Rant Two... a day late. Looks like a trend.

Performed tonight with Eric Buss. Very funny and had some great magic. Regardless, here is Rant Two. More tomorrow.

Why am I stuck In Magician Hell? #2
Written by: Bizzaro. The Optical Illusionist
"Original Sin"

Welcome back. Since our last article caused a bit of stir, we decided to not only rock the boat but tip it over as well. Hope you can swim.

Some magicians will tell you there is nothing new out there. Everything is derivative. That MIGHT be true to a degree. There are those out there creating new magical ideas using pre-existing principles true.. but not so much magic principles, but science. There is a famous quote that crops up from time to time. It states, "Any Sufficiently Advanced Technology Is Indistinguishable From Magic". Take for instance Sylvester the Jester. He has created magic effects unlike anything done before using science and technology. The tools existed but not for their use in the medium of magic. If you want to nit pick that apart, fine. Regardless, in an art where you would figure there would be more open minded, unique individuals... there isn't. Why?

First off it's not the 80's anymore kids. We’re not encouraged to stand out from the crowd. (That and people aren't hopped up on cocaine like they once were.) The media and government has done a good job of SUCKING the imagination out of the general public just like that ugly girl you took to the prom. Look around at the crappy reality TV and inane contests as to what some TV exec thinks is talent and character. We are being spoon fed bland entertainment and we're taking it with no lube or reach around. We live in an instant gratification society, where any information that pre-exists is at our fingertips. From the internet to DVD's, we want it, we can get it. It's easier to steal than create isn't it? We no longer have to sit alone with our thoughts or read a book and interpret it for ourselves. Once somebody gets a good idea EVERYBODY wants one. It's capitalism kids. Money can't buy happiness, but it can sure create the illusion.

Any of this sound familiar to you? Many years ago the now MIA performer Rudy Coby released a set of lecture notes at a TAOM convention. No tricks were to be taught. It was about building character and creating unique magic. Now aside from the fact he has been accused of stealing other people's ideas over the years, many of his points were true to form. Put down those damn linking rings, use your fancy spun aluminum cups for the dinner table. Instead surround yourself with unique props and things YOU enjoy. Of course if you enjoy hip hop music and wearing your pants at your knees, you might just need something more... like a beating.

The problem with you kids today is.. GET OUT OF MY BEANS!!! Oh sorry. Woodstock flashback. The problem is no one wants to stand out anymore. They want to walk single file in a line holding their decks in their hands. They sit at home with their webcams and Tally Ho viper decks wanking off on their newest variation on a four ace assembly or some fancy flourish. Guess what? You make baby jeebus cry. We don't NEED another damned shadow coins or Matrix. If you are not Armando Lucero or Keeanu Reeves, then you have no reason to do the Matrix ever again, period.

I see people bitching left and right constantly online about someone stole this, someone did this before this person. I know magic is important to you. It's important to me as well, but get over yourselves. You get yourself mired down in the politics of the narrow minded fools you associate with, your magic will suffer. Want to be original? Don't listen to ANYBODY who is an amateur in the field. If they knew what they were talking about, they would be doing it instead of telling you how. No matter how dumb someone thinks an idea is, do it anyway. The only way to stand out in this world is to throw caution to the wind and tazer anyone who gets in your way. Find someone whose opinions and style you respect and get their take. Observe other performers who are professionals in their field. Dancers, comedians, puppeteers, etc. Magicians for the most part are close minded idiots who are about as helpful as a weed-wacker to the face. By wallowing in the depravity of un-originality you will not only suffer but so will magic.

So that was supposed to be the end of the article. Then the folks at street magic mag said "Hey do us 200 more words" and I said "Sure". Not knowing what to talk about I decided to write this little bit to eat up about forty two of those 200 words. In other news, I recently emailed Mac King about originality and what he thought about how it's appreciated in today's world. I don't know him personally or anything like that. It was on Myspace. (Where most of you hack bastards like to try and friend me without saying hi first like it says on my profile!!) That's not important tho'. His reply was. "If you have something to offer, people will pay attention". Now while I agree with this wholeheartedly, being TOO original can bite you right in the ass. You have to find a median somewhere... or an audience that will support you like rabid weasels. In todays world of mediocrity tho', finding an original magician with a large fan base NOT on TV is like trying to herd cats... nearly impossible.

Look at The Beatles. These guys wanted to make music for themselves and set it about it their own way. Fame followed. Take their lead and follow your own road.

Sometimes doing the right thing means you do it by yourself.

Bizzaro.