"I am but a tool. We all have this gift.. some are just more full of it than others." - Harry Anderson (More or less)

Someone recently asked a good friend of mine (Who he is teaching magic to that asked him this by the way), "Why did you LEARN all of this stuff? Do you ever actually use it?"

His first response was no, but after a discussion we came to realize that yes.. as magicians we do use EVERY single move we ever learn. I don't mean we use them ina routine, or use them in our normal working routines... but we do use them. As what you ask? Coasters? Bookmarks? Profilactics? Nay.. as reference, teachings, and education.

There are a great many moves created daily by amateurs and sleight happy teens with nothing better to do cuz' they have free rent. Some are good... some really aren't. Sleights, color changes, controls, false cuts and shuffles. There are a ton of them. (Lee Asher has three I can show you right now along with about five of my own.) They all serve a special function at the right time. We use them (Read this next line three or four times. I'll try and talk slow.) When... we... need... to.

That's right. Whatever makes the most sense, uses the most moves, or is the most effective at that point in time for the effect to take place. To us the magic happens when we do the move. The magic REALLY happens to them 1-5 minutes down the line. Sleights and moves and controls and alla that are merely a vehicle to get us where we need to be.. They are NOT the destination or focus. (I hate those cars) All of these moves we learn are tools to create. Not magic. We make the magic ourselves.

I have always kicked around my standpoint on just how much you should learn in the way of sleights. After much deliberation I think I finally have my answer. Learn as much as you can. I don't mean learn 20 variants of the double lift *Cough*GrEg WiLsOn*cough*. Play with them and then do the one YOU like that fits YOU. However learn a bit of everything and don't go out looking for them. Let them come to you naturally. TO search out info will only drive you mad. It will come to you when you need it most much like some odd sleight of hand karma. (I once had my dogma get hit by someone's karma.)

Learn as much as is necessary... and if it can't be found.. make it up!! If you are not happy with what you find there is nothing wrong with creating something that works for you. Even if it's not a magician fooler, if it works on real people, that is all that matters.

It's your thang.. do what you wanna do.

Bizzaro.

I like bowling ball magic. It's a weakness. It is uncharted area in many cases. There are however some great unique effects using these heavy props in the magic world. The most well known of course is the bowling ball from briefcase and Kevin James' version with the sketch pad. I have heard tales of something Shaun Farqhuar does with a balloon popping and a ball falling out of it. I have my own unque creations as well. It's a fun item to play with but a pain in the ass to cart around. A new item hath recently come out and I am here to make you awares.. to take the red pill..er.. bowling ball.

A new effect hit hocus-pocus recently but a talented New Zealander turned kanuk named Paul Romhany. You can see the video it is the production of not only a bowling ball but a bowling pin as well. The price is a tad steep but from what I have gathered from it from material costs it's not too far off.

That is the Bizzaro product watch for today. COme back soon for tips on how to bake a cake in the shape of kansas.

Bizzaro.

I was recently at the local version of Knights of Sleights here in the DFW area. Ran into someone who not only reads this journal but actually LIKES it. Amazing. I have always stated that I started this thing not for my own ego or to get noticed but to try and post my feelings on the magic world at large and have a place to keep them that might help others and give them something to think about. I dunno how many read this crap and I don't care I'm just glad the ones that meander their ways here enjoy themselves as much as I.. um.. enjoy myself.. hmm.. let's move on.. this is going a direction I dun care for...

So at this same gathering I was talking to someone I have known for sometime out here who is damn good at close-up fer shure. He said he's kinda at an impasse with magic. Basically he sees no reason to keep going with it or go thru some of the hassles that come with creating new material or touring seedy night clubs. Now I know that is not for everyone, but it does go along with my theory that you should do a lot of things at least once. Touring is an experience very few have the patience or insanity for. (Why do you think bands take so much drugs and liquor into their body?) However, there is NOTHING like experience kids. It makes you a better performer, more educated in the world around you, and spreads your name to other areas and let's face it.. there's no cream to get rid of name recognition.

If some of you are ever at a point in your life where you fore see you starting to fall out of favor with your chosen love then get out of it, or change your perception. When you no longer do it for love (or ego stroking like for some) then don't harm yourself or your art anymore.

Mind you, inspiration and direction can find you when you least expect it.

Bizzaro.

"I've never been in love, but I stepped in it once." -Undimmed

A week or so ago I posted about something and then deleted it because I felt it wasn't really relevant. The main aggravation of the post was magic demo videos and how as magic consumers we have gotten used to and almost expect to be lied to by dealers and performers. I felt a new product warrants a rehashing of this.

Watch the video for the effect. If you figure it out then you will understand what I am saying, if you don't I'm not gonna tip the method out right. (I already make enough people mad with this journal.) The problems I have with this demo video are the same I have with a lot of them AND with a lot of magic specials. It's not what you see... it's what you don't see.

There is a gimmick involved (It says so in the video) so me saying that isn't gonna tell you much. However the video editing is done much like many others are done. With hip urban techno beats and wild wacky inflatable tube man action!! In otherwords jerky and hard to follow. In this video's case that is to it's advantage. The first effect is nice but he does "ditch" something off camera. Hmm seems fishy. The second effect uses a camera cut to TOTALLY lie to you. The effect the way they are presenting it would be IMPOSSIBLE. (Why do you think it needed a camera cut) aside from the fact that while being magical.. it doesn't make a lot of sense to just "do". On the third I can't even tell what the hell he's doing or what the effect even is.

All in all I cannot say for the price I am impressed since there is so much subterfuge involved with the demo. Sadly this is what we as magicians have come to expect. Dishonesty from those who would want our hard earned cash so we might earn more to waste on products we did not devise ourselves. It's a never ending cycle of lies, laziness, and consumerism. Do I sound bitter? Don't worry I'm not...

On the inside I'm creamy nougat.

Bizzaro.

This is off topic but..not. I saw one of my fave bands tonight. Who might that be you ask? What kind of a thousand monkeys banging away on a thousand typewriters kinda music does Bizzaro listen to? Probably not exactly what you think... or even expect. First off if Cowboy Mouth EVER comes to your town go see them. Even if it's not your bag their live show makes you feel better no matter who you might be into.

Their songs talk of getting over your old lovers.. with a vengeance. Life lessons to be heard in lyrical format and a damn good time. The lead singer, Fred LeBlanc, not only beats the hell out of a drum set but sings like a fiend without losing breath for two hours. On one of his albums he has a song that is my personal anthem. I highly suggest you listen to this song. It's titled Be Whoever you Are and I HIGHLY recommend following that advice in magic. Don't be afraid to be whoever you are. Don't try to act suave if yer not. Don't be something you are not. Just let yourself go and be your own person. You will reap the rewards both on and off stage. (If yer really an asshole, find a way to make that work for you on-stage. Work on it off the stage tho')

That is my little bit o' honey.. er.. advice for you tonight. Be glad to be alive and have what you have. Tomorrow may never come and you don't want your days filled with regret.

Bizzaro.

Some Restrictions May Apply

With the recent post about not doing EVERYTHING an effect can do, let's discuss an interesting way to accomplish this. This idea makes no sense but stick with me. Impose Limits. That's it. By limiting yourself on an unlimited resource you create something at it's base level. You are FORCED to use the most powerful and direct approach. Allow me to explain...

In my multiplying eyeballs routine I can't do all the fancy flourishes and moves that magicians seem to get off on and that can't be seen from the third row anyway. By having a pattern on the balls I use I limit myself to find the best and most visual way to not only show the front and back of all the balls, but also produce them cleanly and clearly. Technically it's also harder to manipulate a ball with a pattern on it... however only magicians would know or care about that. Regardless, I get rid of all the flourishes, confusing repetition of moves, and get right to the point. Remember: I perform for real people, not magicians.

So by limiting yourself, imposing restrictions, and staying in your "Reality Bubble" (Talked about elsewhere in this journal) you can create magic and routines unique to you and the most direct and to the point and even the most logical performances. By telling yourself you won't repeat a move, you have to mix things up. By restricting yourself from doing "Another damn card trick", you will perform something unique. How many guys have you seen do ace assembly's and pick a card-lose it-find it tricks? By ONLY doing more visual magic or off the wall effects you too can become not only a better performer but a unique performer that no none can copy.

The possibilities are limitless.

Bizzaro.

Going out to a few things on the web, first I totally believe in pimping your friends. A good fiend of mine since the summer of 95', Jeb Sherrill is releasing his two DVD set Zombie Re-Animated. It's not a crappy B-movie. For that you need to see Terror Toons. In it you will taken thru Basic, intermediate, and crazy advanced moves including the elusive Foulardless Zombie To see a preview go to Sable Magic dot cawm.

So that being said I wanna say that a woman's place is in the kitchen.. practicing her double lifts. (I think I have seen some soft core porn start that way come to think of it.) Seriously tho' http://www.womeninmagic.com has been established as a place to go for femme fatales interested in learning the magical arts and I for one could not be happier. One step closer to getting away from that crap "Girls can't do magic." Hopefully that site will actually help the La Femme Nakita's of the illusionary realm.

Speaking of which if any female magicians actually read this journal, (You know.. out of the like 3 readers I have), then contact me. I have an interesting idea for a coin miracle that I think a gal could pull off better than a guy. Something I saw in an old Tarbell actually.

