I.B.M. Ring 9

Ring Reports

11/19/01

No. 9, Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia Magic Club

3rd Monday, 7:30 PM, Dunwoody Library, 5339 Chamblee-Dunwoody Road

JOE M. TURNER, President (jmturner@mindspring.com)
RICK SILVERSTEIN, Vice President (rick@mindspring.com)
SCOTT HORN, Secretary (g.scott.9881@worldnet.att.net)

Ring 9 Web Site: http://www.gamagicclub.com

Our November meeting began with a pre-meeting mini-lecture by our VP Rick Silverstein. Rick shared some ideas and interesting observations from his years of experience in restaurant work. The pre-meeting mini-lecture (PMML) has become an important and fun part of our get-togethers. Members will review a book or video, teach a trick, or discuss some aspect of the business side of show business with the club. The PMML is great for the presenter and the club!

President Joe M. Turner began the business meeting by reviewing of some of Ring 9’s exciting recent history. Highlights include a terrific increase in club membership and participation (from 25 to 80!) and the recent fundraiser the club held for the Red Cross (over $2,000 raised!). Way to go, club! Sherry Sponaugle gave a report on the upcoming Southeastern Association of Magicians convention, which Ring 9 will host in Summer 2002. It’s not too early to make your plans to attend. Our door prize was given (finally) to Colm Mulcahy.

After refreshments provided by our newly appointed Scribe Tommy Johns, the magic began. The theme for November was "Close Up Magic with No Coins or Cards." Lynn Fox told a very interesting story about a haunted key that opened a door in the home of the Winchester (rifle) family. This was Lynn’s seventh straight November to share a theme effect using this same "tur-key" magic. After a comment about the "caliber" of the Winchester effect, Dan Garrett showed us how to find the Window of Opportunity to get into historic Diagon Alley, with a nice Harry Potter tie-in. Bill Packard did a great routine utilizing the soft spots in rubber bands. Bill’s routining of Crazy Man’s handcuffs and other effects and his snappy patter delighted the crowd. Andy Pascual, one of our college students home for Thanksgiving, opened by taking two golf balls out of a business card sized briefcase and went into a golf themed routine using a couple of original, soon-to-be-marketed effects with golf balls and tees. As usual, Andy’s routine was up to par!

David Magicksmith, forger of wonder, gave a Georgia rainbow to a member, showed us a lighted talisman with special powers and caused quite a stir by bending a spoon for Yvonne Shelnutt. Joe M. Turner faced the challenge of close up magic with no cards or coin by borrowing, burning and eventually restoring Dan Garrett’s $20.00 bill. Terry Wenham closed the theme magic with an interesting story about the Easter Island statues and their ability to resolve tribal disputes. It had kind of a "Survivor" feel to it and guest Meredith Gordon assisted.

The general magic segment of our meeting had a truly international flavor. Christophe Fouquet (from France) dazzled us by matching a card selected by Jim Reynolds. Christophe’s originality and wry wit always make his effects especially fun to watch. The magical portion of the evening was brought to a close by guest Jens Kaulter from Germany, performing a Daryl-esque rope routine.

Each month, we vote on the best theme effect presentation, and award the Much Sought After Ring 9 Custom Imprinted Deck of Cards (MSAR9CIDOC) along with a certificate suitable for framing to the winner. This month, the award went to Andy Pascual. Congratulations, Andy!

Thumb Tip of the Month: A magic jam session (inviting 3 or 4 other magi over to work on an effect or idea) is a great way to build camaraderie in the ring and improve the skills of all who attend!

If you are ever in the Atlanta area, get in touch with us and visit the GMC. We have a great time each month and we’d love to have y’all join us!

Tommy Johns, Ring 9 Scribe

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