Volume 15, Issue 1 JANUARY, 2002

MAGIC NEWS
HEART OF THE RING Upcoming Events
IBM Ring 129 - ”The Heart of America Ring” - Kansas City
January 3, 2002
Regular Meeting 7:00 pm
GREAT FOOD….MAGIC….. CAREFUL Holiday Inn
95th and I-35
FUN…..PREPARE TO BE OR YOU’LL Lenexa, KS
DAZZLED AND MYSTIFIED! BUST YOUR
Friday, January 18,
GUT 2002
H. Claude Enslow Magician of the Year Exciting Event
Planned Sorcere r’s Circle
Banquet Scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19th
For Sorcerer’s Event
Circle Members Comedy City
What a truly great way to honor one of Hard to believe another year has passed
H. Claude Enslow
Ring 129’s premiere magicians, H. Claude since the H. Claude Enslow Magician of the
Enslow. Once a year our entire ring gets to- Year Banquet, but this is always an anticipated Magician of the Year
gether and celebrates the accomplishments of a weekend when combined with a Sorcerer’s Contest & Banquet
remarkable individual. Some of us knew him Circle get-together. Saturday, January 19,
for many years; others have no clue who he is. This year Roger Miller, along with Walt 2002
But look around, and see his influence in how Mitchell and Jay Godwin have organized Roeland Park
what is to be a most fun and entertaining Community Center
we perform our routines and his efforts to fur-
ther the enjoyment of magic. event – on Friday, Jan . 18th, dinner and a
show at Comedy City, located at 300 Char- Tim Ellis -
Mr. Enslow had that kind of personality Sue -Anne Webster
that personified magic as we know it. He was lotte, a few blocks east of Grand in the River
Market area. Lecture
an inaugural Sorcerer’s Circle member, and
EDITOR’S NOTE: AS OF THE DATE OF PUBLI- Thursday, January 24, 2002
was responsible for its name. Mr. Enslow was 7:00 pm
CATION, THERE WAS A MISTAKE IN THE IN-
known as well for his expertise in the close-up VITATIONS YOU WILL BE RECEIVING. THE Holiday Inn
arena. He inspired each person he had contact 95th and I-35
LOCATION IS NOT 300 COMMODORE, BUT
with to perfect their presentations and sleight- Lenexa , KS
AS STATED ABOVE. PLEASE NOTE THIS (See Page 3 for more info)
of-hand capabilities. CHANGE.
The honor of performing in the H. Claude Comedy City is known for its fast moving im- Board Meeting
Enslow Magician of the Year Contest goes to promptu performances that get you busting a
January 31, 2002
the following Ring 129 members: Kevin Kir- gut! They encourage audience participation, 7:00 pm
wan, Danny Mahar, Dean Elledge, Dennis so come along with other SC members and Place To Be Announced
Burks, Terry Davis, Keith Leff, Kyle have a ball.
Scheel, Harris Deutsch, Israel Rivera, Costs for the buffet dinner are $18 per per- February 7, 2002
Matt Gurley, Brent Ahsmuhs, and L. C. son / $36 per couple. Includes admission and Regular Meeting 7:00 pm
Collier. dinner. The $15 cost for the show will be cov- Holiday Inn
Our International President Robert ered with your dinner reservation. We are 95th and I-35
encouraging all SC members to attend both Lenexa, KS
Escher and his wife, Sandy, are tenatively
the dinner and show.
scheduled to join us for this celebration. We will be taking your paid reservations at Children’s Magic Show
Look forward to a truly great night to begin the Ring meeting on Jan. 3rd, so bring your and Ring Auction
this new magical year Bring your checkbooks cash or checks. (CON’T PAGE 2) March 2, 2002
to make reservations at the Jan. 3rd regular You don’t want to miss this kick-off to a truly Roeland Park Community
Ring meeting. Center
Kid’s Show– 1:00 pm
MAGIC NEWS RING 129 NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2002 PAGE 2