How's that for helpful?

Bizzaro.

Sometimes you feel like a nun... Sometimes the pope.

You know it's odd just how un-appreciative some people are in magic. They clamor for a demo of something then they do nothing but bitch cuz' the demo isn't what they wanted. "It's too dark, it's obvious how it's done, it doesn't look like magic". Gimmie a break people. If you can't see past your own ignorance then you need to get out of magic or perform more so you can realize the potential for certain items.

The most recent amusement came from the usual suspects at the magic cafe. (no offense to Kevin Spacey) A recent posted video for an aforementioned new product was chided by some for not showing a "perfected full routine". Instead they opted to show the versatility of the gimmick and some of the many unique ideas you could accomplish with it. Performing ONE routine would not show the diversity of the illusion cuz' you CAN'T shove every effect into one routine, no matter how much some magicians seem to wanna try to.

The other problem with putting up an actual routine on a demo video is that there are some.. ok.. MANY who are too lazy and unimaginative (or believe they are) people out there who will just copy a person's routine and not devise their own. They also tend to think that the routine someone else does or is expressed in the instructions is the ONLY way to do something and only props you can use. YAY!! Let's all be GENERIC!! No not everyone is like that but...

For every one person who sees the light, they leave hundreds more alone in the dark.

Bizzaro.

Modus est in rebus

There is a new effect soon to hit the market. I have had the chance to play test it as one of my friends got ahold of it. It is a variation on an old principle with some new twists. In it indeed a stage effect, but more than that it is a utility device for stage. Now I am not talking about a ball dropper or cigarette dropper.

Is it a hold out? A blackhole? A magnet? Nay it's merely a ball with a unique hook up. Because of it's construction it enables you to do odd and neat things with it. This got me thinking about how too many magicians get a hold of an effect that can do many things and then make a routine that incorporates it all. This is wrong. I'm talking Roseanne Barr in a g-string wrong.

Why you ask? Ever heard the saying, "Once is entertainment, twice is education"? This applies but in a different vein. Take for example a floating effect. Any floating effect. This is the audience chain of thought. WOW what a surprise - that's amazing - I wonder how that's being done - where's the string?

This can be broken down to ever 5 or so second intervals. By 30 seconds of an object being airborn they get an idea, get bored, or get skeptical. Just because something it can DO everything, doesn't mean you should. It all boils down to what works best in the routine, for your character, and for the maximum impact.

So in short when this effect, or others like it, come out don't beat a dead horse with it. Let it be a surprise... not tedium.

There is enuff of that in magic already.

Bizzaro.

In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the moneychangers at their business. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all, with the sheep and oxen, out of the temple; and he poured out the coins of the money-changers, and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; you shall not make my Father's house a house of trade."

Indeed. It's a merchandising extravaganza!! Many new products in magic come out day to day. Some good, some bad. Whatever ails you, bound to find it on the internet you are.

Let's take a look at a few of the most recent and non-suck offerings. First up one of the best kept secrets in mentalism (until there was more money to be had) is getting weirder and weirder. Cerebro, for those who don't know, is to help you implant messages in people's minds by merely touching them. (not just a snappy name for an X-men toy) You can also receive messages depending upon your use or version purchased. Once omni-directional speakers are perfected it's gonna be a scary mind-readin'' world.

Speaking of technology this goes under the category of "why didn't I think of that?" Well that's an easy answer for me, I don't own a cell phone. However This little toy is a great idea and anyone who knows anything about cell phone toys to keep the bored entertained can figure this out instantly but it is still a good idea.

And now I present to you... Why?

Now for those who know who he is Kozak is a bad ass. His manipulation and magic is (or was last time I saw him) top notch. This DVD is a must have I feel. (Who loves Bizzaro? I have a birthday coming up soon.)

So there are my top picks for stuff you might wanna look into. As my friend is often noted to say, "There are some things people want more than money."

Bizzaro.

Ok this is kinda random I know but bear with me. On the new Mindbender trick being sold on E-llusionist, there is a part of the video where ol' Brado goes off a twinge about how because this is such a good secret and trick you shouldn't be trading it on the internet and whatnot. If it was you, you wouldn't want someone doing that to your material etc etc.

First off if you are just trying to sell something for money and not to contribute to the art that is a crappy attitude to have. Many people in the same field share their tips, tricks, and techniques with people who they feel are worthy. In magic the only test or worth we have is if the check clears. So when these people crow about not sharing stuff cuz' of one thing or another it makes me think about how much musicians get screwed by record companies and the people who really get PO'd are the big businesses who are afraid of losing their parking spots. I'm not saying I am a total advocate of video piracy or sharing but there are a few proven truths that apply here. 1. Truth and upright goodness have been instilled in many of us since our youth. Mix that with the fact that a lot of individuals in the world can barely spell bit torrent or even work it is high and material is relatively safe.

Secondly, you can NOT stop people from trading information. From the moment they invented recordable media, people have been making copies for friends, showing them, sharing, and learning. Books are the early form of the internet. Put them ina library and anyone looking for that information can find it. In today's world, we can just do it a helluvalot faster.

If you don't want to have people not paying for your stuff and giving to other people then consider not putting it out there where anyone can get access to it. (Impossible I know but my point still stands) Channing Pollock died recently by the way.. I am sure he took many secrets with him. With the innovators gone, we are left with nothing but doppelgangers.

I think a plea not to trade magic information would have been better coming from the creator of an effect.. not the guy making money off it's sales... but thaz just me.

Bizzaro. - Alienating himself from the magic world since 2003.

Holy Hell Batman!!

So in an effort to produce a person without a gudy painted illusion, we resorted to a bastardized version of the Victory carton illusion. Many people commented how no one has done it in years or seen it. (We added our own little touches however.) Speaking of old stuff being new remember to look thru them old magic books... and by old I mean Tarbell. I found a few intresting concepts in vol.5 I am gonna toy with here soon.

Remember: Once everyone stops doing something, it becomes new again.

Bizzaro.

I was just thinking about this in the shower. (I know you wanted to hear that) About how a magician will look a trick and sneer and be all like, "I figured that out in 2.2 seconds. Big deal." When Shirt Happens came out a lot of people reacted like that. It still looks cool. Remember, not everyone is as jaded as you are.. or me for that fact. Tee hee.

I sell an effect on my website that, to real people, not those imaginary people, is a frickin' miracle. They love it. Magicians see it and just say "Ooh well I could make that" well duh. You can make a lot of magic but they disregard it since it doesn't fool them.

Think about the first time you saw invisible deck performed... or a thumb tip. I remember the FIRST time I saw an ITR in action. I FREEKED out. Levitation.. who woulda thunk it? I got one and was still AMAZED at the contraption. Over time we forget that feeling and you have to remember how to forget. Forget what you know.. or think you know. (Name that movie quote) Learn to think like a non-magician. I've said this before but hey now I have examples!!

It doesn't have to be magical.. to be magic.

Remember that.

Bizzaro.

A quick bit... some people have never seen the razor blade illusion performed. Tim Ellis has one of the most straight forward versions around. Check it out.

That is all.

Bizzaro.

Squeege that third eye...

Ah I miss Bill Hicks. However don't miss this Unusual idea that wacky Aussie Ben Harris is releasing soon. The claims are you can open a hole in your head that sun can shine thru.. or yer hand, or other body parts. It's not entirely centered, but it is an unusual idea to be certain. I cannot fathom how it works off the top of my.. ahem.. head. For 20$ tho' I am sure it will be all the rage. Congrats to him. Congrats to anyone who gets constant access to sunlight.. like us Texans.

Sucks for people in Seattle tho'..

Bizzaro.

You can't please everybody...

That is today's lesson kiddo's. Now you can aim to please 3/4's of the people by doing the same old trite crap that is proven to sell. That usually works. I know for a fact the things I do don't appeal to everyone. (Magicians especially) Example: Posted on The Magic Cafe by two gentlmen. One I have heard of the other.. well he has a confusing website. (I'll let you figure out who is who)

David Parr: "For some reason, it seems rather difficult to track down coherent and useful writing on this effect. I'm in the process of putting together a review of Helter Shelter, a booklet dedicated to the razor blades, for another Web site. Alas, coherent and useful are not much in evidence in this booklet."

Harley Newman: "It's a mishmash of material, all of which can be found elsewhere, done better. I'm rarely disappointed with books. Even a good rehashing can offer good insight. I usually reread new books a couple of times, and have an ongoing pile of rereads. This went straight to the bookshelf."

Ok now I am all for people having an opinion, and hey I don't care if they dun like my book. Free will and alla that. I could sit here and defend my product but why bother. It's what they think and they are more then welcome to express how they feel. (Just as much as I am to point a big red circle around it and say "Looky here!!") Negative comments are a common thing to hear. .. especially in magic. Now while these two guys didna like my magical offering, I know of many more who did. That's the way it goes when you put stuff out in the open for people to see.

Hell, shows like South Park some people don't like it, but genrally for every one person who dislikes something, there are 10 more who do favor it. See?

Craig Newman (No relation): "I would like to say thank you for putting such a piece of material out for others to enjoy and learn. It was a fun read..."

So if anyone ever gets you down for not liking what you do just remember what ol' Bizzaro sez...

Let's see you do better.

Bizzaro.

