MagiCurrents iSal1 Dl

Honest Sid Gerhart Ring 76 Volume XVI No 3 March 2002

Two IBM Rings Help Replace Stolen PropsThursday October 15th 2001 is a day that magician andcollege freshman Joel Ward of Encinitas, will neverforget. That was the day that someone stole the mostimportant "tools" Joel needed to perform his awardwinning magic act.

He had just finished a good rehearsal at the SunshineBrooks Theater on Hill Street in Oceanside where hismagic act was being featured in a drama built aroundmagic and magicians. Joel was loading out the stage doorbehind the theater. He left his props for 20-seconds to goback into the theater to get one last load. It was then thatsome thoughtless person picked up a green tackle box thatcontained Joel's, Hummingbird reels, 4 dove bags, hissilks, flash paper and flash pot, and a dozen other little butcostly gimmicks that make his stage act work.

After filing a police report Joel began calling friends inthe North County for help. Jack Evans had ahummingbird reel Joel could use. Andy Amyx had acouple of dove bags; Josh Hall had two more dove bags.There were others who filled in with needed props.

He ended up doing an entirely different act for the showin Oceanside. The new act went over well and theaudience never knew for a moment the stress this youngmagician had been put through by the loss of a little greenbox filled with magic equipment.

Joel says he is a sadder but wiser magician these days.He has learned you never leave your props unattendedeven for a minute. Second you have a back up for youract packed up at home and ready to go incase this sort ofthing happens. He has also learned that magicians are thebest friends you can have when you are in trouble.

When members of Ring 76 heard about Joel's bad luckthey began putting an event together that would raisesome funds to replace his stolen equipment. Ring 76'erGary Salisbury met with Jim Pace, magician and magicshop owner from Oregon and asked him to come to SanDiego in late January, and do a lecture free of charge andthe money collected at the door would all go to Joel. JackWhite donated the facility for the lecture.

The North County Ring 292 wanted to help out so theirmembers formed car pools and came to San Diego andpaid their money for the lecture. That ring also put acrisp $100-dollar bill from their treasury in an envelopefor Joel. All told we were able to give Joel Ward $330dollars toward replacing his missing props.

Joel, is putting himself through college doing magic. Heand his girlfriend Kristiare currentlydeveloping afull eveningshow. Theyhave createdseveral newand originalstage illusions.They hope topresent one oftheir newillusions in Joe| Ward and Krjstj and hercompetition grandfather, magician and

Yoshida

Convention atthe Town & Country Hotel.

The members of Rings 76 and 292 have proven thatours is truly a "Brotherhood" of Magicians and we docare about each other and we will help each other in timesof crisis. Just ask Joel Ward!

Membership Ratifies Constitution:

After 8-months of work and rewriting the membership ofRing 76 ratified and adopted a new Constitution and By-Laws. The vote was 18 for ratification, 3 againstratification and two people returned their ballots but didnot vote. This vote now means that Ring 76 is legal andhas a set of rules to operate and live by in the years ahead.Those against ratification have the right to amend thoseportions to which they object.

Page 2 MagiCurrents

February Close-up Contest:The February 11th meeting was called to order a fewminutes before 7 because of a huge schedule of eventsand a very large group attending. Guests included WalterLorden, Martha & Jenny Lopez, Charlie Chang, MargoRuly, Patti McCain, Lewis Barber, John Hughes, FredNoce and Michael Oliver. A total of 52 people attendedthe meeting.

Announcements included upcoming lectures. RonLondon on March 13lh, Ice McDonald on April 10th andPaul Gertner has confirmed for April 20th a SundayAfternoon.

Fred Kaplin a member of Ring 76 and the Society ofAmerican Magicians is forming up a Junior Magiciansgroup with the sanctions of Ring 76 and the IBM. Fredtalked briefly about what he wants to do and his requestfor help from the ring membership.

We had twoauditions;Howard Harrisbegan byproducing a birdfrom an emptybox. The largewhite bird flewaround the roomseveral timesfinally coming torest on JeffMarcus' armwhere the bird stayed for the rest of the act. Howard thenbrought up an assistant for a card routine.

The second person to audition was Charlie Gott, who'stable is made up to look more like an alter than amagicians table. Charlie does Gospel Magic. Charlietold his audience he works mostly church shows. Heobviously knows the Christian Bible because his storieswere from scripture and his tricks complemented hispatter.

Both men were asked to leave the building while themembership voted to invite them into the ring asmembers.

Next David Lopez passed out playing cards andintroduced his pregnant wife who is expecting a little girlin the next month. David was asking the membership tocome up with a name for the baby and write the name ona playing card. Then the Lopez collected the cards and

Charlie Gott & Howard Harris

The Lopez Family

Mrs. Lopezselected one fromthe pack. But thatname was notacceptable, so shecontinued toselect cards. Atthis writing Davidand his wifeMartha areconsidering a newstratigity to select

a name.

