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2009 Program Study guide

This page contains Opie Houston's recommended study guide for the Assembly 206 Programs in 2009.  Archives of previous years can be found here:  2008 2007 2006  2005  2004 

If you don't know Opie, he has been a collector of magic books for decades.  He has repeatedly been a resource for finding obscure bits of magic information and always provides precise locations for finding the information.  Beyond his considerable book learning, Opie has embraced the Internet as an information tool and is constantly finding new information available at the click of a mouse.  Opie has now brought those sharpened research skills to our service with this study guide.

General magic resource recommended by Opie are listed here, along with a pinpointed road map suitable for each monthly program for Assembly 206.  Every magician can benefit from reviewing these resources.

If you have questions about the study guide or resources, please send them to Opie Houston.  If you have problems with the links or the web page or any of the links, please direct them to the webmaster.

Quick Reference

General Magic

Internet Resources

http://allmagicguide.com/ (General magic news, tricks, etc.)

http://www.angelfire.com/musicals/fitzkee/ (Fitzkee Trilogy)

http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/ (General discussion index)

http://www.magicbooks.be (Magic book contents)

http://www.bartricks.com/tricks.html (Bar tricks)

http://members.aol.com/MagicDan/docs/trick_index/html (Tricks)

http://magicref.tripod.com/magref/magstring.htm (Ring, String, Rope Magic References)

http://www.geocities.com/mvvenrooij/cardshooting.html (Card flourishes)

http://magic.about.com/ (General magic advice; great forum)

http://www.coinmanipulation.com/ (Coin manipulations)

http://www.online-visions.com/index.html (General magic tricks, articles, etc.)

http://www.cupsandballsmuseum.com/ (Great collection museum)

http://web.superb.net/cardtric/sleights/ (Card tricks, sleights, etc.)

http://facweb.furman.edu/~rbryson/impimages.html (Posters)

http://www.magictalk.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi (Discussion forum)

http://www.circusmuseum.nl/ (Posters)

http://geniimagazine.com/forum/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi (Genii Magazine Forum)

http://www.mathpuzzle.com/loyd/ (Old puzzle book)

http://www.lybrary.com/mlp/ (Magic lineage project)

http://themagicfiles.com/genii/genii-1.php (Genii Magazine Index and Covers)

http://www.bizarremagick.com (Bizarre magic)

http://www.tenyoworld.co.uk/ (Tenyo trick routines, etc.)

http://www.magicbookshop.com/ (H&R Magic Books)

http://www.illustratedillusions.com/trick30.htm (Gospel magic)

http://www.magicweek.com (News, links)

http://www.sleightpub.com/free.html (Tricks)

http://www.gis.net/%7Ecanaday/index.shtml (General, links)

http://www.ams.org/featurecolumn/archive/mulcahy9.html (Math card tricks)

http://www.mdani.demon.co.uk/stunt/stunt.htm (Psychic stunts)

http://www.whithaydn.com/video-clips.htm (Great Haydn clips)

http://www.reall.org/links.html (Skeptic links)

http://www.coinvanish.com (Coins)

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ukskeptic/skeptic.htm (Skeptic links)

http://www.magicsam.com/sam/index.html (SAM National Web)

http://www.prairieghosts.com/museum.html (Spiritualism)

http://davidsolomon.net/index2.html (Tricks)

http://www.jimloy.com/pseudo/reading.htm (Psychic reading sample)

http://www.mbd2.com/kidstuff.htm (Balloon animal instructions)

http://www.thelearnedpig.com.pa/ (Great free library of magic books; JOIN!)

http://www.stevensmagic.com/gemini/index.htm (Tricks and more)

http://www.nnmagic.com (Nielsen Magic posters, etc)

http://www.deceptionary.com/ (Mentalism)

http://www.nemca.com// (New England Magic Collectors)

http://www.bartendermagic.com (Bar tricks)

http://magicgallery.com/ (Great posters)

http://www.juggling.org/jiv87/3/tips.html (Dice stacking and juggling tips)

http://www.houdiniana.com/ (Houdini material)

http://www.ehow.com/how_16116_perform-magic-elevator.html (Tricks)

http://www.handcuffs.org/pittalla/ (Handcuff collection)

http://www.lybrary.com/free_ebooks.php (Some free magic-book samples)

http://martinka.com/martinka/museum/ (Collectables)

http://www.magicbunny.net/ (Tricks)

http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/SAMtalk/ (National SAM Forum)

http://streetmagic.info/eMagic.32.html (Magic tips and tricks)

http://www.homepokergames.com/chiptricks.php (Poker Chip tricks)

http://www.hasbro.com/default.cfm?page=cs_instructions&letter=M (Hasbro Magic Works Instructions)

http://goodtricks.net/quicktricks.html (Tricks)

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_magic
(A brief History of Magic)

Books

Wilson - Complete Course in Magic
(This is our textbook for 2009. See “Contents” at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Wilson's_Complete_Course_In_Magic - Note: Do not waste your money on Wilson's little Cyclopedia; CCIM is the book you want)
Hugard and Braue - Royal Road to Card Magic
(Recommended for beginning/intermediate card work; Here is the Table of Contents, to give you an idea of the scope of the work, but I recommend that you buy the Dover edition, rather than an e book. http://www.lybrary.com/royal-road-card-magic-p-35.html
; Here is a study guide to help you along: http://forums.singaporemagiccircle.com/index.php?showtopic=10383&view=getnewpost - )
Bobo - Modern Coin Magic
(THE primer and low-cost reference book to coin work. Here are some data about the book and some on-line copies; however, you will definitely want to purchase a low-cost Dover copy of this book. http://books.google.com/books?id=v6gvbtH_36oC&dq=bobo+modern+coin+magic+contents&source=bn&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=4&ct=book-ref-page-link&cad=one-book-with-thumbnail - Once you get the book, here is a study guide for it: http://forums.singaporemagiccircle.com/ar/t10384.htm - )
Annemann, Ted - Practical Mental Effects
(Excellent overview to Mentalism at low cost. An excellent overview of the book is in b d erland's blog, along with an index of the tricks therein; it is well worth the read: http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:uNSzm8MYkRgJ:erlandish.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html+annemann+practical+mental+effects&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=24&gl=us&client=firefox-a - )
Tarr, Now You See It Now You Don't; The Second Now You See It Now You Don't
(These books are a great way to get into manipulation/sleight-of-hand show magic. Here are the contents of the first book: http://magicref.tripod.com/bookssz/tarrnowyouseeit.htm - If you like that one, you will want to find the second one)
Kaye, Handbook of Mental Magic
(Beginner overview of mentalism basics; good headboard book for sleepless nights)
Fitzkee, The Trick Brain
(See Study Guides for 2008 for a thorough overview of this classic work and a free on-line copy)
Ogden, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Magic
(Good overview of general magic; good headboard book for sleepless nights)
Corinda, 13 Steps to Mentalism
(The Mentalist's bible and reference book; not an easy read but a must-have for the mentalist worker. Here is a blurb about the book: http://www.magictalk.com/cgi-bin/reviews.cgi?read=466 - )

NOTE: Your reading library is incomplete, if you are not reading the scores of magic books on THE LEARNED PIG. Apply for membership today. At the beginning of the box which asks for names of books you have, include the following: “Am a member of Austin SAM Assembly 206, SAM number __________” Then provide the data requested on the form. Here is the link: http://thelearnedpig.com.pa/troregis.html -

Now, here are some of the materials you might need to do the tricks in the books.

Working Materials

This is a list of materials that you might wish to purchase and/or gather, so that you don't have to stop reading a magic book and go looking for the items.

  1. Two decks of Bicycle Cards, one red, one blue
  2. A few large paper clips
  3. Some two-inch or larger safety pins
  4. A Sharpie and a pencil
  5. A book style wallet or checkbook cover
  6. A Post It Pad
  7. Handkerchief
  8. Some No. 19 rubber bands
  9. Some pay envelopes and regular-size envelopes
  10. Jumbo Cards (from a dollar store)
  11. Good sharp scissors
  12. Half-dozen each of various-size coins and perhaps some poker chips and/or pogs
  13. Small 4 x 6 notepad
  1. A couple of large dollar-store finger rings
  2. Some stage bills from a dollar store
  3. Some black elastic cord for pulls
  4. Black silk thread
  5. A couple of 18" or larger silk-type scarves
  6. Small box of matches or toothpicks
  7. Heavy string/cord
  8. Cocktail napkins
  9. Some 12" x 14" dowels/sticks for wands
  10. Some book matches
  11. Tarot cards from dollar store
  12. A bag of ping pong, rubber, or foam balls of various sizes from dollar store
  13. A couple of wine bottle corks; (27) small tube of rubber cement.

Magic Store Purchases: 

  1. Trick Card Packet (3 1/2 of Clubs, Double sided cards, blank card, etc.)
  2. Magician's Rope
  3. A couple of 12" silks
  4. ESP Cards
  5. A set of 1" and a set of 1 1/2" to 2" sponge balls, in sets of four or more, with perhaps one contrasting-color set
  6. Inexpensive set of Multiplying Billiard Balls or Golf Balls
  1. Inexpensive set of Cups and Balls
  2. Inexpensive Chop Cup set
  3. Inexpensive set of shells for Three-Shell Game
  4. Hot Rod
  5. Sponge Bunnies
  6. Thumb Tip

Well, there you have what I consider to be a basic magic kit, complete with the materials you need to do most of the impromptu and close-up magic being done today.  If you are new to magic, do not make the mistake of buying expensive materials/tricks, until you have played around with a less expensive version, to see whether or not you really want to make an investment in something like a $300 set of Cups and Balls that you may never use, once you play with it a while.