(yes yes I know what yer saying. "Gee if you don't care why did you make light of it?" Simple. I'm just a bastard and I wanted to. Don't like it, don't read it. Go read one of the many other magic journals that brings you the latest in up to date magical gossip and foul mouthed ramblings. See? Can't please everyone.. and I don't plan on trying. Thanx - The Mngmnt.)

Greetings kids!! Bizzaro coming to you live from CA. Sitting at my friend's Misty Lee and Paul Dini's hizzouse eating up their floor space and molesting their technology. Regardless, been having fun. I re-uploaded a video I did onto www.magicvideodepot.com and on that site there is a big talk of the use of copyrighted music. That subject can be a HUGE pain in the ass so here are a few tidbits from me about it.

First off there are a buncha royalty free CD's for magic out there. Some REEEEEEEALLY suck while others ain't so bad. Of course one of the more well known is Opus 1. If you wanna go a tad more pricey but a bit higher production value check out Illusionworks (That you have probably heard on ANY major magic special in the mid 90's).

When it comes to using music on stage you are generally safe to use whatever you want unless you are high profile. Then you have to go thru groups like ASCAP and BMI (Or ASScap as I call them). Do yourself a favor and look up copyright laws on music. It's very informative and annoying. If you can have your own custom music done. Jeff McBride did that and he NEVER has problems cuz' he has the rights to use it. Generally the problem comes into play when you are selling something and wanna use copyrighted music. They want a cut too. Not the bands, the company that holds the rights. The bands who perform the songs usually get NIL in a kickback compared to the record labels and whatnot.

One of my fave ways to get usable music is to find local bands who are not signed to a label. Ask their permission to use it and there yah go! Works like a charm.

Anywho, I must away, we have to buy stuff to make props for a show, so be well and remember.. Bizzaro. Luvs you.

But not you.

Bizzaro.

For those of you who care I was opening up for Sylvester the Jester this weekend out here in CA at Theater West. http://www.theatrewest.org/sylvester.html He has added some new material including a bit with a puppet and a rant about unleashing your "Cartoonity". If yer in the SoCal area go see this show! If you dress as a cartoon character or in a costume of some kind you get in for half price. Pass the word around that Sylvester the Jester encourages you to dress up and play along!!

Just what the magic world needs if you ask me.. people to fooking loosen up.

Bizzaro.

(PS: I am still out here in CA till the 21st. Any of you local Magi's wanna hang lemme know.)

Just got this in my Junk Mail Folder...

"The introduction of Heineken Premium Light marks a groundbreaking moment in Heineken USA?s history and also the light beer landscape. To celebrate the arrival of this unique Luxury Light beer, Criss Angel has designed a death defying escape that will amaze and spellbound his audience.

Heineken USA is inviting domestic light beer drinkers to ?succumb to smooth? with the national launch of Heineken Premium Light. The Company has commissioned Criss Angel to introduce the brand to New Yorkers and to the country with a never-before-executed stunt that will capture the ?surprisingly smooth? essence of the brand and leave audiences amazed."

Now I assume the weird question marks are hotmail's doing. However I want to know why in a Criss Angel Newsletter they talk more about the smooth taste of a beer and not the magician. There is a word I am looking for but I'll be damned if I can think of what it is.. *Cough*SeLlOuT*cough* but hey nothing sez let's get drunk and do something stupid like magic.

If you ask me Heineken is just the red neck beer of Scandanavia.

Bizzaro.

A riddle within in a mystery wrapped in a tortilla with some cheese.

Hey it's time for some more kokeyed advice from your truly. A friend of mine and I had been discussing the difference between doing magic for magicians and for non-magi's. One of the major problems with some magicians especially the younger up-and coming ones is they get so into magic they immerse themselves in magic and magicians they forget what the real world thinks.

Real people don't give a damn about how clever your ace assembly is. Laypeople don't call it a coin trick or a rope trick. It's just magic to them. Mundanes won't judge you as a person if yer pass or double lift is shite. As a matter of fact you'd be hard pressed to find a time when someone is REALLY wanting to care about what your doing sometimes. If they are looking at your hands when you do a top change, pass, or whatnot then I have news for you.. it's not them... it's you.

Ahem.. regardless, doing magic for magicians, as my friend says, is a puzzle. Especially in ones in "the know". If you fool them they might enjoy it sure or appreciate it.. but they ARE trying to figure it out. They can't help it. It's the nature of things. Most real people want to figure it out but don't have the knowledge. Their assumptions are based on what little they DO know about magic where a magician HAS the knowledge to figure it out. (And hey possibly rip the idea off from you.)

Now there are a few real people out there that will try to explain everything away. Some CAN figure out puzzles really well and can see thru a lot of basic magic and sleights. There are even those who HATE to watch magic cuz' it makes them mad they can't figure it out. It's ok to let that happen. As a matter of fact if they do watch and you fool them then kudos to you. To fool a know-it-all or entertain an anti-magic is a good feeling. Yer gonna have to bone up on that social interaction thing tho'. Don't be a magician. Be a human. Learn to interact socially without magic. It comes in handy trust me.

Now magicians.. if you are doing standard fare or a store bought or classic effect yer best bet is to not fool them but entertain them. In many cases a lot of magicians will NOT show their original pet effects to other magi's as they do have a habit of stealing moves, handling, and patter. It's just the sad truth. Heck depending where you go some groups of magicians are negative as hell. They will tell (And show) you 10 different ways they already know that's better than that new idea yer working on. Don't listen to those guys. They are bitter hobbyists... usually.

So go ahead and create new tricks and moves that appeal only to magicians if that's yer thing. It helps the pros and ambitious in the long run.

Bizzaro.

I feel it is generally my duty to post about certain new products when they are unusual and especially if they are overpriced. Now I am all for removing body parts but charging 70 bucks for a butcher knife and fake finger... thaz a tad silly doncha think. I am sure this is to keep it out of the hands of the "Curious" but how many people can you see doing this in the kids and church shows.

"Praise Jesus or his thugs might do THIS to you!! If you believe we can restore it like a leper! Pass the collection plate!!"

I'm not saying it's a bad idea.. I'm just sayin'.. that's all.

Bizzaro.

I just can't help myself...

Ever since I heard about this guy this is all I could think of...





Mind you there is a similarity I can't quite place...



If you don't get this joke.. then it's not for you.. and it's a shame you don't know your musical history.

Bizzaro.

Spook Club has me answering questions on their forum this week so if you ever had anything odd to ask me then head over and fire away. Be warned my repsonses can be wordy as I have a lot to say.

Bizzaro.

Well congrats go to Glen in Canada. He won the Sleightgeek Razor Blade contest. He gets a free copy of my Helter Shelter book. Many thanx to Sam Blankenship and chris for having me on their radio show. Hope I didn't prattle on too terribly much.

Also just decided to patronize (I mean buy something not make fun of) the Fearson/Angelo Carbone Shirt Happens effect. It's amusing to be sure but a few of the appications I think would be a litle undesired for those of us out of shape furry types... however it has many other brilliant applications. Color change shirt to name one. The best part is the bonus access to a video on how to make a seance cloth for dirt frickin' cheap. This is one of those "Why didn't I think of that" moments. So for $6.95 it's worth raiding your paypal balance.

Now off to edit footage of a girl who can fit inside a suitcase. Toodles.

Bizzaro.

Just a heads up... the Book we unleashed upon the magic market, Helter Shelter is doing well it seems. So well in fact Bizzaro will be appearing on http://www.magicbroadcast.com Saturday night 10pm central/8pm pacific to discuss it among other things. If you want to get a copy you can get it directly from us Here oooor persuade yer own local magic shop to order it.

Bizzaro.
www.smappdooda.com

There is talk on and in a few places about "The Underground" which tends to be moves and effects that circulate between close-up guys and are tweaked, toyed with and eventually published. Kickback was one of those effects. It was neet too. Lee Asher was once a prod member of "The Underground" especially with his original Cooking with Lee Asher video. At one point, (When he had hair kinda) Jay Sankey was underground. (Or above ground since he is Canadian) A lot of time when these new guys surface their material they become like bands. "Wow this new band Bowling for Soup is awesome!" Sorry to bust yah bubble but they have been around since the late 80's here in TX. Korn was like that too. Heard about them when I was 16. No one else did till' many years later.

However in yester-year did not have what we have now... Teh Intarweb. Hard to keep a secret nowadays... and much easier to turn a profit. When it was all word of mouth and re-telling about an effect you saw, usually mis-remembered, magic effects were easier to keep hush hush. Now "The Underground" has people like Daniel Garcia in it, (Who I remember from before he was "the" Daniel Garcia), along with a great many others. People like Criss Angel are taking advantage of these unknowns and using their material in his show.. like the guy who developed Coin in Can.

Lecture notes are one of the last bastions of "The Underground". However people are now writing notes ONLY for internet release. Nothing wrong with that... just makes it more accessible. How do you make something underground in today's age? Limited Runs. Hard to think of doing when the almighty dollar is on the line.. but for some.. art is what is more important.(That and the fact you don't want every 15 year old ass klown doing your stuff.. badly)

Just remember. Saying you have kept something a secret from the magic world for X amount of years doesn't mean anything except you just haven't told anyone about it or performed it at a magic convention.

Wanna keep something hidden? Put it up for print in a linking ring.

Bizzaro.