Diane Lane did a super job selling raffle tickets for thefour new magic tricks we had to raffle off for thismeeting. Each trick carrieda retail value of 10 to 20-dollars. Raffle tickets are sixfor three dollars. It's a greatway to support the ring.

We thanked Don Holcombwho has given the Ring 76Library a vintage copy of oneof the greatest magic booksin print. "Greater Magic" byJohn Northern Hilliard. It isa very welcome addition toour library, which is beingused on a regular basis by ourmembership.

Don Holcomb

Richard Ustick our Entertainment Vice President tookover the meeting and presented one of his magic songs toget the evening started. Richards son Alex helped hisfather by running the tape recorder. The music was"Oklahoma" from the Broadway show of the same name.But Usticks words were "Okito Coin Box, where themagic waves and the trick brings raves."OOO..It was another winner from the musical and magical mindof Ustick who then became the Master of Ceremonies forthe Ring's Annual Close-Up Contest.

Andrew Sabat was our first contestant doing the same actthat he won 3rd place in the Junior Competition in LasVegas in January at the World Magic Seminar. Hisroutine includes fire, coins, and cards. This act brought alot of "ah's" from the audience.

Next was Jim Thayer, who began by doing a commercialfor product known as the "Polly Bonder" it sticks

MagiCurrents Page 3

anything together. In thiscase it stuck some pieces ofrope together. But there wereknots in the rope so Jimlaunches into his nextcommercial for a productcalled "Knots Away" and theknots fell off the rope. Thencame a trick with money andcards. He closed his act withsomething called the "BlackHole" a very clever routine with Dean Dill's "Box".

Michael E. Johnson took center stage next with his brandof magic. Michael is a working pro and is in big demandand it was very clear by his stage presence and thecommercial effects that he does that he works a lot. Hebegan by introducing a 1-thousand dollar bill and doessome clever work with the bill, coins and a couple ofmembers of the audience. He also does some funnystuff with his wedding ring and ends his act with theproduction of a giant coin.

Another seasoned veteran is Tom McCarthy, who offersvery clever card and coin magic. However this eveninghe kept his routines to cards exclusively.He did afseries of different and unique 3 and 4 cardMonte routines with each one being a little cleverer thanthe one before. Tom's work is a joy to watch and he hadthe audience on the edge of their seats with his magic.

Don Holcomb again proves that the simple things canhave a great deal of entertainment value. He did Adamspenny and dime trick with the little red block and closedby finding the dime in a nest ofboxes. It's these little tricks thatwe many times pass by thatcontinue to have greatentertainment value.

-

Loch David Crane

Bafflin' Bill Cody who is reallyLoch David Crane has a trulyoriginal approach to his magic.Dressed and looking like the realBuffalo Cody his props are rightout of the old west where thedeer and the antelope play. Lochopened with a mental effect thatinvolves the spirit of the plainsIndians. That is followed by a truly clever card stab withan ancient Indian knife. Loch has been doing this act forseveral years and has learned how to sell it to hisaudience. There is some history and a lot of tongue andcheek material here.

Ted Dunning did a series of close-up coin manipulations.Ted is an excellent performer and we would all have likedto see his act go a little longer.

Josh London, one of our newer, younger members whohas started a new column in this edition of MagiCurrentswas next. He opened with Twisting the Aces but insteadof Aces he used the four Queens. In the end the Queensturned to Aces. His next effect was a stunning torn andrestored card that was signed by a member of theaudience. Josh enjoys doing magic and that is very clearfrom his presentation. A nicely done set.

Armando Torres has shown us that he has a great stand-upmagic act. This time he presented an equally excitingclose-up act. He opened with a Giant 3-Card Monte thatwas a welcome routine for the folks in the back of theroom. That was followed by a missing coin in a deck ofcards. He closed with a very different Chop Cup routinethat ended with a lime, a glass and a bottle as the finalloads. Armando works with color and humor in hisclose-up presentation.

Diane Lane followed with a volunteer from the audienceand began producing coins ala the miser's dream from thespectators hair. Then came a different bottle through thetable, followed by a book test featuring a Harry PotterBook. She closed heract with the mostvisual bending fork Ihave ever seen. Itwas a dazzling routinefrom Dazzling Diane.

