Magic in the time of cholera...

In today's world it is not uncommon to see hypochondriacs crawl out of the woodwork when the word "pandemic" is uttered. As magicians we need to be aware of these strange goings on and be able to adapt. So many people are afraid to touch ANYTHING that might have come in contact with your mouth or even your person in NORMAL times.

So when some crazy flu goes rampaging across the world, we need to maybe look at a few of our handlings of tricks and make sure we remove, what we might feel, is the simplest of things.

Putting a card in your teeth during an ambitious card routine, placing a borrowed object into a phone, licking a spectators forehead to stick a card to it. (I hope I am kidding about that last one by the way) These things and more need to be considered so those helping us out can get the full enjoyment without worrying we are going to give them the plague.

Of course if you want to have some real fun, remind them that we use the same glasses and silverware EVERYONE else uses in a restaurant and watch their eyes widen.

Ah good clean family fun.

Bizzaro.

I take it back...

Magicians are NOT the most closed minded people in the world....

See?

Bizzaro.

Just a quick thing.... for all of you guys who vanish stuff onstage in a manip act and then bring it back a few seconds later because you have no other way to get rid of it.... please stop.

I'll explain why later.

Bizzaro.

Falling up

In life, (some) people tend to learn more from their failures than their successes. If you always achieve your goals on the first try, then yer not trying hard enuff. A lot of magicians have this innate fear of going belly up during a trick on stage. While this is indeed a valid phobia, it's not always a bad thing. Many a screw up can illuminate a previously hidden avenue to improve a trick greatly.

I say the best way to learn... is do. Get out there and give it the old college try. (Hell I didn't even GO to college) Maybe not at a high profile or paying gig. Perhaps at an open mic or on a small stage for the helluvit. (If yer a stage person.) for you close-up kids, there is no scarcity of places to ply something new. This goes back to an old post of mine about "in the moment" creation. Some of the best things come at you from left and ONLY when yer performing and pulling RIGHT from yer ass.

Don't let something silly like practice hold you back all the time. ONLY if you are confident in your abilities to cover yo' ass and shrug in the face of failure and laugh at yourself will you succeed in failing. If a trick going wrong in front of other people is the end of the world for you, then it's time to get over yourself and leave your insecurities at the door. We're just people. All of us. No one is going to run you out of town on a rail if you screw up a card trick at a nightclub. Just make sure you have something tried and true to fall back on... just in case.

You do own an invisible deck right?

Bizzaro.

On a crutch...

I have been thinking quite a bit about the material that magicians use. Sure we have seen effects like cups and balls, and clinking things, and egg bag used over and over again... but why? Is it because they are classics (or we have been TOLD they are)? Is it because we someone else do it and think, "Hey he got a good response from that, I bet I could too."? Perhaps they are just readily available from YFD. (if you don't know what that means, GTFO of magic.)

I think these are all contributing factors, but a big part of it is we know they are always there to fall back on. We know them, we know they work (Even if a metric fuckton of people have seen them), and they are readily available. The above tricks are just a smattering of the number of effects that have been flogged to death like 6 card repeat at a magic club meeting. I know a few of my readers do these tricks and do them well. Good for you. However, have you ever considered what you might create if you put these implements of ease down and tried to... create something new?

If you know that you will always have certain effects to "fill time", you will resort to them.

Just something to chew on...

Bizzaro.

Just replace American Idol with America's Got Talent....



You get the idea...

Bizzaro.

Grease is the word...

Or was that Hairspray? I haven't seen either one so what do I know?

I think there is a major lack of magicians in the US doing theme acts. The ones who are, tend to be going for competition and won't play terribly well in the real world.

Regardless, I love Asian TV for magic. They get so into it. This Act has some nice ideas to it. Perhaps a tad long and some superfluous stuff, but over all entertaining. It's probably a competition piece as well, but at least there is a definitive story arc going on... even if it's not totally clear at first.

Just thought I would share.