Bizzaro Product Review

Ok so this isn't terribly new but egads what is wrong with this picture?


Well for one it's not MUCH of a color change right? What about the sleeves? What about the collor? What about the fact it costs 175 damn dollars!! This again is an example of the secert does not exceed the pricetag. Someone sure is proud of this idea. Maybe if it wasn't so limiting. I dunno.. just thought I would bitch a bit. I'm done now...

Bizzaro.

Change is good...

Bizzaro.

Someone was recently asking for advice on stage magic on one of my fave sites: Magic Video Depot. It's nice to see people still interested in stage magic online with the upsurge of little close-up workers being created by the Asshat and websites like Ellusionist.

Anywho, this is some advice I gave him...

"Glad to hear yer interested in stage magic. Too many close-up magicians. Regardless, when it comes to stage work it helps to know about everything. Make-up, movement, and basic theater like blocking and moving. It helps to have a character or at least a "Reality bubble" to create around. In other words you need a reference as to what you or your character would do and wouldn't do. I would never do linking rings as it doesn't fit my style or stage persona.

Your first effect should establish who you are and what you do. What your motivation is and your personality. You also need to decide is it an all talking show or is there music bits or is it ALL music (Which I suggest. It takes away a lot of the facade and makes you a better performer by trying to express your feelings and self thru movement and acting.. and you can perform it in any language.)

Learn as much as possible about the world around you. Don't stay in the magic world persay but bring magic to otherwise non-magical things.. apples, baseball bats, shopping carts. Use everyday items. The less it looks like a magic prop the more effective something can be. Don't be afraid to try new things and experiment. Just because you haven't seen it doen doesn't mean it can't BE done. The best attitude to have is Nothing is Impossible. Magic itself is a puzzle for the performers of it. "I want to accomplish this.. how do I do it?" and it goes from there. It all really depends on how you want to play it. Stage magic takes time, dedication, and practice. Be prepared."

While writing this I touched one something I want to go more into on here. The "Reality Bubble" concept. It's a place where your own self-imposed reality exists. Where you create your own world and the happenings inside of it all in one nice neat little sphere you control. This bubble comes in various forms for everyone.

Dan Sylvester in his creativity lecture talks about how he has used Sylvester the Jester to create his own reality and therefore his unique magic. The living cartoon persona is HIS Reality Bubble. Everyone's is different. Mine is different from yours. Yours is different from his.. and hers.. and theirs. Just because your view of magic doesn't match up with someone else's doesn't mean it's wrong or you are right. The world is big enuff for everyone's bubbles.. just try not to pop anyone else's. That stuff has a habit to come back and bite you in the ass.

Just like the blog. hee hee.

Bizzaro.

Bizzaro.'s Guide to Magical Photos

Alright kids time for me to show you the steps to creating the best magic photos you can for use on your shabby frontpage created website or yer favorite webforum avatar.

Step One: Take a photo of yourself somewhere in your parent's house. The bathroom is usually empty. Make sure you outstretch your hand in a mysterious fashion. Speaking of fashion make sure you are wearing your best outfit for this. You know, the one you wear ANY time you leave the house so people will know yer a magician. If you are a mentalist and don't look like a 12 year old better point to your forehead or put some bent flatware in your hands. For now this will do...


If yer a total tool try this one...

It works best when leaning out of a fast sports car you could never afford at a local auto dealership. Make sure you take this photo yourself for that totally hip do it yourself close-up effect.

Step 2: Since Photoshop is so easily accessible ala' any number of downloading programs and any yeehoo can try to use it remove yourself from the background ala' your favorite method.


Step 3: Now to set the mood... mysteeeerious. What's more mysterious than space? That's right NOTHING!! Just ask Gene Roddenberry.. oh wait, you can't HE'S DEAD!! Regardless, put yourself in front of what you have between your ears.. space.


Step 4: Now to add a bit of magic to the mix.. by adding special FX with our magic SPECIAL FX GENERATOR (Lighting thunder muppets etc..)


Step 5: As if that weren't enough, time to add a force of nature and hey, nobody understands lightning right? They're like microwaves. No one really knows how they work right Pinky? (NARF!) So hell why not add some of that!?


Step 6: We're almost done kids. Now to add the often overdone and goofy looking Lens Flare effect. [Filters - Render - Lens Flare]. It says, "Magical, kool, and lazy bastard all at the same time. Much easier than trying to time yer FISM flash just right.


Step 7: To show you are a master of all you survey better put in the all seeing eyes for that touch of creepy. Besides you have to fill in that empty space in the corner. Be proud. You are probably the first person to EVER think of doing that!!


Final Step: Are we there yet? You betcha! Just add that drop shadow to show yer more than just a two dimensional cut out.. even if you are in real life. Voila'! A masterpiece.. a piece of whut I won't say...


So what does this picture have in common with almost every other magic photo online? It tells you absolutely NOTHING about the performer, what he does, or who he is. Looks like every other generic magician out there. Nothing to make it stand out in the minds of the normal public or make them interested in getting to know the person. No real personality or character to speak of. Could be anyone. Hell he could be trying to peddle Scientology on us.

I did this as an example to show you how most magic photos turn out lacking imagination or creativity in the department of selling who you are. Try to find a way to stand out among all of the other balding, heavyset, glasses wearing magi's. (Sorry the long beard and creepy voice are already taken.) Try to find what is unique to you and your character. If you have no character.. or personality then fake it. However holding up a fan of cards or a dove doesn't tell us jack about you. Nor does holding a crystal ball or crouching down outside somewhere by some steps. Be an original and they will never forget you.

Speaking of magic do me a personal favor and please stop making photos of stuff you can't actually do in your act. (i.e.) holding your assitants head with their body in a chair. It is good practice to do as little image manipulation as possible and get it all in studio. When the time comes and you have to perform the person hiring you won't ask you, "So when do you remove your arm and juggle with it?"

I am only telling you this for yer own good. I'm just trying to help...

Seriously.

Bizzaro.

With the release of my new book I am having a contest at one of the more relaxed and laid back magic forums www.sleightgeek.com. Head over there and you too could win a copy of Helter Shelter for yer very own!

Bizzaro.

The Magic Cafe has always been a big point of hilarity and mockery in Blogs since The Magic Circle Joik started. Necessity is the mother etc etc...

It's easy to understand honestly. You put a buncha people who THINK they know what they are doing in one spot and yer gonna get friction. I found someone has posted about the release of my new book. I have never seen a group of people so willing to pass judgment so fast. (Unless you count the xians.)

The DVD that guy is referring to was a fairly shoddy product. I saw it. Very little detail was given about the history or various methods used to achieve the razor blade illusion. We spent a good amount of time researching and accumulating ideas and methods without going too crazy. (There is such a thing as too MUCH information.)

The comment about Jim Rose is fairly true. He does use it quite a bit but that DVD also does not go into much detail either. I mean kudos to these guys for furthering the exposure for this fine illusion but much disdain to the uninformed masses of amateurs who know nothing about magic or it's history.

So in short.. don't be that guy.

Bizzaro.

Who invented it?

Two good places online to check that out...

Here...

and here.

SO FYI for your curious types.

Happy 200666.

Bizzaro.

PS: don't forget to look here too.

First off I am gonna PIMP YO' SISTER!!! er.. my stuff.. The new Helter Shelter book is now for sale at Murphy's Magic Supplies. Tell yer fave magic shop you want them to order it.

Now I'll trade you. You make them order my crap, and I'll tell you something useful. Previously a reliable way to create your own custom printed playing cards was either a hassle or fairly expensive. You could order the custom FAK-O sheets. They are good for normal cards. If you are the stubborn bastard type like me who use nothing but Jumbo Index cards or for those of you who are insane and use Lo-Vision cards it might be a bit more challenging.

Recently I found a step by step way to make your own cards on Alt.Magic brought to you by Mr. Ray Haddad. It can now be found Here. It's good solid advice but time consuming. The price of shirt transfers has gone down a bit since then too. I recently found another good shortcut for custom cards I shall now share with you.

Purchase Shipping labels larger than a playing card. (3.5 x 2.5) If you are photoshop savvy and have a scanner yer good to go. First scan the packing label sheet and use it as a template so you know where to position the card graphic. Scan some playing cards and adjust them as needed. Position them properly within the label lines and PRINT THAT SUKAH!!

I hope you bought a deck of blank cards. (Cuz' real cards can be seen thru the thin labels. If in a pinch you can sand off the pips of an ace with fine grain sandpaper) Line up the label as best you can and slap it on the card. Cut around the edges and voila a custom card!! Wait, there's more...

It's gonna have a matte finish (Unless you buy gloss coat shipping labels) so you will also need to use the Krylon Gloss finish to make the surface shiny as well as seal the label on the card.

Let it dry and voila' custom printed playing cards!!

Hope yah have fun with that and don't forget: Nothing sez lovin' like a book about razor blades.

Bizzaro.

TOTALLY off topic...

My blog is worth $564.54.
How much is your blog worth?

Amusing regardless. More soon after the holidays.

Bizzaro.

Who's yer daddy?

