IBM Ring 50 - Washington, D.C.

TLR Reviewers to Perform at February Meeting

2012-01-13T10:16:00.002-05:00

The February 1st meeting will be demonstrations of the latest magic items on the market by our Ring 50 Hocus in Focus Linking Ring reviewers. New items arrive at TLR editor’s office for review. He sends them to the associate editor, Jason Goldberg, for his reviewers to examine, tear apart, perform, and evaluate. Many are new items, books, DVDs, and some are revisions or modifications to classic magic effects. This will be a good chance to see a demo of an item you saw advertise and wanted to know more about it.
We appreciate the time the Hocus in Focus team spends on their reviews. It is not an easy task to critically examine the hard work of others.

New Performers at January Meeting

2012-01-13T10:09:00.008-05:00

President Danny Selnick emceed this month’s show. Performing for the ‘New Members Perform’ night were: John Cloninger, Avi Littky, Dr. Stan Hillard, Cassandra Lofgren, Joe Patane, Bob Weiman, Andrew Lindgren, and Bob Wilcox.

2012 Ring 50 Meeting Schedule

2012-01-11T07:27:00.012-05:00

REMEMBER our NEW meeting location is
ChildTime Magic Party Place
312 Dominion Drive NE, Vienna, VA 22180.

Meetings begin at 8:00 p.m., with a Teach-In at 7:45 p.m.
Arrive early for best parking.
The many fine restaurants nearby make it easy to visit with your friends before the meeting!

2012 Schedule
Feb 1........Hocus in Focus Night
Mar 7.......Auction Night
Apr 4........Dan Lacey Contest
Apr 13-14 Magi-Whirl 2012
May 2.......Geoff Williams Lecture
Jun 6........Humorous Magi Contest
July **No Ring 50 Meeting**
Jul 3-7 IBM Convention Norfolk, VA
Aug 1.......Joshua Jay Lecture
Sept 5......Teach-In by Members
Oct 3........ESP/Mentalism Night
Nov 7.......Simon Lovell Lecture
Dec 5........Children's Magic Show

New Members Perform at January 4th Meeting

2012-01-01T20:06:00.002-05:00

New members that have joined Ring 50 in the 2010 or 2011 years are asked to perform at the January 4th meeting. It should be noted the New Performer’s Night is not a contest – there is no judging, no trophies. It is merely a time to welcome and appreciate the talents of our newest members. I.B.M. Ring 50 meetings are held at “ChildTime Magic Party Place” located in Vienna VA. The address is 312 Dominion Rd. NE, Vienna, VA 22180. If you need assistance in locating the meeting call: 703-765-1923.

New Meeting Place for Ring 50 in Vienna, VA

2011-12-12T16:03:00.010-05:00

Beginning with our Wednesday, January 4, 2012 meeting, Ring 50 will meet at 8:00 p.m. in Louis Meyer's

ChildTime Magic Party Place,
312 Dominion Drive NE, Vienna, VA 22180.

While the Vienna Metro is not within walking distance, we hope those members who rely on Metro can team up with other Ring 50 members to and from meetings. And taxi rides are only a phone call away.

In terms of logistics, there is plenty of nearby parking and there are several excellent restaurants nearby. We can easily be find a restaurant that would hold an area for us to dine as a group. (Amphora, anyone?) Louis even mentioned that Ring 50 members could use the dining area of his place and call in for pizza delivery, if that's what some members would like to do.
- Bob Patterson

December 7th Meeting - Childrens Magic

2011-11-06T21:32:00.013-05:00

Wednesday, December 7th at 7:30 PM there will be a "Children's Holiday Magic Show" sponsored by I.B.M. Ring 50 featuring four of Washington's finest children's magicians. Admittance is FREE -- with donation of can of food or toy for local charity. The show starts at 7:30 PM and will be about 1 hour in duration. Be sure to come to the Holiday Inn, 2460 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA and see the show.
The magicians are Lorenzo The Great (Larry Lipman), Captain Token (Louis Hofheimer), Turley The Magician (Hugh Turley), and Laurie Curry.

Al Cohen Presents "Gems from the Past" at THURSDAY November 3rd Meeting

2011-10-19T10:05:00.012-04:00

Coming up on THURSDAY, November 3rd will be a lecture entitled "Gems from the past" by Washington DC’s famous retired magic dealer, Al Cohen.

For more than 55 years, Al’s magic shop was the source for quality magic in Washington DC. The ceiling in the shop was covered with playing cards signed by great magicians. Al has hundreds of stories he can tell of his years in the shop and performances at Washington DC’s celebrity functions, such as: Presidents Harry Truman & George H.W. Bush, DC Mayors Walter Washington and Marion Barry, GEN Norman Schwarzkopf, Mohammed Ali, Jay Leno, Joel Grey, Joan Rivers, Avery Brooks…and the list goes on.

When Al retired and sold the shop in 2001, the magic world went into mourning. In 2003, Al Cohen won magic's equivalent of a Lifetime Oscar, the Academy of Magical Arts' Lifetime Achievement Award.

I.B.M. Ring 50 meets the first Wednesday of each month (except July) at the Holiday Inn I-95 at Telegraph Rd., Alexandria, Virginia, at 8:00 PM.

The lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, All other magicians $15 at the door.

Ring 50 Teach-In Scheduled for October 5th Meeting

2011-09-14T10:59:00.010-04:00

The October ‘Stars of Magic’ Teach-in is shaping up for an educational evening to enhance our Art of Magic. The lecturers may present a bit of related magic history, techniques, and then teach a trick or two. Each lecture will last 30 minutes. Members will choose three of four lectures to attend. Here’s the line-up for the October Teach-in: Bud Smith, the master of coins will teach some coin routines. Glenn Gary will teach us about the mystery of threads. Sam Brothers, will teach incredible card magic that you can do. Rucj Uffelman, mentalist deJour will present some easy to learn Mentalism and ESP effects. You may want to being some coins (dollars or half dollars), fishing line, safety pin, or deck of cards to follow along with the demonstrations and a pad to take notes on.

Patterson Receives SABAR Award

2011-09-12T14:43:00.012-04:00

Bob Patterson was presented the SABAR award by his peers for the outstanding work he has done to support I.B.M. Ring 50 over the past several years. The Award is given to a current member who has given generously of his or her time and talents to the Ring. This is only awarded in cases of exceptional performance or service over an extended period. The SABAR Award Committee appointed by the president includes the past recipients of the SABAR Award (if possible). The award was named after Sam Shapiro; SABAR was his stage name, a contraction of the names Sam and Barbara, his wife. The Ring created the award sometime prior to 1971 and over the past 45 years there have only been 11 recipients. Previous winners of the prestigious award are: Lou Bertol 1966, Al Cohen 1967, Ray Eyler, Larry West, Winton Carroll 1971, Art Emerson 1975, Bill Wells 1978, Jack Nance 1988, John Roberts 1996, Jim Flanigan 2009 and Bob Patterson 2011.

Bob says, “I want to thank all those involved in this award and all the Ring 50 members who come out and support the Ring activities. I am most grateful and I enjoy keeping the Art of Magic glowing within the I.B.M. and Ring 50. For you to honor me with the SABAR award is what magicians call ‘the extra kicker’.”

The Great Zucchini to Lecture Sept. 7

2011-08-07T09:33:00.013-04:00

If you ever have preschoolers or Kindergarteners attending your show, you MUST come to the September 7 Ring 50 meeting! The Great Zucchini (Eric Knaus), Washington's funniest and most magical PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN entertainer will give a lecture at I.B.M. Ring 50 on September 7, 2011 at 8:00 PM following a brief Ring meeting.

"In the world of local kid's entertainment, there is no bigger name than The Great Zucchini! You're like a phenomenon ... all the parents know you!"
- Tony Perkins, Fox 5 News

"The Great Zucchini is instantly likeable, and effortlessly charming."
- Gene Weingarten, The Washington Post

The Great Zucchini has been entertaining young children as a magician and preschool teacher. He performs his hands-on, interactive magic shows for more that 400 groups a year. His experience, coupled with his gentle nature and wacky facial expressions, makes kids immediately feel comfortable and ready to laugh. He will have you laughing at the gags he does to entertain toddlers. We each have different styles, but it does come down to keeping the kids attention and keeping control. If you EVER entertain children, this is a lecture you will want to attend. There is a lot to be learned from studying Eric's approach to entertaining young children. The lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, all other magicians $15 at the door.

Past Ring 50 President Featured in Washington Post

2011-07-17T23:13:00.003-04:00

Past President Eric Henning is mentioned prominently in Monday's Washington Post. In An article entitled, "‘Magical’ iPhone put to use in actual magic," Post staff writer Michael Rosenwald, along with other DC-area magicians Brian Curry and Josh Norris, as well as GENII Magazine Editor Richard Kaufman. Congrats to all!

Wayne Houchin Lecture Scheduled for August 3rd

2011-07-11T10:32:00.004-04:00

The very creative and inspiring magician Wayne Houchin will be lecturing at the August 3rd meeting. Synthesis Magazine has this to say about Houchin: "The more you pay attention to what he's doing, the more you can't help but think you are watching something extraordinary in the making." He was a consultant on the national television series "Criss Angel: Mindfreak” and agreed to allow a few of his original pieces of magic to be performed on the show and subsequently shot a DVD of his impromptu signed quarter through soda can, Sinful, with Angel. He released the groundbreaking international best selling DVD's Stigmata and Indecent, and is one of the founders for Theory11.com – the groundbreaking new online resource for magicians. Houchin has helped to revolutionize the art of teaching magic on video. Houchin has spent his time developing his own effects and perfecting them in front of audiences across the country.
The lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, all other magicians $15 at the door.

July Magi-Gram is here!

2011-07-11T10:17:00.006-04:00

Due to the IBM Convention, we do not have a July meeting, and usually, no July newsletter. But despite his enormous duties as Registrar for the IBM Convention, erstwhile Editor Bob Patterson has managed to create a July issue! You can view it online by clicking here, or see the link in the right hand column ---->

Ring 50 Officers 2011-12

2011-07-11T10:00:00.006-04:00

Congratulations to our new officers!

President
Danny Selnick
703-347-5540
president@ibmring50.org

Vice President
Kevin McGuire
703-675-5323
vp@ibmring50.org

Secretary
Arnie Fuoco
(703) 521-6286
secretary@ibmring50.org

Treasurer
Bob Patterson
(703) 490-1222
treasurer@ibmring50.org

Sergeant-at-Arms
Scott McDonald
703-491-7989
sgtarms@ibmring50.org

Webmaster
Theo Rushin, Jr.
240-988-3441
webmaster@ibmring50.org

Magi-Gram Editor
Bob Patterson
(703) 490-1222
magi-gram@ibmring50.org

Ring 50 Officers for 2011-2012

2011-07-11T09:54:00.003-04:00

Danny Selnick was sworn in as the new president of The National Capital Ring at our June meeting. He stepped up from the vice president’s position to assume the leadership role. Washington, D.C., Territorial Vice President Dwight Redman conducted the candlelight Eight Points of Light installation ceremony. Others taking their oaths of office were Kevin McGuire as vice president, Bob Patterson returning as treasurer, Arnold Fuoco as secretary and Scott McDonald as Sergeant-at-Arms. Outgoing Ring 50 President Arnold Fuoco joined by former Ring 50 presidents Michael Taggert and Louis Meyer to serve as directors.

Winton Carroll Contest Results in June Magi-Gram!

2011-06-10T09:03:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to Past President Louis Meyer, who won the Winton Carroll Most Humorous Magician Contest and was awarded the well-deserved DC Comedy Magician of the Year staff! Read all about it here, or look at the right column for the link.

Special Magi-Whirl Newsletter is Here!

2011-05-17T12:00:00.004-04:00

In addition to the May Magi-Gram, Editor Bob Patterson has put together a special edition of the newsletter, with an extraordinary look at Magi-Whirl 2011, which is rapidly becoming the best little convention in the East. You can also look in the right-hand column for the current links to the Magi-Gram and many other great things!

April Magic-Gram is Here!

2011-04-14T18:41:00.002-04:00

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Treasurer Bob Patterson, the April issue of Ring 50's Magi-Gram is online and ready for you to read. You can view it online, print or download it here.
Later, you can simply click on the Magi-Gram link in the column to your right --->

Wayne Alan Lecture Debut Impressive

2011-04-12T19:36:00.007-04:00

I.B.M. Ring 50’s April 6th meeting was opened by President Arnie Fuoco. After a few business details he introduced our lecturer, Wayne Alan, Corporate Illusionist.

Alan opened his lecture with balloon to bouquet and then two more bouquets appeared. After explaining the production and giving a few tips, he had two spectators join him on stage. He did a Two Card Monte with a regular size Ace and a Queen and then he did it with jumbo cards. Finally, removing the table cloth he showed two very large cards (40”x30”) which were set up on the stage. From these two cards a live Queen (Cassandra) was produced! He explained the workings of the effect and how to build it for less than $300. Next was a coin routine with his version of coins across and the coins appearing under a glass.

Alan's lecture was based on his decades of experience and proven show business concepts, covering 1/3 talent, 1/3 marketing, and 1/3 publicity. Wayne Alan says, " Be a showman and act like a star, be mysterious without being hokey, dress like a star, have beautiful assistants, and ride the coattails of the famous."

Other effects that he demonstrated and taught included the famous rabbit from a hat, card shark gags, a card routine ending with his business card, chop cup, a white board card revelation, a comedy mind reading routine using a spectator blindfolded with a Mardi Gras mask.

Alan also did a torn and restored card with the card reappearing in a frame held by a spectator. The card had a corner missing and it matched the one held by another spectator. He ended the evening with a crystal silk cylinder routine. Throughout the lecture he gave credits to contributors of the effects and routines. A great lecture by Wayne Alan! The May meeting is the Dan Lacey contest for Washington DC Magician of the Year.

- Bob Patterson

Wayne Alan Lecture – April 6th, Wednesday

2011-03-31T11:22:00.003-04:00

Wayne Alan introduces his brand new lecture to the magic world. It is called The Secret Formula for Success in Magic-1/3 Talent, 1/3 Publicity and 1/3 Marketing. It is based on a proven show business formula. Alan is a world-class illusionist and the only American to win the prestigious Gold Medal for Grande Illusion at FISM, the World Championships of Magic. Unlike the majority of magic lectures, the business side of magic is not ignored but it is embraced in this presentation. The lecture is packed with strong and funny commercial magic. Some of the features include: ♠ Top 10 things To Do to be a successful magician and develop into a Magical Star; ♥ Top 10 things NOT To Do to be a top successful magician and develop into a Magical Star; ♣ 13 sure fire ways to get great publicity and become a magic celebrity in your area; ♦ 13 commercial close-up, stand-up and stage tricks/routines (including an illusion). The lecture is free to Ring 50 members. All other magicians must pay $10.00 at the door.

March Auction Has Something For Everyone

2011-03-13T20:41:00.015-04:00

Forty-eight members and guests attended the auction with 37 registered bidders. Auctioneers Dick Christian and Wayne Alan ( photo, right) did a fantastic job demonstrating the live auction items and coaxing out the best dollar. Danny Selnick and Bob Patterson were the accountants, Louis Meyer helped with the bagging the winning bids. Reggie Rice contributed by putting the unsold items in a holding area. The drawback for the evening was there were too many items (142) in the Live Auction and the time ran past 11:00 PM.

Overall the lucky bidders bought some great magic equipment, videos, collectable magic, and publications. In the live auction, Louis Meyer walked away with a great deal on an Abbott’s Botania. Avi Littky was the lucky winner of a Voice Amplifier. Greg Clements acquired a Dancing Cane at a very reasonable price of $30. After some spirited bidding Sylvia Lett was the top winner for a Boy to Rabbit illusion with a bid of $115. Tom Bohacek didn’t go hungry, he won a Peanut Butter and Jelly set. Ed Kaczka was the top bidder and walked off with a Disappearing Cane and Louis Meyer found an appearing cane that he liked. A Deluxe Handle Style Change Bag was another piece of magic that drew a lot of bids but was won by Louis Meyer for only $40.

The Silent Auction had many great deals on magic items. A card effect, a Victorian-styled Box of Destiny, had several bidders with Cassandra Rogers being the winner for $30. A very nice Chick Pan went to Bob Malinchock for $14. Mike Wolfson was the high bidder for a set of cups and balls. Dan Miller was the top silent bidder for a Confusing Crayon with a bid of $13. Karl Keat won a Self-Lighting Light Bulb. Ken Busch was top bidder at $13 for the popular rope effect “Hang ‘em High”. Danny Selnick and Dick Guay battled it out for a Milson-Worth Card Frame, with Dick placing the winning bid of $12. Eric Henning snagged a $40 Shufton's Portal for only $5. Another Silent Auction battle raged on for a 2 inch Crystal Ball with Cassandra Rogers placing the final bid of $13.

Altogether, it was a very busy night with a total of 63 items being sold in the live auction for a total of $1,930 and 101 magic items sold in the silent auction for $676. - Bob Patterson

Photo credit: Eric Henning

March Magi-Gram Newsletter is Here!

2011-03-13T18:19:00.001-04:00

Once again, thanks to the nimble cursor of Bob Patterson, we have the Magi-Gram uploaded. To read it, you can click here or visit the link in the right-hand column on this page.

February Magi-Gram Newsletter is Here!

2011-02-07T17:55:00.005-05:00

The February Ring 50 Magi-Gram Newsletter is here! You can view it here, or look for the link in the right column.

January 2011 Magi-Gram is Here!

2011-01-14T14:35:00.003-05:00

The January Ring 50 Magi-Gram Newsletter is here! You can view it here, or look for the link in the right column.

