2010 Program Study guide

This page contains Opie Houston's recommended study guide for the Assembly 206 Programs in 2010.  Archives of previous years can be found here:  2009  2008 2007 2006  2005  2004 

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

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

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

Quick Reference

General Magic

Internet Resources

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Books

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

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

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

Working Materials

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

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

Magic Store Purchases: 

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

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

Quick Reference Back to Quick Reference

January - Mark Wilson & Nani - Stage Magic/Mentoring


Wow! Mark and Nani coming to Austin! - http://www.markwilsonmagic.com/MyMagicalLife1.htm -

1 - MARK WILSON. I wonder if Mark Wilson knows that we spent the past year using his COMPLETE COURSE IN MAGIC (CCIM) as the basic textbook for the year of 2009. The book sure made my research job easier. In Mark's honor, let us review the introduction to CCIM from last year's guide, just to illustrate what an impact it had on our guides during the whole year:

http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide.html#mozTocId248197 - (Jan 09 - CCIM Overview). You might especially read the chapter on Magical Illusions, which is an outstanding introduction to the big stuff. The book is the modern classic textbook of magic; keep it close at hand.

NOTE: Since Mentoring and new-member grooming will be high on the goal list for Assembly 206 this year, that CCIM overview is highly-recommended reading by all members. There will be more on mentoring in the months to come.

2 - THINGS TO COME: We will continue the guide with a look at previous references to Stagecraft. Then, even though it may be repetitive, we will look at a montage of odds and ends that should please anyone getting ready to step on a stage and which will help get us ready to Mentor and/or groom ourselves during the coming year. Further, we will take an introductory look at Nelms' MAGIC AND SHOWMANSHIP.

3 - STAGECRAFT REVIEW: (NOTE: Some of the links in these old references may be dead; I have tried to check them all out, but things can change quickly on the web).

http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide.html#mozTocId529983 - (Jun09 – Contesting/Presentation) -

http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide.html#mozTocId387245 - (Aug09 - Presentation and the Fitzkee Trilogy) -

http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide2007.html#mozTocId794104 - (Nov07 - Stage Magic) -

http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide2006.html#mozTocId31529 - (Jun06 - Music and Magic) -

4 - MENTOR NOTES AND ACTIONS - Contact Doc Seaton, if you desire to be on the Mentor Team, and read this very-general overview of what a mentor does. A simple checklist is being worked on, and it will not only be an aid in getting all our members oriented and active but it will make the job easy and a pleasure to do. (Just read over the material; it will give you more than you will ever need to know to do our jobs. Hopefully, it will get you excited about helping and being helped.)

