 01-06-91 4688 <--> 4887
From: MARK LODGE
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: RING 21 MEETING
Darrell, please advise me of the date and time of the next meeting and
what is required to attend. Thanks.
Msg #4832 Dated 3:12:35 01-06-91 4745 <--> 4846
From: DOUGLAS LARSON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
The kling kards you mention are metal the board has laminated magnetic
strips in it. We used to sell them in the store I work at. They wer
e supposed to be for playing cards while traveling or in a 50 mph
wind. They would work good if you want to display them on a flat
surface facing the audience etc. Im sure someone can come up with
other uses for them. you could have a card stick to some gimmick that
had a magnet in it. They didnt sell to well to the general public as
they can go to Thriftys and buy red or blue bicycle decks for a dollar.
most people couldnt see whythey cost so much.
The magnets were visible the layers of the board if you looked for
them closely.
Msg #4833 Dated 7:14:40 01-06-91 -> 5470
From: RICK RUHL
To: MARK LODGE (X)
Re: TOPPIT
Mark:
Well, I've alread bought the Topit from Abbots. It came with Patrick
Pages' Toppit handbook, but the illustraions for location aren't that
great.
I've been looking for Micheals book, but just havent heard anything
from him yet. I'm looking forward to getting in.
The toppit I got from abbot's seems to be made of the same material
as the lining of a coat. So I placed it where the lining started and
pinned the other side of it to the waistband of my pants. See, I
don't know if that is where it is suspose to go, as when I use the
moves that are shown in the handbook, the pocket doesn't seem to be
real
big. Do I need to move it forward, almost to the buttonholes or what?
Thanks
Rick
Msg #4834 Dated 7:23:53 01-06-91 4779 <-
From: STAN LAKE
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: ONE WAY FORCE DECK
Thanks for the order Burt. My address is 9250 Sunland Blvd. #11
in Sun Valley, CA 91352. If you have any particular card or cards you
want a deck of, just let me know. So far I only have the 5 of diamonds
specifically taken. Let me know if you would like all number cards or
face cards or a mixture.
Msg #4835 Dated 7:35:34 01-06-91 4814 <-
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: FORCERS
I will mail your two decks tomorrow (Monday the 7th). You didn't
specify what particular cards you wanted so I will send you one face
deck and one number deck. I'll call back in early tomorrow to see if
you have any preferences before I ship them out. My address is-
9250 Sunland Blvd #11
Sun Valley, Ca 91352
Thanks for the order and happy forcing!
Msg #4836 Dated 7:43:25 01-06-91 4815 <--> 4899
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: BOWING TO THE BONE
Tabman, you facile writer you. What does "bowing to the bone" mean?
Msg #4837 Dated 7:46:23 01-06-91 4816 <--> 5001
From: STAN LAKE
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: CO-OP
I'm thrilled to hear your performance went so well and that you got
some tips from Magic! to help you! That was an excellent idea to
target your yellow page ad for the upscale market. A perfect example
of that was shown to me by my father who is a locksmith in the Denver
area. He advertises himself as "Locksmith for the discriminating".
As you know, Denver has been in a recession long before the rest of the
country, so times are tough there. Most locksmiths if they can find
work at all sputter around in Pintos from one job to the next. Ol' dad
has had one of those big van type ambulances custom made to be a
rolling shop with a phone and 4 wheel drive to get him anywhere. He
also drives a beautiful Mercedes and yet he turns work away when other
locksmiths can't get any! He charges outrageous prices but people
think they are always getting the best service possible. I don't know
whether that's true or not, but they're happy. Anyway, I was thinking
that it might not hurt to have two ads in the yellowpages if you happen
to do both adult and children's shows. As long as they are printed in
different sections of the book. You could be the "wine country wizard"
in one ad and the "kool-aid wizard" in another. (Just kidding!)
Msg #4840 Dated 11:09:36 01-06-91 -> 4847
From: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN
To: ALL
Re: SAY HELLO TO MAGIC!-NL
In the coming weeks I plan to give some short demo on what a MAGIC!
BBS.
First one possibly already tomorrow and it will take place at
Richard Ross' Magic Art Center in Bennebroek, Holland (you are
all invited to be there...).
The purpose of this demo is to raise some interest in MAGIC!-NL,
to go live 2nd February 1991.
.
My question to you who read this message, if you can say hello to
those dutchies in a short msg, and tell them why they should go
and get them-self a modem and join the MAGIC! family.
.
In the audience we will have Tommy Wonder, Ger Copper (normally
residing in Spain...), Richard Ross. Possibly Bob Driebeeck hops
in, or Flip Hallema, and sometimes Dick Koornwinder, a personal
msg to any of those will also reach them....
.
Thank you very dutch,
Arnaud - sysop MAGIC!-NL.
Msg #4841-13 MAGIC! Dated 11:11:05 01-06-91 -> 4843
From: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN
To: ALL
Re: ITS COMING!!!!!
*************************
* *
* UUUU UUUU *
* UUUUUU UUUUUU *
* UUU UUU UUU UUU *
* UUU UUU UUU *
* UUU UUU *
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* UUU UUU *
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* UUUUUUUUU *
* UUUUU UUUUU *
* UUU UUU *
* UUU *
* UUU UUUUUU *
* UUU UUU *
* UUUUU UUUUU *
* UUUUUUUUU *
* *
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* UUUUUUUUU *
* UUU *
* UUU *
* UUU *
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* UUUUUUUUU *
* UUUUU UUUUU *
* UUU UUU
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* UUUU UUU *
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*************************
.
.
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
UU What....: MAGIC!-NL.....MAGIC!'s own dutch brother UUññ
UU When....: Live 2nd of february 1991 UUññ
UU Where...: telephone nr. 31-23-388725 /31=country code NL UUññ
UU Why.....: wait till you have logged in once..... UUññ
UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUññ
ññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññññ
Msg #4842 Dated 11:43:11 01-06-91 -> 4932
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: QUALITY MAGIC AUCTION
The high bid on the Okito book is now at $60...
Going once.
Msg #4843 Dated 11:44:37 01-06-91 4841 <--> 4848
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN (X)
Re: ITS COMING!!!!!
Great trick. I hung in there with you on those **** and started
laughing after about 10 or 15 seconds...Great....
also
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!!!
on the new bbs. I'll give it a call sometime soon after the
opening day. Some quiet early morning there when the board is
quiet......tabman..
Msg #4844 Dated 15:07:47 01-06-91 -> 4855
From: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN
To: ALL
Re: PAUL DANIELS SHOW 1991
Last night we had the start of a new series of Paul Daniels show
on British TV. Let me give you a review of this show.
.
OPENING: Onstage is a wooden box (size: one person) on a small
table. The box is apparently upside down as marks show
what is the top, and this side is downwards.
The music stops.....nothing happens, 10-20-30 seconds
pass still nothing happens. The audience does not know
what to do.... After ca. 1 minute the whole box explodes
and pieces are flyinh over the stage. On the table,
PD himself, unharmed, nipping at a glass.
.
CARD EFF A selected card (without torn corner), appears in a pot of
pickle. The patter was full of P's, so the pot of pickle
was on a pile of plates...etc....
.
NEXT A satellite dish transportation effect.
3 TV's were onstage with a box above it. One TV had a dish
in the box. The box was closed, TV picture disappeared and
dish was gone.
The 2nd box was of a shadow type, and you saw the dish pass
by, while simultaneouly the picture appeared.
Finally the dish (and picture on TV) appeared at the last box.
.
AUDIENCE A lock was put on a ribbon, and covered by a silk. Ribbon was
held by 2 spectators. Paul tried to free the lock; from under
the silk various heavy tools fall on the ground.
Obviously he removed the key from his pocket; the lock was
freed but the key was now on the ribbon.
.
FINALE Paul was dressed as professor in frankenstein type of set.
A girl was put on a table, and here head was cut of with a
saw.