Closing our close upperformance out wasRoy and BettyArmstrong doing aroutine that has beenpart of their show for51-years. A miniature Hippity Hop Rabbits. This coupleenjoys magic and it shows when they work. Theexpression on their faces and their timing makes for a

Continued on page four:

Roy & Betty Armstrong

SHOP

Brad HurtOwner

•42O4 Convoy Sure;Svin Diego, C A 9 2 J ] ]

Information (858) 571-4749

Web Site: www.«iag.icslKipA-i>inE-mail: bborfS1 magic shop.com

Page 4 MagiCurrents

A Hat FullOf Tricks

By Josh London

(Editors note: Weare happy towelcome Ring 76member JoshLondon to thepages ofMagiCurrentswith a newmonthly columnfeaturing magictricks. Josh is 17-years old andsays most of thetricks he willfeature are close-

up but from time to time a standup routine will beincluded. For more information on this column Josh's e-mail address is Jkaymagicft' ' 'yahoc).com )

THE PARKED COIN:

Effect: You ask to borrow a spectator's coin, as they'regetting it out, you have a card selected from a deck andsigned. You may also have the coin signed if there is afull moon out and you want to get a little crazy! You takethe card back and place it in the deck. You then proceedto make the coin vanish with some help of a sleight. Youthen cut the deck of cards and you find the spectator'ssigned coin in the middle of the deck and the coin is ontop of the selected and signed card.

Method: Don't let the effect fool you; this is my routinethat I perform regularly for laymen. It is very strongbecause it borrows objects that people will pay closeattention to, their money! Take a deck, have a cardselected and signed. Have yet, another person give you acoin and sign it if they wish. Take the card back, return itto the deck, and control it second from the top. Get thecoin back from the spectator cause it to vanish with asimple "French drop" action. I usually do a finger palmvanish or a straight palm. What ever you decide on makesure the coin is in right finger palm position, andeveryone believes the coin is in your left hand.

Pick up the top card up with your right hand and "wave"the coin away, slowly opening your left handsimultaneously. Slide the coin in your right hand underthe card and replace the card on top of the deck, makingsure not to expose the coin. Cut the cards; don't let thecoin fall out the sides. Cut the cards once more, but thistime cut to the coin. Reveal the coin as their signed coinand the card under the coin is theirs too.

After thoughts: This effect is a great one for the strollingmagician. I put it together in my mind as I was listening

to one of my favorite bands "Linkin Park", thus the title"Parked Coin". Hope you enjoy it and will give it a try.

Close-up Continued from page 3

Our Contestents: Josh London, Loch Crane,Michael E. Johnson, Ted Dunning, Jim ThayerArmando Tores, Tom McCarthy, Roy Anderson,Second row: Andrew Sabat, Betty Armstrong,Diane Lane and Don Holcomb

truly funny and exciting act. They were the perfect wayto close this our annual Ring 76 Close-up Competition.

The winners will not be announced until next summer andthe installation and awards banquet. Tom McCarthy hasasked the board of directors that next years competition bedone at tables with six of eight people watching and theperformers move from table to table so that everyone cansee the act close up. It is a good suggestion that is beingtaken under consideration.

It was a long meeting with adjornment not coming until9:40 p.m. For the stand-up compitition in June a timelimit of 8-minutes per-performer will be put on each act.

Exchange Program with NorthCounty Ring March 11th.Don't miss this program featuringTen Magic Acts from Ring 292Show starts at 7 P.M.

20% CommissionPaid for all Magic Show referrals1. 10% finder's fee. payable directly to you2. 10% donated directly to Ring 76 IBM

Contact Magician Michael E. Johnson(760) 747-4627 or (858) 483-8632

MagiCurrents Page 5

Magic Pro-TipsBy Brad Kurt

I have been receiving some good feedback on the articlesthat I have been submitting to MagiCurrents. Thepurpose I hope is transparent: To give a framework fromwhich to advance your work magically.

Try and come up with a solid plan for yourself that willallow the acquisition of new material. The learning andpractice thereof along with the final testing phase that willallow you to step outside of the ego that might actuallyinhibit your perfecting the material.

It is the testing phase just before the implementation ofthe new material that allows you the best opportunity toevaluate whether it will work for you in the manneranticipated. This continual work on your act and thecomponent routines are what raise your value as aperformer and allows you to ratchet up your fee scale aseach performing year passes. If you are working smart,you will be doing the same amount of shows or more eachyear up to your capacity to fulfill all dates, but make moremoney for each show performed.

How do you get more and more for each show and do it ina manner that allows for little or no resistance from yourclients? Easy, it is all supply and demand. You mustbecome the type of performer that gets so many showsthat you are placed in the position of having to turn downdates! There is only so much of you. Your time andavailability become the product that clients bid for. Theylike you so much (hopefully!) they have you and no oneelse. If you charged $300 for a half hour show in 1999,you should have gotten to the point of being able tocharge $600 in 2001. Are you worth it? Yes? Then gofor it.