President’s Column Ring 129 Officers

President: Dr. Mike Blum……………...…….….….(913) 383-2586
By Past Pres: Jay Godwin……………….…....………..(913) 385-0845
Mike Blum Vice Pres: Carl Macan ….……………..…….…...…(816) 224-5000
Treasurer: David Sandy………....….……..….…….(816) 233-4177
Secretary: Alan Goodheart……......….……………...(913)648-0331
Finally, a new year I cannot mess up! Even Sgt. At Arms: Larry Warshaw……………..…...… ..(913) 381-8829
if I get it backwards, for one whole year, 2002 Board Member: Danny Mahar……….………..…...(816) 923-4788
is 2002 no matter how I do it. I will get off my Board Member: Kirk Deweese…………...………..(816) 224-5000
usual chit-chatting about my pediatric patients Board Member: Rod Sipe…..………….…...…...…(816) 461-3330
and my trips to ask for some help from every
club member. Newsletter Editor
Alan Goodheart
We are entering perhaps one of the best years a magic
8803 West 102nd Place
club could ever hope for. We have a great meeting place. We
Overland Park, KS 66212
have scheduled some super lectures for the year. The ban-
[email protected]
quet for Magician of the Year is this month. The board is (913) 648-0331
really working very hard at trying to make things fun, enter-
taining and sociable for all the members and guests at every The Heart of the Ring is published monthly as a service to the
club function. members of IBM Ring 129. Views and comments do not neces-
I need your help. This will be my second year as president sarily reflect the opinions of Ring 129 officers, the IBM, or the
of Ring 129. My first year was successful only because the Editor. Articles must be in the Editor’s office by the 20th of the
membership worked together to make the club a quality and month. Members are encouraged to submit articles and com-
fun organization. I do not want to rest on the successes of ments for publishing.
the past, but we need to make changes to create a better
club for the future. Ring 129 Website
This is the start of my top ten list for January 2002: http://www.ring129.com
10 Pay your dues (no more newsletters, etc. Magician of the Month
will be sent if you have not)
9 Look through your magic…know what you
have (or do not have) December
8 Look for the new roster to be mailed to you
in the next month Stage
7 Recruit at least one new member to join L. C. Collier
our Ring 129 (and the IBM) Close-up
6 Start collecting your Sorcerer’s circle points Stu Lewis
5 Make
Quoteyour reservation
of the Month for the magician of
the year show and dinner January 19th is
the date Hope everyone
4 Start thinking about the club auction,

3
March 2 nd (see #9)
Participate in club meetings (perform, mini-
had a Happy and
2
lecture, sell, etc)
Call, email or write me any suggestions,
safe New Year!
complaints or concerns you think will make
the club a more fun (funner?) and enter-
taining group. BUST A GUT...CON’T from Page 1
1 Please set your goal to attend at least The Sorcerer’s Circle planning committee has asked for
7 5 % of all club functions this year! If every-
help from the ring. In order to defray the cost of the
one tries to attend and participate, we pro-
comedy show, they will be collecting as many Enter-
mote a lot more magic and we get to know
each other better. tainment or Gold C coupons for Comedy City as we
I look forward to hearing from each of you during this can. This will allow us a chance to see this great inno-
year. My thanks for a successful 2001 and my best wishes vative show at a really great price. So bring any cou-
for a happy, healthy and magical 2002. pons you may have to the Ring meeting, or send them
Doc Blum to Roger Miller, PO Box 417, Bonner Springs, KS
913-383-2586 [email protected] 66012.
MAGIC NEWS RING 129 NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2002 PAGE 3

C OME OVER FOR GREAT MAGIC

FROM DOWN UNDER

Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster…..

Their Unique Fast-paced Lecture Makes Its Way To Kansas City
From January to March 2002 Australia's favorite magicians, Tim Ellis and Sue-Anne Webster, will present their
hit lecture 'Ellis in Wonderland' throughout the USA, UK, Europe and South Africa. We are honored to have
them perform for us on Thurs day, January 24th at 7:00 pm at the Holiday Inn in Lenexa, KS at I-35 and
95th St.

They specialize in close-up magic, comedy, illusion shows, and product launches for corporate and private events
and perform throughout Australia, New Zealand, The Pacific Islands, Singapore, Japan, Europe, the UK, and the
USA.

Tim has won over twenty awards and is world renowned for his highly original and entertaining twists on the
"classics" of magic, as a result he is the only Australian ever to win twice at the FISM World Championship of
Magic.

Sue-Anne has performed drama professionally in theatre, film, and television and is trained in mime, puppetry and
Latin dance.

