MAGIC! - 29
The following was compiled from the magician's message section of
MAGIC!(tm). MAGIC! is an electronic communications system for
magicians. It may be accessed from any personal computer with a
modem by dialing US 818-896-7450. Access is free, except for
normal telephone company charges. New registrants must 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 by MAGIC!, All rights reserved.
Please note that messages # 4000 through # 4002 were not public and
do not appear at the beginning of this file. Also, members were
Beta testing IMP! (Interactive MAGIC! Program) for uploading messages
and a number of unusual messages appear in this file.
Msg #4003 Dated 23:32:50 05-29-91 3945 <--> 4047
From: MANNY WELTMAN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC FILMS
This time the bust was stolen. Years ago it was smashed. The cemetery
is Machpelah. Its at 82-30 Cypress Hills Street. Ridgewood, New York.
(Its on the border betwwen Brooklyn and Queens) The memorial faces you
as you walk into the cemetry. The phone number is 718/366-5959. I hope
this is of help.
Msg #4004 Dated 23:50:07 05-29-91 3997 <--> 4012
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
I'm convinced one never sees ALL of 'em!
Msg #4005 Dated 0:05:18 05-30-91 3977 <-
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: JTN
I figured it took a while because of the
weather and location switches and I thought it
was a brilliant premise. They cut it a bit too
short. It was nice to chance upon.
Msg #4007 Dated 0:14:03 05-30-91 3920 <--> 4010
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE
You hit it right on the head - if the magician conveys the attitude
that it is his 'job' to fool the 'fools' he is performing for, the
audience picks up on this right away and tries to do their perceived
'job' of 'catching' the magician, rather than just enjoying the
bit of entertainment that is being offered.
Msg #4008 Dated 0:14:11 05-30-91 3899 <--> 4249
From: JERRY BURTON
To: BILL WELLS (X)
Re: 3288 ON 2986
Hope it helps cut down on your phone bills as it has mine.
.
I must admit that at first I was the instigator of magic, but have
mellowed out quite a bit and now do it only when the situation is
exactly right.
.
I'll be coming to IBM and have some friends from Annapolis that I
havn't seen since we were in Iran 15 years ago, what would be the
best night to have them come over for dinner and a show ?
.
I would appreciate any input you could give - thanks.
Msg #4010 Dated 0:17:41 05-30-91 3920 <--> 4017
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE
That's it Tabman. It's fun to be fooled but a
turnoff to be made a fool.
Msg #4011 Dated 0:31:08 05-30-91 3872 <--> 4013
From: T A WATERS
To: EVAN KATZ (X)
Re: WANTED
Golf requires at least physical effort -- but I have known a lot of
people in magic who don't seem to be expending any effort at all.
Msg #4012 Dated 0:20:19 05-30-91 4004 <--> 4032
From: RICHARD HART
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
I agree! Jerry is a real treasure. He's one of the few people I know
who seem to always be about 60 degrees out of phase with the rest of
us.
Thank heavens for that! I had the pure pleasure of watching him
entertain (with a capital "E") a tableful of spectators for over an
hour with his illusions and magic. I got to talking with him after his
show, and he gave me his card and invited me to drop by and see him
next time I was up his way in Oregon.
I'm seriously considering spending my remaining vacation pay on a trip
up "his way". Jerry Andrus is one of a kind. His handshake is firm,
his magic, IS, and I am honored to say I spoke to him.
'nuff said!
Msg #4013 Dated 0:32:18 05-30-91 3885 <--> 4177
From: T A WATERS
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: WANTED
Magic clubs may be a good place to PRACTICE certainly -- but I don't
think you can draw any conclusions at all about your performance from
them; hafta work for civilians for that.
Msg #4014 Dated 0:34:07 05-30-91 3862 <-
From: T A WATERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: A FINE MESS!!!
Clay is successful because he says things too stupid even for some of
his audience to say. As Mencken said: "No one ever went broke
underestimating the taste of the American public."
Msg #4015 Dated 0:45:40 05-30-91 -> 4018
From: T A WATERS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
His Inner Voices...
Msg #4016 Dated 0:53:09 05-30-91 3953 <-
From: T A WATERS
To: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
The sad thing about many magic groups is that they have a real
potential for taking magic forward -- but often they simply don't seem
to care, not in any useful way.
Msg #4017 Dated 0:35:55 05-30-91 4010 <--> 4054
From: RICHARD HART
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE
I don't know if I'd agree with your statement "It's fun to be fooled
but a turnoff to be made a fool", Dante. Perhaps to magicians, that
statement holds true (and speaking for myself, I'd have to agree), but
for a lay audience, I think that a performer's stage PERSONA is much
more important. Overriding any other consideration, in fact.
I've been investigating this. For the last year, I've been taking as
many civilians as I can to the Castle. I take 'em to the shows and
then quiz them on what they liked and didn't like. I'm beginning to
see a pattern. Personality by far outweighs prestidigitation.
Don't get me wrong, Dante. This drives me crazy. I have watched
magicians who have knocked my socks off technically. But my guests
always seem to remember the person, and forget the magic. Time and
again, the PERSON wins out over the EFFECT.
I am thankful I've spent this time in investigation. It ain't what you
do, it's HOW YOU DO IT that counts...
Msg #4018 Dated 1:12:47 05-30-91 4015 <--> 4055
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: T A WATERS (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
Er, you mean he's paranoid as well as parapsychic? (It's OK for me to
sling these words around, T A, I used to be a paramedic).
Msg #4020 Dated 1:28:47 05-30-91 3950 <--> 4056
From: MIKE KING
To: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN (X)
Re: A DRINK.....WHEN
Well I don't yet have an itinerary for the dates in Europe, but should
have it by late June or early July. Most of the dates are in the Fall
of '91, and I know one or two are in Sweden. So maybe a short journey
to your fair country might hapoen, depends on time demands, travel
arrangements, etc. Let's keep in touch. MIKE.
Msg #4023 Dated 1:59:12 05-30-91 3994 <--> 4026
From: MAX MAVEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
It still is, according to the vast majority of the critical
establishment as well as thousands of theater goers.
I do not wish to get involved in this same wrangle all over again, but
it's worth making a distinction here. It's one thing to decide that a
given show or performer is not to one's taste. It's another to dismiss
that show or performer outright.
Msg #4024 Dated 1:58:25 05-30-91 -> 4042
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
I just uploaded the latest version of IMP! (AKA RDMAGIC) it has an
improved version of the reply editor and everything else works pretty
well, so I think you can let it loose. I'll mail tabman a copy on
floppy. Can you help with a user guide - I'm lousy at it.
.
Are you going to the Castle Fri evening - if so I'll see you there.
Msg #4025 Dated 2:02:14 05-30-91 3981 <--> 4059
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: #3336
What better way to make-up for a limited background in magic than
to join an organization that has members that do have a background
in magic and are willing to share it with the neophyte magi.
Msg #4026 Dated 2:02:21 05-30-91 3979 <--> 4041
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I find your comment puzzling - would you care to elaborate on the
majority of magic that isn't visual ? I'm sure you have a reason
for saying this and would appreciate hearing how you come to this
conclusion.
Msg #4027 Dated 2:02:28 05-30-91 3923 <--> 4028
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: RD...
Glad to see it arrived safe and sound. I'll fax you a sketch of the
base design I have in mind, so that I can add some electronic
gimmicks as well as PK.
.
Rosewood sounds great.
.
Yea - can't wait for Baltimore, should be a blast !
Msg #4028 Dated 2:02:35 05-30-91 3999 <--> 4050
From: JERRY BURTON
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: RD...
I saw them here at the Wiltern and wouldn't mind seeing them again.
I agree it was a pleasure. Is there much magic going on in CT, maybe
we could get together there ?
Msg #4029 Dated 2:02:41 05-30-91 3939 <-
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DOUGLAS LARSON (X)
Re: RDMAGIC-IMP!
I'll upload the latest tonight and call it IMP!, this is the one I
use all the time. The next step is to finish the editor, which
shoild take a couple of weeks more.
Msg #4030 Dated 2:02:48 05-30-91 3970 <--> 4051
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEWS
I'm uploading a working version of IMP! tonight. It should cut down
on your connect time significantly - I now am only on about 10 min
a day and READ EVERY MESSAGE that is posted. You should have
something to entertain you on your flights using the reply option. It
allows you to enter replies R or append A to a given thread, with
unlimited length (you enter 10 lines at a time in a window, while
you can see the msg you are replying to on the screen), after each
10 lines the window clears and you can add another 10, etc.
.
Ennnnnnnnnnjjjjjjjjooooooyyyyyyy !!!! no more arghs.
Msg #4032 Dated 5:50:56 05-30-91 3934 <--> 4048
From: MICHAEL AMMAR
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
If you get a chance, ask Jerry about his brother - he was featured in
Riply's for shaving more times with a single razor than anyone! He had
developed a special way of shaving that actually sharpened the razor as
he was using it!
Msg #4034 Dated 5:59:16 05-30-91 -> 4043
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (X)
Re: LA VISIT
I find out that the swap meet starts at 9:00 so I'm flying in late
friday evening and will be there. Richard will only be out on Tuessday
and flies back on Wednesday morning. I still be there on Friday (7th),
so if anyone want s to do a lunch, I'd love to go.
Charlie
Msg #4035 Dated 6:01:26 05-30-91 -> 4060
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WEEKEND
Sorry I missed you last weekend, it was a pretty full weekend. But I
did meet a guy at the wedding who claimed to know you. I thought he
was pulling my leg at first but when he said Tabby Crabb the guitar
player I realized he was telling the truth. He's name was Bob - I
can't remember his last name partly due to an alcohol induced haze and
the shock of my date's 53 feet vertical leap to catch the bridal
bouquet. Anyway he plays drums and said he use to be your UPS man - he
remembered the BIG dogs.
I'll be back up that way mid June, so we'll have to get together then.
Maybe call up Bill Wells and go over and see Scotty York. Glue seemed
to work fine. If I get a chance today I'll try to give you a call.
Later.
Charlie
Msg #4037 Dated 6:01:56 05-30-91 -> 4091
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: VISIT
Wayne, let me know which Sphinx's you need and I'll bring along a
couple. Let me know by tomorrow morning (friday), as I fly out in the
evening. Hope to see you at the Castle or get together sometime during
the week.
Charlie
Msg #4041 Dated 7:24:22 05-30-91 4023 <--> 4052
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I believe that a number of the reviews have not been as generous as you
suggest, Max. And, in truth, I do not believe I was being any more
rude or insensitive than Penn has been known to be. My recent remarks
were merely intended as humor, much as many of his supposedly are.
Msg #4042 Dated 7:29:34 05-30-91 4024 <--> 4058
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
OK, so you are ready to call it IMP! (Interactive MAGIC! Program).
That means that we are now considered to be beyond the Beta stage.
Great! Let me take a look at it. Will be happy to prepare the
initial documentation, but it will take a couple of days.
This is a really MAJOR contribution to MAGIC! and magic communications.
Right now I have no plans to be at the Castle Friday night. But I do
plan to be there early Saturday morning!
Msg #4043 Dated 7:37:04 05-30-91 4034 <--> 4067
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: CHARLIE RANDALL (X)
Re: LA VISIT
OK. Let's plan on an informal lunch at the Castle on Friday, June 7th.
I'm really looking forward to meeting you.
Msg #4047 Dated 8:07:08 05-30-91 4003 <--> 4096
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MANNY WELTMAN (X)
Re: MAGIC FILMS
You mean it has happened twice? Hard to fathom. Did the stolen bust
surface on the market anyplace? or is it rotting in some collection
or garage ?? Thanks for the info on Machpelah, sounds like I should
be able to find it now...closest I got before from some info in an
old Sphinx (??) was a square mile...towns had changed, etc. Thanks.
Msg #4048 Dated 8:07:15 05-30-91 4012 <--> 4075
From: TABBY CRABB
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
Hey, do it....go spend some time with Andrus. Tellem we're still
waiting for his Box Impossible explanation to hit Genii (fortunately
Jon Lucke former??? MAGIC! member sent me the expl from another
science mag, I forget which)....but added insight he could give in
Genii is what I'm looking for....
Msg #4050 Dated 8:07:28 05-30-91 4027 <--> 4076
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: RD...
The sked of events for Baltimore looks good, Jerry. Plenty of good
stuff going on. I thought of a coupla ideas too, but will wait to
see what you've come up with.
Msg #4051 Dated 8:07:32 05-30-91 4030 <--> 4069
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: NEWS
One problem I've run into, Jerry, is that of deciding to reply to
a msg and then changing my mind. I can find no way of cancelling
"R". When I tried to upload, the empty reply threw it out of whack,
or is that Whhaacckkkk?
Msg #4052 Dated 8:07:38 05-30-91 3995 <--> 4057
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
The music industry has been buying/selling "universal" rights for
some time now. The trick will be to collect air play royalties from
other galaxies, but if there's a way....BMI will DO IT!
Msg #4053 Dated 8:07:44 05-30-91 3996 <--> 4087
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: NEW MODEM!
The cool thing about Zoom is that he doesn't get bogged down in
methodology. At his tender age, he's figured out that presentation is
the key. Be interesting to see what he comes up with on his own for
a card trick. Lemme know.....
Msg #4054 Dated 8:07:50 05-30-91 4010 <--> 4065
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE
Yeah, I know just what you're talking about.
Msg #4055 Dated 8:07:54 05-30-91 4018 <--> 4150
From: TABBY CRABB
To: T A WATERS (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
Last night I was told that Uri Geller was suing James Randi and that
Randi had already dropped 155,000 in atty fees. This surprised me
since no one had mentioned it on MAGIC! as of yet. Is there any truth
to this rumor as far as you know!!????
Msg #4056 Dated 8:07:59 05-30-91 4020 <--> 4110
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MIKE KING (X)
Re: A DRINK.....WHEN
Could be I'll be in Germany this fall for a few days. Let us know
your sked over there. Maybe I'll drop by if it works out.
Msg #4057 Dated 8:08:03 05-30-91 4023 <--> 4066
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
If the government decided to make a list of banned performers and
shows (could happen??) audiences might not get to make a distinction.
Fortunately, in America audiences do have the power (and it is) to
choose what shows and showwers it will support. While personal tastes
dictate what we ourselves support; while we may not agree upon the
validity of certain performers, we are accorded the same opportunity
to sink or swin in the commercial marketplace. This is a great place!
Msg #4058 Dated 8:08:12 05-30-91 4024 <--> 4078
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
Great news, Jerry. Had a call from someone last night wanting to
know how to download IMP. Since (he said) it is an undocumented file
as far as the indes is concerned, just what is the name of the
file to be downloaded. I told him to try RDMAGIC.EXE or *.ZIP ???
Glad you didn't put disk in the last package, huh?????
Msg #4059 Dated 8:08:18 05-30-91 4025 <--> 4073
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: #3336
That is a valid statement, too. Though it probably depends on whether
there are any great old timers around to take the neophyte into the
fold (Mercury??) and there I would imagine it would depend on the
personality and intensity of interest in the neophyte as to whether
he/she would get taken in. Judging from the photos of nude strippers
sitting in the laps (etc) of members of one particular group of
magicians whom I partied with for a few days (photos in collage on
club house wall) I'd think that shes might really get taken in. These
guys were frothing at the mouth waiting for saturday night when the
"dancer" would show up. I felt like I was hanging out with a bunch of
Jay Cees. Find a mentor, and there are plenty of great ones out there
who would welcome sincere mentoreeism. Treat them with respect, both
their values and knowledge; forgive them their prejudices, if they
have any; and above all, repay their kindnesses with gratitude. It
all comes home too. After all the wonderful help I've gotten from
so many great magicians (starting with Homer R. Hulse when I was 8)
my phone rings one day and theres this shakey voiced kid saying he'd
heard of me and could he come by? At first I started to tellem in my
best W.C. Fields voice, "Beat it kid, you're bothering me!", but I
kid you not. All these guys who'd befriended me faces flashed through
my head and I said, "Sure, come on over. I've always got time for a
fellow magician." It's funny how that works, but it does. It is that
personal contact which really fosters the art. If the magic clubs
even remotely provide the opportunity for this to happen (and it does
then the service they (the clubs) give to magic is valid. The reason
that there are more people in magic clubs than ever is a simple one.
Population explosion. There are simply more people looking for stuff
to do, and why not. The numbers give opportunity to those with talent
who are willing to make the sacrifice. The "real stuff" will always
be held back. That kind of knowledge has never been easy to get and
it needs to be that way. I like the way things are shaping up. Nice
bending your ear. Drop it by one day and I'll fix it.
Msg #4060 Dated 8:08:46 05-30-91 4035 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: CHARLIE RANDALL (X)
Re: WEEKEND
You bum! Going to the Castle swap meet. I'm gonna be in sunny New
Jersey that day. Wanna swap??? Yeah, Bob the drumming UPS man used
to drop packages by the studio. The guy we've got right now is a
reformed drug addict and is nervous alla time. Bob was laid back for
a UPS driver. I always try to slow them down, but it never bothered
Bob. Charlie, you know what this means don't you. Maybe you and Evan
will be having a double wedding. A 53 foot leap. Sounds exciting. I
like athletic counterparts. Looking 4ward to your visit in a few wee
ks. Hope it works out.......
Msg #4062 Dated 8:13:32 05-30-91 3826 <--> 4063
From: BILL WELLS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: CUPS AND STUFF
Somebody (Tannen's I think) put out a small brass chop cup with a
routine using balled up dollar bills (paper clips or other metal
inside) and a wooden final load holder for a stack of pennies.
The "loader" had metal in the end to make it stay in the cup when
the penny stack was produced. I may still have the thing
someplace in the magic mass. I have seen other "loaders" using
coin tubes (the plastic coin tubes used by coin collectors).
Didn't Fred do some work on dice loads at one point? Or was it
Freddy Lowe? I have some notes on this if I can find 'em. I
remember it was a hot item at one point.
There was a rather nice liquid final load complete with shot
glass for the cups and balls sold by Tim Starr a few years ago.
Liquid came out when load was inverted.
However, the Paul Fox chick final loads are great for simplicity
and use of the props being used.
Max's response (3828) brings back memories of an early FFFF
(before it was called that) and a skinny kid who had hitch hiked
from Pittburgh. He blew everyone away doing cups and balls with
steel ball bearings. It was the first time anyone had seen Paul
Gertner...I also remember the final load of the tiny ball
bearings.
Msg #4063 Dated 8:14:21 05-30-91 3832 <--> 4079
From: BILL WELLS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: CUPS AND STUFF
I thought the Ken Brooke effect was called "Tweezers" (did you
get an attack of "fat fingers"?). Better than the cans of food
final load is the use of a beer can chop and then a regular can
of beer for the final load that is then opened and poured. (not
my idea, but can't remember whose).
Rick Johnsson used to get a good response with his multiple jar
lids final load.
Msg #4064 Dated 8:14:47 05-30-91 3833 <--> 4080
From: BILL WELLS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MAGIC?!
Biro ... you are somewhat warped!
We don't tip anything online...
but we flash a lot!
If you don't understand, then you are obviously either an
amatuer or too far into the inner circles.
Msg #4065 Dated 8:15:15 05-30-91 3874 <--> 4077
From: BILL WELLS
To: EVAN KATZ (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE
Those are those who feel the appeal of magic stems not from a
challenge but rather from the desire of man to overcome the laws
of nature. The acceptance of the magician comes from the joy of
seeing a fellow human overcome gravity, create something from
nothing, or overcome death, etc., etc.
Magician's of the 1700's and earlier billed themselves as
"Practitioners of Natural Magic" perhaps in an attempt to more
closely align themselves with the laws of nature and their
manipulation of said laws.
The challenge theory could lead to a win-lose conclusion.
Msg #4066 Dated 8:23:36 05-30-91 4041 <--> 4068
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I get the feeling that Penn likes magic more than he lets on in his
professional personna. I may be wrong, but he was rather subdued in
Blackstone, Jr.'s company. Did I detect some form of familial respect
in the upstart? Of course, Teller has the easy job. All be had to do
was hold his breath in a bucket of water for 4.5 minits. Blackstone
was putting Penn down (in a fun?? way) and I don't remember Penn
really going after Blackstone. Too bad I didn't tape it, or I'd go
back and see.......
Msg #4067 Dated 8:23:46 05-30-91 4043 <--> 4090
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: LA VISIT
Check the Houdini room!
Msg #4068 Dated 8:39:18 05-30-91 4023 <--> 4084
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I agree. Most magi would kill to be Penn and Teller.
Msg #4069 Dated 8:41:29 05-30-91 3974 <--> 4070
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: NEWS
I can't find the info... wll look I promise.
