I am new to magic again. I did some as a preteen than discovered girls. I wasnt good enough to use magic to woo them so I found other means. Now I am 54 and getting back into some sleight of hand stuff and thought I would join SAM just to meet some like minded people. The local Assembly (NYC) wants a few tricks to be inducted. I have NOTHING that they have not seen a million times before and done much better..what do you people think??

Ha! I remember Kay Kaiser (and, "his kollege of musical knowledge") was a "big band" leader of my youth! ('40s)

I remember you, too. SAM membership should not be anything to worry about.

According to Dariel Fizkee, there are 18 (or 19, I forget) EFFECTS. The EFFECT is "what the spectator(s) perceive when the magician performs a TRICK"! There are only a gezillion or so TRICKS.

Back in the '40s, when I was a high school kid, my mentors told me: "It aint WHAT ya do--it's HOW ya do it!" --i.e.: It's your PRESENTATION, not the TRICK, that creates the MAGIC. The MAGIC only "happens" in the spectator(s) mind(s). --And, MAGIC is NOT INHERENTLY ENTERTAINING! Your PRESENTATION must create the MAGIC, AND, the ENTERTAINMENT!

Over the years, I've attended--and, lectured--at a "whole bunch" of Assemblies and Rings, all over the USA, plus lectured at a "few" national conventions (even twice at the Magic Castle (oooh!). .999% of those I've met or know, are "good guys".

I remember that you were a firefighter, and, you have a problem "hitchhiking". So! Do a couple of bits that you've done since forever!

I "sneaked in" to the SAM! I was having lunch with Jay Marshall, and DORNY (then Dean of the SAM) and, Dorny asked me if I belonged to the "Some Are Magicians". I s aid, "No." He said, "Why not?" I said, Dorny, no one has ever asked me to join." He said, "Well, I'll ask you!" I said, "OK, I'll join!" I did. That was about 1975. (hee hee!) (I had "nominated" Dorny for Dean, before, I belonged to the SAM! --I tell that story in my book!)

George Schindler, the current Dean, is a friend. I believe he belongs to the Parent Assembly. (Tell him that I sent you!) That should at least get you a free cup of coffee, after the meeting! He might even vote FOR you!

Best wishes,

Dick Oslund, Order of Merlin Excelsior! (66 years in the I Bother Magicians Club) --(only 41 years in the Some Are Magicians)

I went on line to join SAM. I figured I would join the National Organization than pursue a local assembly. When I tried to join it asked for my local assembly number. Can I put that in even though I am not a member of the local assembly?

OK. it seems I need a sponsors name to join.

I would just show up as a guest and introduce yourself to the members. I'm sure someone would step forward to sponsor you.
at least that's true in my Assembly.

When I joined the S.A.M. a few years ago they asked for a sponsor but did not require one. Try to apply and see what happens. Of course, Ihop's advice is good. Show up at a meeting. I am sure you will be welcomed.