HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
Newsgroups: alt.magic

I just bought the video "On the Pass" by Richard Kaufman last weekend.  It is
a good presentation of the classic pass, riffle pass, and Herrmann pass along
with several variations and tricks based on them.  He first demonstrates the
pass as the spectator would see it.  Then carefully shows finger positions and
moves very slowly.  This is shown from the performer's point of view.  Then he
speeds things up.  Awesome!
 
 My first time through the tape, I just sat there with my mouth hanging open.
 Do I ever have a lot of practicing to do.  One comment he makes near the end of
 the 40 minute video is, "Practice the classic pass 100 times a day for a year
 and you'll really have something special."  I paid $39.95.
From: hes@unity.ncsu.edu (Henry E. Schaffer)
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Re: What is diachylon?
Keywords: card magic
Date: 27 Aug 92 23:59:41 GMT
Organization: North Carolina State University Computing Center


  Depending the the effect, either "roughing fluid" or wax might
work.

--henry schaffer
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1992 08:25:49 EDT
From: <HCM100@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Magicians Mailing List

I posted a few days ago with this question, but have seen no response.  So,
I'll post again.  When I was on the NET a couple of years ago, there was
a private mailing list for magicians where we could talk about the
*real* stuff.  Is there anyone out there in InterLand who knows if this
list is still in operation.  Let me know!!

See ya,
| HANS C. MASING                   | A BAD ATTITUDE IS THE      |
| HCM100 @ PSUVM.PSU.EDU           | DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE     |
| MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS   | WAY I THINK AND THE WAY    |
| PENN STATE UNIVERSITY            | YOU THINK I SHOULD THINK.  |
From: toby@cs.man.ac.uk (Toby Howard)
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: THE NON-PSYCHIC PSYCHIC SUPERSHOW!!
Date: 3 Sep 92 15:56:50 GMT
Distribution: alt
Organization: Department of Computer Science, University of Manchester

A COMPLETE GUIDED TOUR OF THE TRICKS OF THE PSYCHIC TRADE!

Spoon bending, psychic surgery, mind over matter, fortune-telling,
mind-reading and other amazing stuff, faultlessly performed and then
thoroughly explained! Come and see RICHARD MATHER, the country's
leading authority on 'psychic' deception, reveal the methods which can
be used to deliver 100% guaranteed genuine (well, not quite) psychic
miracles to order. 

A thoroughly entertaining show, to which all are welcome. This is
Richard Mather's first show in London, and his first ever to include a
demonstration of 'psychic' surgery (perfectly harmless when you know
how). A complete guided tour of the tricks of the psychic trade!

DETAILS: Saturday 5 September 1992, 7.30pm.
         Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R
         Tickets on the door: 4 pounds.

         Journalists, researchers and producers 
         admitted free by prior arrangement. 

For further information contact:
         Ian Rowland (Tel 081 664 6378) or
         Mike Hutchinson ((Tel 081 508 2989)
--

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Toby Howard    Department of Computer Science, University of Manchester
Lecturer               Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
                                                   Tel: +44 61-275-6274
toby@cs.man.ac.uk                                  Fax: +44 61-275-6236
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From: barnett@grymoire.crd.ge.com (Bruce Barnett)
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Re: Magicians Mailing List
Date: 28 Aug 92 21:47:26 GMT
Reply-To: barnett@crdgw1.ge.com
Organization: GE Corp. R & D, Schenectady, NY

In article <92241.082549HCM100@psuvm.psu.edu> HCM100@psuvm.psu.edu writes:
|   I posted a few days ago with this question, but have seen no response.  So,
|   I'll post again.  When I was on the NET a couple of years ago, there was
|   a private mailing list for magicians where we could talk about the
|   *real* stuff.  Is there anyone out there in InterLand who knows if this
|   list is still in operation.  Let me know!!

Send mail to "magic-request@crdgw1.ge.com"
--
Bruce Barnett <barnett@crd.ge.com> uunet!crdgw1!barnett
Newsgroups: alt.magic
From: batten@kodak.kodak.com (James Batten)
Subject: Re: What is diachylon?
Keywords: card magic
Organization: Eastman Kodak Company
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 92 14:34:36 GMT

   Well, I tried posting earlier, but was not able to.. HMMmm have the net
Gods here cut me off? I also tried to direct mail, but my system doesn't know
yours... oh well, here goes another attempt.

   The product you want (as someone else mentioned) is called 'roughing fluid'
by the 'industry'. You should be able to get it from any large mail order
magic companies, or most local magic stores (they can at least order it for
you.)  I have also seen it in a stick form that can allow you to prepare a
card/cards on the spot if you so wish.    

