File puptcrit/puptcrit.0607, message 65


From: "Mary Horsley" <mphorsley-AT-earthlink.net>
To: puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org
Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 15:29:36 -0400
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Smoke Effect



Very interesting! Why is plain white flour so explosive?

Mary

"The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do."
-Walter Bagehot

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the
choices one makes. In the long run, we shape our lives and we shape
ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And, the choices we make
are ultimately our own responsibility."-----Eleanor Roosevelt

"Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are
dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do
it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many
tomorrows.

-Michael Landon

www.gentleteaching.com

We can't become what we need to be by remaining what we are.
 
--Oprah Winfrey
 




> [Original Message]
> From: Mathieu René <creaturiste-AT-magma.ca>
> To: <puptcrit-AT-lists.driftline.org>
> Date: 7/5/2006 3:21:42 PM
> Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Smoke Effect
>
> There is a  marvelous traditional smoke and fire effect I have seen
perform.
> I even tried it.
> It's fun. And as safe as a candle alone.
> It burns too quickly to be any problem.
>
> It is spectacular, and totally real, since it is actual fire and smoke,
for 
> a second.
> The puppet company Is Mascareddas from Italy performs spectacular hand 
> puppet shows.
> Their smoke effect is achieved with a special powder called "poix" in 
> French.
> Sorry, I don't know the name in English. It is used by jewelry makers.
> Very fine in texture.
>
> In contact with flame, it bursts into what looks like a powerful
explosion, 
> and then there is a huge cloud of smoke. To make it work, they have a
small 
> tin can, with holes on top. The can is held away from the puppeteer by a 
> long metal tube. In the middle of the can is soldered a little cup to
hold a 
> candle. Once the candle is lit (remains so for the entire show), the 
> puppeteer can direct the apparatus where he needs it, and then just blow 
> into the tube, making the powder shoot up at the candle. The PUFF is 
> audible, and very visible!
> I made it explode very close to my face, and besides closing my eyes out
of 
> safety, there was no danger. I did not feven feel the heat.
>
> They use it for instance for the appearance of their Devil puppet.
> They must not have had many problems with fire alarms, because they keep 
> performing it indoors.
> I would check with local authorities in each theatre befoe using it in 
> shows, as some people are stuck up, even if you can prove to them it is 
> safe. Some places don't even allow a candle on stage.
>
>
> Don't try the following at home:
> Another powder that reacts with fire in a similar but extremely powerful 
> way is plain white flour.
> Although, I would not dare use it for this without intensive tests,
wearing 
> a full-body armour.
> I've seen HUGE explosions of it, much ,more dangerous than the powder I
saw 
> in action.
> Some kids like to set that up in their yards, a candle on the ground, and
a 
> system to throw some flour at the candle. Pictures are worth a thousand 
> words. I'd say a thousand OUCH!
>
>
>
>
> Mathieu René Créaturiste
> Marionnettes, Masques, Etcetera...
> Puppets, Masks, Etcetera...
> www.creaturiste.com
> creaturiste-AT-magma.ca
> (514) 274-8027 
>
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