INSIDE THE LINKING RING
March, 2010
By Devon Elliott

Cover Story:
GREG BRITT: MAGICIAN WITH A MESSAGE
Elgregoe's Success with New Zealand Children Is Not Just an Illusion
By Alan Watson

Greg Britt – Elgregoe the Magician-Ventriloquist – lives in Christchurch, New Zealand, but his stage is the entire country. He is the I.B.M. Territorial Vice President for the South Island and is one of the country’s best-loved masters of illusion. He has made over four hundred and fifty television appearances, performed thousands of live shows, and his school presentation has been seen by over half a million New Zealand students. Not bad in a country of just over four million people!

Greg was included in the New Year Honors List of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II in 2009. As Elgregoe, he also received the Grand Master of Magic Award – the supreme award for excellence for a New Zealand magician – from his fellow peers during the Twenty-Ninth New Zealand International Magician’s Convention in Auckland. . . (Read More)

ELGREGOE'S TIPS ON FINDING THE MAGIC FOR YOUR MESSAGE
By Greg Britt

I apply a simple method for selecting tricks for my shows. First, I decide on my message. This is the basis of all of my shows. My message usually focuses on one of the following: changes, overcoming difficulties, making the right choices, a central word or issue, or cooperation. . .

A CONVERSATION WITH GREG BRITT
By C. Dennis Schick

Q. Alan Watson did a great job telling us about Elgregoe, your alter ego. How about telling us something about Greg Britt?

A. I was born March 12th, 1960, in Christchurch, New Zealand, and still live there. I am the third of four children and have two older sisters and one younger brother. My parents had a catering business, but later my dad got a job with the catering division at Air New Zealand. As an airline employee, we were eligible for cheap airfares around the world. My parents took us on the most amazing holidays to places like Hawaii, Disneyland, and even Las Vegas. . .

IN MEMORIAM: PATRICK PAGE, 1929-2010
By Philip Pound

Known and loved by magicians around the globe because of his generosity in sharing his knowledge, Patrick Page is barely known by the wider public. He was totally devoted to his loving wife Margaret (who passed away in November 2003) and to his two children, Janette and Jeremy, and always put his family first. When offered work that meant he would be away from them for anything other than a short period, he turned it down. He was very proud of the wonderful relationship that he had with his family, something that was worth far more to him than fame and fortune. In turn his family were there for him right to the very end. For them, he was the biggest star in the universe.

SAN DIEGO'S BEAUTIFUL BALBOA THEATRE
A Unique Showcase for the 2010 I.B.M. Convention's Outstanding Performers

Last month you read about the dazzling array of talent already booked for the Eighty-Second Annual I.B.M. Convention in San Diego, July 6-10. For a quick refresher, Convention talent includes Jerome Murat, David Roth, Jeff Hobson, Max Maven, Joshua Jay, Joseph Gabriel, Shawn Farquhar, Katalin, Marty Putz, Kenrick ICE McDonald, Mickey Mak, Eric Buss, Kenji Minemura, Rich Bloch, Rafael Benatar, and more! One of the places you’ll see our great performers is at San Diego’s fabulous Balboa Theatre, in three evening shows. . .

RING EVENTS

Ring 21 Installs Officers at a Gala Banquet in Hollywood, California
By Gerald Schiller

It was a festive evening for Ring 21 members and their guests as officers for 2010 were installed at Los Angeles’s famed Taix French Restaurant. President Gerry Schiller presided over the festivities that included a lavish dinner, raffle, awards presentations, and a spectacular performance by the ever-popular Whit Haydn. . .

Ring 26 of New York City Gives to Marines
By Doug Edwards

On December 8, President Doug Edwards of Ring 26 in New York presented a huge Fantasma Magic set to the Marines for their Toys for Tots annual December toy drive at Cronin’s Restaurant in Astoria, New York. A big party ensued to honor the Marines and celebrate the holidays. Ring 26 was proud to be part of this event. . .

Jerry Grey Appointed Dean of Houston Magic at Ring 39 in Texas
By Michael Satterwhite

As we moved into the performance section of our regular Ring meeting, we had a special presentation. It started when Bill Palmer showed an impromptu routine with borrowed props. He asked for a framed certificate, which President Michael Thomas just happened to have. He then asked for a knife, which H.A.O.M. President Gene Protas happened to have. He then asked Jerry Grey to come help and turned the presentation over to the two presidents. (S.A.M. Assembly 19 President Jeff Lanes was unable to attend.) Gene and Michael proceeded to appoint Jerry Grey the Dean of Houston Magic. Jerry is one of the oldest performing magicians in the country. . .