Msg #4070 Dated 8:42:13 05-30-91 3988 <--> 4071
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NEWS
Hold off a bit. My learnin' curve is flat right now.... outa scratch
and time and dirvers licence expires Fri (my 58th yar... depressing)
Msg #4071 Dated 8:43:10 05-30-91 4030 <--> 4083
From: PETE BIRO
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: NEWS
OK Bizzare ONe... will it help my spelling? RRRRAAAAAZHJHHHHGGGG
Msg #4072 Dated 8:44:40 05-30-91 3980 <--> 4246
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: 3308 ON 2986
Good descriptons, Maven-San. I also prefer the OLYMPIC SKATING
situation where the MANDATORY effect (figure 8 skating) is important.
I would have each performer do three mandatory tricks WITH NO
IMPROVEMENTS ALLOWED.
SUCH AS: The Vernon Cups and Balls. Slydini Coins thru the Table and
Vernon's Triumph. (others could be subbed) A full year notice would
suffice to measure skill.
Msg #4073 Dated 8:46:41 05-30-91 3981 <--> 4148
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: #3336
Much of the IBM growth is due to the conventions (in my opinion) as
they are SELLING out every year. Thanks much to the Convention
Committee leadership and to NHK.
Msg #4074 Dated 8:49:03 05-30-91 3991 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: STEVE BRYANT (X)
Re: I FORGET
Thanks Steve. I agree THAT WOULD BE A GREAT BOOK. I knew Lou well, and
have his book. Will pull it from the shelf and re-read tonite.
Msg #4075 Dated 8:50:16 05-30-91 4032 <--> 4081
From: PETE BIRO
To: MICHAEL AMMAR (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
Andrus once scratch built his own typewriter. Think about that!
Msg #4076 Dated 8:51:21 05-30-91 4050 <--> 4098
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: RD...
Maybe can book Penn and Teller to lecture at Baltimore. Will work on
it.
Msg #4077 Dated 8:52:21 05-30-91 4017 <--> 4176
From: PETE BIRO
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE
THIS IS NEWS?
Msg #4078 Dated 8:54:02 05-30-91 4042 <--> 4088
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
What is the file name for IMP! And what protocall to use downloading
it? Hey this is my 900th log on!!! ARGH!
Msg #4079 Dated 8:56:34 05-30-91 4063 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: BILL WELLS (X)
Re: CUPS AND STUFF
yup fat fingers
Msg #4080 Dated 8:57:05 05-30-91 4064 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: BILL WELLS (X)
Re: MAGIC?!
I am a member of the INNER SQUARES! Harrrgggghhhhh?
Msg #4081 Dated 9:36:36 05-30-91 4012 <--> 4085
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
Your good taste is showing!
Msg #4083 Dated 9:38:33 05-30-91 4069 <--> 4093
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEWS
Geez... Don't even know when you are flyin'. How you gonna know when
to go to the airport?
Msg #4084 Dated 9:41:39 05-30-91 4052 <--> 4086
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Sheesh! I didn't know the "Universal" stuff was serious! Didn't know
music was doin' it. Maybe the client's lawyer was also doin' music
biz. Next time, if it is a one-time buyout deal, I'll tell 'em that
the off-planet rights are gonna cost extra. Thanks.
Msg #4085 Dated 9:38:30 05-30-91 4032 <--> 4092
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MICHAEL AMMAR (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
When I was growing up, Robert Ripley lived in my home town of
Mamaroneck, New York...I still have an old edition of his "Believe It
Or Not" inscribed by Ripley with a fully drawn cartoon! I remember
many sleepless nights completely under the covers with a flashlight
reading through Ripley.
I hope to get the chance to see Jerry again while he's here. Usually,
I get over to the Castle on Sunday nights, but this Sunday we're
supposed to catch my show at Knott's. Maybe I'll just bring a change
of clothes on Saturday and stay over after the swap meet.
.
P.S. - I remember Ripley's house had totem poles in the front yard!
.
'Wayne.
Msg #4086 Dated 9:44:48 05-30-91 4066 <--> 4100
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Your explaination of the situation appears to coincide with my own.
Penn looked like he was being VERY respectful of Blackstone. And yes,
he tolerated Blackstone's "shots" at him with no comebacks. Even
admitted that the exposures they do were essentially "faked" in that
they weren't representative of the "real work."
I figured it represented some change of direction for P&T - that maybe
they are leaving their "exposure" period and heading for something new.
Msg #4087 Dated 9:49:23 05-30-91 4053 <--> 4102
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NEW MODEM!
Your analysis is right on! He definitely favors presentation over
technique. He's dying to learn the floating tissue/rose routine.
Guess I'll have to get him the Kevin James tape.
Msg #4088 Dated 9:52:29 05-30-91 4078 <--> 4099
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
Congrats on 900ths logon. Haven't posted IMP! yet - want to see the
package myself first! Hey, it just got here last night - gimme a
break!
Msg #4090 Dated 9:58:42 05-30-91 4067 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: LA VISIT
Will see what can be done. Haven't heard anything yet. But some
friends of mine are talking about doing one of the Castle seances. If
we do it, sometime during the course of the evening I plan to ask,
"Have there ever been any manifestations of Houdini's presence here?"
Msg #4091 Dated 9:56:52 05-30-91 4037 <-
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: CHARLIE RANDALL (X)
Re: VISIT
Okay, Charlie...
I need the following SPHINX issues:
V49:#2,3,4
V39:#1
V34:#2,3,5,7
V30:#1,2,5,6
Regarding the the other items we discussed: I've got to see if I have
any money left after the swap meet!
Regarding lunch on Friday: Count me in. As of now, a recording session
I had scheduled for Friday has been moved to Monday & Tuesday...so I'm
looking forward to seeing you!
Have a safe trip out here.
'Wayne.
Msg #4092 Dated 10:46:11 05-30-91 4085 <--> 4111
From: PETE BIRO
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
Saw ol' Budman.... arrgghh (except fo' voice)!
Msg #4093 Dated 10:46:37 05-30-91 4083 <--> 4097
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: NEWS
I just found my travel itinerant and the travel and arrival date
is: 25 June. I leave Oakland, Calif., 10:07 am to Chicago on
United 1050 and switch to Unitd 730 (I think, fax hard to read)
leaving Chicago at 4:44 pm arrive BWI (Baltimore Washington
Int'l) at 7:38 pm.
El Tab should read this also, right? Right!
Will be around a day or two after departing on 4 July 10:40 am to
Los Angeles via Chicago stopover hittin' the Left Coast 2:45 pm
and have to zip out to Barstow to work! Fun, Fun, Fun. Reminds
me, I need a room there. From Barstow I fly to Zurich and train
to FISM and PARIS then back to L.A. Coliseum for another job.
Arrrggghhhh. Jettus Laggatuttus Alabamus Non Carburundum.
Msg #4094 Dated 10:47:57 05-30-91 -> 4104
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: ARRIVAL
I just found my travel itinerant and the travel and arrival date
is: 25 June. I leave Oakland, Calif., 10:07 am to Chicago on
United 1050 and switch to Unitd 730 (I think, fax hard to read)
leaving Chicago at 4:44 pm arrive BWI (Baltimore Washington
Int'l) at 7:38 pm.
El Tab should read this also, right? Right!
Will be around a day or two after departing on 4 July 10:40 am to
Los Angeles via Chicago stopover hittin' the Left Coast 2:45 pm
and have to zip out to Barstow to work! Fun, Fun, Fun. Reminds
me, I need a room there. From Barstow I fly to Zurich and train
to FISM and PARIS then back to L.A. Coliseum for another job.
Arrrggghhhh. Jettus Laggatuttus Alabamus Non Carburundum.
This is no longer a duplicate of the Message to D.L.
Msg #4095 Dated 10:56:00 05-30-91 3976 <--> 4588
From: MARVIN STERN
To: RANDY LUND (X)
Re: MISC. STUFF
Answer? You know what's going to happen, you just don't know when.???
Msg #4096 Dated 11:06:37 05-30-91 4047 <--> 4105
From: MANNY WELTMAN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC FILMS
Sorry to s, but there has been no reports on the stolen Houdini bust.
As you say, it must be in someones collection or a garage. The S.A.M.
has another one, but will only put it up when they go there on
October 31st.
Msg #4097 Dated 11:53:03 05-30-91 4070 <--> 4112
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEWS
I knew you had a birthday coming up around the first of June. I read
it somewhere. H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y !!!! and many more. If I
moved any slower I'd be dead myself so don't mind holdin off on
anything. Dogoone Bone Pony was supposed to call in last night and
they're somewhere in SE Texas or W Louisiana so I'm stuck near the
phone today. Had a cold and that slowed me down. Go on down to the
DMV and get your dern drivers license and you won't have to think
about it for four more years......As for me, I'll be waterin my
horse and catching some shade over at the Gold House.
Msg #4098 Dated 11:53:12 05-30-91 4076 <--> 4129
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RD...
Now, there you go!
Msg #4099 Dated 11:53:15 05-30-91 4078 <--> 4181
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
I'm on over 1600, so there. That's why the IMP! is so good, though
I'm over using it right now. With IMP! you could log on once a day
and upload yesterdays mail and download todays. Then read and reply
at leisure. It's pretty "movey" right now, but since my brain is
only 46 (to me this seems older than I'd ever get...Ouuuuccccchhhhh!)
I've memorized a complex set of keystrokes and use one ahead memory
to sequentially and manually name my input and output files. I just
uploaded and downloaded in 54 seconds. I want ona them new fangled
9600 bps now that Dr. Light has it on line. Afraid I'm over spent
right now and will have to figure out another way 2 get one unless
we finally get a decision on our spring water. It used to be tomorrow
and now it's next Friday, but they got up off some of their money and
sent me a retainer a few weeks ago so am feeling healthier than what
I've gotten used to. Hence new tools in the shop and lots of wood, et
c.....HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHHHAAAAHHHHHHAHHAHA!!!
Msg #4100 Dated 11:53:29 05-30-91 4084 <--> 4101
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Charge xtra forPluto and Uranus. I do...
Msg #4101 Dated 11:53:32 05-30-91 4086 <--> 4106
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I think we should support them. I thought he dropped his cover on
the show too. If magicians can't take a joke, then who can!!! Sorry,
almost debating him did something to me...........
Msg #4102 Dated 11:53:37 05-30-91 4087 <--> 4108
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: NEW MODEM!
Or some cammo monofilament fishing line.
Msg #4104 Dated 11:53:44 05-30-91 4094 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: ARRIVAL
Sounds like fun. Will be there and square.
Msg #4105 Dated 11:53:47 05-30-91 4096 <--> 4174
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MANNY WELTMAN (X)
Re: MAGIC FILMS
I guess you can't leave Houdini's head off if you have any respect at
all. Looks like they'll have to be made a dozen at a time. Can any
S.A.M. member attend the ceremony???
Msg #4106 Dated 12:05:03 05-30-91 4100 <--> 4107
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
You'd better believe that if they wanted to tie me into a "personal
appearance" clause I'd sure as heck charge extra for Pluto and Uranus!
Mucho long trip! But as far as royalties go, your best bet is
currently one of Jupiter's moons - er, either Titan or Europus - I
forget which one (you know how the brain starts to go when you're 45)
- but their is some speculation that the place has WARM WATER
subsurface. Warm water could give it a good shot at critters.
Hmmmm... maybe that's it - Teller is practicing for their next tour!
Msg #4107 Dated 12:14:00 05-30-91 4101 <--> 4119
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
They seem to have been hitting the PR circuit a lot lately. And the
show was on their network, so I figure it was their show - that Penn
only dropped what he wanted to. Personally, I don't like their current
style. I don't like them going to great lengths to put down the
profession - or seem to audiences that they do. I resent their
tactics, their seeming lack of ethics, the degraded image of magic and
magicians that they try to present, their rude and insulting behavior
toward the audience and their seeming lack of self-regard. Some around
here have been saying - "Yeah, but look at the money they are making,
look how 'popular' they are." Well, a lot of prostitutes, drug dealers
and extortionists make lots of bucks too. An age old debate, but I
like to think that when you are in the public eye, you have a public
responsibility and a public trust.
Msg #4108 Dated 12:25:09 05-30-91 4102 <--> 4115
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: YOUNG MAGICIAN
Actually, there is a very interesting dillema here - one on which I
could use guidance and suggestions from you and others on. Right now
he is pretty hip (for his age) to a lot of tricks. He seems to know
that performance magic is "pretend." Yet he still loves to watch
Copperfield and still has a sense of wonder at some of the effects. Is
it "better" for him to go on increasing his skills, which will very
shortly lead to his knowing that everything is gaffed, or is it
"better" to try to preserve his sense of wonder?
Msg #4110 Dated 12:42:59 05-30-91 4056 <--> 4117
From: MIKE KING
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: A DRINK.....WHEN
Sure Tabster, no problem. I should have the 'ol schedule soon and will
let you know of the dates. By the way, never could find someone to
build the illusion i mentioned earlier, so I've decided to back off on
the deadline and do it myself. I have built several things myself
before and figure if I take the time and do it right I'll be O.K.
Anyway there is a certain joy of using a prop on stage crafted by your
own hands. Will send pictures and video of performance when completed.
Or may be in your neck of the woods on my way abroad. Am trying to
book dates in that area now. Maybe you could catch it live and in
person. Then you'll drink free, for sure!!!!! MIKE.
Msg #4111 Dated 12:49:25 05-30-91 4092 <--> 4118
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
Ahhhh, yes....the sound of a cash register ringing in my mailbox!
Msg #4112 Dated 12:53:45 05-30-91 4070 <--> 4120
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEWS
Happy Birthday to a fellow Gemini!
(June 4th here)
I'll be in my %#th year....damn line noise....my @*th year....lemme try
once more....my &$th year.....awwwwww forget it!
Msg #4115 Dated 14:29:58 05-30-91 4108 <--> 4123
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: YOUNG MAGICIAN
Better, I think to know the gaffs early and to respect and understand
why. Why open up a kid to dissapointment. I was pi**ed at my folks
for handing me that Santa Clause (I'm sorry David, to be telling you
this) routine and I still feel like a jerk for causing my folks pain
at not being able to grant my every xmas wish and wondering why Santa
liked some kids more and less than others. It's a crock. People want
to believe in magic and it is our job to give them a glimpse. By the
very fact that we wear the mantle, Magician, gives them wonder
without the dissapointment which comes when we find out it isn't
REAL. The hipper you can make the kid the hipper he's gonna be and
you are a mucho hip guy. I was gonna say "Dude" but am waiting Biro's
punchline from Mike Close - or from Mike Close !!!
Msg #4117 Dated 14:30:16 05-30-91 4110 <--> 4276
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MIKE KING (X)
Re: A DRINK.....WHEN
You can build it yourself for sure if you've got a garage or
area like that...heck, in So. Cal. you can do it outside for the
max enjoyment. My shop is in a hot dusty old brick basement with
200 years of dust and coal dust on everything. My storage area is
the old coal bin complete with a 2 foot deep coal floor. It's too
cramped to build anything larger than a soap box so I'm getting into
small stuff, but I would guess building is building. All depends
on how much one guy can pick up and hold at one time. Another
suggestion is to get someone to cut it out for you. At least the
panels of, I would assume (and I know what it spells), baltic birch
ply could be done by an illusion builder. I know a super guy a little
south of you and certainly don't know if he'd be interested in that
but it wooden't take him long and would I guess depend on how pressed
for time he is when you call. I can put you on to him in private if
you want. If you do the formica yourself, there's a cool trimmer that
pops in your router that does a perfect job of it, but you probably
already knew that.
Msg #4118 Dated 14:30:32 05-30-91 4111 <--> 4131
From: TABBY CRABB
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
Ain't it great.
Msg #4119 Dated 14:30:35 05-30-91 4107 <--> 4125
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
I agree, it is hard to understand why they're pulling the crowds and
making money, but they're probably spending moren' they're making
right now and are on a vicious treadmill. They've got to make the
breakthrough to super stardom now (or soon) or all the money spent
will begin to loose interst and look for fresh fish to fry. Penn's
a little big, but Teller looks like he'd cook up nice. Hush Puppies??
Msg #4120 Dated 14:30:42 05-30-91 4112 <--> 4121
From: TABBY CRABB
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NEWS
Not another one?
Msg #4121 Dated 15:18:45 05-30-91 4112 <--> 4126
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEWS
Hey, Pete -
H*A*P*P*Y B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y !!! When the heck is Hallmark gonna get
around to selling diskettes for use with electronic mail?
See if you can't use the day to get your Cello tuned.
Msg #4123 Dated 15:23:01 05-30-91 4115 <--> 4130
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: YOUNG MAGICIAN
Thanks, Tabman. I wonder how some of the others on here feel about
this?
Msg #4125 Dated 15:28:12 05-30-91 4119 <--> 4133
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
You probably have a much better sense of their current economic
situation than I do. If you're right, then they are gonners 'cause I
really can't see 'em as "superstars." They just don't do anything that
makes them that worthwhile to enough people.
Hush puppies are some of my favorite folks. 'Specially with lots of
lemon juice on 'em.
Msg #4126 Dated 15:39:07 05-30-91 4097 <--> 4127
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NEWS
FAked em out and passed the tests -- eyesight,had to peek over
the card, but I had the angle on 'em.
Msg #4127 Dated 15:39:47 05-30-91 4112 <--> 4128
From: PETE BIRO
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NEWS
I'm only 3.5 years old. (Mentally) At least one of me is....argh
Msg #4128 Dated 15:40:25 05-30-91 4121 <--> 4134
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: NEWS
Cello or Jello? Fop. I am going into reverse and will start becoming a
juvinile. Goint to a magic show in S.F. tonite with Jade and Lisa Menna
and a bunch of other folks... Just heard a lady magi is in the
Tropicana show in place of L. Burton.
Msg #4129 Dated 15:41:36 05-30-91 4098 <--> 4164
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: RD...
Where?
Msg #4130 Dated 15:43:47 05-30-91 4115 <--> 4138
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: YOUNG MAGICIAN
Mike says, "Magic Dude" (no ! so you can append)
Msg #4131 Dated 15:44:55 05-30-91 4111 <--> 4132
From: PETE BIRO
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
I once appeared in a commercial as a photog during a racing pit stop
that ran all year on Disney and I got 80 bucks a week for a year! And
I was only a background guy in a large scene.
Msg #4132 Dated 15:52:16 05-30-91 4131 <--> 4191
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
Well, if you don't think you deserved it, you could always send it
back...or send it to me!
Msg #4133 Dated 15:52:53 05-30-91 4119 <--> 4137
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
I'm just not gonna get into it again over P&T...unless they're willing
to spring for my Maalox bill.
Msg #4134 Dated 15:54:16 05-30-91 4120 <--> 4141
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NEWS
Another TWO...or who the hell knows HOW many...I've lost count! Thank
goodness my therapist only charges one group rate for all of us!
Msg #4137 Dated 15:59:26 05-30-91 4133 <--> 4140
From: MARVIN STERN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Wayne: if something bothers you, you should try and get it off your
chest, and not keep it bottled-up inside you. Otherwise, how does one
know what you're thinking. What's doing on Super-pig?
Msg #4138 Dated 16:48:35 05-30-91 4123 <--> 4142
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: YOUNG MAGICIAN
Well, you did ask. Youre velcum.
Msg #4140 Dated 16:48:42 05-30-91 4125 <--> 4143
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Me, I don't know nuthin except show biz cuz it is my life. Hmmmmmm,
hush puppys and brunswick stew. You might have something there. Bring
some mint from the mint patch and hope the heat wave breaks before U
get here.
Msg #4141 Dated 16:48:47 05-30-91 4126 <--> 4144
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEWS
All they know is what you want em to know!!!
Msg #4142 Dated 16:48:51 05-30-91 4130 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: YOUNG MAGICIAN
Oh, sorry.
Msg #4143 Dated 16:48:55 05-30-91 4133 <--> 4149
From: TABBY CRABB
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
I figured out today that if you give the right guy enuff rope he's
libel to make either a swing or a hammock.
Msg #4144 Dated 16:48:59 05-30-91 4134 <--> 4159
From: TABBY CRABB
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: NEWS
Not you two, too. Me, there must be at least 10 or 12 different
personalities running around in here like smurfs. I'll have to
plead insanity.
Msg #4145 Dated 18:25:54 05-30-91 3699 <--> 4146
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: JUGGLING & MAGIC
It's probably easier than getting out of a drawer box with the shell
stuck!
Msg #4146 Dated 18:26:56 05-30-91 3708 <--> 4152
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: JUGGLING & MAGIC
Finney's routine, which may not be Copperfield's source, sure seemed
similar. Especially when he helps the female volunteer with the trick
from behind her, with a little sexual overtone present. The history of
his routine was interesting, and I thank you for setting me straight.
By the way, I'm enjoying Thavant very much. When performing "Riposte"
for some friends, they were dumbfounded! (Non-magic friends). I wonder
why there aren't more "sound reading" effects. "Riposte" & "Color Out
of Space" (The "Paragon" issue of Genii) are the only two effects I've
ever heard of using this principle.