A lot of magicians try to let a spectator perform an effect such as spectator cuts the aces. They feel this makes the helper the star... but let's think about this for a second. Ok sure the person helping will feel good for getting what you wanted right. A person who craves attention or power like a CEO or somesuch will prolly get off on being the center of attention for a moment or two. (A moment is three seconds long in case yah cared)

However in the real world a crowd watching a card handler/magician KNOWS that it was NOT the person doing the magic but the magician being clever enough to set up that instance of entertainment. Now some of the people out there who get easily freaked out by magic will believe anything but on the whole having someone else perform the motions just shows that the performers hands had nothing to do with it but still could accomplish miracles. Saying the spectator did it makes it less pompous.

Whatever gets us through the day hunh?

Bizzaro.

Amusing and worth reading.

That's all.

Bizzaro.

Can we Talk?


Ok so I just had a conversation with an old friend online... this goes to show just how much magic shows (Thru constant bombardment thru repeats) can still be effective and just how much exposure sites and TV shows don't hurt us on a whole.

The following story is true. Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The typos however have been left in.

what is with davis blaine?
smappdooda: David
smappdooda: he's got a good marketing team why?
s: i love him
s: how does he levitate?
smappdooda: the balducci levitation and video editing
s: uh
s: but you can see him going up, and the people are so freaked out
s: you mean it's fake?
smappdooda: don't believe everything you see on TV.. especially by magicians.. ESPECIALLY unscrupulous ones
s: ....unscrupulous? David Blaine? But i love him! How can he be unscrupulous?
smappdooda: well ok magically unethical how's that?
s: ,,,,i am confused
smappdooda: He does a buncha stuff that you could ONLY do with money and a crew.. but I guess David Copperfield has been doing the same thing since the 80's
s: ok you know that one thing where the card the person picks is shoved through the glass and you have to cut the glass to get it? that freaked me out. Are you saying that his tricks are all crap?
smappdooda: well technically ALL magic tricks are crap heh. The methods are SO downright sneaky or dirty that we don't tell how they are done because it makes it go from neat experince to shitty trick
smappdooda: but if you like Blaine check THIS guy out http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=TxcOk85GCoc&search=japanese%20magic%20cyril%20takayama
smappdooda: he is the japanese version and BETTER
smappdooda: got a lot of videos of him in a list to the right
s: ok but seriously how does he levitate? can you just tell me?
smappdooda: sure he does a trick called the balducci levitation and then they edit the reaction sounds while he is lefted up on wires. That's all edited he gets the reaction by lifting up only a few inches using a sneaky method
smappdooda: yes the levitation is all edited and fake
s: what is the sneaky trick? does he use a cane or something?
s: err sneaky method
s: "he gets the reaction by lifting up only a few inches using a sneaky method"
smappdooda: it's a trick called the balducci levitation.. lemme see if I can find some footage of it to show you hold on..
s: i know, i googled it, but do you know how they do it?
smappdooda: yah I can do it
s: then tell me how please
smappdooda: well have you seen a video of it yet?
smappdooda: http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Stage/7308/balducci.html#Solution
smappdooda: there yah go thaz the levitation he gets the reaction with
s: oh.
s: wow ok.
s: pretty cool trick
s: there is a place that charges $20 for a dvd to learn that
s: so i owe ya
s: now what about the card and glass thing?

So yes I told her how it was done. (But not the card glass thing. Yer penetration frames are still safe.) Obviously not that big a loss.. you know how many people expose that trick on the internet? I tend to feel a bit annoyed when asked about the Asshat's levitation. I feel it was a cheap way to go about things and have no problem debunking it. (Not like I am the only one.)

Now up there I am sure you noticed a weblink up there to a japanese magician named Cyril. He does the same stuff Blaine does. Preset up props, stuff you could only do on TV, or have the money to build for TV. (Mind you upon reflection Copperfield has been doing this for some time but these guys take it to the EXTREME) Cyril does something different from Blaine.. he smiles... kidding. He seems to enjoy what he is doing and has style.. maybe even a personality if I could understand japanese.

So what did we learn today bois and gurls? The Asshat is forever engrained into society like the giants he stands upon. Henning, Copperfield, Houdini, and many MANY others. There is no way to avoid it, but let's face it.... if you had a TV special you'd do it too.

Birds do it, bees do it.. let's do it...

Let's do a card trick.

Bizzaro.

Some people should give thanks to Sylvester the Jester for bringing the concept of the Appearing Pole to the mass market. Now I dunno if he TOTALLY originated it but he was the one who made it the most famous and found the best resources for it.

Just sayin'...

Bizzaro.

P.S. - It seems the man who started the trend of magic blogs has finally made good his threat to go bye-bye... or he's screwing with alla us. Regardless.. nothing lasts forever. Even cold November rain.< /crappy song reference >

Recreating The Wheel

As magicians we sure do like to flex our creative muscle to create a method for an effect that fits our style or comfort level of handling. When it comes down to it tho', no matter how you accomplish it the outcome is always.. the same. Mind you as magicians we're the only ones who know but do we really need 149 ways to do an Ace Assembly. Is one method of Torn and Restored paper better than the other when they all come to the same conclusion? Is it really necessary to use a gimmick for three flight? Only YOU can prevent forest fire... er.. only YOU can answer that question.

With that in mind let's talk about the classics. They are called that because they will never cease to amaze people and bore the snot out of the people who know how it's done. I am sure when James Stewart was alive he didn't wanna watch "It's a Wonderful Life" every X-mas. I KNOW Tim Curry isn't too big a fan of watching himself in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Why? They lived thru it. I know that anytime I see Linking Rings I tell the person next to me to wake me when it's over. Why? Cuz' I can do the silly things but refuse to. Personal opinion. Some magic I never get tired of seeing. That's just the way it is, some things will never change (Bruce Hornsby).

However since classics work well on the mundanes who write our checks we still have versions of Cups and Balls ranging from see-thru cups to milk shake container. We have linking rings made of barbed wire. We have Zombie Balls that look like tables and big red volleyballs (Which still confuses me why it looks like that.) So it's not so bad to take a classic and make it your own unique entity. Most magicians have a favorite classic. For me it's the multiplying balls. (Hence the eyeball routine I do.) I'm not doing anything frighteningly new but I have dressed it up to meet my standards and outlook on life. Does that make it noteworthy? Hell no! Is it the personality and performance I put into? I'd say yes but that's really up to the person viewing it.

So just remember. Even if 3/4ths of the world's magicians do cups and balls you could find a way that's never been done and stand out among the crowd. (And win a TAOM close up convention. They love cups and balls there. TRUST ME.)

So become classically trained. It might do yah good.

Bizzaro.

So think about this the next time you watch someone perform like Greg Wilson or David Regal....

A guy comes into the room. You know he is a magician. He knows you are an audience there to see him. His job is to make you suspend your belief and question what you know thru his medium of magic. Mind you magic has a new connotation with each new Harry Potter book and film. They show that "real" magic takes a lot of schooling and practice. If it were real it would garner much respect and responsibility. (You'll notice that not a ONE of them does card tricks.)

Now take the modern conjurer. He brings out a deck of cards, shiny cups and.. crochet balls? He urges you to participate and remove a card and then finds it in an unusual manner. Perhaps he makes all of the aces assemble in one spot. Maybe coins penetrate a table. Whatever the outcome he always seems surprised at it.... which is suspect in of itself.

If you were really a magician I doubt you would be totally surprised when something you have done before worked. Maybe if it was truly the first time. Also it is possible that things would just HAPPEN by accident in your favor (or not) and you would be more used to them than shocked I would think. If you have been studying hard and lived with magic all your life you would not be phased so much as maybe annoyed.

That is.. if you were really a magician.

Bizzaro.

Ok don't get me wrong. I like online demo videos. (Unless they are so blurry or poor quality they look like this one here. However because of the rise of sites like sleightgeek and Magic Video Depot, (Which are nice sites with kool people on them, don't get me wrong), we are getting magic that looks better on camera than in real life.

Today's magicians, the younger ones especially, are doing ADD magic. They develop these effects that are one trick ponies and then sell it or show it to everyone before it gets a few years of audience flight time. Hey it looks good on camera it'll work everywhere. Not so true.

Magicap is one such of these effects. Great idea. Good concept. Looks great on video. Little more cumbersome in person. It's got a TON of uses but if you are smart about it you will only use it for one or two of it's many uses. It's not a whole routine in itself, it's part of one.

The other problem I have with effects like this is they are all shown being performed with fast movement, jerky action, and swift effects. Many of our magical ancestors would say go slower. Matter of fact with Magicap there is a way to present it that looks like magic.. not a trick.

All I am saying is spend some more time performing your effects before releasing them for sale. You might discover a better way of doing it...

or not at all.

Bizzaro.

I have the fortunate opportunity to work at a video production office that happens to be run by a magician. He gets to record a lot of convention footage and stuff for archives and whatnot. I help edit them and such and because of that I have seen some really good magical acts.. and sad to say... some really bad ones. Acts that leave me saying to myself, "And I'm still broke?"

Many of the magicians that come thru on these tapes are doing their "Competition" acts. An 8 minute act of doves, cards, candles, manipulation, and an otherwise amusing little vignettes. Such is Arthur Trace. His act involves a modern art theme. His website is sadly lacking in information about his specific magic acts. I do wish he dressed more the part of someone messing with a painting. As it is so far he looks like a museum curator or one of those latte' vinte drinking art snob gallery guys. (All black, jacket, etc) While his act is very strong and unique he suffers from the same as most other magi. No personality or memorable character to grasp onto. Just another face in the crowd.