Ring 112’s Close-up Christmas in Chattanooga, Tennessee
By Tommy Brown

Ring 112 incorporated its annual close-up show with its annual Christmas dinner. The results were outstanding with lots of great food, fellowship, and magic. The quality of talent for this year’s show was top-notch. . .

Singapore Ring 115 Participates in the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run
By Jimmy Lee

The Yellow Ribbon Project is a national initiative in Singapore aimed at encouraging the community to accept the reintegration of ex-offenders released from prisons and drug rehabilitation centers back into society. The Run took place on the morning of September 6. Approximately six thousand runners island-wide, including several ministers of parliament, participated in both the five kilometer as well as the ten kilometer run routes. . .

Ring 189 (Galion, Ohio) Holds Annual Christmas Party
By Rich Henry

On December 9, we had our annual Christmas Party. Joe Schivinski, his wife Mert, and his sister provided us with a wonderful dinner. Each year the dinner and the night gets better. . .

Ring 197 (Marietta, Ohio) Bids Farewell to Dana Holleran

On December 4, some members of Ring 197 pulled-off a magical surprise party for vacating President Dana Holleran. Dana and wife Dolores have recently sold their home and are in the process of relocating to New Hampshire. This move will put them closer to their extended families and their daughter, Kelly, who is expecting their first grandchild. Dana was unable to attend the last meeting and would have moved before the Christmas banquet. . .

Ring 202 in Notte Bianca 2009

Every year in October, the Maltese Council for Culture, in line with many other European countries, organizes a massive event with choirs, bands, orchestras, plays, exhibitions, museum visits, and other activities in the quaint sixteenth century capital city of Valletta, built by the order of the Knights of Saint John. This event featured over a hundred indoor and outdoor events. . .

Ring 322 of the Philippines Holds Open Stage Magic Competition
By Ruther Urquia

Ring 322’s most awaited event, the Annual Open Stage Magic Competition Grand Finals, took place on November 13 at the Philam Life Auditorium in Manila to a standing room-only crowd. The most sought-after magic competition in Manila pushed through even after the disaster brought about by two super typhoons in the previous months. . .

MAGIC AT MYRTLE BEACH
By Merl Hamen

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, hosted its first magic convention January 14 -16, 2010, and what a time it was. Sponsored by Dave Tanner of Broadway Magic and Roman LePree of Trickmaster, it delivered more than it promised. The convention included nine lectures, three nights of shows, and ten dealers offering everything from Svengali Decks and rare books to electronic cards and coins. . .

THE VAUDEVILLE SHOW
By Gene Anderson

“If you build it, they will come.” That classic line from the 1989 movie Field of Dreams offered a glorious vision. Unfortunately, we who live in the American Midwest among actual cornfields know it ain’t necessarily so. If you build it, they might not come. So why a vaudeville show? Because if you advertise a magic show, many people presume it’s a kid show. When told it’s not not a kid show, it’s just not a kid show, the light slowly dawns. It’s family-friendly entertainment. And it’s fun. Indeed, that’s what vaudeville was. . .

MAGI-FEST IN ITS 79TH YEAR
By Dr. Jep Hostetler, Past International President

Nearly seven hundred and fifty hardy souls braved the fourteen inches of snow to participate in the Seventy-Ninth Annual Columbus Magi-Fest. The talent combination made this convention one of great fun. Close-up performers Jon Allen (U.K.), Ed Ellis, Danny Garcia, Eric Jones, Terry Ward, and Geoff Williams deftly entertained the crowd. Stage show entertainers included Dana Daniels, Elizabeth and Jeremy Krech, Hank Moorehouse, Mark Wood, Geoff Williams, Victor and Diamond, The Magic of Eli, Mike O’Dowd and Christina, juggler Howard Mincone, Arthur Trace, Jon Allen, and banjo-playing Dave Cottrell. . .

I.B.M. MEMBER COMBINES MAGIC AND SCOUTING
Benjamin Winter Earns Rank of Eagle Scout

Benjamin Winter is a Boy Scout and a member of the Harry Blackstone Magic Society, International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 200. He decided to combine his two favorite organizations to put together a service project to earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). After a year of planning and several hundred hours of work, Benjamin Winter was honored in a Boy Scout Court of Honor as an Eagle Scout. . .