After restoration, there was a blood mark where she was cut.
.
.
Next week another show.....
Bye... Arnaud.
Msg #4846 Dated 15:51:06 01-06-91 4832 <--> 4853
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: DOUGLAS LARSON (X)
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
Thanks for the info, Douglas. Can you describe the "steel cards"
themselves? Did they look normal? Was the back pattern anything that
might be available in a regular deck? Could they be shuffled? Thanks!
Msg #4847 Dated 15:55:16 01-06-91 4840 <--> 4854
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN (X)
Re: SAY HELLO TO MAGIC!-NL
As the operator of MAGIC!-US, I would like to send my warmest wishes to
those in attendance at this meeting in Holland. You, and Arnaud, are
now a piece of magic history. For the first time, magicians around the
World can communicate with each other, sharing ideas, new techniques,
etc.
In the coming months you will be joining your colleagues in the United
States in a fascinating dialog. MAGIC! and MAGIC-NL! form a 24-hour a
day, 365-day a year magic convention.
I wish you and Arnaud well, and greet you on this historic occassion.
Msg #4848 Dated 16:01:43 01-06-91 4841 <--> 4869
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN (X)
Re: ITS COMING!!!!!
There is a HIDDEN message in Arnaud's message! (#4841). If all you saw
were stars on a long panel, then you didn't see it all! Here's how to
get the whole message (NOTE: You may not be able to on some computers,
if you have an IBM or Clone you are likely to be able to. On other
computers there may be some differences in what you see):
>From the MAGIC! Main Menu:
o Type U for User Parms and press the ENTER key.
o Type XG for eXtended Graphics and press the ENTER key.
o The words "Extended Graphics now ON" will appear on your screen.
o Type M for Main Menu and press the ENTER key.
o Type R;4841 and press the ENTER key to see Arnaud's
message again. If you don't like what you see, you can return to
the MAGIC! Main Menu and repeat the proceedure. Doing so will
turn "Extended Graphics" off.
Thanks for the magic, Arnaud!
Msg #4851 Dated 16:45:50 01-06-91 -> 4856
From: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN
To: ALL
Re: NL QUIZ......
To let you participate in the festivities that celebrate the
introduction of MAGIC!-NL, the board of directors of MAGIC!-NL
invites you to join the MAGIC!-NL quiz.
.
This quiz is going to test your magical knowledge of Holland,
and its magicians.
As prize we will honor the winner with a typical dutch present.
Answers can be send to my attention (that's Arnaud van.Rietschoten)
till february 1st.
P.S. checking with Peter Pit (when does he log in....) is strictly
forbitten.
.
QUESTION 1
Mention as much dutch FISM grand-prix winners.
.
QUESTION 2
Tommy Wonder, was before Tommy Wonder, not known as Tommy
Wonder. Which other names did he used to listen to.
.
QUESTION 3
Dick Koornwinder has gained some global reputation with
some own developped effects, name at least one.
.
QUESTION 4
Okito was of dutch origin, what was his family name.
.
QUESTION 5
Some dutch magicians have gained some fame as magical
creators. One was very known for his creations in plastic
and his card work, another one has become very popular
with the production of radio-controlled miracles.
Who am I talking about.......
.
QUESTION 6
Who was that FISM prize winner that became quite known
with his medals act.
.
QUESTION 7
Who invented the Flip-stick...
Msg #4852 Dated 17:02:16 01-06-91 4770 <--> 4870
From: MAX MAVEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
I'll certainly agree with your comment that the discussions to be found
in the Jinx were - and still are - stimulating. I make a point of
re-reading my way through the file from start to finish every few
years.
Msg #4853 Dated 17:05:09 01-06-91 4846 <--> 4861
From: MAX MAVEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
Slightly smaller than bridge-size, usually with frenzied back patterns
in bright colors.
Msg #4854 Dated 17:11:24 01-06-91 4840 <--> 4859
From: MAX MAVEN
To: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN (X)
Re: SAY HELLO TO MAGIC!-NL
Okay, hello to Tommy, Ger, Richard, Bob and Flip. By the way, Flip, I
need your address.
Msg #4855 Dated 17:14:08 01-06-91 4844 <-
From: MAX MAVEN
To: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN (X)
Re: PAUL DANIELS SHOW 1991
Thanks for the information. The comedy routine with the padlock on the
ribbon is my creation, published some years back in _Abra_, and I
didn't know Paul had used it. Nice to know.
Msg #4856 Dated 17:17:34 01-06-91 4851 <-
From: MAX MAVEN
To: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN (X)
Re: NL QUIZ......
1. Fred Kaps (3), Richard Ross (2), Tonny Van Domelin, Nic Niberco,
Harry Thiery, Ger Copper.
2. Name at birth: Josef Bemelman. Previous stage name: Jos Bema.
3. Probably most famous invention is the Koornwinder Kar.
4. Bamberg.
5. Eddie Taytelbaum and Tony Anverdi.
6. Ted Winkel.
7. Flip Hallema.
Msg #4859 Dated 17:34:47 01-06-91 4840 <-
From: DOUGLAS LARSON
To: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN (X)
Re: SAY HELLO TO MAGIC!-NL
Tell every one that the contacts that you can make and the speed with
which you can communicate is mind blowing. Where else can you leave a
message that can be responded to by a specific group of people with
similar interest to yours and have all the resourses of hundreds of
like minded, knowledgeable people without having to leave your home.
You don't even have to get dressed to talk with the great minds of
Magic! What could be better?
Best wishes to All
Doug
Msg #4861 Dated 17:46:01 01-06-91 4846 <--> 4863
From: DOUGLAS LARSON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
This is from two year old memory...the cards were bridge size and could
be shuffled like a regular deck. I think the backs were some generic
card pattern nothing unusual. If you didnt know they were metal cards
it was not possible to tell that they were. More I can't remember,
except that the board was about the size of a Monopoly board, and it
was card table green color.
hope this helps
Doug
Msg #4863 Dated 19:08:16 01-06-91 4853 <--> 4864
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
Thanks, Max. I guess that the next question is... Were they invented
in Holland?
Msg #4864 Dated 19:19:38 01-06-91 4861 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: DOUGLAS LARSON (X)
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
Thanks for the info, Douglas. I may order a deck (but not necessarily
the board) just to see if they can be worked into something.
Msg #4867 Dated 20:23:45 01-06-91 4660 <--> 5645
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: DEALER WARNING
I've just had a remarkably similar experience with
Rabbit-In-The-Hat-Ranch...
...they were so very nice over the phone...and then they slapped me
with an unexpected 25% restocking charge!
Well you all must know that ol' Wayne is much too volatile to sit idle
for such treatment!
I've lodged a complaint with American Express and have formally
disputed the charge. They will NEVER get away with that 25% "surprise"
fee with me! It's less than twenty dollars in question here, but I'd
spend a thousand with an attorney to get back that twenty bucks if I
had to! And, needless to say, Rabbit-In-The-Hat-Ranch has lost another
customer!
Grrrrrr!!!
I haven't been this worked up since the Penn & Teller (un)Special!!!
Time for a Maalox break...g'nite.
Msg #4868 Dated 20:33:51 01-06-91 -> 4888
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: MAGIC! LUNCHEON
Darrell, please add Ron Bieber to the list of MAGIC! members for the
January 25th luncheon at the Castle. Ron is a long time MAGIC! member.
Thanks.
Msg #4869 Dated 20:41:30 01-06-91 4843 <--> 4872
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: ITS COMING!!!!!
Yes, indeed...congrats and best of luck for a great success!
Now regarding the...
********************
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *
* *...exactly how did you do that?
Msg #4870 Dated 20:50:16 01-06-91 4852 <--> 4877
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
Yes, me too! There are a surprising number of "fresh" tricks to be
found in the old JINX file! The Anneman personality is what I find so
appealing, though...his fingerprints are on everything...and the
EDITRIVIA column is still great fun to read and very informative, too!