http://www.mentoring-association.org/MembersOnly/Process/ProcessMentorng.html -


5 - VIDEOS: (Stage and Illusions) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUoWIBc32bE - Mark Wilson - Train Sawing -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZULrPeKoFa4 - Mark Wilson - Illusion and Egg/Silk Trick -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqelyEwkerc&feature=related - Greg and Mark - Wow!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OXRhVgeFCY&feature=related - Khong - Eclipse -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9F_VLKNXRw&feature=related - Opt Art - Puzzle Box -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz-70RBxc6M&NR=1 - Juliana Chen - Modern Art -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcEqM8z1wgA - Copperfield - Portal -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXB1mI1jlp8&feature=fvw - Copperfield - Laser -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnmvTYKFdNw - Brett Daniels - Levitation -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhM5AdvZsfY&feature=related - Brett Daniels - Prod & Sawing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94rDNcx0MNc&feature=related - Pendragons 2 - Best of -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wtPejrHowE&feature=related - Pendragons 13 - Best of -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rZCGI6L3w0&feature=related - Princess Tenko - Best of -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cdRTgQZyRg&feature=related - Princess Tenko - Water escape -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1Lsdv7kuJs&feature=fvw - Zaney Blaney - Sawing a Woman -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZNB_W17TDI&feature=related - Miiki - Twins -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDOZUCmOAYY - Kevin James - comedy stage -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=396VOvQGN7k&feature=related - Kevin James - Cutting up -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUuvb7hAhIU&feature=related - Christian Dux - Grand illusion -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isOEPpOIHlo&feature=related - Al Carthy - Mad Scientist -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAhcLVJI0yM&feature=related - Rudy Coby - Rid Dangerous -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nGsP88Et4c&feature=related - Rudy Coby - Coolest Magician -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuXdfuSkJus&feature=related - Doug Henning - Metamorphosis -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwrsIGPfMoQ&feature=related - Doug henning - Van elephant -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua_YUEUhXnA&feature=related - Simon Hart - 3 minutes -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fqq9YCM-ok&feature=related - Harry Blackstone jr - best of -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rna5RbFcCZc&feature=related - Harry Blackstone jr - Dan Hank-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6j5vj_hnLE - Harry Blackstone sr - sawing -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S6tAndzLcw&feature=related - Harry Blackstone Sr - opening -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh6lIp3Fpzk&feature=related - Jack Gwynne - master magi -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afUwkO9FPeQ&NR=1 - Dante -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSrsTlrQrAw&feature=related - J.C. Boyd - Headless Illusion -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBXkH8oIHkc&NR=1 - Head Drop illusion -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcALJsXkNP8&feature=related - Hans Klok - Multiple illusions -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dw4uE3NVH0g&feature=related - Klok - FIFA Cup -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUo_0VjH3_k&feature=related - Klok - Impalement -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFqLvPaQOsQ - Tommy Wonder -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5GYtuzMNs0&feature=related - Fred Kaps -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CAL7SI8NA8&feature=fvw Fred Kaps - smoking -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PX92Q3SlUI8&feature=fvw - Le Plus Grand -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsSmIXY0Vf4&feature=fvw - Las Vegas Teen Magic Comp -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=be1_Q9lJBPI&feature=related - Paul Driscoll - doves -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVsNRs2iyjY&feature=related - Jeremy Pei -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6f4a2l_w3Y - Howard Thurston - old video -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOfzp4Wt-pE - Roy Benson - old tv performance -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOXyChfaQ0s - Andrely - dove act -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJg3lJ91V6Q&feature=fvw - Shchukin - dove act -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c948LItXX0 - Adam Wide as Le Roy -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixqcSeUlqaw&feature=related - Silvan - Donna in 3 pieces -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAWi15MAOmo&feature=related - Wayne Dobson – Sponges -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45MgSjH5-A4&feature=related - Wayne Dobson - knife thru coat -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzu6bVDZoR4&feature=related - Wayne Dobson - Origami -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWJUQXxLSuc&feature=related - Wayne Dobson - Metamor -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUKzbgZmAH4 - Lance Burton - best of -
If all those are not enough, here are 50 more:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQvTHXZXvgE - 1 of 50 Greatest Magic Tricks; follow web links for more.

6 - MISCELLANEOUS: The following is a list of items which one might use to develop routines, study a classic textbook, or something I find interesting to include for the INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED student of magic. Use them as you wish, and please give us feedback, so that the Assembly can make the material totally worthwhile and useful....

7 - TEXTBOOK FOR READING AND STUDY DURING 2010: HENNING NELMS' MAGIC AND SHOWMANSHIP: The book can be purchased for about ten bucks. Just check with the local book stores or, better yet, get one from our great supporter, Texas Magic Supply. In the meantime, read Chapter 1, “The Two Magics”, on page 1 of an on-line copy:

http://books.google.com/books?id=lwPxU4XtPgsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=&f=false -

8 - You might want to read Chapter 16, Devising Illusions, pages 208-20, when you get your copy of MAGIC AND SHOWMANSHIP. That chapter is not on line. Here is a teaser from the chapter, which talks about CREATING illusions: “The chief secret consists in knowing what you want to do...Once you have decided what you want to do, you are half way to doing it.” Nelms, p. 209.

9 - PATTER THEMES AND TOPICS: I have found the following links useful to help find ideas for patter and routines, in the monthly holiday topics. Magic without a theme or some sort of entertaining patter is like reading an outline of a poem or book. Check out the web:

DEC 2009 - http://www.brownielocks.com/DECEMBER2009.html -
JAN 2010 - http://www.brownielocks.com/january.htm -
FEB 2010 - http://www.brownielocks.com/february.html -

10 - When you have looked over some possible patter/routine ideas, read Chapter 20, Words, of MAGIC AND SHOWMANSHIP, pp. 265-77.....(parts of the chapter MAY BE on line; see link in item 7 above.)....And let me mention that on pages 318-19, there is an index to more than 50 ROUTINES which are sprinkled through the book.