My friend Adam Chri sting whose marketing course forperformers called "Getting the Gig's" forms the basis forhis entire business in L.A., and is one of the mostsuccessful booking agents and performers in magic.Adam's company loses a very small number of clientsbecause he and his performers deliver a consistent qualityshow. Corporate clients know that any clean comedian

performer will not embarrass them. That's one of thereasons that Adam himself gets gigs in the $3-thousandfor 30 minutes range. I would like to see you too gettingthose high paying jobs.

Your Advertising canappear in the IBMConvention Program:The IBM Convention Committee is currently puttingtogether the advertising for this summer's conclave at theTown & Country Hotel in Mission Valley. The programwill be part of the convention package for 14-hundredpeople attending. Hundreds of additional programs willbe sent out as part of the advertising and public relationsprogram for the convention. Still others will become partof the historical archives of IBM Conventions past.

A business card size ad will cost 20-dollars. Part of thatmoney will come back to Ring 76 in the form of acommission for selling the ad. For you it is anopportunity to show off your business card and leteveryone know you are part of the San Diego MagicScene. The other half of the equation is helping our owntreasury. If you don't currently have a magic businesscard we can use your regular business card or create an adfor you.

If you would like to purchase an ad and the ring is hopingto have two full pages of the program filled with businesscard size ads contact Jack White or Don Soul as soon aspossible. The deadline for purchasing ads will be April15lh. There can be no exceptions. Don't be left out joinin today and avoid the last minute rush. Contact JackWhite at 619-299-9037 or Don Soul at 858-484-3492toreserve your advertising space. Deadline is April 15th.

The

Bar & Grill Since 1986

B R E A K F A S T • L U N C H * D I N N E R

Free Magic Sliows Weekend Evenings

902 W. Washington St. • San Diego. CA 92103 • (619) 260-0400

Page 6 MagiCurrents

J«" Hnnd's

View fromThe

Cheap Seats

REVIEW by Jon A. Hand:Mark Wilson on Illusions: Vols. 1 and 2,Inexpensive Illusions (videos)

These two volumes are more than merely a movingpicture version of the Illusions chapter of the MarkWilson Complete Course in Magic. While some ofthe video segments were lifted from the videoversion of that book and reused here, there is muchnew footage as well. Quite frankly, I bought thesetapes out of sheer fondness for Mark Wilson. I wasseven years old when his Magic Land of Allakazamwent onto network television, and I watchedIt avidly every week for 5 years. I was hopeful thatsome clips from that show would be included, and Iwas not disappointed. The surprising thing aboutthese videos is that there is much to be learnedhere, after all these years.

A good many of the illusions taught here are indeedillustrated by 40-yr-old clips from the Magic Land ofAllakazam, where a young Wilson was faced withthe need to do an illusion every week for the hungrytelevision audience. As Wilson quite rightly pointsout, most pros do a single show for months or yearson end, changing the audience daily; for TV, aweekly magic show requires new magic for the sameaudience, a rigorous setting, to say the least. Otherclips come from Magic Circus, a late 1970 s series ofWilson's, and some other television specialsfeaturing Wilson. Some new footage of Wilson wasshot in 2000 and 2001, doing the explanationsegments.

Present on the tape are both Wilson and his wife/co-star/resident box jumper, Nani Darnell (Wilson).Volume two opens with a fine video tributeTo Mrs. Wilson in the form of a montage of illusionclimaxes over the years.

Regarding instruction,in many cases, Mrs. Wilson assists in theexplanations of the illusions. In light of his age, Iwas surprised to see Mark Wilson film a newbackstage view of himself doing the Ghost versionof the Doll House, executing a spiritedly (and quiet)scramble into the illusion as if he were still 25 yearsold.

One cannot fail to be struck by the professionalismof the duo in the old clips. The Play Fish Pondsegment is a wonderful rip-off of the square circlethat ought to set many developing magiciansrethinking how they can exploit other standardmagical principles to make illusions. In thatperformance, Mrs. Wilson is quite obviously hauledout of the illusion by the stage crew too soon, yetMark is so cool about the error that his count tothree is unrattled by his wife's early appearance.

A good many of these illusions are much older thanthe Wilson Complete Course In Magic, cominginstead from U.F. Grant s Victory Carton Illusions, aWW II booklet that taught magicians how to makeillusions from cardboard boxes at a time when rawmaterials of wood and metal were rather scarce.