As a team, they were voted "Most Valuable Performers" at the prestigious FFFF close-up magicians conference
in New York, 2001. Other awards include: Silver Medal Close-Up Magic, FISM (Japan), Special Prize of The
Jury, FISM (Switzerland), Champion Close Up Magician of Australia, Champion Stage Magician of Australia

They co-edited Australia's only national magic magazine, and produced a calendar 'The Wizards of Aus: Ex-
posed' featuring Sue-Anne's hilarious caricatures of Australian magical personalities.

Tim and Sue-Anne have been featured in over 200 press articles, including many front page feature stories. They
have made over 80 appearances on TV world-wide, and Tim helped produce a two hour Australian magic special
'Magical Mystery Tour in Australia' for Japan's media giant NHK TV.

Tim created and produced Australia's national festival of Magic 'Magic Week' annually from 1986 to 1996, and
produced three major Australian Magic Conventions. He created Melbourne's 'Magic School', coordinated sev-
eral University based 'Magic Unlimited' courses, and produced a series of 18 magic teaching videos.

Sue-Anne's greatest delight comes from sawing Tim in half with a chainsaw. You have to see it to believe it!

Be sure to mark your calendars and make every effort to attend this outstanding opportunity! It will be an even-
ing you soon won’t forget!
MAGIC NEWS RING 129 NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2002 PAGE 4

YES!! - KANSAS CITY TO HOST

Letter From the Editor IBM INTERNATIONAL
CONVENTION IN 2003
My interest, or truly, my obsession with magic over the last
two years since joining Ring 129 has been so rewarding. I It was brought to our attention that some of us were not aware of
have learned so much and in turn started to pass that learning this totally exciting news. It’s true! Kansas City and Ring 129 will be
to other new magicians that are at the same spot I was back hosting the IBM International Convention from July 1st to July 5th,
then. One of the first things that I remember EVERY magician 2003.
telling me is this – whatever you do, never tell them how you Even more special is that our own David Sandy will be installed as
did the trick, and never repeat the same trick twice. This the International President during special ceremonies at this conven-
drives me to what I witnessed this past Sunday. Maybe oth- tion. It seems too early to think about, but it’s really only about one
ers saw the same. and a half years away.
It was a 60 Minutes interview on CBS. Ed Bradley was So circle your calendars, or list it in your Palm Pilots, and let every-
interviewing The Great One, Muhammed Ali, in sync with the one know that Kansas City will see magic like they haven’t seen in
release of the movie “Ali” starring Will Smith. It explained his decades. ARE YOU READY KANSAS CITY???
rise to fame and fortune, and respect from millions around the
world. Because of his many fights, he has contracted Parkin- JUST A SUBTLE
son’s Disease, but still makes personal appearances and visits
to thousands everywhere. It seems Ali has used magic as
REMINDER!!!
therapy for improving his dexterity due to his disease. Your Ring 129 Dues are NOW DUE! Please send to David
But what raised the hair on the back of my neck was CBS’s Sandy , Treasurer, at 3604 Emerald Lane, St. Joseph, MO 64506, or
blatant exposure of Ali’s use of a thumb tip to vanish and re- bring with you to the Ring meeting. If you have already paid, we
appear a handkerchief as he performed for Fidel Castro. Their
excuse was that Ali had to share with his audience the secrets
because in the Islam religion, you cannot deceive someone A LITTLE INTERESTING BACKGROUND,
and not allow them know the truth. But every time that one of
us uses a TT to disappear salt, a cigarette, or a hanky, now PLEASE
several million more people have been exposed to a great my s- Tales of our Forefathers
tery in the magic fraternity. What are we to do? Can we write
CBS and ask for more scrutiny in editing? Can we write Ali The hand is not really quicker than the eye. The skill of the magician is in
and beg him to keep his magical secrets to himself? I am in a getting an audience to focus its attention where he wants it at a specific in-
quandry. What are your thoughts? What if it happened to stant. The success of magic lies in the ability to create illusions that have the
you?. Well, in the meantime, SSHHHHHH – let’s keep it all a appearance of reality. For thousands of years it was believed that magicians
secret! or sorcerers were able, by use of supernatural powers, to gain control over
natural forces.
Alan Goodheart Magic was, therefore, closely allied with religion. A king's personal magi-
Quote of the Month
cians were supposedly able to make it rain, ward off enemies, prevent and
cure diseases, cast spells on an invading army, and most significantly gain the favor of the gods.