Panel of Experts Enrich December Meeting

2010-12-15T13:00:00.007-05:00

The December 1st meeting hosted fifty members and guests. President Arnie Fuoco introduced former member Homer Lambeth, who was reinstated into Ring 50. After the raffle and 50/50, Treasurer Bob Patterson proposed that the Counts of Conjuring (Magic Youth International) annual prize be a paid membership in the I.B.M. The motion was passed.

President Fuoco facilitated the “Ask the Experts” panel discussion, answering questions submitted by email in advance. The panel consisted of Dick Christian, Hugh Turley, Mike Taggert, Wayne Alan, Buddy Smith and Louis Meyer. While many questions generated in-depth discussion, highlights follow.

One person asked about dealing with anxiety and shaking hands in performance. Some offered humorous lines, such as “I learned this trick in Minnesota,” while others stressed the importance of preparation and rehearsal. One member wanted to rent illusions on an occasional basis. The illusionists on the panel pointed out the difficulties involved and encouraged study of the many books of practical, low-cost illusions.

L to R: Dick Christian, Hugh Turley, Michael Taggert, Wayne Alan, Buddy Smith, Louis Meyer, Arnie Fuoco.

How would one practice the classic palm with coins without palming a coin all day? Coin expert Buddy Smith replied that Fred Kaps practiced with half dollars and held on in classic palm from sunrise to sunset. Buddy then reminded us of the many practical alternatives, such as Finger Palm and Thumb Clip, which could be acquired with less effort.

How to turn professional? This generated a huge discussion, with aspects of showmanship, finance, marketing, and raising fees once one’s calendar fills up. A related question on Internet marketing brought some great answers from Louis Meyer, who recently flew to California for a class at Google HQ.

How to sell an effect one has invented was the net topic, and this time the emphasis was on studying the background and history to ensure that the invention is in fact novel. The experts also discussed arrangements with magic dealers and wholesalers. To refresh old playing cards, try fanning powder, or just buy a new deck. A great card trick for strolling that resets and last under a minute? Turley recommends the old Three Card Monte with the flap card, which can be customized for each event or used as a giveaway. How does Kreskin find his check at the end of each show? The answer: muscle reading, also known as contact mind reading or Hellstromism.

Thinking about entering a contest? Attend other conventions and contests and observe the contests, noting the high level of copying. Then design an act that is novel, visually amazing and entertaining. Make sure to understand thoroughly the grading system and contest rules, especially time limits.

The final question was about working with agents, and again emphasized knowing the agent’s rules before you book through them. Getting things clearly in writing ahead of time saves much trouble.

A big THANK YOU to all our experts who made the discussions lively and very informative!

The final lineup for MAGI-WHIRL 2011 (April 29-30) is LOSANDER, LUNA SHIMADA, KEITH FIELDS and MARK MASON. Get all the info at www.Magi-Whirl.org

December Magi-Gram is Here!

2010-12-13T09:05:00.002-05:00

You can read it by clicking here or by looking for the link in the right column. Thanks to Bob Patterson for a wonderful, fun-filled issue!

TLR Reviewers Perform at November Meeting

2010-11-14T08:18:00.003-05:00

The November 3rd meeting had more than 50 in attendance, including new members Cassandra Rogers and Julian Ortiza, who were officially voted in. Magi-Whirl 2011 Chairman Theo Rushin, Jr., announced the full lineup for the April 29-30 event: Losander, Luna Shimada, Keith Fields and Mark Mason. Magi-Whirl will have a truly international flavor this year and you can get details at www.Magi-Whirl.org.

The November showcase featured Ring 50 members performing tricks they had reviewed for The Linking Ring. Since Associate Editor Jason Goldberg is in charge of Hocus in Focus and is also a Ring 50 members, most of the reviewers are from Ring 50. (Because of the sheer number of performers that follow, there is no room for full descriptions, which you can find in the November 2010 Magi-Gram newsletter.)

President Arnie Fuoco introduced the acts, which began with Jason Goldberg doing a charming rendition of Christian Schenk’s “Metamorphosis,” in which caterpillars on cards change to butterflies and one comes off as a souvenir. Treasurer Bob Patterson did Cameron Francis’ “Annihilation Deck,” in which two prediction cards are removed from the deck, and then a helper chooses a card. The prediction cards do not match the selection, but have the value and suit of the selection written on their backs! Bob Continued with “Prohibition” from Blacks Magic, a very clean, nearly impromptu cap-in-bottle effect. Bob concluded with “Double Coincidence,” one of the effects from Jean-Pierre Vallarino’s “Fasten” DVD.

Dick Christian did several mental magic and mentalism items, including “School Daze” by Black’s Magic, Asi Wind’s “Switcher,” and Devin Knight’s “Word Sight.” Kevin McGuire switched gears into children’s magic with a modified version of “Fronkey” from Oliver Meech’s “5 for £5 Kids Magic,” a sort of McCombical Deck routine for children, which was very cute.

With many funny bits of business, Arnie Levin did a four ace trick from the Criss Angel DVD, and then recommended we simply buy McDonald’s Aces. He finished with “Keyruption” by Bob Solari, in which a borrowed, signed, bill vanishes and winds up in a zippered leather key case – a definite recommendation.

Rucj Uffelman performed Devin Knight’s “Inside Thoughts” and “Schezuan Sampler” from Mentalism Unlimited. Bob Carnathan performed Devin Knight’s “Unshop,” and Danny Selnick did Gaeton Bloom’s “The Die.” Geoff Weber astonished all with the signature routine from Steve Spill’s “Confessions of a Needle Swallower” DVD.

Eric Henning had a last-minute change of program, announcing that he had been privileged to perform for President and the First Family at the White House Halloween party. He proceeded to do the routine he had developed for this engagement, which combined Bill Abbott’s “The Thing” with the DaVinci Floating Table. Afterward, Michael Taggert came up and reiterated his reviews of “The Thing” and also Jim Kleefeld’s “Sound Control” utility device, which Henning had used in his act.

TLR Reviewers Perform the Latest Items

2010-10-19T12:36:00.003-04:00

The November 3rd meeting will be demonstrations of the latest magic items on the market by our Ring 50 product reviewers for the "Hocus in Focus" section of The Linking Ring. New items arrive at TLR editor’s office for review. He sends them to the Associate Editor, Jason Goldberg, for his reviewers to examine, tear apart, perform, and evaluate. Many are new items, books, DVDs, and some are revisions or modifications to classic magic effects. This will be a good chance to see a demo of an item you have seen advertised and want to know more about.

We appreciate the time the "Hocus in Focus" team spends on their reviews. It is not an easy task to critically examine the hard work of others. Our Ring 50 reviewers are:
Jason Goldberg, Tom Bohacek, Sam Brothers, Dick Christian, Eric Henning, Dick Kahane, Arnie Levin, Larry Lipman, Kevin McGuire, Louis Meyer, Bob Patterson, Tom Paxton, Dwight Redman, Danny Selnick, Dave Shepherd, Ed Spells, Michael Taggert, Geoff Weber, Rucj Uffelman, Bill Wells and Paul White.

October Magi-Gram is Here!

2010-10-16T11:16:00.003-04:00

You can read it online or download it and print it out from your own computer if you like. Just click here. Special thanks to Bob Patterson, who in addition to his duties as Treasurer, has been faithfully creating this great newsletter monthly.

You can see the online newsletter archive at http://www.scribd.com/document_collections/2674897

Magician's Ghosts Featured in October Meeting

2010-10-15T23:04:00.009-04:00

The October meeting began with President Arnie Fuoco introducing prospective new member John Cloninger of Woodbridge, Virginia, who was voted in by the members present. Fuoco also promoted Magi-Whirl, April 29-30, 2011, asking for volunteers to help Convention Chairman Theo Rushin, Jr. You can see more info at www.Magi-Whirl.org.

Our guest lecturer was well-known magic collector Ken Trombly, whose extensive collection of magic ephemera is merely hinted at on his Website at www.MagicPosters.com .

Starting as a magician at the age of ten, Ken’s interest slowly evolved, and he began collecting magic posters and other paper from the “Golden Age” of magic about thirty years ago. Ken is an active member of the Magic Collector’s Association and ran their 2006 conference in Washington, DC. By day, Ken is a trial attorney. He has written articles or been featured in most of the major magic publications, including a recent profile in TLR.

His presentation, “Paper Treasures: Collecting Magic Ephemera,” took us on a tour of the publicity, and sometimes, behind the curtain of the great magicians of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ken started out with a sampling of his vast collection of magic posters, most in near-mint condition, shown in hi-res photos. Ken has numerous specimens from Robert-Houdin, John Henry Anderson, the Herrmanns (all of them), Kellar, Thurston, Goldin, Chung Ling Soo (and even earlier when he was still William Robinson), Lafayette, LeRoy, Blackstone Sr., Jansen (later Dante), Hardeen and, of course, Houdini.

Among numerous photographs, Houdini provided the highlight of the evening, when Ken showed a receipt for magic apparatus bought by Houdini in 1897, and then showed us a famous promo photo of a young Houdini. Putting the two side by side, Ken demonstrated that all of the apparatus from the receipt was arranged in the photo! This was clearly an attempt by Houdini, then still trying to make it as a magician, to impress the agents. (See below.)

From posters and photographs, Ken moved neatly into promotional giveaways such as throw out cards, hand mirrors, pins, fans, fake money, fake tickets, coupons, even cigars -the band (below) bearing the facsimile signature of "Herrmann" still remains! We saw letters and letterheads, postcards, business cards, cartes de visite, paperback books, sheet music, newspaper stories (real and fake), newspapers (ditto) and even photo montages. Cartoons, both editorial and political, done by legends such as Daumier and Nast, reminded us of the incredible fame these performers enjoyed.

One “accidental” collectible is a hotel postcard. The photographer, snapping the hotel’s great façade on a busy city street, captured a local bus going by. In large letters, the bus’s side banner shouts “HOUDINI.”

All photos in this article courtesy Ken Trombly collection and (c) 2010 Ken Trombly.

Ken Trombly to Lecture at October Meeting

2010-09-29T22:48:00.007-04:00

The October 6th meeting features a lifelong magic enthusiast and longtime magic collector, Ken Trombly. He has been performing magic since the age of 10 and has been a serious collector of magic posters and related items for at least the last couple of decades when he began collecting "original magic posters from the :Golden Age of Magic". Trombly will be sharing his knowledge of magic posters with us at the meeting. He has lecture at the Magic Collectors Association conventions, and given his slide show presentation to other magic clubs as well. He has publishd articles on magic posters and collecting in Paper Collectors Marketplace, Collectors Showcase, MUM, and MAGIC magazines. Come out an enjoy the presentation.

September Magi-Gram is here!

2010-09-09T15:03:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Bob Patterson for another brilliant job and in-depth coverage of the September New Performers Show. You can read all about it here.
There's also a link in the right column ---->

Magic by First Time Performers at September 1st Meeting

2010-08-19T16:32:00.003-04:00

For our September 1st meeting will be entertained by the members that have never performed for the Ring thus called “Magic by First Time Performers” night. Let’s get some new faces to perform at the meeting. For the September meeting we will have an opportunity for people who don’t normally perform at the meetings to show their stuff. If you have not performed or it’s been a long time since you performed for the Ring you are invited to bring a trick or two and perform for the Ring members. This will help develop their skills and provide encouraging feedback. Contact President Arnie Fuoco at (afuoco2@Yahoo.Com) or 703-521-6286 so he can put you on the program.

August Magi-Gram is Here!

2010-08-17T13:03:00.002-04:00

You can read it by clicking here.
There's also a link in the right column ---->

Alain Nu - The Man Who Knows

2010-08-15T22:07:00.008-04:00

August's meeting kicked off with the members approving President Arnie Fuoco's proposal to purchase a portable stage light set and a portable wireless PA.We also voted in two new members. Magi-Whirl Chairman Theo Rushin announced that MAGI-WHIRL 2011 will take place on April 29 & 30 at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia. He also announced our headliners: Dirk Losander and Luna Shimada, along with legendary UK street magician Keith Fields. We have more surprises, and you can keep up with the news at www.Magi-Whirl.org.

Our lecturer was a longtime friend of Ring 50, international star and local resident Alain Nu, who had done a special intensive mentalism workshop earlier in the evening.

Alain's lecture was quite unusual, not only for his focus on mentalism, but also for his teaching style. He teaches principles which form the basis for numerous tricks and routines, limited only by the performer's imagination. He performed "Nu Wave," his take on "B'Wave;" did an excellent book test; did his version of Any Card at Any Number; divined an audience member's zodiac sign and bent ordinary spoons in the extraordinary fashion for which he is so justly famous.

Nu then spent the next 90 minutes going into great detail on the principals and variations involved in the first three items. This was really a master class in routine construction, teaching how to craft the script and the action to cancel out the method. He spent a brief time on the zodiac divination, which is found in one of his manuscripts, which are available at his lectures. As he had warned us, he did not teach his spoon-bending secrets, although he does a special workshop on just this topic the day before Mindvention each year. You can get more info by contacting Alain at alainnutv@yahoo.com. Alain Nu is a deep thinker who has much of value to teach any magician or mentalist.

Alain Nu to Lecture at Ring 50!

2010-08-02T14:23:00.004-04:00

I.B.M. Ring 50 is having an exciting lecture you won't want to miss. Join us this Wednesday, August 4, 2010, as we welcome mentalist Alain Nu! You've never heard of Alain Nu? Then you need to study-up, as this is surely not something you're going to want to miss out on. If you don't practice mentalism, then maybe this lecture is the one that will introduce you into this whole new world. Alain was a headlining performer at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for four straight years. He was the international star of four hour-long television specials for TLC entitled “The Mysterious World of Alain Nu.” On January 20th, 2009, Alain was asked to appear before many of the living recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor at the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball. With Halloween on the horizon, it's prime time to not only brush up on, but also expand your mentalism repertoire so that you're ready for that seasonal party. Be sure to take a moment to check out his website here. The lecture will take place on Wednesday, August 4th beginning at 8:15. Before the Ring meeting and lecture there will be an optional workshop that will begin at 5:30pm and go until 7:30pm. Workshop price: $60 per attendee. The 8:15 lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, all other magicians $10 at the door.

Ring Officers 2010-2011

2010-07-01T17:20:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to our new officers!

President
Arnie Fuoco
(703) 521-6286
president@ibmring50.org

Vice President
Danny Selnick
(202) 250-3834
vp@ibmring50.org

Secretary & Webmaster
Eric Henning
secretary@ibmring50.org

Treasurer
Bob Patterson
(703) 490-1222
treasurer@ibmring50.org

Sergeant-at-Arms
Tom Paxton
(301) 596-7407
sgtarms@ibmring50.org

Magi-Gram Editor
Bob Patterson
(703) 490-1222
magi-gram@ibmring50.org

2010-2011 Officers & Board Sworn into Office

2010-06-30T14:48:00.012-04:00

NEW LEADERS –Arnold Fuoco, third from right, was sworn in as the new president of Ring 50 at the June meeting. Dwight Redman, left, who is the IBM’s Territorial Vice President for the Washington area, performed the installation ceremony. Others seen here are (from far left) Dwight Redman, Board Member; Mike Taggert Board Member, Louis Meyer Board Member, incoming Vice President Danny Selnick, Eric Henning returning as Secretary, Arnold Fuoco, Bob Patterson, returning as treasurer; and Tom Paxton returning sergeant-at-arms.

Sixty-one members and guests attended the June 2 meeting. Dwight Redman, TVP Washington, DC, using the eight points of light, conducted installation and oath of office for the new officers for 2010-2011: President, Arnold Fuoco; Vice President, Danny Selnick; Treasure, Bob Patterson; Secretary, Eric Henning, and Sergeant-at-Arms, Tom Paxton. The Board of Directors are: Sr. Director Dwight Redman, Past President Michael Taggert, and Retiring President Louis Meyer.

Comedy Magician Contest

2010-06-30T08:43:00.032-04:00

(Click on photos for larger view)

The other main event at the June meeting was the annual Winton Carroll Humorous Magician Contest, named after a former Ring 50 President known for his love of magic and his comedic routines. First up was former TVP John Roberts (right) as a screwball magician character whose magic went all wrong, especially the ~~Needle~~ Javelin through Balloon! He got big laughs with a Paper Balls over the Head in which he threw the balls over his own head!

Next was Bob Carnathan (left), who did a Spotted Silk Can with rhyming patter from his famous “Black and White” act. He followed with the Leopard Silk and Karrell Fox’s Invisible Deck routine.

Geoff Weber (right) did some original material, opening with a rod holding six index cards. He asked the audience helper to get him out of his daily rut by picking a random action written on one card. Her card read “HUG,” and when he turned to hug her, we saw that all the other cards said “KILL”! Geoff, or Geo as he is known professionally, then did a beautiful version of the Malini Egg Bag, followed by an original presentation for Bob Sheets’ Hang ‘Em High.

Two-time winner Reggie Rice (left) followed, with an unusual bowling ball production (no pad!), and a nice handling of Barry Mitchell’s Moo Masher with a young girl from the audience. As usual, Reggie got the most laughs of anyone in the show.

Brian Garner (right), the “Funny Magic Dude,” did a nifty bottle production and a nice routine with the Axtell Drawing Board. A card trick with a jumbo deck went wrong, whereupon Brian went into full “American Idol” mode, singing and getting dissed by the voice of Simon Cowell. He ended with a nice Kabuki Streamer and produced silks from the streamer.

Next up were two of our junior members, Alina Selnick and Karl Keat (left). They did a comedy sketch in which the Alina was the magician and Karl was her bumbling assistant who got the magic wrong. It was great to see them aiming so high so young, and we look for more from them.

Bert Udovin (right) had three people select cards and failed to find them and then cut holes in a folded newspaper to reveal the pips of each card in succession. He then did an Invisible Deck routine.