Bizzaro.

A den of thieves...

Sometimes magicians can reeeeallly bug me. The fact that I have heard non-stop that one day, while I am not looking, laying in a prone position, someone is going to sneak up, club me mercilessly about the head and shoulders (And the pert plus) and steal one of my personal pet effects.

I don't mind hearing it, it's more the fact I know it's true. Magicians are some of the most unethical performing types on the planet. They will sit in on someone's show and take notes on every trick, joke, and move. Then, just because it worked for someone else, they feel it is the right duty, nay their RIGHT to do it themselves.

For those of you who read my trite little ramblings, let me tell you something. There is no skill in taking someone else's ideas and using them for your own ill gotten gains. The person whose effect you are knocking off, or routine you are stealing or whatever, has (more than likely) put in some serious research and development into making what you have so callously absconded with. In many cases some big time monetary investments, just so you can come along all willy nilly and make off with their life's work.

Now chew on that for a second. If you are one of these people, I would like you to realize how big a scumbag you are. Why? Because if someone did it to you, you are likely the type to throw a girly hissy fit on some message board and try to get sympathy for your silly ass. Karma is a bitch my friends. (Don't "believe" me? Take a look at a little plummeting project out here in Vegas that shall remain nameless... sorta.)

I have made it very well known that I have NO qualms about physically hurting someone who steals from me and I have a few friends who know how to break fingers and end careers. Sure that sounds a bit harsh, but if someone is gonna take from you, I think it might be ok to take a little something back. The unethical need to get a good dose of manners laid down upon their heads... and knees.

So wise up. If you can't get by on your own ideas, maybe you need a better one. Like 9-5 and the local Taco Hut. You are not fit for human consumption, so you might was well do somewhere that reflects you as a person. Do I sound mad? Perhaps. Am I? Not really. I just want to make a point while it's on my mind. Don't like it? Start yer own blog.

Please drive thru...

Bizzaro.

Thank you Seattle!!

Today boys and girls, we're gonna look in the old Bizzaro mail bag and answer some questions from our friends at home. This first one comes from a young man named Troy out of Las Vegas. He writes:

"When can one call one's self a magician? Are you a magician when you can pull off a double lift? Or do one solid trick? Or have a solid 60 minute show?"

Well Troy that is a good question. Also a tough one. Magic is one of the few professions you can buy your job title. Sure you can buy some paints and brushes and CALL yourself and artist, but as soon as you try to paint, you are screwed. (Unless you call it avante garde or modern art. Then you can just defecate on a mailbox and put it in a gallery and be called a genius.... come to think of it magic is a lot like that too.) In magic you can get a trick deck of cards and effectively accomplish what people expect from a magician, to fool them.

I think the term magician is thrown around too loosely as it's a dated name that is too encompassing. Mind you, we can use that to our advantage. However, I think if you can reliably make ANY kinds of money performing magic then you can use the title. I want to narrow that down a bit tho'. I don't mean you have a real job and/or dress like a clown and do some crappy stock material. I mean you are actually attempting to perform and add something to the magical gene pool.

Problem with that is, people like Criss Angel do that, but the addendum to that is they are too self serving to really be doing magic any positives. See I have seen guys here in Vegas who have big illusions shows that by all definitions make them a magician. However, the crowbar separation is they STOP at magician, when the best kind of magic practitioner is first and foremost an entertainer.

To me the term magician has a negative connotation, so I might be a bit bitter and jaded. This is because I see it from the inside. All of the people who couldn't perform their way out of a change bag. However, they get indignant when someone who is a better performer beats them at a magic competition. People who use magic and the title of magician to make up for the fact they have no talent at ANYTHING else. They want to rock stars, but can't sing, play, or fuck to save their life.

So when can you call yourself a magician? That is up to you. I say look at those you admire and respect. If you TRULY think you can hold your own against them (or very close to it) then you have perchance arrived. However, by that point, you might have wised up and realized the moniker of magician isn't that brass ring you've been looking for.