Msg #4147 Dated 18:36:50 05-30-91 -> 4203
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: ALL
Re: PCAM '91
PCAM is getting ever closer! As of today (May 30th) it is only 20 days
from beginning. For those of you who haven't gotten them yet, the event
schedules are being sent out. Looks like a good event, too. Among the
events are Eugene Buger's Spirit Theatre and two Gala Shows at the
newly built Regional Center for the Arts (only about 3 blocks from my
house!).
On a sad note, the sponsors of PCAM, SAM Assembly #112, will have their
last meeting at their current location (Willow Creek Center in Concord,
CA) in June. The Center staff has decided to raise it's rental prices
beyond affordability. No word yet on possible new locations, but after
the next meeting I might have better (or worse) news.
To leave on a happy note, hope to see as many of you as possible at
PCAM.
Msg #4148 Dated 19:02:18 05-30-91 4025 <--> 4184
From: MAX MAVEN
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: #3336
I fully agree that there is value in using a magic club as a resource
for a committed neophyte to learn, grow and develop. However, I don't
see most magic clubs functioning that way.
I certainly am not suggesting that magic clubs become impossible to
join... but I would prefer seeing the standards for membership raised.
Msg #4149 Dated 19:04:18 05-30-91 4026 <--> 4151
From: MAX MAVEN
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Experiencing a magic performance involves processing various types of
information, of which the visual is just one. This is even true in a
"silent" act, but all the moreso when talking is involved. The point I
was making is not that most magic isn't visual, but rather that most
magic is not _only_ visual.
Msg #4150 Dated 19:06:16 05-30-91 4055 <--> 4160
From: MAX MAVEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
Quite true. Geller has sued Randi a couple of times already, which is
the source of the figure regarding the latter's attorney fees. Geller
is not the only one suing Randi over public statements; another notable
suit is by a psychic researcher named Eldon Byrd, over a statement made
by Randi in a magazine interview.
Tied to the new Geller suit, Randi has resigned from CSICOP, so that
that organization will not be drawn into the suit.
It will be interesting to see where this all leads.
Msg #4151 Dated 19:09:09 05-30-91 4107 <--> 4157
From: MAX MAVEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
A few points: the reviews I am aware of for the current Broadway show
are, as with previous shows of theirs, mostly favorable.
I do not think there has been any "change of direction" (re: message
4086). Penn & Teller's "exposures" have always been "fake" -- although
many magicians have perceived them differently.
I agree that the fact that a performer or show is making money and/or
popular is not in and of itself an indication of quality. However, it
does mean _something_, and as such suggests to me that one ought not
quickly dismiss it. If you loathe them, fine, but you might wish to
investigate why so many people feel so strongly in the opposite
direction. You say that because they are "in the public eye [they] have
a public responsibility and a public trust." Well, it seems to me that
their responsibility is to create a show that is good within their own
defined artistic vision. This they have done.
I have no idea where Tabby got the idea that they are losing money.
Filling theaters usually means profit, particularly when the overhead
for their show is miniscule compared to "Miss Saigon" and other current
Broadway fare. Penn & Teller are connected to top-of-the-line agency
reps and producers, and their career is exceedingly healthy both in
terms of accomplishment and finance. With the exception of Copperfield
and Siegfried & Roy, they are better situated within show business than
anyone else in magic in this country.
Msg #4152 Dated 19:17:56 05-30-91 4146 <--> 4227
From: MAX MAVEN
To: SCOTT CRAM (X)
Re: JUGGLING & MAGIC
There is further material in print, but not a great amount.
Msg #4153 Dated 19:17:09 05-30-91 -> 4201
From: BURT CARPENTER
To: ALL
Re: CL WAITING
So you want a trick using call waiting? OK how about using the new
technology to update an old trick? Call waiting can be used to do a
telephone telepathy test. This same effect was done several years ago
when most telephone switching networks were mechanical. At that time if
only one party hung up the phone the connection was not broken. The
magi then could pick up the telephone, pretend to dial, then hand the
phone to the audience member. Electronic switching networks introduced
a feature where if either party hung up the connection was lost. Call
waiting makes it possible to revive this effect.
Picture the following, though your equipment may vary: You announce
that thoughts can be transmitted great distances and to prove it you
will have an audience member transmit a thought picture to a total
stranger somewhere else in the city. A card is chosen by your
volunteer. You pick up the handset on your speakerphone. Another
volunteer opens the white pages to any page and randomly pick a a
number. The phone is put on speaker and dial tone is heard. The number
is dialed. After the phone is answered you tell that person who you are
and that you are conducting an experiment in thought transmission and
to name the first card thought of. It is the chosen card.
This is possible because with call waiting you can also put people on
_hold and place another call. When you first picked up the receiver you
hit the speed dial button which called a confederate. Some phones have
a flash button to get your other line, others you must depress the
switchook. We will assume you have a flash button. Push the flash
button to get dial tone and then turn on the speaker feature. Have
either your volunteer or yourself dial the number picked from the phone
book. Let it ring one time and secretly push the flash button again to
get your confederate. He or she knows which card will be forced and
plays along with the gag. This stunt can even be repeated if there is
more than one person at the confederate number. In that way voice will
be different when it is put on the speaker.
Msg #4157 Dated 19:56:45 05-30-91 4137 <--> 4158
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MARVIN STERN (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
IIIIIEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Don't get me started, Marvin!!!
Msg #4158 Dated 19:58:23 05-30-91 4143 <--> 4163
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Or mebbe an Indian Snake Basket Illusion!
Msg #4159 Dated 20:00:31 05-30-91 4144 <--> 4162
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NEWS
Us, too.
Msg #4160 Dated 20:01:46 05-30-91 4150 <--> 4168
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
Probably to The Amazing Attorney of The Amazing Randi buying lots more
real estate.
Msg #4162 Dated 20:07:08 05-30-91 4128 <--> 4187
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEWS
Have fun! Do you know who the new lady mage at the Trop is gonna be?
Msg #4163 Dated 20:10:22 05-30-91 4140 <--> 4178
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Heat wave? Would you believe that it has been COLD and CLOUDY in L.A.
for two days? Don't know how well the mint travels. But hush puppies
and Brunswick Stew sounds great to me!
Msg #4164 Dated 20:20:00 05-30-91 4028 <--> 4185
From: JIM SISTI
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: RD...
There's a lot of restaurant magic (though I'm responsible for about 75%
of it). We could check out a few places. Plus. . .I could introduce
you to a few of the local luminaries (such as Rich Osterlind and Eric
DeCamps).
Msg #4166 Dated 21:26:26 05-30-91
From: DAVID LUTHER
To: CHARLIE RANDALL (X)
Re: ORMOND MCGILL IN HOUSTON
Kent Cummins got a call today from the manager of Brentano's Bookstore
at 2085 Westheimer (corner Westheimer & Shephard) in Houston. She had
been given his name as Regional VP of SAM from SAM National Office. She
is in charge of sponsoring a magic and hypnotism lecture/show on June
9 (Sunday night, 7PM) presented by Ormond McGill. There will be a
reception afterwards. She was trying to get the word out to Gulf Coast
Magicians and Kent suggested I leave the information for you. If you
want more details contact her at 713/523-4011. Kent and I will be
attending, and expect a few more from the Austin area to also
Strangely, the bookstore DOES NOT carry any of his books.... so if you
want to get autographs you gotta bring your own books..Also Kent and
I were wondering how much "magic" vs. "psychic skill" he will be
presenting, but should be interesting evening either way.
Msg #4167 Dated 21:39:15 05-30-91 -> 4189
From: DAVID LUTHER
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (X)
Re: ERASERS, ETC.
Kent Cummins (who still has not gotten online...but is learning how to use
computer...so it should not be too long) just returned from a business
trip to Chicago. While there he hit some of the magic shops, and
wanted me to pass on to you that he had located the Playing Card
Erasers you had posted a message about some time ago. He also found
Playing card pencil sharpeners and lighters. They were at Ash Magic
Shop in Chicago. Ash the Magicin said that about 5 years ago there was
a published effect called Rub Out, or Wipe Out, or similar name using
the Playing Card Eraser, but did not remember exactly where or when it
was published. Kent has a few extras if you are still interested he
will send a few of them to you.
Msg #4168 Dated 21:49:34 05-30-91 4055 <--> 4209
From: RICHARD HART
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
Really? $155,000 to the legal beagles? Ouch!
Hey Tabby, maybe you should frame a bent key, we could auction it off
here, and send the money to the Randi defense fund.
Come to think of it, I'd be willing to make a small donation if Randi
needs the money. Any more poop on this thing?
Msg #4169 Dated 21:55:05 05-30-91 -> 4229
From: STEPHEN A SPARKS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NAMES
Hey Tabby Crabb - guess you and I have the same problem with the names
- the same thing here with my last name being 'Sparks' - guess
everybody in the land has a cat named Tabby and a dog named Sparky - oh
well, nothing to do about it on this end..... SAS
Msg #4170 Dated 21:57:52 05-30-91 -> 4175
From: STEPHEN A SPARKS
To: MANNY WELTMAN (X)
Re: MAGIC FILMS
Thanks for the invite to visit - the only thing wrong is that I'm not
close to your area. Live in Kingwood, Texas - just outside of Houston.
kinda like everything is around Los Angeles - same thing here with the
Houston aree. --> Dick Hatch lives in the area and Walter Blaney
moved into Kingwood just last year. Seems the Houston magic-community
is moving our way. Anywho, the Willard film isn't on video. As I got
the story (so many years ago) - Willard wasn't to happy about having
his act put on film -and- the arrangement Ramon Galindo had with
Willard and the family - was that no copies of the film would be made
without family permission. -- Guess I got one becasuse I was in the
film and Ramon knew me for so many years. ---> Would still be
interested in getting any and all copies that you have on Houdini.
Please advise SAS
Msg #4171 Dated 22:08:05 05-30-91 -> 4198
From: STEPHEN A SPARKS
To: ALL
Re: MAGIC BOOK CLUB
Way back when - I asked if anybody had any info on an outfit out of
Chesire, CT having to do with a bookclub reprinting magazines, books,
etc that would go into business later this summer. There was no name
given - just a PO BOX address and a $15 starting membership fee.
Haven't seen anything on here as to good or bad comments - doesn't
anybody have any info on this???? SAS
Msg #4172 Dated 22:16:32 05-30-91 -> 4188
From: STEPHEN A SPARKS
To: MANNY WELTMAN (X)
Re: HOUDINI BOOK
Manny --> forgot to ask about your book that you mentioned on here
that you would have at the Magic Castle swap meet - your "Houdini: A
Definitive Bibilography" --> how much would a copy cost to send to
me here in Texas??? Personally autographed to me, of course!!!
mailing address is : P> O> Box 5841 - Kingwood, Texas 77325.
SAS
Msg #4174 Dated 22:38:30 05-30-91 4105 <--> 4230
From: MANNY WELTMAN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC FILMS
I don't know. (Gads! Something he doesn't know!!) When in New York,
contact S.A.M.. But I don't see why not. They only bring the bust out
on October 31st. I don't blame them.
Msg #4175 Dated 22:43:45 05-30-91 4170 <-
From: MANNY WELTMAN
To: STEPHEN A SPARKS (X)
Re: MAGIC FILMS
I'd be happy to show you the film anytime your in L.A. .. As for
copies, I'd have to think it over. By the way are you anywhere near
Henrietta, Texas? I friend of mine by the name of Cody Lambert lives
there. He's an all around rodeo cowboy. Number 10 in the PRCA's ratings
last I heard.
Msg #4176 Dated 22:53:59 05-30-91 4017 <--> 4192
From: JERRY BURTON
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE
That's true as long as WHAT you do is GOOD, your personality can
enhance the performance and make it truly memorable. If you do
crappy magic, then no matter how great your persona is, people
remember the BAD magic and the 'funny' guy who did it.
.
Some of the best performers, do relatively simple effects, but they
do them extremely well. The real kicker comes when their personality
comes through and the audience is entertained - not fooled.
Msg #4177 Dated 22:54:07 05-30-91 4013 <--> 4231
From: JERRY BURTON
To: T A WATERS (X)
Re: WANTED
Agreed. Many times the magicians think it is good and the civilians
go HO-HUM. I have several effects that I would never do for magicians
but the lay-audience seems to react very positively to them. It's a
strange phenomena. I keep the things that get good response and trash
the ones that don't, even though I think they should get a better
response - some things you just do for yourself.
Msg #4178 Dated 22:54:15 05-30-91 4107 <--> 4179
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Do you realize that 4106 is 'Magic Unique' which is linked to 4107
'Penn & Teller Revisited' - Your threads are intermingling ? Makes
it difficult to follow - is this a bug ??
Msg #4179 Dated 22:54:22 05-30-91 4149 <--> 4180
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I agree its not only visual, but primarily it requires the attention
of the spectator visually and is augmented by auditory (e.g. click
pass to reinforce the visual act of placing a 'second' coin in the
hand) as well as providing an interesting dialogue to supplement
the effect.
.
My point was that unless the audience is 'watching' what you are
doing you lose the entire flow. As an example, if someone picks a
card and you place it back in the deck, and they look away or don't
pay attention (while you make your move - side steal etc.), how
much impact can it have when you show their card and moved to the
top. If they are watching intently and you make the move undetected
then when the card appears on the top there IS impact and magic has
happened.
Msg #4180 Dated 22:54:32 05-30-91 4151 <--> 4190
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Most of their 'exposures' have been of effects that were not
particuliarly baffling to begin with (e.g. their current exposure
of Teller's head moving to different locations - while on top of
a large base) Looking at that effect is an eg of the kind of effect
that a reasonable intelligent spectator would figure out immediately.
.
I may not agree with Penn's brashness, but let's not forget that they
emphasize that they believe the audience are not a bunch of dummies,
their put-down of magicians is directed towards those that do
assume their audience will be 'fooled' by dove pans, square circles,
and some of the other juvenile effects that are foisted upon a
sophisticated audience.
Msg #4181 Dated 22:54:41 05-30-91 4042 <--> 4182
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
Like after midnight or later in the am ? Oopps it the swap, I forgot !
Msg #4182 Dated 22:54:47 05-30-91 4058 <--> 4183
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
I did put a disk in the last pkg, did it survive the energy ??
Msg #4183 Dated 22:54:53 05-30-91 4078 <--> 4195
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
It is called IMP!.ZIP. At the main menu enter F to get into the
file section, then enter D for download. It will ask for the name of
the file to download, enter IMP!.ZIP. It will ask what protocol you
wish to use, I use X for Xmodem. It will tell you how many blocks and
an estimated time for download.
.
Now hit your PgUp key (I assume you are using Procomm) and it will
ask you for the protocol, choose Xmodem. It will ask for the file
name, enter IMP!.ZIP and it will pop-up a window showing the data
transfer in progress. After it finishes you are back to the system,
enter control-X to get back to the menu, now you can continue as
before.
Msg #4184 Dated 22:55:02 05-30-91 4148 <--> 4214
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: #3336
How long has it been since you actually attended a magic club
meeting ?
Msg #4185 Dated 22:55:07 05-30-91 4076 <--> 4186
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RD...
Did you ever have lunch with Letterman and get his insight on Kamarr?
Msg #4186 Dated 22:55:13 05-30-91 4129 <--> 4204
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RD...
Where ever you go, there you are !
Msg #4187 Dated 22:55:19 05-30-91 4051 <--> 4202
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NEWS
New version allows you to enter ESC, which cancels the reply. I ran
into the same problem - its whhaaaccckkkk, like in ooooooopppps !
Msg #4188 Dated 22:49:40 05-30-91 4172 <-
From: MANNY WELTMAN
To: STEPHEN A SPARKS (X)
Re: HOUDINI BOOK
The cost of the Bibliography is $35. That includes postage and
handling. Send the check to me at P.O. Box 2184 Van Nuys, Ca 91404.
I'd be happy to autograph it for you. Makthe check out to
Finders/Seekers Enterprises. (Thats me.)
Msg #4189 Dated 23:13:36 05-30-91 4167 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: DAVID LUTHER (X)
Re: ERASERS, ETC.
Thanks for the regards from Kent. I'm really looking forward to having
him join us on-line. Yes, I would like one or two of the Playing Card
Erasers and certainly one or two of the pencil sharpeners and lighters
if he has some. Please make sure he let's me know what they cost so I
can pay him for them. I really appreciate his locating them. Finding
the routine would be interesting - I wonder if anyone on here knows
where to locate it?
Msg #4190 Dated 23:16:51 05-30-91 4178 <--> 4193
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Er, yeah. I thought I was creating a "feature," not a "bug." As you
well know, a bug is merely an undocumented feature. I deliberately
changed the header on 4107 so that the "Penn & Teller Revisited" thread
could eventually drift away from the "Magic Unique" thread. I would
assume that the two threads ill now go their seperate ways. Guess you
will let me know if they don't.
Msg #4191 Dated 23:14:59 05-30-91 4048 <--> 4200
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
Jerry promised (again) the solution to the box.
Says he just got some new photos which will
really help. I usually ask him every six or so
months it's actually a nice way to keep in
communication but he did just get some pics and
will send them soon. Meebee he'll give another
puzzle with a solution "coming". Actually it's
all a scam so the puzzleheads keep
resubscribing.
Msg #4192 Dated 23:22:00 05-30-91 4017 <--> 4278
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE
Maybe I stated that wrong. There was some talk
here that people don't like being
shown something they can't figure out. Like a
magician doing a box. Something about the
magician being superior because he made a red
silk vanish and now the audience doesn't know
where it is. PHOOEY! As Tabby stated it's when
the magician prances around with an air of
superiority that has a foul stench people
don't enjoy being made to look like a fool
When done as entertainment FOR the audience NOT
the magician I think people enjoy being fooled.
Hence the oft used phrase "It's fun to be
fooled" This is of course MY opinion. Same
applies to many performing arts. SO, I heartily
agree with you.
Msg #4193 Dated 23:20:33 05-30-91 4151 <--> 4194
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
As this started with a "throw away" line, I hope, as apparently do you,
that we won't run the whole Penn and Teller discussion in replay.
It did seem to me, however, that I had seen a few less than
enthusiastic reviews. One easily citable one would be the one in the
Wall Street Journal describing Penn's "incessant chatter... Much of
this is insult humor: He loudly berates an audience member, for
example, for not observing him closely enough... Some find Penn's
ridicule highly amusing; others are made decidedly uncomfortable by
it."
My reference to a change of direction was not about their doing fake
revelations, but rather that Penn (and we assume he speaks for Teller)
was stating on a television show that they DID fake the revelations,
that they only chose to reveal certain things, etc. I was refering to
the fact that he (they) would chose to reveal this as being a change in
direction.
As to "loathing" Penn and Teller, I think "loathe" is a bit of a strong
term. It implies that I would go out of my way to annoy them - doing
something like sending them the "Super Pig," for example. I simply
find them distasteful - perhaps like a bit of inappropriately moldy
cheese or sour wine. Suggesting that I conduct an investigation of why
some people like them would be a bit like my becoming preoccupied with
the bad cheese or wine and spending valuable time researching the
entire cheese or wine industry. If I were imortal, that might be an
amusing notion. Otherwise, I would prefer to deal with the matter with
greater dispatch - such as discretely spitting out the offending item.
As to the "Ars gratia ars" concept of social responsibility, I find it
far too limited.
Msg #4194 Dated 23:37:42 05-30-91 4179 <--> 4215
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Jerry -
I hadn't really been "keying in" on the "magic as a visual art"
discussion until I read your message. It may very well contain a
valuable key to the decline of magic and the variety arts in general.
We live in a television world, and, for the most part, television is
RADIO WITH PICTURES. By and large, you really don't need to watch
television, you just need to hear it. And many people do just that -
they let the set babble in the background while they do something else,
looking up occasionally. Magic, and many of the other variety arts,
require concentrated visual attention. Perhaps people aren't used to
doing that?
Msg #4195 Dated 23:41:55 05-30-91 4181 <--> 4196
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
Yep, the swap. By the way, I've never really been to one before. Can
someone fill me in on how they work? Where are they held? Can a
magician guest (a non-Castle member) attend? Thanks.
Msg #4196 Dated 23:43:45 05-30-91 4183 <--> 4218
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
One suggestion, Jerry. The selection of X for Xmodem on MAGIC! selects
"XModem Checksum." You might try selecting C for CXModem - XModem CRC.
Msg #4198 Dated 23:51:11 05-30-91 4171 <-
From: DANTE LARSEN
To: STEPHEN A SPARKS (X)
Re: MAGIC BOOK CLUB
Genii ran an ad for them and got no complaints
Write them for more info.
Msg #4200 Dated 23:57:01 05-30-91 4131 <--> 4234
From: PETE BIRO
To: PETE BIRO
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
I bought a camaro with the money. Paid Cash for it.
Msg #4201 Dated 0:00:46 05-31-91 4153 <--> 4615
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: BURT CARPENTER (X)
Re: CL WAITING
That is GREAT, Burt! Really great!