Last year’s winner, Hugh Turley (left), did an observation test with kids from the audience miscalling the colors of several silks, which were placed inside a tube, changing into a 20-foot rainbow silk streamer. This routine had lots of laughs and great interaction with the kids.

The final contestant was Theo Rushin (right), who has reworked the old Vanishing Bandanna bit with his own recordings on CD. He borrowed a signed $20 bill, sealed it in an envelope marked “Mine.” He gave an empty envelope marked “Yours” to the lender, who sealed it. Chaos ensued as the first envelope was shredded, the bill not in the helper’s envelope or seemingly anywhere else. A lemon contained the wrong $20 bill. Theo, dutifully following directions, found $1 bills in each shoe, all his pockets, and even taped to his chest! Finally, the borrowed bill was found in the CD case. Congratulations to our new DC Comedy Magician of the Year, Theo Rushin!

- Eric Henning
Photos: Bob Patterson

Most Humorous Magician Contest Scheduled for June 2

2010-05-30T21:46:00.006-04:00

For great laughs and comical magicians you want to miss Ring 50’s meeting in June. The fourth annual Winton Carroll Most Humorous Magician competition will be staged. This event is held in memory of Winton Carroll, a former Ring 50 president, who performed as “The Magical Major” incorporating humor into his act. Ring 50 members attending the show will vote on the winner who displays the most unique humor in their presentation. The winner will be awarded a cash prize as well as a magical staff. Hugh Turley is the current titleholder.

Alain Nu to Lecture
Tentatively we have Alain Nu scheduled for the August 4th meeting. He will present a workshop before the meeting if there are 5 or more people interested. The “Pro Mental Workshop” would start sharply at 5:30pm till 7:30pm. Cost: $60 per attendee. Here’s the special deal-- each participant gets a GIFT of their choice of any ONE of Alain’s $50 (discounted to $30) manuscripts for FREE! There must be a minimum of FIVE interested people to do this, however, so spread the word, and let’s see how many extra people we can get for this! Contact Arnie Fuococ if you are interested in this work shop at (afuoco2@Yahoo.Com) or 703-521-6286.

Noland Montgomery Wins Again!

REPEAT WINNER--Noland Montgomery, left, was presented with the Dan Lacey Memorial Trophy for his performance by Ring 50 President Louis Meyer after he was chosen Magician of the Year. Noland has won the cup five times (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, & 2010).

The May 5th meeting featured the Dan Lacey Contest for “Magician of the Year”. Fifty-five members and guests attended the meeting. Noland Montgomery was the winner and he received a rotating trophy and a spot to perform at the 2011 Ring 50 Magi-Whirl Gala show. The late Dan Lacey was a president of Ring 50 (1999-2000) who inspired others--especially newcomers to magic—to hone their skills. The contest provides an opportunity to recognize the exceptional magic skills of our members. The memorial contest was started in 2003 to honor the deceased magician.

Starting off the contest was a new member George Bradley presenting Lee Asher's poker chip routine. Next he performed his version of Edwin Sachs Chinese marbles.

Danny Selnick - performed a silent routine (with music) as Charlie Chaplin and produced and handed out several flowers to women in the audience. Then he produced a cane from a silk handkerchief. After pouring liquid from a can of Sprite he produced a dry handkerchief and changed it to a white ball before changing it to a red ball.

Reggie Rice – began with dove production from a T-shirt. He went on to perform his version of Bob Miller’s "Relentless Ring and String” using a borrowed ring. The ring was lost. He then went on to do a card trick and that failed too. Some quarters were found. One was put into a gumball machine and out came an egg with a message to look in the box on the table. The box contained a large silk with the selected card on it. The next quarter was inserted and an egg appeared this time with the spectators ring!

Bob Carnathan – did a pseudo-scientific explanation of how satellites work using a sky blue handkerchief and a golf ball. The golf ball, became suspended halfway through the silk. It was then rolled off leaving the silk and ball intact. Next he did a cut & restored rope effect with a comedy theme.

Dwight Redman - did Martin Lewis' Sidewalk Shuffle routine. Next up he did Pat Page's version of the Roy Benson Bowl routine, a true classic of magic. Dwight ended his routine with Losander's Haunted Box.

Geoff Weber - did a comedy baking routine featuring original effects of his own creation. He started with a ball of dough breaking it apart to form three small balls of dough; from one of these he produced a real egg. These were placed in the baking tube, a little heat applied and “viola” there was a muffin.

Dick Christian - His rope routine was an amalgam of selected portions of George Sands' "Sandsational Rope." This was followed by Al Cohen's comedy wrist tie and escape (which Al gave him permission to use back in the late 1970s). All was Dick’s original scripting and personal bits of business.

Avi Littky – A member of our Counts of Conjuring performed a very good D-lite routine with red lights passing from side to side, thru his body, hand to hand, and all around. This was followed with a multiplying ball routine. Finally he put four balls into the assistant’s hand and when she opened them there were six.

Noland Montgomery - opened with Karrell Fox's vanishing cane-to-wand. He twirled a solid red cane between his fingers and while he held the cane on each end, it instantaneously changed into a matching red wand. Noland followed this with a great one-to-four multiplying billiard ball routine. He closed with a very nice rapid-fire three ring linking ring routine going to a six-ring finish that he uses in his street magic performances.

Dan Lacey Competition “Magician of the Year”

2010-04-19T10:14:00.004-04:00

Sharpen up your skills and compete at the May 5th meeting for the Dan Lacey Memorial Trophy and the title “Magician of the Year”. The winner will receive a rotating trophy and a spot to perform at the 2011 Ring 50 Magi-Whirl Gala show. All paid-up Ring 50 members both new and veteran members can seek the title. A panel of judges will declare the winner. Each performance should be 8 minutes or less. Contestants will be graded on Originality (technical, timing, flashes), Presentation (volunteer management, confidence, eye contact), Performance Skills (introduction, patter, speech), and Entertainment (effect strength, entertainment value, routine strength). The late Dan Lacey was a president of Ring 50 (1999-2000) who inspired others--especially newcomers to magic—to hone their skills. The contest provides an opportunity to recognize the exceptional magic skills of our members. The contest was started in 2003 to honor the deceased magician. Contact Louis Meyer, Ph 703-765-1923 or louis@childtimemagic.com if you are interested in being in the competition

Creativity Springs Up at April Meeting

2010-04-15T23:05:00.006-04:00

"How many of you have a drawer full of tricks that you bought years ago and never even opened? A roomful? A HOUSE full? Before you buy another trick, let’s learn how to use the ones you already have." This was the challenge and the promise of the April 7 meeting, where Kyle and Kelly Peron presented their lecture on "Creativity in Magic." The Perons hail from Reading, PA, where they are very busy doing family and community events, fairs and festivals. Kyle, whose background as a graphic artist gives him an unusual perspective, claims that we are all creative, and proceeded to demonstrate it. Calling four people up, he handed them each a clipboard with a sheet of paper containing a simple shape, on which they were to add their own embellishments. It turned out they each had gotten a circle, and each did something vastly different with it.

After this demonstration, Kyle talked about some of the blocks to creativity, chief among them being fear: fear of failure, fear of what others might think, etc. He provided some funny examples and told stories of his own successes and failures along the way. Kelly aided and abetted like a lecture ninja, making sure the visual aids and notes flowed smoothly. This was important, because until he told us, nearly nobody noticed that Kyle is almost totally deaf.

After giving us the theory, Kyle moved into the practical, leading the group on several exercises to help us learn how to generate ideas and make connections. “The goal,” he reminded us, “is for the magic to come from YOU.” This was certainly not a typical trick-trick-trick lecture, and the members were suitably impressed. Kyle also shared with us some very useful tips for our shows and our business, which have the same weight of experience as his book on Blue and Gold Banquets.

Just two days later, Ring 50 hosted our annual Magi-Whirl convention, featuring Duane Laflin and Company, Darwin Ortiz, Jim Sisti, Linking Ring Editor Samuel Patrick Smith, DC Magician of the Year Dick Christian, former International President Bill Wells, Buddy Smith and more. You can get updates on next year’s Magi-Whirl and see photos from this year at www.Magi-Whirl.org

Kyle Peron to Lecture at April 7th Meeting

2010-03-31T12:08:00.009-04:00

Peron presents “Encore - Creativity in the Art of Magic!” This lecture and workshop is about learning how to be creative, think creatively and how to apply direct exercises and techniques to allow the members creativity to grow with the magic that they perform. Every single person possesses the ability to be creative. This lecture teaches you techniques and exercises that your members can use to unlock the doors to their own creativity. What makes this lecture so different is that it is not just a long speech where people sit, watch and listen. It is much more than that. Kyle believes that the power of learning anything is in the act of doing. That is why “Encore” is both a lecture and hands on workshop experience.

Kyle is both an S.A.M and I.B.M local Stage Contest Winner numerous times, SAM National Contest Judge, and respected Performer. He is an author of over 135 articles (and numerous books) in relation to various aspects of the performance and presentation of magic. He is acclaimed Graphic Designer, Illustrator and an expert on Logotype Design. He is a Mentor, SYM leader and recipient of the Charles Hopkins Award for Magical Excellence. Peron is highly skilled in the areas of Children¹s magic and Open-Air performances.

The lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, all other magicians $10 at the door.

May 5th – Dan Lacey Contest
Sharpen up your skills for the annual Dan Lacey “Washington DC Magician of the Year” contest. The contest is open to all paid up Ring 50 members. If you want to compete in the contest contact Louis Meyer, 703-765-1923 or email: louis@childtimemagic.com. Potential candidates will perform a magic act lasting no longer than eight minutes and will be judged by a panel of four judges. The winner will be awarded a traveling trophy and will perform at the Gala Show for Magi-Whirl 2011.

Ring 50 Treasurer Collecting Dues for 2010
Ring 50 annual dues of $15 for 2010 were due in February. Anyone, wishing to do so, can pay their dues at the April 7th meeting. The Ring 50 Treasurer, Bob Patterson, requests that you pay by check, as this eases the record keeping. Make checks payable to IBM Ring 50. Cash will be accepted providing you have the correct change ($15). If you are unable to make the meetings, you can also send a check to his home address at 3450 Wainscott Place, Lake Ridge, VA 22192-5362. Enjoy your Ring activities throughout 2010 by paying your dues now.

Ring 50 Magic Youth International Meeting
"The Counts of Conjuring"
Don’t forget to encourage a youth to attend the Ring 50 MYI. The youth meeting starts at 6:00 pm at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria. The Youth Ring is open for children ages 7-17. Please let Louis know if you are bringing any youths so that we can be better prepared for them. A Magic Youth International Ring will offer a fun, interactive, and safe environment for the young magicians. We have averaged about 5 kids per meeting but we would love to build that up.

- Bob Patterson

Going, going GONE to the Highest Bidder!

2010-03-15T22:34:00.010-04:00

The March 3rd meeting was the annual auction for Ring 50 members. Forty-nine members and guests attended the auction with 37 registered bidders. Auctioneers Dick Christian and Wayne Alan did a fantastic job demonstrating the live auction items and coaxing out the best dollar. Overall lucky bidders bought some great magic equipment, publications and videos.

An eight volume set of “The Tarbell Course in Magic” drew very active bidding but Danny Selnick gave the final bid of $120 and walked away with them. A break-apart wood wrist chopper was another piece of magic that drew a lot of bids but was won for only $115 by Theo Rushin. After escalating bids, Tom Bohacek succeeded in winning Richard Sander’s “Interlace: The Borrowed Ring on Shoelace Miracle” for $45. Larry Lipman walked away with a Crystal Silk Cylinder, another great buy. Avi Littky took home Nails Thru Arm Illusion.

Altogether, it was a very busy night with a total of 183 items being sold, of which 32 items were bought in the live auction and 151 magic items sold in the silent auction. Ring 50 collected $207.20 as 10% of the total auction sales and donations. The auction tabulators were Rucj Uffelman, Danny Selnick and Ring President Louis Meyer, led by Treasurer Bob Patterson. - Bob Patterson

March Magi-Gram is here!

2010-03-15T22:28:00.002-04:00

You can view it, download and print it here. Thanks to Bob Patterson for his hard work on this!

New Magi-Whirl Website!

2010-03-05T12:39:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Theo Rushin, the Magi-Whirl Website has a new look! The location is the same, at http://www.Magi-Whirl.org. Based on member comments, we've made the site cleaner and easier to read, the navigation simpler and easier to use. We are maintaining the old blog site as a blog for updates.

On the new site, you can see the lineup, get background on the performers and lecturers, buy show tickets (so can your friends!), register for the convention (so can your magic friends!), see the schedule, the dealers and travel and lodging info (for out-of-town friends).

Please email any suggestions to Webmaster Eric Henning.

February Magi-Gram Is Here!

2010-02-23T00:17:00.001-05:00

You can view it, download and print it here.

Bizzaro, The Optical Illusionist, Lectures

2010-02-15T00:03:00.003-05:00

The magician produced a red silk handkerchief, cleanly and magically. Ho hum. Then he pushed it INTO HIS OPEN PALM AND VISIBLY THROUGH HIS HAND, and we were off and running. Ring 50 had been pulled into Bizzaro’s eponymous world, where the magic is more than impossible – it’s uncanny.

For the next 90 minutes, Bizzaro showed us why he has been featured in Las Vegas and on network TV. Imagine your favorite manipulator combined with a Max Fleischer cartoon, and you can get close to the feeling. Bizzaro shared his own original work, plus his refreshingly different takes on classics such as the Bottle Production, Sponge Balls, Vanishing Sharpie™ and the Vanishing Bottle using – surprise! – a REAL bottle.

When Bizzaro punctuates his one coin routine by producing a jumbo coin, it’s nice, but normal. When he peels off the foil to reveal a chocolate coin, then visibly changes it back to metal, that is simply outrageous.

And that’s what makes Bizzaro….well, bizarre. He takes his magic a step further… and then runs it off the rails. A prime example is “One Step Ahead,” his take on the Ambitious Card, in which a signed selection does the usual dance through the deck (albeit very cleanly, with some nice moves for the move guys). So far, so what? Then the selection vanishes from the pack. A card that had fallen on the floor during an earlier routine turns out to be the signed selection!

He had our attention, and then spent the final 20 minutes or so on theory – which helped us to understand why his magic is so effective. He talked about the difference between style, persona and character, and how to use the boundaries of your character as fuel for creativity. His motto is “Don’t bend to the magic – bend the magic to you,” and he left us shocked and amazed and hungry for more. Bizzaro’s Website is www.smappdooda.com.

Bizzaro, The Optical Illusionist – Lectures at February 3rd Meeting

2010-01-18T20:34:00.006-05:00

In a world full of reality TV and lackluster entertainment, Bizzaro, The Optical Illusionist strives to open people’s eyes and prove that Different isn’t Bad. Bizzaro has performed from coast to coast and appeared on FOX, NBC, America’s got Talent, and the Travel Channel’s Extreme Conventions. "My lecture has a little bit for everyone. Anyone who has seen me before knows a big part of my lectures is about building creativity and character as well.” All of that and some new products developed and performed in Las Vegas await you so come join the party and bring a friend! The lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, all other magicians $10 at the door.

Ring 50 Treasurer Collecting Dues for 2010
Ring 50 annual dues of $15 for 2010 are due by February. Anyone, wishing to do so, can pay their dues at the February 3rd meeting. The Ring 50 Treasurer, Bob Patterson, requests that you pay by check, as this eases the record keeping. Make checks payable to IBM Ring 50. Cash will be accepted providing you have the correct change ($15). If you are unable to make the meetings contact Bob for a mailing address at Treasurer@IBMRing50.Org. Enjoy your Ring activities throughout 2010 by paying your dues now.

The Spirit of Houdini at Ring 50

2010-01-10T22:13:00.030-05:00

President Louis Meyer opened the January 6th meeting promptly at 8:00 PM. After announcements about Magi-Whirl, the I.B.M. Convention in San Diego, and the KapitalKidvention the Houdini Night program began before a crowd of 62 people.

Rucj Uffelman (right) began with an escape from a chain dog collar locked around his wrists. Harry Houdini saw this system used to transport prisoners to Siberia (and we all know that no one escapes from Siberia). Rucj’s wrists were securely bound with the steel chain and padlocked by a spectator. He amazed the audience by getting out of the chain in a matter of seconds.

Challenges by the US Postal Service led Houdini into escaping from a sealed and locked mailbag (a canvas bag, with metal grommets on top). Danny Selnick (Photo: on left) re-created that event with his ankles and wrists tightly secured to the ends of long metal shackles by means of two heavy duty chains and locks before being locked in a mailbag using a solid steel bar is passing through the grommets, with padlocks on both ends of the bar. A backdrop was placed around him and within a record time he made his escape as the crowd applauded him.

John Roberts (right) claimed Houdini failed to have a timing device when performing his escapes. John displayed a small pole with a woodpecker at the top that he used to time his escape from his securely rope tied wrists. His hands were covered with a cloth as the woodpecker made his way down the pole, John began his escape. When the woodpecker reached the bottom before John could escape, he reset the timer and in a flash was free of the ropes.

Louis Hofheimer (a.k.a. Captain Token) and two lovely girl assistants performed two stage escapes. Using several pieces of rope one girl was secured to a 4 inch square totem pole 6 feet tall. A rope was tied around her neck, her waist, her legs and her ankles. In the blink of an eye, in full view of the audience, she magically materializes through the ropes! Next, a large mystic looking box was brought onto the stage area. A young lady entered the box. The doors were closed and without hesitation the magician stabbed ten swords into all parts of the box. The audience could plainly see the smallness of the box did not permit the girl evading the swords. The box was then opened and the girl had vanished! The box was revolved so that all sides were visible. The doors were closed ... the swords quickly withdrawn ... the top of the box was opened ... and up popped the girl, unharmed!