What are your favorite CURRENT publications? I do enjoy your column in
MAGIGRAM. I wish that Ammar & Fleischer were still publishing MAJ. I
think MAJ was one of the better latter-day magic mags. INSIDE MAGIC
and GENII are always welcome finds in my mailbox.
Perhaps we should get some input on a top ten MAGAZINE list!
Msg #4871 Dated 21:02:07 01-06-91 4829 <-
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: NEW MAGIC! LINES!
I see
Msg #4872 Dated 21:39:21 01-06-91 4869 <-
From: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: ITS COMING!!!!!
Wayne,
You should know we magicians are not allowed to reveal our secrets.
bye,
Arnaud.
Msg #4873 Dated 1:17:51 01-07-91
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: MAGIC-09
The ninth set of MAGIC! messages - #4000 (Dec. 18, 1990) to
#4499 (Dec. 31, 1990) have been transfered to a downloadable
file. The file is named MAGIC-09.TXT. This means that you can
now go to the file area, download that file, and read the ninth
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-09.ZIP and is about
1/2 the size of the full-text version.
This set of messages includes several interesting effects,
including a simplified Kaps Aces by Pete Biro, Pete Biro's CRIDGE,
and a number of messages about rice bowls and suggestions for their
use. There is, of course, also a lot of magic news and chit-chat.
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 #4876 Dated 2:31:54 01-07-91 -> 4880
From: DOUGLAS LARSON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: UPLOADS
I tried to upload two amiga files, but could not get them to go into
the Amiga subsection. They are Tetrix.zoo and undo.zoo both are Amiga
files. Let me know if it was something I did that was not correct.
Doug
Msg #4877 Dated 3:46:35 01-07-91 4870 <--> 4893
From: MAX MAVEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
I read just about every magazine, but frankly wish there were some
current publication with the stimulative qualities of Jinx and Phoenix,
or Ibidem or Pallbearers.
Msg #4879 Dated 6:01:47 01-07-91 -> 4884
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: FORCING DECKS
I'll get you a check in the mail today. Thanks.
Charlie
Msg #4880 Dated 6:46:04 01-07-91 4876 <--> 5067
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: DOUGLAS LARSON (X)
Re: UPLOADS
Thanks for the uploads. Will take a look at them. Files first go to
an area for the sysop to look at. Then they are assigned to their
proper sections. Will take a look at yours tonite.
Msg #4884 Dated 7:04:52 01-07-91 4879 <-
From: STAN LAKE
To: CHARLIE RANDALL (X)
Re: FORCING DECKS
Charlie, I don't have your address to send your cards. Where are you?
Msg #4885 Dated 7:52:23 01-07-91 -> 4909
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: TOP BOOKS
Here's where I am with the book list. Could use some
help filling in the gaps, etc. Thanks to all who responded and
will respond.
The Amateur Magicians Handbook - Hay
The Annals Of Conjuring - Clarke
The Art of Magic - Downs
Close-up Card Magic - Lorayne
Chemical Magic - Lippy
The Commercial Magic Of J.C. Wagner - Maxwell
Conjuring and Magic - Robert-Houdin
The Dai Vernon Book of Magic - Ganson
Darwin's Thumb Tip Book - Darwin
Derek Dingle's Complete Works - Dingle
Enclyclopedia of Card Tricks - Hugard
Encyclopedic Dictionary of Magic (Vol 1-2) - Whaley
Encyclopedia of Magic and Magicians - Waters
Encyclopedia of Suspensions and Levitations - Armstrong
The Expert At The Card Table - Erdnase
Expert Card Technique - Hugard & Braue
Expert Coin Magic - Roth
Find The Stuff That's You - Chris Carey
The Fine Art of Magic - Kaplan
Focus - Phil Goldstein
Gambling Book - Scarne
Greater Magic - Hilliard
The Hamman Book
Historian's Guide To Conjuring - Selvin
How to Detect Crooked Gambling - Frank Garcia
Illusion Systems (Vol 1-4) - Osborne
Illustrated History Of Magic - Christopher
Impossibilia - Bannon
Jarrett - Steinmeyer
The Jennings Book
Jinx (Bound Vol 1-4)
The John Booth Classics - Booth
Magic and Showmanship - Nelms
Magic by Gosh - Page
Magic by Misdirection - Fitzkee
Magic of Francis Carlyle
Magic of Jimmy Grippo
The Magic of J.N. Hofsinser - Hatch Translation
Magic Without Apparatus - Gaultier
Mark Wilson Complete Course In Magic - Mark Wilson
Modern Coin Magic - Bobo
Modern Magic - Hoffmann
Okito On Magic - Bamberg, Parrish
Our Magic - Maskelyne and Devant
Phoenix - Elliott (Bound Vol 1-6)
Practical Mental Effects - Annemann
Rice's Encyclopedia (Vol 1-3)
The Riddle of Chung Ling Soo - Dexter
Robert-Houdin Memoirs - Robert-Houdin
Royal Road To Card Magic
Scarne's Magic Tricks
Secrets & Mysteries Of The Close-up Entertainer - Burger
Showmanship for Magicians - Fitzkee
Sleight of Hand - Sachs
Stars of Magic - Tannen
Stewart James in Print - James
Tarbell Course (Vol 1-7)
Theatrical Close-up - Samelson
The Trick Brain - Fitzkee
13 Steps to Mentalism - Corinda
Twelve Have Died - Robinson
Vernon Chronicles (Vol 1-3)
Who's Who in Magic - Whaley
Msg #4886 Dated 7:56:46 01-07-91 -> 4889
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: SHIGEO TAKAGI
It is with personal sadness that I pass on the following message,
prepared this morning by Max Maven.
SHIGEO TAKAGI
1930 - 1991
Japan's great scholar of magic passed away January 7. More than any
other individual, he was responsible for the growth of quality close-
up magic in Japan.
Shigeo Takagi had a deep and abiding passion for magic that started
early. He fondly recalled the childhood experience of standing on a
chair at the back of a hall, craning to get a better view of a per-
formance by Max Malini.
He began in magic in his seventh year, under the tutelage of the
comedy magician Takomatsu. This led to many years of study, primarily
in the area of stage magic (in particular, billiard balls). In time,
Shigeo Takagi's focus shifted to close-up magic.
Until his recent retirement he worked for the Japanese Library of
Congress, working in literary translation of works in English, French
and Sanskrit. Due to his linguistic skills he was able to keep up with
the latest developments in western conjuring. Rather than hoard that
information for his own private use, he shared this knowledge with
other magicians in his country, adding his own innovative thinking.
Many of the leading professional performers in Japan today were able
to benefit from his guidance.
Shigeo Takagi's willingness to share his prodigious store of infor-
mation was acknowledged by many awards. He received the prestigious
Tenkai Prize, was a guest of honor at the Fechter convention, and was
given a Special Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts.
He was a prolific author, writing dozens of books not only on magic
but also on gambling, puzzles, hypnosis, psychology, memory and
philosophy. Many of his magical creations were translated for western
books and magazines. An English-language collection of some of the
best of his work, "The Amazing Miracles of Shigeo Takagi," was pub-
lished last year. It provides a fine sampling of his thorough atten-
tion to detail and delicate sense of construction.
Dai Vernon said, "My friend, Shigeo Takagi, is an excellent per-
former who shows a keen knowledge of magic with all its subtleties."
He is survived by his wife, with whom he frequently travelled to
international magic events. He leaves behind a legacy of superb
material, sage advice, and generous friendship. He will be missed.
---------------
A photograph of Shigeo Takagi is in the files section as TAKAGI.PCX.
