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!

As I like to document the history of magic performance all over Texas, I thought this was proper: in February, our club, IBM Ring 266 in Tyler, awarded a certificate of appreciation to Gene and Neta Colteaux for their many years of service to our magic club. Gene served as our Ring's President for 3 straight years and Neta was our Ring's secretary for more years than anyone can count (about 7, I think, but could be longer!), she also spent the last two years as our Ring's Treasurer. They both were excellent as officers for our Ring! (Far right is our Ring's new President, Jerry Abercrombie.)

Gregory Wilson!

Holy Mother Magnus in a buttermilk biscuit........Gregory Wilson is AAAAA-------WWWWWWESOME!!!!!!!

This guy has re-awakened a love for performing magic in me that I just can't describe!! A bunch of us from the Tyler IBM Ring saw him lecture in Longview, Texas a few weeks back........words cannot describe this man's thinking! Absolute brilliance!!

Jeff Stone lecture

Jeff Stone!!! He's a real swell fella and he came to Tyler this month. Jeff's first "away from home" lecture happened at Trinity Baptist Church in Tyler, the regular meeting place for the Tyler Magic club......photos of the lecture to follow.

Duane Laflin

The Tyler Magic Club (in Tyler, Texas) enjoyed a fantastic all day workshop on Saturday, November 15th featuring Duane Laflin. The workshop was held at Trinity Baptist Church and was well attended by clowns and magicians from the greater Tyler area, Dallas and Shreveport. Duane is a super guy and a committed family entertainer.

Tyler Magic Club (October meeting)

The Tyler Magic Club had a great meeting last night. Good participation. My presentation of Animentalism was received somewhat flatly (not saying I didn't deserve such a response!). We threw around some of my alternate handling ideas.....I'm going to move forward on this one. Conceptually, it needs to be darkened up just a bit!