Quick Reference Back to Quick Reference

January - Reading and Study Guide (Overview/Introduction)

Introduction to Mark Wilson's Complete Course In Magic - This magic textbook should be in every magician's collection of working tools and references. It will be used this year to introduce the various known topics and themes set for 2009 Assembly 206 meetings. We will also follow its lead into areas it addresses, by finding additional materials on line and in other magic texts. The book contains probably the basics of at least 60 percent or more of the magic being performed today. This introduction will cover Mark's selected material that he (and co-author Walter Gibson) felt were data that every magician should know. Let us look. Here is a wiki web and table of contents of the book. The link provides a summary of the book's material.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Wilson's_Complete_Course_In_Magic

1 - READ the Contents and general introductory comments on pages 3 through 16 of Wilson's CCIM.

2 - MAGICIANS - Review the above pages of Wilson's CCIM, and jot down a list of magicians mentioned. Google the magicians about whom you might want to learn more. For example, Walter Gibson is such an important figure in magic literature that you will want to take a look at what he has written and learn something about his personal life: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_B._Gibson -

To help you get started with a BIOGRAPHY/PHOTO notebook of magicians, here are some links that might help:

http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/2-20-2004-50776.asp - 19th Century Magicians -

http://www.mondaynightmagic.com/bios.html - Monday night magic performers -

http://www.magicnook.com/forum/bioAB.htm - some magic inventors -

http://www.magictricks.com/bios/birthdays.htm - magician's birthdays -

http://www.magictricks.com/bios/whoswho.htm - general biographies -

http://www.imdb.com/SearchBios?magician&skip=50 - magicians in the movies -

http://www.pavelmagic.com/us/mainhome.php?p=shows - Pavel photos......Don't fail to Google magicians about whom you wish to learn more.

http://www.magikraft.com/curiosities/acts.html - 1920s magicians -

http://www.askmen.com/top_10/entertainment_200/221_top_10_list.html - top ten modern magi -

http://www.littleegyptmagic.com/personal_magi.htm - links to magicians' webs -

http://www.mymagic.com/magichistory/ephemera.htm - ephemeria -

http://buskercentral.com/buskers/gallery/album.php?album_id=10&sid=710d5d9c2fce4f030cd8e73b41821b5e - buskers/street magicians -

http://www.magicartoon.com/ - magician cartoons/pics -

http://www.mallofmagic.com/conpix.htm - convention photos -

http://www.vistaphotoagency.com/11,520.html - FISM 2006 photos -

http://www.employees.org/~slc/magic/ibm_2002.htm - IBM 2002 convention -

http://www.faustsmagicinstore.com/photo_2.html - magician photos -

http://fantastic.library.cornell.edu/imagerecord_xl.php?record=218 - future photo of Opie researcher -

http://fantastic.library.cornell.edu/imagerecord_xl.php?record=25 - future drawing of Chris Walden -

http://fantastic.library.cornell.edu/imagerecord_xl.php?record=38 - every magician -

http://fantastic.library.cornell.edu/imagerecord_xl.php?record=42 - and another -

http://www.magikraft.com/curiosities/album1.html - album....click Next for more photos -

http://www.mallofmagic.com/convpix/ffff2005/Lectures.htm - FFFF 2005 -

http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?ils:6:./temp/~pp_JCNI:: - magicians at Library of Congress -

http://www.womeninboxes.com/home.htm - magic assistants; women in boxes -

http://www.magicgallery.com/name_lindex.htm - old posters -

http://theophilusmagic.com/memorabilia.html - posters -

http://nnmagic.com/posters_magicrepros/magicrepros1.htm - Norm's posters -

http://oraclemagicmagazine.com/oraclequotroguesgalleryquot/index.html - Oracle's gallary -

http://www.vintagepostcards.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=magi - old magic postcards -

NOTE: Those of you who wish to further look into the biographies and/or photos of famous magicians need only Google those folks, and some great individual magicians' webs will be revealed.

3 - GLOSSARY: During your readings, you might encounter some words or names of places and things that may be new to you. Here are some magic glossaries/dictionaries to help you through them.

http://www.glossarycentral.com/magic/ - Magician's Dictionary -

http://groups.google.com/group/alt.magic.secrets/browse_thread/thread/7c699c02998b0665 - tsk, tsk....I thought you might need a chuckle about this time.

http://streetmagic.info/magic_glossary.html - Magic Roadshow Glossary -

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/magic - “Magic” from Dictionary dot com.... -

4 - MISDIRECTION: Mark comments on Misdirection as an important lesson in performing magic.

Therefore, let us review some links regarding that topic:

http://www.strangemag.com/artofhonestdecept.html - article, “The Art of Honest Deception” -

http://www.leirpoll.com/choreographic_misdirection.htm - Leirpoll has his proverbial misdirection in proximity, so read this entire web....... -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_reading - reading people -

5 - YOUR FUTURE IN MAGIC - Finally, read “Your Future in Magic”, on page 471. With all the above information, we should be ready to address the individual magic trick chapters, with an understanding that we are a part of a great and honorable hobby/profession. I eagerly await the monthly themes and topics, in order to begin an in-depth study of Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic.

6 - PATTER AND ORIGINALITY - Let us not forget that we need to perform with originality and with timely topics and subjects that will entertain and enlighten our spectators. Therefore, I will continue this year to point out monthly holidays from which we can draw on a wealth of material to craft our patter. Here is the link to January holidays and more material than we should ever need:

http://www.brownielocks.com/january.htm - links to many interesting webs, holidays, and topics.

Here is what you will reach, when you click on activities occurring in Texas around World Hypnotism Day: http://www.worldhypnotismday.com/events.shtml -

7 - NEW YEAR'S LEARNING GOALS - Skills training and professional development generally can only be accomplished by magicians through personal planning and efforts. I am pleased that we have had some fantastic programs this past year. However, there were two small elements missing in the programs. We seem to have gotten away from the Open Mike, where all members are encouraged to come and perform a trick, based on a pre-set theme/topic. In addition, there have been few mini-lectures, where a member, preferably a new member, has researched a trick/routine and given a quickie lecture on how to perform it. I am hoping that an OPEN MIKE/MINI-LECTURE session is established for every meeting, except perhaps those which feature guest lecturers. After all, our mission is to groom ourselves into professional-level performers, even if we are only amateurs or semi-pros.

Let us establish our own developmental milestones for the year, to work on the Classics of Magic. Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic has many of the classics, and I will provide supplemental material to help everyone set personal magic goals/resolutions to enable us to meet the grooming and professional-training goals of The Society of American Magicians. We owe it to ourselves, so here is the list of some classics, along with some links to help get us going for the New Year.

8 - THE CLASSICS AND SEMI-CLASSICS - I have taken great liberties with the “Classics” as related by Bruce Elliott in CLASSIC SECRETS OF MAGIC or by Fitzkee in THE TRICK BRAIN, in an effort to promote learning of classic and semi-classic EFFECTS, even some of the modern street effects. So, using a purely subjective approach, I give you a list of effects to learn and maybe present as mini lectures at meetings over this next year. Most of the tricks can be found in general magic books, and many are on line for the learning. C. Lang Neil's MODERN CONJURER contains many classics, and we are fortunate that this 1903 book can be read on line.

Selected tricks, routines, and principles will be addressed on guides throughout the year. Note that some of the effects are recent modern classics, such as the Balducci Levitation and applications of the Muscle Pass. Note also that I have provided some links or references to help get everybody started out right in the new year.

NOTE: MC = Modern Conjurer; CCIM = Complete Course in Magic

Ambitious Card Routine - See Elevator Card on p. 85 of Wilson's CCIM -

http://www.cardtricksite.com/tricks/tbrown/ambitous.htm -

http://www.goodtricks.net/blaineloop.html -

http://www.magichat.co.uk/t1-Ambitious_Card.html -

http://www.whithaydn.com/video_clips.htm - scroll down to Ambitious Card -

http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/discussions/ambitious_card.html -

http://www.goodtricks.net/elevator.html -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambitious_card -

Card on Ceiling -

http://www.magicandjokeshop.com/card01.html -

http://www.magicproshop.com/popup_flash.php?D=6831 -

Card Manipulations and Flourishes/Fan Productions - see p. 148 of Wilson's CCIM -

http://www.scribd.com/doc/5467482/Modern-Conjurer-Magic-Trick-Ebook- pp. 46, 53, 58 of MC -

Card Through Handkerchief - see p. 70 in Wilson's CCIM -

Cards Up Sleeve -

http://www.scribd.com/doc/5467482/Modern-Conjurer-Magic-Trick-Ebook- see p. 49 of MC -

Rising Cards -

http://www.scribd.com/doc/5467482/Modern-Conjurer-Magic-Trick-Ebook- see pp. 70, 73 of MC -

Two Card Monte - See p. 116 of Wilson's CCIM -

NOTE: Hopefully we will get through all of these topics during the year. Please help me find the best sources/references for all of these, so I can share the information in future studies. And do select a few of them to add to your performances. See Leary's lists for a more complete list of magic and principles:

http://www.magictricks.com/insider/leary.htm -



Animal Productions and Vanishes

Billiard Balls Manipulations, with and without shell.