Few of the developing magicians I have met haveever constructed or performed anything fromGrant's book, which is a tribute to theirshortsightedness. One comes away from theseWilson videos with a new respect for theseillusions, as Wilson used creative variations of themon aweekly basis for five years! Over those fiveyears, 98 different shows were filmed (and they arenow available in sets of four shows per tape at(www.markwilsonmagic.com ), so one can see howmany illusions Wilson had to create! It is amazingto see how impressive these cardboard boxillusions appear on television with only simple linedrawings upon them to change their plot contextsfor the viewer. The Wilsons sheer enthusiasm infront of a live audience helps carry these illusions;the results are often spectacular.

There are some fine moments on the video, suchas a Seigfried-and-Roy-style vanish of Rebo theClown (the marvelous Bev Bergeron) seated in hisgasoline-powered mini car, but this illusion is notinexpensive (nor is it explained). The purpose ofthe segment is a lead-in to a Tipover Box disguisedto look like a mini-garage (again made ofcardboard) to make Rebo and the car reappear, awonderful use of an old concept. Wilson notes theclever use of "driveway paving" to the edges of the

^

MagiCurrents Page?

illusion to strengthen the angle problem of thetipover box.

There is a fine discussion of angle problems ofillusions, and Wilson uses a miniature prosceniumarch with curtains to showways to improve angles sothat the audience lines-of-sight do not reveal an illusions workings. Also, theperceptive viewer learns fromwatching the Wilson'sperformancesof these budget illusions thatsmoothness of execution isthe hallmark of a fine illusion.Seeing these clips of youngpros making the simplest ofmaterials into real magic bythorough rehearsal andattention to detail is the real lesson to be learned.

Everything is not wonderful, of course. There is arather lengthy segment on using the commercially-built Doll House (a different illusion from thecardboard version on the tape), and its cousin theTemple of Benares (a doll house converted into asword box). Neither of these could be builtinexpensively, but the concepts could be adapted bythe thinking conjuror.

Since Wilson was already using U.F. Grant conceptsin this tape (and he gratefully acknowledges oncamera the contributions of this magicalinventor), why did he not use the Victory CartonIllusions version of the Sword Box? The tape is alsolacking a levitation; why did Wilson not use one ofGrant's levitations or suspensions from Bodies inOrbit or Six Modern Levitations? The answers arethat this is an ongoing series of tapes.

Volume 3, now in preparation, will be levitations andsuspensions. Conspicuously absent from the tape isone of my favorite Magic Land of Allakazamillusions, a larger cardboard Haunted House throughwhich Rebo, Mark, and Nani chased each other asghosts, ending in a substitution. Since Mark's libraryof shows would have undoubtedly included thisillusion; it is a shame that it was omitted.

Nevertheless, one walks away from these tapes witha new appreciation for illusionists, their split-secondtiming, their stage flair, and their clever re-dressingof illusions to achieve new ends. Study theperformance segments, and see just how well a

budget illusion can be done. Take the creative sparkthat the Wilson's' used to re-dress these basicillusions again and again, and create your own newversions.

Oh, yes; be sure to go to your local sign painter'sshop to order the new plastic corrugated board in awide array of colors. It is waterproof, and looksgreat. However, don't fail to exploit the opportunityto use the "cardboard box = ordinary" concept tomake a fantastic illusion out of mere cardboard!

Recommended; $30 list price; $24 each fromCharlie's Electronic MagicStore

(Editors Note: Jon Hand had prepared an additionalcolumn this month that continues the material hebegan in January about carrying your shows in smallcases. That column had to be moved to Marchbecause of constraints on space:)

IBM Convention News:If you have sent your registration for this summersIBM Convention in and have not recieved yourconfirmation letter, be patient. We are told that theregistration committee, headed up by Steve Burton isjust now catching up with the huge task of gettingeveryone properly logged in and registration tagsmade out. You should be notified some time thismonth. (March)

You will also notice that if you have not registeredby March first, the price goes from $110 to $120-dol-lars that is still the least expensive of all magic conven-tion fee's. The board of directors of Ring 76 urges allmember's that can to purchase a registration andjoin in the fun of a national magic convention.

Jim Whiting and Don Soul are working on a designfor a poster that will advertise the convention and theall star magic shows that will be presented nightly.That poster is sure to become a collector's item.The Convention Opens July 3rd and runs through July6th at the Town & Country Convention Center.

WriterCollectorMagician

4275 University Ave.San Diego, Ct. 92105

^•-v—..Phone: 619-283-4375E-Maftprtstoor:e@home.corr

PageS MagiCurrents

Magic Notes From Jack White:

Remembering Jim "Diamond Jack" Beamon:

We learned this month that former Ring 76 member Jim"Diamond Jack" Beamon died after a long battle withbone cancer at his home in Mountain Home, Arkansas,Jim was 91.

In a recent letter, Beamon told me how he was planningon driving from his Ozark home to San Diego for thissummer's IBM Convention. He was hiring a young manto do the driving and help him with the more argous partsof the trip. He told me he knew it would be his lastmagic convention.