Msg #4202 Dated 0:01:55 05-31-91 4162 <--> 4208
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: NEWS
Yes, but I forget her name. She is agent Sal Murrillo's wife (I was
told) -- just came home from watching a full one man show of magic. The
magi was young, energetic, but below professional skill -- in my and
other credible opinions... There was a good gathering of the local
magic community in the audience (sold out at 50 seats). The run is for
a month. More later when I get to think out what I want to say.
Msg #4203 Dated 0:05:09 05-31-91 4147 <--> 4469
From: PETE BIRO
To: SCOTT CRAM (X)
Re: PCAM '91
I shall be there. As will Sam Angelico from Australia, who I had a
pizza with tonite.
Msg #4204 Dated 0:06:56 05-31-91 4186 <--> 4287
From: PETE BIRO
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: RD...
Did not get to visit witgh Letterman. Or Leno -- placde was to big
(over 400,000 in attendance) and never crossed jpaths. Sorruy spelling
with pizza on fingers is tuff.
Msg #4208 Dated 0:11:44 05-31-91 4202 <--> 4212
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEWS
OK, thanks for the info.
Msg #4209 Dated 0:39:28 05-31-91 4055 <--> 4228
From: T A WATERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
Geller has a suit against Randi; there is another also in process
against him. Geller also has another suit going...what, indeed, would
we do without lawyers?
Msg #4210 Dated 1:22:57 05-31-91 -> 4237
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: RDMAGIC
Jerry Burton's wonderful new program, IMP! (Interactive MAGIC! Program)
is available in its latest incarnation as RDMAGIC.ZIP. I'm keeping to
the old file name because I want to save the rename for about a week.
That will give me a chance to add the documentation, etc. to the file.
Then everyone will know that Version 1.0 is officially released when
the new file is posted.
Thanks, Jerry! It is a great program. (Only for MS-DOS machines right
now).
Msg #4212 Dated 1:53:33 05-31-91 4202 <--> 4289
From: MAX MAVEN
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: NEWS
First name is Connie; can't remember the surname.
Msg #4214 Dated 1:59:24 05-31-91 4184 <--> 4247
From: MAX MAVEN
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: #3336
Less than one month.
Msg #4215 Dated 2:00:16 05-31-91 4179 <--> 4216
From: MAX MAVEN
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I still think you are putting too much emphasis on the visual. The
point is not that the audience should be "watching," but rather "paying
attention" -- which includes watching.
In fact, if they look away for a moment it should not necessarily "lose
the entire flow," for if they've been with the flow (i.e., paying
attention) their ability to stay with the sequence should hold
together, much as a flow of water can sustain a small obstacle.
If the scene is properly set, an audience member should believe that a
returned card is lost in the center of the pack even if they did not
get a good look at the process. That has to do with management,
attitude, and the gestalt of a performance. "Undetected moves" are of
technical value, but they are not the source of the magic.
Msg #4216 Dated 2:06:21 05-31-91 4193 <--> 4217
From: MAX MAVEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
If memory serves, despite the partial caveat the Wall Street Journal
review was generally favorable. At any rate, my comment was not that
every reviewer has liked their efforts, but rather that most have. (Do
you know of any artist who has received only positive reviews? I sure
as hell don't... myself included.)
Msg #4217 Dated 2:09:20 05-31-91 4193 <--> 4232
From: MAX MAVEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
The "moldy cheese or sour wine" analogy doesn't work, for the simple
reason that very few people have a taste for either, so of course it
would be a waste of time investigating the popularity of those things
given that they have none.
But that is not the case. A better analogy might be, say, sushi. Many
people find it repulsive, and would follow your example of "discretely
spitting out the offending item." However, there are many people -- a
significant number -- who adore sushi. If you have a vested interest in
culinary matters, then it is not at all a waste of time to try to
understand why so many people have a passion for raw fish, even if you
personally can't stand it.
Similarly, your interest in magic warrants further consideration of the
success of Penn & Teller, despite your personal aversion. I am in no
way trying to change your opinion of them, but rather suggesting that
quick rejection provides no benefit.
And I don't think the concept of social responsibility under discussion
is in any way too limited. But do tell -- what is my social
responsibility as an artist, other than creating the best art I know
how to?
Msg #4218 Dated 2:17:19 05-31-91 4195 <--> 4226
From: MAX MAVEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
The swap meets take place all over the upstairs area of the Castle, in
the dining rooms, down the corridor, and in and around the Palace
(which has the seats removed for the occasion). They have become quite
congested, and there is increasingly less in the way of "swap" (i.e.,
used) items and far too much new merchandise hawked at retail.
For all of that, there is always a chance of turning up something
worthwhile. But be prepared for a zoo.
I would presume that there is no problem with a non-member magician
guest attending, as the Castle's standard door policy (at night) is
geared to such courtesy admission. However, that's conjecture; you
should ask someone official on that point.
Msg #4221 Dated 5:57:04 05-31-91 -> 4614
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: VISIT
I know, I really am a bum - have to go to Redondo Beach for a week. Oh
and darn, the Castle Swap Meet is the Saturday before. Sacrifices have
to be made!
Bob seemed like a good guy, but could he ever talk. That's why I
thought he might be pulling my leg, but after a while it was obvious he
really did know you.
I think I'll leave the wedding to Evan, don't know how good I'd be at
it! What's more she and I live 1500 miles apart. But she really did
make an outstanding leap to catch the bouquet. Afterwards, she claimed
that she didn't even realize she'd made much of an effort!
Speaking of Evan, I caught part of his show (My Life and Times), the
one about New Years' Eve. It was pretty good, kind of touching.
I'll definitely be up mid-June. We'll work out some kind of
rendezvous. Later.
Charlie
Msg #4222 Dated 5:58:42 05-31-91
From: CHARLIE RANDALL
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (X)
Re: LUNCH - JUNE 7
Sounds good. I'll be there at 11:30. Even though I'll be at a
computer software environments working group workshop all week, I won't
be around any computers! So I'll give you a call during the week (or
see you at the Castle Swap meet). Wayne said he'd like to go. It'll
be neat to get to put faces with names. Later.
Charlie
Msg #4224 Dated 6:11:32 05-31-91
From: MICHAEL AMMAR
To: ALL
Re: SWAP MEET
I'll be seeing my CA buddies soon at the Swap Meet! Then back to Texas
by June 6th!
Msg #4225 Dated 6:25:54 05-31-91
From: TABBY CRABB
To: ALL
Re: GELLER VS RANDI
GELLER VS. RANDI.....
Uri Geller is suing James Randi and Randi is sending out
letters asking fellow magi?? to help in his defense fund which is
reportedly 155K in the hole. I followed the thread from Emory
Kimbrough on the CIS magicians forum taking his reference to the
Science Forum and from there to the Law Forum. If you are a
Compuserve member go to the GO LAWSIG and join (if you're not a
member) so you can access the message base. Go to MESSAGES and
then access "0" or General Stuff. From there at last look #25
(but check) was Geller vs. Randi and see what the legal eagles
have to say. I heard Emory was gonna post the letter he got from
Randi here on MAGIC! as well as the one he got from Geller also
asking for help. I need some help too, Emory...what's your
address?
Msg #4226 Dated 7:19:52 05-31-91 4183 <--> 4233
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
What he meant was hit the Pg Dn key.....
Msg #4227 Dated 7:19:56 05-31-91 4146 <--> 4470
From: TABBY CRABB
To: SCOTT CRAM (X)
Re: JUGGLING & MAGIC
Thavant is excellent (thanks Burt Carpenter for getting me a copy).
His stuff just keeps getting better. That's the objective I guess,
and beats getting worse.
Msg #4228 Dated 7:20:01 05-31-91 4168 <--> 4236
From: TABBY CRABB
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
The attorneys on the CIS Law Sig gennerally wondered why Randi hadn't
countersued Geller to recoup legal fees, etc. Now if he does this and
raises funds from "helpful" parties, he could end up with 155k profit
and that ain't bad. Something to watch to see who's scamming whom.
Msg #4229 Dated 7:20:07 05-31-91 4169 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: STEPHEN A SPARKS (X)
Re: NAMES
Ok, Sparky, I give up.
Msg #4230 Dated 7:20:10 05-31-91 4174 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MANNY WELTMAN (X)
Re: MAGIC FILMS
That's smart and I sure understand why they keep ,the head under
wraps most of the year. I would like to attend the Halloween
ceremony at the memorial if that's possible. When I find out, I'll
letcha know.
Msg #4231 Dated 7:20:15 05-31-91 4177 <--> 4279
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: WANTED
Remember the card trick you did when you were a kid. Glancing at
the bottom card and using it as a locator? Well, there was a kid at
FFFF using it and fooling the pants off lots of hip guys. He dressed
it with a unique presentation and slayed everybody. What a riot.
Msg #4232 Dated 7:20:21 05-31-91 4180 <--> 4238
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
According to Penn, they only expose stuff they "invent."
Msg #4233 Dated 7:20:24 05-31-91 4182 <--> 4283
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
You ask this question knowing full well it didn't. I laughed when I
saw it in the box and checked it out. NO WAY!!!
Msg #4234 Dated 7:20:28 05-31-91 4191 <--> 4250
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
Well, it's a great photo on Genii's cover. The solution as run in
Scientific American left me less than satisfied and still want to
see it in Genii where he can let his hair down a little bit, though
like you say, meebee he's got another one for us to keep us strung
out. Sure wish I could of seen him at the Castle.
Msg #4236 Dated 7:20:39 05-31-91 4209 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: T A WATERS (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
The time that I needed on (a lawyer that is) he saved my a** and
about 60k I was being sued for. Worth every penny of the 125k I
paid him.
Msg #4237 Dated 7:20:44 05-31-91 4210 <--> 4300
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
Since it is written in C, is there a cross compiler for MAC etc that
can do the job or will it have to be recoded???
Msg #4238 Dated 7:20:48 05-31-91 4216 <--> 4252
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Negative reviews can be potentially more helpful to the artist than
meaningless fluff that a lot of reviewers impose on their readers.
Msg #4240 Dated 8:06:12 05-31-91 3926 <--> 4257
From: BILL WELLS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: YALL WELCOME
Sounds like you got a busy week and a half in front of you...if
you and Charlie talk before he gets here and want to do something
in the Crystal City area give me a yell and I will try to join
you. I have the walk thru today and settle Monday on our old
house so hopefully, I won't be quite as busy with that behind
me...just a million I.B.M. things to do before the convention.
Msg #4241 Dated 8:06:40 05-31-91 3927 <--> 4259
From: BILL WELLS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: 3245
I have not have the pleasure of having Lord Munchie's Pizza in
Nashville although I have spend considerable time in Helga's Soup
Kitchen (Downtown Nashville) and she has played her harmonica for
me and gave me an autographed recipe book. She only played her
harmonica for Paul Daniels...so there! You do realize that you
are sounding very much like you could be a Teenage Mutant Ninja
Turtle incognito.
Msg #4242 Dated 8:07:05 05-31-91 3929 <--> 4260
From: BILL WELLS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: OLD SILVER
I heard on the radio that Kent Narrows Bridge was completed. I
still dislike that trip over the bay bridge as I always seem to
get caught in some sort of traffic tie up...howsomever the view
from the bridge is great!
This is not a bureaucratic cop out, but I will sort of have to
turn you over to Peter on the budget question. I shouldn't get
on his turf, but the main reason is that I don't know what he and
Jim Nagel may have discussed in this regard. Rule of thumb is
that we must spend what we need to put on the shows. We want to
give them the whole loaf of bread. We won't try to do it with
stale bread or the heels, but we probably won't be able to give
'em raisin bread with frosting on top either. (Now how's that
for a clear, incisive answer?) In other words, give 'em a candle
and a megaphone (grin).
Hey man...sounds like you got yourself a busy time and are barely
gonna be outa sick bed when you hit the road. Take care of
yourself out there! (wasn't that a Hill Street Blues line?). I
will stay in touch via fone, fax, or here.
Msg #4244 Dated 8:08:22 05-31-91 3956 <--> 4329
From: BILL WELLS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC REVIEW
When I was a grad student back in the late sixties, most of the
totipotency stuff was with the ability of any cell to reproduce
the entire organism, or that the somatic cells differed from the
germinal cells other with regard to what had been turned on or
off. Howsomever, most of the work was then at the cellular level
and the molecular genetics stuff was just starting. I was too
much a biologist and not enough a biochemist to really get into
that phase of it. Now they are switching genomes on and off and
inserting gene sequences into the DNA strands of higher
organisms. We thought we were playing God then, now is light
years beyond what we were doing. Frightening thing is that
nobody knows how to play God yet.
Msg #4246 Dated 8:09:37 05-31-91 3980 <-
From: BILL WELLS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: 3308 ON 2986
Thanks for giving me your input on the impromptu phase of the
complete conjuror contest. Joe had not passed it on to me in the
format as you presented it, although we did touch on some of the
points you mention in our discussions. It is quite beneficial to
have the points and understand your viewpoint on them. I agree
completely with your basic point. If we ever did this, all
contestants would have to probably be isolated and all handed the
same set of instructions at the same time before conducting this
phase of the contest. The rules would have to be very carefully
written. Thanks, I appreciate the input!
Msg #4247 Dated 8:10:06 05-31-91 3981 <--> 4286
From: BILL WELLS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: #3336
Please understand that I was not saying you or anyone else had
make an accusation regarding the I.B.M., but rather was using
your thread to state the current policy position of magic's
largest organization regarding membership promotions. I was
attempting to add information to the ongoing discussion not
trigger off a sub-thread.
I.B.M. membership has swelled over the past decade (although the
most dramatic increase was the decade of the seventies). Many
members have a limited background in magic. Membership rules
state that the active member must have had an interest in magic
for at least two years and be sponsored by two members. A
discussion of what degree of magic expertise should be required
of a member really needs to be addressed at two levels. One
being the parent organizational level and the Constitution and
By-Laws governing membership and the second being the local
chapter or Ring in the case of the I.B.M. The membership
standard varies most at the local level. I believe this is
probably true of both I.B.M. and S.A.M. I know of some rings and
assemblies with very strict membership criteria (although not
necessarily limited to magic expertise). Some still make use of
the black ball secret vote as a means of restricting membership
in the local chapter. Others are wide open and even allow
"members" who are not actually members of the parent
organization. I am sure that we all have our personal opinions
of what should be required for membership in I.B.M. or other
magic organizations. I feel sufficient leeway exists for many of
these different opinions to be realized in local clubs with the
primary limiting factor being enough people sharing the same
opinion to form the chapter. The point here is that you must be
a member of the I.B.M. to belong to an I.B.M. Ring, but you are
not guaranteed membership in a ring by virtue of being a member
of the parent organization. Each ring has the right to determine
its own membership requirements in addition to the requirement
that the members belong to the parent organization. I think the
same is true of the S.A.M. but I am not as familiar with that
organization's rules. So get out there and form the "Max Maven
Ring"!
Msg #4248 Dated 8:11:12 05-31-91 3989 <-
From: BILL WELLS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: GOTCHAFAX
Still working on set up sheets ... will send to you when
completed. El Petro should also be giving you some guidance.
Another guy you will be interfacing with is Mike Stratman from
Knoxville (big Country and Western fan and friend of the
Mandrels) who is the Hotel and Facilities Chairman and the guy
who will order stuff from the hotel's A/V firm for you. If Pete
doesn't get you info on stuff like that then I will. Meanwhile
stay tuned to your crystal ball and watch for the smoke to
clear....
Msg #4249 Dated 8:11:39 05-31-91 4008 <--> 4305
From: BILL WELLS
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: 3288 ON 2986
IMP! SHOULD help with the phone bills. I use the message dump
and answer offline anyhow, but being able to upload the responses
in one shot will help tremedously.
Now to which night to bring your Annapolis friends over to
Baltimore, here are the IBM Convention evening show lineups:
Saturday - MC - Bob Sheets Sunday - Magic of Ed Sullivan Show
Alan Nguyan MC - Jay Marshall
Kohl and Company John Moehring
Senile Sorcerer Marvin Roy
Jerry Rowan Fantasio
Denny & Lee Roger Ray
Billy Bishop
Karrell Fox
John Shirley
Monday - Gold Medal Contest
MC - Karrell Fox Tuesday - MC - Mike Caldwell
Six Finalists Mike Michaels
Jade John Carney
Becky Blaney (maybe) Petrick & Mia
John Calvert (2nd Half)
All of the above subject to change without notice. All shows
start 8 pm at the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre. No public ticket
sales. However, we should have a limited number of extra tickets
available for sale to registrants. Let me know what night you
want and I will hold out a couple for you. Any night should be
good...contest is a bit of an unknown since we don't know who the
acts are, but usually a great show. Take your pick!
Msg #4250 Dated 8:17:14 05-31-91 4234 <--> 4296
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
Wish you could be here, too, Tab...your last visit went much too
quickly.
Msg #4252 Dated 8:19:36 05-31-91 4216 <--> 4258
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Gee...I'm amazed...I ALWAYS get great reviews!
Whenever I read one that isn't as complimentary as it should be, I always
correct it and send it back to the reviewer!
(This arrogance is left over from my old days of being a TV news film
critic).
The point is...never pay any heed to critics...NEVER! NOT EVEN IF YOUR
REVIEWS ARE GREAT. If you give them power over your art when the
reviews are favorable, you must do the same when they are unfavorable.
I use good reviews for public relations fodder only. Any seriously
considered feedback is reserved for those in the business whose
opinions I actually respect...sadly, a short list...and not one of them
is a critic!
'Wayne.
Msg #4253 Dated 8:36:33 05-31-91 -> 4306
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (X)
Re: IMP!
OK, I downloaded it, now what?
Msg #4255 Dated 9:44:35 05-31-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: HHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEELLLLP
Msg #4208 Dated 0:11:44 05-31-91 4202 <--> 4212
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO
Re: NEWS
OK, thanks for the info.
Msg #4209 Dated 0:39:28 05-31-91 4055 <--> 4228
From: T A WATERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: MAGIC AS ART
Geller has a suit against Randi; there is another also in process
OH OH, TRYING TO UPLOAD MY ANSWERS FROM IMP! AND IT IS STARTING TO SEND
ALL THE MESSAGES I DOWNLOADED... ARRRRGGGHHHHH. HALF AN HOUR WASTED?
Msg #4257 Dated 9:56:01 05-31-91 4240 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: BILL WELLS
Re: YALL WELCOME
Busy, yes...but over soon, I guess. Charlie does want to get together
so when he hollres back at me I'lll give you a holler...
Msg #4258 Dated 9:56:06 05-31-91 4252 <--> 4270
From: TABBY CRABB
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
When I had a manager instead of being one one of the first things he
told me was..."never read about yourself in the paper or a magazine,
and if you must, then don't take any of it seriously. Above all,
never take your own press seriously." There were a coupla reviewers
that the rest of the industry took seriously, however; sometimes it
pays to listen to what these particular people have to say. Re: New-
port/Balboa....back in 1983 I was in Texas poised to flip a coin to
see whether to move to Newport Beach or New York when the phone rang
and it was Buck Buckles - since passed away, but the guy who sang
Danny Boy on Elvis' "Blue Hawaii" movie/records/tour - offering me a
gig
so I never ended up in newport Beach, though I fell in love with the
place when some friends lived down there and I used to visit a lot.
I shoulda known you guys liked to hang out down there. I think even
my Mom would like it.
Msg #4259 Dated 9:56:20 05-31-91 4241 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: BILL WELLS
Re: 3245
Thats what having TMNT aged kids will do for you. Tho, Dude, I expect
you're right.
Msg #4260 Dated 9:56:23 05-31-91 4242 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: BILL WELLS
Re: OLD SILVER
The stuff you faxxxxed ovre got the wheels to rollin and gave me some
timeline projectives and importante - the sked -. I don't want to
wait til the last minit to get good stuff and it's a little late now
from my perspective as I like to get sound and lights, etc booked
8-10 weeks ahead. There are some really good guys around but since
they're good, they work a lot and even the tabman can't get them to
drop a cherry since I usually request a discount for early booking
though I've been known to pay a premium to get a committment. If it's
"my" room then I want it to be excellent with good gear and crew, but
I guess I'm talking to the wrong guy now since the buck has passed to
Pete Biro. I'll cifn I can track him down.
Msg #4261 Dated 9:56:39 05-31-91 -> 4262
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: IMP
call your upload file something different than the rc;* file. As soon
as you see the main manu prompt use your Pg Up then Ascii and then file
name it should work....
Msg #4262 Dated 10:00:37 05-31-91 4261 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: IMP
I certainly hope so?
Will phone you in a minute or two.
Msg #4263 Dated 10:00:58 05-31-91 -> 4307
From: PETE BIRO
To: ER
Re: MAX, THE FULL NAME BE: CO
SELLER in the Joe Stevens line!
S
Er;4221
Don't forget to go to the Comedy and Magic Club, 1008 Hermosa
Ave., next to Redondo.
