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So today I was talking with my friend about a cups and balls routine I didn't hate. The moment of magic was very defined and justified. I then realized that a lot of us really do gloss over the magic moment. It's as if we don't truly believe in what we're doing.

Now I don't mean getting all pensive and serious or overly dramatic, but at least commit to it. I have seen a number of Cn'B routines that the person just nonchalantly taps the cups with a wand over and over again with no enthusiasm or poignant moment at all.

I think this is because the moment for us is different than it is for them. We consider the magic done when we do the move, flip the switch, PULL THE STRING or whatever. So we hurry to do the reveal just so we can feel justified about all that time we spent trying to be clever.

Think about the moment sin your magic that really matter and you want to have impact and draw in some focus. If your conviction to your magical gesture is deep enough, they will be that much more entranced by what just occurred.

I'm no just the president... I'm also a client.

Bizzaro.

Dancing with myself...

We got some more photos for the contest, I just want ooone more before I call it a contest. So if you haven't submitted a photo of yer magic closet/drawer then do so now and you might win a handful of swag. To sweeten the pot I have decided to add my newest effect Non-Toxic to the mix. So send em' in puny humans!!

Now onto new business: Inner Dialogue. Do you have one?

When you are performing a routine do you have any internal motivation or are you just pulling rabbits and voes out of your ass? A lot of magic routines or shows have an obvious storyline and that's fine. However, I have found that if you have some behind-the-scenes motivation going on in your brain, it can be fulfilling to you.

It doesn't have to be involved. Maybe you have been infected by some unknown force and you are purging it from your body. Maybe you are a benevolent god creating life for your own amusement? Having an inner dialogue can help you focus your magic and help you be more creative. It forces you to focus on what makes sense to your story line, both inside and out.

Think about it...

Bizzaro.

Do you own Helter Shelter: The Movie?

Michael Bublé does, so you should too.


Just sayin'.

Bizzaro.

Dear card magicians,

Please stop doing Elmsley counts and putting that last card on the bottom of the stack. It makes no sense and if you can't figure out a way around it, then maybe you should try something like sponge balls or ball and vase instead.

Thank you,

Bizzaro.

(PS: We have only gotten two photos for the contest. I need at least 2-3 more to really make it a competition. Send me them photos people!!)

Contest Time? How can this be!?

It's been a while since I have held any kind of contest like object on here so I think it's time for another one. (yay?)

Here is a photo of my magic closet (Hey, it's not the size that matters)


I've shown you mine now show me yours!

The best/funny/most insane closet (or drawer) full of magical goodness gets prizes! What kind you ask? Well I will tell you...

My Helter Shelter Razor Blade DVD
A Color Changing Sponge Ball
TWO brand new DVD's that have not hit the mainstream yet, Sugar High and Live at the Magic Castle both by Chris Randall

So hop to and get them cameras whipped out. (Try and supply something better than a crappy 20$ cell phone camera photo if you can)/ We'll post them on here for everyone to see and choose the one we love most. Send them to smappdooda@gmail.com if you dare.

Back to you Chuck!

Bizzaro.

It's a tie!!

So this new product that is coming out got me to thinking about magicians' fashion sense... or non-sense if you will.

Save for our brethren who lean a bit more to the sly direction, most magicians dress themselves like they only have one costume catalog and it's from the late 70's early 80's. The ones that don't, dress like homeless guys. (Yes I do mean just guys. I haven't seen a female magi wearing ripped jeans and un-tucked shirts to do magic in... yet.)

However, this focus is going to be on ties. We have all seen those overplayed playing card neckties right? Let me clue those of you in who wear them: You're not the first one with that bright idea. Nothing screams "Sky Mall" more than one of those.

Personally I am a big fan of clip on ties. (Just because you sport one of those doesn't mean you can't tie a real tie by the way) These kinds of ties have great comedy moments. Try silk thru tie while someone holds your tie, then walk away to get the silk and leave the tie in their hand. Tell someone you need to loosen your tie and just hand it to them. Very unexpected and funny.

If you insist on wearing some sort of patterned tie, do some searching around for something truly unique. Cartoon characters scream creepy uncle so try and avoid those. There are so many strange tie designs out there that you have no EXCUSE to buy off the rack at Wally World.

Just remember: don't let yourself be tied down to a tacky wardrobe...

or bad magic tricks.

Bizzaro.

PS: If you want something really out there, visit my friends at Artwith Latex. They have some awesome ties and do custom orders.