Who says I don't do requests?

Bizzaro.

10%

"And the audience loves me.
And I love them.
and they love me for loving them... and I love them for lovin' me.
and we love each other... and that's because none of us
Got enuff love in our childhoods.
And that's show biz... kid."

The first act I do in my show here in Vegas was inspired from a certain scene in a movie. A lot of performers have been influenced from various media throughout their lives. From Alice Cooper to Devo. (the band, not the guy with the sword.)

I speak about stepping out of yer comfort zone by going to places you normally wouldn't. This goes for watching and listening to stuff too. Artsy movies and musicals usually have some great visuals and staging. Sometimes, the choreography itself could be the makings of a great act.... with a few prop changes.

So pay attention to things you might not usually. You might just find an answer to the presentation you been looking for.

And all that jazz...

Bizzaro.

Penultimate...

Funny things, most people don't know what this word means. Most times it is used to describe the best or final version of something. Funny thing is it means the NEXT to last. In a way, magic is very much like this. The best of the best version of an effect comes out and then something better crests the hill and previous effect then becomes the penultimate version.

Why do I bring this up? Well because sometimes a previous version of something is the better one. Improving upon something does not always mean better *koff*WiNdOwSvIsTa*koff*. Personally I feel that in most respects, (in regards to audience impact, not magician preference), there are some versions of an effect that will never be topped or needs be modified.

I thought about this while watching some of the Total Astonishment DVD set. (Which I will reserve opinion for until I am done seeing all of it, but so far... I'm not impressed) On some of the disc's there have been "upgrades" of effects from Harris' AoA books. Some of them were not necessary or really that good. On one of the discs there is a version of Reset. Quite frankly I think the best version of reset EVER is R. Paul Wilson's Ricochet. Sure being able to do some sort of reset effect thru sleight of hand is cool and all, but when you want a slap in the face with yer nether-regions to yer audience, then there is nothing better.

Magic is full of stuff like this. It always will be. Don't believe the hype that some new so-and-so in bottle is any better than yer tried and true quarter in bottle that you got for 10$ at the local brick and mortar, non-corporate magic shop. So here are my thoughts and a word for the day. I hope you learned something.

Next time, we will study coitus interruptus.

Bizzaro.

Ever get the feeling of Vu ja de?

Something you wish never did happen? I know every time I see linking rings come out I feel that way. Well apparently I am not alone. Click on This and then scroll down and select "Why must we repeat ourselves."

Listen, laugh, learn.

Bizzaro.

The soul of wit...

Magicians sure know how to DRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAG things out don't they? Now I don't just refer to the cross-dressing types here, I mean everyone. Not only with magic either. Bitching and moaning on websites are prime fare for the proficient armchair magi.

Of course there are those who can use that to their advantage. The king of this of course is Steve Fearson. He can spin hate into gold. However when it comes to magic effects, we just love to marvel at our own magnificence on stage. How many times have you seen a dancing cane routine that would have been much improved by cutting it down to about 30 seconds? How about card manipulation or linking rings or... well most anything considered a "classic". I have said this before and I will repeat it until people start listening. Just because you know every move with a prop, doesn't mean you should DO IT!!

I leave you with a quote - "A lot of magicians have a great 10 minute act, unfortunately it takes them 45 minutes to do it" - Elwood Rabbit

Staple this to yer forehead....

Bizzaro.

Doth mein ears deceive me?

I believe a very underused principle in magic is that of the auditory nature. I don't just mean stuff like the click pass and Gertner's Steel and Silver routine. I mean letting the effect really sink in by showing something supremely solid
and have weight. A good example is the video below.



Yes... I am a whore. Why do you ask?

Regardless, this effect is NOTHING without tapping the card on something or, ideally, dropping it onto a hard surface. (Of which none were available for this video) It's the noise that really fools them. How does it fool them? Simple. People make assumptions. They see it LOOKS like wood and you might say it is, but they don't fully believe it until they HEAR it's wood. There are a few magical items like this out there, that need to be seen to be believed.