11 - FIND SOMETHING INTERESTING IN LINKING RING OR M-U-M regarding our topics/themes? Please let us know by email or announcement at meetings. I think many members are like me and don't have time to read all the good stuff in those magazines, and maybe we just don't know it is there. Just a reference that it is there is all that is needed.

12 - COMING NEXT FEBRUARY: Parlor/Stand-up Magic, a closer look at Nelms' MAGIC AND SHOWMANSHIP, and some helpful information regarding Mentoring and Grooming.

Quick Reference Back to Quick Reference

February - Impromptu Magic/Nelms Chap 1

This month, we will deal with Impromptu Magic....well, magic that can be done instantly with common objects. We will include some tricks that might require a few minutes to prepare, but the effects/bits will appear to be done at will without any preparation. Let's begin with some webs which have free tricks:

1 - http://www.magicforall.com/html/free_magic.html - Magic for All has more than a dozen free tricks, including Jumping Rubber Band and a bar bet or two. Give them a look, but please do your shopping locally at Texas Magic Supply, one of our biggest supporters.

2 - http://www.magicclassroom.com/ - Several Austin magicians belong to the Magic Classroom. The site is rich in free magic and performance instructions. Do join us there.

3 - http://www.learnmagictricks.org/ - Learn Magic Tricks will provide you more video instructions for free tricks than you will probably have time to view....Check some of them out.

4 - http://www.thelearnedpig.com.pa/magos/index.html - If you are not reading the scores of books on The Learned Pig, you are passing up a wealth of free magic. Also, Marko has a new free magic ezine to which you should subscribe. Most of the public domain magic books are on that web...FREE!!

5 - http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=magic+trick+videos&search_type=&aq=f - If you prefer magic instructions on videos, have a quick look at what came up when I did a YouTube search with “magic trick videos.”

NOTE: Those web sites should give you an idea of just how much magic is on the Internet, but I want to point out a few specific tricks that most magicians should know. Mark Wilson's lecture provided an eye-opening look at the fact that many of us don't know some of the simple standard tricks of the trade. Let me review a few of the tricks that Mark showed us and provide some tips and hints about some similar tricks, using the objects/props Mark used:

6 - Torn/Restored Napkin - http://www.activitytv.com/957-torn-and-restored-napkin - That video does a great job of teaching a basic torn and restored napkin trick. Take a look, and check out the other videos on that web; they are mostly excellent. While you are there, look at the section on hand puppets....MAYBE we can get Ian to give us few minutes on the topic of an impromptu puppet routine...???

7 - Hunter's Puzzle Knot - http://books.google.com/books?id=OAY-fuyuJHAC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=&f=false - See page 17.

8 - Cork Tricks - http://www.oldandsold.com/articles02/magictricks3.shtml - Here are a few cork tricks, including the one Mark has in The Complete Course in Magic (CCIM).

9 - Cut and Restored Rope - http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=cut%20and%20restored%20rope%20trick&oe=utf-8&rls=com.ubuntu:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wv# - Here is a huge collection of rope-trick videos.

NOTE: So, what more do we need to know about impromptu magic? The truth is, there is an endless supply of things one can use to do magic on the spot. Let's take a look at some some of those objects.

10 - Coin Magic - http://www.austinmagic.org/sam/studyguide2009.html#mozTocId806264 - Review the coin-magic guide from March of last year. I think there is enough impromptu magic there to keep you busy. Here is a link to the Bobo MODERN COIN MAGIC study guide: http://forums.singaporemagiccircle.com/ar/t10384.htm -

11 - Card Magic - http://forums.singaporemagiccircle.com/index.php?showtopic=10383

- Here is a guide for reading and studying Hugard & Braue's Royal Road to Card Magic (RRTCM) - The guide contains the basic principles and skills you need to be an effective card-magic performer. So, use the book and the recommended study guide OVER SEVERAL WEEKS (OR MONTHS), in the order given below, to become at least a knowledgeable card handler. You may want to run through the GUIDE to determine which skills you need, in order to seek help at the meeting.

12 - MORE CARD STUFF - http://www.online-visions.com/effects/index-cards.html - There are some excellent card routines on this web. I highly recommend that you join Online Visions.

