Vol. 7 Issue 3 2009 Page 1

We meets the first Thursday of the month at Beth Sholom, 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. Sarasota FL. 34237 Workshop at 6:00 pm. Officers meeting 6:30 pm. General meeting and presentation 7:00 pm.

Visit our Web Site at HTTP://www.ibmring81.com

Vol. 7 Issue 3 March 2010

a magician from the Orient who came this country many years ago. But, it was not an easy road. He grew up in the province of Qinghai, in the north of China. The third son in a family of eight. At an early age (7 or 8) Dan was given a set of Chinese Sticks. By the time he was fourteen he figured out how they work and he knew that he wanted to become a magic man. His father was a supervisor of a rice paddy and his mother worked in a printing plant where she fabricated “Made in China”. labels, His older brothers were partners in a large rickshaw dealership. Money was not a problem for the family. They expected that Jai, his given name, would carry on in the family tradition, in the town where previous generations had prospered. They lived very comfortably till there was a country wide recall on the rickshaws due to faulty pulling handles. This, along with a blight in the rice fields caused a

severe financial hardships on the family. Since his given name 丹尼丹尼丹尼丹尼, meant bright

and adventurous, it was not strange for him think of seeking fame and fortune outside of this restricted environment. After many weeks on a tramp steamer, working as a cook and house boy, he arrived in the United States. Unfortunately the country was not ready for an Oriental magician and the jobs were hard to come by. At a meeting with a promoter, in a

Dim Sim shop he was told that Orientals were not popular and suggested to 丹尼丹尼丹尼丹尼, to

change his name and persona. He became Dan. He bought new clothe, studied the language and most of all had his eyes fixed. Doors opened for him from then on. We are very fortunate to have him at our March meeting. He will be lecturing in English. Continued page 4

東東東東 丹尼丹尼丹尼丹尼

March 4th Meeting—-Not to be Missed

Vol. 7 Issue 3 2009 Page 2

From the

President

“Stevie “Dee” Parties, Conventions,

Graduations.

You name it,

He does it.

Steve can be reached at:

941-752-9123 or

FAX 941-727-7410

CHECKERS The Clown

Juggling - Magic

Balloon Sculptures

941-223-9325

CIGAM

HOUSE OF MAGIC 1302 13TH Ave. West

Bradenton FL 34205

JONTI Head Magician

Slight of hand, DVDs,

Lessons

Phone: 941-746-3200 Email:

doityesterday@verizon.net

March 4th Dan Tong April 1st Michael Ammar

May 6th Chris Capehart

The next few months will bring especially exciting lecturers. This month's featured lecturer will be Dan Tong. Dan has been a featured performer for many national magical events and has performed for the Ring 81 fundraiser Magic Show and Gala. Dan has had a long relationship with Ring 81 and we warmly welcome him back. Our lecturer for April 1 will be no other than the world-class performer and lecturer, Michael Ammar. This should be an especially exciting time with great opportunities to learn some very fine magic from one of the best lecturers in the business. Our guest lecturer for May 6 will be Chris Capehart. Chris Capehart is often called "The Ring Master." His three-ring routine is something to behold. His performing skill, coupled with some of the best humor in the business, will form the basis of a fine lecture, not to be missed. However, the best part will come when we integrate what we gain from the lectures into our own performances. Ring 81's plans for this year's activities center around a theme of performing. Our magical knowledge and skills excel when we actually perform, that is, bring miracles to the lives of others. To that end, we are instituting a new magical performance period in the half hour before each regular meeting. The format will include an open microphone with a table or stage and a simple signup clipboard. Any one wanting to perform can sign the sheet and, as time permits, perform on a first come, first up basis. Performances should be one routine, self-monitored and last three to five minutes per performer. Note that in some cases, new members that have never performed for the Ring 81 membership may be given additional priority to perform. Performances may include simple explanations or not. The other normal activities we have long enjoyed during this period will remain an option.

Vol. 7 Issue 3 2009 Page 3

Our Guest Lecturer at our February meeting was T.J Shimeld, author of the book Walter B. Gibson and The Shadow. T.J. recounted how his own interest in magic began at the age of 7 when he went to the library and took out a book by Gibson. Much of what T.J learned was taught to him by none other than Walter Gibson’s nephew Wendell, who T.J. says, taught him the “A,B,Cs and 1,2,3s of magic”.

We learned that Walter Gibson wrote under 79 different pseudonyms. He is perhaps best known for popularizing the fictional character “The Shadow”, one of the most famous pulp heroes of the 30’s and 40’s. In addition to writing for the radio show, Walter went on to write 283 stories for The Shadow magazine. Many of us can remember the opening line of that radio show, “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows”.

We know much about Houdini because of Walter. He not only published

books about Houdini’s magic but also wrote articles for Houdini that were published under Houdini’s name. Although Houdini was known for his escapes, there was one instance, T.J. told us, when Houdini was not able to get out of a car in which he was a passenger. Walter simply reached across him and opened the door!

T.J shared with us that Wendell created the close up pad but Walter told

him no magician would ever buy such a thing. And T.J showed us the 21 card trick as an example of how familiar and comfortable Walter was with numbers. This was done with the assistance of our Ring member Donald Carlson.

With the help of Ring member Dottie Wolfgang, T.J. showed us the

“Nickels to Dimes” routine as a way of telling us that Walter never saved a nickel and therefore had to continue writing all his life. Walter had a typewriter and a bed in each room of his house which included an occult room, a Shadow room, a secret book room, and a judo/martial arts room.