   A sugestion has been made to use the type of glue found on post-its.. Well,
you might be able to find an application for someting like that... but not
for the purposes the author of the book intended. Roughing fluid (diachylon)
is more like a super fine sand paper. You almost would not be able to feel it
at all unless you were really looking for it. Put a treated surface on top of
an untreated surface and every thing will still slide around as usual. BUT
put two treated surfaces together and apply the slightest pressure and the 
two surfaces will lock tight. Ease up on the pressure and things will slide
again. A tacky glue like surface just won't do..

  This is a nice tool to have, but it can be over done. It would be much
better for you to add it to your tool box... but also add real slights. I 
suggest picking out two or three different slights, work a few days on one and
don't get discouraged at the results. Then move on to the second and work on
it a while. After a few days go back and work on the first again. This works
best for me. I find if I work on one slight to long I don't sense the mistakes
I'm putting in. If I take a few days off for each slight I have to 'restudy'
what I'm supposed to do and actually start a bit fresher than before. It
really doesn't help to just keep practicing the same mistakes over and over.

  It's much more fun to be able to REALLY be able to do things without gaffs
and watch as folks try to 'expose' you by claiming you used a gimmick, and
then not be able to really explain it.                  

ciao -jim batten

Newsgroups: alt.magic
From: jittlov@gumby.cs.caltech.edu (Mike Jittlov)
Subject: Re: comments
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 11:12:16 GMT

st923058@pip.cc.brandeis.edu (Rosaleen Dhu) writes:

>Hi folks. I'm not a magician, at least not your kind of magician. I am, 
>however, a movie rat. So...
>To Scott Duncan, r.e. Houdini pseudo-bio flick: do NOT bother. It was called
>"Young Houdini", it starred Wil Wheaton (of ST_TNG Wesley-Crusher-please-
>report-to-the-airlock fame) and it bit the big one. Badly filmed, badly
>plotted, stupidly cast and incorrectly researched (I think I even saw them
>spelling it Ehrick--AAGGHH!) This movie should be burned.
>To join the Mike Jittlov controversy: I really liked "Wizard Of Speed And
>Time". I saw Mike Jittlov speak at SF15, which was the 15th annual 24 Hour
>sf movie marathon at a teeny tiny flix theatre in Brookline, MA. Despite his
>moviemaking coolness, he's kind of a weenie in person.

Hey!  I resemble that remark! :@
...Actually, I'm more of a wonk-nerd-geek in person.
(--Same as I am in the movie, only without the merciful editing.)

>My main complaint 
>about him is that he uses his personality quirks--like the fact that he reallydoes not shake hands--as though they made him much cooler than everyone else. 

Au contrare - said "quirks" make everyone _else_ cooler.
But people who create and bring magic - in any form - to this
reality, are not always like everyone else.  Nor should they be,
if their magic is to continue.  

>His attitude was sort of that, because he had made this neato movie, he had
>therefore been appointed Keeper, Coordinator and Apportioner of weirdness for
>the tri-state area.

Ghod, no - that's Kibo!

>                       Bleah.
>				Blessed Be,
>					"Morgaine" (I never give my real name
>on postings on newsgroups--nothin'personal, guys)

No problem, Rosaleen.  It's _our secret_.
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1992 11:30:26 EDT
From: <HCM100@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Re: On the Pass video by Richard Kaufman

In article <13190003@hpwrce.mayfield.hp.com>, halw@hpwrce.mayfield.hp.com (Hal
Work) says:

>I just bought the video "On the Pass" by Richard Kaufman last weekend.  It is
>a good presentation of the classic pass, riffle pass, and Herrmann pass along
>with several variations and tricks based on them.  He first demonstrates the
>pass as the spectator would see it.  Then carefully shows finger positions and
>moves very slowly.  This is shown from the performer's point of view.  Then he
>speeds things up.  Awesome!

True!  Richard really outdid himself with this tape.  I do note currently
use a pass in my magic, but I am sorely tempted to do so after seeing this
tape.  The only explanation I had seen on the pass was in Bill Tarr's NOW YOU
SEE IT, NOW YOU DON'T.  I think that he uses the pass backawards.  ;-)

I bought the tape because a Jay Sankey routine called for a Hermann Turnover
Pass, and I just couldn't get it right.  (In fact, in 100% Sankey I think he
uses that pass WAY too much.  Also in his 1991 lecture notes.  At least 2
effects use that variation).

> My first time through the tape, I just sat there with my mouth hanging open.