13 - MATCH/TOOTHPICK MAGIC - http://www.metacafe.com/watch/931138/amazing_match_tricks_fun_and_easy_magic/ - The video teaches two quick effects with matches. You may have to use the suggested link beneath the video to get the video to work. Here is another link with match tricks and a lot of other impromptu effects:
http://www.oldandsold.com/articles02/magictricks6.shtml
- And here are several toothpick tricks:  http://www.wonderhowto.com/community/member/jkagan/playlists/toothpick-tricks/ 


14 - GENERAL BAR TRICKS - http://bartendermagic.com/ - Here are about a hundred tricks that use only common objects found in a restaurant or bar.....Enjoy!!!!!

15 - HENNING NELMS' MAGIC AND SHOWMANSHIP - And now, as promised, let us look at the book for which I wish to share a study during 2010, beginning with Chapter 1, The Two Magics. Many magicians have claimed to have read the book, but only a few have done so. Let us do so.

I have not attempted to do any more than provide “footnote” on-line references for some of the material that Nelms addresses in the chapters. You will find that Nelms packs in the book a lot of information that begs for amplification, so what I am doing is offering some supplemental material that I have found on line. It is important that you read the chapters before you read the supplemental material. They are just “notes” and should be viewed as such. The real meat is in the book. Let us begin...

If you have not yet bought the book, you can read the first chapter (and a few other chapters) on line at:
http://books.google.com/books?id=lwPxU4XtPgsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=&f=false -

************************************

“FOOTNOTES” TO CHAPTER 1, “THE TWO MAGICS” -

ILLUSION - “The art of illusion consists in creating illusions of the impossible.” Henning Nelms

ILLUSION - WIKI - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_%28illusion%29 -

HENNING NELMS - http://www.geniimagazine.com/wiki/index.php/Henning_Nelms -

ROBERT-HOUDIN - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Eug%C3%A8ne_Robert-Houdin -

BULLET CATCHING - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullet_catch - NOT RECOMMENDED - http://bulletcatch.com/ -

DRAMA - “Drama, like magic, is an art of illusion.” Henning Nelms -

DRAMA - WIKI - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drama -

SHOWMANSHIP - “Showmanship (performing) (is) the skill of making an artistic performance distinctive, effective and appealing to an audience” - Wikipedia. “The degree of interest that spectators take in any performance is in direct proportion to meaning for them...When showmanship is carried far enough, it can create an illusion where none exists...spectators should be able to follow the ideas of the illusion, step by step.” Nelms.

HARLAN TARBELL - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlan_Tarbell -

FOUR ACES TRICK - Nelms is probably referring to the “Poker Player's Picnic”, which is provided in several card trick books. Here is a Google search which should satisfy most card enthusiasts, regarding that trick: http://www.google.com/search?q=four+ace+tricks+&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=com.ubuntu:en-US:official&client=firefox-a 

MORE PHONE TRICKS - http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~roy/magictalk-wisdom/discussions/over_the_phone.html -

HARRY HOUDINI - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Houdini -

THE NEEDLE TRICK - http://www.geniimagazine.com/wiki/index.php/Needle_Trick -

THE INSEPARABLE STRING - For several versions, see the Google search below, but do check out the Strongman routine provided by Nelms. - http://www.google.com/search?q=cut+and+restored+string+trick+wiki&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=com.ubuntu:en-US:official&client=firefox-a 

A SUMMARY OF SORTS - “Meaning provides the magic of drama. Showmanship intensifies or exaggerates the meaning. Technique keeps the meaning from being diluted by distractions.” Nelms.

16 - NELMS, CHAP 2 - DECEPTION VS. CONVICTION - In the next month or so, I will footnote this chapter of MAGIC AND SHOWMANSHIP. In the meantime, read Chapter 2 (and buy the book):
http://books.google.com/books?id=lwPxU4XtPgsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q=&f=false -

17 - PATTER THEMES AND TOPICS: Check out the holidays web:
FEB 2010 - http://www.brownielocks.com/february.html -
MAR 2010 - http://www.brownielocks.com/march.html -

18 - MENTOR MATERIAL: Stay tuned for more on this topic.

Hope that will keep you busy and that YOU FIND AT LEAST ONE TRICK TO LEARN.


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