Mind you I have gotten off subject. So many magicians spend so much time on a competition act I think they lose touch with performing not just for but TO an audience. Remember, the fourth wall is only there if you don't tear it down. (The fourth wall is a theater term where you play facing the audience but do not acknowledge they exist. Sometimes it is good to break the fourth wall barrier and sometimes not depending on the presentation.)

Basically these acts are the centerpiece of their show and the rest of it is just a variation on a theme. If you decide that you want to work magic conventions all your life then go for it. Create a magician pleasing magic competition act... or become unique in all that you do and see what real people like. Don't forget to research and ask and NEVER be afraid to get feedback from "laymen".

I've said it before, I'll say it again.. and again.. and again.. and again..

Bizzaro.

Fear and Loathing...

It is our job as magicians to make the impossible possible. Some people can naturally think at right angles. Some of the best art, music, literature, poetry, and much of the classic artforms we highly respect were all done by people who were honestly stoned off their ass. They did enough drugs to be not only invincible but realize that NOTHING was impossible.

I'm not advocating drug use here, however anyone who has taken a hallucinogen will tell you that when the text on a book starts dancing around it's a fun time had by all. People can be distracted by ant hills for three hours on the right kind of drugs. I personally know a guy who said the best thing he ever did for his magic career was take LSD... mind you it didn't do much for his military career but whatever.

Learn to think like you are on drugs. Don't walk the straight line. Think in a circle. If you wanna take them go for it. IF you are like me who has NEVER touched a drug in his life good for you too. Just remember: The impossible is NOT impossible.

"If you don't think drugs have done good things for us, then take all of your records, tapes and CD's and burn them." - Bill Hicks

Bizzaro.

I'm not the only one...

This was sent to me by a fellow magi. At least somebody appreciates what I am doing.

"...the tuxedo wearing, bird molesting wand wavers. It seems any idiot that can shell out 20 bucks for an Abbotts catalog can become a "Magician" with little if any creativity at all. But the real pisser is they get all the paying gig's Why?.... cause the paying public don't know anything better is available, and some are just not willing to take a chance on something original and totally different.

I hate "Magicians" that perform a trick straight out of the box, some of these lazy bastards will actually use the patter included in the instructions! WTF!"

Hee hee Bird molesting wand wavers.

Case in point? How many different ways do we need to achieve "Levitation"? At 400$$ prolly one less. It's not a new idea just a unique application of a method. Not a bad one tho'.

Oh can we stop making promo videos stop sounding like rap music videos.

Personally if I am gonna blow cash on anything it'll be stuff like this. Alas tis' not a sharpie marker so I will never buy it.

Bizzaro.

Just a side note... seeing this whole Whit Haydn drama on the blogs and boards leads me to say this little thing. If you don't release the same shit over and over again to make a buck, this shit won't keep happening."

Some of these "pros" need to lighten up.

Bizzaro.

You know I try my damnedest to not make the journal about me personally.. however sometimes I must go off on some things. Today's subject.. The Magic Castle.

Now I must preface this with I am NOT bitter about the following information personally. Just in general about everything like this situation. Allow me to explain...

I personally dropped off my promo material about 3 years to the box of Ron Wilson. I emailed him about seeing it and his reply was "We regret to inform you we are not hiring this genre of act". Genre of act? WTF does that mean? You mean magic? They're not hiring magic acts at the magic castle. That must suck for the patrons.

Well not being one to give up, I have kept trying. Submitting new material, going thru different channels, etc. Well thru inside sources I have been informed that Ron Wilson is by far the WORST talent booker around and he's gonna stay there till' he DIES!! He doesn't look at the acts he hires, barely looks at promo stuff, and hires the same trite TV fed bullshit that they have been pushing on the populace for years!! Now mind you they DO book interesting acts from time to time. Some good, some enh.

Ok so I sent my stuff to Dale Hindman who didna bother to look at it I gather and sent it to John Lovick and Ron. Well Lovick is a new liaison at the Castle. Handsome Jack by his stage name as he is known to some. I got an email I wish I had saved that pretty much said "You got some good stuff, but we doubt you would fit the castle, etc etc." Ok thaz fyne with me. You LIKE the trite cups and balls, box and dove magicians there fyne. However, I was recently there and saw a performer who not only was waaay out there in a morbid sense but made borderline S&M jokes. It was like Crispin Glover doing Anthony Perkins doing magic. Don't get me wrong it was hilarious. The audience of drunks GOT IT.

So because my style is a little dark and on the edge but yet uses NOTHING profane, vulgar, OR bloody. People of all types have been proven to dig my show.. especially drunks. (The crowd at the castle later in the evening for sure.) Now I will NEVER give up. I am out to prove a point not only to the close minded people at the castle but everywhere. Just because an act is different doesn't make it any less entertaining than the normal BS out there. I will NOT let people stop the unique and artistic individuals trying to broaden peoples minds. We're out here people!! We're coming for you!! Yah can't stop us.. or me for that fact. I'll get you all.. and yer little dogs too!!

Why am I telling all of this to you people who read this? Mostly out of venting. See, when I sent emails to Ron and a reply to Lovick about how unfair I think they judge an act based on how different it is and not even GIVING it a chance I never received a "Whatever leave us alone" reply. I am Disgusted by people who do not reply back to emails in a business sense. Not even a fuk you buh-bye. So I post it here. In my own little world. I don't want to start drama and post it on the Genii boards. This isn't a pity party for Bizzaro. This is just venting and information. I don't care what anyone thinks, I just want to inform.

And issue a warning.. I'm not done yet. Lovick.. Wilson.. watch out.. I got a close up and parlor act too MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAH!!!!

Bizzaro.
Pimp Ninja Jedi

Cuz' I said I would thaz why!!

This weekend saw me in CA for Bat's Day. I did a show, saw the sights and even got to see some old friends. As usual when I hit SoCal I like to visit "Le Magic Castle" (Fuck you v2.0 David Oliver) and got to see Jason Latimer's Clear Cups and Balls that won him FISM. Good idea. A few very old principles used in almost new ways. As was told to me his card work was "enh" but the cups were by far the best. His camera card idea has merit but when I saw it twas' sloppy.

Also saw a gentleman whose name I forget but it was like Crispin Glover does magic... sans the rats. It was AWESOME!! Dark humor and very modern. Kudos to him. Skipped the Palace show. Only so many times I can watch people shoved into glitzy boxes. Also said hello to Joe Monti. Nice guy and a good performer to boot.

All in all had a good time. Why do I tell you alla this? I told an accented pleasant smelling magi I would.

Until next time, the east coast calls.

Bizzaro.

HEEEEEEEEY KIDS!!!


I'll be touring the east coast for a few months so if yer looking for exciting news and posts on my heroin..er.. harrowing adventures then go over to http://www.sideshowtours.blogspot.com

Until then... don't eat too much bacon.

Bizzaro.

I don't normally get involved in stuff like this but..

It kinda goes with the things I like to teach new magicians... and people in general. First it starts with This and swings deftly into That. (Why do I feel like I am doing that damn trick put out by Danny Archer?)

You can read the drama for yourself. The point I am making is thus... First, don't assume just because you do magic in restaurants and kids parties and yer 15 you can roll with the pros and expect to get treated like one. Second, don't, for the love of whatever deity you worship, ala' yer favorite method, listen to a buncha people online who chide you for something. They don't like it? Tough. Can't please everyone and if it's someone whose opinion you don't care for.. screw em'. Be yourself. Don't apologize for yourself.

Lastly, and this is the most important and hardest to do... don't blame others for your short-comings. Sometimes you get called on your bullshit. Own up to it, make a joke, build a bridge, get over it. Life is too short to worry about petty things. There are more important events in your life... I promise. Magic isn't the end.. or beginning of your world.. you are.

Lastly... even tho' that was the last one.. but eh.. screw it. (See I am taking my own advice. Go me!!) If you are so petty and narrow minded that something like an online community, or postings of another person, cause you to get all indignant.. then get out of magic. There are enough idiots already mucking up the system for those of us who DO take it seriously as an art and a career. Take a better hobby.. like stamp collecting.. or animal husbandry.

Now I DO wanna make this clear that this post is not, repeat, not aimed at the subject of the aforementioned drama. He is just the trigger. I see this stuff all too often. Just a little advice from me to you... all 3 of you.

"Let's stop this and start over
Let's go out - let's keep going" - KMFDM

Bizzaro.

"New Magic tricks are like a tattoo. Wait a while to see if you REALLY need it or want it... and be sober."

Bizzaro.

Let's talk about things that aren't in the spotlight. I mean magical effects or goings-on that are just in the peripheral.. some catch em.. some don't. These can be JUST as strong as bits of business as if presented as an effect unto themselves.

What struck this chord was a new effect by some french dood. The idea is solid and the gimmick looks damn near undetectable. As always I research interesting new ideas when they come out and many good things have been said about this.

Now you could easily perform it like this: "Watch this ordinary borrowed deck of cards as I defy gravity and the law of psychics..er.. physics. Etc etc.. now thaz all fine and good but that just draws uncalled for attention to something that is otherwise a 10 second effect.

Now imagine you remove a deck of cards and before you remove it from the box you balance it on your hand, while the other hand searches for a pen. Perhaps you go thru your effect and to free up a hand you balance the deck and hold their card at your finger tips. Sometimes you don't have to draw attention to something to make it work.