Jim Beamon Active Ring Member:

Jim Beamon was first introduced to Ring 76 by BobPozner in the 1970's. Bob's father was in the producebusiness and was a friend of Beamon's who was knownas Diamond Jack. The Diamond Jack name came aboutwhen Jim created something called salad in a bag. Theproduct became an instant hit and made the Diamond Jackname famous and wealthy.

Jim Beamon did not find a real interest in magic until hewas in his 40's. Bob Pozner taught him a few sleightsand then brought him to a meeting of the Ring. WithGeorge Edwards and J.C. Wagner, Beamon was in heavenand on his way to becoming an active magician.

Jim did both stand-up and close-up magic and as the yearsmarched by he began to devote more and more of hisenergy to close-up magic and working restaurants andbars. Always a snappy dresser he looked the part of amagician. People were drawn to his appearance and outgoing personality.

He sold his "instant salad" business and began buildinghomes. He built a number of beautiful homes in the

Jim Beamon at theMagic Castle 1985

North City and Escondido areas. Then he decided therewas new opportunity in Bullhead City, Arizona, whichwas just across the river fromLaughlin, Nevada anemerging gambling, andvacation mecca. He went towork at the Laughlin RamadaExpress,a hotel and casino, asthe house magician. Underthe name of Diamond Jack hecontinued to build hisreputation as a close-upmagician. During this periodJim would also appear forseveral days at a time at theMagic Castle in Hollywoodand he would be at everymagicians convention or magic event he could get bookedinto.

After nearly a dozen years working in Laughlin, Nevadahe moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas where he bought90-acres of beautiful wooded land and began againbuilding customhomes. He called his new development"Diamond Gem Estates".

Of course he could not stay away from magic, he stillmanaged to perform at a place called "Fred's Fish Shack"a popular restaurant in Mountain Home. Every Fridayand Saturday night Jim would be at the restaurant doinghis magic. He created a sensational coin routine andwould end his act with his own card in wallet routine. Hehad thought about marketing the wallet routine but saidhis energy was limited and never got it altogether.

While in Mountain Home, Jim was diagnosed with bonecancer. A slow moving cancer that becomes moredeblitating with each year, Jim was determined to beat it.His wife Jackie took excellent care of him over the yearsand was always there to watch one more trick or pick acard. They entertained visiting magicians and alwaysmade sure everyone had a good time. Jim never retired healways had a new project going and most of the time itincluded a magic show or magicians.

For those of us who knew Jim Beamon, magic events andconventions will not be the same without him. He playedan important part in Ring 76's past, where he opened hisheart and his wallet to help us all.

MagiCurrents Page 9

Lecturers for March & AprilRon London, March 13th Jack's Magic Place 4275University Avenue, 7 P.M.Would you like some insight in putting together a banquetor stage show? Ron London will tell you how to makesome unique props and how to better use some of theequipment already in your arsenal of magic.

Ron lives in Lafayette, Indiana but works all over thecountry all the time. His lecture has been presented tomore than 500-magic groups and is constantly expanding.Here is one you won't want to miss whether you areclose-up or a stand up performer. $10-dollars at the door.

Kenrick "Ice" McDonald, April 10thJack's Magic Place, 7 P.M.Considered one of the bestall around magic lecturesbeing presented today.How to develop an act,practice habits,showmanship, stagepresence, magic ethics anddove magic.

•Ice grew up in San Diego lce McDonaldand has gone on to becomea top magician havingappeared at conventions and in shows across the nation.Don't miss this one if you want to improve your style andshow. $15-dollars at the door.

Paul Gertner, April 14lh a Sunday afternoon lecture thatbegins at 2 P.M. at Jack's Magic Place. All seats are

reserved and the first tworows are already sold out.Gertner will present his new 2and a half hour lecture"Amalgamations" along withfeatures from his regularshow and his appearances onthe Tonight Show. All seats$20-dollars call 858-484-3492 for tickets. Don't wait!

Notes on the February 25thRing 76 Board Meeting:

There was a brief discussion about lifetime ring members.The big problem being there are no provisions for lifetimemembers in our Constitution and By-Laws. There wassome discussion about amending that section.

Because there was no time limit on performers at theClose-up Contest it ran very long. It was decided therewill be a time limit to be announced for the Stand-upContest in June.

There was a brief discussion about the ratification of theConstitution and By-Laws. Dick Dale pointed out whathe believed to be poor choice of words in the document.It was agreed that those words would be changed whenthe constitution is re-published. The words would bechanged but not the meaning.