Benson Bowl Routine -

Cards to Pocket -

Chinese Linking Rings

Chinese Sticks

Chop Cup

Cups and Balls

Cut and Restored Rope

Dancing/Animated Hank

Die Box

Egg Bag

Ellis Ring/Ring on and Off String and Stick

Floating Ball

Floating Bill

Flowering Rose Bush

Four Ace Routines/Poker Deals

Hindu Rope Trick

Human Levitations/Balducci Levitation

Linking Finger Rings

Miser's Dream/Aerial Mint

Muscle Pass Applications

Nest of Boxes

Paddle Principle with paddles, knives, cards, etc./Color Changing Knives

Professor's Nightmare/Long and Short Ropes

Razor Blade Trick/Needle Trick

Rice Bowls

Rubber Band Routines

Sack's Dice Routine and variations

Sawing assistant in half

Soft Soap/Popcorn Box

Substitution Trunk, Escape Trunk, Metamorphosis

Sucker Silk to Egg

Sympathetic Silks

Thimble Manipulations

Thumb Tip and Similar gimmick magic

Torn and Restored Paper, Bill, Card

Twentieth Century Silks

Vanishing Cane/Production Cane

Wine Glass Production




9 - NEWS AND USEFUL STUFF

http://linkingpage.com/ - great news and videos -

http://revision3.com/scamschool/ - Brian Brushwood's hangouts -

http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide.html - Austin magic, w/news, calendar, guides, etc. -

http://www.magicsam.com/index.asp - The Society of American Magicians web -

http://www.taom.org/ - Texas Association of Magicians Convention -

http://stores.shoptexasmagicsupply.com/StoreFront.bok - Texas Magic Supply -

http://www.magician.org/portal/en/node/212 - IBM Convention Nashville -

http://www.magicsam.com/SAM2009/index.asp - SAM Convention Buffalo -

http://www.magictimes.com/ - news and more -

http://www.insidemagic.com/magicnews/category/magicnews/ - news and more -

http://allmagicguide.com/index.html - news, tricks, more -

http://thelearnedpig.com.pa/troregis.html - free magic books.....sign up!

http://www.magictricks.com/insider/leary.htm - Leary's principles/inventors of magic - (There seems to be a problem with this web, but let us not give up on it....The information is valuable.)

10 - M-U-M HIGHLIGHTS: This section is one that I wish to start, in order to get some feedback from you, regarding what you found in the M-U-M Magazine that should be called to everyone's attention. So, starting with the December 08 issue, what is worth discussing and/or performing??? If you have something you do not like, please let me know also, but I do reserve the right to be selective in what I address in the study guides....Okay? Seriously, there is some great stuff in M-U-M; let us talk it up!!!

11 - LINKING RING HIGHLIGHTS: Since most of us belong to both the SAM and IBM, why don't we share what we like about items in the LR, beginning with the December 08 issue......same deal as above...Just let me know, and I will comment in the next guide.....Good stuff only, okay???

I WISH YOU JOY DURING THIS WONDERFUL SEASON AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL........

opie


Quick ReferenceBack to Quick Reference

February  - Mentalism/Mental Magic


INTRODUCTION: Probably the most controversial genre of magic is that of Mentalism/Mental Magic, and probably no two people will agree on just what “they” are. Therefore, I have asked our Moderator, Paul Q, to provide the specific objectives he will address at our Assembly meeting. Paul says that those objectives will be provided as a handout at our meeting. In the meantime, I will highlight and supplement the basics as provided in Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic (CCIM) and some of our previous guides. So, with a combination of Paul's material, Mark's material, and some of my finds, let us proceed, in search of enlightenment about Mentalism and/or Mental Magic.

1 - PREVIEW OF DEFINITIONS, RECOMMENDED TEXTS, ETC. -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mentalism -
http://mentalist.wikidot.com/ -
http://wapedia.mobi/en/Mentalist -
http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide2005.html#mozTocId608731 -

2 - WILSON'S CCIM - Read pp. 317-36, with particular attention to the principles involved. Just read, because we will be highlighting the important items below.

3 - Three-Way Test, pp. 319-22 - If you only walk through one effect this month, make it this one. Within its procedures lie a couple of essentials that are necessary for many many mental magic routines. Perhaps a couple of videos will help, so take a look at the following items, which include Equivoque and other forces that you will find valuable.

4 - Five-Object Mind Reading Videos - http://www.ehow.com/video_2385725_do-coin-prediction-magic-trick.html - Watch these videos. Begin with the coin prediction and watch all five of them. When you have done so, take another look at Mark's Three-Way Test.

5 - Equivocation - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equivocation_(magic) - Read about and play around with the Magician's Force.

6 - Billet Reading - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billet_reading - Good basics, and do check out Johnny Carson's parody: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnac_the_Magnificent - Now back to Mark.

7 - The Magazine Test, pp. 322-3 - This routine simply requires pure audacity. I have seen Chris Walden kill with it. Here is a similar presentation on line, but I think I would use Mark's version:
http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php?trick=300 -

8 - The Curious Coincidence, pp. 323-5 - A crease as a mark? You bet! Think about similar ways this effect might be done on all kinds of objects. How about a quick look at marked cards? http://www.readingmarkedcards.com/services.html -

9 - Million to One, pp. 325-6 - This trick packs flat and plays big, especially if you use larger cards and an easel or stand for stage work.

10 - The Gypsy Mindreader, pp. 326-7 - Don't underestimate this effect, but do read more on Psychometry, for presentation tips. Check out the wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychometry -

11 - The Center Tear, pp. 327-9 - This tear is a fun one to do in front of a mirror, as you watch yourself do it. Just be sure, when you are doing it for spectators, that you do not look at your hands. You are simply tearing up a piece of paper, and that is all you want to convey. Here is a video of a guy doing the tear with a large piece of paper, which helps to illustrate the handling of the center portion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ghwlRlN7ts&feature=related - Note: Don't do this with a large piece of paper. Here is a better sample: http://www.bartendermagic.com/centertear.htm -

12 - Spectrum Prediction, pp. 329-31 - Need a forcing bag? This one will work, and it is easily made. Here is another use for it (click on Devil's Hank): http://www.magic.answerstv.com/AnswersTV/magic-store/close-up/devils-hank-tricks.aspx - The effect of Spectrum Prediction might be enhanced by the use of topical pogs or maybe even poker chips. Better experiment with them first, however.

13 - Ping Pong Prestidigitation, pp. 332-4 - The volunteer stooge is a principle that can be used in some really startling effects, but this one is just for fun. Play it.

14 - The Envelope Stand/Bank Night, pp. 334-6 - Here is a utility prop that you can make. Of course, there are ways to do Bank Night, without any props other than a few envelopes. Here are some great tips: http://magicadvocate.blogspot.com/2005/04/bank-night-plots.html -

NOTE: Not counting card tricks and sleights, we have pretty much exhausted the Mental Magic addressed in Wilson's CCIM. One might ask, “Is that all there is?” The answer is, “Nope, not by a long shot.” I would say that, if one learned well the above principles and acquired some skill and a few effects with a nail writer, he or she would be well on the way to being a magician who does some Mental Magic. BUT, would he be a Mentalist? Nope, not by a long shot. That would be like taking a high school graduate and asking him to teach a graduate college/university course in any subject.

I can assure you that I am not here to sell books, and I will not even recommend anything beyond the few books I list below, until the student of Mental Magic/Mentalism has at least an understanding of the basics of some or most of the topics addressed. Are you ready to do some serious reading? If your answer is no, then learn, perfect, and enjoy the effects we have discussed. If your answer is yes, let us proceed.

15 - Join THE LEARNED PIG web at: http://thelearnedpig.com.pa/troregis.html - There are dozens of worthwhile books on that web which may be read FREE. Most of Annemann's books are there and many more that you will want to at least skim through. While you are waiting for approval for membership on the web, take a look at the following items. I have listed several books which can be downloaded and read on line. Don't pass up this free material. Every author who is putting out books today has drawn liberally from the material provided on this site.

16 - Read this link again: http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide2005.html#mozTocId608731 - Henry Hay, in The Amateur Magician's Handbook probably first interested me in mental magic, in his condensation of Annemann's Practical Mental Effects. - Here is Annemann's book:
- http://www.scribd.com/doc/8678115/Theodore-Annemann-Practical-Mental-Magic- - When you get some time, read this whole book. It is one of the more-readable mentalism books out there.

17 - Read the available clips of Abbott's Behind the Scenes with the Mediums, while it is still on line:
http://books.google.com/books?id=qTUMAAAAIAAJ&pg=PR3&dq=abbott+behind+the+scenes+with+the+mediums&psp=1&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=0_1 -

18 - Read the clips of Atkinson's Practical Mind Reading: http://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC02571585&id=dhIMAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA6&lpg=PA6&dq=PRACTICAL+MINDREADING#PPA1,M1 -

19 - Read Jacguard's Easy Mentalism: http://www.mbspages.co.uk/ebooks/pdfs/easy_mentalism.pdf -

20 - Read Lesson 9 of Hay's Learn Magic, beginning on page 117: http://books.google.com/books?id=2P9x1dUOtOkC&pg=PR13&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=0_1#PPA117,M1 -

21 - Read everything on On-Line Visions: http://www.online-visions.com/index.html - There are many many tricks and routines on this web. There are also many articles which will keep you busy for a while....

22 - Just for kicks, now that you have read a lot of material, ask a Mentalist to name the 13 Steps, as outlined by Corinda in his book, 13 Steps to Mentalism. Here they are: Step One, The “Swami Gimmick”; Step Two, “Pencil, Lip, Sound, Touch and Muscle Reading”; Step Three, “Mnemonics and Mental Systems”; Step Four, “Predictions”; Step Five, “Blindfolds and X-Ray Eyes”; Step Six, “Billets”; Step Seven, “Book Tests”; Step Eight, “Two-Person Telepathy”; Step Nine, “Mediumistic Stunts”; Step Ten, “Card Tricks” (Were you ready for that?); Step Eleven, “Question and Answer Readings”; Step Twelve, “Publicity Stunts”; Step Thirteen, “Patter and Presentation”. What an interesting year-long, monthly workshop study this book would make!!!!