A prime example is the Heavy Deck that has been released and knocked off. A huge hunk of metal that looks like a deck of cards, for those who don't know. A card is selected, then found, and then the deck is handed out and found to weigh a fuckton. The rub in this effect is that you drop the deck onto a surface first, especially if you are performing it for a group of people. With one person, you can get away with dropping it into their hand. It will lose some punch, but it becomes more intimate with one person, so the rules change a bit.

If you are however doing this effect for skads of people, dropping it on a table is a MUST as everyone will turn their head as they can't believe what they heard. This is an effect where assumption is reversed. They don't believe what they just heard. Maybe it was you hitting the table or just them having a lapse of hammer and anvil oddity. They will then want, nay HAVE to pick it up to see. When they now feel how heavy it is, they will be fully astounded.

There are a lot of great ways to use audio to your advantage for not only magic but also comedy. We have five senses, let's use them all. I know some of you might be senseless, but in the long run, it only makes sense. If yer lucky it might just make you some dollars and cents. So don't be shy, let em' hear yah commin'.

Aural sex: It's your friend.

Bizzaro.

Play with my....

So I was at the World Magic Seminar this last week. A great time to see old friends, make new ones, and generally embed oneself into magic kinda like.. well.. this.

If magic conventions have taught me ANYTHING, it's that you can do magic with anything. In magic I have seen everything from CD's to spoons to candles appear and disappear and even multiply at will. Last year a kid made card boxes appear at his fingertips. Compact Discs have become all the rage in the last decade as it's a far easier medium to hide in your hands than say... 8 tracks.

This year saw the return of someone I had met last year who had a good act then and this year took second (Who will now be a force to be reckoned with when he moves to the adult realm). His act consisted of bringing about ipod's to the magic stage. Hell even the winner of the International competition was a guy who multiplied cell phones between his fingers. No small feat indeed.

This brings up a good question tho'. To win at a magic competition, do you HAVE to manipulate something? Not necessarily, but let's face it. You see a guy producing CD's and mirror balls and whatnot and all you have is linking rings, yer screwed. However, if yer going head to head manipulation, and your act has a story structure and even subtext mixed with skill, you will kill every time.

The real challenge is making that same act enjoyable to not only magicians, but to non-magi's as well. If you ask me, I'd rather work in the real world.

They need the fantasy more.

Bizzaro.

Show us your best peacock...

There has always been a big debate in the magic community about flourishing compared to hiding your skill. There are people who temper the magic and flourishing. However, those who remain hardcore into it, are really just showing off for other magicians.

Watching the above video, there were some pretty things (Even one I had to back up a few times to catch) however, a lot of it was hard to follow and if someone who knows what's going on gets lost, think about how non-magicians would feel... and for anyone who isn't sober, fughedaboutit. I have called this style of magic "magical masturbation" and I stand by it.

You are just playing with yourself. Ruffling your feathers as it were to look pretty. IT rarely adds anything to the magic or performance. Just because someone goes "wow" when you do some complicated flourish, just remember, people say the same thing about juggling and fire eating. It's impressive because they can't do it and it looks hard. It's not that they are impressed with the trick itself.

To a degree, I agree that showing off too much can lessen the impact of magic to some people. If you can fling cards around like a dervish, then slight of hand should be NO problem for you. Most non-magical types think we do things that are just too fast for them too see, why perpetrate that already ridiculous and trite saying.

So just remember, while you are spanking it over the latest flourish DVD, when in public try to keep it in yer pants. Like I tell my girlfriend...

Less is more.

Bizzaro.

I think they named this trick after a girl I used to date...

(A real post coming soon I swear)

Bizzaro.

This is not at ALL what I thought it was...

Oh well.

Bizzaro.

Style vs. Character...