Walter had reluctantly started to write his own biography when he died.

His third wife began to work on Walter’s biography, but then she died. Wendell and T.J. picked up on the biography, but then Wendell died. Wendell’s wife did not like magic and threw out much of his collection and writings. T.J. was able to make photocopies of many of Walter’s notes and got permission from Walter’s only son Robert to publish the biography.

T.J. concluded his presentation with stories of the Gibson uncle and

nephew set to a poem. While reciting the poem, he kept our attention focused on the magic tubes as they made bottles and tumblers appear and disappear.

Submitted by Diane Pick, Secretary

Vol. 7 Issue 3 2009 Page 4

The Real Dan Tong Revealed

Similar to many other magicians, Danny started as a teenager in Plymouth Mass. His first encounter was seeing a magic performance in school and by coincidence attending the Fu Ling magic show the same evening . The local library became a training ground. Wanting to learn more he attended a magic convention in Providence RI. It was a major turning point for Danny. Fu Ling, aka Bernard Whitman, was attending the same convention. They met, became friends and Danny was offered the opportunity to work with Bernie. They spend pleasant years together till the Air Force beckoned and Danny was sent to Japan. Still performing at the base, local restaurants and wherever he could, he honed his skill. He subsequently was asked to join The Air Force Show touring all over the Far East. During those year he had mastered all types of magic. Be it close-up, mentalism or stand-up on stage, no matter he did it all. In 1963 he gave his first lecture at the New York Parent Assembly #1. It was so successful that many request followed from other groups. In 1970 Danny found a new venue for his magical skills. Restaurant Magic which he sent him all over New England. In 1979 while working as Ronald MacDonald he met Pauline, now his wife, who at the time was working for the MacDonald Corporation. They not only joined as husband and wife but also as “The Dantons” and took their show on the road and to sea on cruise ships. In 1982 they moved to Florida where they live today. The move was prompted by the offer to work in a magic-theme-restaurant, “The Magic Moment”. That gig lasted 6 years when Danny gave up full-time restaurant work. It took many years and a lot of convincing but Danny finally agreed to perform and teach on three newly issued DVDs. A valuable asset for any aspiring and/or practicing magician. Danny is a great magician a good and willing teacher and for me, a good friend.

Vol. 7 Issue 3 2009 Page 5

Hal Ackerstein, right, hoping to win

the 50/50 by being nice

to Al Loeffler VP.

Nick Locapo Charles Geisler Jack Schultz Arnie Kropf

RING 81 SCHEDULED BOARD MEETINGS

Board Meetings will be held at the same venue as our informal Tuesday evening gatherings. At the present time this is at Coasters Restaurant.

LOCATION: Coasters Restaurant 1500 Stickney Point Rd.

Sarasota, FL 34231

TIME: 6:00 pm DATES: March 30, 2010 June 1, 2010

August 31, 2010 November 30, 2010

The Ring needs volunteers to fill the following positions.

Librarian, to manage our ever growing lending library.

Sergeant at Arm, to welcome members and Misc. tasks at the monthly meeting.

Two of our new members. Jose Reyes and Nick Locapo. Other pictures will follow when they become available.

Vol. 7 Issue 3 2009 Page 6

Submitted by Bob Banta

Vol. 7 Issue 3 2009 Page 7

DUES ARE DUE

If you have not yet paid your dues for 2010, now is the time. Individual—$20, Family—$30

Avoid penalties as mandated by our bylaws.

RING 81 2010-2011 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2010 January 7: Guest Lecture #1 - Sterling Steel January 23: Magic Gala at Klingenstein Jewish Center February 4: Guest Lecture # 2 - T.J. Shimeld March 4: Guest Lecture # 3 - Dan Tong March 30: Board Meeting 6:00 pm at Coasters April 1: Guest Lecture # 4 - Michael Ammar May 6: Guest Lecture # 5 - Chris Capehart June 1 : Board Meeting 6:00 pm at Coasters June 3: Ring 81 Flea Market/Auction July 1: Member Lectures August 5: Ring 81 Magic Contest August 31: Board Meeting 6:00 pm at Coasters September 2: Guest Lecture - TBD October 7: Guest Lecture - TBD (Nominations) November 4: Guest Lecture - TBD (Election) November 30: Board Meeting 6:00 pm at Coasters December 2: Banquet 2011 January 6: Guest Lecture # 1 - TBD January ? Magic Gala February 3: Guest Lecture # 2 - TBD

Vol. 7 Issue 3 2009 Page 8

Want More Magic?

Bennigan’s has closed its doors. Tuesday’s meetings are being held

at Coasters Restaurant 1054 Stickney Pt. Rd.

For more information contact: Dave Pitchford

dapo@comcast.net

Arnieism of the Month Arnie wants you to know——

He who hesitates is not only lost---------but miles from the

next exit

Your suggestions and submissions are not only ap-preciated they are sought. Share a trick, an event or

anything relevant to Ring 81.

Chest compression— Non Magic but important

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5huVSebZpM

Joe Floersheimer 5814 Fairwoods Circle Sarasota FL 34243

If you wondered how Bill Smith relaxes now that

his Presidential duties are over.

President, Bob Banta banta@hotmail.com Vice Pres. Al Loeffler marynalleoffler@comcast.net

Secretary Diana Pick skillbuilder@comcast.net Treasurer Jeff Pick, la3@comcast.net

Officers Ring 81

Newsletter Editor Joe Floersheimer,

Joe.shoes @verizon.net