NOTE: So, there you have a lot of material leading up to the bible of Mentalism, Corinda's 13 Steps to Mentalism. We have skipped over more than we have addressed here, and I look forward to Paul's program, as I am sure he will provide us some very practical advice and suggestions for our study of Mentalism. I have been saving the recall of many Mental Magic and Mentalism effects from last year's study guides on Fitzkee's THE TRICK BRAIN and a couple of his other books which are worth reading and available on line for that purpose. Also below are some of the effects which impressed me most as I read them. I only wish I could do a fraction of them with some skill. Hopefully, you will select a few and make them your own.

23 - Review Chapter 35 of Fitzkee's THE TRICK BRAIN. Just click on the menu link there and check out areas of interest. I started with the outline of Chapter 7, Animations. The summary data are great memory joggers. http://www.angelfire.com/musicals/fitzkee/TB35.html -

24 - Review the December 08 INDEX of links for the year, and find Mental Magic and Mentalism links that might interest you http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide2008.html#mozTocId63545 - For example, here are some that I saw at random on the index:

25 - Card Forces - See several links on the list.

26 - See Clairvoyance at - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clairvoyance -

27 - Card Force video - http://www.expertvillage.com/video/4220_free-magic-card-trick-envelope-prediction.htm -

28 - ESP Defined - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extra-sensory_perception -

29 - Maven mental trick - http://www.magicexhibit.org/illusions/illusions_MM.html -

30 - See Mediumship - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediumship -

31 - Direct Mind Reading - http://cardopolis.blogspot.com/2008_05_25_archive.html#1482948463225326154 -

32 - Impossible Card Location - http://cardopolis.blogspot.com/2008_02_24_archive.html#7712755086263741269 -

33 - Nail Writer - http://books.google.com/books?id=b9Izi7At3C8C&pg=PA14&lpg=PA14&dq=nail+writer+revealed&source=web&ots=imgugJUsEz&sig=IsL1MB4D6MwdF_t68o11rx7FVc8&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA15,M1 - http://goodtricks.net/voodoo-spirit-writing-street-magic-trick.html -

34 - Psycho Kinetic Time - http://www.free-card-tricks.net/frameset6.html -

35 - Retrocognition - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retrocognition -

36 - Spoon Bending - http://www.skepticreport.com/psychicpowers/urispoon.htm -
http://www.freemagictricks4u.com/spoon-bending.html -

37 - Telepathy - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telepathy -

38 - Thought Control Patter - http://www.astralvoyage.com/projection/thought.html -

39 - Thought Projection?? - http://snoedel.punt.nl/index.php?r=1&id=263316&tbl_archief=1 -

40 - Doug Segal Mind Reading - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h0zoSLnZfk&feature=related -

41 - Lie Detector Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avIwe_chzIM&feature=related -

42 - Magician's Force - http://www.streetmagic.info/MagiciansChoice.html -

43 - Mind Reader - http://www.magicianschool.com/trickdetail.php?cat=quick_tricks&id=69 -

44 - Here are some nice-sized ESP Cards: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cartas_Zener.svg -

45 - Cold Reading - http://www.skeptics.com.au/articles/coldread.htm -

46 - Aronson's Memorized Deck - http://www.simonaronson.com/Memories%20Are%20Made%20of%20This.pdf -

47 - More Cold Reading Stuff - http://www.straightdope.com/mailbag/mcoldreading.html - Scroll down to Cold Reading -

48 - Derrin Brown Reading - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G18NfN76bAs -

49 - Shaminism - http://anamspirit.com/index.html -

50 - PRESENTATION AND PATTER - Almost forgot to link to the calendar of February holidays, which presents an abundance of presentation and patter ideas. January, for example, had “Memento Mori” Day and World Hypnotism Day; surely you did not miss those!!! February offers Groundhog Day, with the Seer of Seerers predicting the weather; Valentines Day, an abundance of patter ideas; Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month, (rescued from whom???); Marijuana Awareness Month, (patter for Torn and Restored Cigarette Paper trick???...tsk tsk); Sweet Potato Month, (finally! A reason to perform Grant's Potato Box); and many other themed days and weeks from which to draw patter and get away from the “Hey look!.....Watch!........No the clean hand!”.........etc. abominations.
http://www.brownielocks.com/february.html -

51 - SO WHAT IS MENTALISM? MENTAL MAGIC? - In my humble opinion, Mental Magic is a genre of tricks done by a magician. Mentalism, on the other hand, is a huge genre which deals with what Walter Gibson called the Psychic Sciences. His book by that title is one of my favorite occasional reads. You can still find low-cost copies of the book in used stores or at the library. Just to make you curious, the book tells you everything you need to get you started doing readings of all kinds. It is an oldie, 1966, but it is still a reference work for a lot of people doing that kind of work. Don't pay more than four or five bucks for it. So, here is a list of the major chapters: Astrology....Cartomancy or Fortune Telling with Cards.....Colorology.....Dice Divination or Fortune Telling with Dice....Domino Divination........Dreams and their Interpretation....... Graphology or Handwriting Analysis....... Numerology....... Molesophy......
Palmistry.......... Phrenology....... Physiognomy........ Radiesthesia and Other Phenomena........ Superstitions, Omens, and Lucky Signs......... Tasseography or Teacup Reading..
Telepathy....... Yoga and its Powers...... So where are the tricks? There are many; the Pendulum discussion, which begins on page 336, is a good one. The book may not have all the answers, but it will surely raise your awareness level of what is going on in “Mentalism”. PS: I don't have the answer either. Maybe the answer falls within one of the following definitions: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mentalism -

52 - IMPROVISATION - During the research for this guide, I came across many words, phrases, tricks, ideas, etc., that I jotted down, just to have them. I have a collection of these disjointed notes and find that they provide me some little mental exercises occasionally, when I select one and try to come up with a usable effect or routine. I would like to share this month's collection of those notes and ask that everyone select one and brainstorm an improvisational presentation, if for nobody but yourself. Here they are: flatware bending.......watch stopping......center tear.....Magician's force with collected pocket items....... some coins or bills.......dates on coins.........pulse stopping.....makeshift pendulum.... cold reading........business card effect..........prediction, the stranger the better.......mini Ouija board on a card......best friend or dead and alive.......tarot packet effect.....pyrokenetics.......animated straw, cigarette,
business card, etc........... bill serial number......palm reading.......math effect......good guy bad guy.......movie theme......tv program theme....spooky breeze........time machine....vanishing problem written on paper that vanishes.....key bending.....coin bending.......muscle reading demo.....billet effect.... mini reading....... Well, you get the idea. Play around with some of the items and see how you do...

NOTES AND AFTERTHOUGHTS - (Includes several Bizarre sites) -

53 - My First Mindreading Trick - http://www.scribd.com/doc/5097961/Flexible-Cards-Mind-Reading-Magic-Trick-Revealed - I thought I was hot stuff doing this trick, at age 7......opie

54 - Eugene Burger's Web and essays - http://www.magicbeard.com/articles.php -

NOTE: Some questions in my mind: What is bizarre magick? What is the difference between bizarre magic and mentalism? Does it all boil down to presentation and props?

55 - ICBM Gallery - http://www.icbmmagick.com/gallery.php -

56 - Dragonskull - http://www.dragonskull.co.uk/main_map.htm - Do not overlook the Poinc site -

57 - Bizarre Magick - http://www.bizarremagick.com/ -

58 - Surnateum - http://www.surnateum.org/English/surnateum/collection/oracles.htm -

59 - Ed Solomon's Magictales - http://www.thestorytelling-resource-centre.com/magictales.html -

60 - Witchcraft Museum - http://www.museumofwitchcraft.com/tourintro_mow.php -

61 - Occultopedia - http://www.occultopedia.com/occult.htm - If you are looking for strange patter material, it is here.

62 - Myth*ing Links - http://www.mythinglinks.org/magic~granrose.html - Academic thesis -

63 - Trove of bizarre Links - http://www.phrets.com/magicbookmarks.html -

64 - More ESP Stuff - ESP (EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION) -
http://www.online-visions.com/effects/0507esp.html -
http://www.psychicscience.org/Default.aspx -
http://www.psychicscience.org/zener.aspx -

65 - From the Collected Wisdom of Magic Talk - http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/ -
(Scroll down to Mentalism links)...

Check the links there and activate the ones on the guide....
66 - http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/discussions/bizarre_magick.html - Bizarre magick -

67 - Check out Brian Brushwood's bizarre videos......Watch them all and be entertained:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxZyCIh7Ppc - (Do you suppose that each one of those spiked hunks of hair is an antenna that might be receiving some bizarre instructions from alien beings?)

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March - Close-Up Coin Magic

NOTE: Since the March meeting will be a performance by our own traveling magic team, I decided to provide an overview of Coin Magic, since no Coin Magic was slated to be on any of the programs this year and I have the guide prepared. So, between now and the March meeting, everyone needs to learn at least one coin trick to show your neighbors before the show, during intermission, and after the meeting...Come on!!! Just one trick. There are a lot here.....

NOTE: There are many tricks in Wilson's Complete Course in Magic (CCIM) that will not be addressed here. So, I have selected from CCIM mostly those “basics” which offer a principle or tool that may be expanded upon or those that simply appeal to me. My main goal is to provide items that will inspire members to contribute their own creative talents to build working routines. Let's begin with material from Wilson's CCIM.

