That's good to know. Thanks Curt.

The original routine from 1939 (which is where Im going, pure nostalgia) calls for a Dumuth Milk Bottle.

I think that Close-up and Parlour Magic really grew during this period (the 1930s) because it gave the interested something to be passionate about and it provided a much needed escape from the dregs of the depression and the war building in Europe.

It wasn't about exquisite props. James first version of the little spirit cabinet was a discarded doll suitacse and later a wooden radio cabinet. Everything could be done with a cardboard box.

My plan is a simple pine box built to the original specs as published in The Jinx #69 though I do like some of his later ideas too like the animated tennis ball. Mostly Im doing it for fun and a few friends.

-=tab

Sounds great

Watch this space:

http://sefalaljia.com

-=tabman

Great news TC... I may have some ideas for you.

Thanks for the link, sounds awesome!

You can make it vibrate with a cell phone under in the base.

Dang smart!! Good idea and it might be kind of cool to put a cell phone in the cab, close the curtain and the phone gets a call and we hear both sides of the conversation but that gets away from SJ which is where Im starting over - again.

-=tabman

James final version, Sefalalgia #2, is a masterpiece.
The Busby "Automated" is brilliant and a worthy addition to the Sefalalgia iterations and James himself definitely approved of the Busby version.

I'd never introduce "technology" to Sefalalgia, but rather stick to the original James thinking which renders the cab completely examinable with all effects designed to be "passive" as opposed to electronic or mechanical.

A true Sefalalgia, as per Stewarts intentions still can boggle with the proper presentation.

The Ball and Glass phase is still one of the strongest effects in all of parlor magic, and will catch even well posted folks if they're not aware of the method.
(James himself occasionally performed additional phases, some of which were apparently quite stunning, but of which he didn't record and stated that he had forgotten the methods).

From the original Sefalalgia, to Sefalalgia #2, and to the final Jeff Busby Automated version, this was always Stewart James personal favorite of all his "children".

That you're working to Stewart's original thinking is a great tribute to his pure genius Tabby.

Good hearing from you. I promise that Im not going to let technology enter into this version except for the technology involved in actually making the cabinet and the other props I have to make. Love it or leave it, I'm sticking very close to 1939. I have given up on finding a dozen Demuth Milk Bottles and have decided to make my own version out of a half pint bottle and think I have a way to let the spirit smoke that cigar that James would approve of and have even worked all his suggestions into it, like the book of matches. I really think he would approve. Other than that, nada.

Anyway, Im pretty jazzed to be working on this right now. Magic has always done this to me and I love it and appreciate the opportunity.

-=El Tab

We are looking forward to seeing what you have come up with!

Thanks. I'll keep you posted. I havent had this much fun in years. I plan to have it ready by Fall.

-=tc

"I havent had this much fun in years" -- You been living a very sheltered life?

Yes, I have been but that's over now thanks to you. And I do love working on a Magic puzzle especially a complicated one. I've been having a blast.

-=tc

[quote]On 2009-08-04 14:18, tabman wrote:
.........I've been having a blast.


And dressing like a monk ! Or is that a druid robe ????

You old rocker, you....

:band:

Mark

Haha. Kozak told me it was a Monk's robe but it could have been a Druid Monk!!

-=tab

Looks like a bathrobe rejected by Hugh Hefner

Koz rented it from a costume shop in the Burgh and, I guess, never took it back. He asked me a few months ago if I wanted it. I told him to hang on to it and if I could ever get to AC I'd get it then, but its probably in his dad's garage in the Pittsburgh burbs.

-=tab

This sounds like a great project. Keep me informed, I'll buy one when they're done!

Thanks Ray. I just sent you a PM.

-=tab

Tabman,

I just got done reading your new book,I loved it to say the least.

Wondered if the phrase " the mark of a crafstman was the way the parts you don't see are finished out. Is that the exact quote and if so who do you credit? I thought I might just hang a sighn with that on it in my shop.

Thanks for writing the book, Gimpy