Paper. Our world is filled with it. It is used for everything from informing us of the day's news to packaging our breakfast cereal. The theme for February's regular meeting (Thursday, 2/18, 7:30pm, rm. 210 of the Colorado State Office Bldg., 3842 S. Mason St., Ft. Collins, CO.) is magic with paper, any paper at all. White paper, colored paper, newspaper, magazines, party hats, grocery bags, paper airplanes, cardboard boxes, even this newsletter; you name it, if its paper and something amazing and magical can be done with it, come show us or tell us about it. By the way, I'd just like to point out that playing cards, currency and business cards are all made out of paper too, so the field is pretty open.

Dan Fleshman, a Midwest magician specializing in walk around and restaurant magic, will be presenting a lecture on Friday, March 5th, at 7:30pm in rm 210 of the Colorado State Office Bldg., 3842 S. Mason St., Ft. Collins. Admission is $5 for members, $10 for non-members. Dan does some pretty good, practical stuff. Come check it out.

Planning for Magic in the Rockies '99 has been proceeding at full steam since October of last year. Here's what we've got lined up for you so far.

On September 10, 11 and 12, 1999, MITR '99 will be held once again at the Ft. Collins Marriot, 350 E. Horsetooth Rd. Call 1-800-548-2635 and tell them you'd like to make reservations at the "Magic in the Rockies" convention room rate of $79. Registration for the convention is again in the capable hands of Tim Pendergast [(970)225-0708 between 8am & 9pm MDT, please]. If you'd like registration info by email please contact Lew Wymisner [ Lew@thegreatloudini.com ].

The dealers room will be packed with 15 or so of the best magic dealers you could hope to find in one room. Some have been here before, others are making their first visit to MITR.

"What about the headliners", you ask? Well, how's this sound? Tommy Wonder, Simon Aronson, Doc Eason, Roei Zaltsman, Howard Hale, Eric Mead and Vito Lupo. There are others on the horizon but I can't tell you who just yet. As usual, these guys will all be performing, lecturing and hanging out at, what has come to be, one of the best small conventions around. With a line up like this the public shows at the Lincoln Center (both the Friday Junior Showcase and the Saturday night show for the General Public) promise to be the best yet.

Speaking of the public show, we could use your help. Ticket sales for this show have always been pretty good, but we'd like to improve on this (can you say "Sold Out"?). The next time you're performing magic (at a gig or just for friends) take a moment to tell your audience about the upcoming "Magic in the Rockies" Public Show ("If you liked this magic, let me tell you about a really special magic show coming up in September."). If you want some extra tickets to sell to people you know, contact Lew Wymisner at (970)484-7014, to discuss the details.

The next planning meeting will be Wednesday, March 3rd, 6:00pm at CooperSmith's Pub in Ft. Collins. All members are welcome; really! Dinner is optional.

The regular March meeting will be on Thursday, the 18th at 7:30pm in the usual meeting place. Rope Magic will be the theme. This is a pretty broad area so if there is something in particular you would like to see, discuss or show the group, please contact one of the officers.

April means taxes are due and its finally time to perform that Money Magic effect you've been working on since the last Money Magic Contest. Or you could just come do "Nickels to Dimes" with some panache and steal away the coveted Susan B. Anthony prize. Coins, currency, treasury bonds, salt, any kind of money hook gets you in. Competition is fierce but cordial (remember, there's a Miss Congeniality prize - a 1994 George Washington Quarter). A fun time every year. The date is Thursday, April 15th, 7:30pm at the usual place.

The proposed theme of the May meeting is Mental Magic. Start thinking.

Bob Blea has received several of the survey questionnaires back from members and wanted me to pass on his appreciation. He'd still like to get a few more back before he puts together his report so if you haven't returned your survey yet please do so. You can send them to Bob at 3936 Asbury Dr., Ft. Collins, CO., 80526; or you can bring them to the February meeting. If you need another copy of the survey or have questions you need answered, call Bob at (970)229-0603.

Please take a moment to look at your mailing label for this newsletter. If there is a "D" in the upper right hand corner of the label then you are failing this course and must request extra credit work to bring your grade up...wait a minute...that's not right! Sorry. The "D" really means our records show that you have not yet paid your club dues for 1999. Dues are $15 for regular members and $2 for associate members (spouses, etc.). You can send your dues to Bob Reed, 643 Crawford Circle, Longmont, CO., 80501. If there is a "P" on your label then, at least we think, you're currently paid up and you should be receiving your membership card momentarily if not sooner.

The third Saturday in January means it's time for the Presto-Digitators' Annual Banquet. Nearly 70 magicians, guests, and friends arrived at the Lincoln Center to share their evening. The evening's festivities began with many early attendees enjoying the cocktail hour. A display of antique and unique magic apparatus owned by Bill "Dr. Wonderful" Futrell added ambiance and a magical air to the gathering. The sit down dinner featured pre-chosen entrees of chicken, beef, or vegetable entree. Some follow-up comments indicated that dinner this year did not outdo previous years but the effort in single handedly planning it by Vice President Tim Pendergast was appreciated by all.