GENE GORDON'S MAGICAL LEGACY
By Gene Gordon

In 1929 I stopped in front of the post office in Jackson, Tennessee. I was starting to enter the building when I saw a young newsboy running across the street. He had seen my truck and was calling to me. His name was Morgan Howard. We went inside and he took a long breath, then told me about every trick he owned. Because he crossed the road, his life was changed. Though Morgan was only twelve then, we took him on nearby shows and let him carry things on and off the stage. During the following years I did all I could to further his magic knowledge, and later he became Ade Duval’s assistant. . .

CLASSICS REVISITED
Chef's Choice
Written and Illustrated by Vannie Pulé

Many of the items in the effects Hoffman describes in his books seem rather outdated, but some can be adapted for modern performances. One of these is the “Welsh Rarebit Pan,” invented before Hoffman’s book came out (see Professor Hoffman’s Modern Magic, pp. 313-316). It is not as popular in this day and age because it requires the use of a top or bowler hat, and you don’t see many of these in the twenty-first century. I have, however, solved this problem by using a chef’s hat in a rather over-the-top routine that can be quite hilarious in the right hands. . .

MILLENNIALS RISING: MAGIC STARS OF TOMORROW
The Magic In You: Meet Danielle Lamb
By Cliff Bumgardner

The most magical place on earth, Disneyland, was the beginning of it all for Danielle. As a child, she and her family frequented the park several times a year, and Danielle never missed a chance to see Dana Daniels and Luigi perform their show at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon. One particular trip to the show would begin a love for the art that she has carried ever since. . .

CUTTING UP JACKPOTS
Bob Wagner and The Magic Dungeon
By Bev Bergeron

The Magic Castle had barely opened in 1963 when a group of I.B.M. members from the Carl Fleming Ring 21 of Hollywood decided to do a satire on it. The show was called “The Magic Dungeon.” It was a hit, and the members of that group had a big influence on the I.B.M., though the story has never been told. . .

THE BUSINESS OF MAGIC
Squeezing Your Customers for Every Penny You Can Get
By Julian Franklin

I travel quite a bit both for business and pleasure and the production company I own and run puts up our performers in hotels when they are out of town. In all, I’m responsible for close to one hundred and fifty hotel nights a year, though I don’t personally stay in hotels quite that often. Still, I’m “Diamond Elite” on all the hotel loyalty reward programs and have places where I’ve been back many times because clients in those towns keep hiring me back. . .

OUR SIDE OF THE POND
By Elizabeth Warlock

March is always a welcome month, heralding as it does the coming of spring, the longer and brighter days, and the final shedding of winter – which this year in the UK has seen the worst in well over one hundred years. Starting in the middle of December, there were weeks of heavy snowfalls and freezing temperatures, which brought chaos to all kinds of travel, causing many businesses to suffer and the cancellation of events – including those where magicians were engaged to perform. Even some of the weekly meetings of the British Magical Society here in Birmingham were cancelled, for the first time in living memory. . .

HOCUS POCUS PARADE
Jerry Johnson One-Man Parade
Written by Jerry Johnson
Illustrated by Tony Dunn

Jerry Johnson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was an I.B.M. member for forty-seven years. He contributed two previous Parades to The Linking Ring, over twenty years ago. In recent years, he had been working on another Parade for our journal. He passed away before it could be published, but we have obtained permission from his family – his wife Connie, and daughters Pam, Ann, Leslie, and Kim – to release it now as a tribute to him. . .

SOAP ON A ROPE
EFFECT: The magician picks up a piece of rope, which he cuts in half, dropping the two pieces into a small paper bag, allowing one end of the second piece of rope to hang over the edge. He then triumphantly announces that he will now cause the two pieces of rope to come out of the bag tied in the center. A wave of the hand and when the visible end of the rope is lifted out and away from the bag, the audience sees a small box of Tide detergent in the center of the length of rope.

THE BUMPER STICKER
EFFECT: The message on a bumper sticker changes to a variety of clever phrases over the course of the routine. Great as a Master of Ceremonies item or as a regular effect in the act.

