Great ideas Peter, all of them. The White House, the Cupboard, all fun ideas.

I guess I still don't see how a giant cube with a president or bone painted on it is any more relevant than a die, which is very familiar to people. The kids recognize it right away, because they all use it in their games. The fact that it is bigger really does not make a difference to them and in my experience is never questioned.

Your post did help me to understand your point. You are referring to the routine used with the object, whereas I was referring to the object itself. I agree with your 100% the routine must be relevant and make sense to/for the object used.

I agree with your comments on this board. I also appreciate a discussion and difference of opinion without an argument.

Yes John, perhaps I didn't make myself clear (and it wouldn't be the first time).
A block with pictures of presidents or bones is, of course, no more relevant to the audience than a giant die.
And, if you can make the die relevant, then fine.

What bothers me is the performer who simply does the trick with no attempt at relating it to the audience; a sort of "look what I can do and you can't" type of thing.
If the big die is effective for your style, then by all means, use it.
Because, in the final analysis:
What works, works.
cheers,
Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com

Peter and John,

I also find the discussions here a lot more civil and productive. I wonder if it has to do with the fact that the discussions are by choice not just part of the giant list of topics. You have to want to read them here at the Magic Cafe.
Plus the smilies are a cool touch.

Thank you both for all the interesting posts here and on MT. You both are a value in our community. I don't always agree but I always have to think.

Peter,
You advocate the strangulation of small animals!!! I'm never speaking to you again.
Sorry, couldn't resist.

Sable

Hey, Sable and Phil,
I just realized: Since they changed the format, the 'smilies' list vanished.
How do you get them?
cheers,
Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com

Peter,
Go to your preferences settings in the main menu. There is a choice to have them show up when you post. Phil

Peter,
Yeah, that one got me too. I'm glad I found those crazy preferences.

Sable

Hey, it worked! I did it!
(And that's quite an accomplishment for someone who pats himself on the back for just being able to turn on the computer.)
cheers and thanks,
Peter Marucci
showtimecol@aol.com

Computer? Oh, you mean the overglorified typewritter with a TV attached. I'm still getting used to mine too.

Sable

I painted the die white, then glued a thin red ribbon around it with a bow on top. Looks for all the world like a gift box. Of course the gift is hidden in the box, the recipient (magician) tries to find it and fails.

I have always loved this trick and in my youth cobbled together a truly appalling version out of scrap lumber, cardboard and felt. Fortunately I no longer own that monstrosity and now have two One a lovely Babcock See Thru Block the other an old two door Adams Magic which I converted into a reliquery for my Mediaeval performances. the die has become a coffer containing the left great toe bone of St. Stephan and the routine is based around trying to prove my relics true and just.
I too have always wondered about why a die? Why not a childs block or a small chest or any other number of things.

Paradox, great idea for kids show. You could have the "real" box contain a gift for the birthday child.