Organization: Penn State University
Date: Tue, 8 Sep 1992 14:19:50 EDT
From: <HCM100@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Re: Torn/restored newspaper -- also, "how does DC do the tricks"

In article <1992Sep8.143108.27419@advtech.uswest.com>, ron@eatdust.uswest.com
(Ron Schweikert) says:
>
>Also, my two cents worth as a new illusionist:

Welcome to the club!


>First, my thanks to all the helpful postings in this group.  You *REALLY DO*
>get more out of "teaching a person how to fish" than "giving him a fish."

If I had been merely told *how* a friend of mine made the handkerchief
dissappear, I would never have pursued magic as a serious hobby/career
(someday!!)  Instead, he gave me a handkerchief and said "Figure it out."
After playing for a few days, I finally said "Hey, you didn't tell me
everything." He smiled and enlightened me by giving me the *rest* of
what I needed.  Then he said.  Practice that until you can do it
perfectly.  Then practice some more.

>That is: telling them to read, read, read and practice, practice, practice
>(with of course information on *what* to read and *what* to practice) than
>you do telling them how to do a specific "trick" because we all know it
>isn't the "trick" that makes the "magic" but rather the sum total of
>presentation plus effect.

The trick is only a small percentage of the effect.  PRESENTATION is
what makes magic.  Look at card tricks.  The basic premise behind
them all is exactly the same.  You pick a card, I find it.  But when
the act of finding the card becomes *MAGICAL*, then real entertainment
has occurred.

>I've kept the neighborhood kids very entertained (as well as a few parents
>and friends).  I'm also building up my confidence to do more "bold" works.

Then only difference between pulling a coin from an ear or doing some-

thing truly BOLD is in your attitude.  Although you may not know the
methods as of yet, they are like any other method.  When you practice
them they become second nature.  A BOLD effect like a professional
would use is really no different than any of the most basic routines
in Bobo's of Bill Tarr's books.

>--> Any suggestions on a next book or tape series?

I'm always pleased to recommend ANYTHING by Dave Williamson.  Talk about
BOLD!  A few of his best routines involve some of the boldest sleights
that I have ever used.  RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE SPECTATORS!  Wonderful!


>I liked the idea of posting "best effects" references, but will withold
>here until I see if the idea is well-received.  Are there some hesitations
>in the group about doing this?
>
Personally, Yes.  To put a public list out of effects and what they do
and what sleights they use could undermine the point of keeping magic
secret.  If you want to make such a list, Try Bruce Barnett's Magicians
mailing list.  THAT could be a forum for such a list.

>
>That being said, just *how does* DC get air pumps powerful enough under the
>stage to lift him up like the air hockey game!?  :-) :-) :-)

I thought that he swallowed a bunch of mails and then they put magnets
in the ceiling.  ?!?!  ;-)

Or that they gave him a helium enema.   :-(

Presto,
Hans C. Masing | HCM100@PSUVM.psu.edu  | Penn State University MIS Dept |

If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is
"God is crying."  And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to
tell him is "Probably because of something you did."  - Jack Handey