Following dinner, the club proceeded to its business for the evening. Announcement of this year's new club officers was accompanied by an official ceremony presided over by Territorial Vice President, Ed "Mr. Magic" Hurtubis. Ed's "ceremony of light" presentation, partially humorous, and partially serious, added some pomp and circumstance to the evening. The slate of officers accepted for the ensuing term were: Tim Pendergast, President; Bob Blea, Vice President; Byron Ferguson, Secretary; Bob Reed, Treasurer; Perry Ragouzis, Sergeant- at-Arms; and Geoff Thompson continuing as Newsletter Editor. As outgoing president, Byron Ferguson was presented a token of the club's appreciation - a copy of Karrell Fox's "Another Book". With one notable exception, each past president of Ring 250 has received a gift for their service to the club. For some unknown reason, no President's gift was ever given to Lew "The Great Loudini" Wymisner. This obviously "sore" point was finally rectified at this year's banquet Incoming president, Tim Pendergast, presented Lew with a gift to make up for many years of oversight - his very own copy of "Magic for Dummies." Lew was noticeably touched.

The evening's entertainment was next. Club members, who had recently participated at the third annual First Night Fort Collins New Year's Eve celebration, and others, were asked to perform in the stand-up after-dinner show. Tom Kechter manned microphone changes while the talented performers lined up to show off their stuff. The Great Loudini's MC work began the entertainment and kept the show "rolling along". Included in his many fine effects was a recent addition - the Disappearing Ketchup Bottle. Many First Night attendees watched as this trick "killed" for lay audiences. Lew's only hitch in the show came when a volunteer assistant for Charles McPherson's "Houdini Rope and Wand Escape" bumped Lew's table and case. The ensuing crash pinned Rocky beneath a case and the little fellow could be heard gasping for help. Lew was able to rescue Rocky (and other props) with only some mild rearranging.

Charles McPherson III, contemplating a move back to Colorado, was visiting in time to attend, and his performance was a welcome addition. Cody Landstrom opened the show, with a shining example of a great original routine. Cody's performance of "Sunny Side of the Street" live on guitar to taped accompaniment (that he himself recorded all the tracks of), interspersed with humor and JUGGLING was.... Wow, I'm out of breath just recounting it.

Geoff Thompson's performance of Jay Sankey's Air Tight (card deck in balloon) reminded us all to practice our "outs". As Geoff began the inflation of the balloon, a large bang was heard from the popping balloon. Geoff amazed many of the magicians in the audience by being prepared with a second balloon/deck. Unfortunately, this balloon yielded similar results. Geoff took the whole thing in an inimitable style; a lesson to be learned when our tricks go awry.

Bob Blea performed a large ring and rope routine. An amazed spectator assisted as the ring penetrated the rope through various means. Tim Pendergast performed David Ginn's Color Changing Shoe Lace & Aldo Colombini's Knot Puzzle adding to the wonderment created through a piece of rope. Ed "Mr. Magic" Hurtubis performed Aldo Colombini's Jumbo Rising Cards- a nice effect that garnered a very nice reaction. Alan Bryner was next to last with a beautifully performed "Coins Across." Alan's coin work gets better and better. Alan pulled the silver from one coin using an eyedropper. All that was left of the coin was a clear husk. Other coins visibly transformed into big coins, and others transported themselves beneath Alan's "wiggling" hands. Alan, with the help of a young Taylor Landstrom, performed "Twisty" - a prediction using drawings of animal balloons and a balloon twisted behind Alan's back.

Byron Ferguson ended the show with two "signature" tricks. First he performed a linking rings routine. Byron's routine had rings linking in the strangest of ways and places apparently without any regard for his actual desire to have them link or unlink. Byron's finale was a straight jacket escape. Byron's jacket was a wedding gift 5 years ago from his wife, Toni. For the first time in those 5 years he asked her to assist - providing some humorous by-play. Toni didn't spare Byron's feelings or his body as she yanked and pulled the numerous straps. A bit red in the face, Byron did manage to squeak his way out of the jacket and seek medical assistance.

Thanks to our attendees, our performers, and everyone involved, this year's banquet can be declared a success. Its always great to get together with magical friends in a social setting - this year was no exception!

Byron Ferguson

I had the honor of installing the Ring 250 officers at the Presto-Digitators annual banquet at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins. The turnout was terrific (about 70), the magic was entertaining and it was great to see Tony Borrillo, Chris & Jeanette Manos, Charles McPherson III, and Jerry Stoll.

I also attended the Mile High Magician's Society officer installation dinner at Cappucinos in Denver. As always, the magic continues to be the highlight of the evening.

Good luck to our newly installed leadership teams; Tim Pendergast, president of Ring 250, The Presto-Digitators and Stuart Hayner, president of Ring 131, The Mile High Magician's Society.

Although I was not able to attend the Psi-Clones annual "The Mental Magic Show III", Lew Wymisner (newest Psi-Clone member) and I did participate in the dress rehearsal for the show. Good lick to Lee Marelli who has agreed to lead the Psi-Clones for yet another year.

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Anger, Larry Betz, and Lauren Mangione who are new members of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.

Ed Hurtubis