S
Er;4225
You mean Randi has used up his MacArthur Fellowship dough?
Arrrgghhh
S
Er;4232
"I can still remember the day Penn invented the cups and balls,"
Said Coathanger Wilson II. "He used four cups, though, and 37
balls, I can remember, 'cause I was four that day and my dad was
37!"
S
Er;4244
No S**T?
S
Er;4246
When are we going to do it AND THE MANDATORY STUFF? HUH? HUH?
I thought we were on the cutting edge.....
Er;4247
Max Maven Ring? Why not the full line, Bracelets, Cuff Links, Tie
clips.... nah.... arrrggghhhhh bad answer, right?
S
Er;4248
Wells and Crabb:
Methinks Biro-san needs the room set up sheets via fax to start
to thinque it all out. We need to use fax only to communicate on
the set up stuff so we all see and can catch other dummies in
their oversights, etc. OK?
Er;4252
A review SHOULD BE studied (I think) based on the record of the
reviewer... funny, sarcastic, seldom accurate, bone to pick...
but the newcomer (like the show I saw last night) needs the input
to see what others think. I believe he was fooled into thinking
he was "there" "great" "etc" by the aud reaction, which was
mostly friends and relatives (I think) -- and the fluffy pats on
the back, etc. can set you up for a bigger flop. I would like to
sneak back in to see the show on a dead night (not full audience)
and see how is going. First time I saw Penn and Teller there
were about 12 people in the audience. I didn't go backstage to
visit as I didn't want them to know I saw how small a crowd they
pulled.
This was in Westwood Village several years ago BTV. Before TV.
I thought they were great then and even think more so now!
How many performers have an ORIGINAL approach? Only those making
the big time. S&R, David, P&T (in the past Mark W. and Doug H.
and in his own way H. Blackstone Jr.) Duh, I guess they are all
"in thier own way!" huh?
Msg #4265 Dated 10:29:02 05-31-91 -> 4333
From: MARVIN STERN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NOTE
Received your note. You're welcome, it was my pleasure.
David is still trying to get his 5th rabbitt in the hat .
Even though he says he has only one.
Msg #4266 Dated 11:43:01 05-31-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: REVIEW
A review/commentary. The show: AMBIDEXTERITY "Suspending Your
Disbelief" -- the Artist: Billy Harris.
Asian American Theater Center - May 30th - June 30th. Ticket
price, $10.00
In a room seating about 50, there was a platform with a well-
designed backdrop. The stage setting -- simple -- a steamer
trunk, opened, a stool and a magic table.
Harris, a youngish, well-dressed, stocky lad enters and explains
his early beginnings in magic. He speaks a little too loud for
the size of the room, but is confident and well rehearsed.
The magic is good, not overwhelming, or mystifying, but fun.
Effects like the sucker silk to egg, vanishing beer bottle in
paper bag, diminishing cards, torn/restored card, Whit Haydn's
linking rings, Seabrooke's cigarette in coat, the Sidewalk
Shuffle, are what Harris is about.
The methods employed are not at the leading edge of the art.
Switching the "corner" for the torn/restored card in a changing
bag.... is.... ahem, not quite up to Copperfield, but Harris
didn't have a train or plane window to conclude his effect, just
a lemon.
Sure, the techies in the audience could follow the whereabouts of
all the moves... but maybe it didn't (or doesn't) matter. The
audience went away HAVING A GREAT TIME!
Raves, pats on the back, the lot.... for what it was, for what it
did.... it was just fine.
Constructive criticism? Sure. Slow down a little, change the
pace/mood -- work on the "intimacy of the room" you don't need to
play to the back row. Technically, keep thinking.
But hey, as you ad libbed, "Why am I sweating? I got the job!"
Note: City: San Francisco, 403 Arguello Blvd., at Clement St.
Msg #4268 Dated 14:13:12 05-31-91 -> 4272
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Hi there. I've looked at the recent messages, but haven't been able to
respond. Something has got me today - maybe human virus, maybe bad
sushi. Stomache is fixing to leave - keeps looking for exits. Brain
has gone into dead mode. Hard to sit up to read stuff and bedside
computer is not networked into MAGIC! Hope to be better later and will
respond to all.
Msg #4269 Dated 14:22:27 05-31-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: IMP?
Msg #4240 Dated 8:06:12 05-31-91 3926 <--> 4257
From: BILL WELLS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: YALL WELCOME
Sounds like you got a busy week and a half in front of you...if
you and Charlie talk before he gets here and want to do something
in the Crystal City area give me a yell and I will try to join
you. I have the walk thru today and settle Monday on our old
house so hopefully, I won't be quite as busy with that behind
me...just a million I.B.M. things to do before the convention.
Msg #4244 Dated 8:08:22 05-31-91 3956 <-
From: BILL WELLS
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: MAGIC REVIEW
When I was a grad student back in the late sixties, most of the
totipotency stuff was with the ability of any cell to reproduce
the entire organism, or that the somatic cells differed from the
germinal cells other with regard to what had been turned on or
off. Howsomever, most of the work was then at the cellular level
and the molecular genetics stuff was just starting. I was too
fffffffffffffooooooooooooooooooeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
all the message are comin aain.... where is the DOC FILE FOR IMP!!!
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Msg #4270 Dated 14:51:56 05-31-91 4252 <--> 4273
From: MAX MAVEN
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
I can only agree in part. Of course, a review -- good or bad -- has to
be considered in context, particularly the background and track record
of the reviewer. There are a few (very few) whose opinions I value.
For example, Mel Shields, who is the Variety stringer covering northern
Nevada, as well as writing regularly for Showtime weekly and the
Sacramento Bee. Now, his reviews of my work have always been praising,
but not always his reviews of shows I have been involved in producing
or directing. I've never had an outright pan from him, but in some
reviews he has made critical comments about things he felt were weak or
in some way problematic. And I most often agree with him.
In truth, while I have had a few loony pans, some of the raves have
been no less loony. My general opinion of critics is, I would guess,
not that different from yours.
Msg #4272 Dated 16:24:59 05-31-91 4268 <--> 4334
From: MARVIN STERN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Must have been the green pants. Does this mean we won't see you at the
swap meet?
FEEL BETTER.!!
Msg #4273 Dated 16:31:47 05-31-91 4270 <--> 4275
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Yes, certain reviewers can produce reviews which may contain
interesting subjective observations...on occasion. My point is that a
performer should never empower any critic on a personal and/or artistic
level.
'Wayne.
Msg #4275 Dated 16:42:29 05-31-91 4258 <--> 4280
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
You knew Buck Buckles? How neat.
The very first 45rpm disc I ever bought was "Hound Dog"/"Don't Be
Cruel"...a double-hit blockbuster! I played it till the grooves were
showing through on both sides!
In later years, I wasn't really an Elvis afficionado until I signed to
play the part of Joe Esposito in the ABC-TV mini-series, "Elvis and
Me"...a dramatization of Priscilla's best-selling book. I did a large
amount of research for the role and we shot most of it in sequence
over the course of several months. After we wrapped, I really felt
like I had "been there." I had to set aside some time to
"De-Elvisize." One of the most memorable moments was while we were
shooting in Vegas at the Hilton, (formerly the International---where
Elvis really performed), and seeing the huge sign out front advertising
"ELVIS IN CONCERT"....there were cars swerving off the road!!!
Ah, but I digress...
'Wayne.
Msg #4276 Dated 17:02:55 05-31-91 4117 <--> 4320
From: MIKE KING
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: A DRINK.....WHEN
Thanks again, Tabby. It's nice to some encouragement. I am going to
take my time and might from time to time write for advise. Thanks
again. Didn't know the router trick. And i had thought about having
someone else cut it out. I don't think i could cut a straight line
with a cross-cut. HA. Vicky says Howdy. Catch you later. MIKE>
Msg #4278 Dated 17:51:49 05-31-91 4017 <-
From: JERRY BURTON
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE
That's true as long as WHAT you do is GOOD, your personality can
enhance the performance and make it truly memorable. If you do
crappy magic, then no matter how great your persona is, people
remember the BAD magic and the 'funny' guy who did it.
.
Some of the best performers, do relatively simple effects, but they
do them extremely well. The real kicker comes when their personality
comes through and the audience is entertained - not fooled.
Msg #4279 Dated 17:51:59 05-31-91 4013 <--> 4304
From: JERRY BURTON
To: T A WATERS (X)
Re: WANTED
Agreed. Many times the magicians think it is good and the civilians
go HO-HUM. I have several effects that I would never do for magicians
but the lay-audience seems to react very positively to them. It's a
strange phenomena. I keep the things that get good response and trash
the ones that don't, even though I think they should get a better
response - some things you just do for yourself.
Msg #4280 Dated 17:52:07 05-31-91 4107 <--> 4281
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Do you realize that 4106 is 'Magic Unique' which is linked to 4107
'Penn & Teller Revisited' - Your threads are intermingling ? Makes
it difficult to follow - is this a bug ??
Msg #4281 Dated 17:52:16 05-31-91 4149 <--> 4282
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I agree its not only visual, but primarily it requires the attention
of the spectator visually and is augmented by auditory (e.g. click
pass to reinforce the visual act of placing a 'second' coin in the
hand) as well as providing an interesting dialogue to supplement
the effect.
.
My point was that unless the audience is 'watching' what you are
doing you lose the entire flow. As an example, if someone picks a
card and you place it back in the deck, and they look away or don't
pay attention (while you make your move - side steal etc.), how
much impact can it have when you show their card and moved to the
top. If they are watching intently and you make the move undetected
then when the card appears on the top there IS impact and magic has
happened.
Msg #4282 Dated 17:52:30 05-31-91 4151 <--> 4292
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Most of their 'exposures' have been of effects that were not
particuliarly baffling to begin with (e.g. their current exposure
of Teller's head moving to different locations - while on top of
a large base) Looking at that effect is an eg of the kind of effect
that a reasonable intelligent spectator would figure out immediately.
.
I may not agree with Penn's brashness, but let's not forget that they
emphasize that they believe the audience are not a bunch of dummies,
their put-down of magicians is directed towards those that do
assume their audience will be 'fooled' by dove pans, square circles,
and some of the other juvenile effects that are foisted upon a
sophisticated audience.
Msg #4283 Dated 17:52:43 05-31-91 4042 <--> 4284
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
Like after midnight or later in the am ? Oopps it the swap, I forgot !
Msg #4284 Dated 17:52:51 05-31-91 4058 <--> 4285
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
I did put a disk in the last pkg, did it survive the energy ??
Msg #4285 Dated 17:52:58 05-31-91 4078 <--> 4297
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
It is called IMP!.ZIP. At the main menu enter F to get into the
file section, then enter D for download. It will ask for the name of
the file to download, enter IMP!.ZIP. It will ask what protocol you
wish to use, I use X for Xmodem. It will tell you how many blocks and
an estimated time for download.
.
Now hit your PgUp key (I assume you are using Procomm) and it will
ask you for the protocol, choose Xmodem. It will ask for the file
name, enter IMP!.ZIP and it will pop-up a window showing the data
transfer in progress. After it finishes you are back to the system,
enter control-X to get back to the menu, now you can continue as
before.
Msg #4286 Dated 17:53:11 05-31-91 4148 <--> 4303
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: #3336
How long has it been since you actually attended a magic club
meeting ?
Msg #4287 Dated 17:53:17 05-31-91 4076 <--> 4288
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RD...
Did you ever have lunch with Letterman and get his insight on Kamarr?
Msg #4288 Dated 17:53:23 05-31-91 4129 <-
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RD...
Where ever you go, there you are !
Msg #4289 Dated 17:53:28 05-31-91 4051 <-
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NEWS
New version allows you to enter ESC, which cancels the reply. I ran
into the same problem - its whhaaaccckkkk, like in ooooooopppps !
Msg #4290 Dated 17:54:12 05-31-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: TEST
Msg #4272 Dated 16:24:59 05-31-91 4268 <- read
From: MARVIN STERN To: DAVID LICHTMAN
(SYSOP) Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Msg #4273 Dated 16:31:47 05-31-91 4270 <--> 4275 read
From: WAYNE POWERS To: MAX MAVEN
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Msg #4275 Dated 16:42:29 05-31-91 4258 <- read
From: WAYNE POWERS To: TABBY CRABB
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Msg #4276 Dated 17:02:55 05-31-91 4117 <- read
From: MIKE KING To: TABBY CRABB
Re: A DRINK.....WHEN
Msg #4272 Dated 16:24:59 05-31-91 4268 <-
From: MARVIN STERN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Must have been the green pants. Does this mean we won't see you at the
swap meet?
FEEL BETTER.!!
Msg #4273 Dated 16:31:47 05-31-91 4270 <--> 4275
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: MAX MAVEN
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Yes, certain reviewers can produce reviews which may contain
CRAP... IS STILL DON'T WORK....ING....IMP-OSSIBLE????
Msg #4292 Dated 18:01:18 05-31-91 4193 <--> 4293
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
The berating of the audience member you mention is the lead-in to the
knife-in-the-hand revelation, and I disagree that he putting down the
audience member. What he is doing is making a point that when a
magician says "Now the card is lost in the pack", that in fact
magicians cheat and he shows the card on top. He then makes a point
that Teller is a magician and has just 'cheated', Penn then makes
a few choices, and 'reveals' the card on top as a cheap magicians
trick, which leads into the 'fair' spreading of the cards on the
table resulting in the final STAB. All through the 'exposure' Teller
is showing growing hostility at Penn having screwed up his magic
- this ultimately leads to the startling climax of the knife thru
Penn's hand AND the selected card.
.
What he is doing is deflating the myth and hackneyed statement that
many magicians make when they say "Now do you believe the card is
fairly lost in the deck", OF COURSE IT ISN'T - why insult the
audience member by getting him to say it is.
.
Another one that I find very distasteful is the statement, "If I
could do such-and-such wouldn't that be a great trick and worthy of
a great deal of applause ?". It may be OK for a kid's show, but I
think you should let the audience decide for themselves if they think
it is a great trick and worthy of applause. It all depends on what
level of intelligence you think your audience has.
Msg #4293 Dated 18:01:34 05-31-91 4194 <--> 4294
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
My point exactly - you are one of the few that seems to have
picked up on it. Do me a favor and go back and read Msg # 3603
which started this thread. Let me know what you think about that
line of reasoning.
Msg #4294 Dated 18:01:42 05-31-91 4215 <--> 4295
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Ok we are getting closer. All I'm saying is if a spectator is not
watching intently, i.e. complete focus, then when the card appears
elsewhere, he can always opt for some 'secret' move that he COULD
have detected were he paying closer attention. Whereas, if he is
intently 'watching' and never sees the SECRET move, then he has no
easy out. I know I'm splitting hairs on this point, but I think it
important. Nuf said.
.
Burton the Bizarre
Msg #4295 Dated 18:01:51 05-31-91 4215 <--> 4308
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Some acts are as you suggest, ARE amenable to an overall impression
and the audience does not have to be intently focused on every move.
They are watching a higher form of magic and the overall gestalt
far out shadows the individual moves. These type of performances,
create a whole THAT is greater than the sum of its parts. Jeff
McBride comes to mind as an excellant example of this form. His
dance moves and his 'magic' moves intertwine so you are sure which
is which, so you just sit back and enjoy the entire spectacle.
Msg #4296 Dated 18:02:01 05-31-91 4200 <--> 4309
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
You are talking to yourself agin Pete.
Msg #4297 Dated 18:02:06 05-31-91 4226 <--> 4298
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
Oops - yer right. PgDn for download. Oltimers disease strikes agin.
Msg #4298 Dated 18:02:12 05-31-91 4233 <--> 4299
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
It was worth a try - I guess the damn thing is just too powerful,
watch yourself around metal chairs if you have it in your pocket -
you may be singing soprano. Did you get the fax ? Let me know if it
makes sense.
Msg #4299 Dated 18:02:18 05-31-91 4195 <--> 4326
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
Non-members are OK, no one checks, they just need to bring money.
Get there early - although it says 9am, most of the good stuff is
gone by then. And yes, prepare for a zoo - put on your best NY
subway manner and sharpen your elbows. See you there - I'm going to
the castle tonight and crash in the Van somewhere in the neihborhood
so I won't have to make the drive twice.
Msg #4300 Dated 18:02:26 05-31-91 4210 <--> 4301
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
I hope you used the one I uploaded last night as IMP!, renamed to
RDMAGIC. Let me know if there are any obscure things that you need
added to the doc. I have one more minor change to make to the reply
mode to complete the wordwrap feature, but it works pretty good as is
Msg #4301 Dated 18:02:33 05-31-91 4237 <--> 4313
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
I'm not a mac person, but if someone wants to convert from Microsoft
to mac, I'll send them the source - ANYONE ??
Msg #4303 Dated 18:02:45 05-31-91 4214 <-
From: JERRY BURTON
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: #3336
What would you suggest as membership criteria ? Do you envision
having grades (like in martial arts) or what ?
Msg #4304 Dated 18:02:50 05-31-91 4231 <--> 4321
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WANTED
Amen, bro. I sometimes think people make things too complicated and
lose track of what they should really be focusing on.
.
And yea - that's the card trick I do - can't get into all Furslinger
side steals with Marlo inside-out variation or whatever the finger
flickers call em.
Msg #4305 Dated 18:02:56 05-31-91 4249 <--> 4331
From: JERRY BURTON
To: BILL WELLS
Re: 3288 ON 2986
Thanks - save me 2 for Monday night.
Msg #4306 Dated 18:03:01 05-31-91 4253 <--> 4310
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: IMP!
Sign on to the BBS and type rc;* at the main menu, BEFORE YOU HIT
ENTER, hit alt-F1, and designate a capture file (I use MAGCdddd.log
where dddd is the date e.g. today I'm using MAGC0531.LOG). Then hit
enter. ALL of the msgs you haven't read yet will be transmitted to
your screen, at 2400 baud they go by too fast to read. When you
see the main menu agin, hit G for goodbye and alt-F1 to close the
capture file. You now have all messages on your computer, leave
Procomm, alt-X (or check with Tabby on his hot key approach) and go
back to DOS. Now enter IMP! and you will see a help screen describing
the function available.
.
Just hit any key, and you go to the main menu. Hit F6, it will ask
for an input file, enter (whatever you called your capture file) and
enter. For an output file enter where you want your replies to go
(I use MAGCdddd.REP, so the replies can be easily matched up).
.
You can now walk through the msgs as though you were on-line, using
->,<- to walk threads or just enter to go through sequentially. At
any message you can enter a reply by hitting R for reply, or A for
append. A reply window pops-up and you can type what you want. ESC
will cancel the reply and cntrl-Enter saves it. Enter F to find
something or N for the next occurance. Hope this helps.
Msg #4307 Dated 18:03:12 05-31-91 4263 <-
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MAX, THE FULL NAME BE: CO
Big OOOOPPPS - that's why I don't use hot keys.
Msg #4308 Dated 18:03:17 05-31-91 4190 <--> 4319
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Check the thread 4190->4193->4194->4215->4216 you will see they
intertwine. Looks more like a bug than a feature.
Msg #4309 Dated 18:31:26 05-31-91 4296 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: RUN DON'T WALK!
How bout some simple doc file??? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeze (OR I AM GOING TO
QUIT MAGIC! -- NOT KIDDING -- !!!!
Msg #4310 Dated 18:33:40 05-31-91 4306 <--> 4337
From: PETE BIRO
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: IMP!
yOIKS... YOU MIGHT HAVE SAVED ME HERE... WILL STUDY AND TRY AGIN..
A
R
G
H
!
Msg #4311 Dated 18:50:28 05-31-91 -> 4408
From: PETE BIRO
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: IMP?
Before I upload a pre written message, I forgot to ask what you hit
(other than the computer with a stick) to open an up log? or whatever
you call it? Dhuh... here comes pre written stuff (next line)
Jerry: I hope I dig... arrggghhh in advance.
OK. On MAGIC! I type RC;*, STRIKE ALT-F1, and designate capture
file - MAGC0530.LOG, ENTER.
At main menu, the usual G for So Long.
ALT-F1 again.
DOS AND INTO IMP!
F6 gets question for INPUT FILE, I type MAGC0530.LOG, for OUTPUT
FILE, I type MAGC0530.REP
R for reply to a give message (I have seen the window and done
this).
OK YOU STOPPED THERE. HOW DO I SEND ALL THESE BACK INTO MAGIC! ??
H E L P
E
L
PLEASE!
Msg #4312 Dated 18:53:24 05-31-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: MO TESTING
Er;4272
This is a test to see if you is the Jolly Green one? Again, trying IM
IMP! (hmmm no line wrap) OK, can live with that.
S
Er;4273
Do you remember the great reviews (tellin' it like it wuz) by
Clarke "the Senator" Crandall?
Go buy the Best of Crandall from Abbotts (really). Worth more than
all Erdnase and Vernon stuff combined. (That is until my book on
the discovery of the inventor of the Linking Rings is published).