From the days of ancient sorcerers to the present-day feats of such master illusionists as Harry Blackstone, Jr., Doug Henning, and David
Copperfield, magic as entertainment has surpassed the appeal of magic in religious ritual. There are ancient Egyptian records giving details
of performances before Pharaoh Cheops, who died about 2494 BC.

When in the 4th century Christianity became the dominant religion of the Roman Empire, it turned against all magicians. They were out-
lawed nearly everywhere. Later, in the Middle Ages, magicians were caught up in condemnations of witches, sorcerers, and devil worship-
ers. They were often jailed and sometimes executed. Not until the Renaissance did it become possible for traveling entertainers, such as
jugglers and other wonder workers, to perform before royalty, nobility, and even bishops if not always for the public. By the 16th century
there were professional magicians doing card tricks, reading minds, and making objects disappear.

There are today many books of magic that show anyone with manual dexterity how to perform tricks. During the Renaissance there were no
such instruction manuals. Illusionists passed the secrets of their trade from one generation to another.

Books on magic began to appear late in the 16th century. One of the earliest was published in France in 1584: 'The First Part of Subtle and
Pleasant Tricks' by Jean Prevost. The first book in English came out in 1612: 'The Art of Juggling'. Debunkers of magic also published. In
England Reginald Scot issued the book, 'The Discovery of Witchcraft' in 1584 to expose the sleight-of-hand artists of his time.

By the 18th century magic as entertainment was well established in Europe. One of the most famous illusionists was Baron Wolfgang von
Kempelen. In 1770 he devised an automated chess player that took on all challengers. Benjamin Franklin played against the machine in 1783
MAGIC NEWS RING 129 NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2002 PAGE 5

Don’t Do An “About Face” Magic Giggle for the Month

There Are New Faces Among Us
A man was walking through the Sahara desert, desperate for water,
We are happy to announce the addition of when he saw something, far off in the distance. Hoping to find water, he
several new faces to the Magical landscape at walked towards the image, only to find a little old merchant sitting at a
Ring 129. In the last several months, we have card table with a bunch of neckties laid out on it.
had the following Magicians join our ranks – The adventurer asked, "Please, I'm dying of thirst, can I have some
from amateurs to professionals: Cliff Norris, water?"
Terry Carlson, Daniel Jackson, Lynne The merchant replied, "I don't have any water, but why don't you
Philips, Brent Ahsmuhs, and John Ward. buy a tie? Here's one that goes nicely with your robes."
Members – it is so important if you see an The man shouted, "I don't want a tie, you idiot, I need water!"
unfamiliar face, take the time to go and say "OK, don't buy a tie. But to show you what a nice guy I am, I'll tell
“Welcome” to your fellow Magicians. For that you that over that hill there, about 4 miles, is a nice restaurant. Walk
matter, make any guest feel at ease in our that way, they'll give you all the water you want."
meetings. For our home is their home. The adventurous man disappeared. Three hours later he came
And let’s keep it up by letting friends and crawling back to where the merchant was sitting behind his card table.
business associates know about the The merchant said, "Hey, I told you, about 4 miles over that hill. Could-
camaraderie we experience. Bring a guest next n't you find it?"
month! The weary gent rasped "I found it all right. Your brother wouldn't
And Congratulations to our new members! let me in without a tie."