And there in the shower it hit me.... Style Vs. Character. Some have one, some have the other. (Some have neither too) Sometimes they meet in the middle. It was this thought that opened my eyes.

Every so often a thought comes to you from one simple thing you might see or read and you smack yourself in the head and think, "Why didn't I think of that sooner?!" Let me explain to you what I am talking about.

Some people have a performing style while others have a character they portray onstage. (some would even go so far to talk about the difference between character and chariacture, but let's keep this simple hunh?) Some prime examples of characters are Sylvester the Jester, Rudy Coby, and Simon Drake. They play up the characters they have created for themselves to convey their particular ideas and views. They use costumes, scenarios, and even manners of speaking to create a different persona that lives in their own world on stage. These are the people who have become magic innovators and helped everyone look at magic a little bit differently.

Now here is the one that might surprise you a bit. Prime examples of people with a style are magicians like David Copperfield, Houdini, Amazing Johnathan, and Lance Burton. They are themselves on stage but have a certain style of performing that is personal to them and them alone. (Tho' by now thy have created so many imitators, their style has been copied, but never duplicated) These people have been the major inspirations to magic on a whole and helped bring it to the public eye in a positive light.

I'm not saying people who are characters have no style all their own, or vice versa. However one will stand out more than the other usually. There are those who have mixed the two. However, in mixing them you make them more subtle.. which some might say is better. However, that is neither here nor there. Jeff McBride, Kevin James, and Penn and Teller have mixed character and style to a great success. They don't rely on one or the other to make them recognizable. (I'm not saying the others listed above DO, but one does tend to stand out more than the other in those cases.) The mixture of the two gives you a nice blend of magic and performer.

Neither one of these is better than the other and it's up to YOU to figure out which one is the right path to follow. Now if you don't feel you have one or the other, and are just standing on stage being a phony smile and stick on head producing Cd's, doves, or canes for no reason, you might want to step back and re-evaluate your magic motivations sometime soon.

The bottom line is you need to have something that sets you apart from the rest of the herd in crappy rented formal wear. They might be able to take your tricks, but they'll never take who you are.

Don't dream it, be it....

Bizzaro.

(Special snuggly hugs and manly pats on the ass to Chris Lyle for planting this seed in my head. Good game.)

No Homers Club...

I am always a amused by magic sites that have a "magicians only" section on their website. Offering up their products to "magicians only". Problem is, it's not. Any schlub can go onto that site and get that magic trick.

A long time ago, in an internet far, far away magic sites would actually quiz you on your knowledge to let you into the magicians sections. Now, we don't care. We'll take our money from anyone and sell our secrets to whoever wants to learn them. Even people who have seen us perform somewhere and want to do what we do and then call themselves a magician because they ignored the "magicians only" sign on the door and now can do some two-bit card trick.

We naively assume that people will stay out of something because they respect what we do. Man you people are high on drugs. We all know that stay off the grass means let's play soccer.

Do us all a favor and be a bit more discretionary when it comes to who you schlep yer products to in the future hmmmm? Not everybody can be exclusive because if we all are...

then no one is.

Bizzaro.

Multimedia abounds!!

We live in a society where we can check our email, traffic, horoscope, and even play the ocarina all from the comfort of our cell phones. However, magic is still behind the times. Some people thought it was a "radical" idea to include a webpage with performance video of the material I put into a Linking Ring Magazine Parade. Oooh... I'm a rebel.

Regardless, we can embed video in e-books and yet so many don't bother to take advantage of this. The list goes on, but hey... far be it from me to judge your lackluster knowledge of the world around you.

I bring this up because I am testing out a new implement of distraction on SmappDooDa.com. A chat box. When I am online, you can yammer with me without having to be signed in to anything. If I am not around, leave a message I'll get later.

If people dig it, I might actually set up a weekly live chat.. well.. because I can.

Sure I could go all crazy with it and use chat rooms, and video skyping and alla that.... but it's just a toy.. a toy I CAN CONTROL MUHAHAHAAHAHA!!

