Hey guys,
I didn't actually see the whole episode, but on Celebracadabra when the contestants were performing at the retirement center (I think) Hal Sparks did an effect where a ring slid up a string. I'm not sure if it was an audience member's ring or not, and I didn't see him perform the whole thing, but I thought it looked interesting. Anyone know what that's called? I haven't been able to find it. Any opinions on it?

Thanks!!
-A Foxx in Her Soxx

Martin Gardner's "Climbing Ring"
It's done with a ring (can be borrowed) and a rubber band; completely impromptu. It's an neat effect, but I don't find it very deceptive.

Thanks

If you use black elastic, it looks more like a string or cord and not a rubber band.

Jim

Oh... thanks for the tip!

You know....that trick is one of many that a Magician may underestimate...

Strangely, I've done that just-for-fun in a computer store for an especially attractive employee or for a general (unintended) audience during a very strong rain storm at an outdoor event...

In any case, it gets great results and dropped jaws.

Wish I had a routine...do it mostly out of boredom or "just because".

With good theatrical playing, of course!

I do this with a rubber band, and I am amazed/surprised at the great reactions I get; better than Pinnacle or CMH.
Not bad for a trick I learned in seconds, casually browsing through a book at Borders. (No, I didn't buy the book as there was absolutely nothing else in it I could use. I know, I will probably be sent to magicians' ****.)

I get some satisfying mileage out of this one, too, incorporating it into other rubber band work. But I've learned the hard way to emphasise the fact that my hands stop moving and the ring continues to move (using patter of your choice, of course); otherwise, some Smart Guy will dismiss the effect by saying I simply "moved my hand." Cut him off by noting -- somehow -- that your hands are perfectly still as the ring climbs. Bonus awe for a borrowed ring.

I really love this effect! I incorporated it into my "Haunted Key" routine, substituting the skeleton key for the ring.

You can find this effect as part of a much longer routine on "Banding Around" by Russell Leeds. It is reviewed here at the Café.
The link is here:
http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......orum=111

It is also taught by Ben Salinas on Hotshot with rubberbands by Magic Makers (I know, I know... it was a package deal...) No credit given though.

Mikael Johansson
Sweden