S
Er;4275
Any of you know ole' Ed "Sus" Penders?
S
Msg #4313 Dated 18:55:49 05-31-91 4301 <--> 4316
From: RICHARD HART
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
I don't have a Mac, but my 68000-based Atari 1040ST is sitting here
with my choice of several C compilers. I'd love to take a look at the
source, Jerry
richard
Msg #4315 Dated 19:19:24 05-31-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: IMPOSSMAYBE
Second message to the Bizzarist!
To send... my replies...
At MAGIC! main menu, before selecting a letter (like E for Enter
a Message) I hit PG UP, then with Procomm Plus select ASCII and
name the .REP file, such as MAGC0531.REP
Enter and it is all automatic from then on, right? Wrong? What?
T
A
N
K
S
Msg #4316 Dated 19:23:18 05-31-91 4313 <--> 4318
From: PETE BIRO
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
Richard, bear with me this is a test of IMP! Being a slow learner
and a dummy in things program-wise, I hope this gets posted.
If no one hears from me, drag the San Francisco Bay Sunday (I
have to go to my XXth Birthday Party tomorrow. Arrrggghhhhxxxxx
S
s
sg #4317 Dated 19:23:42 05-31-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: IMP
gee it worked with one msg, now if I can make it do mo than one....
Stay tuned
Msg #4318 Dated 19:32:07 05-31-91 4300 <--> 4322
From: PETE BIRO
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
I downloaded IMP!.ZIP Thursday night. Is this the latest, and the
greatest? This is about my 20th attempt to send replies. Pray.
S
Er;4301
Reply to the MAC message is, HUH?
S
Er;4303
The amount of money you pay in should determine your level of
membership. If you are a killer performer you should get in free.
But the jury needs to be top class and view thru one way glass.
Just Kidding, three way glass.
S
Er;4304
I'll beat you with a crimp any time!
S
Er;4306
OK!
S
Er;4307
I don't like hot keys, got to wear gloves and I can't type as it is.
S
Er;4309
This was written prematurely, OK?
S
Msg #4300 Dated 18:02:26 05-31-91 4210 <--> 4301 mag.log
From: JERRY BURTON To: DAVID LICHTMAN
(SYSOP) Re: RDMAGIC
Msg #4301 Dated 18:02:33 05-31-91 4237 <--> 4313 mag.log
From: JERRY BURTON To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
Msg #4303 Dated 18:02:45 05-31-91 4214 <- mag.log
From: JERRY BURTON To: MAX MAVEN
Re: #3336
Msg #4304 Dated 18:02:50 05-31-91 4231 <- mag.log
From: JERRY BURTON To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WANTED
Msg #4305 Dated 18:02:56 05-31-91 4249 <- mag.log
For some reason it isn't recognizing the two empty lines and the S?
Right? I will stop for tonite and rest (and rob a bank tomorrow to pay
thelong distance charges...) why don't we move the whole bbs over to
compuserve? I didn't mean it David, honest... honest... don't shoot..
AAAARRRRGGGGgggghhhh.....!!!!^^^^^<<<<>>>> blap
Msg #4319 Dated 19:40:30 05-31-91 4275 <--> 4323
From: TABBY CRABB
To: WAYNE POWERS (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Geeez, I didn't know that was you playing Joey E. I never knew the
King, but spent so much time with his back up singers that I felt
like I did and still feel a part of the legacy. Buck had hired me and
by the time I got off the plane in TN to jump on the bus he was in
the hospitol. He did make it for a coupla years after that though
driving the bus for Tanya Tucker. Buck and I shared an interest in
1950 Ford pickups and Buck had a completely restored one in his
basement. He had taken it apart outside, restored the stuff and
put it together downstairs. His wife still lives in the house and I'd
imagine the truck is still there. Joe Esposito helped build the
Memphis Show which I was part of.
Msg #4320 Dated 19:40:42 05-31-91 4276 <--> 4361
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MIKE KING (X)
Re: A DRINK.....WHEN
Sure, I've learned a coupla tricks over the years will be glad to
help if I can.
Msg #4321 Dated 19:40:46 05-31-91 4304 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: WANTED
I used to keep a corner cut card in most decks and a guy came by and
fooled the crap out of me with my own gaffed deck. I'd forgotten the
little cut corner and he spotted it right off (he's a well known old
timer). He finally told me what he did. he was even doing the Vernon
"corner tap" and I still didn't snap. Was a good time.....
Msg #4322 Dated 20:52:25 05-31-91 4316 <--> 4406
From: RICHARD HART
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
Have sharpened the grappling hooks, Pete, and also notified the coast
guard. I told 'em to look for a drunken bit of floatsam, with a tattoo
of an IMP on his fanny....
Msg #4323 Dated 21:17:51 05-31-91 4319 <--> 4325
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Circles ever closing.
Msg #4325 Dated 23:01:39 05-31-91 4217 <--> 4336
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Max - I read your message (#4217) with a great deal of interest.
The metaphore of Penn & Teller as fresh raw fish is extremely apt
and I will accept it. This evening I am still feeling poorly
and am not quite up to discussing the content of your message in
great detail. Hopefully, I will be feeling better in the next
couple of days and will respond in detail.
Msg #4326 Dated 23:01:51 05-31-91 4218 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: IMP! RELEASE
Thank you for the information on the swap meet. I hope to be there.
Msg #4329 Dated 23:02:12 05-31-91 4244 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: BILL WELLS
Re: MAGIC REVIEW
There are some who wonder if God has gotten the role down yet.
Most of my own background was at the chromosome level - mostly
with human conditions such as Klinefelter's Syndrome, Turner's
Syndrome, Down's Syndrome - stuff like that. The new findings
at the gene level are really interesting.
Msg #4331 Dated 23:02:37 05-31-91 4249 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: BILL WELLS
Re: 3288 ON 2986
Bill -
Any chance you can upload the revised convention schedule now that
it is either final or very close? Thanks!
Msg #4333 Dated 23:03:46 05-31-91 4265 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: NOTE
Also received your note. It was great to have you here and we all
hope that you will be back soon. Don't believe Marvin.
Msg #4334 Dated 23:03:49 05-31-91 4272 <--> 4345
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MARVIN STERN (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
I'm feeling a little better this evening, so there is still hope
for the swap.
As I told you in a private message - the green pants are custom
order - from Mays of Michigan - and I have six pair (at least).
Also multiples of the pink shirts. But am thinking of wearing
a mauve shirt to the swap and it clashes with the green pants,
so may have to wear red ones instead - only have three pairs of
those.
.
Am thinking of changing my outfits though. I've been told that
serious magi only wear black.
Msg #4336 Dated 23:04:19 05-31-91 4280 <--> 4349
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
I thought I'd created a "feature" rather than a "bug." A "bug,"
of course, being merely an undocumented feature. I was trying to
split the Penn & Teller discussion off from the other one. Guess
it didn't work. I'll have to try to find a way to fix it when
I can.
Msg #4337 Dated 23:23:12 05-31-91 4253 <--> 4407
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: IMP!
Told you you should wait 'til we all got to the Hotel de Carlo!
Now you have an IMP! loose in your computer.
.
Can't do too much creative writing tonite - not up to it, but here
are the basics...
.
UnZip IMP! into your communications directory.
When you sign on to MAGIC!, use RC;* and your comm program's
capture system to capture all of the new messages.
Sign off of MAGIC! and exit from your comm program.
Type IMP! and press the ENTER key.
Read the overview screen that Jerry has provided.
Press the ENTER key to move into the IMP! program.
Press the F-10 key to name the files.
Enter the name of the capture file from yuor comm program and
press ENTER
Enter the name of the reply file and press ENTER
NOTE: This name can be anything you want. I use REPLY and
delete it after I've sent everything. Jerry uses some filename
based on the date and session.
Press the F-6 key to begin reading the messages. Use the
menu of options at the bottom of the screen to read thru the
messages.
To reply, press R and write your reply. Remember that the
current version of IMP! does NOT wordwrap at the end of lines
(Jerry is about to release the wordwrap version) so you must
press the enter key to end each line. End the message by
holding down the CTRL key as you press the ENTER key.
(OR To append instead of reply, press A and write your append).
When you have finished reading/replying, press the ESC key
Press the ESC key again to exit from IMP!
Now you are ready to use your comm program again to send the
replies and appends back to MAGIC!
FIRST - using whatever technique appropriate to your comm program,
you must change the manner in which ASCII files are uploaded.
Depending on your comm program, you should be able to change
either the "Pace Timing" and/or the "Pace Character." This is
necessary so that IMP! will get the S for Save and the ER and EA
at the Main Menu correct. I used "Pace Timing" and set it to
20 (at 9600 bps). Jerry is using "Pace Timing" set to 58. Tabman
is using a "Line Feed" (An ASCII character 10) as a "Pace Character."
Tab is probably smarter than the rest of us.
Once you have done that - you should be home free!
Now use your comm program to call MAGIC!
Sign on in the normal way.
When you reach the Main Menu you simply tell your comm program
to upload an ASCII file. It will ask you for a filename.
Tell it the name that you gave to the reply file.
You should now be able to sit back and watch your replies and appends
automatically sent to MAGIC!
--------------------------------------
ONE MORE THING! It HELPS a GREAT DEAL to have turned off the
MAGIC! menus! You can do this from the Main Menu by selecting
U for User Parms. When you see the User Menu, select Expert
Mode to turn menus off. Now, instead of the Main Menu you will
just see a command line. But you probably know all the MAGIC!
menus by heart by now anyway. HOWEVER - REMEMBER WHAT YOU DID
TO TURN THEM OFF. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, YOU CAN THEN REPEAT
THOSE SAME STEPS TO TURN THEM ON.
Also, if you are ever using MAGIC! manually and forget what
the menu item is for something, you can always type a ? and
press the ENTER key to see the menu.
------------------------------------------
Sorry this is so ragged. Hope Jerry will tell me if I've missed
anything. Right now I'm still brain dead.
Msg #4344 Dated 7:20:05 06-01-91
From: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: ZOMBIE....
MAGIC!-NL Fri 31 May 91 00:18
Tommy Wonder posted the following msg:
Yes, good magic takes some suffering at times, does it not ?
Kind regards, Tommy..
---
* Origin: MAGIC!-NL, Home of the wizards, +31-23-388725 (2:0/0)
---
Msg #4345 Dated 8:13:40 06-01-91 4334 <--> 4353
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Wearing black is how you get hired.
Msg #4348 Dated 8:44:49 06-01-91 -> 4356
From: PETE BIRO
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: PACE CHAR.
I am using procomm plus and set pace character at 1200 baud, to 10, but
it dosn't seem right? Getting close. Have postponed my
demise...helhelp. got line noise all of a sudden, sorry
Msg #4349 Dated 9:28:50 06-01-91 4325 <--> 4351
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Last Sushi I had when I asked for it "over easy" the guy brandished
his knife at me -- with a big smile!
S
Er;4326
Boy, wish I had a truck that ran good, I would supply the swap meet
with a ton of stuff!
S
Er;4329
Does anyone have a cure for IMP! Syndrome, OR trying to run software
without Docs?
S
Er;4331
Subject to change?
S
Er;4333
I believe Marvin. Also, a teacher once told me (spelling) that there
is "a lie" in beLIEve?
S
Er;4336
Fix mine first!
S
Er;4337
Besides brain dead, I am body dead as well.
S
Er;4348
Did it work the first time at 10 (I couldn't tell by my screen in
Xpert mode (Hah!). I have just reset it to 58.
A minute ago at 20 the computer FROZE and the line wouldn't hang up.
I went nuts trying to figure out to stop the phone co. from running
a tab up... finally yanked the modem off the wire! Whew.
S
s
Msg #4351 Dated 9:32:20 06-01-91 4325 <--> 4357
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Last Sushi I had when I asked for it "over easy" the guy brandished
his knife at me -- with a big smile!
S
Er;4326
Boy, wish I had a truck that ran good, I would supply the swap meet
with a ton of stuff!
S
Er;4329
Does anyone have a cure for IMP! Syndrome, OR trying to run software
without Docs?
S
Er;4331
Subject to change?
Msg #4353 Dated 11:20:09 06-01-91 4345 <--> 4354
From: PETE BIRO
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Tabby just suggested changing Expand Blank Lines to "NO"
Msg #4354 Dated 11:20:13 06-01-91 4345 <--> 4363
From: PETE BIRO
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
If you want to work an insider's convention!
Msg #4356 Dated 11:20:21 06-01-91 4348 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: PACE CHAR.
Now am back to 10. 10 what?
Msg #4357 Dated 11:20:25 06-01-91 4349 <--> 4397
From: PETE BIRO
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
This was a bad message.
Msg #4359 Dated 11:20:39 06-01-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: THANKS
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
I THINK
It seems to have worked... HOOOOORAYYYYYY.... NOW MY phone bill might
drop under $2,000 a month. It had better!!! HHHHHaaaaaRRRRRggggggHHHHH
Expanding Blank lines to 'NO' and at 10 (10 something) at least it
looks like it worked on the screen! HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHaaaaaaaaaaargh.
Msg #4360 Dated 11:22:41 06-01-91
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: IMP
i take bak all i sed bad about you, you little imp. you just need a
friend like el tabboooo to straiten yu out. only truble is the spelling
is not as goooood as itwuz....arhhekkghehreh (formerly argh).
NO I AM NOT CRAZY, =JUST SILLY=
Msg #4361 Dated 12:00:39 06-01-91 4320 <-
From: MIKE KING
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: A DRINK.....WHEN
Thanks, Tabby. Will be in touch. Off to the Magic Castle swap meet.
Wish you could be here for it. I look around for you. MIKE>
Msg #4363 Dated 12:08:50 06-01-91 4353 <--> 4366
From: PETE BIRO
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
I hope this works. I apologise to all of you that have had to put up
with my dumb messages. But to make up for it David is going to upload
another KAPS letter (aren't you?)!
Msg #4366 Dated 13:57:41 06-01-91 4354 <--> 4367
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Yes, but it has to be just the right shade of black. The guards at the
doors are highly trained.
Msg #4367 Dated 13:58:24 06-01-91 4363 <--> 4370
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
It looks like you are getting the IMP! under control. You do need to
work on whether you are REPLYING or APPENDING - Reply goes the the
person who WROTE the message you are replying to; Append goes to the
person the original message was ADDRESSED to. So far, your messages
are interesting, but you've written most of 'em to yourself!
Also you put a couple of nice public things in personal messages - they
aren't too likely to be read that way!
But, on the whole it appears that you are getting it down! Good going
- keep at it and soon you will have that phone bill WAY DOWN. IMP! is
GREAT!
P.S. - I'm feeling a little better, although the Castle swap this
morning wore me out. Will try to post a full report after my necessary
nap.
Msg #4369 Dated 14:32:55 06-01-91 3743 <--> 4375
From: JOHN JOLLY
To: JOHN JOLLY (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
Jerry, I'm still getting lost with IMP!. Can't figure if there are
unread threads or not. I'm not sure but I think some of the
problems I'm having have to do with logging a large (once a week)
message base instead of smaller bites (daily, say). Specifics:
1. I've had some problems using the UP arrow. Several times
when I've "UP"ed, IMP! tries to send the current header to the
index file (it looks like that, anyway) REPEATEDLTY...like that
damned pink drum-beating rabbit...over and over and over and over
and...til CTRL-ALT-DEL do us part. Couple of times this happened
I had open files which due to the re-boot thank you
very much! Ya' oughta' make that an UP finger instead of an
arrow.
2. Pickey item, but is some ANSI missing which was intended??
I get almost no color but I do get this ASCII +(206) on the left
border which points to the first line of the header. Should I
go clean my glasses (hah..I'll go re-fill my glasses) or what?
3. Could pointers be displayed at the edge or bottom? Something
that would show where you are about to go to when you . Like:
CURRENT:4589 ->:4580 <-:4587 :4590
or something similar. I always get off at the end and when I
try to go back to the beginning of the next thread...I end up in
the middle of a different thread.
4. Could headers (in the index) be flagged indicating they had
be read? Not a big deal to those who check for messages daily
but when you're capturing a 200K+ chunk or looking at an archived
block which is of respectable size, it would be nice to know
that you had "marked your place" as it were and could return (
in case you have to do something drastic like talk to your wife
or something). (Sorry, my wife, not YOUR wife.)
5. When individual messages within an already established thread
are replied to, where exactly do they fit into the thread?(another
thing you might not notice unless you're looking at several
hundred
messages.) It's like it follows the thread to the first reply,
takes
in the reply, and when that sub-thread ends...that's it! This is
likely a factor of the way the messages are cataloged (listening,
David) and not a shortcomming of IMP! at all.
6. Tried the editor and found that if you indent, it appears
to cut off subsequent lines. Not sure what's going on here,
will have to investigate further.
7. IMP is great. You have my admiration. If you are still
amenable
to passing out the source, I'd be interested in looking over a
copy.
Thanx,
jj
......................!poof!
S
Er;4272
Glad you gotthe pacing straightened out. And watch those JOLLY GREEN
ref-
erences.
jj ;-}
......................!poof!
S
Msg #4370 Dated 15:50:10 06-01-91 4366 <--> 4374
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
I've just discovered something - black is WRONG. It should be WHITE.
Consider:
"The fourth category is the strong nuclear force, which holds the
quarks together in the proton and neutron, and holds the protons and
neutrons together in the nucleus of an atom. It is believed that this
force is carried by another spin-1 particle, called the GLUON, which
interacts ONLY WITH ITSELF AND WITH THE QUARKS. The strong nuclear
force has a curious property called CONFINEMENT: IT ALWAYS BINDS
PARTICLES TOGETHER INTO COMBINATIONS THAT HAVE NO COLOR. One cannot
have a single quark on its own because it would have a color (red,
green, or blue). Instead, a red quark has to be joined to a green and
a blue by a "string" of gluons (red + green + blue = WHITE). Such a
triplet constitutes a proton or a neutron. Another possibility is a
pair consisting of a quark and an antiquark (red + antired, or green +
antigreen, or blue + antiblue = WHITE). Such combinations make up the
particles known as mesons, which are unstable because a quark and
antiquark can annihilate each other, producing electrons and other
particles. Similarly, confinement prevents one having a single gluon
on its own, because gluons also have color. Instead, one has to have
a COLLECTION OF GLUONS WHOSE COLORS ADD UP TO WHITE. Such a collection
forms an unstable particle called a GLUEBALL."
The emphasis is mine, but the consequences are obvious.
Msg #4371 Dated 17:13:41 06-01-91 -> 4384
From: JIM NAGEL
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: LINKING RINGS
I read that someone thought that you were funny. I can testify that
there is little humorous about your lecture. Bill Spooner has the most
uplifting lecture that I have ever seen! Also, is there life after the
Snap Knot?
Courtney sends her love.
Msg #4372 Dated 17:22:04 06-01-91 -> 4373
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: DRYLINE
Here's a new product that may have some magical uses.
Liquid Paper has introduced "DryLine." It is the sort of stuff that
makes a "PostIt" stick, only in a form that can be applied to anything.
The Liquid Paper product is on rolls that are placed in an applicator.
The "goo" can then be applied to paper, an object, etc. I'm told that
there are other versions, by other manufacturers, that come in
different forms - some are liquid, etc.
This could, potentially, be used in place of rubber cement and talcum
powder for "Clipped" (Scarne) and other cut and restored paper tricks
(although some talcum may still be required). It could also be used
for impromptu attachment of objects. Haven't tried it with thread yet.
Msg #4373 Dated 17:52:42 06-01-91 4372 <--> 4376
From: MAX MAVEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: DRYLINE
You may have seen a version described by Scarne, but the effect is
properly known as "Clippo" (after the version marketed by Will De
Sieve) and was originated by J. J. Kolar.
Msg #4374 Dated 19:22:11 06-01-91 4367 <--> 4377
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Hope U're feeling better than U were yesterday. Would like to hear
about the Castle swap meet and how everybody made out.
Msg #4375 Dated 19:22:16 06-01-91 4369 <--> 4413
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JOHN JOLLY (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
Those are some good suggestions, John. Maybe BTB will move to in-
corporate some into IMP. I've been using Ver.5.17 since coming back
from California and just use it to reply to the days messages so
it does great for that.
Msg #4376 Dated 20:38:45 06-01-91 4373 <--> 4385
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: DRYLINE
Thank you, Max. My earliest reference was Scarne and I felt it was
likely that there was a previous source. Given the ease with which
DriLine and the other "temporary adhesives" can now be applied, there
should be some new "impromptu" creations possible. I DO NOT, however,
recommend attempting to use the stuff to levitate a Ming Dynasty vase.
Also, if it is not a disposable item, there will need to be some
consideration given to removing the adhesive.
In theory, however, it might be useful for something like a card on
ceiling using a borrowed deck.
Nice to see you today. Thank you for enquiring after my health.