Baby steps...

Bizzaro.

What do I think about on VD?

I think it's about time we stopped using so many crutches in magic. Stop falling back on things just becasue some people have done them so long they have been deemed "Classics". Just because a lie has been told for so long it has passed into the realm of truth doesn't make it any less a lie.

Stop doing egg bag just because you can. Cease your prattle with the clinking things and stop cupping your balls. Let's stop moving backwards. How many times can we see instant-magician? How many times can we sit thru hypno-disc presentations where only a few people see the damned sailboat? When do we stop dancing in the snow?

At some point your bank account will no longer dictate your title. One day we might move forward and make this an art again. Eventually those people who have preyed upon us to believe that magic is only done certain ways and bred our inbreeding beliefs into us will be GONE! Dead and buried. Those days will be glorious... but by then, we'll all be too dead to notice anyway.

One can always hope.

Bizzaro.

3 minutes to fame...

Rudy Coby to this day still stands by the belief that with three minutes of strong original material, you can do almost anything. (I threw in the almost.. just cuz') I agree, but there are some factors to that.

We're not going into what those might be, however I use this example to illustrate a point I just made to a younger magician wishing to give his talent show observers the willies. After some material choices I said to him, "If your material and performance is strong enuff, you only need a few minutes of their time to be remembered forever."

This saying is very true. When I was younger, I would always try to over-do it, magic wise, when I met new people. (Many older people STILL do this and should be beat about the head and shoulders.. and the pert plus.) There is a reason the phrase, "Always leave them wanting more" still gets tossed around like a cheap prostitute. It's TRUE!!

You don't need the gaudy boxes, trite doves, or over-sized fan blowing yer hair to make an impact. Shawn Farquhar brings down the house with a deck of cards and the right music. (Mind you BEFORE all of this he does some bigger things as a lead up, but he doesn't need it) All it takes is the right attitude, presentation, and in one man's case... four legs.

Never leave them wanting less...

Bizzaro.

Putting the cocky back into cocksucker...

Well that title outta lose me a few readers.

Regardless, what is it with magicians and our inability to just be impressed or give compliments other than "OMG! YOU GONNA RELEASE THAT!?" We will watch someone do a magic effect and if it fools us, we won't say a DAMN thing. However, if we know hwo it works we blather something like, "That was good but I saw you unzip your zipper on that erdanase" (paraphrasing of course).

It's even worse on the internet. Our anonymity gives us the power to say things like, "great vid keep it up i knew what happened to the change but good cover". We just HAVE to let everyone know that we were NOT fooled AT all, but we will be using that routine sometime in the near future without your permission. Can't we just say, "Good job, so long, and thanks fort all the fish?" (again, paraphrasing).

The only time a phrase even CLOSE to "I see what you did there" was funny or appropriate was in this movie:


What the hell is wrong with us?

Srsly?

Bizzaro.

Thine art a wizard..

This was posted on one of the forums I hang out on. Thought I would share.

Thank you Baldric.

Bizzaro.

Old skool...

Do we take magic for granted? I think sometimes we do. Especially the newer generation doesn't bother to question or care where their magic comes from. All of the people that we revere as greats helped shape and mold that which we do now.

Think about the first time someone used a Nielsen type bottle to vanish... or when Fantasio first started showing off his candles and canes. People must have WET themselves! Now we sell off our original magic and a frantic pace all in pursuit of a dollar or two. We rarely keep things to ourselves. At least the other guys held on to their secrets till they had won some awards and got recognition. Then they shared the secret with us all.

We aren't as easy to impress anymore because we have "Seen it all". Well that's not true, but as magicians, we need to know what came before us. If not for the sheer history aspect of it, for yourself. So you know what has been done and whose toes and shoulders you are stepping on. How do you go about that? Easy! You go to a place like This that has done that research for you!!

Free your mind and your pants will follow...

Bizzaro.

I got a hole in me pocket...