1 - THE COIN FOLD - p. 177 - Practice the fold, according to the instructions, and, while doing so, think of at least three effects/tricks wherein the coin is restored or reproduced. There is a link to the effect in MODERN CONJURER: http://www.scribd.com/doc/5467482/Modern-Conjurer-Magic-Trick-Ebook- - Click here for a video of the Coin Fold: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/7757_magic-coin-fold.htm - Here is a similar routine by my friend Peter Marucci: http://www.online-visions.com/bizarre/0604back.html - A steady stream of chatter, while you are folding the paper around the coin, WITHOUT LOOKING AT IT, seems to be very good advice.

2 - COIN THRU HANK - p.179 - Follow Mark's instructions and then check out these links:
http://www.wtsmith.com/rt/magic.html - Scroll down to Coin Thru Hank - The MODERN CONJURER also has a routine for the effect (see link above), and here is a simple illustrated version:
http://www.magic4you.com/tricks/5.html - What are some possible patter routines that would help to make this effect a real presentation piece?

3 - COIN ASSEMBLY/MATRIX - p. 183 - I will have to admit that I have never played much with a matrix, because I have never worked out a routine for one. The “Look, See, Watch” routine just does not do anything for me. Anyway, play with a couple of assembly effects, and work out a killer piece. These links might help: http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php?ID=20 -
http://trickymagic-guide.blogspot.com/2007/08/coin-assembly-double-steal-method.html -
http://ei-am.blogspot.com/2007/01/top-10-magic-trick-tutorial-videos_21.html -

4 - FRENCH DROP - p. 186 - Link: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/7780_magic-french-drop.htm - See also the Pinch or Drop Vanish on page 189. See also the MODERN CONJURER for this and the palms and passes provided in the “Sleights” chapter. See SOME COIN BASICS below, especially Classic Magic dot net.

5 - FINGER-PALM VANISH - p. 187 - Link: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/7759_magic-finger-palm.htm -

6 - RETENTION VANISH VID - http://streetmagic.info/2008/04/retention-vanish.html -

7 - SOME COIN BASICS - http://www.goodtricks.net/frameset6.html (click on COIN MAGIC) -
http://www.magictrickschool.com/coins.html - http://www.oldandsold.com/articles02/cointricks1.shtml - http://www.magicbunny.net/coin.php -
http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/384_beginning-magic-coin-tricks.htm -
http://www.classicmagic.net/tricks/113a.php - http://www.scribd.com/doc/5467482/Modern-Conjurer-Magic-Trick-Ebook-

8 - COIN-VANISHING HANK - p. 191 - This is a very useful utility prop. Think about how many coin effects (or other similar small object effects) might use the hank.
Another method: http://srhpost.blogspot.com/2006/09/handkerchief-and-vanishing-coin-trick.html -

9 - COIN THRU LEG, ETC - p. 195 - Similar link: http://www.learneasymagic.com/bltrick57b.htm -

10 - COIN-A-GO-GO - p. 197 - This one-coin routine is a great exercise to use in front of a mirror, as it helps one develop hand and eye coordinations for misdirection and smoothness....Just remember that where you look, the spectators will look and a large movement covers a small movement. (See “Misdirection” on p. 15, or. for a fairly thorough overview of misdirection, you might want to study this link: http://www.leirpoll.com/choreographic_misdirection.htm ).

11 - CONTINUOUS COINS - p. 200 - Similar link: http://allmagic.com/magic/coins.html (see Silver Cascade).

12 - COINS ACROSS - p. 206 - Practice of this routine will go far to improve your handling of coins. Work on a smooth handling........

NOTE: Be sure to read the remaining effects addressed in Mark Wilson's CCIM, as well as those in MODERN CONJURER. To ensure that you have enough material to entertain and enlighten you for the month, here are some additional links and suggestions, which will provide you something to do every day.

13 - CAP AND PENCE - While Wilson does not address this effect, it is an important classic and I am including the following links for the effect: http://magicref.tripod.com/magref/magpence.htm - and the routine in MODERN CONJURER: http://www.scribd.com/doc/5467482/Modern-Conjurer-Magic-Trick-Ebook-

14 - MISER'S DREAM/SUPERIOR COIN/AERIAL MINT - The ability to pull coins from the air is of course THE coin classic effect. Give a close reading to these links: http://trickymagic-guide.blogspot.com/2007/03/superior-coin.html - and http://www.scribd.com/doc/5467482/Modern-Conjurer-Magic-Trick-Ebook- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPzHQuqpfCo&feature=related -
Penn and Teller -

15 - COPPER/SILVER TRICK - No coin discussion would be complete without addressing this effect: http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php?ID=22 - Here is one which does not require the gimmick: http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php?ID=37 -

16 - MAGICIAN'S CHOICE/ALL THAT GLITTERS - Peter Marucci - http://www.online-visions.com/bizarre/0501peter.html - See more about Magician's Choice here: http://wapedia.mobi/en/Equivocation_(magic) -

17 - AMAZING COIN VANISH/MAGNET REEL - http://www.learnmagictricks.org/video.php?v=1124 -

18 - BITTEN COIN -
http://www.magichat.co.uk/t333-Bitten_Coin.html - filed coin
http://www.magicandjokeshop.com/coin02.html -
http://www.magicshop.co.uk/a5/The_Alternative_Bitten_Coin/article_info.html -

19 - CHARLIE FRYE'S TRICKS - http://www.charliefrye.com/TRICKS/tricks.html - see money -

20 - PALM SWITCH - http://www.coinmanipulation.com/Coin/Tricks/ClassicPalmSwitch.html -

21 - COIN BACKPALM VIDEO - http://streetmagic.info/2008/04/back-palm-video.html -

22 - COIN/BILL VIDEOS - http://www.xploremagic.com/View-Category/Coin-Magic.html -

23 - COIN/CAP BETCHA EVEN ROWS - http://www.bartendermagic.com/capbet.html -

24 - COIN/CAP BETCHA TRIANGLE - http://www.bartricks.com/trick5.shtml -

25 - COIN LIFT BETCHA - http://www.bartricks.com/trick12.shtml -
26 - COIN CATCH OFF ELBOW - http://www.layhands.com/ScienceTricks/Page9.htm -
27 - COIN-CIDENTAL/THREE CHOICE - http://www.learneasymagic.com/bltrick29a.htm -
28 - COIN EXERCISES (QUARTER TRICK) - http://media.putfile.com/quarter-trick -
29 - COIN FLIP SWITCH - http://trickymagic-guide.blogspot.com/2007/02/flip-switch.html -
30 - COIN FLIP TRICK - http://www.howtodotricks.com/coin-flip-magic-trick.html -
31 - COIN FOUNDATIONS - http://www.coinvanish.com/foundations.html -
32 - COIN FROM BILL/GEORGE - http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php?ID=63 -
33 - COIN IN WOOL - http://sky.prohosting.com/fizbin/athenaeum/magos/books/noakes/08.htm -
34 - COIN IN FRUIT - http://magicmax.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=1916 -
35 - COIN MANIPULATIONS - http://www.coinmanipulation.com/ -
36 - COIN PENETRATION/SARAN - http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php?ID=25 -
37 - COIN PRODUCTION ARTICLES - http://web.archive.org/web/20050205185931/www.zyworld.com/coinpurse/Index.htm -
38 - COIN ROLL - http://www.richferguson.com/learn_magic_answer3.html -
39 - COIN ROLLDOWN VIDEO - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZ2PUiJ59fQ -
40 - COIN STAR & SILK - http://trickymagic-guide.blogspot.com/2007/04/silk-and-coin-star.html -
41 - COIN THRU HAND - http://www.learneasymagic.com/bltrick50b.htm -
42 - COIN THRU HOLE - http://www.howtodotricks.com/easy-coin-magic-trick.html -
43 - COIN THRU LEG - http://www.learneasymagic.com/bltrick57b.htm -
44 - COIN TO JUMBO COIN - http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php?ID=31 -
45 - COIN TRICKS OLD AND NEW - http://www.oldandsold.com/articles02/cointricks1.shtml -
46 - COIN ON ELBOW - http://www.magicbob2000.com/tricks.html#Free%20Magic%20Tricks -
47 - COIN VANISH IN WATER - http://members.aol.com/WWWmagic/trick1.htm -
48 - COIN VANISH UNDER GLASS - http://www.kidzone.ws/magic/coin_trick.htm -
49 - COIN WASHER TRICK - http://trickymagic-guide.blogspot.com/2007/04/coin-washer.html -
50 - COIN WRAP CARD TRICK - http://members.aol.com/MagicDan/docs/coinwr.html -
51 - HOLE IN POCKET/UNDER FOOT - http://www.magicandjokeshop.com/coin04.html -
52 - MUSCLE PASS - http://www.learnmagictricks.org/video.php?v=10166 -
53 - QUARTER IN GLASS - http://www.bartendermagic.com/acrobaticcoin.htm -
54 - QUARTER SPIN BETCHA - http://www.bartricks.com/trick11.shtml -
55 - QUARTER SPIN TRICK - http://www.hongkongmagicman.com/spin.htm -
56 - QUARTER TO GOLD DOLLAR - http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php?ID=29 -
57 - SWINDLED COIN TRICK - http://www.magicandjokeshop.com/coin05.html -
58 - WHERE'S THE COIN? - http://trickymagic-guide.blogspot.com/2007/03/wheres-coin.html -

NOTE: For a pretty thorough overview of coin magic, you might want to make a run through Bobo's Modern Coin Magic, using the Bobo Study Guide. The guide is laid out for a six-week study, but one could use it for a six-month study or just a self-paced stroll through the book. Give it a look at one or more of the following links:

http://forums.singaporemagiccircle.com/ar/t10384.htm -
http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide2005.html#mozTocId604077 -
http://www.magicshop.co.uk/a3/Bobos_Modern_Coin_Magic_Study_Guide/article_info.html -
BOBO – Talk Magic guide - http://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic19167-60.php -
Bobo videos - http://www.planetnana.co.il/openbobo/ -

You say you don't have Bobo's MODERN COIN MAGIC? Well, thanks to Rick Carruth, here it is:
http://www.streetmagicsecrets.info/bobo.htm -

59 - BONUS: 15 MATCH/COIN GAME (NIM) - Several months ago, I showed Brian Brushwood a betting game with matches. Brian changed it up and uses coins, which are today more available than matches. Anyway, here is his presentation of this great bar game on the Scam School web. It is session number 37, in case the link does not work and you need to search for Scam School 37:

http://revision3.com/scamschool/advancenim/

60 - Here is the previous NIM game that Brian mentions on his web:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYyA-0KdVfc -

61 - PATTER IDEAS: Don't forget to check out the March calendar for holidays and events that might lead to some great performance/patter ideas - http://www.brownielocks.com/march.html - Also, St. Patrick's Day would be a good time to win some drinks with the Nim game...


