Ze Genie Bottle
Pure Genie-us
The Book of One Thousand and One Teeth, or, the Tales of the Australian Nights …
Genie Bottle by Stephen Chin
Sometimes, it’s rather useful to have a genie lamp handy. It may not actually produce any genies, or grant wishes, but you never know. Stephen Chin, the master of the lathe, worked some impressive magic with his “Ze Genie Bottle”, which he produced for the 2017 International Puzzle Party. From a six inch length of three by three wood he created each genie bottle, plus an impossible trapped ring stand, four napkin rings which can be joined into two oloids, and a bottle stopper tippee top whistle. He is passionate about wood conservation and hates wood waste. It’s startling to learn just how much wood is wasted from the lathe process, so all these little extra efforts at conservation are remarkable. Plus, each puzzle comes with bonus gifts!
This genie is summoned by a whistle
Ze Genie Bottle is a beautifully turned object. The stem appears to be separate from the body, which has a nice little gem on the front. I wonder why? Probably just decorative. Mine is really shiny from rubbing it so much. I’m still trying to get the genie to come out – Stephen promised me it makes breakfast. If you persevere, a sweet little treasure might actually appear, and this would seem to be the endgame. For those highly observant overachievers, however, Stephen has left another clue which may lead you to discover how to completely disassemble the puzzle as well. Deep inside there are a few grooves and slots (known as “rebates” in the lingo) which were made possible through the sacrifice of four dental drills. There are some sad teeth out there mourning the loss. It’s a classic Chin puzzle, elegant, beautifully made and fun. He promises one day to make the deluxe version, with flashing lights, and a levitating Lego genie who really does make breakfast.
Gin Genie by Wayne Collins
I discovered the perfect tipple with which to toast this marvelous puzzle in the Difford’s guide, that classic compendium of all drinks new and old. It comes from Wayne Collins, the celebrated bartender from London’s East End who has won Bartender of the Year four times in a row at Tales of the Cocktail. He’s famous for his larger than life personality and storytelling.
Sloe gin is wonderful this time of year
His Gin Genie cocktail, which was named after the David Bowie song “Jean Genie” (very clever), won Drinks International’s cocktail challenge in 2001. It’s the perfect combination of gins, lemon and mint. Anything with sloe gin is a winner this time of year and it adds a pleasant pop of color for the fall. Now, if I can just get my Genie Bottle to make me one of these. Cheers!
A magical pair
Gin Genie by Wayne Collins
1 ½ oz London Dry gin
1 oz sloe gin
1 oz fresh lemon
½ oz simple syrup
8 mint leaves
Muddle the mint gently then shake the ingredients together with ice. Strain into a favorite glass, close your eyes, and make three wishes.
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