Msg #4377 Dated 20:42:52 06-01-91 4374 <--> 4380
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
The Castle swap meet was pretty good. MAGIC! was well represented,
although, in that crush, Charlie Randall and I never found each other.
The swap was held on most of the second floor. It included the dining
rooms, the hallways, and the Palace. Many were commercial exhibitors,
some selling at retail and some making "deals." There were also folks
with genuine items to "swap" (mostly for cash).
One interesting item, which I did not buy because I felt $24.95 was a
bit much, was being offered by the Castle itself and was being sold by
Bill Larsen. It was a T-Shirt which I do not believe (subject to
correction by Max) was designed by Max, but it was of the "Mindgames"
sort. It featured blocks of pictures of famous magicians and blocks
with their autographs in them. One block was blank and you filled in
your own name. Then you directed a spectator to start on any of the
signature blocks and follow a pattern that led to your signature block.
Very clever, but I don't know how magiciennes would feel about wearing
one.
I bought a few items -- a miniature expanding card castle, a small
"worm" who performs at the end of a thread (an identical one was bought
by "Jiffy The Clown"), a book on Merlin, and an irregular or "factory
second" Power Ring Flyte. The Power Ring Flyte is supposedly an
irregular because it is a bit noisy, but I wanted one to test a concept
with.
There were some nice books around, but nothing one would loose their
head over. (If there were better books they got gonned before I saw
'em).
All in all, it was a good morning for the magi. I haven't mentioned
some of the folks who were there - but Michael and Hannah Ammar were
personing a table, as were the Kevin James family, Robert Baxt, a long
list of celebs on both sides of the aisle. Talked with Franz Harary
(thanks to Burt Carpenter) about getting him on MAGIC!, but he said he
lacked easy access to a computer and modem. Said that some of the
folks on here keep him informed.
I'd be interested in reading the reports from others. I'm sure we all
saw the event differently.
Msg #4379 Dated 21:31:43 06-01-91
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MICHAEL AMMAR
Re: NATHAN'S NEW VIDEO
Michael -
Nathan has asked me to thank you for the videotape. He really loves it
and it is a perfect extension to his existing knowledge. Loves it?
Let's see, we've been home about eight hours since you sent it to him
and he has watched it, by actual count, eight times. He says he
particularly likes the rubber band trick - the one with the bands
around the fingers. He also said to tell you that you are a "good
magician." "Good" in his vocabulary is the eqivalent of some other
critic saying "Excellent!!!" or giving you "Five Stars!"
Msg #4380 Dated 21:39:28 06-01-91 4377 <--> 4381
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Thanks Dave, I know you're not back up to speed so thanks for taking
the time to fill me in. Sounds like a tabman sort of day. I'm exper-
imenting with some neat stuff over here which you may (or may not??)
see when you get to The Hotel DeCarlo. My mom just flew in from
No. Cal, and will be visiting for the next week so it's clean sox
everyday and I may even comb my hair. Looking 4ward to your visit on
my side of the shelf. Regards to Burt next time you see him. I got
the Ammar book in yesterday's mail and am most favourably impressed.
Chapter 3's essays are killer and his tie in with Napoleon Hill
really inspired me last night and I got up with a fresh and more
powerful approach to my life and my business. Sorry you and Charlie
didn't get up, but I'll bet he was there. He's coming over in a few
weeks so will find out. Take care brother, will see you soon. Lemme
know what I can do for the MAGIC! lectures at IBM, etc. Regards to
the family. I miss you guys so will have to come out again soon.
Lookin good, tabman....
Msg #4381 Dated 23:21:48 06-01-91 4366 <--> 4382
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Shade? Shade? Black is black. Unless it is Blue!
Msg #4382 Dated 23:21:53 06-01-91 4367 <--> 4383
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
I wanted to write to mine self! Too see IF I WAS PAYING ATTENTION?
Msg #4383 Dated 23:21:56 06-01-91 4370 <--> 4386
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
White, after all that? I think Green would SUIT you better. It is,
after all the color my lawn used to be!
Msg #4384 Dated 23:22:00 06-01-91 4371 <--> 4391
From: PETE BIRO
To: JIM NAGEL
Re: LINKING RINGS
What no Egg Rolls?
Msg #4385 Dated 23:22:03 06-01-91 4373 <--> 4427
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: DRYLINE
You beat me to it Maven-San... it sure is CLIPPO and it is still one
great effect.
Msg #4386 Dated 23:22:07 06-01-91 4374 <--> 4387
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Made out? Gee, I shoulda flowd down there....
Msg #4387 Dated 23:14:50 06-01-91 4380 <--> 4388
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
I'm still waiting for my Ammar book! Seems to me that "first class"
ought to arrive first. Maybe Louis is gonna deliver it personally?
There will be an informal MAGIC! luncheon for Charlie Randall on
Friday, June 7th. So if we don't catch up by then, we should at that
time. P.S. - Ask Burton The B about the Houdini Room. Seems he heard
(or saw) whatever there might have been to hear or see.
Don't think we'll need too much lighting/sound for the MAGIC! lecture.
Bill has presumably arranged for a mike on a stand and an overhead
projector. Didn't want him to waste money on a lav., but if one
happens to be available, that would probably be better. Other than
that, maybe you can help me with the camera since I'd like to grab
images (can show you all at Hotel de Carlo) and afterwards with sales?
Nathan has been running his own magic convention all afternoon. He
watched a Michael Ammar tape EIGHT times and wanted it again later.
Ran around all afternoon with a deck of cards in his hands and at one
point told me "You be Copperfield and I'll be Michael Ammar." He also
said, "We have MAGICIANS come to visit! Tabby Crabb was here and so
was Burt!"
Msg #4388 Dated 23:25:14 06-01-91 4382 <--> 4389
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
OK, Where you paying attention?
Msg #4389 Dated 23:25:33 06-01-91 4383 <--> 4390
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
WHITE turns out to be the POWER COLOR of the UNIVERSE. I can't help
it, I didn't planet.
Msg #4390 Dated 23:29:54 06-01-91 4383 <--> 4392
From: PETE BIRO
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
This is a test on the laptop of IMP!
Msg #4391 Dated 23:29:58 06-01-91 4384 <--> 4426
From: PETE BIRO
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: LINKING RINGS
One more message to test laptop parameters. Not easy using two
different comm programs.... arrgghhh
Msg #4392 Dated 23:30:04 06-01-91 4386 <--> 4393
From: PETE BIRO
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Just signed Becky Blaney to do comedy bit at IBM!
Msg #4393 Dated 23:30:07 06-01-91 4387 <--> 4394
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Where was you all?
Msg #4394 Dated 23:32:04 06-01-91 4393 <--> 4398
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Where was we when? It looks like your IMP test on the laptop is
working. Now if you could only remember what you were replying to...
Msg #4396 Dated 23:43:05 06-01-91 -> 4402
From: JIM SISTI
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
I seem to have IMP! working OK, except that the "S" in the REPLY file
didn't save the message. It was just uploaded as part of the reply and
I had to save manually. Any thoughts?
Msg #4397 Dated 23:46:03 06-01-91 4293 <--> 4405
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Looks pretty good to me! Especially Tony Raven's comment. But, if
your line of reasoning is correct, then where does "comedy magic" fit
in?
Msg #4398 Dated 23:56:28 06-01-91 4390 <--> 4399
From: JIM SISTI
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Hi, Pete...I'm testing this little bugger, too. How's Mike Close &
Chris Moore doin'? Did you give them my regards?
Msg #4399 Dated 0:19:13 06-02-91 4377 <--> 4401
From: MAX MAVEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
The T-shirt was put out by Dick Zimmerman. The layout and sequence are
the creation of Karl Fulves, although the instruction sheet with the
shirt makes no mention of this.
The squirmle (worm-on-a-thread) you bought may seem at first glance to
be a cute piece of "slum magic," a descendent of the mouse pitch. It
is, but you ought to see Dick Koornwinder or Tommy Wonder handle it.
Years ago they used to pitch them, so they worked out some handling,
and the result is quite amazing.
Msg #4400 Dated 0:22:03 06-02-91 -> 4460
From: MAX MAVEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: YOUR FAX
Sounds fair. Let me check with my manager, and if it's clear on this
end I'll fax you on Monday or Tuesday to discuss further details.
Msg #4401 Dated 0:28:13 06-02-91 4399 <--> 4410
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Thanks for the info, Max. The squirmle did appear to have some
excellent possibilities in the right hands. Frankly, I bought it for
less elegant, although perhaps no less important, purposes - it looked
good for the nursery school set.
Msg #4402 Dated 0:31:28 06-02-91 4396 <--> 4414
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
Jim -
I believe that in our chat we hit the elements that were giving you
problems with IMP! But just so that others will know...
You have to prepare your communications program to handle the ASCII
upload of IMP! reply files properly. Somewhere in most sophisticated
communications programs you will find some settings for the following,
although the words may differ slightly:
o Set EXPAND BLANK LINES to OFF
o Set PACE CHARACTER to 10 (the ASCII value for a LINE FEED)
o If you have a LINE PACING (not CHARACTER PACING) selection,
you should probably set it to 10 or 20.
o You should probably turn all CARRIAGE RETURN and LINE FEED
translations OFF (I'm hedging here because I don't know what
different programs may call these - it is possible that some
are stated in the negative).
MAGIC! itself can be customized by each user by using the User Parms
menu (type U at the Main Menu and press the ENTER key). One
such customization is "Set or Reset Expert Mode" (type X at the
User Parm Menu and press the ENTER key). Setting this mode will
TURN OFF ALL MENUS and you will only see the command line. IMP! will
work far better in Expert Mode. And, if you ever need to see the menu,
just type ? [a question mark] on the command line and press the
ENTER key. Expert mode is a "toggle." That means that if you want
the menus back you do the same steps to "reset" them.
Msg #4405 Dated 1:08:58 06-02-91 4217 <--> 4415
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: PENN & TELLER REVISITED
Well, I'm feeling a bit better, so I'm ready to reply to #4217.
Yes, you are correct that my interest in magic does warrant
consideration of the success of Penn & Teller despite my personal
aversion. I feel that I have done that to the depth that I need
to.
Actually, your comment goes a good bit further than that in that
you would probably concur with me that it is not only important to
consider the relative success of magicians, that "competitive
analysis" is probably of minor importance, but that one needs to
be aware of many elements of our society. Demographics is a good
place to start - what is the age, income, etc. of a "target
audience." Next would be their opinions, values, etc. Reading
magazines oriented toward a target group, studying their fashions,
knowing what music and radio stations they listen to, etc.
As an example from my business practice - I hired "image
consultants" to help me plan my strategy. I also drove through
the executive parking lots of target firms to see what kinds of
cars the executives drove. After all, if I was going to take them
to lunch, I wanted to pick them up in a car they understood (in
the firms I deal with I noticed a distinct lack of imports in the
parking lots - no Mercedes, few BMW's, etc - lots of Buicks,
Lincolns and Cadillacs).
Putting a magic career together should not be a hit or miss
proposition. Penn & Teller have probably done their homework.
Now, on to the social responsibility of an artist. For
starters, an artist, like it or not, is a "role model" for the
audience. They look up to you. Don't you feel there is some
social responsibility inherent in that position?
Msg #4406 Dated 2:18:28 06-02-91 4313 <-
From: JERRY BURTON
To: RICHARD HART (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
I'll upload a version as soon as it comes out of beta test, and
I've incorporated any changes required.
Msg #4407 Dated 2:18:34 06-02-91 4337 <--> 4417
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: IMP!
Looks good - I have a couple comments to add.
.
1) You don't have to use F10 unless you want to change file names, th
e first time you you enter view msgs F6, it automatically asks for an
input and output file.
.
2) The pace character HAS to be a 58 (ASCII :) or you will overrun
the input and end up with your entire reply file appearing as one msg
If Tabmna has the LF working he must be faking the system using pace
timing.
.
3) The current version of the reply function has a limited word wrap
in that you DON'T have to hit return after each line, but the words d
on't break quite right yet (the line above is an example). I'll fix
that next. If you see you are getting close to the end of line and
the last word won't fit either hit spaces or return to go to the next
line (the one above hit exactly and I just kept typing).
.
4) Make sure you DELETE your prior reply file (or use a different
name) as the concatenation of replies into the same file doesn't work
quite right yet.
.
Welcome any suggestions as more people participate in the beta testin
g - oops word wrap again - will fix this weekend.
.
Burton the Bizarre
Msg #4408 Dated 2:18:46 06-02-91 4311 <-
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: IMP?
Go through ALL the replies you downloaded and generate ALL your
replies. THEN dial back into MAGIC! and do an ASCII upload (#7 in
Procomm) specifying the file name you used e.g. MAGC0531.REP. Of
course you do the upload AFTER you see the main menu.
.
Hopefully, with changing your pace char to 58 and the suggestions
made by David and myself you will be Tabmna Jr. Modem Commando and
save some bucks in the process.
.
Call me if you need any live help (714) 535-8161
.
Burton the Bizarre
Msg #4410 Dated 2:18:59 06-02-91 4370 <--> 4411
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Are you sure you aren't dilerious ? Go back to bed for a while.
Msg #4411 Dated 2:19:07 06-02-91 4374 <--> 4412
From: JERRY BURTON
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
I went nuts as usual. Bought a couple of really neat (read bizarre)
tricks from Wayne, got a world's greatest magician T-Shirt (I'm a
sucker for T-shirts), saw Burt and got my signed Ammar book from
Micheal himself. Was like old home week, saw a lot of folks I hadn't
seen in a while - spent most of the day yakking, so I probably missed
the really good stuff (saved some dough tho).
.
You are gonna have to make a point of being here for the next one.
I'm sure you would enjoy it. Next time you come out let's do the
Houdini seance. I was talking to Leo Kotske (spelling ?) last night
and he says the new room may be ready by Oct, but we really should
do the old one for historical reasons.
.
I asked him if he had any Houdini apparitions lately, and he said
sure every night. I said, "I had a vision of Houdini and something
about a postcard, but wasn't sure what it meant". He gave me a funny
look and said, "Good vision". I'm not sure whether he knew what I was
talking about, so I just left it alone. Need some more Houdini stuff
for the box, maybe we can make a believer out of him.
Msg #4412 Dated 2:19:18 06-02-91 4383 <--> 4419
From: JERRY BURTON
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
It also the color of Davids pants. Even in the subdued light of the
castle they make your eyes water - something about the color of money
Msg #4413 Dated 2:22:35 06-02-91 4369 <--> 4416
From: JERRY BURTON
To: JOHN JOLLY (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
Answer
1) This was a bug on msgs with more than 2 pages - now fixed
2) I removed the color options, since some people don't have it.
Will get around to checking the config and giving color if your
system has it. Right black & white is what you get (mostly).
3) When you walk a thread the program keeps track of the messages you
have already read and will SKIP past them after you reach the end.
It should always return you back to the beginning of the thread
you were reading and an Enter will move to the NEXT msg you havn't
read yet. Your idea to display where you are is good (actually the
code is already there when I turn on debug), will consider adding
it permanently. It will require shortening the msg view window by
1 line to make room for it. I'll see how it looks.
4) The index file is a separate entity at the present time, its main
use is to help you find threads when you have a large file. I could
probably link into it and set a read flag or something to let you
know what msgs you have read. Will give it some thought.
5) Thread lingage is purely a function of the BBS software, I have no
control over it. I've noticed that sometimes when you do an A for
append you end-up with a message to yourself.
6) David also found this bug. Now fixed in latest version called IMP
7) When we complete beta testing I'll upload a copy of the source for
anyone that wants to look at it.
.
Thanks for the comments - hope it helps your connect time - enjoy.
.
Burton the Bizarre.
Msg #4414 Dated 2:22:51 06-02-91 4396 <--> 4436
From: JERRY BURTON
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
Make sure you are using 58 (ASCII :) and have your character pacing s
et to at least 10. Sometimes the system thinks the S is part of the m
sg if you send it too fast.
Msg #4415 Dated 2:22:57 06-02-91 4397 <--> 4421
From: JERRY BURTON
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Its mainly comedy using magic as a theme. It doesn't fit into the
standard expectation of what REAL magic is supposed to be. The
Slydini paper balls over the head is a perfect example, the only
person being 'fooled' is the person on stage. There is no magic
happening for the audience - its straight humor.
.
The question remains - are you a juggler or a magician ?
Msg #4416 Dated 2:23:04 06-02-91 4369 <--> 4695
From: JERRY BURTON
To: JOHN JOLLY (X)
Re: RDMAGIC
I noticed your resonse to msg 4272 was appended onto the end of your
msg to me. This means the system missed the S for the first message.
Check you character pacing. I have mine set to 10 with echo back to
the screen turned on. Also check your pace character. It should be
58 (ASCII :).
.
Hope this helps.
Msg #4417 Dated 2:31:11 06-02-91 4407 <-
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: IMP!
I found that a Pace Character of 58 [:] didn't work! Don't know how
you are using it as the Submenu for Saving a message DOESN'T have a
colon in it! I'm using the LF with a bit of Pace Timing and it seems
to be working. Will try to fix that submenu, but would sure like to
know how the heck you have it working!
Msg #4419 Dated 2:35:07 06-02-91 4410 <--> 4420
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
The material in quotes is not mine - it is Stephen W. Hawking and he
ought to know!
Msg #4420 Dated 2:38:35 06-02-91 4412 <--> 4423
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Yeah, but they (the green pants) go so well with the neat Tarrot
earrings I bought at the swap today!
Msg #4421 Dated 2:41:00 06-02-91 4415 <--> 4422
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I thought the question - are you a juggler or a magician - was just an
open thought - not a direct question to me. If you want a personal
answer, heck, I do comedy using magic as a theme - what can I tell you?
I also do balloon animals.
Msg #4422 Dated 2:43:24 06-02-91 4415 <--> 4433
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Second answer - when I do magic I expect it to be real magic, not
juggling. The green pants are just a faCade.
Msg #4423 Dated 8:21:20 06-02-91 4366 <--> 4424
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Shade? Shade? Black is black. Unless it is Blue!
Msg #4424 Dated 8:21:27 06-02-91 4367 <--> 4425
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
I wanted to write to mine self! Too see IF I WAS PAYING ATTENTION?
Msg #4425 Dated 8:21:32 06-02-91 4370 <--> 4428
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
White, after all that? I think Green would SUIT you better. It is,
after all the color my lawn used to be!
Msg #4426 Dated 8:21:38 06-02-91 4371 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: JIM NAGEL
Re: LINKING RINGS
What no Egg Rolls?
Msg #4427 Dated 8:21:41 06-02-91 4373 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: DRYLINE
You beat me to it Maven-San... it sure is CLIPPO and it is still one
great effect.
Msg #4428 Dated 8:21:46 06-02-91 4374 <--> 4429
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Made out? Gee, I shoulda flowd down there....
Msg #4429 Dated 8:21:52 06-02-91 4389 <--> 4430
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Berry Punny, Berry Punny! Tell that to James "Buster" Douglas.
Msg #4430 Dated 8:21:56 06-02-91 4394 <--> 4431
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
I can't believe it. My laptop test didn't look anything like correcto
on my screen, but here 'tis, I am reading it correct on the next day.
Msg #4431 Dated 8:22:00 06-02-91 4398 <--> 4432
From: PETE BIRO
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Yup... saw Mike several times at Indy (went to Illusions with a
large group and suggested the guy picking up the tab give the magic
DUDE a Huge Tip -- which he did... har, har... (you help when you
can, right?) Did I use enuf )()( marks?
Msg #4432 Dated 8:22:07 06-02-91 4399 <--> 4438
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Max, you should -- er WE should bring Koornwinder around just with
his Squiggle (or whatever you call it) and set up a tour and he would
sell more of them than can be made over here! Yep, one of the
most amazing handlings ever.
People don't (over here, that is) know what a couple of brilliant
'GENIUS' performers both Koornwinder and Tommy Wonder are!
Msg #4433 Dated 8:22:16 06-02-91 4415 <--> 4434
From: PETE BIRO
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
The Paper Balls over the head is PURE ENTERTAINMENT with magic being
'DONE' to 'someone' AND the rest are watching magic. It is a routine
that can be built into a near-act.
There is a French Performer that has one of the strongest routines
on this you will ever see. He keeps putting bigger pairs of glasses
on the sucker!
The sad thing I see is performers just 'DOING IT' without adding any
bits of buziness. Ken Brooke used to combine the "electric" chair gag
with the routine. Others actually vanish the paper ball a couple of
times THUS FOOLING THE AUDIENCE... Think about it.
Msg #4434 Dated 8:22:28 06-02-91 4421 <--> 4448
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
What do you to do the balloon animals?
Actually I too am a Juggler and a Magician. Did anyone tape the whole
show yesterday of the LIFE of Bobby May? He was probably the best
object juggler in world history. One of his great stunts was tossing
a cigarette behind his back and over his shoulder catching it in his
mouth. He then lit a regular wooden match, threw it over his shoulder
from behind his back and CAUGHT IT IN HIS MOUTH NEXT TO THE CIGARETTE
bounced FIVE BALLS onto a drum on the floor playing a tune!