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April - Children's Magic with Trixie Bond

INTRODUCTION - Putting together a formal performance for children is probably as tough or maybe tougher than planning and presenting a variety show or a walkaround restaurant routine. There are many factors that have to be considered and addressed. We are fortunate to have Trixi Bond as a lecturer in April, and, frankly, she is probably the best kid-magic lecturer in the world. Therefore, my task is easy. I need only provide some general information, some material from the web and from Mark Wilson's Complete Course in Magic (CCIM), in order to prepare us for a super good time during Trixi's visit. She will provide the real data. But first, let us look at some general information about Children's Magic.

1 - See Mar 2004 Guide to Children's Magic - http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide2004.html#March

2 - See Kid Show Discussion - http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/discussions/kid_shows.html -

3 - See Magic Gizmo Article - What is it that makes children laugh? - http://magicgizmo.com/home/articles-miscellaneous-topics/69-childrens-shows/203-what-is-it-that-makes-children-laugh.html -

4 - Performing Magic for Kids - http://www.learn-great-magic-tricks.com/magic-for-kids.html -

5 - Kid Show Programming - http://groups.google.com/group/alt.magic/browse_thread/thread/54362c894d5bacd6/d1578cbf7af2c811?lnk=gst&q=animated+match+box#d1578cbf7af2c811 -

6 - Wilson's CCIM, Rope Magic, pp. 235-7. Read the intro to Rope Magic and how to prepare rope for magic effects.

7 - Rope Tutorial - http://www.ehow.com/video_2388188_rope-magic-tricks-revealed.html -

8 - Cut and Restored Rope, CCIM, pp. 237-42. Check out the Cut and Restored effects, and practice each one, with emphasis on holding the ropes at chest level, so that everyone can see. Work on keeping eye contact with your audience and some by-play and interaction with the kids.

9 - Cut and Restored - http://www.professorwonder.com/magic2.htm -

10 - Patter for Rope Routine - http://www.thestorytelling-resource-centre.com/magictales2.html -

11 - Comedy Rope Trick - http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php?trick=485 -

12 - Jumping Ring Trick - http://www.howtodotricks.com/rope-trick.html -

13 - The Knot Plot - http://allmagic.com/magic/stage.html -

14 - Double Restoration, CCIM, pp. 245-7. This is a nice stand-up routine; give it a try. Think about some one liners that kids would like with this one. - http://www.funny2.com/jokes.htm -

15 - Check out the knot tricks, starting on pages 249-54 of CCIM. Work out a combined patter routine for several knot effects.

16 - Frayed Knot Gag - http://www.thestorytelling-resource-centre.com/magictales1.html – PATTER
17 - Pinch Knot - - http://www.magichobby.co.uk/trick_view.php?id=1473&title=Pinch_Knot -
18 - Fulves' Self-Working Rope Magic - http://books.google.com/books?id=Ubo0bcHVmo8C&pg=PR9&lpg=PR9&dq=releaso+rope+tricks&source=web&ots=Dcw2IYEdg_&sig=pq5jRQeSdNQwt4S8CEiQMiqCzoo&hl=en&ei=p9uISc2cG-PetgeV2b2TBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=2&ct=result#PPA54,M1 - Knots - Use forward and back buttons on that web page to see more rope tricks.
19 - The Great Coat Escape and Rope and Coat Release, CCIM, pp. 258-61. Check out the principles used. There are a number of applications for close-up and impromptu. Think about them.

20 - Walking Thru Rope/Ribbon - http://www.oldandsold.com/articles02/101magictricks5.shtml - scroll down to Walking thru Rope, but do read all the other effects there.... -

21 - Ring Off Rope, CCIM, pp.262-3. This is a good beginning effect with a ring and rope. Please do work out a good story line for it however. Once hooked on a ring and string/rope routine, you will want to investigate others like it. Check this out: http://www.robdriscollmagic.com/documents/Ring-Off-Rope.pdf - and this reference guide: http://magicref.tripod.com/magref/magstring.htm -

22 - Rope, Rope and More Rope - http://74.125.113.132/search?q=cache:JG1196WAIyYJ:boyslife.org/hobbies-projects/magic/comics/5425/rope-rope-and-more-rope-magic-trick/+ROPE+MAGIC&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=16&gl=us&client=firefox-a -

23 - More Misc Rope Magic - http://www.xploremagic.com/View-Category/Rope-Magic.html -

24 - Even More - http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/display.php?Category=Rope%20Magic -

NOTE: There are several rope effects that are not included in this kid-show material. I have a problem with escapes and tricks that involve putting ropes around the necks of little ones. You may, of course want to learn all the rope effects in Wilson and on the links provided. In the meantime, let me point out a few Silk and Hank effects that I have found to be good for kid shows.

25 - Read or review the chapter on Silk and Handkerchief Magic, CCIM, pp. 269-91. Just skim over the pages and then look back and learn the following techniques/effects-- Hypnotized Hank, Fatima. Either learn or make a note to learn Fatima, some knot tricks, and a silk penetration.

26 - Hypnotized Hank, CCIM, pp. 269-70. This is a nice impromptu effect and one that can be used with several other hank effects.

27 - Some other hank tricks - http://www.oldandsold.com/articles02/magictricks5.shtml -
28 - Another Method - http://trickymagic-guide.blogspot.com/2007/07/hypnotized-handkerchief.html -

29 - Fatima, the Dancer, CCIM, pp. 270-1. If you don't learn any other hank tricks, learn this one and the little rhyme that goes with it. It can be done anywhere at any time you can find a clean hank or cloth napkin. When you have learned Fatima, you might want to check out the ones below.

30 - Hank Mouse - http://www.napkinfoldingguide.com/handkerchief-mouse/ -

31 - Hank Doll - http://www.20kweb.com/doll.html -

32 - Hank Orator - http://www.20kweb.com/orator.html -

33 - Hank Bunny - http://www.20kweb.com/bunny.html -

34 - Check out the Silk Knot effects, CCIM, pp. 272-5. The principles are important, as they are the basis for many other effects.

35 - Penetrating Hank, CCIM, pp. 275-7. With the right presentation, this little trick could be an effective kid-show effect. Perhaps switching in a card silk when placing the silk in the glass could set up a reason to do the penetration of the silk through the bottom of the glass....Fail to get the silk to come out a time or two, each time setting the glass aside but in full view of the audience. Finally, after having a card selected, have an inspiration about the fact that the hanky in the glass might help you find the card.

36 - Learn how to fold a silk for a Production, per CCIM, pp. 277-8.

37 - Take a look at this great performance with silks: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-qUY8J04PekA/silk_production_magic_2006_by_mr_kobayashi/ -

38 - Read or review the chapter on Make at Home Magic, CCIM, pp. 345-88. Either learn or make a note to learn Afghan Bands, the Utility Cone, Comedy Cut and Restored Paper (Clippo), Sun and Moon, all the Confetti to Candy Effects, and Square Circle.

39 - AFGHAN BANDS -
Cash register tape and strips of cheese cloth work well for this effect. -
http://www.magichobby.co.uk/trick_view.php?id=153 -
http://www.jamesgrant.ca/Magic%20Tricks!.htm - scroll down to Afghan Bands -
http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20000708/mathtrek.asp - why it works... -
http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/discussions/kid_shows.html - look at item number 4 -
http://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Three-Paper-Ring-Magic-Trick - wikihow....
http://www.professorwonder.com/magic4.htm - gospel presentation
http://www.oldandsold.com/articles02/101magictricks10.shtml - old and new web
http://www.online-visions.com/effects/0510moebius.html - regling
http://www.hunkinsexperiments.com/pages/moebiusbands.htm - extra link
http://www.magicbunny.net/tricks/306.php - bunny web -
General Reference: Gardner's Mathematics, Magic, and Mystery, page 70
General Reference: Hay's Learn Magic, page 51
General Reference: Pickover's The Moebius Strip
General Reference: Hutton's Magician's Tricks, page 306
http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11406 -
http://members.aol.com/WWWmagic/trick4.htm -
http://www.magicwebchannel.com/dennis_Mobias.htm - dennis regling -
http://www.wimp.com/mobiusstrip/ -

40 - Simple Utility Cone - http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:jcqy4LBrFqAJ:www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php%3Ftrick%3D1369+magic+discussion+utility+cone&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&client=firefox-a -

41 - Utility Cone Demo - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2eVT7cverU&feature=related -

42 - Clippo - http://www.jefflindsay.com/magic.html#mystuff - Scroll down to Clippo Tip -
And Here is a You-Do-As-I-Do version of Clippo - http://www.hmcmagic.com/tricks/clippo.htm -

43 - Sun and Moon Trick - http://www.classicmagic.net/tricks/s215a.php -

44 - Sun and Moon Again - http://books.google.com/books?id=Kgm2kw71Yr8C&pg=PA202&lpg=PA202&dq=sun+and+moon+trick&source=web&ots=Ev2bbTuFUM&sig=ZdWrzbYVmy2FOuHb_nIr8f4I-s0&hl=en&ei=12uMSd-IDOH8tgflr5moCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PPA202,M1 - You might want to read the whole chapter here on silk knots, etc. It is from Sachs' Sleight of Hand.

