04 MAGIC WORDS the Pyramids, "translated from the Language of the Magi" in the eighteenth century.4 Facts: These magic words were believed to compel even "the most discreet man . . . to unveil his utterly secret thoughts." Common Magician's Applications: Mentalism. When printed in the form of an ancient talisman, Noctar Raiban can serve as a mystique-laden prop during a mentalism routine. No-Kan-Du Facts: This phrase is a play on the words "No Can Do." No-Kan-Du is the name of a magician played by the animated char acter Krazy Kat, in the cartoon "The Crystal Gazebo" (19 2). Nomee-Akwee-Petree In Literature: • "Eric closed his eyes and summoned up some magic words. 'Nomee-akwee- petree!' A blast of blue sparks burst from his fingertips." -- Tony Abbott, Search for the Dragon Ship (200 ) Nov Schmoz Ka Pop Meanings: Nov schmoz ka pop is a nonsense phrase. Origins: Nov schmoz ka pop was the catchphrase of "Little Hitchhiker," a popular Sunday comic strip character in Gene Ahearn's "The Squirrel Cage."7 "Nov Schmoz Ka Pop? That was the question raised by the omnipresent stranger in L'il Abner. No one knew what he meant; apparently he was speaking a dying language."8 Facts: These are the magic words of professional magician Steve Charney9 4 Arthur Edward Waite, The Book of Ceremonial Magic (191 ) Ibid. 6 Leonard Maltin, Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons (1980) 7 Robert A. Buethe, Cartoonacy.net (200 ) 8 Milt Rosenberg, "Milt's File" (200 ) 9 Hocus Jokus: 50 Funny Magic Tricks Complete with Jokes (200 )