VP Arnold Fuoco (right) told the story about the time Dai Vernon fooled Harry Houdini (who in his early years billed himself as "The King of Cards"). Houdini often boasted that if he saw a card trick performed three times in a row he would be able to figure it out. Vernon then showed Houdini a trick, where he removed the top card of the deck and placed it in the middle, and then turned over the top card to again reveal the original card. Houdini watched Vernon do the trick seven times, each time insisting that Vernon "do it again". Finally Houdini's wife, and Vernon's friends said, "Face it Houdini, you're fooled." For years afterward, Vernon used the title The Man Who Fooled Houdini in his advertisements. The trick Dai Vernon chose to fool Houdini with was his own version of the classic ambitious card routine, so named because the spectator's chosen card always wants to get to the top of the deck. Arnie demonstrated this as he told the story.

Wayne Alan showed some pieces from the collection in his home “Houdini Room.” One was a handcuff made by a spectator and was used on Houdini during a performance. He also had the metal air vent grate from the hospital room in which Harry Houdini died. Wayne’s cookbook, Magical Meatless Meals shares over 100 healthy and delectable vegetarian recipes collected during his storied and award-winning career in show business. Many of these and the pictures are linked to the Houdini fame.

By the 1920's, Houdini's career was going into a slump. As he approached age 50, his escapes were becoming too strenuous and his "death-defying" feats no longer enthralled increasingly jaded audiences. Vaudeville itself was slowly being strangled by competition from radio and movies, which were cheaper for audiences and more profitable for producers. Houdini switched to exposing fraudulent spirit mediums. Louis Meyer presented Houdini's original “Fraudulent Spirit Medium Expose Lecture” with pictures. Although many believe that people were more gullible back then, the popularity of "mediums" such as John Edwards makes this a timely topic.

Houdini Night, February Lecture Slated

2009-12-31T16:51:00.004-05:00

Houdini Night at the January 6th Meeting
The January meeting will be Houdini Magic Night. Houdini initially focused on traditional card tricks. At one point, he billed himself as the "King of Cards." But he soon began experimenting with escape acts and became widely known as "The Handcuff King." He would free himself from jails, handcuffs, chains, ropes, and straitjackets, He later exposed séances and spiritualism. If you have magic related to Houdini and would like to perform, please email Ring 50 President Louis Meyer so he can put you on the program.

Bizzaro, The Optical Illusionist slated for February 3rd Meeting
In a world full of reality TV and lackluster entertainment, Bizzaro, The Optical Illusionist strives to open people’s eyes and prove that Different isn’t Bad. Bizzaro has performed from coast to coast and appeared on FOX, NBC, America’s got Talent, and the Travel Channel’s Extreme Conventions. "My lecture has a little bit for everyone. Anyone who has seen me before knows a big part of my lectures is about building creativity and character as well.” All of that and some new products developed and performed in Las Vegas await you so come join the party and bring a friend! The lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, all other magicians $10 at the door.

Ring 50 Magic Youth International Meeting "The Counts of Conjuring"
Don’t forget to encourage a youth to attend the Ring 50 MYI. The youth meeting starts at 6:00 pm at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria. The Youth Ring is open for children ages 7-17. Please let Louis know if you are bringing any youths so that we can be better prepared for them. A Magic Youth International Ring will offer a fun, interactive, and safe environment for the young magicians. We have averaged about 5 kids per meeting but we would love to build that up.

Ring 50 Treasurer Collecting Dues for 2010
Ring 50 annual dues of $15 for 2010 are due by February. Anyone, wishing to do so, can pay their dues at the January 6th meeting. The Ring 50 Treasurer, Bob Patterson, requests that you pay by check, as this eases the record keeping. Make checks payable to IBM Ring 50. Cash will be accepted providing you have the correct change ($15). If you are unable to make the meetings, you can also send a check to his home address at 3450 Wainscott Place, Lake Ridge, VA 22192-5362. Enjoy your Ring activities throughout 2010 by paying your dues now.

Meeting Schedule 2010-2011 Update

2009-12-31T09:25:00.006-05:00

IBM Ring 50 Schedule 2010
(as of 21 July 10)
Watch our website for updates to the schedule

2010
August 4……….. Alain Nu Lecture - "Mentalism 2010”

“Pro Mental Workshop” before the meeting (extra charge)
September 1……. Magic by First Time Performers

October 6..……… Ken Trombly Lecture - Collecting Magic Ephemera

November 3……. Linking Reviewers Perform

December 1…….. TBA

2011

January 5……….. TBA

February 2 ………TBA

March 2………….. Auction Night

April 6 ………….. TBA and Nominations for Officers

April 29 & 30……Magi-Whirl 2011, Washington DC, Ring 50

May 4…………….Dan Lacey Contest, and Election of Officers

June 1…………….Winton Carroll Contest “Most Humorous Magician”

Jun 28 - Jul 2 … 83rd IBM Convention, Dallas, Texas

July 6 …………… No Ring 50 Meeting

A Devious December Knight

2009-12-03T06:19:00.017-05:00

Photo: Eric Henning

Gasps and nods of approval went around the room as salt poured out of the light bulb, which, just moments before, had been lit. Ring 50's December 2 meeting featured the unusual and clever methods of Pittsburgh's Devin Knight, a full-time professional mentalist. Devin was a protege of the late Al Mann, and has the same knack for creating devious foolers. In a direct, unadorned style reminiscent of the late Del Ray, Devin presented a number of his original magic and mental pieces, which had caused such a sensation at the recent Mindvention.

After Knight's opening gambit with the Salt from Light Bulb, he moved into mental magic, with "Poker Tells," in which a spectator correctly sorts the four Aces by suit sight unseen, and the performer reveals he predicted the outcome.

The one knuckle-buster came next, with Knight doing a slow-motion bare hand vanish of the four Aces one at a time, only to find them in his coat pocket. This "Dissolving Aces" was a beautiful piece, reminiscent of Slydini.

In the comedy magic realm, Knight offered his "Baby Gag on Steroids," in which the prediction actually does come out right at the end. The stand-up workers and emcees were very interested in this one.

Going into pure mentalism, Knight performed "Predictionary," in which a spectator's though-of word is found to be the only word circled in magic marker in a pocket dictionary. When Knight signed the page and gave the book to the helper to keep, it stunned the crowd.

Next came "Farsight." An audience helper freely chose one of twelve face-up cards, covering the remaining cards with a bandanna and placing the chosen card on top, then turning it face down. Despite the fact that his back was turned the entire time, Knight correctly identified the chosen card.

Next came "Spray Paint Surprise," in which a borrowed ring vanishes and is heard inside a can of spray paint. Knight "sprayed" the ring onto an index card and then squeezed the ring out of the card. This was a quirky piece that could be a feature in a parlor set.

"Out of Sight" is Knight's take on the David Hoy "Tossed-Out Deck," with a twist: a spectator examined and thoroughly shuffled the deck before Knight tossed it out for cards to be peeked. As usual, the method was devious and unexpected, and the necessary bits could be easily made up of things the average magician has lying around.

Perhaps the strangest item in an already-strange set was "Retro-Sight," in which printed flash cards were reflected in a mirror - and the printed words reversed themselves and could be read in the mirror!

"Around the Square" breathed new life into the venerable "Squircle," turning it into an ESP card revelation. When it was obvious that the helper had chosen the circle, but Devin had cut a square into the newspaper, he unfolded the paper. When the square cutout visibly and instantly changed to a circle, an audible gasp went around the room.

In "Deal or No Deal," Knight revealed the duplicate of a freely-chosen card inside a simple ungaffed cardboard box. This example of ultra-clean mental magic has been making the rounds of the message boards, and it really is as good as it it sounds.

Knight closed with "Food for Thought," in which a helper's menu choice is revealed to match the performer's, and "Chess Gambit," a super-clean prediction of a chosen chess piece.

Although each routine was available for purchase, Knight did explain in detail how to construct all the necessary apparatus, so it was not essential to buy anything. However, Ring 50 members swarmed the sales table at the break and again at the end of the evening.

For Knight, it was the end of a two-month, 24-city tour. For some Ring 50 members, it was the beginning of their work in mentalism.

NEWS: Click here to read the December 2009 Magi-Gram.

Free Magic Show Dec. 20th in Maryland

2009-12-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Ring 50 members, Theo Rushin is mounting a free magic show show in Germantown, MD, on Sunday December 20, 2009 at 4 p.m. at Lake Seneca Elementary School. Ring 50 Sergeant-At-Arms Tom Paxton and past President Dwight Redman will also be featured in this family show. Tell your friends! Full info is at www.FriendsOfTheMagi.org.

Children’s Magic Presented at the November Meeting

2009-11-08T18:15:00.031-05:00

Seventeen children and forty adults packed the meeting room at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria to watch members of Ring 50 perform “Kids Magic”. President Louis Meyer was the lead-off magician. He introduced his friend “Rodney” who perched upon a lota bowl. Louis emptied the bowl throughout his act and the bowl appeared to hold gallons of water.

Lorenzo the Great” (Larry Lipman) got on his knees and entertained the littlest of the kids with a silk routine. Each of the little kids held a silk and helped “Lorenzo the Great” make it disappear. He followed this with a Jasper the Ghost Halloween routine.

Noland Montgomery performed a miser's dream routine using a boy from the audience as a helper, plucking coins from the boy’s ear, shirt, elbow, collar, and hair, and then finishing with a stream of coins from the boy's nose. This was followed by a puppet routine using a rabbit-in-hat puppet named "Chester," who did exactly the opposite of everything Noland told him, to the hysterical delight of the audience.

With Hippity Hop Rabbits, "Whitey" and "Blackie", John Roberts had the kids screaming "turn them around" - adults laughing - the kids yelling - "No, The other way!” Then at the end there was absolute silence when the surprise ending occurred with the back side of "Whitey" and "Blackie" rabbits were now red and green.

Dwight Redman performed 'Dots Impossible' showing a two-sided giant domino card with a spot on one side and four spots on the other. He turned the domino card back to the first side- now there were three spots instead of one! He turned it over again, and now there were six spots instead of four! If that wasn’t amazing enough, he pretended to "teach the secret" to the audience. Just when they thought they knew how it's done- there were now eight spots on the card! Then Dwight performed his version of Martin Lewis’ Cardiographic. The magician had a spectator select a card and then he took a sketch pad and began to draw what he believed will be the selected card. Then he told the audience that it is really just the deck of cards he was drawing. As if by magic, the chosen card appeared from the sketch of the deck! Then the sketch is torn from the pad and given to the spectator to keep!

Bob Mills (special guest) did some funny gags then a routine in which the Mom knew ahead of time which color Peanut M&M would be taken out of the bag by her son, and then the remaining M&Ms all changed to her chosen color, blue.

Past President Eric Henning folded a handkerchief into a mouse, then wound it up (to the delight of the kids) and chased it around the room as it jumped out of his hands. He then told a story (set to music) about a kingdom without colors, and had the children collect the colors from their clothes and toss them at a tube and a black-and-white flower silk became colored and grew to four times its size. His energy kicked the show up a notch.

Theo Rushin presented his version of the Benson Bowl routine with a young lady from the audience. This is a true classic of magic in which sponge balls magically disappear and reappear one at a time under an inverted bowl.

Dick Christian did two effects, his classic egg bag routine with a girl (Sarah) and boy (Robert) from the audience. Then after producing several colorful silks he produced a seldom-seen classic live rabbit ("Snowball, the Magic Bunny") from his empty top hat. At the conclusion of the show, the children were invited to the stage to pet “Snowball”.
Click here to read the November Magi-Gram Newsletter.

Ring 50 Welcomes New Members
Three new members were voted into Ring 50 on November 4, 2009. Robert Brantner is an amateur magician and a pilot with the airline industry. He hails from West River Maryland. Herb Hughes form Alexandria Virginia is an orthodontist and became interested in magic in 1990. He started performing illusions for his patients and subsequently performed at elementary schools, Fall Festivals, Christmas shows and dental illusions during Dental Month. Greg Szlyk, from Fredericksburg Virginia, has been interested in magic since he was a child. He is most comfortable with close-up magic with coins and cards. Congratulations to these new members of I.B.M. Ring 50.

Devin Knight to Lecture at the December 2nd Meeting
Devin Knight’s lecture is a combination of comedy, close-up stage magic, and mentalism. He has something for everyone. Devin has a long list of effects to be taught during his lecture. Items such as: One-By-One, Tele-Food, Impossible Prediction, Sanda-Panda, Improved Baby-Gag, Around The Square, Salt To Bulb, Random Thoughts, Predictionary, Paint Surprise, Borrowed Ring To Light bulb, Farsight, Psychic Spectator, Chess Gambit, The Best Of Al Mann, Plus other surprise items to be added. The lecture is free to paid-up Ring 50 members, all other magicians $10 at the door.

Magi-Whirl 2010
Bob Patterson reminded members to register early for Magi-Whirl 2010 to save. Magi-Whirl will be April 9 & 10, 2010. The headliners for the two day event are: Duane Laflin, Sammy Smith, and Jim Sisti. There will be four lectures, plus three close-up performances, and a 90 minute Gala evening show.

Ring 50 Treasurer Collecting Dues for 2010
Ring 50 annual dues of $15 for 2010 are due by the February. Anyone, wishing to do so, may pay their dues at the December 2nd meeting. The Ring 50 Treasurer, Bob Patterson, requests that you pay by check, as this eases the record keeping. Make checks payable to IBM Ring 50. Cash will be accepted providing you have the correct change ($15). If you are unable to make the meetings, you can also send a check to his home address at 3450 Wainscott Place, Lake Ridge, VA 22192-5362. Enjoy your Ring activities throughout 2010 by paying your dues now.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

Old Dogs, New Tricks in September

2009-09-04T21:02:00.067-04:00

For September we had 43 people including many guests. Magi-Whirl Chairman Mike Taggert awarded certificates of appreciation to the 2009 volunteers.

The senior member of the Board of Directors, Don Freedman (above, on left), gave President Louis Meyer (on right) a plaque in appreciation for being the president for 2008-2009.

Two new members were voted into Ring 50. Bob Wieman of Alexandria, VA dabbled in magic since the age of 6 and has taught magic since 1991. Bob was a member of Ring 50 from 1995 to 1997. John Whitney of Alexandria, VA performed over 300 magic shows in High School and College.

Our theme was "Try A New Trick" and Noland Montgomery performed Richard Sanders' "Visi-bill," a variation on the classic bill switch in which a $5 bill visibly morphs into a $20 bill, and then back again to a $5. This was followed by the Karrell Fox-Dick Stoner comedy routine in which the name of a chosen card appears on the lenses of a pair of giant glasses worn by the performer.

Larry Lipman aka "Lorenzo the Great" performed his version of Tarbell's "Flying Cards and Envelopes" updated to include a Harry Potter-style demonstration of apparition. With help from two young assistants, the audience made three selected cards out of a dozen disappear from one envelope and reappear in another.

Kevin McGuire did his own version of the "Professor's Nightmare," with some of Richard Sanders' "Fiber Optics" thrown in. This was his first performance at Ring 50, and he acquitted himself very well.

Using an assistants borrowed belt and one finger and a little plastic gimmick, John Roberts demonstrated a seemingly impossible suspended levitation. John followed this with another balancing act using a long Japanese box with three tassels on strings that passed through it (a la pom pom stick). The box was opened briefly to show the separate strings. The tassels represented "Compromise", "Happiness" and "Integrity" By pulling on the mysteriously linked tassels John showed various ways these concepts could be "Balanced".

Tom Paxton showed a helper 4 wallets, each containing one bill of different denominations. They selected one, and he was was able to determine which bill they had chosen.

Eric Henning performed Paul Green's "I Knew It All The Time," predicting chosen cards in more and more bizarre ways, until he divined a card chosen at random by a committee. He then went into the Malini Card Stab, in which three audience members looked at cards, which were lost in the deck, Henning was blindfolded and proceeded to stab each card on the point of a wicked-looking stiletto.

Geoff Weber asked a volunteer to remove a freely thought of card from an "invisible deck". Instead of revealing the card in the traditional manner, Geoff revealed a tattoo on his back that accurately predicted the selection. Next, Geoff transformed the invisible deck into a visible one, and had another card selected and returned. He wrapped a quarter in tissue paper and set it on top of the pack. The paper was lit on fire, and in a flash, it burned a hole down through the deck, stopping on the selected card.

Theo Rushin Jr.performed two effects. The first invoked a spectator's cell phone and a balloon. Pressing the inflated balloon against the phone he caused the phone to be inserted into the balloon. The second effect included a story about three mummies and a coffin. After asking the spectator to place one of the mummy statues in the coffin and hide the other two, Theo was able to correctly discern which mummy was in the coffin ...twice! This is was a great lead-in to the announcement of next month's meeting theme: Spooky Magic!

September Meeting - Try Something New

2009-09-01T08:44:00.003-04:00

Our September 2 meeting will be a "Try a New Trick" session. We all have something that we've been tinkering with and would like to get feedback on, or just try it out in front of real people in a safe environment. This is your chance! Get out that new trick, that old trick in the sock drawer, or that new routine for an old favorite, and take it out for a spin! To perform, contact Ring 50 President Louis Meyer.

Anatomy Lesson at August Meeting

2009-08-07T20:28:00.020-04:00

DC Magician of the Year Dick Christian and Ring 50 President Louis Meyer gave a joint lecture, "Anatomy of a Show," at the August 5 meeting. Distilling the best advice from classic magic authors and his own 60+ years of experience, much of it as a full-time magician working primarily for adults, Dick talked about what goes into transforming magic tricks into a coherent show that will please a paying audience in the real world.

