I.B.M RING #250 FT. COLLINS, CO
VOL.19, Number 9 September 1998
"The best...
Upcoming Events...convention in seven states!", was one of several compliments paid to the organizers and workers of Magic in the Rockies '98. I will leave a more detailed description of the event to the reviewers and simply use this space to thank the 200 + attendees of this year's convention. Your enthusiasm is a big part of what makes this event work so well.
There will be no regular meeting in September. (We're all a bit spent after the convention.) The next event will be a specially scheduled lecture presented by none other than Michael Ammar. That's right. Here's your chance to come and be taught by one of the best teachers in magic. Monday, October 5th is the date, 7:30 pm the time and Rm. 210 the place (3842 S. Mason St.). As usual, admission will be $5 for front range magic club members ($10 for non-members). We hope to see you there.
The next planning meeting will be Wednesday, October 7th, 6:00pm at Coopersmith's Pub in Ft. Collins. All members are welcome, dinner is optional.
Thursday, October 15th (yes, I know that's not what I said last time), our own Barry Fernenlius will present a lecture of practical magic. No admission charge for this one. Those of you who have never had a chance to watch Barry at work (or play) are in for a treat. "Good stuff Maynard"
Sometime in October, the Mile High Magicians Society will host a performance by members of the Presto-Digitators at Metro Manor. We will let you know the exact date & time as soon as that gets nailed down.
Monday, December 7th, we will be presenting yet another specially scheduled lecture by Michael Close (author of the "Workers" series, and product reviewer for MAGIC magazine).
Magic Stuff
August MeetingIt's that time of year folks. A time of campaign fund-raisers, political lawn signs, the endless haranguing of candidates. It is in this spirit that we ask you (beg actually) for a slate of officers for 1999. Seriously, fresh input is not only appreciated, it is necessary in any organization to avoid stagnation. So if you or someone you know is interested (even a little bit) in the organization and operation of the Presto-Digitators think about throwing a hat in the ring. Feel free to contact any of the current officers for more information on what exactly we do.
Here's a news clipping found in a recent paper.
Magician lessons paying off
NEW YORK - Ben Stiller says his father's influence was nothing short of magic
When Stiller was 10, father Jerry Stiller (George's dad on "Seinfeld") sent him to an old magician for lessons. "Sleight-of-hand is about practicing a move over and over," the younger Stiller said in this Sunday's USA weekend magazine. "The focus, the commitment - that stays with you forever.Just something to think about.
The August meeting of the Presto-Digitators, Ring 250 was a very special event. Several members of the Mile High Magicians traveled the perilous hour north from Denver and Boulder to Fort Collins to fulfill an agreement whereby they would perform for our club, with members of the Presto-Digitators reciprocating in Denver in October. After some minor "housekeeping" announcements and a display of recently acquired antique magic props by Bill (Dr. Wonderful) Futrell, the show was ready to commence.
Bob LaRue was up first, acting as MC and opening act. Bob performed several psychic effects which were no doubt influenced by his duel membership in the PSI Clones as well as Mile High. Bob has a style which I will describe as a "conservation of motion." Everything he did was well thought out down to the smallest detail. He does not labor under any extraneous moves. Next up was Stuart Hayner. During Stuart's routine, it was obvious that we were watching a working pro who was comfortable with his material. Stuart was followed by Larry Crowley who we don't usually get to see enough of. His effect, based upon a Paul Harris "oldie but goodie" was flawless and well presented.
Next up was Gene Gordon. Although Gene is a long-standing member of the Mile High Magicians, this was actually the first opportunity I had gotten to see Gene perform more than just a single effect. Gene's routine was seamless as he segued from one effect to another. It was evident that the Denver club sent their "heavy hitters" to perform for us. Speaking of heavy hitters, the Mile High crew saved the heaviest for their anchor performer, none other than David Neighbors. Dave's set was full of the kinds of effects he is famous for, those that have an audience scratching their heads with mouths wide open in awe. The Presto-Digitators have a daunting task when we follow this show in October.
After the show, many who were in attendance at the meeting traveled downtown to Oldtown, Fort Collins to make more magic at Coopersmith's Pub. Once there, Dave Neighbors continued to wow those assembled with his nimble finger-flinging miracles. Sue Gariepy, a local magician and a guest of the club at this meeting, aside from enjoying watching the Mile High members perform, was the recipient of numerous helpful performing hints and tips from all of the magicians at the table at Coopersmith's. I'm sure the helpful attitude of the combined Denver/Fort Collins contingent had little to do with Sue being the only female magician at the table.
Prepared by Lew Wymisner.
TVP ThoughtsMimi and I attended the Aplastic Anemia Patient and Family conference in San Diego with our daughter Cyndi (patient) and her husband Arne, and we were invited to several weddings this month. So. I was not able to attend Rocky Mountain Magic in Leadville, two club picnics, and several lectures.
Congratulations to Shawn Popp who has reinstated his IBM membership and to Kevin Beechwood who has just returned from his apprenticeship with "Le Grand David" show in Massachusetts.
The topic for the August Psi-Clones meeting was "Fortune Telling Systems". Lee Marelli and Don Krill presented a wonderful overview including props on Palmistry, Graphology, Phrenology, Penduling, Cartomancy, Numerology, I Ching, Rune Stones, Tarot, Tasseography, and Astrology
Ed Hurtubis
I.B.M. RING 250
Information
I.B.M. Ring
250 is the Presto-Digitators of Fort Collins, CO. Meetings are on the third Thursday of each month, at 7:30 p.m. in the Colorado State Office Building, at 3842 South Mason St., Ft Collins, CO. 80525President: Byron Ferguson (303) 277-0323
(byron@byrini.com)Presto-Digitators website: http://www.byrini.com/presto/