Me too!  And the second time.  And the third time.  I fell asleep the fourth
time around, but it was all in one night.  ;-)

> Do I ever have a lot of practicing to do.  One comment he makes near the end f
> of
> the 40 minute video is, "Practice the classic pass 100 times a day for a year
> and you'll really have something special."  I paid $39.95.

Too true.  If I only had the time......

Presto,

| HANS C. MASING                   | A BAD ATTITUDE IS THE      |
| HCM100 @ PSUVM.PSU.EDU           | DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE     |
| MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS   | WAY I THINK AND THE WAY    |
| PENN STATE UNIVERSITY            | YOU THINK I SHOULD THINK.  |
From: alvalent@husc9.harvard.edu (Alvin Valentine)
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Sticky situation
Date: 28 Aug 92 16:22:35 GMT
Organization: Harvard University Science Center

I think that the diachylon and similar products are roughing fluids.
Another tacky substance is Wiz Tax.  D Robbins , NY
carries it.  IT is a flesh-colored spongy double stick tape that has a zillion
uses and comes on and off things really easily.  Your local magic shop will
likely know nothing about it, so contact D Robbins direct, or another large
magic distributor.
 
 
 
Later,
 
Lee Valentine 
 

 
Later,
 
Lee Valentine
Newsgroups: alt.magic
From: jittlov@gumby.cs.caltech.edu (Mike Jittlov)
Subject: Re: Magic in the Movies
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 11:43:23 GMT

de0t+@andrew.cmu.edu (Daniel S. Efran) writes:

>Excerpts from netnews.alt.magic: 2-Sep-92 Re: Magic in the Movies Mike
>Jittlov@gumby.cs.ca (4550)

>>         Movie: "The Wizard of Speed and Time"
>>         Actor/Magician: Mike Jittlov
>>         Effect: producing a feature film out of thin material
>>         Scene: throughout (over 400 effects shots, many magic-based)

>Great film, but which effects are magic-based?  They looked like
>mostly special effects to me.  (I know something about both spfx
>and magic.)  Could someone give a few examples here?

Thank you, you're too kind.
All the effects are magic-based.
We just couldn't show the magic.  It never shows up on film.  Had
to use special effects and threads and mirrors and stuff.

Awright!  Awright!!  You caught me!

But there WERE going to be magic tricks!  Honest!  I had a
great close-up scripted, doing the two-cork trick [I love
that one!] during a studio phone-call, while assuring that
wizards have ways of making everything work...just fine...

And lots more stuff.  Most of it edited out of the script,
when the movie went from a modest little $35,000 16mm feature
to a weird and bloated little $1,000,000 monument to compromise
between myself and my business partner (- who also insisted on
acting in the movie as the slimy, embezzling, sociopathic,
explosively-tempered producer).

>	---Daniel Efran
>----------------------------------
>An it harm none*, do as you Will.
>Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty**.

* nor be it unduly contagious
** a terrific phrase & pursuit, created by Anne Herbert in Marin, CA
   [full write-up in alt.self-improve, art. 778; or ramesh@veda.cwru.edu]
From: presto@chopin.udel.edu (Jason Y Nocks)
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Re: What is diachylon?
Keywords: card magic
Date: 1 Sep 92 18:15:12 GMT
Organization: University of Delaware

Not to beat a dead horse, but it was mentioned that after the application of the
roughing fluid the cards stick with just a bit of pressure. This seemed kind of
misleading. I generally find that you don't really apply an pressure at all in
practise. The cards seem to stick together by themselves and you have to apply
pressure to get them apart. The Invisible Deck is a good example of a prefab. 
deck using the roughing fluid. This deck should be available through any
reputable dealer. Well, just my $.02
Magically,
-Jason

-- 
| presto@brahms.udel.edu       | A senior E.E. at the U of D with a side order
| presto@freezer.cns.udel.edu  | of stage and close-up magic. The views
| nocks@snow-white.ee.udel.edu | expressed are exclusively my own (etc).
Newsgroups: alt.magic
From: stame@emunix.emich.edu (Stewart Tame)
Subject: Re: Magicians Mailing List
Organization: Eastern Michigan University
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1992 15:20:09 GMT

In article <92241.082549HCM100@psuvm.psu.edu> <HCM100@psuvm.psu.edu> writes:
>I posted a few days ago with this question, but have seen no response.  So,
>I'll post again.  When I was on the NET a couple of years ago, there was
>a private mailing list for magicians where we could talk about the
>*real* stuff.  Is there anyone out there in InterLand who knows if this
>list is still in operation.  Let me know!!
>

I don't know if it is or not.  I *do* know that I and about two other
people had a sort of mailing list going amongst us for a while but it
kind of died out . . . 