Dick talked about the dangers of "winging it;" the importance of creating scripts; how to structure comedy routines; the uses and abuses of repetition; timing; the difference between practice and rehearsal; how to choose openers, middles and closers and much more. He also very thoughtfully provided an outline of his talk, which including a suggested reading list, as well as handouts of supplemental material, such as the "24 Rules of Magic" from Maskelyne and Devant's "Our Magic."

After Dick's talk, Louis Meyer noted that there was little to add, but did share his perspective as a full-time children's entertainer. His tips on how to tweak your show to make it effective for children were very helpful. The members left the meeting greatly encouraged and with their brains completely full!

Louis noted that Washington DC’s Convention For Children's Entertainers, "Kapital Konvention," will be held on January 27-29, 2010 in Springfield, VA.

Michael Taggert reminded everyone of the great lineup of Duane Laflin, Samuel Patrick Smith, and Jim Sisti at Magi-Whirl on April 9-10, 2010

July-August Magi-Gram is Here!

2009-07-15T10:22:00.001-04:00

You can view, download and print out the latest issue of our monthly newsletter the Magi-Gram, here.

August 5 Meeting Will Dissect Shows

2009-07-14T23:04:00.006-04:00

The theme for our August 5 meeting will be “The Anatomy of a Magic Show,” a lecture featuring Ring 50’s Magician of the Year Dick Christian and Ring 50 President Louis Meyer. One segment will cover adult performances while the second half will deal with kids performances. This will also be about teaching the basics of putting together a routine or show.

WInton Carroll Comedy Magic Contest in June

2009-06-22T19:40:00.017-04:00

The June meeting began with Magi-Whirl Chairman Michael Taggert (left) presenting a HUGE check to Kevin Curry of Bishop Ireton High School for their portion of the proceeds from the Magi-Whirl Gala Public Show. We are very grateful to BIHS for their gracious partnership with us.

TVP Jim Flanigan (above, second from left) installed the new officers(from right): President Louis Meyer (not pictured), VP Arnold Fuoco, Secretary Eric Henning, Treasurer Bob Patterson, Sergeant-at-Arms Tom Paxton, Board Members Dwight Redman, Don Freedman and Michael Taggert. Congrats to all!

Next up was Ring 50’s annual contest for the Winton Carroll Comedy Magician Award. Jim Flanigan and Laurie Curry appeared as a pair of clowns named "Flim" and "Flam." They pulled a small white rabbit and a six-foot-long rabbit from their comic hats. They also produced two long strands of silk from their head ware as well as a 10-foot-long straw. They concluded their segment with a funny jumbo card effect using a sliding card frame.

An old lady took the stage, was chased behind the backdrop and emerged – as Reggie Rice! Reggie (above, center) followed with a comedy card trick with volunteers, during which the selection and a borrowed ring vanished. Reggie produced some quarters, which were put into a gumball machine to find the ring and the card. The machine jammed, and Reggie got more laughs from the struggle with the machine.

Bob Carnathan (left) did two card tricks which got progressively more difficult, with some hilarious byplay with his audience helpers.

Turley the Magician (below, left) began with an appearing wand, growing bow tie, and corsage to sunflower. He then invited a young man to assist me with the sword through the neck illusion mixed with gags and one liner comedy.

Dick Christian closed with comedy mental magic, in which he was “unable” to divine a selected card, but the entire audience received the card’s identity “telepathically” and yelled out the card on cue to the amazement of the chooser.

In the end, the audience voted for – Turley, who now has the custody of the Jester’s Staff and the title of “DC Comedy Magician of the Year 2009.” Congratulations, Hugh!

Ring 50 does not meet in July due to the IBM Convention, so we’ll see you in August for a special double lecture on the “Anatomy of a Show.”

Ring 50 Officers 2009-2010

2009-06-04T11:30:00.008-04:00

Congratulations to our new officers!

President
Louis Meyer
703-765-1923
president@ibmring50.org

Vice President
Arnie Fuoco
(703) 521-6286
vp@ibmring50.org

Secretary & Webmaster
Eric Henning
secretary@ibmring50.org

Treasurer
Bob Patterson
(703) 490-1222
treasurer@ibmring50.org

Sergeant-at-Arms
Tom Paxton
(301) 596-7407
sgtarms@ibmring50.org

Magi-Gram Editor
Jim Flanigan
magi-gram@ibmring50.org

Ring 50 to Launch Magic Youth International Chapter

2009-05-17T19:44:00.001-04:00

President of Ring 50, Louis Meyer, is announcing the beginning of our Youth Ring in DC. The first meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria on June 3rd at 6:00pm. The Youth Ring will be open for youths ages 7-17. Every meeting will teach the youth’s magic history, presentation, and a magic trick that they will practice and perform at the meeting. The meetings will run about 90 minutes. Parents can drop the children off or stay for the meeting. Every month we will have a guest magician come and demonstrate the magic trick or the magic history. Please encourage anyone you think would be interested in joining to come. The child members will need to become Junior Members of the IBM then members of our Youth Ring. There are small fees and we will go over that at the first meeting. I can promise you that we, as a club, will offer a fun, interactive, and safe environment for the youths. We will need a few volunteers to help with the meetings. Even if you can only make it to one meeting, that will help. For safety reasons we need more than one adult there, preferably a woman volunteer. But any volunteer will be greatly appreciated. Please email Louis at louis@childtimemagic.com if you are interested in volunteering or becoming a member of MYI.

Ring 50 picks Magician of Year

2009-05-13T23:33:00.030-04:00

After President Louis Meyer opened the May meeting, accomplished IBM Ring 50 magicians competed for the annual Dan Lacey Memorial Trophy and the title of ‘Magician of the Year’ before an audience of 57 people. Dan Lacey was a former Ring 50 president (1999-2000) who was noted for promoting goodwill and fellowship. The four Judges based their selections on originality, presentation, performance, and entertainment skills. This was a top-notch contest and a very close competition by all contestants. Dick Christian was declared the winner and was presented with the Dan Lacey Trophy for his performance by Louis Meyer, and Cecelia (Lacey) Richey. Dick did his adaptation of Terry Seabrook's classic "Burned Bill to Wallet." He borrowed a $100 bill, used three envelopes and put the bill into one of them, after mixing them up he then labeled the envelopes and two were selected by the volunteer to be burned. The remaining envelope which was thought to have the bill was shown empty. Dick gave his wallet to the volunteer and the bill was found inside a stapled cardboard holder in the wallet.

Dwight Redman did a prediction using 3 different colored envelopes. The woman chose yellow, a man chose blue, and magician left with red. The Woman’s prediction in the envelope said she would choose yellow, the man’s envelope said he would choose blue, the magician’s says the woman will choose yellow, the man will choose blue, and the magician will be left with red. Then he then did a version of Sidewalk Shuffle – a 3 card monte. Next he introduced a Star Trek plot with selected Star Trek card appearing in a nest of boxes and a bottle.

Theo Rushin Jr. performed as a laid off worker who suddenly find pleasure in doing magic for the people on the street. After pulling a mug full of water from an apparently empty paper bag he began with finding and pulling an unusually long piece of rope from his sleeve and pants legs. Then he performed a series of rope and ring-n-rope tricks. He concluded with taking out a wad of one dollar bills from a wallet that was once on fire. He changed the one dollar bills into a hand full of five dollar bills.

The contest included last year’s winner Nolan Montgomery. After magically producing a deck of playing cards, Noland performed a version of "multiple selection" involving the entire audience which he divided into 6 teams. He had each of the teams pick and remember a card. He ultimately revealed each chosen card in rapid-fire succession, including, in one case, using ‘sleight of nose,’ and in another, causing a selected card to shoot out of his hat.

Tom Paxton did an optical illusion routine with business card. Two volunteers assisted with a random number divination using a dice and a divination of a volunteer’s emotional connection or experience.

Reggie ‘Supermagicman’ Rice came on stage with his Michael Jackson style dress and dancing to MJ song Danger doing productions of silks, flowers, fans, cane, and some sleight of hand with a billiard ball. Ending with a production of the USA flag and a large fan.

Arnie Fuoco used a magic light at his finger tips to change a red rose to white rose, to make color changes to a Chinese coin, and a white rope to a red rope. The magic light was also use to change the colors of a CD and a scarf. He used the finger tip light in conjunction with a coloring book making the colors appear and then having all the pages turn blank. He ended the light show by filling a bag with lights and causing them to disappear. He then produced playing cards out of thin air, ending with a double fan of jumbo cards.

Eric Henning opened with a dollar bill that multiplied, into many bills. The last bill was a million-dollar bill which he then ripped it up, ate it, and it became a 50-foot money streamer. Next Eric did a strong elegant Linking Ring routine with Japanese music from the early 1900's. His finale was a story about bubbles ending with a bubble visibly becoming solid.

Rick Beatty ended the competition with an ugly, rainbow-scaled fish that he called Sebastian the Psychic Salmon to predict the name of a playing card chosen by a young audience member. The first attempt was wrong, but the regulation size card grew to about a foot in length with enough pips to be correct.

JUNE 3rd MEETING - Winton Carroll Contest

Get ready for the June 3rd meeting and present your comedy magic material for the “Most Humorous Magician” contest and win a $100. This Winton Carroll Contest is open to all Ring 50 members. This contest and meeting will be conducted in the Dinning Room of the Hotel. Winner will be chosen by popular vote (please bring a pencil or pen to mark the ballot). Contact Louis Meyer (louis@childtimemagic.com or ph. 703-765-1923) if you want to compete in this contest. Let us know a week before the meeting so the ballots can be printed.

Also at the June 3 Meeting - New Officers to be Installed

The newly elected Executive Committee shall be installed during the June 4th meeting. Officers are: President, Louis Meyer; Vice President, Arnie Fuoco; Treasurer, Bob Patterson; Secretary, Eric Henning; Sgt-at-Arms, Tom Paxton. The Board of Directors are: Don Freedman, Dwight Redman, and Michael Taggert. Jim Flanigan, IBM Territorial VP, will conduct the installation.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

Magi-Whirl 2009 - A Smashing Success!

2009-04-23T15:55:00.021-04:00

Comments received on the surveys: “Jeff McBride was fabulous”, “Jeff’s lecture was the best-great!”, “Loved Sam Brothers lobby close-up”, "Best magic convention I ever attended," Mike and Bob really did a great one!” If you didn’t get to attend Magi-Whirl 2009 you missed a really great convention. You can see more photos and stories in the May Magi-Gram. (Just click on the "More" tab in the frame just above the "M" in "Magi-Gram" to print it out.)

145 magicians and magic enthusiasts descended on Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria Virginia to participate in the IBM National Capital Ring 50’s annual Magi-Whirl. The honored guest was Joan Caesar, International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and Bruce Kalver, National President of the Society of American Magicians. Mike Taggert, Event Producer along with Bob Patterson, co-producer orchestrated the attendees through three lectures, three close-up shows, a question & answer session, and a Gala Evening Magic show.

Paul Green, Magic Castle’s 2008 Close-up Magician of the Year; Jeff McBride, The Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) 2008 Lecturer of the Year, and Bruce Kalver, SAM National President presented outstanding lectures, which the attendees took away many ideas and techniques to enhance their own act. The lectures were a great way to start off the convention. Close-up shows were presented by Jeff McBride, Paul Green, and Bill Warren.

Between events, there were ten excellent dealers to provide the latest magic props, supplies, and equipment for every magic buff from beginner to the seasoned professional. The dealer’s show was an excellent show within itself demonstrating the latest in magic. The dealers were Jeff McBride, Bob Sanders, John Reid, Mark Reed, Pravin Ponnuri, Richard Hughes, Scott Correll, Fred Mitchell, Bruce Kalver, and Paul Green.

This year’s Question and Answer Session with Joan Caesar, I.B.M. and Bruce Kalver S.A.M., was very interesting about the ways they got into magic. Mike Taggert served as moderator for the session. Joan, from Eastern Canada and has traveled the world since assuming the helm as the IBM’s International President, confessed she loves magic conventions. SAM President Bruce Kalver was literally born into a world of magic. His grandfather, Samuel Woolf, was a magician who built magic for Harry Houdini. Volunteers from Ring 50 helped in various areas to contribute to the highly successful convention. Other honorees appearing at the convention were Al & Rita Cohen and Magic Castle Performing Fellow Howard Schwarzman & Patty Moore-Ott.

Strolling magicians, under the direction of Dwight Redman, were in the lobby of the theater performing feats of magic for the 600 people as they waited for the doors to open to the Gala Show. Magicians working the lobby were Captain Token (Louis Hofheimer), Dwight Redman, Rick Beatty, Eric Redman, Sam Brothers, TEO (Theo Rushin), and Lorenzo the Great (Larry Lipman).

The closing Gala Show performance was out of this world. The emcee for the evening program was past Ring 50 President Eric Henning. Four-time DC Magician of the Year Noland Montgomery, was the opening act. Up next was Bruce Kalver with Joan Caesar followed by Eric Henning. After the intermission Jeff McBride put on over an hour of great magic with his excellent stagecraft and sheer mastery of illusion which astonished the audience. A young boy named C.J. selected by McBride from the audience was brought on stage by the superstar. The youngster caught the performer off guard as he mimicked his every move and drew loud applause for his delightful bows.

On Sunday, Jeff McBride presented his Masters Workshop to the pleasure of 32 magicians. Jeff shared his own life story and lessons learned along the way to becoming a Las Vegas headliner and noted performer around the world. Everyone gained exceptional techniques and knowledge from the teachings of McBride. His acclaimed workshop combined magical performance, interactive participation and fascinating insights and stories to teach the attendees how to think and perform like a magician. McBride revealed inside secrets of how magic REALLY works. Not merely an explanation of tricks, but the psychology that can be applied in the everyday business world to achieve magical results. Picture are Jeff McBride and Danny Selnick.

(Photos by Becki Wells, Dwight Redman, Bob Patterson, and Jim Flanigan)

~ ~ Bob Patterson

From the President of Ring 50

2009-04-22T15:51:00.002-04:00

Hello all. This email is announcing the beginning of our Youth Ring in DC. Our first meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn in Alexandria, where we normally have our meetings, on June 3rd at 6pm. The Youth Ring will be open for children ages 7-17. I will run the Youth Ring for now. Every meeting will teach the kids magic history, presentation, and a magic trick that they will practice and perform at the meeting. The meetings will run 90 minutes. Parents can drop the children off or stay for the meeting. Every month we will have a guest magician come and demonstrate the magic trick or the magic history. Please encourage anyone you think that would be interested in joining to come. The child members will need to become Junior Members of the IBM then members of our Youth Ring. There are small fees and we will go over that at the first meeting. I can promise you that we, as a club, will offer a fun, interactive, and safe environment for the kids.

Now, I will need a few volunteers to help me with the meetings. Even if you can only make it to one meeting, that will help. For safety reasons we need more than one adult there, preferably a woman volunteer. But any volunteer will be greatly appreciated. Please email me at louis@childtimemagic.com if you are interested.

In addition, if you belong to any of the other clubs could you mention it to your members?

Thank you everyone.

Louis Meyer
President Ring 50
louis@childtimemagic.com

April Auction Activity

2009-04-12T11:20:00.004-04:00

Fifty-three members and guests attended our annual Ring 50 auction. Auctioneers Dick Christian and IBM Past President Bill Wells did a fantastic job demonstrating the live auction items and coaxing out the best dollar. Overall lucky bidders bought some great magic equipment, videos, and publications. A Berglass book drew very active bidding but Wayne Alan gave the final bid of $250 and walked away with it. A head twister was another piece of magic that was won for only $175. After escalating bids Reggie Rice succeeded in winning a ring to gumball machine. A lot of active bidding took place on the 25 items that an anonymous magician donated to Ring 50 for the live auction. He also donated 48 items for the silent auction. Mike Wolfson took home Double Coincidence and Kevin Sievers was top bidder for a vintage Tannen’s Stars of Magic book. Altogether, it was a very busy night with a total of 272 items being sold of which 121 items were bought in the live auction and 151 magic items sold in the silent auction.

President Louis Meyer encouraged members to compete on May 6 in the Dan Lacey ‘Washington Magician of the Year’ contest held annually in memory of a former Ring 50 president. Entrants will perform following the election of officers for the coming year.

The June meeting will be a comedy magic contest in honor of Winton Carroll for the most the Most Humorous Magician.

Magi-Whirl Is Just a Few Days Away!
If you haven’t registered for Magi-Whirl 2008, do it today! The registration price is $65 for everyone. You can register and pay on our website: http://www.magi-whirl.org/ until April 14th. After that pay at the door.

The doors open at 6:00 PM on Friday for registration and Paul Green’s lecture starts at 6:30 PM. Dealer’s room will NOT be open until after the lecture. On Saturday the doors open at 9:00 AM for registration, admission, and Dealer room. Jeff McBride’s lecture starts at 10:00 AM.

Jeff McBride Lecturer of the Year at Magi-Whirl!

2009-03-13T10:16:00.005-04:00

The Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) has named Jeff McBride the 2008 Lecturer of the Year. I.B.M. Ring 50, the National Capital Ring, is pleased to announce that Jeff will be lecturing and headlining the Public Show at Magi-Whirl 2009, April 17-18 at Whaley Auditorium, Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia.

Jeff will also be presenting his famous Secret Session after Magi-Whirl on April 19, also at Bishop Ireton. This session is limited to 20 people and there is an additional fee.

Get full info, tickets and register at http://www.Magi-Whirl.org

If that's not enough, we also have the Magic Castle's 2007 Close-up Magician of the Year, Paul Green, who will be lecturing, as well as SAM President Bruce Kalver who will be lecturing and performing in the Public Show. The Public Show also features IBM President Joan Caesar, 4-time DC Magician of the Year Noland Montgomery and M.C. Eric Henning.

