Ring Report
September 21, 2008

The theme for the September meeting was Chameleon Magic, featuring things that change color by magic. Wes Booth was the Theme Leader, and also presented a Teaching Table on Card Sleights & Flourishes/Great Effects I Never Use.

Wes Booth opened with a flurry of color-changing magic. He changed the color of a silk, then a pair of stage-sized silks. He changed the color of a ball, sponge balls, and cards. He closed with a packet trick in which single cards turned over repeatedly before the backs changed color three times. Wes returned to the stage for his Teaching Table, showing card sleights and flourishes, including a series of card fans, spreads, one-handed cuts, and other fancy work. He showed a set of effects that he never uses, including a brass gizmo that restored a torn card, and a linking card effect.

Alan Drew showed five dollar bills arranged the way that he likes them, then turned two of them the wrong way, the way he often gets them back from minimum-wage retail workers. He showed the stack of bills green-black-green-black-green, then snapped his fingers to get them back the way that they belonged. Professor Miller demonstrated the election-year possibilities of a set of three different Bicycle decks with a political theme.

Dr. Wilson, still somewhat dusty from a morning of street performing, ignored the theme and presented Fast and Loose, winning all of the wagers against guest Brian Rodgers as the golden chain did its deadly work. He performed the Cups and Balls, using three large copper cups, three miniature baseballs, and a wooden wand to weave the spell that never fails to fill the hat on the street.

The Teaching Table by Wes Booth was recorded on video. Copies are available to Ring members upon request. Full details of the business meeting and photos are available on the Ring's web site (www.ibmring362.org).