Hey if you get that title, you deserve a cookie. It's from one of my fave movies.

So I have been working on an idea with empty and filled pockets and lo and behold This pops up on the market. I figured it's only 10 dollars and I spent WAY more on less.

Well, the idea is solid BUT the explanation could use some more detail and photos. There are a few things I am personally confused about that needed further illustration... alas none was to be found.

Here are a few tips for those who release, well ANYTHING into the magic market, but for this example we'll stick to manuscripts. Rule #1. SPELL CHECK!! For the love of!! After that proofread it. Have someone else proofread it. Do what I do and "beta-test" your product. Give it to a few friends or other magicians you like and see what they think. They will probably catch something you did NOT.

Also, make sure that any idiots can read it and understand it. Forget that YOU know how it works. This leads to satisfied and most important, returning customers.

So in conclusion, make sure your product is easy to understand, read, and spell checked. There is (almost) no such thing as too many pictures. Hell, we live in a multi-media society!! Embed a video file or two in your pdf or document file. WE CAN DO THAT STUFF NOW!!

Lelu Dallas multi-task...

Bizzaro.

A brief break in communications...

We have an interview with the designer of the Snowblinds cards. That intricate detail you have seen on the trailer is all because of this man...


Ahh the french...

Bizzaro.

Here, hold this...

So I was watching This Guy. Aside from his blatant rip offs of Rudy Coby and Greg Frewin, his first minute of stuff is pretty good. Goes REAL downhill from there.

Regardless, watching his candles I am reminded of something that annoys me in magic... and that is wobbly or un-secure candles. How hard would it be to make DAMNED sure yer candles will remain upright or not wobble out and catch yer hair on fire? *koff*ArIaNbLaCk*koff*

If yer gonna use a candle holder with deep wells, embed a dowel in the bottom to thread the candles over. Don't EVER use the candle things that Fantasio puts in the box with the candles they sell. They are crap. Go to yer local craft store and look around. I once found some adapters that allowed you to fit almost any size taper candle into almost any size holder. They were awesome... but I can't for the life of me find them online anywhere.

My point is, if you are going to go thru the trouble of producing them, don't stop at their appearance. Display them properly and safely.

Only you can prevent bad magic...


Bizzaro.

Don't knock it till' yah tried it...

So for those of you who enjoyed our little video for Snowblinds, it made me realize why everyone is doing that type of "hip, edgy" editing. IT'S STUPID EASY!! Had I not had to create some custom animations and graphics and just had some template stuff to plug in, it would have gone even quicker.

I suppose that is an inherent problem in magic itself though. It's easy and it works so why question it? Why deviate from an already established path that others are doing? Allow mediocrity to wash over you and embrace the norm. Too many people assume that becasue it works for someone else, it will work for everyone else. (Hence why there are so many gawd awful self-help books on the market)

So just remember: Sometimes it's ok to take the road less traveled off the beaten path. Of course you might get BEATEN on that path, but you will learn more doing that then ambling mindlessly behind the herd.

Mooooooooo....

Bizzaro.

A few things...

First I think we have a new record for votes on a poll. 20 people!! WOW!! I had no idea that many people even bothered to look at this place. As a gift, allow me to unveil our newest demo.



The last vanity deck you will ever buy.

Some of you may have noticed that we have encroached over 400 posts in this last 5 years. Who knew I had so much to say? I flop back and forth about stopping but then I realize that almost everyday something aggravates me and something has to be said. So we're gonna keep this going until either I can't take it anymore, or my readers can't and tell me to knock it the hell off.

Still no entries into our Splash Page "Enter your enter" contest. This saddens me. I have decided to make a new poll about it.

Have at thee!!

Bizzaro.

Find a penny pick it up...

Ever seen the deleted scenes in the movie Dogma? No? Well let me illuminate something you might have missed.