We also have a Close-up Session, 10 TOP dealers with LOTS of time to browse and a Special Q&A session with the Presidents of the SAM & IBM, Bruce Kalver & Joan Caesar!

Register at http://www.Magi-Whirl.org

Early Bird Convention Registration
$50.00 through April 1, 2009 - $65.00 after April 1
(for one person, includes convention, all lectures on April 17 & 18, Dealer Room, Close-up Shows, Q&A session and One Ticket for Gala Public Show.)

Bishop Ireton High School has a lovely 700-seat full theatre - you will want to bring your friends to the Public Show on Saturday April 18. Show-only tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door (cash only at the door) and $45 for a four-ticket Family Pack (advance only).

Tickets on the Web at http://www.Magi-Whirl.org

Tell your friends! DC's ONLY Magic Convention is better than ever!

March Brings “What’s New At Barry’s”

2009-03-06T13:15:00.003-05:00

President Louis Meyer began the meeting with the indoctrination of two new members into I.B.M Ring 50; Thomas Bohacek of Haymarket VA and Theo Rushin of Germantown MD. Meyer reminded those attending that next month was ‘Auction Night’. Bob Patterson gave out the auction procedures and forms to some of the interested people in putting items into the auction. Mike Taggert, Chairman of Magi-Whirl encouraged everyone to register now before the price increase. It was suggested those attending the I.B.M. Convention in Nashville to meet one evening at the convention for dinner.

The theme for the March meeting was “What’s New at Barry’s”. The personable proprietor of Barry’s Magic Shop demonstrated a wide variety of magical items. “He brought some new things and some old things.” Barry Taylor says. “You know, what’s old is new and we have some things that are old that nobody ever saw”. He had some standard classics too that people were interested in seeing. Barry’s shop has served the Washington D.C. magic community since 1974.

Barry brought a lot of items including attractive displays of magic items, magazines, DVDs, and books. He opened with multiplying ice cream cones, turning one ice cream cone into two cones. After several cones were place into a hat, he inverted the hat and showed it to be empty. The Card Lasso or Miracle Rope routine has been around for a long time but never gets old. Barry had a card selected from a deck. Toss the cards into a hat and drop in the end of a length of rope. Give the rope a few shakes and when the rope was pulled out, the selected card was seen tied in a loop of rope! Next Barry followed with the Misers Delight Pro. He placed a paper bag on the table and reach into the air to pluck out a red light and then he placed the light in the paper bag. The light was seen falling into the bag and then settling to the bottom. He repeated several more times and had several lights shining in the bag. On his puff of breath all the lights went out. For laughs he brought out is hot book and fire wallet.

A very impressive effect was the Mental Die Prediction. A spectator was given a 3" die, made with an exotic dark hardwood and contrasting white spots. Barry turned away and the spectator is instructed to choose a number on the die, set the die on the table face up, and cover it with a cloth. Barry was able to reveal exactly what number they chose. He repeated this with various spectators and named correct the number each time. This was a fantastic addition to an elegant magic performance.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

February Teach-In at Ring 50

2009-02-10T23:07:00.009-05:00

President Louis Meyer opened the meeting and introduced the guests. Mike Taggert, Magi-Whirl Chairman, distributed posters he had made for Magi-Whirl 2009. He encouraged everyone to register soon for the April 17 & 18 event. Also the 4-hour Special Workshop with Jeff McBride is filling up fast and be sure to register for this too. Bob Patterson, Treasurer, introduced some changes and additions to the Ring 50 Constitution and By-Laws. These were approved by the members. Louis introduced the magical teachers for the evening: John Roberts, Arnie Fuoco, Rucj Uffelman, Glenn Gary, and Eric Henning.

John Roberts taught the rope through the neck effect which can be done with any rope, ribbon, sash, string of sausages, or whatever. John said you can play this in many ways. You can ask for volunteers to help decapitate you, or you can simply use whatever patter you choose. This effect segues cleanly into a cut and restored rope routine.

Rucj Uffelman had lots of bags and a carton of eggs to demonstrate the “Egg Bag” routines made famous by Malini, Tarbell, Senor Mardo, and others. He used Plastic eggs, wood eggs, and golf balls. He showed ways to make the egg appear and vanish, from inside and outside. He discussed the routines used by Ken Brooke, Scottish Golf Ball Bag, Tarbell, and Martin Lewis.

Arnie Fuoco presented “Paper Clipped”. A folded and paper clipped playing card (red backed) is placed on the table. A second card was freely selected from a shuffled pack (blue backed) and the spectator signed their name across the face of the card. The card was returned to the pack and the deck shuffled. Moments later, the paperclip was removed from the folded card that has been on the table from the very beginning, and shown to be the spectator’s signed card. Arnie went into great detail covering the method used including lecture notes with step by step procedures.

Glenn Gary walked everyone through an appearing ball routine using a silk. This developed into multiple appearing balls, followed by a ball switch. Each person was able to get hands on practice with the balls and silks Glenn provided.

Eric Henning gave us some very impressive coin routines. He demonstrated the fake take which enables you to secretly retain an object in one hand while supposedly taking it in the other hand. He then worked with us using a pencil and coin vanish where a coin is held in the finger tips and tapped three times with a pencil. The pencil disappears and is found behind the magician’s ear. The coin is tapped again and vanishes completely. Eric also showed the classic palm, finger palm, and others ways to palm a coin.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

Ring 50 Schedule

2009-01-13T17:49:00.003-05:00

2009
February 4 …..… Magic Teach-in, (reminder dues due)
March 4……..……’What’s New at Barry’s’
April 1 ………..….. Auction Night, Nominations for Officers
April 17 & 18…… Magi-Whirl 2009, Washington DC, Ring 50
April 19............... Four Hour Masters Class with Jeff McBride
May 6…………..... Dan Lacey Contest, Election of Officers
June 3……………. Winton Carroll Contest “Most Humorous Magician”
June 30 - July 4, 2009…… 81st IBM Convention, Nashville, Tennessee
July ……………… No Ring 50 Meeting

January Ring 50 Meeting 'History of Magic'

2009-01-12T17:19:00.010-05:00

Broken Wand Ceremony for Phillip Miller

Past President Mike Taggert stepped in and opened the first meeting of 2009. Mike introduced the TVP for Washington DC, Jim Flanigan, who performed a broken wand ceremony along with Jack Nance for Phillip Miller who passed away on December 13, 2008. Phil, originally from Illinois, was an educator. He moved to DC and went to work for the Federal Government at the Pentagon as Deputy Director of Defense Supply Agency. He retired from the Government. He was a member of the Order of Merlin of the I.B.M. and a member of the Invisible Lodge (Masons). He is survived by his brother Mike Miller in Atlanta GA. Rucj Uffelman spoke of him fondly as a fellow member in the Virginia Magic Society. Larry Lipman reminisced about how Phil welcomed Larry to Ring 50. Buddy Smith spoke as well and said what a good friend he was and was also a fellow Mason. Mike Taggert gave a dissertation on their friendship and good times with Phil.

Mike Taggert, Magi-Whirl Chairman, made reminders about the upcoming ‘Best Little Convention in the National Capital Area”, on April 17 & 18, 2009. Registrations can be made at www.Magi-Whirl.Org and be sure to get your registrations in early to save money. Jeff McBride is the main attraction for Gala Show.

History of Magic

The theme for the January meeting was ‘History of Magic’. John Roberts started off with the beginning of I.B.M. in 1922, its founders and the first issue of the Linking Ring. Because it was founded by two Americans and a Canadian, the society was deemed "International". In 1980 he obtained a collection of magic magazines and discovered in the collection the first issue of the Linking Ring. He read excerpts from it and then gave us all a copy of it.

Arnie Fuoco wowed all present with a classic card effect: ‘Out of This World’. Arnie went into great detail about the history of this 1942 Paul Curry effect. A trick Dia Vernon called ‘trick of the century’. Paul Curry was an inventor of magic (Inspired Dean Dill's Box) as well as: "Open Prediction". Arnie went on to explain some of the transformations and variations the trick has made throughout the years.

Dick Christian told of how important the old books of magic are and how the influence the magic of today. He gave us a listing of books about Magic and Magic History he recommends that we should read and gain the true basics of magic. These books have the foundations of the magic today.

Eric Henning, our Victorian Magician, closed the evening with a history of the Downs Palm from its beginnings with a Peruvian-born illusionist; who had great success in France in the late 1800's performing as L'Homme Masque, or "The Masked Man" (Jose Antenar de Gago). T. Nelson Downs brought it to the US but used the move from a different angle. Eric described Victorian magic as being developed from old con games to respective magic presentations. He also reiterated that books are a great place to learn basic magic effects and handling.

by Bob Patterson & Sam Brothers

January Magi-Gram is Online

2008-12-20T12:46:00.009-05:00

The January 2009 issue of the Magi-Gram is now online, and will also be emailed and mailed to members. You can see it, read it, and even download it to your computer or print it out by going to this link. It's also linked on the right hand column of this page. Please thank longtime editor and TVP Jim Flanigan for his tireless efforts and excellent work.

Broken Wand Ceremony for Phillip H. Miller

2008-12-14T22:01:00.001-05:00

Phillip Miller, 72, of Annandale, Va., died December 13, 2008. He held I.B.M. number 26655M and was a member of the Order of Merlin. Originally from Illinois, he was an educator who moved to the Washington, D.C., area, where he went to work for the federal government as the deputy director of the Defense Supply Agency at the Pentagon until he retired. Phil was also a member of the Invisible Lodge (Masons) and was active in the foundry Methodist Church of Washington. For the last 10 years, Phil enjoyed learning juggling. He recently moved to Greenspring Village in Springfield, Va. He is survived by a brother, Mike Miller, in Atlanta. A Broken Wand ceremony will be performed at the January 7th meeting of Ring 50 by TVP Jim Flanigan. Jack Nance, another longtime close friend of Phil will break the wand.

Magic That Pleases The Eye

2008-12-04T20:21:00.001-05:00

There were 63 members and guests attending the Duane Laflin Lecture at IBM Ring 50 on Wednesday, December 3rd. Laflin’s lecture was finding those hidden treasure in our unused magic. A New Look for Old Props – Cultures changing, magicians need to change too. He has a lot of "out of the box" thinking. He took some things that everyone is doing and put a new spin on it. Laflin really puts the MAGIC into everything he does. Throughout the evening you could hear members commenting, I have one of those and never thought to use it that way. Even the seasoned pros were talking about the way he improved upon tricks they had been doing and how they could not wait to add them to their routines and others who had not use silks were lining up to load up on items he used in his lecture. It was a magical, informative, and entertaining evening.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

Duane Laflin Lecture for December

2008-11-12T16:51:00.001-05:00

Duane Laflin is a noted magician, teacher, and innovator. He is a sought-after lecturer among magic clubs throughout the U.S. Duane was a featured lecturer at ClownFest 2004 convention and a featured lecturer at the 2007 convention of The International Brotherhood of Magicians held in Reno Nevada. He produced and starred in a popular four-volume series of instructional videos on silk magic. Duane has lectured for magicians at the famous "Magic Circle" in London England and at the "Magic Castle" in Hollywood California. His lecture is a magical experience that inspires, instructs, and entertains! He performs routines just like he would for a regular show. Then he explains the methods and secrets in a clear and easily understood manner. Along with trick explanations, there will be tips on showmanship and stage presence. His ideas apply to close up work, kid show tricks, routines that are ideal for banquet shows, and tricks that work great on stage... and more. Duane initially marketed and sold his props, effects and accessories within his company, "Laflin Magic" but eventually closed his mail-order business to focus strictly on performing and lecturing. Ownership and rights to his props were transferred to his daughter's company, “Lock Family Magic”, a popular magic mail-order company that devotes an entire page to Laflin's unique creations, including his educational videos for magicians. The lecture is free to IBM Ring 50 members. Other non member magicians are invited to attend the lecture for a $10 fee.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

Chris Capehart Lecture at November Meeting

2008-11-07T20:11:00.003-05:00

Before the Chris Capehart lecture began, in appreciation for his life in magic a Broken Wand Ceremony was held for Russell Glover (Dr. Chang) at the beginning of the meeting. Past International President Bill Wells performed the ceremony along with TVP Jim Flanigan, Dick Christian, and George Woo. Russell Glover was a member of The International Brotherhood of Magicians and a Ring 50 Honorary Life Member. He was best-known for his performances as the inimitable and hilarious "Dr. Chang". He passed away on October 20, 2008 in Valparaiso, Indiana and was nearly 91. Members of Ring 50 gathered together in the name of God and to commemorate with thanksgiving the life of Russell Glover, as a member of our great fraternity, linked in fellowship with magicians all over the world and Russ’ interest, activity, and skill of performing magic was enjoyed by those who were privileged to share his friendship. We of the Brotherhood express our sympathy, prayers and hope in the power of life eternal to his loved ones.

Chris Capehart began his lecture with a performance before 106 audience members. Twenty-three children sat down front for the performance and antics of the hilarious Chris Capehart. After nearly an hour entertaining the children and accompanying adults left the meeting and Chris continued the lecture with the members of Ring 50. His lecture covered the importance of crowd control and keeping everybody’s attention. Chris has been dubbed "The Ring Master" and for good reasons. The three-ring routine is one of the cornerstones of magical illusions. Chris's three-ring routine, which he perfected in 1981, has been acclaimed by some of the world's most renowned magicians as "the best of the best." He gave us some of his techniques in handling the rings. He demonstrated how to use the Miser’s Dream to get the best interaction from the audience. A comedy routine without words using a lota vase and doll was very funny. It was an interesting performance and lecture by Chris Capehart.

Ring 50 Gets Three New Members
Kevin McGuire from Stafford VA was voted into Ring 50 membership. Kevin started magic when he was 7 years old when he saw a TV special with David Copperfield. Later in High School he had a neighbor that was a professional Magician that showed him some tricks and he was hooked from then on. Ed Pallas of Laytonsville MD is a part-time kid performer, regular Magic Cafe contributor, and criminal investigator for Montgomery County PD. George Woo was nominated by Jim Flanigan for membership into Ring 50.

Dues Reminder:
Ring 50 dues for calendar year 2009 are due by February. Treasurer, Bob Patterson, will be happy to take your dues starting at the December 3rd meeting. Dues are $15 for the year. The Ring 50 Treasurer requests that you pay by check, as this eases the record keeping. Make checks payable to “IBM Ring 50”. Cash will be accepted providing you have the correct change ($15). You can also send a check to his home address at 3450 Wainscott Place, Lake Ridge, VA 22192-5263. Enjoy your Ring activities throughout 2009 by paying your dues.

~ ~Bob Patterson

Russ Glover, aka "Dr. Chang", Exits Stage Left

2008-10-24T22:08:00.002-04:00

Ring 50 Life Member Russ Glover, best-known for his performances as the inimitable and hilarious "Dr. Chang," passed away on October 20 in Valparaiso, Indiana. He was nearly 91. For a full report, please see the November Magi-Gram.

Past International President Bill Wells will perform a Broken Wand Ceremony at the regular Ring 50 meeting on November 5, before the lecture.

Chris Capehart to Lecture at November 5th Meeting

2008-10-20T22:08:00.001-04:00

Chris Capehart is an accomplished master magician respected throughout the world by his peers, applauded for his skills by the most famous of magicians and sought after for repeat performances by clients. Chris has done it all. In thirty-five years he has performed on the big stage, lectured to magicians, become a famous, accomplished street performer, created routines and mastered the linking rings. He has been published and imitated throughout the world. His skill at close-up is no less than astonishing. His quick comeback verbal skills sharpened on the streets of New York City have made him an outstanding comedian. At the Abbott's Convention 2002 he was awarded the Senator Crandall Award for Comedy. At the CAM Convention he worked with Jeff McBride. After his performance Jeff McBride said "He is the only magician I've ever seen who can bring down the house with a stock trick." Come to Chris’ lecture and you will find a pleasant blend of detailed instruction and performance-theory, which is guaranteed to inspire you for years to come! The lecture is free to IBM Ring 50 members. Other non member magicians are invited to attend the lecture for a $10 fee.

Children’s Magic Presented at the October Meeting

2008-10-06T10:22:00.001-04:00

After a few announcements were made the show began. Jim Flanigan, the evening's opening act, came out sporting a red sponge nose and a tall, colorful hat. He pulled a small white rabbit from the hat followed by a long glittering snake. He finished by producing a six-foot-long yellow No. 2 pencil. He ended by sketching a chosen card picked by a young audience member.

The next act was Ring 50 president, Louis Meyer. He opened his child friendly act with assistance from a very cute girl, Madison. Louis inflated a balloon and asked for her favorite animal. A befuddled Louis tried to make her a penguin however; Louis only knew how to make giraffe. The little girl left with a giraffe. Then Louis inflated a larger balloon and had a magical funhouse machine that he said would transform any balloon into an animal. He turned the crank on the machine and a live dove was produced to the delight to all.

Stunning Laurie Curry was wearing a very colorful red glittery boa and red feather hat. She chose two little girls to assist her with making a black and white handkerchiefs change places in a bag. After some magical assistance from the girls, the handkerchiefs became imprinted with spots and the bag transformed into a darling puppy. Then Laurie did rendition of the Professors Nightmare with a Goldilocks and the three bear’s storyline. She concluded her act with an empty picture frame that little Madison took a magical picture of Laurie that turned out to be a MONEKY!

Next up was a very classy Glenn Gary dressed for dinner. He produced a green cloth and asked one of the older boys in attendance for what sport he would play on a green field. The boy replied "soccer". Glenn produced a small basketball that transformed into a soccer ball. Gary did some fantastic ball manipulations with the soccer ball and made it appear and re-appear several times. Glenn then brought out a small paper bag and claimed this was his pet "ball house". The invisible ball was thrown to the audience and back to Glenn then he caught it in the bag several times to the astonishment of the audience. The ball became visible for a short time until Glenn tossed it back in the bag, folded the bag and put it back in his pocket. Finally, two volunteers John and Michael were called up to the stage to assist with a card trick. The volunteers were called to provide "Pixie Dust" and "Wiffle Dust" to aid the magician in lightening the cards. The cards were "discarded" and Glenn proceeded to baffle all present with an amazing floating card box routine.