	-- Stewart "no humorous quote this time" Tame

****************************************************************************
 I understand it's obligatory to mention Kibo somewhere in one's postings.
****************************************************************************
		Email:  stame@emunix.emich.edu
****************************************************************************
Disclaimer:  Not only do my opinions represent those of Eastern Michigan
University, but also those of Dan Quayle, Richard Nixon, Frank Zappa,
Pee-wee Herman, Bart Simpson, Tipper Gore, Murphy Brown, Maggie Thatcher,
and the Easter Bunny.
Newsgroups: alt.magic
From: st923058@pip.cc.brandeis.edu (Rosaleen Dhu)
Subject: comments
Reply-To: st923058@pip.cc.brandeis.edu
Organization: Brandeis University
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1992 17:56:56 GMT

Hi folks. I'm not a magician, at least not your kind of magician. I am, 
however, a movie rat. So...
To Scott Duncan, r.e. Houdini pseudo-bio flick: do NOT bother. It was called
"Young Houdini", it starred Wil Wheaton (of ST_TNG Wesley-Crusher-please-
report-to-the-airlock fame) and it bit the big one. Badly filmed, badly
plotted, stupidly cast and incorrectly researched (I think I even saw them
spelling it Ehrick--AAGGHH!) This movie should be burned.
To join the Mike Jittlov controversy: I really liked "Wizard Of Speed And
Time". I saw Mike Jittlov speak at SF15, which was the 15th annual 24 Hour
sf movie marathon at a teeny tiny flix theatre in Brookline, MA. Despite his
moviemaking coolness, he's kind of a weenie in person. My main complaint 
about him is that he uses his personality quirks--like the fact that he reallydoes not shake hands--as though they made him much cooler than everyone else. 
His attitude was sort of that, because he had made this neato movie, he had
therefore been appointed Keeper, Coordinator and Apportioner of weirdness for
the tri-state area. Bleah.
				Blessed Be,
					"Morgaine" (I never give my real name
on postings on newsgroups--nothin'personal, guys)
From: HCM100@psuvm.psu.edu
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Re: Any Akkadians out there?
Date: 2 Sep 92 03:27:07 GMT
Organization: Penn State University

We followup thusly:

Brave supplicant, thou hast entered the realm of enlightenment.  But not the
type of enlightenment that you think.  Wanna learn a card trick?  Make a
coin dissappear or float a rose around the room, then your in the right place.
Ancient Mesopotanian beliefs, try alt.magicK <- (note the K).

See ya in the afterlife.  ;-)

| HANS C. MASING                   | A BAD ATTITUDE IS THE      |
| HCM100 @ PSUVM.PSU.EDU           | DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE     |
| MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS   | WAY I THINK AND THE WAY    |
| PENN STATE UNIVERSITY            | YOU THINK I SHOULD THINK.  |
Newsgroups: alt.magic
From: jittlov@gumby.cs.caltech.edu (Mike Jittlov)
Subject: Re: THE NON-PSYCHIC PSYCHIC SUPERSHOW!!
Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
Distribution: alt
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1992 11:04:20 GMT

toby@cs.man.ac.uk (Toby Howard) writes:

>A COMPLETE GUIDED TOUR OF THE TRICKS OF THE PSYCHIC TRADE!

>Spoon bending, psychic surgery, mind over matter, fortune-telling,
>mind-reading and other amazing stuff, faultlessly performed and then
>thoroughly explained! Come and see RICHARD MATHER, the country's
>leading authority on 'psychic' deception, reveal the methods which can
>be used to deliver 100% guaranteed genuine (well, not quite) psychic
>miracles to order. 

>A thoroughly entertaining show, to which all are welcome. This is
>Richard Mather's first show in London, and his first ever to include a
>demonstration of 'psychic' surgery (perfectly harmless when you know
>how). A complete guided tour of the tricks of the psychic trade!

>DETAILS: Saturday 5 September 1992, 7.30pm.
>         Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R
>         Tickets on the door: 4 pounds.

>         Journalists, researchers and producers 
>         admitted free by prior arrangement. 

>For further information contact:
>         Ian Rowland (Tel 081 664 6378) or
>         Mike Hutchinson ((Tel 081 508 2989)
>--

>-----------------------------------------------------------------------
>Toby Howard    Department of Computer Science, University of Manchester
>Lecturer               Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, United Kingdom
>                                                   Tel: +44 61-275-6274
>toby@cs.man.ac.uk                                  Fax: +44 61-275-6236
>-----------------------------------------------------------------------

WOW!  This sounds terrific!!

