Magic with 1998

First, pick the number of days a week that you would like to have ice cream -- if it had NO calories.
2. Multiply this number by 2.
3.  Add 5
4.  Multiply it by 50. ( use a calculator, if you must )
5. It you have already had your birthday this year, add 1748.  If you haven't, add 1747.
6  Subtract the four digit year that you were born.

Results:
You should now have a three digit number.

The first digit of this was your original number.
The second two digits are your age!!!

Note:
1998 is the only year this will ever work, so spread the joy around, while you can.

       Astrolabe ...  The Zodiac

 
       Tarot
 
 
 
 

The OWL

Gather 'round and hear this story 'bout a neat graphic that can be found on your everyday
dollar bill.  Matter of fact go and fetch one right now, and be amazed!
Now on the front of the dollar, where George Washington is to be seen, you will see that
the "1" on the upper right is embedded within a shield design.  Well now!  Upon that very shield,
on it's upper left, you will see a very small owl.  At first, it looks like only a dot, but look again!
It's an owl.  Yep.

Now, after you get comfortable finding the owl ( maybe you might consider purchasing a fancy
magnifying glass ), start passin' the dollar and glass around to show the owl to the folks around
you.  Do you see how easy it is to get everyone interested in this piece of business??  This is
"misdirection" at its finest!

Remember when you went out to buy that fancy magnifying glass in the last paragraph?  Well,
you simply must also get yourself a "squirting nickel".  This item can be got in most any party shop,
or gag and joke shop in your area.

Here's the real work...

Get your surrounding spectators to gaze upon the small owl!  These specs shouldn't be the basic
cool audience, but those "grabbers" who are to be found in most audiences... you know who I mean.
Also, we could get by with family-audience too... you know who I mean here too, don't you?

But, I digress.  Get you surrounding speckies to gaze upon the small owl!  Get the "nickel", and
while the time is hot, select your best target, and ask 'em if they want to see the pidgeon looking at
the Jefferson Monument ( the tail side -- business side -- of the "nickel" ).  When they
go for it... whamo!  This will attract some measurable attention from those in the immediate vacinity.
So, skip a few places away, and do it again... you wouldn't believe how easy this is!  Then, especially
if it's an outdoor, summer party, you'll hear someone shout " Hey DEAR, come here, you've got
to see this!"  Whamo!  He, or she gets it too!  It's amazing how this gag gets played around!

Now, don't let anyone hold the "nickel".  Do you know why? They don't know how you are doing
the water squirt!  "How are you doing that!"  I get this all the time.  "Let me see that nickel!"
DON'T LET 'EM SEE THE NICKEL!!  Do, however, keep a count of how
many speckies you have squirted.  The "nickel" will have enough water for at least 5 good targets
before it will need a refill.  ( You might want to buy a couple or three of these and switch in fresh
ones as the need arises ).

Note:

This plays well especially if you borrow the dollar, and a nickel from a couple of speckie-volunteers,
and it plays particularly good with adults.

    Robert Houdin
 

       Mystery School