Bob Pozner is working closely with the committee to haveprograms for the spouces of those attending this summer'sIBM Convention. They have no budget and that makesplanning difficult but Bob is doing what he can to makethings work. Don Soul will have a sign up sheet forvolunteers for this summer's convention and will presentit at the March Meeting. March will bring an exchangeprogram with Ring 292, April will be our swap meet andauction.

In our library archives we have a small collection ofnewsletters from the Houdini Club of Wisconsin circa1943. Jack White is contacting the club to see if theywould like them for their collection? If not they will besold and the money given to the treasury.

Don Soul is approaching Dale Salwalk to be the installingofficer for the installation banquet in July. Don willreport back.

It was decided that video camera's and tripods will not beset up in the middle of the audience during ring shows.Last month there were so many camera's people could notsee the stage or show.

HOCUSPOCUSTHE MAGIC

SHOP ;Magic & Games

Gags ; :>in Seaport Village •'

(619) 236-]556wvAV.magtc-gags.com

10% OFFPURCHASE

WITH"> IBM CARD

APPRAISALSSingle Items * Collections

tstatcs

JACKSONConjuring Antlqjiarlan

SPECIALIZING Hi MAGIC:Books + Tiicks * Sets * lays.

foyal Bsyitrf.'r FiguraU

PH: (656) 569-009(55746 Tortuga Road

Ssn DiegO. CA 92124

Page 10 MagiCurrents

Messagefrom thePresident

First, I want to thank all those whocame to the support of Joel Ward.Between the Lake Ellsinore group,the North County Guild and Ring76, we raised $330 to assist Joelin the replacement of his stolenmagic props.Speaking of the North County/Lake Ellsinore bunch, they haveput together anoutstanding talentshow for the enjoyment of Ring 76at this month's meeting. It is anevening not to be missed. Toreciprocate, we'll be entertainingthem at their April meeting, whichis the first Thursday of eachmonth. Anyone who'd care to doten minutes or so of parlor-typemagic (sans stage and boomingsound system), please let RichardUstick know you're available forthe Guild's April 4th meeting atBaker's Square restaurant inSan Marcos.

Next on the list is the formation ofan IBM 2002 convention volunteersign-up list. It will be presentedprior to the Guild's magic showand I urge anyone who canbecome part of our volunteerforce to please commit. Allwe'll need to know, for now, isyour availability - days and time-of-day. The convention starts July2nd with a Ring 76 welcomingreception then ends onSaturday, July 6th. Once we knowwho's available and when, we canstart arranging choreassignments. Also, I want tomention that advertising is soinexpensive in the conventionprogram, you all should considertaking out ad space. Speak toJack White for details.

Please notice in this issue ofMagiCurrents a new feature by anew (and valuable) member, JoshLondon. Those who thinknewsletters should include amagic trick to learn will enjoy thisoutstanding column. And a tip ofthe hat goes to Fred Kaplan fortaking the bull by the horns and,working with another Ring 76er,Mary Ellen Brown, is starting tosee his new youth groupblossom.

And, in closing, I express mywarmest appreciation for RichardUstick's tireless efforts inrevamping the Ring constitutionand by-laws which wereoverwhelmingly ratified by themembers of Ring 76. Thanks,also, to the other members of thecommittee: Dr. Joel Moskowitz,Jack White and one otherguy. Oh, and don't forget, RonLondon lectures two nights afterour March meeting. $10. Don'tmiss it.

JJon, &owi Ji€&i3en/t yt/Mui, 76

MagiCurrents is publishedMonthly by Ring 76, Jack WhiteEditor: Articles and commentsshould be sent to 4275 UniversityAve. San Diego 92105 ore-mailedto prestoone@cox.net

TerryLunceford

Magician

Supports Ring 76 andThe International

Brotherhood of Magicians

;on Soafdsoul@san.rr.comRicharj1st Vice Presidentrustick@flash.netWane Lane2nd Vice Presidentdviane@isan.iT.ccniJack WhiteSecretarypres toone uaTreasurersumit@)Cardmagician.comTOM McCarthySgt. At ArmsTompatti @'acSnc.comRoy Artof+ronsMember At Largeroybetty @ mymailstation.comJo(?e baleImmediate Past Presidentdickdale@juno.com

Yoo hove jus! bfie

'Magic" MikeStilwell

. 3946 5fh AvWe

MagiCurrents Page 11

News Briefs

Ring 76 Members have known for alongtime how talented RichardUstick is with his musical magicalspecialties presented at various pastmeetings. After the IBM Boardmembers saw his routine in January,they asked him to perform at thissummer's convention. The officialrequest came in late February andRichard and his children will belisted in the program as officialentertainers. We say congratulationstotheUsticks!