Msg #4887 Dated 8:14:17 01-07-91 4831 <--> 4915
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: MARK LODGE (X)
Re: RING 21 MEETING
RING 21 meetings are on the FIRST THURSDAY of every month unless
otherwise specified. Therfore the next meeting of the Caryl Fleming
Ring will be on Febuary 7, 1991 at the Wattles Mansion in Hollywood. We
will also be hosting a Michael Ammar lecture on January 21, 1991 for
those that are interested. The cost will be $25.00 for the session of
which there will be two, one at 6:00pm and one at 8:00pm.
As far as the ring is concerned the only thing that is required to
attend is a love for magic and a willingness to learn. If you wish to
join the Ring you must be a member of the International Brotherhood of
Magicians. If you are not a member we can help you there. It cost
$25.00, I think, to join the International and $20.00 to join the Ring
however you do not need to be a member to attend the meetings. By the
way the meeting usually starts at 8:00pm but the doors open at 7:00pm
and there are usually sitting around playing with decks of cards
and other such things. If you do attend please let us know that you are
a member of MAGIC! and you heard about us here on the "24 HOUR A DAY,
365 DAY A YEAR, MAGIC CONVENTION"!!!!!!!!! I hope to see you there.
Stop by and say HI. I am the "GUY BEHIND THE CAMERA".
PS. Next month will be our close-up competition night. Should be
great!!!
Msg #4888 Dated 8:30:59 01-07-91 4868 <-
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: MAGIC! LUNCHEON
Great I will do that. I put you and Ron down for 8:00pm for the Ammar
lecture on the 21st of January. The cost will be $25.00 for the
lecture.
Msg #4889 Dated 8:45:22 01-07-91 4886 <-
From: GENO MUNARI
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: SHIGEO TAKAGI
I regret that we have lost a true lover of magic. I had the honor to
have met Shigeo this last December, he joined us in Las Vegas at the
first Close Up Conjuring seminar. He was a neat guy and did great
magic. As I am writing this in Del Mar, I am shocked by the sudden
news. I still can recall him doing his bending spoon......so sorry.
Geno Munari
Msg #4893 Dated 9:55:33 01-07-91 4877 <--> 4898
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
I'll second that...(while adding MAJ to the list)...
Msg #4895 Dated 10:03:40 01-07-91 -> 4916
From: TABBY CRABB
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: FORCERS
No special cards, your choice is fine...put a fiver in the mail to you
today....thanx....tabman
Msg #4898 Dated 12:46:24 01-07-91 4893 <--> 4910
From: TABBY CRABB
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
What about Pabular....thought it was pretty good...
Msg #4899 Dated 14:13:51 01-07-91 4836 <--> 4917
From: TABBY CRABB
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: BOWING TO THE BONE
Its a colloquialism I guess. The bone referring to the
"bone of contention". Where I get all this stuff I don't know, it
just popps out whenever I sit down to start typing and I'm having
a good time......
Msg #4900 Dated 15:37:45 01-07-91
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: ALL
Re: DAY-OF-MAGIC II
:::::::::::::::: IT WAS AN EXPERIMENT LAST YEAR ::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::: THIS YEAR THE EXPERIMENT CONTINUES ::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::: ANNOUNCING ::::::::::::::::
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> DAY-OF-MAGIC II <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
)))))))))))))))))))))) SPONSORED BY RING 21 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
WHEN: Saturday May 4, 1991
Registration begins at: 8:30 am
Lectures begin at: 9:00 am
WHERE: UCLA, SHOENBERG HALL/AUDITORIUM
COST: Preregistration before April 15th is:...........$45.00 *
Registration at the door is:....................$55.00 *
Parking in parking structure 5:.................$ 4.00
* Registration Includes: 4 sessions of lectures and workshops plus one
ticket to evening show.
For more information call Will Chandler at: (818) 284-1776
=================================================================
TENTATIVE ITINERARY
=================================================================
09:00 to 10:15 Close-Up Lecture (Johnny Ace Palmer)
09:00 to 10:15 Close-Up Lecture (Lecturer to be determined)
10:30 to 12:00 Close-Up Lecture (Johnny Ace Palmer)
10:30 to 12:00 Close-Up lecture (Lecturer to be determined)
12:00 to 1:30 Lunch and dealers (Food will be available for purchase
from concession stands)
01:30 TO 02:45 Stage manipulation and theory (Mitch Williams)
01:30 to 0:245 Stage lecture (Lecturer to be determined)
03:00 to 04:30 Stage presentation and Stage magic (Dale Salwick)
=================================================================
There will also be a Dealers room and if you are a dealer and would
like to have a booth contact Will Chandler at: (818) 284-1776
(SPACE IS LIMITED)
The evening show will be at 6:00 pm with single tickets available to
the public thru Ticket-Tron.
Available to all who are registered, there will be an evening party
after the evening show at the Wattles Mansion in Hollywood.
MANY MORE SURPRISES TO COME!!!!! KEEP YOUR EYES POSTED TO THE NETWORK
FOR DAY-OF-MAGIC II UPDATE INFORMATION!!!!!
Msg #4903 Dated 16:31:00 01-07-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: TAKAGI-SAN
Just returned from long driving trip to quickly read the messages only
to see a very good and dear friend, Shigeo Takagi has died. He will be
surely missed by all magicians. He was a regular at conventions all
over the world and a good friend and wonderful magician. My condolences
to his family and his friends. Adios....
Msg #4909 Dated 18:11:07 01-07-91 4885 <--> 4923
From: MAX MAVEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP BOOKS
There are only three volumes of the Jinx, not four -- unless you're
counting Gibson's missing pages. Also, if you have the Jinx listed, why
include "Practical Mental Effects," as the contents is almost all
contained in the Jinx files?
Msg #4910 Dated 18:12:54 01-07-91 4898 <--> 4925
From: MAX MAVEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
Pabular started off very uneven, but under Fred Robinson's guidance it
blossomed into a wonderful magazine -- although for some reason it
never achieved the truly stimulating qualities of the four magazines I
mentioned.
I never felt that Magical Arts Journal really found itself. There
was some good material, but over all it was rather ragged.
Msg #4912 Dated 18:33:24 01-07-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: TOPIT
Rick: Some day I will be publishing my Retrievable Topit. But
basically it was a magnetic flap at the bottom that you could
open at the bottom edge of your coat to retrieve items that you
had vanished.
Others I am sure have come up with similar ideas. The late
Fred Lowe, had some very clever work with the Topit (actually
from a Poacher's Bag in the early days of English history). You
should have seen Lewis Davenport vanish a deck of cards with one.
It was first sold as "The vanishing deck of cards" by Davenports.
I think he even one time vanished his CAT via Topit. Pat Page is
and always will be, one of the best exponents of said item.
Fred Kaps was as well. Norm Nielsen has just marketed the
Necktie Topit that Kaps made famous (actually most never new
about it) and was given to him by the creator Bob Driebeeck, of
Holland.
The key to success with the Topit is to practice it day and
night. Wear it everywhere. Be very critical of yourself when
practicing in front of the mirror and above all DON'T BE GREEDY.
Only use it WHEN 100% NECESSARY. Don't try to work up an act
where every other trick uses a Topit.
One of Lowe's ideas was a way of wearing the Topit without
pinning it to your body. It had a metal rod that extended to hold
it open. I have the drawing that Fred Lowe gave me somewhere, but
right now all my stuff is still in storage.
Msg #4913 Dated 18:34:12 01-07-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: UH HU
Tabbbbbbeeeeeeeeeeeeeee... Got the Kaps Monograph. Love it, but
will be giving it back to you... as I was in a shop day before
yesterday and saw one on the shelf (not knowing it was the same
one) and bought it. If you are coming to the Desert Seminar I'll
bring it there.
Love your Polaroid of the table... good stuff... Man the ICE
STORMS in Wichita nearly caused this fellow to wish he had been
killed or something... I am now sucking down Vit C's
Antihistamines and drinking Irish Coffee (Decaf)!
When my brain gets back in gear will be in touch, in the
meantime, keep working on it..........
(For musicians only) Was in a joint with Joe Stevens and
Family having a nice meal, strolling Violin player went by.
