I.B.M. Ring 362
The Maine Mystics
Bangor, Maine

Ring Report
August 12, 2007

The August Meeting was held at the Friars' Bakehouse in Bangor, Maine. The theme of the meeting was Tarbell Night, in which members salute all the great magic found in the Tarbell Course in Magic.

Danny Baker had a volunteer from the audience pick a card. He then wrapped the deck in a napkin, handed his assistant a knife, and had her stab the deck through the paper. The knife cut the deck to the selected card. Then he had his assistant cut the deck into three piles. When she was done, he asked her to pick one of the piles. The selected card was at the top of the chosen pile. For those wondering what this effect has to do with Tarbell, at the close of the routine Danny showed the card box. The deck was a deck of Genii Magic Cards marketed by Tarbell. Danny told us that he couldn't say what volume of Tarbell any effect is found in, as he has the old Tarbell course as separate lessons, rather than as the revised and edited volumes.

Dr. Wilson showed an effect that has made its way into Miller & Wilson's Theater of Marvels. Because no one had worn a turban to the meeting, he produced a turban, unwound it, and had two volunteers hold the ends. While describing the differences in philosophies among Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus, in the manner of an Indian Jadoowar, he was carried away by his preaching and accidentally cut the turban in half. He tied a knot to fix the damage, and wrapped the turban once again to show that the knot could not be seen. When he unrolled the turban, it had been fully restored (Tarbell Course, volume 5).

Professor Miller performed off theme by taking a small knife and cutting his finger. He squeezed out a drop of blood. When he touched the drop of blood, it turned into a live ladybug. This great effect has been getting much attention for Professor Miller lately!

Following the performances, there was a raffle of a 1935 Tarbell System Token that was used to market the Tarbell course. Randy Von Smith won the raffle. In the business meeting that followed, we celebrated the graduation of the Ring's first twenty-four apprentice magicians from magic classes held in conjunction with other arts instruction at Summer Festival of the Arts on Mount Desert Island. Instructor Kim Hawkins and guest instructor Dr. Wilson produced a group of young apprentices who are off to a great start.

Full details of the business meeting and photos are available on the Ring's web site (www.ibmring362.org).