Michael E. Johnson of San Marcosis one magician who knows how tomake publicity work for him. He hasjust put out a new four-page brochureto sell his magic act. His picturesare all in color and the print in largereadable type. The copy reads"Making Magic Work" and thenproceeds to tell his potential clientswhat he can do for them and theirfund raising efforts. He is targetingnon-profit fundraisers with this newpiece of advertising. It is well doneand sure to bring Michael some newwork.

Another Ring 76 Magician whoknows how to take advantage of anopportunity to sell his skills is PaulThomey. Paul recently signed up tohave a booth at the San Diego BridalBazaar. Hundreds of Bride andGrooms to be, looking forentertainment for their weddingreception attend this event and booktalent. Paul is attempting to getbookings from a new audience. Wewish Paul much success because he isalready one of San Diego's very busyclose-up magicians.

. T.C. and Mary Cooley who operatethe magic shop in Seaport Village anddo much to promote magic withinRing 76 have volunteered to selltickets to the public magic shows atthis summer's IBM Convention. The

public shows will be staged at theCivic Theater downtown. As we getcloser to convention time we will puta poster up announcing the talent onthe various shows and the ticketavailability. The Cooleys will acceptcash, checks and credit cards for thetickets which will sell for $12-dollarsper seat. Some of the top names inmagic will be appearing on the threeevening shows.

For the better part of a year theMagic Castle in Hollywood a privateclub for magicians has beenembroiled in a bitter legal battle.Longtime member and formermember of the board of directors ofthe Castle Tony Giorgio brought alawsuit alleging wrong doing on thepart of the current board of directors.In February the case was heard in LosAngeles Superior Court and as aresult the Academy of Magical ArtsInc., (The Magic Castle) was totallyexonerated in the lawsuit againstthem. Dale Hindman President ofthe Magic Castle says business willcontinue as usual. Tony Giorgio sayshe will appeal the judges decision.

Ring 76's honorary member ImotoHidetake quietly told President DonSoul as our February meeting endedthat he would be going back to Japanand that would be his last meeting inSan Diego. Hidetake has been avisiting professor here in San Diegofor just over a year and has finishedhis studies with American educators.We wish him well and hope when heis in the United States in the future he

will come and visit us. He is aclever magician and he is alwayswelcome at Ring 76.

An appeal for help to Ring 76members. The "Celebration ofChampions" a run for children thatare in remission from various formsof cancer will be held on May 18thbetween 10 am and noon. Thesponsors of this very worthwhileevent are asking for strollingmagicians to volunteer to entertainboth the children and their families.If you can spare a couple of hoursplease contact Joan Stoddard at 619-223-3173. If you want to help don'tput off making the call they need toline up talent now?

Proud Grandmother Diane Lane wasawarded the volunteer of the yearaward form the "American LiverFoundation" this month. Diane hasentertained, given speeches, headedup education programs and worked toraise money for the organization.The Liver Foundation is only one ofmany groups that Diane works hermagic for throughout the year.

Tom McCarthy and David Eldridgeare getting ready to open a neweducation center for Magicians.These two talented sleight of handperformers will teach beginning andadvanced courses in magic. Thelocation, time and lenght of class isyet to be determined but both men arecommitted and excited about theconcept.

In the March issue of MagicMagazine Rich Block expressesconcern about the attendance at hisWorld Magic Seminar in Las Vegas.Block says the event should bemoved to April to attract morepeople. The problem is Vegas hotelsare booked during that period.

page 12 MagiCurrents

Monday March 11th Meeting of Ring 76

Jack's Magic Place, 4275 University AvenueNorth County Ring 292 presents a show for Ring 76.Ten Magic Guild of Southern California, performers presenttheir magic in a special show. An exciting evening of magic.Cake and coffee to follow the show. Meet and get to knowfellow magicians from the North County.

Pre-meeting with magicians at the bar performing 6:00 P.M. Specialpre-meet ing video tape presented by Ted Dunning at 6:30 P.M.Regular meeting and show start at 7:00 PM Guests Welcome!

Ring 76 Library is open and all members may check out books:(Don't forget to return library books when you are finished readingthem.)

Our April 8th Meeting features a Magic Swap Meet & Auction.New and Used Magic and Collectable Props and Books.Mark your calender's for these upcoming events:

Return Address:4275 University AveSan Diego, CA 92105

In This Issue of MagiCurrents

Two Rings help Magican replace props Page 1New Constitution Ratified Page 1Ring 76 February Meeting Page 2A Hat Full of Tricks by Josh London Page 4Pro-Tips by Brad Burt Page 5Video Tape Review by Jon Hand Page 6Your Ad in Convention Program? Page 7Magic Notes From Jack White Page 8Coming Lecturer's Page 9Ring 76 Board Meeting Page 9President's Message by Don Soul Page 10Ring 76 News Briefs Page 11