Someone said how nice it was. I said, Yah, but I really prefer a
strolling drummer.
Msg #4914 Dated 18:34:52 01-07-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: TAKAGI-SAN
Max: Many thanks for your words about Takagi-San. No question he being
one of the leading magicians of his country. I have sadness in my heart
tonight. I had so many good times with him and his wife, dinners in
Japan, etc. I know Kaps was close to him as well. I can still remember
the trips Takagi took Fred and I on all over, and to Mt. Fuji, so we
could see some of the country, as well as experience REAL JAPANESE
LIFE. Shigeo will be sadly missed by us all..... Sayonara Takagi-San.
(I have sent a message to Japan via CIS)
Just got back from Stevens' MAN THE ICE STORM NEARLY KILLED THIS
FELLOW. The tapes we viewed showed great level of acts (Chris Hart,
Marco Tempest, etc. entered) and some from Europe. Will be a good 'un.
I broke down and bought Focus. As soon as the antihistamines clear will
read it. Snapped up some other books there as well, including the
Hamman and Williamson tomes. Bought about $600 worth of books!!! ouch?
Msg #4915 Dated 18:56:17 01-07-91 4887 <--> 4931
From: STAN LAKE
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: RING 21 MEETING
I would very much like to attend. Do we make reservations or just show
up? The two sessions at 6;00 and 8:00, are they the same lecture twice
in one evening?
Msg #4916 Dated 18:59:37 01-07-91 4895 <-
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: FORCERS
Thanks for the little bit exta Tabman. As you will notice when you get
your cards they have been packed twice. My first wrapping job didn't
use officially approved post office tape so they sold me one of their
padded bags to put it in and staple it shut. Of course it also weighed
more so the postage went up. It ended up costing me about a dollar
more than I asked you for. My keen business sense tells me I'm glad
I'm just doing this once and only for my friends on Magic! That would
be a tough way to make a living!
Msg #4917 Dated 19:05:10 01-07-91 4899 <-
From: STAN LAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: BOWING TO THE BONE
Ahhhh, makes sense now, thanks!
Msg #4918 Dated 19:11:44 01-07-91 4800 <--> 4938
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: CONTRIBUTION
I must have missed this message last time I was on line. Don't worry
about showing your effect around the Castle as I only showed to some
people who are rarely there, (Cruiseline magish) or they specialize in
stage magic. That leaves you with several thousand members to mystify!
Msg #4919 Dated 19:15:13 01-07-91 4801 <--> 4944
From: STAN LAKE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
I will be very interested in hearing your comments about the quality of
the merchandise to see if they are a good company to order from. I
know they have been around for a long time as I remember ordering some
gag items from them over 20 years ago. One I vividly remember was
garlic flavored chewing gum to slip into your own gum package when
someone wanted a piece. It must have been on their shelves for a long
time as you couldn't chew it if you wanted to! More like petrified
garlic sticks.
Msg #4920 Dated 19:20:35 01-07-91 -> 4946
From: STAN LAKE
To: ALL
Re: OUT OF THIS WORLD
I recently read about the U.F. Grant impromptu handling for the card
effect known as "Out of this world". I have been absolutely thrilled
with the simplicity of it's working and the stunned effect it creates
on the audience. I am so happy with it that I want to share it with
all of my friends here on Magic! However, is that legal? In the past
I have written in with my own versions of different effects but this is
someone elses creation, not mine. I'll wait to hear back from some of
you folks who know before I say anything.
Msg #4923 Dated 20:49:31 01-07-91 4909 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: TOP BOOKS
I changed it to three and will consider dropping the "Practical..
We'll keep working on it.
Msg #4924 Dated 20:50:31 01-07-91
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: BOOK AUCTION
The high bid for the first edition QUALITY MAGIC is $60.....
Going twice!!
Msg #4925 Dated 20:53:05 01-07-91 4898 <--> 4926
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
agreed...and Pallbearer's
Msg #4926 Dated 20:53:57 01-07-91 4910 <-
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: NAKED MAGICIAN!!
Yes, but it didn't have a very long run. Great potential was not
realized, but, hopefully, Michael will give it another shot someday.
Msg #4928 Dated 21:00:20 01-07-91 4623 <-
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: QUALITY MAGIC AUCTION
I'll bid $60..
Msg #4929 Dated 21:02:59 01-07-91 4629 <--> 4939
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TOP BOOKZ
I think my picks would be:
1: Mark Wilson's Complete Course
2: Close Up Kind Of Guy
3: Focus
4: Snakey Pankey
5: 100% Sankey
6: Modern Coin Magic
7: Slydini Encores
8: Revelations
9: Classic Magic of Larry Jennings
10: Commerical Magic of J.C. Wagner
Msg #4930 Dated 21:07:52 01-07-91 4805 <-
From: VINCENT HANCOCK
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: SLIGHT OF FOOT
Sure
Msg #4931 Dated 21:20:08 01-07-91 4887 <--> 4956
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: RING 21 MEETING
It costs $30 the first year to join the I.B.M.
Msg #4932 Dated 21:42:12 01-07-91 4842 <-
From: KEN HENSLEY
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: QUALITY MAGIC AUCTION
I'll bid $70
Ken
Msg #4934 Dated 22:57:48 01-07-91
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: ALL
Re: SHIGEO TAKAGI/GENII ARTIC
Sorry to hear about Shigeo Takagi. I just recently purchased his
"Amazing Miracles" book, where I first discovered his brand of magic.
On a happier note, I just picked up the December issue of GENII, and
noticed two effects I sent in finally made it into Tarbell Treasures!
I would appreciate any suggestions on improvements to these effects
(See page 117). One of my fellow SAMers suggested using an Eclipse
thumb tip to "vanish" the crystal used in the Silk Poinsettia
Production. Any further improvements?
Again, Shigeo Takagi will be sorely missed by the magic community. I
would like to offer any family he may have my condolensces.
Msg #4935 Dated 23:12:46 01-07-91 -> 4945
From: PAT HOLCOMBE
To: ALL
Re: SHIGEO TAKAGI
I am a new arrival to this BBS and in reading the recent messages it
sounds as is Shigeo Takagi has died. Is this true? If so how did this
happen?
Msg #4936 Dated 23:21:18 01-07-91
From: PAT HOLCOMBE
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: COMMENTS
Thank you for admission to your BBS, and for the helpful hints to get
me started. I hope I can contribute some interesting material from
time to time.
Msg #4937 Dated 23:21:04 01-07-91 -> 4958
From: ANTHONY BLAKE
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TORN
Tabby...
Read the text of your torn and restored card. Reminds me of the one
that Tom Mullica uses (used?). The version is in the Mullica tape sold
by Stevens. Although yours has a slight variation, it is very similar.
If you have/can get the Mullica tape check it out and let me know...
Tony
Msg #4938 Dated 0:48:56 01-08-91 4918 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: CONTRIBUTION
Stan, I wasn't serious. You are free to use the effect ANYWHERE,
ANYTIME. Castle included.
Msg #4939 Dated 0:50:56 01-08-91 4929 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: TOP BOOKZ
Tabman, in putting together your list, please don't overlook my
Number 1 favorite - The Necronomicon by Abdul Ahazared. Thanks.
Msg #4944 Dated 1:13:10 01-08-91 4919 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: ODD'S BODKIN
I guess not many people order garlic chewing gum.
Msg #4945 Dated 1:14:05 01-08-91 4935 <--> 4948
From: MAX MAVEN
To: PAT HOLCOMBE (X)
Re: SHIGEO TAKAGI
He suffered a heart attack in the early morning of 1/7/91.
Msg #4946 Dated 1:14:00 01-08-91 4920 <--> 4966
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: OUT OF THIS WORLD
Is the material under a copyright? Our basic policy is that if it is
the property of someone other than the person who uploads it and if
they don't have permission to upload it, then we can't have it.