45 - Candy Production - http://www.monkeysee.com/play/3770-magic-tricks-the-bag-of-candy-trick-part-1
and part 2 - http://www.monkeysee.com/play/3771-magic-tricks-the-bag-of-candy-trick-part-2 -

46 - Square Circle - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_Circle_Production -


47 - Read CCIM, pp. 177-222 on Coin Magic....Also, you might want to review the March Study Guide on Coins. My recommendation is to learn the basics and handling of the Miser's Dream/Continuous Production of Coins and a good Stand-up routine with coins. Just review the chapter and last month's guide to find something you might like to include in your Kid-Show performances: http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide.html#mozTocId806264 -

48 - Al Flosso - Miser's Dream - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uxl7cMTsn4M&NR=1 -

49 - NOTES AND AFTERTHOUGHTS -

Lindsay's tips on tricks - http://www.jefflindsay.com/PaperMagic.shtml -
Favorite tricks - http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide2005.html#mozTocId365156 -
Reese essay on performing for kids - http://kmrscripts.com/perfkids.html -
Wizard's cottage advice - http://www.dragonskull.co.uk/lecture4_bswizard.htm -
Marucci's “Vampire Bat” - http://www.dragonskull.co.uk/lecture12_marucci.htm -
Johnson's Entertaining Young Children - http://www.charliethejugglingclown.com/Youngkids.htm -
Balloon Stuff - http://www.BalloonHQ.com -
Kid's Jokes - http://www.ahajokes.com/kids_jokes.html -
Hand Shadows - http://www.20kweb.com/hand_shadows.html -
Magnetic cards - http://magic.about.com/od/libraryofsimpletricks/ss/011609maghand.htm - Magnetic Cards can also be done with the birthday kid's birthday cards -
Billy McComb's last tv appearance - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWN_lmluzlA - I included it here, because I like it and because Billy demonstrates the value of one liners.... -
Maverick's Needle Thru Balloon - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFeXc27iybE -
Williamson's Rockey Raccoon - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCzTYrnOg-8&feature=related -
Sylvester's Antics and Miser's Dream - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0EDT6hBxcc -
Harry Potter Trick - http://www.squidoo.com/harrypottermagictrick -
Hat Tricks - http://www.trickswithhats.org/tricks/ -
Jolly Roger's Three Cup Trick - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzpoYTniggQ -
Napkin Rose - http://www.charliethejugglingclown.com/napkin_rose.htm -
Silly Billy Street Magic - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4cU0ivVTwo -
Rockey Handling - http://www.magicproshop.com/popup_flash.php?pID=6921 -
Performing for Teens - http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/discussions/magic_for_teens.html -
Outdoor Magic - http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/discussions/outdoor_magic.html - Magic for Three Year Olds - http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/discussions/magic_for_three_year_old.html -
Classic Hank Tricks - http://www.classicmagic.net/tricks/s62.php - (Use the link at the bottom of that page to continue reading the chapter on Hank Tricks).
Comedy Clown Magic - http://books.google.com/books?id=3ILf8XtMaO4C&pg=PA112&lpg=PA112&dq=foo+can+trick&source=web&ots=xcrsseTfzx&sig=Yj3G0YYhx_6gRa-3X-QpnvOvkbM&hl=en&ei=tbeeSd7TPIrmyAXx3ICgDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=8&ct=result#PPP1,M1 -
50 - Patter and Presentation Ideas - April's holidays and events provide rich sources of patter and routine ideas. A few of them are particularly appropriate for kids. They are April Fools Day, St. Stupid Day, International Children's Book Day, Pony Express Day, D.A.R.E., Pet First Aid Month, etc. Just take a quick look at all the days, and you will find inspiration for many timely patter routines. http://www.brownielocks.com/april.html -

51 - POINTS TO PONDER - Here are some questions you might want to ask Trixie:

Quick ReferenceBack to Quick Reference

May - Money and Liquid Magic

NOTE: As much as I try to keep the referenced links up to date, some of them change overnight. If you encounter that problem, try to use the internal web search on the web you get.

Tricks with bills and Liquid Magic are topics seldom addressed in detail in our magic literature. Some coin effects, such as Miser's Dream, Coins Through Silk, and a few others are the rare effects that can be done on stage or platform, without a TV monitor hookup and large screen. For those effects, I refer you back to the March 09 Study Guide ( http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide.html#mozTocId806264 ) and shall devote more time to addressing effects with bills, some for stage and, some for the close-up folks, and some impromptu and walkaround material for everybody.

The second part of this month's guide will address Liquid Magic, of which I know very little and will depend on our Moderators, Kent Cummins and David Frenkel, to emphasize what they feel is important. Before the program, you might want to take a look at what Mark Wilson has to say about the two topics in the Complete Course in Magic (CCIM). I am sure that Kent and David will have a lot to add. Let's begin by taking a look at magic with currency/bills.

1 - ROLL THE BILLS - CCIM, pp. 222-3 - This is a nice bar bet. It is also a good way, when doing restaurant work, to get six bucks of the spectators' money on the table for a possible tip...tsk tsk..

2 - BILLS FROM NOWHERE - CCIM, pp. 223-4 - This is a cute one to do when joining a blackjack table in a casino. Have the roll of bills bound with a rubber band. As you approach, ask, “Did any of you folks drop a roll of hundred-dollar bills over there?” When everybody there answers yes, produce the roll, remove the rubber bands, and say, “I found your rubber bands.” I saw Brett Daniels use that line on stage at the Gold Strike Casino in Tunica.

3 - TORN AND RESTORED BILL - CCIM, pp. 225-7 - You might want to try this one without gluing the second bill onto the first bill....That way, you can do the effect with a minimum of preparation. Here are some more:
On-Line in Werner's Tearing....in Houdini's Paper Magic, p. 99 -
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/how-to-perform-the-bill-tear-trick/2895531025 - video instructions -

4 - Bill Switches:
http://www.online-visions.com/challenges/0701solved-3.html - signed bill switch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO72NPSqjTY - bill switch -
http://www.hallpass.com/media/convert5to20revealed.html – plug “bill switch” into web search...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VllinNZn8w&feature=related – plug “bill switch” into web search.
http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/discussions/bill_switch.html - (Good news, Magic Talk is coming back on an active web.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8-07RyCNcE&feature=related -
http://www.revver.com/video/691728/a-great-bill-switch-tutorial/ -

5 - SIX-BILL REPEAT - CCIM, pp. 228-30 - http://www.make-digital.com/make/vol13/?pg=68 -

6 - BILL IN LEMON - CCIM, 230-4 - BILL IN LEMON/ORANGE/CIGARETTE/WALNUT -
General Reference: Downs' The Art of Magic, page 329
General Reference: Tarr's 101 East-to-do Magic Tricks, page 32
General Reference: Ogden's Complete Idiot's Guide, page 267
General Reference: Scarne's Magic Tricks, page 240
General Reference: Hugard's Magic Manual, page 267 -
http://www.ultimatemagic.com/library/read.php?ID=62 - walnut -
http://thelearnedpig.com.pa/magos/books/realmag/006.html - gimmick -
http://thelearnedpig.com.pa/magos/books/anne01/03.html - annemann -
http://thelearnedpig.com.pa/magos/books/annual01/014.html - TT -
http://www.magicbunny.net/tricks/206.php -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_in_lemon -

7 - BILL FROM BOTTLE STUNT - http://www.bartendermagic.com/rolled.htm -

8 - INERTIA - http://www.hunkinsexperiments.com/pages/inertia.htm -

9 - TOPSY-TURVY BILL - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ueEKSJ8J-U&feature=related -
- http://www.aaronmartini.com/trick7bill.html -

10 - TWO-DOLLAR BILL TRICK - http://magicref.tripod.com/magref/magmoney.htm -
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/473219/two_dollar_bill_trick_revealed/ - two dollar bill trick revealed -
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_UscK2md_E -

11 - TORN AND RESTORED - http://www.xploremagic.com/Bar-Tricks-Bills/Learn-Tear-And-Restored-Bills.html - torn and restored - (use a bit of stage bill to lay in front of spectator and then to use to restore the bill after the spectator says how many holes are in bill..)

12 - PAPER CLIPS - http://www.xploremagic.com/Bar-Tricks-Bills/Paperclip-Bill-Trick-Tutorial.html - Paper clips trick...talk about nitric acid and glycerin and how one clip has been dipped into nitric acid and the other in glycerin and how, when you bring them together, they merge to fire a tiny explosion...... http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=406&nav=messages&webtag=ab-magic&tid=4758 - Ask a spectator to hold a hand over the bill/clips as you pull the end apart; the jumping clips will provide a chuckle and maybe even a black eye....haha.....

