I hope you enjoy this month's selection of Turkey Magic!

Each year in November our club's theme is Turkey Magic. All performers at the meeting are vying for the coveted "Turkey Magician of the Year Award", created by member Gene Collins circa 1987. This trophy travels each year to be proudly displayed on the mantle of that magician whose performance at the November meeting is judged to be worthy of the title Turkey Magician - or as Gene will remind us: "It's gotta be bad." This year we had seven "performers" vying for the award, and all in attendance were treated to some truly terrible magic.

Our first contestant of the evening was Don Scott. Reaching into his bag he pulled out a dozen eggs and a towel, quipping "this could get messy." He also removed a plate from his bag. As he reached for an egg he explained that he would be attempting to toss the egg into the air and catch it on the plate, without breaking the egg. All eyes followed the trjectory of the egg as it left Don's hand, travelled into the air and back down, shattering the plate. The egg, of course, escaped unscathed!

Next up was John Shryock looking to hold onto the award for a second straight year. He held up a rope made of clay, announcing that you could purchase this next trick at Wal-Mart for $2.95, or the local magic shop for $34.95. He proceded to do a cut and restored rope routine with the clay, but without the help of any scissors! As he finished the routine (which was somewhat reminiscent of Darryl's rope routine . . .) he balled up the clay, and treated us to a quick demonstration of the multiplying billiard balls! You had to be there to appreciate it.

"Twelve men have died attempting this trick" began Annika Larsen. "Do not try this at home." Annika proceded to explain that she would be attempting the very dangerous bullet catch. In fact it was so dangerous that she called on a volunteer, Bruce Spell, to do the actual catch. She blindfolded him and had him walk to the other side of the room. Annika then proceeded to squirt Bruce with the water gun. When asked to produce the bullet, he spit out a mouthful of water!

Steve Lee took the stage with three spoons in his hand. He then bent the spoon "using only the power of my mind!" Actually he shoved the spoon against his forehead to bend it. But then, as he held the spoon at his fingertips, it visibly straightened. Steve was immediately disqualified for performing an effect with a semblance of quality. Maybe next year, Steve.

Norm Marini began by pulling a deck of cards out of its box. He then showed the backs to be blue, even though the card case was red! Bolstered to the underwhelming audience response, Norm attempted to spring the cards into a top hat from 5 feet away. None of the cards landed in the hat, so he picked up another packet of cards, this time successfully getting all cards into the hat. I think he might have fooled us, if the string wasn't so obvious. Another fine example of poor magic.

Brett Shaw took the stage to classical music. He produced a white silk handkerchief, and from that a goblet. As he attempted to cause the goblet to fill with wine, a stream of liquid began to emanate from his fly. Perhaps he was concentrating too hard, or maybe he let his nerves get the best of him. Notice there is no image of this happening, for it would probably violate the laws in some cities . . .

Our next performer was the great "Krapskin" (aka Tom Potter). After boring the audience with mind-numbing mentalism, the phone in the room rang. "Krapskin" asked member Mark Newhouse to answer it. Taking advantage of the situation Krapskin did some long distance mentalism with objects found in members' pockets. The code used was a little obvious, but all in attendance were happy to find out the the caller was none other than former club president Geoff Williams, calling from Minnesota! It was good to hear from you Geoff.

Our final performer for the evening was Bruce Martyn. We are always anxious to see what new magic Bruce comes up with, but tonight's display left a little to be desired (which of course is the whole point of Turkey Magic, but I digress). To the right you see his pleased look after displaying a new deck switch, which turned out to be a switch plate attatched to a deck of cards. I think he should have won . . .

Last updated November 13, 1996 by Mark Newhouse