I only caught (good word for a juggler) the last 15 minutes of it and
would die for a full tape.
Msg #4436 Dated 9:05:54 06-02-91 4402 <--> 4437
From: JIM SISTI
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
Once again, David, thanks for the help. The program seems to be
working nicely now.
Msg #4437 Dated 9:06:01 06-02-91 4414 <--> 4439
From: JIM SISTI
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
Thanks, Jerry.
Msg #4438 Dated 9:06:06 06-02-91 4431 <--> 4440
From: JIM SISTI
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Sounds like a great place. Wish I had a reason to go to Indianapolis
... Did you check out the menus? (Chris Moore sent me one)
Msg #4439 Dated 9:23:12 06-02-91 4436 <--> 4442
From: PETE BIRO
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
Jim: Yeah, it just takes a few friends like David and Tabman to get
it right. I guess it is expecting too much this soon to find a book o
on IMP! at Egghead or B. Dalton!
Msg #4440 Dated 9:23:16 06-02-91 4438 <--> 4444
From: PETE BIRO
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Great Menus... I forgot to keep (er Buy) one... but the magic there i
s as good as you will find anywhere... maybe better? Close is doing
some great stuff. Also Chris Kenner is hot! Did not see anyone else
do a full set...
Msg #4442 Dated 9:31:21 06-02-91 4436 <--> 4443
From: PETE BIRO
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
I thought I had it, but the messages on my screen as I was sending
only sent one line at a time? Arrrrgggghhhhhh....
Msg #4443 Dated 9:31:26 06-02-91 4437 <--> 4450
From: PETE BIRO
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
I know this should not be directed to you, Jim, but it is part of my
latest attempt and only messages from you were downloaded this sessio
n. Line Wrap?
Msg #4444 Dated 9:31:32 06-02-91 4438 <--> 4447
From: PETE BIRO
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Yah, the menus are great. I think next time I need to buy one to add
to my illustrius pile of stuff that I collect. Arrrggghhhhh.... Too
much STUFF not enuf MONEY.
Msg #4445 Dated 9:34:12 06-02-91 -> 4471
From: PETE BIRO
To: ALL
Re: IMP
I didn't see the stuff accurately on MY SCREEN, but logging back on it
all looks OK, so I guess I just got to figure I am doing it right, but
it just is weird when it looks like only one line per message is going.
It keeps showing the function menu and seems to only do one line, then
the function menu, another line, etc.
I am goin gto take the rest of the day OFF... logged on about 30 times
in the last two days nd I can't afford it.... arrrggghhhhh....
Msg #4447 Dated 10:07:25 06-02-91 4430 <--> 4451
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Older versions of QModem do that with ASCII uploads, so I assume that
older versions of ProComm did as well - the screen ceases to show the
activity after the first line of an ASCII upload - weird, but if it is
working, don't fix it!
Msg #4448 Dated 10:09:41 06-02-91 4434 <--> 4452
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I make the balloon animals to entertain children (and some adults).
Msg #4450 Dated 10:12:25 06-02-91 4436 <--> 4459
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
Great, glad to hear it. Takes a little work to get the communications
parameters sorted out. But it is a great time and money saver.
Msg #4451 Dated 11:05:00 06-02-91 4447 <--> 4454
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
I guess it is working. I made a few more changes just now and will
see what gives... Nice day here today. Lots of auto rcing on the TV
so I guess I will be a couch Spud today. But the NEW RULE... NO FOOD
FOR A WEEK.
Msg #4452 Dated 11:05:07 06-02-91 4448 <--> 4455
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I have never been able to do the balloon stuff, as a paralysis to my
cheek on one side makes it nearly impossible for me to blow up the
balloons. Which is very necessary to do the effects.
Msg #4454 Dated 12:52:28 06-02-91 4451 <--> 4457
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Careful with that no food stuff! If your blood sugar and electrolyte
balances fall below certain points we'll find you on the couch a month
from now. Seriously, if you are really talking about food, think
moderation, not abstenence.
Msg #4455 Dated 12:53:45 06-02-91 4452 <--> 4477
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
I use some soft balloons that I have imported from Brazil.
Unfortunately, my supplier no longer has 260's (the most standard
length) so I have to use 280's. The standard professional balloon is
the Qualitex 260. It is strong, but impossible for most people to blow
up with lung power. Yes, some former tuba players can do it, but most
of us can't. So I use a small hand pump when I use the Qualitex
balloons in small settings. For larger groups, I use a 12-volt air
compressor powered by a gel cell. T. Meyers sells a nice large pump
that will also do the job.
Msg #4457 Dated 13:38:29 06-02-91 4387 <--> 4458
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
You'd be hard pressed to find a better example for a child than
Michael Ammar. Gloria got me to demonstrate Nathan's coin in hankie
vanish to my Mom today. You'll have to do The Zoooom Tapes, with
Nath demonstrating his own stuff.
Msg #4458 Dated 13:38:37 06-02-91 4392 <--> 4461
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
So she'll be working my room, huh? Hmmmmmmm.
Msg #4459 Dated 13:38:42 06-02-91 4396 <--> 4485
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
I may be getting into this conversation late, but turn OFF your
"Expand Blank Lines" in the ASCII xfer.
Msg #4460 Dated 13:38:46 06-02-91 4400 <-
From: TABBY CRABB
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: YOUR FAX
OK, Max. Thanks.
Msg #4461 Dated 13:38:50 06-02-91 4411 <--> 4462
From: TABBY CRABB
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Yeah, it sounds like my kind of day. If you keep me posted on the
next swap meet and I get enuff notice I'll book another of those
fifty cent plane flights and def make it. Hanging out is my fave
thing to do and the Castle is a perfect place to do it. Sounds like
you got a rise from the Houdini Room. That's cool. Thanks for relay-
ing the info. If time allows, maybe I'll rig up another card of sorts
and pass it on to you if you'll make sure it gets in the box. This
is secret stuff and I hope no one on the system here wants to suck up
to him bad enuff to tip this. Hope to see you at the next SWAP.
Msg #4462 Dated 13:39:00 06-02-91 4447 <--> 4463
From: TABBY CRABB
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
It is something you can turn ON and OFF with "old" Procomm. Pete
has his turned "OFF".
Msg #4463 Dated 13:39:04 06-02-91 4381 <--> 4472
From: TABBY CRABB
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
There are many shades of black only they all look black.
Msg #4464 Dated 15:37:34 06-02-91 -> 4480
From: MAX MAVEN
To: SYSOP
Re: MORE
Your initial comments in #4405 seemed headed in a direction on which we
could agree, but it turns out you apparently think that Penn & Teller's
work is based on "doing their homework" -- i.e., researching a profile
for a particular demographic, then creating a show that specifically
caters to those tastes. That's not how it works.
And no, I do not think that an artist has a responsibility to be a role
model to the audience.
Msg #4465 Dated 15:40:35 06-02-91 -> 4481
From: MAX MAVEN
To: JERRY BURTON (X)
Re: PAPER BALLS
Your comment that there is no magic in the routine indicates that you
never saw Slydini perform it.
Msg #4466 Dated 16:40:45 06-02-91
From: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN
To: MICHAEL AMMAR
Re: FROM TOMMY WONDER
MAGIC!-NL Sun 02 Jun 91 18:32
Tommy Wonder posted the following msg:
To be frank with you I have always suspected you with your trip to
the Sovjet Union. I do not know about you....
So you knew about those motors. I do not know if these things are
really practical, but I think I will have a thorough look into it.
See you!
---
* Origin: MAGIC!-NL, Home of the wizards, +31-23-388725 (2:0/0)
---
Msg #4467 Dated 16:41:04 06-02-91 -> 4512
From: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (X)
Re: DIALLING TO US
MAGIC!-NL Sun 02 Jun 91 01:44
Arnaud Van.Rietschoten posted the following msg:
David,
Finally found a way to cut my telephone costs to the US
dramatically. AM now calling you via BT-Tymnet, this network has
dial-out capacities to alle major US cities. I can call to them
locally in Holland, so instead of paying an average of $1.40 I now
pay only $0.40 cts per minute.
Together with my new interface this should save me a lot of money.
Some motre on my interface. It is written in 'C' ( as RDMAGIC), and
makes use of some existing Remote Acess tools. The area with all the
US messages is defined as Echomail, which allows me to have messages
from not NL users in it. When someone enters a message RA exits with
a special errorlevel which triggers an external BAT file.
Now a standard RA utility (QECHO) will export this message from my
messagebase, and finally my own program will convert it in a
readable ASCII format, to be understood by a script that uploads it
to your BBS.
The conversion program also checks I have no 'empty' lines and adds
a space to an empty line. I also check if the line length in not
above 70, if so I will automatically word wrap that word to the next
line.
Finally I have a Telix script that logs in for me, uploads the newly
created files, and reads new msg's.
These are put in a capture file, and another, own written program,
will convert this file to messages, suitable too be tossed in the
message base. I am even able to maintain the thread here.
All works fine sofar.
All tthe best
Arnaud
---
* Origin: MAGIC!-NL, Home of the wizards, +31-23-388725 (2:0/0)
---
Msg #4468 Dated 16:41:30 06-02-91
From: ARNAUD VANRIETSCHOTEN
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: A DRINK.....WHEN
MAGIC!-NL Sun 02 Jun 91 18:33
Tommy Wonder posted the following msg:
In September I will bY@ew weeks in Canada, but for the rest no
trips are planned this fall, so I should be home in those monts,
although one can never tell. We'll see.
Till then.
---
* Origin: MAGIC!-NL, Home of the wizards, +31-23-388725 (2:0/0)
---
Msg #4469 Dated 18:26:22 06-02-91 4203 <--> 4482
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: PCAM '91
Only 17 days to go as of this writing! This convention should be fun!
Msg #4470 Dated 18:27:39 06-02-91 4227 <--> 4486
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: JUGGLING & MAGIC
The "centrifugal principle" was interesting to learn, and vaugley
reminded me of a trick i used to do, when beginning magic. A
rectangular piece of paper is folded into eighths and opened up again.
The first 8 letters are written in the squares (one to section) in the
following manner:
A B C D
H G F E
A spectator is then asked to fold it up again, and cut off a small
margin on each side, so that he is left with 8 seperate squares of
paper. He is then told to separate the piles alternately. The volunteer
is then told to pick up either pile and try and make a word out of the
letters. If he can't use the squares he chose, he may use the other
pile. This is all done while the magi's back is turned. He then
concentrates and delivers the chosen word --"FACE!"
Believe it or not, this is self-working! As long as you put the letters
in the right place as above, it will work. People will always make the
word FACE. Usually they'll never think of "CAFE", but it might happen.
You're right thavant is a good book.
Msg #4471 Dated 18:36:23 06-02-91 4445 <--> 4483
From: SCOTT CRAM
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: IMP
You should try what I try. I log on every 3 days for about 15 minutes.
Doing this, you can keep up on the messages and still have plenty of
time to write them, Plus it's relatively inexpensive if you budget for
it.
Msg #4472 Dated 19:33:11 06-02-91 4457 <--> 4473
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
An interesting idea there! We've done informal tapes, but I wonder if
he could put out a pro one. Today I said, "Nathan, that's cool." And
he said, "Don't say that. Tabby Crabb says that." Guess he has a fine
sense of giving credit where it is due.
Msg #4473 Dated 19:35:28 06-02-91 4458 <--> 4474
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Should I paint my chest blue?
Msg #4474 Dated 19:36:26 06-02-91 4462 <--> 4475
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Thanks, Tab. I didn't know it could be turned ON and OFF in old
ProComm. Interesting.
Msg #4475 Dated 19:37:19 06-02-91 4381 <--> 4476
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Hawkings titled one of his chapters "Black Holes Ain't So Black." He
says that light gathers just beyond the event horizon.
Msg #4476 Dated 19:58:10 06-02-91 4454 <--> 4479
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
If you really know me you know I will eat until I starve!
Msg #4477 Dated 19:58:15 06-02-91 4455 <--> 4498
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
Does it fit in the palm of your hand? No. Well, I have a balloon
inflator that is 3/4-in in Diameter and 3-in long. But it is a
secret device, unseen by the aud. and OTHER MAGICIANS!!!!!
Msg #4479 Dated 19:58:25 06-02-91 4462 <--> 4484
From: PETE BIRO
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Nice to know that everyone now knows I have mine turned "OFF"
Har
Msg #4480 Dated 19:58:30 06-02-91 4464 <--> 4490
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: MORE
My opinion is that P and T are just playing to THEIR OWN AGE group an
d the Hip folk in Showbiz... Letterman, Music TV, etc. It is a niche
they fit into beautifully.
I am sorry I didn't see the full ensemble from the Asparagus Valley
days when there wre about five of them. I understand the rules were
that if anyone wasn't 100-percent dedicated to making a living in
magic (by taking a straight job)they were dropped from the group, and
Msg #4481 Dated 19:58:38 06-02-91 4465 <--> 4531
From: PETE BIRO
To: MAX MAVEN (X)
Re: PAPER BALLS
Have you ever had Slydini DO THE BALLS OVER "YOUR" HEAD. Believe me,
it is AWESOME (er WAS) -- even tho you THINK you know the work, it
beats you....
Msg #4482 Dated 19:58:44 06-02-91 4469 <-
From: PETE BIRO
To: SCOTT CRAM
Re: PCAM '91
Yeah, I got to find out who to contact to get a registration!!!
Msg #4483 Dated 19:58:47 06-02-91 4471 <--> 4555
From: PETE BIRO
To: SCOTT CRAM
Re: IMP
Only trouble is I LIKE TO LOG ON 3 to 5 times a day!!! Arrrgghhhhh!!!
Msg #4484 Dated 19:58:51 06-02-91 4473 <--> 4496
From: PETE BIRO
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (SYSOP) (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
No, not blue...someone might think you are frozen. Only trouble with
IMP is I cannot strike the "B" key and find outwhat the question was.
Msg #4485 Dated 20:28:17 06-02-91 4459 <--> 4503
From: JIM SISTI
To: TABBY CRABB (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG?
Yeah...thanks, Tab...finally figured that one out with David's help.
I'm dumping PC Pursuit in favor of your "modem commando" tactics. BTW
, Dan Garrett just subscribed to the Menu! (P.S....how's the table c
coming?
Msg #4486 Dated 20:28:26 06-02-91 4470 <--> 4488
From: JIM SISTI
To: SCOTT CRAM
Re: JUGGLING & MAGIC
There's an effect using that principle on Max's "Mind Games" video.
The key word in that effect is "cage" with some clever visuals.
Msg #4487 Dated 20:29:47 06-02-91 -> 4501
From: JIM SISTI
To: DAVID LICHTMAN (X)
Re: WHAT'S WRONG NOW?
I seem to be running into the same trouble Pete has...that is, I don't
see my replies cleanly being uploaded on the screen. However, just as
Pete reports, when I go back and check, all is OK. Is this normal? If
so, then IMP! is working out great for me!
Msg #4488 Dated 20:46:34 06-02-91 4470 <--> 4489
From: MAX MAVEN
To: SCOTT CRAM
Re: JUGGLING & MAGIC
The trick is called "Kirigami." It is my invention, which I have
published. You had no right to upload your description; it is not yours
to post on this BBS.
By the way, your description is incorrect.
Msg #4489 Dated 20:48:18 06-02-91 4486 <--> 4502
From: MAX MAVEN
To: JIM SISTI (X)
Re: JUGGLING & MAGIC
See previous comment.
Msg #4490 Dated 20:49:21 06-02-91 4480 <--> 4505
From: MAX MAVEN
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MORE
Penn & Teller clearly appeal to a wider audience than just their own
age group.
Asparagus Valley was a trio.
Msg #4491 Dated 20:51:49 06-02-91
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: LONG DISTANCE
Just thought I'd mention that for a few moments today Hallee Starborn
and Arnaud Vanreitschoten were on MAGIC! at the same time. That
represents an Alaska to Los Angeles to Holland connection!
Msg #4492 Dated 21:08:33 06-02-91 -> 4534
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: ALL
Re: CHARACTER ASSASSINATION
IMP! WAR ENDS! USER'S WIN!
Jerry Burton has been saying "You MUST use ASCII Character 58 [:] as
the "Pace Character" in your communications software or IMP! won't work
properly." The Sysop and the Tabman have been saying "You MUST use
ASCII Character 10 [a line feed]." What was going on here?
Well, it turns out that BOTH SIDES were right! BUT it depended on how
you had your personal "User Parms" defined in MAGIC! If you were using
the menus, then Jerry was right. If you were using the eXpert mode,
then the sysop and the Tabman were right.
Now that this has been figured out, I've modified MAGIC! so that you
can use ASCII Character 58 [:] in EITHER mode. With this change, I
would recommend that everyone using IMP now use ASCII Character 58, the
colon [:], as the "Pace Character" as it should be more reliable.
Msg #4493 Dated 21:17:05 06-02-91
From: STEPHEN A SPARKS
To: MANNY WELTMAN (X)
Re: HOUDINI BIO
Manny __. Thanks for the info on your book - a cheque in the
amount of $35 will fly tomorrow with instructions on where to send the
work of art. thanks again SAS
Msg #4494 Dated 21:19:04 06-02-91 -> 4514
From: STEPHEN A SPARKS
To: DANTE LARSEN (X)
Re: MAGIC BOOK CLUB
Dante --> saw your msg back to me 're: THE MAGIC BOOK CLUB' -- I
did write to them and got a reply - no personal name, or street
address - just said what they planned to do and a $15 membership fee
would get us going - first project would be in August - if all went as
they planned. My only reason for asking for additional info - was to
make sure this just wasn't one of those 'adv' that ask for money - get
1000s of folks to send in and then never hear another word. -- so,
when you say that you've not heard anything bad about them - I'm not
surprised - sicne they say that the first product isn't until August.
Gives the cheques coming in alot of time to clear. Oh well, guess
I've been in the coin biz too long and look for the sure thing.
Again - thanks for your comments SAS
Msg #4495 Dated 21:30:34 06-02-91
From: WAYNE POWERS
To: ALL
Re: ZZZZZZZZZZZ....
Haven't been to visible on here of late...
I arrived at the Castle on Saturday morning at 6:30...figuring there'd
be no one there and I'd have time to go out for some breakfast...but
there was already a line! (thankfully, I had brought a thers filled
with hot coffee). Michael & Hannah arrived and we alenjoyed a few
laughs and a few jolts of java while waiting for the doors to open. I
took a table and had a great time...but I was barely able to get away
from it for more than thirty seconds at a time to browse around any of
the other rooms and tables! I was back at the Castle in the eveninand
met up with Charlie Randall...a fun card session with Larry
Jennings...ever-gracious Jerry Andrus let me drag him into a corner for
some one-on-one Andrus Card Control stuff...I asked him if he'd favor
us with some treasures from his case of optical illusions and the
result was a wonderful mad tea party.magi from all corners gathered to
take turns holding a multitude of contraptions while holding one eye
shut and saying "wow!"....AND MEANING IT!
Andrus, Charlie Randall and I continued the insanity over a late-nite
restaurant table after we closed the Castle. I finally saw my pillow
at 4:30 A.M. and had to be back up at 7:30 for a previous commitment at
Knott's Berry Farm...here it is, almost 10:00 P.M....and I'm gonna be
visiting with my pillow reeeeal soon!
It was a delight to finally meet Charlie...and let me just say that
Jerry Andrus is a national treasure!
...just another one of those days that make ya wan kiss the ground that
the Magic Castle was built on!
.
'Wayne "Muddy Lips" Powers.
Msg #4496 Dated 22:00:24 06-02-91 4476 <--> 4497
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
Join in the conversation Max and I have been having about
inappropriately moldy cheese, sour wine, and raw fish. We are raising
dinner table magic to new lows.
Msg #4497 Dated 22:02:12 06-02-91 4484 <--> 4513
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: WHO'S RUNNING THIS SHOW?
If the message is in your capture file, you can strike the left arrow
key and find out what the question was. In IMP! you can actually have
more of MAGIC! "on-line" than MAGIC! has on-line. I'll let Jerry
explain it - but suffice it to say that his IMP! file has EVERY PUBLIC
MESSAGE EVER TO APPEAR ON MAGIC! in it! He can search the ENTIRE
message base!
Msg #4498 Dated 22:04:54 06-02-91 4477 <--> 4506
From: DAVID LICHTMAN (Sysop)
To: PETE BIRO (X)
Re: MAGIC UNIQUE ?
An "inflator," not a pump! My small but slow hand pump is visible, but
it does fit in the palm of the hand. You are refering to something
else and I'd like to see it someday. But how many 2" x 60" balloons
can it inflate with one load? And don't they get awfully cold?
P.S. - Do you know if it is still commercially available?
P.P.S. - Only 3" long, huh? No wonder you have it turned "off."
--- END OF MAGIC-29 ---