Msg #4948 Dated 1:16:15 01-08-91 4945 <--> 4950
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: SHIGEO TAKAGI
Max, do you have an address where cards can be sent?
Msg #4950 Dated 1:16:58 01-08-91 4948 <-
From: MAX MAVEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: SHIGEO TAKAGI
Mrs. Takagi's address is:
Kyodo-Kaihatsu Bldg.
2-13 Kayaba-cho
Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku
Tokyo 103, Japan
Msg #4952 Dated 1:42:28 01-08-91
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: KAPS LETTER #2
LETTER #2 FROM FRED KAPS TO PETE BIRO
These letters and the related Fred Kaps material that he choses to
publish on MAGIC! will remain the personal property of Pete Biro,
Copyright 1991 by Pete Biro, All rights reserved.
NOTE: All letters are "verbatim" as written, remember English was
not Fred's native language! Any comments or clarifications by
the editor are enclosed in << >>.
<>
4 February 1974
PETE: Received tape, Cards and stack of letters! I just can't
understand how you find time for all this but I love it!!
Came home last night from a weekend convention in Italy
where I had to do close up. films, show and lecture all in one
afternoon and one evening and lecture next morning to catch train
at 11 o'clock in the morning to Milan to catch the 5 o'clock
plane back to Amsterdam! I was pooped! After a good nights rest I
am myself again. They paid $950 US Dollars so it was worth it!
That tape you sent me gave me a good idea how strong a
gambling lecture can be. <>.
Of course I do understand that this was for a cabaret
audience so it must have been quite tough -- but the reactions
were good. Will keep working on it!
I changed the handling a bit on the Sidewalk <>
routine so you don't have to turn a card end-for-end and also
show every card as you have moved the one by one from back to
front. Will show you the whole thing where here. <>
Because I have quite a few days off, I will try to come to
England for a few days and maybe go with you to the convention,
if possible. Let me know when Jay <> will be there
because I don't want to miss him. Where is this convention held?
Is it in London or somewhere else? <>
Let me know what your own schedule will be so we can make some
definite plans.
I am sure the Pecking Bird idea is great!! Am going to work
on it! <>
I don't know what to do with the double-faced cards you sent
me but if possible send me a bunch of each to play with. <>
The double blanks, and blank backs and double facers seem good
enough for a wild card.
The Hold Out <> is a
little too expensive for me because I don't think I will be able
to use it ever. However I envy you having one.
Just got another kind letter from Danny Dew so will write
him a few words. Also I have to answer Scotty York.
Thanks for everything, and see you soon.
(signed) Fred-
Msg #4953 Dated 1:44:14 01-08-91 -> 5013
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: NEW MAGIC! SYSTEM
After a frantic weekend, MAGIC! has now returned to normal. The new
software, communications cards, modems, and phone lines seem stable.
Msg #4954 Dated 7:03:46 01-08-91 -> 4969
From: RICK RUHL
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: TOPIT
-
The Retrievebale topit sounds neat. It also sound similar to the
upside down topit (which is another book I'm looking for).
I only bought the Topit to vanish an egg, that's it. I thought I could
use it also to dispose of things like a dye tube and such, but it won't
be
the crux of my act, the floating balls and such. The problem I ran into
is Patricks handbook that came wiht it is good, but only has drawings
rather
than pics. Any my big question is how far forward should I put it. I've
come
to figure out the bottom of the topit should be near the bottom of the
coat,
as I said in the last message, since the topit I bought was made of the
same material as the lining of the jacket, I put the side of the topit
right at the edge of the jacket where the lining meets the outer
materal.
IS that correct? If I do that, I seem not to have much of a pocket to
use. But if it's right, then I will pratice and use it that way.
I use three safety pins on the back and one on the front of it.
-I decided to use three, as once when I was practicing, the egg
dropped
all the way through.
OH, I would have LOVED to see Lewis Davenport vanish the desk of cards.
I
have heard from SO many people he was a master of the Topit. The cat
I never heard of, but that would be so funny.
Thanks for the advice. Hope to see you at Desert Magic in Vegas, as it
Msg #4955 Dated 7:05:12 01-08-91
From: RICK RUHL
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: C{ONTINUED TOPIT
is the week of my birthday and I told my wife th -at it would
make a great present.
Thanks for the advice.
-Ive got line noise bad.
Ricker
Msg #4956 Dated 7:14:26 01-08-91 4915 <--> 4957
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: RING 21 MEETING
Just show up, NO reservations needed. The two sessions of the Ammar
lecture are the same but the 8:00 is already booked up solid.
Msg #4957 Dated 7:16:48 01-08-91 4931 <--> 4982
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: KEN HENSLEY (X)
Re: RING 21 MEETING
Sorry I stand corrected. Thanks for the info.
Msg #4958 Dated 7:18:14 01-08-91 4937 <--> 4967
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ANTHONY BLAKE (X)
Re: TORN
Jim Sisti, editor of Magic Menu, pointed out the
similarities to me a few months ago. I don't have the Tom Mullica
tape, but know he's one of the best magicians working today. The
basic premise is in Conjuring and Magic by Robert-Houdin which
along with Modern Magic by Hoffmann and The Magic of J.N.
Hofzinser are my favorite magic texts. Wish I'd been aware of the
video when I wrote the trick up cause I wouldn't of, however I've
been doing it since the early 70s.
sg #4959 Dated 7:18:46 01-08-91
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: BOOK AUCTION
The high bid stands at $70 for the first edition QUALITY MAGIC by
Okito......
Going once!!!!
Msg #4961 Dated 8:03:44 01-08-91 -> 4963
From: GENO MUNARI
To: ALL
Re: NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS
GENO MUNARI'S NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
Here are some New Year's resolutions that may be
profitable for you.
1. Learn how to count cards in the game of blackjack, and play
with an advantage over the casino.
2. Vow to never ever play virtual reel slot machines. Only play
machines that "what you see is what you get".
3. Gamble only as a recreation, and only gamble with money you
can afford to lose. Never use money that is needed for the vital
necessities of life such as, food and shelter!
4. Vow to never call your bookie! Only go to legal horse rooms
and betting parlors.
5. Vow to quit making "mind bets", you know, those "I should have
bet on" type of bets. Remember, when you make a mind bet and lose
it, you may blow your mind!
6. Vow to stop asking your wife for the money you told her to
never give you!
7. Vow to stop saying, "Just let me lose this last bet"!
8. Vow to stop asking the pit bosses what time the midnight floor
show begins.
9. Vow to quit asking the pit bosses where the topless dealers
are!
10. Vow to quit stealing ashtrays!
11. Vow that you won't listen to any more touts. The last one
everyone bet on, "Cabbage", did not win by a head! Andy Rooney
touted me to horse called "Blonde Lady". He said that she will be
good in the stretch!
12. Promise to quit using keno tickets for toilet paper.
13. Vow to quit playing the D & S system. Simply translated, it
is the double up and screw yourself system.
14. Vow to quit waiting in line like cattle to see some cock-a-
mamie midnight floor show. Remember you are a VIP, and should get
a line pass from the pit boss.
15. After seeing the floor show, vow to stop trying to sing like
Frank Sinatra while going back to your room.
16. Quit telling all your friends how much money you lost. After
all, if you are going to be a sucker, be a quiet one!
17. Stop asking if Bing Crosby is still playing on the Las Vegas
strip. The name is Bill Cosby dummy!
18. Quit believing that the cocktail waitresses like you, chum!
19. Quit believing that the pit bosses like you! They don't call
you "Pal-ie" and "Buddy" for nothing!
20. Quit showing off your VIP casino gold credit card every time
you pay for your frozen dinners at the grocery store check-out
line!
21. Vow to stop asking your wife to shop at Fredrick's of
Hollywood after returning from Las Vegas!
22. Remember that you should not name any of your first born,
Bugsy, Momo, Tony or Ice Pick.
