IBM Ring 9 Ring Report

The January Ring 9 meeting was jam-packed with more magic and fun than what ought to be legal! Thank goodness there are no laws restricting fun OR magic in Georgia! The inimitable Doyne Michie gave what was probably the best Pre-Meeting Mini-Lecture (PMML) in a long while, and we’ve had some good ones! Doyne drew on his near century (grin) of magic experience, entertaining kids, adults, corporations and the military to share with us a lecture entitled "Tips on Close-up Routines…and Taglines." Doyne’s Therapy of Laughter has been featured on TV, and in newspapers. We all gathered around a table and watched, listened to, and took notes as the master worked his magic! From his signature effect, The Texas Penny, to standards like sponge balls and color-changing knives, Doyne had tips for (and stories for) everyone and every situation.

After welcoming the guests, and there were plenty, President Paul Sponaugle made some exciting announcements (Ken and Tanya Scott’s new baby, and his new lecture tour among others), we held our business meeting and had our monthly drawing. Andy Bray won Ken’s newest lecture notes to be debuted at Magi-Fest in Ohio.

Four new member hopefuls auditioned for membership. Chris Teague caused a coin to fall up, Cary Fleming did a very funny two coin routine with the help of volunteer John Doyle, and Michael Holt, after a very funny introduction, performed a coin through silk routine and pen through borrowed bill routine. Guy Philips, a new Atlantan from Greensboro, NC, performed some magic from his trade show routines, including the vanishing deck and printing a blank deck. Members voted and membership will be announced in February.

The theme for magic in January was "New Year, New Magic!" Space constraints do not permit me to describe each illusion and list volunteers, but here are a list of the performers and some highlights. Gordon Astley did hypnotism, Dan Garrett did an original Harry Potter Jelly Bean effect, Rick Silver performed magic (or was it a coincidence), and Ted Harty III allowed 4 spectators to select a single card which matched a prediction.

Carey Huddleston did an old trick to new music, Jim Mangham performed a "HOLE" magic routine, Howie Marmer amazed us with a Coloring Book illusion that had a new twist, and Lynn Fox let a lazy brown fox assist him with a quick comedy routine. Keith Rainey vanished a selected card from a deck, Evan Reynolds’ 3-Fly routine was a hit, Rolando Santos (GMOTY) told a fascinating story about the eye of Merlin, and Ken Scott told the story of King Midas. Paul Sponaugle, a recovering cardaholic, shared openly about his first week in a four card, 12 step program for recovery.

During a general magic presentation of three invisible coins by Howie Marmer, the votes were counted and the winner of the January Coveted Royal Blue Pen and certificate for theme magic went to Paul Sponaugle! Congratulations Paul and thanks to all for a great evening of magic!

If you are ever in the Atlanta area, we’d love to meet you! Come to a club meeting or e-mail one of us (addresses are on our website at www.gamagicclub.com) and we’ll let you know what’s going on!

Tommy Johns, Ring 9 Scribe