Just ask Rich Cowley...

Bizzaro.

So do I have any advice for people who wanna do magic as a living? Yes... and it's not even my advice. (What a shock.) Technically, it's everyone's advice. Those who have been there, done that. When you get a chance to, read the "In their own words" interviews in MAGIC magazine. I'm serious. No but really.

It's professionals telling you what THEY had to go thru to get where they are now. Learn, laugh, and realize that it's not just you going thru tough times. Tom Mullica had to couch surf a LOT, Mark Kornhauser worked MALE strip clubs. If you have what it takes you will succeed... if you never give up.

Want advice? Don't ask people online. Try reading.

Bizzaro.

Here is another lesson brought to you by Bizzaro...

SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION!!

Reminders that you are alive and well and still manipulating people's minds is one of our best tools. To be a presence you must be present.

With that in mind, new footage from a recent show can be seen here!!

Lesson over.

Bizzaro.

To: Magicians of the world
From: Bizzaro. The Optical Illusionist

Dear Fellow Magi,

For the love of all sorts of gods everywhere, please stop describing your show with so many adjectives it makes the hype sound like you are compensating for something. Phrases like "edge-of-your-seat amazement" and "taking the world by storm" are over used and trite. I understand you have to hype up your show but let them make up their mind before you say, "You'll love every minute of it!!". Try being a little more honest and focus on what matters... you. It's not the magic it's what YOU can bring to the venue.

Also, while I am thinking about it, stop putting "Magic for All Occasions" on your business cards. I don't think and Amish Barn Raising needs a magician.. but I could be wrong. Pick a path and GO WITH IT!!!

And for fuk's sake, stop signing your letters "magically Yours".

Magically Yours,
Bizzaro.

(DAMMIT!!)

what IS it with people charging silly amounts of cash for tricks with ties!!?

Just thought I would ask...

Bizzaro.

Revenge of the Asshat...

You know the saying, "You Can't Please all of the People all of the Time"? ("And last night all of those people were at my show" - Mitch Hedberg) Well in magic that saying can really hit home. Some people just will NOT dig your act.. or get it. (Good pal Dan Sylvester wrestles with this constantly. Some people just don't get it. I personally think it's genius.) This is why as entertainers, we need to be more like theme parks... SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMBLY!!

I recently did an open mic gong show mock up for fun. There were three judges, two females, one male. I had 4 minutes so I decided to do my fire act. (Flame from the zipper, etc.) In the end the two lowest scores were a 5 and the highest was an 8. The two fives came from the gals. This put my show into perspective a bit. Females I think, on a whole, don't dig on fire as much as guys. Now I know that is kind of a generalization but it's like the three stooges. SOME girls like them, but it's mostly dudes who dig them.

If I had done one of my comedy acts I probably would have scored higher. What's my point? I'm glad you didn't ask. A show should have something that can appeal to everyone. In this case comedy and magic for the ladies, fire and slapstick for the guys, and kids (Or drunks, same thing) like it all.

This I think is one of the factors that hurts David Blaine, The Ass Hat. His shows offer little humor aside from the small amount of amusement we get watching him fool some inner city youth. Chuckling to ourselves, "Huh huh he fooled them good and they act like retards huh huh." Yah thaz about it. Even Copperfield in all of his Jewish glory finds time to be funny now and again. (Generally more amusing in his live shows than TV.) It seems even Criss Angel is falling prey to this on his new TV show. Only going for the creepy factor which not everyone will go for. If you are gonna be on TV, you should at least try to be marketable to a wide range of interests. There is indeed a market for everything, but the people who have been the best at it, are indeed a good time had by all. (On the upside with Criss being on TV there might be more of a call for people who do "Weirder" magic.)

So am I saying you HAVE to try TRY and be funny? No. Just pay attention to your crowds, see what works best. Try and have something for everyone. Humor, magic, movement, and for the ADD kids.. something shiny.

Bizzaro.

You Realize this is a Set-up right?

I was reading thru some of Michael Close's writings from his workers books and boy that man sure thinks a lot about magic... which is good. Someone needs to. In one of them he talks about assumptions people make ahead of time about magicians. One of them is that there is no WAY a person would go out of their way to make a prop so convoluted JUST to entertain someone... which is TOTALLY wrong.

I cannot tell you how many hours I have personally spent hot gluing odd things together to make a trick seem "impromptu" or modifying a "normal" prop. This post is about such a trick. I saw this performed by the late Johnny Brown here in TX. It's not his, and it's not hard to find, but the effect is killer and hardly ANYONE does it today. (Which is true of most old effects and books. Vito Lupo made a career off of the stuff out of the Tarbell series. Well that and he's a good performer.)

This fooled the hell out of me in my younger years, and the effect is thus. A fully inspected glass is placed into a fully inspected coat jacket pocket. Then four (yes fully inspected) coins are placed one at a time in the hand. They vanish and heard to AUDIBLY fall into the glass on the other side of the body. There is no help from the other hand and they are both shown fairly empty after each vanish.

This is a coin classic (or was anyway) and I'd like to see some people doing it again. Sadly I cannot as I hardly wear a suit jacket EVER. Now this trick oddly enuff uses a gimmick. It also looks like real magic and total skill. I will not divulge the set-up or where to find it. I want people to do it but not EVERYONE!

This is just one of those effects that while no one would suspect we as performers would go thru so much trouble.. but we do. Prime example, and pure impact. You want beautiful magic that blows people away, get yer lazy ass off the internet and quit looking for the newest thing from Ellusionist and Penguin magic. Try reading some coin books from TX.

We have much to learn from our past.

Bizzaro.

Ok just saw an ad for a new effect coming out and was amused by something in the description...

"...have the spectator use a magnet to search the test area for other magnets or threads."

thaz all.

Bizzaro.

A long while back I made a post about how I thought it was silly someone had to actually name "The Biddle Grip" instead of "Hold the cards like this". Regardless, there are some things in magic I truly do not get. There are thousands of stories in the naked city. This is one of them.

I honestly do NOT get The Lepaul Spread. What is the big deal with this move and why do so many people say it's so damned hard to do. Has anyone ever honestly done the Lepaul spread and have someone go "OOOoooooOOOooooh" over it.

For those who don't know what the hell I am talking about here is a video of someone doing it. Sure it looks kool but why does everyone make a big deal of it. It only mildly looks kool and to get the full effect you'd have to say "Watch this [spread]" and even then all they are gonna do is pick a card cuz' when you spread a deck at someone their mind goes right into that.

Maybe it's just me but I dun get it.

Damn kids and their rock music.

Bizzaro.

Ok I do like to complain about the capitalist sillyness of magicians nowadays. Like the devil's cokebottle that came out a while back. A science experiment someone was charging 1000$ for. It wasn't priced that high for the secret so much I think as the fact that it was the price you pay for not thinking of it first. It was brilliant!! A science experiment disguised as magic. Hell it's not the first time. "Any unfamiliar science or technology looks like magic" You wanna fool some people look at the old chemistry magic books from many years ago. (Do yerself a favor tho' research certain chemicals listed in those old books. Turns out asbestos is bad for you. Who knew?)

Ok so in the vein of "What the hell were you thinking when you priced that" I found a new magical toy that I am pretty sure is priced a tad too much. Now let me preface this with a little disclaimer: I think this is a dandy idea however I do not think the effect exceeds the price.

Ok with that said, I think this product fits into another rant about the pros and cons of online magic demo videos. Watch the video and you tell me how it's done. It's a tad obvious and to anyone who is unscrupulous and has any kind of engineering skill or a hot glue gun could easily recreate it. Why would they do that tho'? Are they evil bastards who dun wanna support an original artist? Are they some terrorist trying to bring down magic from the inside? Hardly. It's more along the lines of there is no way they are gonna shell out 150$ for a gaudy tie puppet on a stick. If it was priced lower then anyone who WOULD make it themselves would prolly rather be lazy and just buy it. 20$ is a great motivator towards sloth.

Now I am sure that the construction is superb (Or it's made all MacGyver like with a rubber band, duct tape, and a prayer.) but I do think that is a bit much especially when the method is very obvious. Now I am all for a demo video if the method is not simplistic or easy to discern. The internet is a harsh place and you could get the same idea from seeing a live demo at a real magic shop however you don't get a couple 1,000 people going in and out of a normal magic shop every hour. When I heard the description I thought "Oh Sean Begonia's dancing hank with a tie." I could dig that for the price... however...

Now someone will ALWAYS say, "Yer buying the secret". Ok fair enuff. Ever get the feeling some secrets just ain't worth that much trouble? Personally I think (Insert guys name here. It's not listed anywhere) should have just kept this idea to himself and sold it in a limited exposure on his website or something. It's a GOOD idea...

Just not a GREAT 140$ idea.

Then again, any trick you get that entertains and works well for you money should be NO object.

Bizzaro.

As things draw to a Close...

Saw recently Mike Close decided, after allowing himself to be barraged by many mediocre magical items for review for ten years, to call it adieu and persue other ventures, like books.

The MAGIC interview (Kevin James on the cover) made a few good points. Magic items are quite prolific in the not so much terrible and great category but in the "enh" spot. Mind you he even mentioned that a review is an opinion. I know that the opinion of a magician is TOTALLY different than that of the people whose opinion really matter.. the layperson.