23. Vow to quit using a shylock.
24. Write a letter to your Congressman to encourage the New
Jersey Control Commission to investigate Iraq!
25. Vow to stop calling a porter in Las Vegas, but telling your
friends you can get them a room because you have connections!
26. Vow to have a healthy and happy New Year!
GENO MUNARI
Msg #4963 Dated 8:43:40 01-08-91 4961 <--> 4968
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: GENO MUNARI (X)
Re: NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS
I donno, Geno... Some of those could be hard to keep. Bugsy is now 2
years, 3 months old.
Msg #4965 Dated 9:24:04 01-08-91 -> 5000
From: TABBY CRABB
To: STEVE KUCERA (X)
Re: GRILLED CHEESE
Hi Steve ->
If I come out it will be around the 12 of march. I was
hoping it would be closer to the desert seminar in time frame so
I could maybe catch a ride over with somebody from the lakes
area. I've got family on Clear Lake and was there about a year
ago last....too bad we didn't have the MAGIC! connection then. I
was mostly hanging around the Inn cause it was too cold to play
outside....finally went down to Frisco to eat some mexican and
watch some cable tv at the marriott.....I'll definately let you
know if it works out....Are you coming to the desert seminar???
tabman
Msg #4966 Dated 9:37:18 01-08-91 4946 <--> 4983
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: OUT OF THIS WORLD
What a great version. I had completely forgotten about Grant's
simplified Out of this world!!! Worth the price of the call.
Msg #4967 Dated 9:39:31 01-08-91 4958 <--> 4971
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TORN
If you want the best commercial funniest torn restored card get the
Gaeton Bloom version from Stevens. The effect is a mind blower.
Msg #4968 Dated 9:40:58 01-08-91 4961 <--> 4970
From: TABBY CRABB
To: GENO MUNARI (X)
Re: NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS
Hi ya Geno...
When I was with the Mickey Gilley show I had a blackjack
table set up in my livingroom in Texas. I learned the plus minus
system of knowing whether the deck was running high or low. When
we were off the road, I'd have my cousin deal me single deck and
practice counting. After the 84 Olympics a bunch of us went to
downtown at the Horseshoe and played. We picked up a few hundred
bucks and had a great time.
A few years later I was playing with Elvis' former backup
singers and we spent a lot of time in N. Dakota one winter
touring a show called "Memphis". We did a special at the Imperial
Palace with Buddy Hacket and Debbie Reynolds.....Fargo Blackjack
had one and two dollar bets. Playing basic strategy and high/low
deck I was able to pick up around $20 a session (half hour) while
the gamblers in the group lost their daily draw.
I'd like to add another resolution to your above, which
are really good (fun).....
Never drink alcohol or use drugs when you are playing for
keeps.......
Plus, I agree, never "moan"...
Yo pally,
Bugsy
Msg #4969 Dated 9:42:16 01-08-91 4954 <--> 4989
From: PETE BIRO
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: TOPIT
It is my understanding the Upside Down Topit ISN'T a Topit at all but
a ball hanging from a string. Anyone else know? Max?
Regarding fit, location, etc. ONLY YOU CAN WORK IT OUT FOR YOU. The
books vary and the best thing is to pin it in various spots until it is
comfortable. I then used to affix mine with snap fastners to the coat
I often worked in.
Msg #4970 Dated 9:45:14 01-08-91 4961 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: GENO MUNARI (X)
Re: NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS
Love the list. Anything from Mr. Little?
Msg #4971 Dated 10:30:36 01-08-91 4967 <--> 4974
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: TORN
Peteman, I'll have to check it out. For years I've tried to find
a way to actually "restore" a signed playing card after the
pieces were placed on a table face up, covered, and then revealed
restored....One "star" I worked with used to get me to show a
coupla tricks to his "fans" when they'd be visiting on the bus.
He always liked to sign the card, so I had a coupla of them
stashed in my red Scarne paperback. One night I got him to sign a
card (he always did his "autograph" bit so it was consistent) and
while winging it placed the card torn in quarters in the book,
did some mojo and then opened to a page that had a whole card
stuck in it.....the effect was killer...was never able to do a
palm with him cause he was always grabbing my hands....thats when
I discovered the double facer, etc......sorry you already got the
book...I found another myself....maybe pass it along to someone
who doesn't have much and would really enjoy it....I know I did.
Appreciate your comment on the "tabman table". I'm doing three of
them right now...one of cherry and two of walnut....go a coupla
other things in the works and am having fun in the shop while
sweating (actually freezing) out the wait for the war, sell the
farm, etc, etc........tabman..
sg #4972 Dated 10:36:23 01-08-91 -> 4975
From: RICK RUHL
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: OK
yep, guess it does feel differnt for differnt people, think the big
problem may just be the 'extra pudge' on my belly (heheh). Guess it's
time to do sit-up, huh?
Rikker
Msg #4974 Dated 13:02:12 01-08-91 4971 <--> 5244
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: TORN
The Gaeton Bloom premise is you come to a table. It seems to wobble,
you take out a spirit level (carpenter type) (I have an old antique
wooden one) and try to get the table LEVEL... to do so you take a
playing card and put UNDER one leg.
You guessed it.... later THAT card is the chosen one, the corner fits,
etc. etc.
Msg #4975 Dated 13:03:53 01-08-91 4972 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: RICK RUHL (X)
Re: OK
I was visiting Joe Stevens in Wichita this past weekend and they had an
'ABDOMINISER' (you see them advertised on TV) leaning against the wall.
I said, "how does it work" someone said, "you just sit on it and grab
the handles and rock back and forth".... So I sat on it - AND BROKE IT
IN TWO!!! Needless to say, everyone screamed "in unison" "BOY YOU NEED
TO LOSE WEIGHT"........GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Msg #4977 Dated 13:09:57 01-08-91 -> 4978
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: BOOKLIZST
I have my booklist on the other computer will transfer to it later and
file. Have some thoughts on "categories" etc. Hang in there........See
you in L.V.
Msg #4978 Dated 14:32:57 01-08-91 4977 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: BOOKLIZST
Hangin....
Msg #4979 Dated 15:06:14 01-08-91 -> 4980
From: TABBY CRABB
To: RICHARD STREET (X)
Re: MUSIC CITY MAGIC
Hi Richard ->
- Glad to hear from you, I was worried about you...glad to
hear it was just the modem...speaking of which, I need to get a
2400 baud to cut down on the MAGIC! bills...I've got 3 1200s can
you put those together to get a 3600....(just kidding)...
- I liked Sankey's lecture too, especially the psychology
behind the moves and his thoughts on timing....
- Still interested in those Music City Magic newsletters
and stuff. Talked to the Farm Bureau in Humphry Co this morning.
Think we'll be moving out that way as soon as we find the right
buyer for this one. Just sitting and waiting right now. Thank
goodness for MAGIC! and the online friendship and good
conversation...it warms the heart and mind while the winter snow
cools the fields....
- Would really love to bring Michael Ammar, Ray Mertz, Max
Maven, and Doc Eason to Music City for a close-up conclave
sometime next year. Wondering if a New Year gathering would work.
Don't know if the Maven goes out on the circuit anymore, but know
winter is Doc's slow time at the bar, and Ray is my Pal so he'd
probably make it down since he vacations in the winter anyway.
Would love to get Lou Gallo for a lecture, but don't know if he
does one.....very knowledgeable with deceptive moves with
cards....also Richard Hatch might be really good. Rich does a
period parlour act abroad and translated the J.N. Hofzinser
book...Would definately have to get Pete Biro to come in too,
just cause he's the Biro; plus all these guys probably don't get
lucky blackeyed peas, grits and greens on New Years Day........
Just a idea right now, but it all starts with a dream!
- I'd better get outa here before I have to hock the ham.
- tabman -
Msg #4980 Dated 16:16:08 01-08-91 4979 <--> 5118
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MUSIC CITY MAGIC
Grits.... thassall I's comin'
Lets see if I can find my book list in the files....