13 - HAUNTED BILL TRICK - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOj9C7A-2_c&feature=related - haunted bill trick -

14 - PERSONALIZED BILLS - http://www.festisite.com/money/ - Is this illegal? -

15 - BOTTLE OPENER - http://www.mediabum.com/html/Dollar-Beer-Bottle-Opener.html - open bottle with dollar bill -
16 - RIP IT - http://trickymagic-guide.blogspot.com/2007/09/dining-on-dollars.html -
17 - EYE OF GOD - http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/143846/learn_a_truly_weird_dollar_bill_trick.html -
18 - MORE BILL TRICKS - http://www.scribd.com/doc/2228963/Easy-Money-Tricks-Using-Bills -
19 - FLOATING BILL - http://74.125.47.132/search?q=cache:04sl-v-j1lwJ:www.wonderhowto.com/how-to/video/how-to-perform-the-floating-dollar-bill-magic-trick-211347/+bill+magic+tricks&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us&client=firefox-a -

NOTE: There are a lot more bill tricks out there, but let us go on to LIQUID MAGIC. Please NOTE that the listings of pages from national magic catalogs are not recommendations to buy nor any endorsement whatsoever by me or Assembly 206. They are listed by a link, to conserve space on this guide, primarily to provide descriptions of certain gimmicks and/or pieces of equipment.

20 - WINE GLASS PRODUCTION - CCIM, pp. 363-5 - This is a classic that is a joy to practice in front of a mirror....Ensure that you do, because timing and smooth handling are essential. (This effect and many other water effects are addressed in Elliot's Classic Secrets of Magic in item 32 below).

21 - VANISHING BOWL OF WATER - CCIM, pp. 374-5 - Also see instructions in Tarr: http://books.google.com/books?id=sG0qkVZK5ZYC&pg=PA66&lpg=PA66&dq=vanishing+bowl+of+water&source=bl&ots=LSXyfi1hhy&sig=TVZ_MF3nE4CiKTqX5vPF3yADVG0&hl=en&ei=LtCeSavtNojKyQWenKGiDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result#PPA66,M1 - 

22 - FOO CAN - CCIM, pp. 386-8 -

23 - LOTA BOWL - CCIM, pp. 388-9

24 - SLUSH POWDER EFFECT - If this link does not work when you click on it, scan it or type it into your address element to get it. http://www.metacafe.com/watch/787766/real_liquid_to_solid_trick/ -

25 - WATER TO ICE (SPONGE) - http://www.metacafe.com/watch/434741/water_into_ice_trick_revealed/ -

26 - Pepper and Water Trick - http://www.metacafe.com/watch/305366/kids_magic_trick/ -

27 - Liquid Bar Bet - http://www.metacafe.com/watch/899203/win_money_with_this_trick_how_to_bar_trick_solution/ -

28 - On the Edge Cola Can - http://www.metacafe.com/watch/334631/on_the_edge_cola_can_trick/ -

29 - RICE BOWLS - http://www.classicmagic.net/tricks/230.php -

30 - ANTI-GRAVITY - http://www.freemagictricks4u.com/magic-tricks-revealed.html -

31 - ABBOTT'S CATALOG - http://www.magicgettogether.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=AM&Category_Code=liquidmagic&Offset=0 - (See disclaimer in NOTE above. These pages are listed to allow our members to read descriptions of related gimmicks.)

32 - TANNEN'S CATALOG - http://www.tannens.com/shop/cart.php?m=product_list&c=7 - (See disclaimer in NOTE above. These pages are listed to allow our members to read descriptions of related gimmicks.)

NOTE ON BUYING MAGIC: Always check with our local dealers before buying on line or by mail. Our folks at Texas Magic Supply will be happy to help you obtain just about any magic piece out there. - http://stores.shoptexasmagicsupply.com/StoreFront.bok - Be sure to give them thanks for all they do for our local magic groups.

33 - Presentation and Patter Ideas - http://www.brownielocks.com/may.html - Check out the holidays and events. Perhaps Kent and David can help us out with a magical recipe for National Homebrew Day...tsk tsk... I might even participate in National Grump Out Day this year...naaaaaaaa.....haha.......

34 - Water Water Everywhere - Read this chapter of Elliot's Classic Secrets of Magic, while it is still on line - http://books.google.com/books?id=blXfILP3JmIC&pg=PA40&lpg=PA40&dq=WINE+GLASS+PRODUCTION+TRICK&source=web&ots=tYZhi_l6kE&sig=tEAojcQTEecVhlTMljl7yl08-eo&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=8&ct=result#PPA33,M1 -

35 - NOTES AND AFTERTHOUGHTS -
Cyril's Card in Aquarium - http://www.glumbert.com/media/cyril -
Princess Tenko Water Escape - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cdRTgQZyRg&feature=related -
Floating Bill/Rubber Band Reel - http://magic.asme.org/pdf/3rubberband.pdf -
Simple effects - http://www.indianchild.com/easy_magic_tricks.htm -
Vanishing Glass of Wine - http://www.classicmagic.net/tricks/s77b.php -
A Temperance Trick - http://www.classicmagic.net/tricks/229.php - This one makes me cry...haha.
Water Discussion - http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/discussions/water_magic.html -

Rosette - http://allmagic.com/magic/stage.html - not water, but with a wine glass....catch it quick while it is still on the web....

Quick ReferenceBack to Quick Reference

June - Stage Contest (Contesting/Presentation)

Getting ready to compete in a contest is not just about reading the rules and doing a performance. Here are some tips from a wide variety of sources, which make it apparent that there is a whole universe of things riding on how judges might see and evaluate a competition. Hey, it is subjective, and the more one knows about how to capture and intrigue an audience, the more one is likely to win a contest. I certainly do not have all the answers, but hopefully there are some tips below that you can use.

1 - FISM WCM 2009 Contest Rules - http://www.fism.org/ContestRule-English.htm - See item 3 for a breakdown of Categories and item 7 for the aspects/criteria on which a contestant is judged; the general aspects are:

2 - SAM ASSEMBLY 112 (Pleasant Valley, CA) Contest Rules - http://www.sam112.com/contests.html - Some of the best published rules and instructions for contests are those published by Assembly 112; the information is valuable for planning a program for entry in any magic contest.

3 - HOW TO WIN - Magic Unlimited - http://magicunlimited.typepad.com/magic_unlimited_with_elli/2005/07/how_to_win_a_ma.html -
and part 2 - http://magicunlimited.typepad.com/magic_unlimited_with_elli/2005/07/how_to_win_a_ma_1.html -

4 - HOW TO WIN - Download Magic - http://www.downloadmagic.com/winningmagiccontests/ -

5 - ORIGINALITY/KEVIN GALLAGHER - http://www.magicweek.co.uk/magic_articles/article_kevin_gallagher_07.htm -

6 - CHARLIE JOHNSON'S CREATIVE/PERFORMANCE MATERIAL - http://charliethejugglingclown.com/focus.htm - Be sure to check out ALL the menu links..... -

7 - CONTEST DOWNLOADS - http://ring129.com/site/?page_id=19 - There are some interesting links here about how that IBM Ring manages its business.

8 - FITZKEE'S SHOWMANSHIP FOR MAGICIANS - Using the chapter links, read this whole book at every opportunity. I have read it several times and always learn something new.
http://www.angelfire.com/musicals/fitzkee/SfMc.html -

9 - JOHN TUDOR ARTICLES - Tudor writes an article worth reading about showmanship. -
http://www.tudormagic.com/articles/acting_and_showmanship.htm -

10 - NELMS' MAGIC AND SHOWMANSHIP - If you do not own this book, read this fragment on-line copy, and buy a copy.
http://books.google.com/books?id=lwPxU4XtPgsC&pg=PA1&dq=showmanship+magic&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=0_0#PPP1,M1 -

11 - DANNY DAVIS ESSAY - http://www.online-visions.com/other/0607presentation.html -

12 - MURAT: THE PERFECT PERFORMANCE - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-p7bPdCjj0 -

There should be enough material above to help get us all thinking about how our magic might be improved, especially in a contest. Good luck to the folks who are competing in our competition.


Quick ReferenceBack to Quick Reference

July - Dealer Nite with J.D. Stewart

Texas Magic Supply - http://stores.shoptexasmagicsupply.com/StoreFront.bok - Support these folks; they support us.

T.Myer's Magic - http://www.tmyers.com/ - An Austin institution for your balloon needs and MORE..

Old Catalogs - http://forrestflanderscentral.typepad.com/old_catalogs/old_magic_catalogs/ - You could spend hours checking out the catalogs on this web. Just click on a few menu items and enjoy.

Here are some posts from Genii about famous and infamous magic shops: http://www.geniimagazine.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=176574 -

Abbott's - http://www.magicgettogether.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=AM

Tannen's - http://www.tannens.com/shop/featured.php -

Hank Lee's - http://www.hanklee.org/xcart/catalog.php -

H & R Magic Books - http://www.magicbookshop.com/ - and http://www.magicbookshop.com/usedbooklist/used2009june.pdf -

Denny Magic - http://www.dennymagic.com/cgi-bin/hazel.cgi -

I have intentionally not included the multitude of on-line shops, because I believe the brick and mortar shops deserve our business, especially our local folks.

Remember when the only real shop in Austin was Fred and Judy's, and what a pleasure it was to visit Scott Magic? Well, you can recall some of that excitement, if you visit the nice folks at Texas Magic Supply and T.Myers Magic....

Look over the on-line catalogs and make up your want list. Then call the local shops and ask them to have the merchandise ready when you drop by.....Tell 'em Opie sent you.

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