I released a trick in a limited venue and it got a less than stellar review in Genii. Mind you most of the review was more spent pointing out my writing style than the trick. Regardless, the reviewer, (Who shall remain nameless), wasn't thrilled. Do I care? Hell no. I have been doing this effect for well over a decade and it KILLS. What does it all mean? A review isn't always gospel. The best review is yours and yours alone. See it done, and if yer lucky, someone will show you how it works. Only then can you make an educated guess on whether it will work for you OR fit your style and character. (This is why the internet shops shouldn't be visited as much. Real live magic stores are hands on.)

However for those who can't drive or dun live near a magic shop and the intarweb is yer last bastion of magical placement some smart folks have started My Lovely Assistant dot Com. You might had seen the ads in various mags, but it's worth a look see. I have ever contributed a few of my own special brand of evil reviews there. Knowledge is power and some knowledge should be shared to warn others of shitty magical products *cough*HeNrYeVaNs*cough*

Just remember: Is it you.... and is it worth 25$ for a deck of cards with a hole in the card box and a rubber band? (The correct answer is.. no.)

Bizzaro.

Seedy...

This is an excerpt taken from my brain after perusing the Magic Bunny forums. Someone was (And is always) asking about books, videos, DVD's on CD manip. Here is my shorter reply.

Danny Cole is the person on the first Burton Special and he helped make it trendy for others to start doing. Murray (Tall guy, blonde hair) Does an *almost* all CD act but always gets mixed reviews.

There is not much out there because very few do it and those who do wanna keep it on the down low for people who would want to saturate the market.

While this is just a smattering for the brit boys over there it pertains to so much more in magic. Once one person gets a good idea, everyone wants one. Here is my main problem with CD acts, and most manip acts for that fact:

Consistency

Mind you I could easily have said WHY!? but thaz obvious I think. Watching ol' Murray the major CD manip player in today's magic world got me thinking that what he is producing is nothing more than billiard balls, cards, and doves. Same stuff, just a prop change. (I dunno if he still does it but the production of a "CD castle" is a bit odd and really drives home the question WHY?

Mind you that has not much to do with the little bold word up there. Here is the deal. Some guy produces CD's? Ok thaz fyne. He produces sunglasses, manips the lens, produces a silk... wait.. is this a CD act? I seem to have suddenly forgotten.. to care. Most manip acts suffer this. They produce items for NO reason, (Aside from the fact it's pritty... mind you that is is the same foundation most people's dating life is built on.), and then muddle it up a bit by introducing random characters into the play that may or, more than likely, have NOTHING to do with the theme as a hole (Sp. error done on purpose. Of course if you tend to NOT read this due to my poor purposeful grammatical errors... what the hell do I care what you think?)

So yes try to pick a theme. I saw a guy at a magic competition start out strong and end nowhere NEAR his proposed act setting. (Oddly enuff manipulating CD's) Cd magic is very modern, trendy, and new to magic. (As new as a CD can be I suppose) There is little on it cuz' the people who do it feel that is their "Original" idea. Yup, yer an individual... just like everyone else. Give it up baby, yer not the first one to think a shiny round object was magical.

So yes CD manipulation is going to become into more and more magic acts I fear. Magic with records was done and I am sure some daring soul even tried 8-track magic. If it's done right magic with a cassette tape can be great. It's not the prop kids... it's you. Don't be like everyone else. Don't wait for someone to publish a book or a DVD or a video or a porno... create..

Do not follow... however perchance borrow.

Bizzaro

Run, Run Away

You ever heard the phrase, "Don't run if yer not being chased"? It's a very popular saying in Magic. Right up there with KISS and CHaSD. It applies in life too, except unless yer in South Dallas or Compton. Then you want to run regardless of being chased or not.

As magicians we tend to over-explain lot of stuff. "This is an ordinary coin" well no duh genius you just borrowed it from them. Actions speak louder than words and pictures are worth 1000 of them. IF yer audience isn't "getting" what yer selling, then it's time to change yer delivery. Less is more and I think the less you point out the bloody obvious the better.

Now we, the mirth-makers.. or is that the pill-takers.. whatever you wanna call us, we do tend to have a few things that are JUST to amuse us. There is no need to explain them and, aside from the occasional Jonestown Kool-aid reference or Michael Hutchins joke, are all perfectly safe probably. (Wow all of this just for that one line.)

Remember, just because people seem dumb doesn't mean they are... all of the time.

Bizzaro.

I been writing this journal for some time. A few people read it. No clue how many. Don't care. It's titled Magic Rants (Yes I had it first) but above it sez "Why am I stuck in Magician Hell?" That isn't exactly what some of you might think it means. After doing magic over 20 years you get to a point where it's hard to be fooled and you know how a LOT of stuff is done. You also tend to palm anything you happen to pick up. That ladies and gentlemen is magician hell. Coffee creamers, fruit, cards, coins, small household pets... nothing is safe from the threat of a finger clip or classic palm!!!

With this in mind we seem to forget what becomes effective in the eyes of the mundanes. Remember the first time you saw invisible deck? It prolly blew your mind. (20 bucks same as in town) What about a thumb tip? (I actually never saw this performed before I knew what it was.) I remember the first time I ever saw an ITR performed, back when they looked like crack pipes, and I about wet myself. Something floated RIGHT before my eyes!! I hadda get that!! Now I realize invisible thread is one big pain in the ass to use. Regardless... we forget.

I was flipping thru Penn and Teller's - How to Play with Your Food and they have a trick with a sugar cube very similar to that old voodoo ashes trick. Greg Wilson has something on one of his tapes using lipstick that I recently did when I was bored. Now voodoo ashes is in damn near every magic book on impromptu or good starter magic. It's yeeeeeears old. It's easy. It's effective... and very few people do it. Why? We forget that it BLOWS people's minds!! I personally cannot believe it. Thaz the magic side of me. The side that thinks like a normal-type person remembers that it must be trippy as hell to have that happen to you.

Don't stop using something because YOU have become disenchanted with it's workings. Use it. Change it to fit your needs. Some classics stay that way because they fool people. I don't like linking rings or cups and balls but they still exists for a reason. Don't let hat you know stop you from showing them something THEY don't know.

Forget everything you know.. or think you know... even if yer not Billy Barty.

Bizzaro.

And we live our life...

Like a candle in the wind. Yes folks Jay Marshall, owner of Magic Inc. in Chicago as well as the care and feeder of Lefty the Rabbit has passed on into that great stage of wherever you might just believe in. (Or if yer atheist he's just dead.) Another one bites the dust.... which brings up an interesting point.

What are we gonna do when all of our most current forebearers are gone? The best teachers and inventors will all eventually pass away and take much knowledge with them. Oh sure L&L publishing and Michael Ammar will randomly trick them into putting out a video series but there is so much more that will never see print of any kind. It's style. Very few people have any style anymore.

Many of our classics of magic (Billy McComb, not the linking rings) have what only comes with experience. Ingenuity and panache. With today's modern magi being able to find what they want at the push of a button they have NO idea what it's like to learn from great teacher or work for their skill. Once all the great teachers are gone there will be no more lessons to learn.. and then what?

Too many people don't research the history of their craft.. ANY craft as it is. I don't think you have to start a library and read Discoverie of Withcraft or anything but merely pay attention. (Even those of us who are too poor to pay attention probably should.)

Personally I don't feel here is anyone in today's magic world who has the flair of the older gents who are or soon will be long gone. They were TRUE gentlemen (In some respect or another). Dai Vernon knew how to dress, Bruce Cervon.. does not. (What the hell is up with that neckerchief anyway?) Regardless, knowledge is sometimes a limited time offer. Get it while the gettin's good.

Operators are standing by...

Bizzaro.

Let's talk about magic styles. What works? It depends what works best for you honestly. If you are a timid person then comedy is prolly not the way to go unless you can harness that ability to humor. Stan Laurel was a shy man and he made it funny. If you can do that, more power to yahz.

A very popular performing style is the bumbling magi. Carl Balantine was a fore runner of this style. Since then Cole and Co., Otto Wesely, and many others have used this type of act where the magic "kinda" happens to build a reputation. So this might lend itself to the debate of which is best for you? Suave tux and tails... or suave tux and tails that catch fire.

Some of the best and funny acts I have seen look like the magic props are attacking the performer. Incidental comedy is sometimes the best kind. People can relate to things not going as planned to someone. It happens to us everyday.

Some of the best loved characters in entertainment are the underdogs. Charlie Chaplain is a prime example. He was a tiny lone man in a great big world and persevered. Sometimes in very offhanded ways.

It boils down to this: Is it yer ego you are trying to sell, or your art? Were you not hugged enough as a child and need to look kool in order to feel cool? Or do you have the confidence to not get it always right and make something unique... In magic there is more questions to life than, "Is this your card?"

So you can either be another faceless interchangeable magical head, or you can be your own person. Find what makes you tick and how you work best and go with it. In the end, if you stick with it, you'll be rewarded. (Maybe not monetarily, but hey... it could happen)

Bizzaro.

Hey there I know I haven't been around much. Not having net access but once a week does that. (It also makes for a more creative time. Well that and hot glue.) I'm still here so check back soon for some new posts. Until then feel free to check out the new photos of a horrific mutant Zom-bunny.

Bizzaro.