I hope everyone reading this, around the World,
RSVP's and astral-projects immediately!!

     ....what?   

oh.  Wrong NewsGroup.         Nevermind ;>
From: jti01@DUTS.ccc.amdahl.com
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Favorite Effects
Date: 1 Sep 92 21:39:34 GMT
Reply-To: jti01@DUTS.ccc.amdahl.com ()
Distribution: na
Organization: Amdahl Corporation, Sunnyvale CA


I have a great idea that I think would be mutually beneficial to this
newsgroup. Why don't we post our favorite effects from any magic
books, citing:

      Book Title:
      Author:
      Publisher and copyright date:
      Name of Effect & originator:
      Description (including props):
      Page number(s):
      Additional Comments:


I would be willing to collect these posts (either on the net or by email
to jti01@duts.ccc.amdahl.com) and post a monthly FAQ on magic effects.

This list would not expose any secrets to the net and would optimize
our limited reading time. I for one am overwhelmed by the amount of
reading material I have collected over the past years and any help
sorting out the good effects from the bad would be greatly appreciated.

What do you think? Send your email, comments, etc. to:

 Jeff Isozaki - jti01@duts.ccc.amdahl.com
From: de0t+@andrew.cmu.edu (Daniel S. Efran)
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Re: What is diachylon?
Date: 2 Sep 92 17:29:58 GMT
	<d98Y02xR1fTr01@JUTS.ccc.amdahl.com>
Organization: Junior, Math/Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA

Several people have discussed this 'diachylon' and seem to
have arrived at a consensus: it's the stuff you use to make
the 'rough' side of rough-and-smooth cards.

Here's a dissenting opinion, from my father (who doesn't have
direct access to this bboard):


I have looked up Diachylon.  First of all, it is what used to be called a
lead plaster.  The dictionary says it is an adhesive plaster consisting chiefly
of litharge and oil, used in the treatment of wounds and excoriations.  The
Cyclopedia of Magic says "the best wax for magic purpose may be purchased 
at any drugstore.  It is called "Diachylon Plaster" (or lead plaster). 
It is usually
in the form of a round bar about one inch in diameter.

In [a] book on chemical magic there is an elaborate formula for making it.  It
involves dissolving soap powder in lead acetate, etc.
 
So, in other words, it is a magician's wax, and not a roughing fluid.
 
On the other hand, the chemical magic reference gives a formula for roughing
fluid using alcohol, phenol, gum sandarac, etc.  If you are interested I can
provide the complete formula.

	---Jay Efran

Hope that helps.

	---Daniel Efran
----------------------------------
An it harm none, do as you Will.
Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty.
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1992 22:01:28 EDT
From: <HCM100@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Re: ATTENTION: SUNYAB ARSA MEETING 04-SEPT-1992 Come one come all

I'd absolutely love doing all of those things (especially dancing naked), but t
his newgroup is for card tricks and stuff.  You know, "Nothing up my sleeve",
not chow on herbs during the full moon.  ;-)  Have fun, and post that sucker
to alt.MAGICK.  See ya,

| HANS C. MASING                   | A BAD ATTITUDE IS THE      |
| HCM100 @ PSUVM.PSU.EDU           | DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE     |
| MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS   | WAY I THINK AND THE WAY    |
| PENN STATE UNIVERSITY            | YOU THINK I SHOULD THINK.  |
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Organization: Penn State University
Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1992 19:06:42 EDT
From: <HCM100@psuvm.psu.edu>
Newsgroups: alt.magic
Subject: Re: Magic in the Movies

You forgot an important one!

MOVIE: Penn & Tellers "Invisible Thread"
ACTOR/MAGICIAN: Penn Gillette & Teller
EFFECT: A couple of simple ones, including a cute one called "Invisible
        Thread".
SCENE: The whole darn thing.
AVAILABLE ON TAPE: ???
COMMENTS: Penn & Teller save the world with a card trick.  Teller actually
          talks in this one.  Maybe.  ;-)  A cute film, filling the stereo-
          typical views of magicians as obtrusive, unwanted entertainers.

Presto!

| HANS C. MASING                   | A BAD ATTITUDE IS THE      |
| HCM100 @ PSUVM.PSU.EDU           | DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE     |
| MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS   | WAY I THINK AND THE WAY    |
| PENN STATE UNIVERSITY            | YOU THINK I SHOULD THINK.  |