It's the End of an Era

Well, IBM Ring 266 met for its very final time last night at Trinity Baptist Church in Tyler. That's been our regular meeting place for the past (roughly) 9 years, and we're moving to a new location in Tyler. Mark Kilsby (who's served more terms as the Ring's V.P. than anyone cares to count) is a member at that church, so he's been the Keeper of the Keys......and we owed him a hearty thanks for the annoyance of doing that for such a LONG run! The mayor of Tyler issued a proclamation in Mark's honor which was presented by a city Councilman and Linda Gish made him an award adorned with many keys/club members' names. We had a great dinner, although the event was bitter-sweet....but many good things to come down the road!  Merry Christmas to all, by the way!

Mark Kilsby (left, wearing tie) with Tyler city Councilman D. Bowdre

Recent Ring discussions

Well, my IBM Ring met on Monday night and one of our members brought up something he's hinted at before: us hosting a mini-magic convention in Tyler. I stated openly that I'd volunteer 10 hours to help with the event, but I also expressed that I'm EXTREMELY pessimistic that it'll get off the ground. One or two of our Ring's 'Shadow Leaders' (as I like to call them) will torpedo it, watch and see!  Let me give an example:

Some time back, our officers met with leaders from a local non-profit about hosting a big magic show fundraiser. They'd handle all the publicity, we'd do the show and split everything 50/50.  Well, we met and talked and we met and talked again, and about 40 e-mails flew through the air and different discussions went on and etc. etc.  Things were flowing along swimmingly. Then, one night, at a regular monthly meeting, one of our marginal members (I like the guy and he's a skilled performer, but he's also pretty new to our club) just mentions, "Well, what if something happens and the club gets sued?" Guess what? The ENTIRE PROJECT COLLAPSED right there on the table in a matter of seconds!  That's what I'm talking about.......that's a small reason why I'm growing disillusioned (get it?) with my magic club. Its a lot of talking and not much doing and most of the talking is built around 'Why this wont work out' or 'Why that wont work out'

I think, if done properly, it could make some money.....I really do......we just have to make sure we don't spend too much in an effort to make a little $.

I'll post developments here........and I'll try to keep a positive attitude! Here's hoping for the best!

More Ice McDonald pics

Ice!

Last Monday (5-20-2013) Kenrick "Ice" McDonald lectured for IBM Ring 266 in Tyler, Texas. It was terrific!

Kranzilla!!

Nathan Kranzo! Kranzilla!!  That dude is talented!  He lectured for Ring 266 last night in Tyler, Texas....awesome! Cool stuff with a Mene Tekel deck!

Mark Kilsby and Gene Colteaux

Here's a photo I stumbled across tonight......Ring 266's current President, Gene Colteaux and our current Vice President, Mark Kilsby talking outside Lindo Mexico in Tyler one Saturday morning (sometime last Fall).

...and on a sour note.

....I'd referenced Bro. John Hamman's packet trick, "Hamman Eggs" here a few months back. I sent that packet trick into the ether at Ring 266's Chinese Auction (fundraiser) a few months back as it's just too darned complex!! If you become exhausting just watching a packet trick.....imagine learning to perform it! ......anyone disagree??

Diamond Jim Tyler lectures for Ring 266

IBM Ring 266 was lucky enough to have Diamond Jim Tyler lecture for our club earlier this month!! Video clips and photos to follow........I picked up a copy of his "Dia-Monte" DVD.....AWESOME!!!!!

Sweetheart Banquet

Ring 266 has performed the past couple of years for the annual Sweetheart Banquet held at Trinity Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas. Unfortunately this year, the banquet was cancelled......so no performance.......and I had Danny Archer's "Animental" all worked up and ready to go!! Maybe next year..............

October and November

Well....I managed to miss the Dinardi dealer show held in October........I hear he over-priced his stuff......that's a shame. I enjoyed speaking to Mr. Graciano by phone, but in these times, he has to price his magical goodies at reasonable prices. I also missed our November meeting.........my wife went out for her birthday........oh well, she had a good time!!

Dinardi's Magic Shop

I.B.M. Ring 266 will host Roy Graciano, owner of Dinardi's Magic Shop in Shreveport, Louisiana in October. Roy will provide a dealer lecture at our monthly meeting scheduled for the first Monday in October (starting at 7:00pm). He'll bring a broad smattering of everything you might hope to find in any modern magic shop. Join us!

Upcoming Ring 266 events

Well, our Ring's V.P., Mark Kilsby, called me two nights ago to discuss some upcoming Ring events. I was tired, had left work late and wasn't in much of a talking mood (although he's a good friend......but you know how it is) anyway......he reminded me of the Chinese auction we'll be having at our February Ring meeting. He also told me about the Ring performing a little pre-banquet walk-around magic at his church's Valentine's Banquet in February. Additionally, he stated that the club would be doing a full stage show as a benefit at his church in March (him to M.C., me to be stage manager). So, busy magic stuff on the horizon.
Both of these events to happen at Trinity Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas (by the way!).