SNo luck, will logoff and check dir
Msg #4981 Dated 16:18:28 01-08-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: FRANZ'S LIZST
The Book Shelf. It has been established that the list is to be,
in fact a "FOUNDATION" -- Hmmmmm. Actually I would think there
are several lists. Some for History, some for FUN, some for
techniques (both old and
new) and some for presentation/psychology, etc. The "obvious"
foundation to build a general knowledge of
magic would probably include the following obvious titles:
Greater Magic The Tarbell Course, Vols., 1-7 Bobo's
Modern Coin Magic The Fitzkee Trilogy The Dai Vernon Book
of Magic The Magic of Slydini Expert Card Technique
13 Steps to Mentalism The Routined Manipulation series
Rice's Encyclopedia (3 volumes) of Silk Magic Encyclopedia of
Rope Tricks, Abbott (if you have address) Expert Coin Magic,
David Roth Magic Without Apparatus Memoirs of Robert
Houdin Sachs Sleight of Hand The Stars of MagicThe above,
I would think, are in the "foundation" catergory.
Following would be individual books, or booklets, such as those
published by: Ed Marlo Jean Hugard Jerry Andrus
Robert Orben Edward Victor Harry Leat Jon
Racherbaumer Karl Fulves Richarad KaufmanSome of the
Contemporary books of: Jim Steinmeyer David Williamson
Max Maven Jay Sankey Paul Harris Michael
Amaar Larry Jennings For the "not so serious" Collector
-- books still somewhat
available: j Goldston Locked Books (recently re-printed)
The books of Dr. Robert Albo Soirees Fantastique, Christian
Fechner Jarrett The Magic of Robert Harbin
Hoffman's various titles This list could go on. I recently
visited a collector that had
2200 titles, NONE OF WHICH WERE PUBLISHED IN THE PAST 30 YEARS!And
within that collection were maybe 40-50 titles dated from the
1500s to the 1800s.And I would immagine collections like those of John
Mullholland,
H. Adrian Smith, Byron Walker, Jay Marshall/Robert Lund (these
two, by will, shall someday merge) and others would make one die
with envy with just a peek.Soon, I will be unpacking mine (following
over two years in the
cartons) and be cataloging the collection. My personal collection
includes most of the above listed tomes, plus books on Gambling,
Ventriloquism, Juggling, Comedy and other allied arts.
The format uploaded like crap, but you can figure it out (I hope).
My want list: Gambling books by Green, Ventriloquism and Juggling books
and anything pre 1600.
Msg #4982 Dated 16:32:31 01-08-91 4956 <--> 4997
From: STAN LAKE
To: DARRELL MURPHY (X)
Re: RING 21 MEETING
OK, I will definitely be at the 6:00 session. Thanks.
Msg #4983 Dated 16:41:07 01-08-91 4966 <--> 4988
From: STAN LAKE
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: OUT OF THIS WORLD
Pete, is that copyrighted? I've been having a tremendous amount of fun
with that lately and I'm sure others would also if we could write it
up.
s
Msg #4984 Dated 18:00:42 01-08-91
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: ALL
Re: CASTLE
If any of you are at the castle this evening, say hello!
I'll be there most of the evening...having dinner about 7pm.
Msg #4986 Dated 18:20:26 01-08-91 -> 4990
From: ANTHONY BLAKE
To: ALL
Re: HELLO
Hi everyone...
Just recently signed on to Magic! and wanted to say hello to one
and all. Have downloaded all the past text files (as well as the
current messages) and feel that I am pretty well caught up on
the haps.
For those of you that don't know me (and even for those that do)
here is a short bio. Yes the name is Anthony Blake, I am 33 and
have been involved in/performing magic since I was 10. I am
primarily a comedy-magician, working the comedy club circuit, as
well as doing trade show and convention gigs. I have my own
production company called "SPIRIT MAGIC LTD" that produces magic
events and promotions for co.'s and corps. as well as individual
parties. My company also produces and sells magic products (two
which are currently available - "Super Elastic Invisible Thread"
and "AB's Professional Walnut Shells" - which I have been told
are the best on the market!). I am currently working on a book
and also a new effect "Card Vampire", that should be out in the
spring.
My magic tastes runs towards the geek/bizarre magick kind.
Strange, wierd, sick sometimes...but always with humor. I am the
proud recipient of two recent PCAM awards (1st in Comedy - 2nd
in Close-Up), as well as being a member of all the frat. orgs.
(Castle, IBM, SAM, etc.). I'm usually at the Castle on Sat.
nights when I'm not working...if you see me, come and say
hi...you can't miss me, I always wear two-tone shoes, a wild
tie and a fedora (and don't say Harry Anderson!). Hope to meet
many of you...and be talking with you soon (live or on Magic!)
Tony
Msg #4988 Dated 18:40:45 01-08-91 4983 <--> 5020
From: PETE BIRO
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: OUT OF THIS WORLD
I don't know if it is still under copywrite protection or not. If you
write up the BRIEFEST description to share you are probably OK. Maybe
Maven can supply the info as to copywrite?
Msg #4989 Dated 18:40:45 01-08-91 4969 <--> 4991
From: MAX MAVEN
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: TOPIT
Indeed, the so-called "Upside-Down Topit" is not a Topit at all, but
rather related to the little-known principle of Swing-Loading. It was
released by Danny Korem, but the true inventor is John Cornelius; the
DK release caused a fair amount of bad blood between them...
Msg #4990 Dated 18:42:29 01-08-91 4986 <--> 4993
From: PETE BIRO
To: ANTHONY BLAKE (X)
Re: HELLO
Velcome
!!!!!!!!!!!
Msg #4991 Dated 18:42:51 01-08-91 4989 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: TOPIT
I thought so. As I recall a friend bought same and thought it was junk!
Msg #4992 Dated 18:59:33 01-08-91 -> 5029
From: PAT HOLCOMBE
To: ALL
Re: KEN KLOSTERMAN
If no one has seen it yet, the most recent issue of Smithsonian has a
10 7i}*page write up on Ken Klostermans collection. The photo work is
terrific
Msg #4993 Dated 19:49:03 01-08-91 4986 <--> 4998
From: JIM SISTI
To: ANTHONY BLAKE (X)
Re: HELLO
Welcome aboard, Tony! I publish a bi-monthly newsletter specifically
for restaurant and bar magicians and, as the shells are part of most
bar workers' repertoires (including mine!), would like some information
on how I could make yours available to my readers. Please advise.
Msg #4994 Dated 19:51:25 01-08-91
From: JIM SISTI
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: RAY MERTZ
Talked with Ray Mertz on the telephone today. Nice guy! I sent him a
sample issue and we'll see what happens from here. Thanks again!
Msg #4995 Dated 19:53:09 01-08-91 -> 5008
From: JIM SISTI
To: DAVID LICHTMAN
Re: COMP. ISSUE
I put an issue of "The Magic Menu" in the mail to you a couple of days
ago just so you could see what the hell we've been talking about for
months. Thanks for the additional phone lines. Any potential for
multi-node chat in the future?
Msg #4997 Dated 20:16:57 01-08-91 4982 <--> 5023
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: STAN LAKE (X)
Re: RING 21 MEETING
If you are talking about the 6:00 Ammar lecture you do need a
reservation and you can get that by calling Joe Selph at (213)660-2998
and tell him you are a MAGIC! member and you want to attend the Ammar
lecture. I just talked to him tonight and he said the 8:00 is sold out
and he still has a few places left in the 6:00 so hurry!!!!!
Msg #4998 Dated 20:21:31 01-08-91 4986 <--> 5015
From: DARRELL MURPHY
To: ANTHONY BLAKE (X)
Re: HELLO
Welcome to MAGIC! Tony!!! You don't by any chance know Abbott's address
do you? JUST KIDDING HEHEHEHE
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