Mike Taggart opened with a great Ceramic Lota-Pot with a Tibetan Monk theme. To the amazement of all, water was produced from the previously emptied pot several times with prayer and incantations from the audience. All were stunned when the final load of water was poured in a red cylinder where it defied gravity and changed to red in color! Mike closed with a paper tear with the assistance of a young male volunteer that resulted in a restored napkin as well as a beautiful 20 foot coil of colored paper.

Reggie "SuperMagicMan" Rice began with a very loud, fast, and funny talking recorded introduction. He asked for a young volunteer and Madison responded while Reggie tried to make her vanish behind a small curtain. He then called three boys to the stage and performed a rope through jacket penetration. Finally, he performed a card trick, where he was not the magician but his pet snake Jake was going to find the card selected by his female volunteer. Jake pops out of a basket with sign that says “your card in not in here!” The card was finally produced out of a sealed prediction envelope labeled Jake’s Magic Card.

Jason Goldberg filled in while Reggie took his set down and wowed the audience with a father-son card prediction! He helped the father and son explore the power of their connection by having the son magically locate in a deck the matches of two cards his father held."

Lorenzo the Great (Larry Lipman) told us that magic was in books. He then proceeded to perform a variety of effects he got out of those books. He asked a young man by the name of Solomon to the stage to assist in a cut and restored rope trick. Solomon cut the rope in half and Larry returned the rope to its original condition to the delight of everyone. Next, Brianna was called to the stage to pick a card. Hilarity ensued as the young Brianna was so young that she did not know what a suit was. Larry recovered like a true pro and asked her older brother, John, to assist in making a successful card prediction. The deck was placed behind Larry's back and the card was placed back in the deck. Finally, the card was found reversed in the deck. Larry’s final routine was Barry Mitchell’s "Reach for a Star" production routine complete with musical background and a memorized poem.

Eric Henning performed the Magic Rainbow Silk Production followed by Bruce Kalver's "Shrinking/Growing Head" to the delight of all! He then proceeded to demonstrate how to make a purple silk handkerchief change into a yellow one while making the silks disappear (Patrick Page's "Comedy Color-Changing Silk"). The audience was then wowed by his rendition of Martin Lewis' "Cheap Cup," ending with a full size tennis ball production! Eric closed the show with his own creation, "The World’s Best Birthday Trick," wherein touching patter combined with the beautiful transformation of a soap bubble into a solid sphere.

~ ~ Sam Brothers & Bob Patterson
Photos by Jim Flanigan

October Magi-Gram

2008-09-19T13:29:00.000-04:00

The October Magi-Gram is here! Just click here to read it.

News Flash – Schedule Change

2008-09-07T09:53:00.002-04:00

The monthly event schedule for IBM Ring 50 meetings has been changed. The October 1st meeting will feature “CHILDREN’S MAGIC”. The “History of Magic, Mini Lectures by Members” has been moved to the January meeting.

Children’s Magic Scheduled for OCTOBER 1st Meeting

We would love to get as many people into the October performance as possible! Please, let Louis know if you are interested in performing. This is a great chance to see how your magic entertains children. We always have a great show for children, please bring (and invite) as many kids as you want. Any Ring member interested in performing for Children’s Magic should contact Louis Meyer, 703-765-1923, or email: louis@childtimemagic.com.There is no fee to attend Children’s Magic Night.

MYI - Ring 50 Approves Initiation of Youth Program

2008-09-07T09:51:00.000-04:00

Mike Taggert discussed and introduced a motion to initiate a Magic Youth International program sponsored by Ring 50 for the Washington DC area. The motion was seconded by Bill Wells and members unanimously approved the establishment the program. Magic Youth International is the highly respected junior branch of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. The membership of the I.B.M. actively supports this dynamic youth focused program to promote, educate, and enhance the activities of talented young magicians around the world. Syndicated columnist Ann Landers once wrote, “It is not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.” So it is that our primary goal is to help our youngest members to become productive adults and the backbone of future I.B.M. Rings. Properly mentored, magic can enhance a teen’s creativity, social interaction and personal confidence. Learning and performing magic provides a fun and challenging outlet for fertile young minds; minds that are bombarded daily by creativity inhibiting video games, televised litter and bone-crunching stunts. Mike Taggert will be looking for members to become mentors in this program. If you are interested contact Mike at 540-370-0752 or email: mtaggert@cox.net.

Barry Mitchell Lectures at Ring 50

2008-09-07T09:33:00.002-04:00

Barry Mitchell, a motivational speaker, family entertainer and humorist, captivated the attention of Ring 50 members at their September meeting. “I try to do everything to not think like a magician,” he told the crowd. “A lot of the stuff I do has a moral or an idea.” Opening his presentation by singing, Barry quickly stressed that involving the audience is very important to succeed. “You want to be part of them,” he explained. “Let me tell you a story,” he began. Those words, he pointed out, immediately set up a mood of anticipation. His first story was a legend called “The Mother of All Diamonds” where lumps of coal poured into a goblet turned into diamonds—all except one. He pulled out a key chain with a single lump of coal dangling from it. He explained he had doubted coal could change to diamonds and kept the memento to remind him they really could. In another routine, Barry had the audience chanting “Mash the Moo” as he poured milk to diminishing sizes of glasses without losing a drop. He joked that he had created condensed milk. He ended by changing the “mashed moo” to M&Ms. “Everything I do is very scripted,” he emphasized, adding the biggest difference between an amateur and a professional is a script. Barry’s home-spun humor and easy delivery supporting this philosophy came across in another segment. Four audience members played different roles for a fairy tale he called “The Selfish Sultan and the Magic Box”. Barry ended the night with a moving patriotic presentation that included a 13-star Betsy Ross flag. ~ ~ Jim Flanigan

Magician Joins Ring 50

Ring 50 gained another new member, Thomas Kee, of The Plains VA. Tom started magic when he was 8 years old and performed for about 12 years. He stopped when he went to college and recently renewed his interest in magic again.

Dick Christian Encore Appearance at Alexandria Supper Club

2008-09-04T15:09:00.005-04:00

Ring 50's Dick Christian will be performing as the opening act at The Carlyle Club at 411 John Carlyle Street in Alexandria again on Saturday, Sept. 6. Dinner service starts at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $20 and dinners are $24.95 (for a 3-course dinner) and up. The atmosphere is that of a classy 1940's supper club with live music during dinner and for dancing after the show. Tickets can be purchased either at the door or by reservation at (703) 548-5953 or online at either www.tasteourlaughter.com or www.thecarlyleclub.com. They are expecting a close to capacity crowd on Saturday (one party group of 80+ has already made a reservation). Another performance, with Dick as the headliner (45-minute to full 1-hour show) is in the works for October with the exact date still to be determined.

Brad Ross Gives Lecture at August Meeting

2008-08-10T16:55:00.005-04:00

Brad Ross presented his lecture on Discovering Your IT FACTOR: Secrets of Branding, Positioning, and Magical Marketing to an audience of 63 Ring 50 members and guests. Brad’s three hour lecture gave many pointers on how to succeed and make big bucks in the business of shows. The foundation for his lecture was from his IT FACTOR package. This included such topics as discovering and unleashing your magical power, back room sales system, goodie bags and give a ways, internet marketing, direct response marketing, and many ways to develop greater results in your business. Marketing has changed over the years and we magicians need to change with the times. He went on to show the audience how to properly put together a professional looking promotional packet and Image Based Marketing. He has translated the general business marketing and promotional principles into making the Master Magician known in the public venue. He's marketed himself and his products extremely well. He has taken a raw material (general information) add VALUE to it, by various processes and translating the general information into direct and specific instructions for performers. His lecture gave ideas and procedures in such a way as there is no question how a magical performer should apply the principles he laid out. There was so much information in the lecture it was impossible to write it all down. One needs to purchase his IT FACTOR package.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

Ring 50 Inducts New Members
Ring 50 gains two new members. Wayne Spillner, Warrenton VA, is a member of the Order of Merlin and has just recently move to our Washington DC area. He does close-up magic and has worked the Magic Castle with Michael Ammar. Sylvia Lett, Temple Hills MD, performs magic as Streamer Da Clown. She does Illusions, Motivational Magic, and Gospel Magic.

Ring 50 CDs Available
A CD of the Ring 50 performers and Ring activities for the past year was compiled by Larry Lipman and donated to the Ring. There are a few of these still available from the Treasurer, Bob Patterson, for only $5. Bob will have them at the next meeting for sale.

Ring 50 Shirts
Blue Shirts with the Ring 50 logo are available for $27.50. A few will be available for pick-up at the next meeting. Cash or check is accepted, make check payable to ‘Robert Patterson’. If your size is not available it can be ordered. The following sizes are available: Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large, and 3X-Large (2X & 3X add $2.50).

IBM 2009 Convention in Nashville TN
Members of Ring 50 are reminded to register early for the 81st International Brotherhood of Magician Convention to be held in Nashville TN, July 1 - 4, 2009. IBM members can register on-line at the IBM website http://www.magician.org/. Click on the left side “Annual Convention” then click on the Nashville logo. Read the pricing matrix and begin registration at the bottom. You will need your IBM number. Be sure to check the box for your spouse if you are bringing one. IBM members registering before September 1, 2008 can register for $195. From September 1st thru December 31 the price is $210. After December 31 registration is $250. Registration forms will be available at Ring 50 meetings. So register early and SAVE!

Magi-Whirl 2009
Be sure to reserved April 17, 18, & 19 for Magi-Whirl 2009. This year we have a super line-up of lectures and performers (Jeff McBride, Paul Green, Bruce Kalver and others). A special session with IBM International President, Joan Caesar, and SAM National President, Bruce Kalver. Also a special four hour workshop on Sunday, April 19 is planned (at additional cost of $125) with Jeff McBride. There will be ten magic shops in the dealers room. The Saturday night Gala show will be a knock-out. You won’t want to miss this event. Watch our website http://www.magi-whirl.org/ for details. Be sure to register early and SAVE!

Meeting Schedule 2009

2008-08-09T22:31:00.004-04:00

(Subject to Change)

2009

January 7………......History of Magic w/ Mini-Lectures by Members

February 4 …….....Magic Teach-in

March 4………..…...TBA

April 1 ………….......Auction Night, Nominations for Officers

April 17 & 18……Magi-Whirl 2009, Washington DC, Ring 50

May 6……………......Dan Lacey Contest, Election of Officers

June 3…………….....Winton Carroll Contest “Most Humorous Magician”

July ……………….....No Ring 50 Meeting in July

July 1-4, 2009…… 81st IBM Convention, Nashville, Tennessee
August 5..................Anatomy of a Magic Show (Double Lecture)
September 2..........."Try a New Trick" Night
October 7............... TBA
November 4...........TBA
December 2............Lecture by Devin Knight

Reggie Rice's Super Tour Gets Ink

2008-07-04T20:54:00.003-04:00

Ring 50 Sergeant-at-Arms Reggie Rice, a.k.a. "SuperMAGICman," got front-page coverage of his successful tour of Southern Maryland. The St. Mary's County Enterprise put Rice on the cover of its June 27 Weekend section just before his final shows.

The article captures Rice on his 25th birthday as he plans and rehearses his new show in preparation for his "Tri-County Tour." Mentioned prominently is his involvement in Ring 50, including his dual wins of the Winton Carroll Award for Washington, D.C.’s Comedy Magician of the Year.

In addition to tightening his 5-person illusion show, Rice's tour has paid off in other ways: he will be featured this fall at all three fairs in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's Counties.

‘‘Being on stage in front of people is what I love the most,” he said. ‘‘When I am not on the stage, I feel bored. I have always been in the spotlight, and that’s where I like to be.”

Paul Green to Lecture at Magi-Whirl 2009!

2008-07-02T21:51:00.000-04:00

I.B.M. Ring 50, The National Capital Ring, is pleased to announce that Magi-Whirl 2009 will feature a special lecture from the Magic Castle's 2008 Close-up Magician of the Year, Paul Green.

Paul Green's magic is designed to be performed for real people—not the members of your local Magic Club. His magic has been proven before audiences at Hollywood's famed Magic Castle, Beverly Hills' most exclusive restaurants, the private homes of celebrities and numerous trade shows in North America, Europe and Asia. Refined and polished, there is material that will be prized by performers at every skill level.

Green has been named not only the Close-Up Magician of the Year but also Lecturer of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle. He was a columnist for The Magic Menu ("In the Trenches"), and his work has been published in GENII: The Conjuror's' Magazine as well as MAGIC Magazine.

There will be a cornucopia of magic for everyone—from the professional to the hobbyist. Cards, Coins, Rope, and maybe something else. Dynamic Magic to entertain, make friends, and earn some money. In addition, Paul will share his business expertise in the fields of trade shows, corporate events, and restaurants. You can't lose.

Material covered in this 2½ hour-plus lecture will come from his lecture notes as well as his DVDs on the Classic Force; In the Trenches; Live at the Jailhouse; and his newest release, Card Warp Finale.

James Munton to Give Free Lecture

2008-06-29T21:32:00.001-04:00

The Virginia Magic Society (VMS) invites all members of SAM Assemblies 23 & 252, and IBM Ring 50 (and anyone else in the magic community) to a free magic lecture on Friday, July 11 at 8:00 p.m. featuring James Munton, a former president of both Assembly 23 and IBM Ring 50. James now lives in Dallas Texas. The lecture will be held at the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church, VA. The lecture is free, but bring your checkbook since James will be demonstrating and selling a bunch of items. Please contact Larry Lipman if you plan to attend.

Noland Montgomery Featured in Washington Post

2008-06-17T20:41:00.004-04:00

Ring 50 Magician of the Year Noland Montgomery was featured in a full-color article in the June 17 edition of the Washington Post. In an article in the KidsPost section titled "Here's the Real Trick: Practice Makes Presto," Montgomery, who has won the Dan Lacey Contest four times, is shown and interviewed to help children understand what it takes to be a professional magician.

The full-page spread includes actions photos and pictures of Noland's props, and he encourages kids to start at their local library. The online version even has a video in which Montgomery teaches a trick.

"'You have to read books; watch other magicians perform; and practice, practice, practice.' Montgomery says that anyone, at any age, can be a magician."

Louis Meyer sworn in as president IBM Ring 50

2008-06-10T20:40:00.004-04:00

Louis Meyer was sworn in as the new president of The National Capital Ring at our June 4th meeting. He stepped up from the vice president’s position to assume the leadership role. The Washington DC, TVP, Jim Flanigan, conducted the candlelight Points of Light installation ceremony. Others taking their oaths of office were Eric Redman as vice president, Bob Patterson returning as treasurer, Sam Brothers as secretary and Reggie Rice as sergeant-at-arms. Outgoing Ring 50 President Michael Taggert, joined by former Ring 50 leaders Dwight Redman and Don Freedman will serve as directors.

Magi-Whirl 2008 Chairman Presents Check

Mike Taggert, Magi-Whirl Chairman, presented Raymond Curry of Bishop Ireton High School, Technical Theater Department a large check for $2,835, the school’s share of the highly successful Magi-Whirl Gala Show.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

Winton Carroll’s “Most Humorous Magician Contest”

2008-06-10T20:07:00.003-04:00

Once up on a time in the land of IBM Ring 50 legerdemain, between thunderstorms that ran through the Washington DC area, there was a contest for the “Most Humorous Magician” held in the honor of Winton Carroll, former Ring president (1962-1963). A $100 grant from Winton’s widow, Emma, was awarded to the winner. The sixty-two audience members enjoyed the comedy and magic of the performers. Defending his title from last year was Reggie Rice, and by membership vote he was again this years winner!

Leading off the “Most Humorous Magician” contest was Larry Lipman (Lorenzo the Great), performing as "Grorenzo the Late" (Lorenzo the Great) did color-changing silks, a sponge ball routine and nesting wands while reciting patter in which he mixed up the beginning consonants of most of the words. His funny line of patter included such lines as he's not a “mategracian” (great magician) and “yank thoo mery vuch” (thank you very much).

Scott McDonald, performing as "The Redneck Magician" offered his version of "The Guessin' Card" whereby he fooled a young audience assistant into believing that he could predict any card that was pulled from the deck. In fact he did guess the right card, along with 51 others on a single jumbo card! He explain the deck was really his NASCAR Trading Card collection in disguise, and asked the young man to pull any four cards from the deck, and he would reveal their true identity. Using the magical powers of his ball cap - "The Redneck Magician" accurately revealed the cards as noted race car drivers including an unexpected one from his "Girls of Hooters" collection. The Redneck Magish then apologized for chewing gum while performing, and showed of his collection of ABC gum (Already Been Chewed). He then proceeded to recombobulate the old used gum back into ready again for chewin' gum and finished with a cascade of gum into the audience.

Professor Ludwig von Schnitzlemacher, (alias John Roberts), sporting a small square black mustache) made a funny entrance speaking in German. He had a five-letter word on a card selected from a pack of 25 and returned to a non-see-thru envelope that he set on fire. Then, using a colander as a helmet to amplify the "voices” in his head, he produced several magnetic letters on a metal tray that eventually spelled the chosen word.

Noland Montgomery opened with a comedy routine with a torn and restored newspaper. He followed this with some impromptu puppetry by fashioning a rabbit with a cloth napkin he identified as Hank the Hare. After asking a spectator mentally choose a number, Hank the Hare demonstrated his psychic power to scribble the number on a pad of paper matching the number the spectator choose. Hank also engaged in other pratfalls, including, to Noland's dismay, sneaking a dollar bill out of Noland's jacket pocket and devouring it like a piece of lettuce followed by a loud burp.