KID SHOW OPENING
This is an opening routine I have used in children’s shows for many years, and it always seems to go over well, producing interest, laughter, and entertainment. Most of the items used are stock magic props which you probably already have or can find at Your Favorite Dealer. And remember, just because a certain prop is mentioned does not mean that nothing else can be used. Whatever you have on hand or can easily get that will accomplish the same effect will probably work.

ANOTHER BLENDO? WELL, WELL!
EFFECT: The performer places several silk handkerchiefs of different colors into an empty tumbler, which is then placed into what appears to be a box resting on the table. However, this “box” is suddenly opened up into a long banner or sign, displaying an appropriate message. It is set down behind the tumbler of silks, and when the handkerchiefs are removed, it is discovered that they have blended together into a large rainbow, picture, or message scarf.

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH CHAMBER
EFFECT: Magician demonstrates a Fountain of Youth Chamber by turning an image of an old woman into a picture of a young woman.

ONE MORE TIME...
A Rose is a Rose is a Rose (unless it’s ANOTHER chrysanthemum)
Version 2
This routine originally appeared in the September 1989 Parade, but at that time I described it being done with a slate. This is basically the same effect, brought up to date for the twenty-first century, with an easier handling and a few other suggestions.

THE PROCTOR SILEX BLENDO
EFFECT: The magician states that his favorite type of magic is magic with silk handkerchiefs and scarves, and he’s got a terrific trick that he’s been practicing that he’d like to show the audience. It involves three beautiful silk handkerchiefs – red, yellow, and green. However, an accident in pressing the silks adds a twist to this routine.

THE FLAT WAND
EFFECT: An indestructible magical family heirloom gets put through the wringer.

THE CARD CORNER
By Mike Powers

Tan is a member of the Order of Merlin Excalibur from Singapore and Past President of I.B.M. Ring 115. He has had a number of One-Man Parades in The Linking Ring, but I believe this is his first contribution to the Card Corner – and it is a goodie! Tan’s title is designed to sound like “Cut Deeper Force.” It will be apparent why in a moment... CardDrooperFours by Tan Choon Tee. . .

HAVENLY CLOSE-UP
By Tom Craven

I first met this interesting gentleman while lecturing in Michigan. He is a songwriter as well as a magician, and I know he has many other talents as well. I was excited that he had an item to contribute here. This is a time-sensitive trick, so make sure you visit your post office before May 2010 to take advantage of this. I am already using Krag Ryal’s Stamp of Approval. . .

SHOWTIME
Kiss Me, I'm Irish
By Peter Marucci

EFFECT: The magician shows six or eight cards with pictures on them relating to March 17. He shuffles the cards, and the spectator cuts the cards as often as she wants. When she stops, she takes the top card and, not so surprisingly, the magus tells her what it is. . .

STORYTELLING MAGIC
Money Matter
By Ed Solomon

The English language is full of borrowed words and phrases from other languages. As we approach St. Patrick’s Day, it is only fitting that we examine some of the terms we have borrowed from the Irish, for example, the word malarkey. . .

HOCUS IN FOCUS

Reviewed this month:

BOOKS
Ade Duval: Silken Sorcerer, David Charvet
Beating a Dead Horse: The Life and Times of Jay Marshall, Alexander "Sandy" Marshall
How to Create Kids' Magic and Triple Your Income!, John Breeds

VIDEOS
Shh...The Sneaky Handwriting Handbook, Volume 1, LincolnWorld Products
Flying Tonight: Professional 3-Fly and Coins Across Routines, Christopher Congreave and Gary Jones
The Taiji Coin Vanish, Allen Zingg

TRICKS
Master Levitation System, Steve Fearson

FAST FOCUS
Card College, Volumes 1 and 2 (DVD), Roberto Giobbi
Cardiograph (Trick), Wayne Dobson, Mark Mason
Crossroads (Book), Ben Harris
The "D" Notes (Limited Edition) (Book), Howard Hamburg
Ken Krenzel's Relaxed Impossibilities (Book), Stephen Minch
OH!! (DVD), Spidey
Private Lessons: Professional Card Forcing Techniques (DVD), Paul Gertner

THE LINKING RING

All members receiving our journal are also able to read it on line the day it is published and mailed. This gives you a heads-up on ads, tricks to perform for others before they see them, plus access to any area of special interest. This is especially important for non-US members who receive their journals later due to the distances involved (Read More)