- Stage Winner Close - up Winner

L. C. Collier Stu Lewis

Stu Lewis became interested in magic later in life after seeing sev-
While working for an attorney’s office back in 1984, eral impressive mentalists perform. He doesn’t recall having an in-
L.C. wrote an article for a newsletter about several em- terest in magic in his younger years. He performs mostly for friends
and at Ring meetings, and he occasionally does Kid’s shows. Hav-
ployees that were moonlighting as clowns. The more he
ing performed both close-up and stage, he leans towards close-up,
researched, the more he became swept up in magic. because he likes the idea of performing magic that depends on him,
As magic became the driving force in his life, he sold his and not props, assistants, and staging. When asked what tree would
collection agency business and became a full time magi- you most like to be, he said a “tree”mendous magician!! Stu loves
cian. L.C. prefers all forms of magic, but prefers stand- to perform for anyone that truly appreciates seeing magic, and is a
up. He says pleasing a large crowd of people for a pro- member of IBM, Congregation Beth Torah, Coalition for the Ad-
longed period provides an exchange of energy not unlike vancement of Jewish Education, and the Lyric Opera Guild. Thanks
a love affair. He has recently moved back from L.A. Stu for everything that you contribute to the Ring and its members.
(that’s Lower Alabama) and has not had an opportunity
to establish a regular performing arena. He loves to run
with scissors and plays well with others, and will have Pick one – sight or hearing impaired, shut-ins, the inner city,
something lined up soon. If he could be any tree, he mentally challenged, hospitals – you will not regret it! His big-
wanted to be a giant redwood, because viewing them gest aspiration is to perform in the world market (England,
always produces awe, and they stay around for a thou- France, Monte Carlo, South America, etc.). Paid vacation!
sand years. He has been learning sign language, and Not a bad idea!! He has been Past President of Ring 129 and
recently performed for the KC School for the Deaf. SAM Assembly, and maintains those memberships today. He
Performing for a challenged group provides a satisfac- is also associated with the International Magic Association.
tion like no other. He would encourage others of us to We are glad that L.C. is a part of our Magical Family.
MAGIC NEWS RING 129 NEWSLETTER EDITOR
8803 WEST 102ND PLACE # I
OVERLAND PARK, KS 66212

Ring 129 Lecture Fees

Unless listed otherwise,
Are as follows:

Non-Members $15
Members in good standing $12
Sorcerer’s Circle Members $10
See Article on PAGE 3

What Really Happens At Stu Lewis led off the close-up did an act to music, including the produc-
contest with a variation of the Mark tion of a candle from a silk, cut-and-
Our Ring 129 Meetings DeSouza “Fast and Loose” routine (a.k. restored rope, a “Professor’s Nightmare”
a., endless chain). By introducing a variation (ironically, some of the moves
Special thanks to Stu Lewis for his notes from the
“double-catch” move and some other in- had been exposed during Kev’s session-a
Linking Ring report
novations, DeSouza turned this novelty fact which he wryly noted when introduc-
Our DecemberQuote of the Month
meeting, with into an entire routine. Junior magician ing his act), and “Starcle,” which he tied
about forty in attendance, began with Kyle Sheel continued with the classic into the theme of the Christmas star. His
some good news – the announcement that cups and balls. Harris Deutsch did a act was flashy enough to win the stage
the Board has accepted six new mem- card effect in which two half cards contest, while Stu took the close-up con-
change places under increasingly difficult test.
bers: John Ward, Lynn Phillips, Daniel
conditions (Doc Eason, I believe). He Dale Huffman led off the open
Jackson, Michael Kirwan, Terry Carl-
then did the hanging coins, and to show he segment with a card effect in which he
son, and Cliff Norris.
is more than just a magician, he concluded located the aces from a shuffled deck.
Before beginning the perform-
ances, we were treated to a teach-a-trick with a short tune on the harmonica. Terry Davis used a change bag to per-
Jimmy Jarrett, our tallest junior member, form an egg-bag routine, in which the egg
session with Kev Kirwan. He demon-
did a card effect involving a force. kept changing colors. He also did a gag
strated the “scissors move” principle,
Stu Lewis returned to lead off the “slow-motion” vanish a la Mac King or
which is hard to describe in print. Essen-
stage contest with two card-based mental David Copperfield, in which an assistant
tially, it involves changing one’s grip from
effects, including Harvey Berg’s sneaks behind him and takes the vanished
the thumb and index finger to the index
“Intercept,” in which the magician reveals item-something spectators would miss,
and middle finger. He showed how it
a card that the spectator has merely supposedly, when the act is performed at
could be used to vanish a coin or to switch
linking rings. The best-known use might thought of (that’s right-nothing is written normal speed. Joe White did an effect
be the count in “Professor’s Nightmare” down or shown to other spectators). L. in which a die placed in the pocket reap-
where the three ropes are counted while C. Collier, a long-lost member who re- peared in a tin container, and then did
being shown to be the same length. cently returned to K.C. from Alabama, some card work involving multiple glides.