Tom Paxton dazzled us with an original routine using a Misers Dream type coin production going to a pocket with half dollars while talking about kids and how they spend money on stupid things. Ending with the production of a 3½" half-dollar that he “had to cough up for his wife”. Then Tom then transitioned into a version of “Heiny 500” he called "My Las Vegas Money" where his wife would only give me $5 to gamble. He changed the five $1 dollar bills to five $100 dollar bills, gambled and lost almost all of it and then changed the currency them back to $1 bills so he could tell his wife he broke even for the night.

Bob Carnathan, who placed second in the contest, opened with a prediction by having an audience member name an animal. First selection did not match the pig prediction in the envelope. The second selected farm animal did not match the pig prediction either. Finally with many, many hints and Bob hamming it up, the spectator went out on a limb and chose a pig, the correct animal in the envelope. Next Bob performed a very funny mental transference routine with two spectators connected by a Rich Bloch Collectors Workshop look-a-like mental transference device (actually two plungers and a spiral cord) on their heads. The woman was asked to pick a card. Through the device, with the male spectator having some difficulty reading the hints in a crystal ball, Bob correctly identified a card chosen by the other spectator.

The “Legendary” Rick Beatty with the assistance of two helpers comically astounded the audience with a poster routine using names of famous magicians including one with the word “ME” on it. In another bit, he had another spectator select a card (10 of spades) that he made vanish. He asked the spectator the name of the card and reached into his pocket and wrongly produced a 3 of spades. Then pulling the card all the way out showing it was really a foot long with 10 spades on it altogether.

For his winning performance, Reggie Rice – appearing under his signature stage name “SuperMagicMan”- started by opening his flat briefcase from which he pulled a regulation size bowling ball. He revealed us his biggest secret in magic was he learned everything from the "Magic for Dummies" book. Using the instructions in the book he turned a bottle of coke into a shot glass with liquid in it. He also did a card prediction opening the book to a double page illustration of a King of Clubs, which a young audience member had picked. This was followed by a “do as I do” paper tear with the help of a young woman from the crowd. Using a roll of toilet paper, he made a ball of it disappear only to reappear as a long streamer from his mouth. His conclusion was a “Dancing With the Stars” routine.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

Officers 2008-9

2008-05-14T11:42:00.000-04:00

President - Louis Meyer
Vice President - Eric Redman
Treasurer - Bob Patterson
Secretary - Sam Brothers
Sergeant At Arms - Reggie Rice

Director - Don Freedman
Director - Dwight Redman
Director - Michael Taggert

Magi-Gram Editor - Jim Flanigan
Webmaster - Eric Henning

May Meeting & The Dan Lacey Contest

2008-05-09T12:40:00.002-04:00

President Mike Taggert opened the meeting with a few announcements. The many guests were introduced which included several members of the Dan Lacey family. Certificates of Appreciation were given to all those who volunteered their help for Magi-Whirl 2008. Then Mike introduced the nominees for the coming year for the offices and directors. This was followed by the unanimous vote by all Ring members present to accept those nominated. The officers for 2008-09 are:

Officers
President …………..…….. Louis Meyer
Vice President ………….. Eric Redman
Treasurer ……….……….. Bob Patterson
Secretary ………….…….. Sam Brothers
Sergeant-at-Arms …..….. Reggie Rice

Directors
Senior Director …………. Don Freedman
Former Ring President.... Dwight Redman
Retiring Ring President... Michael Taggert

Other
Magi-Gram Editor ……. Jim Flanigan
Webmaster …………… Eric Henning

Territorial Vice President, Jim Flanigan, will conduct the installation of officers ceremony at the June 4th meeting.

The business meeting was completed and the 6th annual Dan Lacey contest for the “Magician of the Year” was presented. Dan was a former president (1999-2000) of IBM Ring 50 who was noted for promoting goodwill and fellowship. The contest and trophy is presented in his memory. Judges based their selections on originality, presentation, performance, and entertainment skills.

Noland Does It Again!
Our emcee for the evening was Eric Henning. Judges were Bud Smith, Dick Christian, and Cecelia Lacey. The remarkable performers astounded the 70 members and guests attending the meeting. After a long deliberation the judges awarded the top honors to Noland Montgomery with Bob Carnathan following closely behind with honorable mention.

Leading off the superior line-up of magicians was Eric Redman. Eric amazed the audience with his dove production. Eric’s egg bag routine and egg production was culminated with the mystical appearance of another dove from the egg.

Geoff Weber began by describing an old family heirloom, an allegedly haunted silver ball. Upon covering it with a foulard, it seemed to vanish, and was later seen to move slowly under the foulard and eventually float up into full view and rest on the edge of a foulard. After some other tricky maneuvers it returned under the foulard and floated back to the pedestal. His next trick was "more fun than a barrel of monkeys". He brought out a barrel of monkeys game to illustrate a point. He threaded a borrowed a gold ring on a shoelace with the ends held by a volunteer. He then made the ring vanish, only to find it hanging from the end of a chain of monkeys inside the barrel. His final routine was a variation on the "ninja ring" linking ring routine.

Arnie Fuoco revealed a little known secret about magicians. That is, they use the methods in their magic tricks to solve their day-to-day personal problems. He demonstrated how the method in the cut and restored rope was used to help him get over a broken heart (a restoration of a torn tissue-paper heart). He also restored a torn newspaper, a playing card, and even the tie he was wearing when a spectator accidentally cut it.

Bob Carnathan told of the days in Paterson New Jersey when the queens performed at the Majestic Theater. He began with four large cards all queens. He did not show the face of the cards but when a spectator announced the queen of hearts, Bob showed the queen as one of the cards with the only blue back. Then he showed everyone the reverse and the remaining three cards were all blank with red backs. Bob then went on to do an egg bag routine with the assistance of two helpers from the audience. He made the egg appear and disappear while the helpers held his wrists and examined the bag each time.

Pulling coins out of thin air is one of the trademarks of a quality magician and Noland Montgomery did just that. He held the audience spellbound with his version of the Misers Dream. Each coin production was punctuated with a silly pun as he produced coins from different parts of his body, as when he proclaimed 'must be a cash-ear (cashier)' while apparently taking a coin out of his ear. He accumulated a bucket full of coins. Noland then performed his version of the linking rings using three very large rings.

Dwight Redman used large cards for the handling of Brother John Hamman's classic plot Gemini Twins, where the twin Kings that married twin Queens meet in a seemingly impossible way with four cards. At the first run through of the Gemini Count, nobody reacted to seeing twin sets of the cards. At the second, there is shock. During the third go around, there is quiet disbelief and nervous murmurs but at the last phase, he got silence that bursts into laughter and a big round of applause.

Our contest emcee was Past President (2003-04) Eric Henning, who kept things moving. After the performances, while the judges deliberated, he kept the crowd happy with his own magic routines. Henning opened with a nautical-themed Chop Cup routine, followed by a story of Cub Scout camping trips in which a camping coffee mug threaded onto a shoelace magically came free. He ended by having an audience volunteer call their friend on a cell phone and when they named a card, Henning showed it was the only card reversed in a jumbo deck.

Photos by Jim Flanigan & Larry Lipman

June to Feature “Most Humorous Magician” Contest
June 4th – Present your comedy magic material for the “Most Humorous Magician” contest and win a $100. This Winton Carroll Contest is open to all Ring 50 members. This contest and meeting will be conducted in the Dinning Room of the Hotel. Winner will be chosen by popular vote (please bring a pencil or pen to mark the ballot). Contact Louis Meyer (louis@childtimemagic.com or ph. 703-765-1923) if you want to compete in this contest. Let us know a week before the meeting so the ballots can be printed.

No Ring 50 meeting in July
There will be no meeting July. Meetings will resume on August 6th At the Holiday Inn. Members are encouraged to attend the combined IBM/SAM Convention in July at Louisville Kentucky, July 21-26.

~ ~ Bob Patterson

Al Cohen Honored by Academy of Magical Arts

2008-04-18T23:27:00.001-04:00

Al Cohen accepts honor at California night of magic

Al Cohen, honorary lifetime member of Ring 50 and veteran magic dealer who operated Al’s Magic Shop in Washington for many years, accepted a Lifetime Achievement Fellowship citation at the 40th annual Academy of Magical Arts award show and banquet at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., the night of April 5. “It was truly a wonderful experience,” Al said when he returned home. “I was quite honored and thrilled to receive such a prestigious award.” Al said that the whole affair was like the Academy Awards and even included several movie stars. “I got to meet several of them, including Jason Alexander. Loni Anderson gave me my award.” Both of these stars also performed magic on stage at the event. Other noted personalities attending the show were Siegfried Fischbacher of Siegfried and Roy, Mac King, Sally Kirkland, Tippi Hendren, Bob Barker, and Milt Larsen.

Jason Alexander and Loni Anderson performed at the magical event

~ ~ Jim Flanigan

May Meeting Brings Dan Lacey Contest “Magician of the Year”

2008-04-16T14:52:00.002-04:00

May 7th – Sharpen up your skills for the annual “Washington DC Magician of the Year”, Dan Lacey contest. The contest is open to all Ring 50 members. A panel of Judges will select the winner. Contact Mike Taggert (mtaggert@cox.net or ph. 540-370-0752) if you want to compete in this prestigious contest. Each person has a time limit of eight minutes to present their act.

Election of Ring 50 Officers will be conducted at the May meeting. The nominees for Ring 50 2008-2009 are:

Officers
President…………………. Louis Meyer
Vice President…………… Eric Redman
Treasurer…………………. Bob Patterson
Secretary………………….. Sam Brothers
Sergeant-at-Arms……... Reggie Rice

Directors
Retiring Ring President……. Michael Taggert
Former Ring President…….. Dwight Redman
Senior Director ……………..... Don Freedman

April’s Auction Action

2008-04-03T19:53:00.002-04:00

Auctioneers Dick Christian and Bill Wells with a sausage gun.

Fifty-four members and guests attended our annual Ring 50 Auction. Our auctioneers Dick Christian and IBM Past President, Bill Wells did a fantastic job demonstrating the live auction items and getting the best dollar. Overall lucky bidders got some fine magic equipment. High bidders walked off with some of the interesting pieces like: a collectors T-Shirt from the former Al’s Magic Shop, a silk fountain, a set of 8-inch linking rings, and a water bowl vanish. Tom Paxton won a neat spike thru the neck item. Dwight Redman was top bidder for a Collector's Workshop Samurai. John Roberts carried home a very nice silk caddy and Wayne Alan got a PB & J for a little bread. Eighty-seven items sold in the auction netting the Ring $79 in fees and donations for the Ring Treasury. Twenty-eight items were sold in the live auction and fifty-nine magic items in the silent auction.

May 7th - Dan Lacey Contest

Sharpen up your skills for the annual “Washington DC Magician of the Year”, Dan Lacey contest. The contest is open to all Ring 50 members. Winner will be selected by a panel of Judges. Contact Mike Taggert if you are going to compete in this event (president@ibmring50.org). Each performer will have eight minutes to exhibit their magicial skills to amaze the audience.

June 4th – Winton Carroll's “Most Humorous Magician” Contest

Present your comedy magic material for the “Most Humorous Magician” contest and win a $100. This Winton Carroll contest is open to all Ring 50 members. This contest and meeting will be conducted in the Dinning Room of the Hotel. Winner will be chosen by popular vote (bring a pencil or pen to mark the ballot). Contact Mike Taggert if you are going to compete in this event (president@ibmring50.org). Each performer will have eight minutes to exhibit their magicial skills to win the audience vote for the Most Humorous Magician award.

~~ Bob Patterson

Magi-Whirl 2008 – One of the BEST

2008-04-01T15:50:00.007-04:00

Ring 50, under the guidance of Mike Taggert and Bob Patterson, produced another hit convention and stage show for Magi-Whirl 2008. There was a 33 percent increase in registrations for the convention over the previous year and a 28 percent jump in show ticket sales with 567 tickets sold for the Saturday night gala performance. During the convention, attendees had a chance to meet some of the stage stars up close and personal. ICE McDonald, who was accompanied by his assistant Robbie Waddell, Aldo & Rachel Colombini and Eric Jones, gave standup lectures.

Among the dignitaries who attended the convention were Maria Ibanez, president of the Society of American Magicians, and Al Cohen, the longtime Washington magic dealer who will be honored at the Magic Castle in Hollywood in April for his contributions to magic.
Friday night arrivals were able to enjoy a Dealers Show and to make some early purchases. They were treated to a lecture by Eric Jones, which turned out to be a surprise hit of this convention or any magic convention. His Four Kings Revelation in performance appeared impossible to perform although his finger-flicking routine seemed almost obtainable when explained. His coin magic drew raves of “outstanding” from even the most experienced at the lecture. His Three Fly effect took the magic to even another level. He also did a whole new twist on the Karate Coin.

After Friday's finger-flinging session, Saturday morning began with a rousing motivational lecture from top corporate magician Kenrick "Ice" McDonald. Ice shared his real-world principles for both the "show" and the "business" of magic, including a special section on ethics. He also shared an amazing routine he uses to audition for corporate bookers. At the end, the audience was clearly ready to go another two hours, but we had to break so the magi could lunch at the many fine restaurants withing walking distance of Bishop Ireton High School, the convention site.

After lunch, the attendees were wondering what could possibly follow the sleight of hand and great ideas we'd already seen. The answer was in two parts: Aldo & Rachel Columbini. They gave us a double dose of practical, effective stand-up magic, suitable for most venues. The crowd made their enthusiasm evident and then swarmed the product table at the end.

Saturday afternoon featured revolving close-up shows with Brian Morton, Richard Kaufman and Bob Little. Brian Morton used a deck of cards and a film noir detective story to reveal a “criminal” represented by a signed queen. Kaufman proved he is a close-up performer in his own right with some slick card work including one in which he turned a deck into a “gun” to shoot out a chosen card. Bob Little used a hatchet to chop a large Smiley face cookie into crumbs to reveal a chosen card. He ended his act with a bit that probably will not be repeated again.

One of the afternoon highlights was a question-and-answer session with Richard Kaufman, publisher of Genii The Conjuror’s Magazine, conducted by Ring 50 President Mike Taggert. Kaufman talked about having the chance while growing up in New York City to brush elbows with some of magic’s greats in informal settings. Kaufman, who revived Genii 10 years ago and turned it into a first-rate magic publication, conceded he is a workaholic but loves every minute of his creative time in front of a computer.

The only thing that could follow these lectures was some great magic performances, and we had plenty in store, both on stage and up close. Prior to the Saturday night Gala Show, Ring 50 members performed feats of magic in the lobby to entertain the arriving public. They were: Capt Token (Louis Hofhiemer), Dwight Redman, Larsen Eisenberg, Eric Redman, Lorenzo the Great (Larry Lipman), Matgik Matt (Matt Hiller), Sam Brothers, and The Legendary Rick Beatty.

The Gala Show drew a nearly sellout, enthusiastic crowd, which was opened to the public. The opening act of the show, presented in the auditorium of Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Va., featured the comedy and magic of Ring 50 Magician of the Year Noland Montgomery. Two husky men tied him up with rope as he stood on a stool. After one of the assistants held a drape over his tightly bound hands, Noland suddenly reached out from behind the cover with his magically free right hand to answer a cell phone call. “I’m all tied up at the moment,” he told the caller on the other end of the line.

The delightful comedy magic of Bob Sheets came next with a presentation of his very own Hang Them High illusion in which he pulled a long length of rope through his body. He also tendered a wonderful routine involving eight delightful kids from the audience. He combined a Nest of Wands with a Cups and Balls effect that ended with the production of a lemon, orange and potato.

Aldo and Rachel Colombini impersonated a European count and countess to produce a very funny mind-reading act. Standing in the audience, Aldo told a blindfolded Rachel, “I’m holding an object. You may be able to see it.” She immediately responded, “Eyeglasses,” to the knowing audience’s laughter. Aldo ended with a smooth and very pretty linking rings routine.

Kenrick “ICE” McDonald was the featured performer of the show as he orchestrated his award-winning act with a dramatic series of dove productions. In a change of pace, he invited a man and woman on the stage for a torn and restored card routine. In another phase, he invited two young girls on stage for a funny change bag parody. He ended by delivering a beautiful and moving presentation involving an older woman from the audience, in which he turned paper roses into real ones to give to her. He ended by producing a swirling snowstorm on stage and dancing with her.

Washington DC’s Rich Bloch was the evening’s ringmaster as the emcee of the night. He provided his own delightful and sophisticated magic mixed with wry humor. One of his funniest bits was when he brought out a floral bouquet on one end of the stage. In a quick moment of misdirection, he pointed out a lady assistant carrying on a tray of metal containers from the other end of the stage, which suddenly clattered to the floor. When the audience looked back, the flowers had vanished.

If you did not attend, you missed a good one!

– By Jim Flanigan. Ken Norris, Eric Henning, & Bob Patterson contributed to this article.

April 2nd is Auction Night

2008-03-30T19:51:00.000-04:00

The Wednesday, April 2nd meeting will feature Auction Night. Now that you bought some new items at Magi-Whirl it’s time to clean out some of the items from your magic closet that you no longer have a need. Bring them to the auction! Our coven of conjurors will be gathered for the April “Spring Cleaning” Auction Night. This event always draws a crowd. It’s sure to provide us with lots of special bargains. You won’t want to miss it. Last year there were over 90 items auctioned to the highest bidder.

Nominations for Ring 50 Officers will be presented at the April Meeting. If you are interested in becoming an officer of IBM Ring 50, please let Louis Meyer know. His phone is: 703-765-1923, or email at: louis@childtimemagic.com.