"Evil is an abstract! It's a human construct. But true to his irresponsible nature, Man won't own up to being the engineer of evil, so he blames his dark deeds on my ilk. But his selfishness is limitless, and it's not enough for him to shadow his own existence. He turned Hell into a suffering Pit - fire, wailing, darkness - the kind of place anyone would do anything to get out of. And why? Because he lacks the ability to forgive himself. It is beyond your abilities to simply make recompense for and regret the sins you commit. No - you choose rather to create a psychodrama and dwell in a foundless belief that God could never forgive your 'grievous offenses'. So you bring your guilt and inner-decay with you to Hell - where the horrid imaginations of so many gluttons-for-punishment give birth to the sickness that has infected the abyss since the first one of your kind arrived there, begging to be 'punished'. And in doing so, they've transformed the cold and solitude to pain and misery. I've spent eons privy to the flames, inhaling the decay, hearing the wail of the damned. I know what effect such horrors have on the delicate psyche of an angelic being. "

This very wordy monologue was delivered by Jason Lee's character about what Hell was and what humans changed it into. I always liked this little tirade because it's so very true. We can't have good without imposing some sort of bad on it.

A good example is the phrase "find a penny pick it up, all the day you'll have good luck". That was all well and good, but then some asshat had to come along and add the heads or tails rule. We couldn't just leave well enuff alone and have ANYONE who finds a penny feel good about it. Now we have to worry about it facing the right side up.

In the second Matrix film, they briefly allude to the fact that we, as a race, could not accept a perfect world, and therefore caused problems. This concept runs RAMPANT thru the hallowed halls of the magic community. The phrase, "you can't please everybody" rings true on magic message boards across the globe.

Why can't we just give unbiased advice and constructive criticisms I ask you? Well because we don't live on the big rock candy mountain that's why. People are people so why should it be... sorry almost slipped into a goth song there. We just can't help but bitch and be heard because we're all damaged goods in one way or another.

Why do I even bring this up? To let those of you out there know that just because a few people might not like your demo video or ace assembly or claim your pass isn't "Good" doesn't mean you should let them get to you. Ignore the bastards who have no problem casting the first stones and instead revel in the best revenge to naysayers everywhere.... and just succeed.

They really hates that shit.

Bizzaro.

All who enter here...

So I have been looking into changing the "enter" image on the splash page of my site. I haven't found anything I'm happy with myself, so here is YOUR chance to shine and win something for FREE!!

Design a graphic that says "Enter" (Or something VERY close to it) and not only can you brag to your friends that your work is on the Bizzaro site (cuz' I am sure they will be impressed), but you will receive a free Foiled Again trick. (See previous post)

The only edict is that it has to mesh with the rest of the site's feel and I have to like it. So whip out them Wacoms and limber up that Photoshop and show me yours so I can show yah mine.

It's time to enter your Enter.

Bizzaro.

WHORE!!!

I sure am! While out here in Texas for a private gig, we worked on the new demo for Foiled Again. Have a look... and then buy two of them.


More things to rant about soon...

Bizzaro.

Return of the king...

No no it's not one ring to rule them all.. it's four legs.

For those who don't know (or remember) who Rudy Coby is, have a listen to This. It'll jog yer memory.

It's not only full of personal information, but also a good insight into the industry and what can happen at anytime in a career. For those who participated in one of my last polls about fame and having it and/or losing it, it's a good example of having it, losing it (sorta), going to ground, and then getting it back.

Listen up and learn a thing or three.

Bizzaro.

Wanna touch my thing?

Write-ups like This really amuse me: "Finally you push the cloth-covered object back down into the box, dramatically close the lid and bow to thunderous applause!"

They would have you believe that applause is guaranteed like it's a dove production or something. Just because you buy this product, does not mean YOU can get applause with it. For them to even suggest this prop will do what you cannot just makes me wanna laugh.. and then cry.. and then.. kick puppies.

Seriously tho', it reminds me of the old school 80's ads where they would stop motion toys transforming or moving and then SOMEONE along the way got mad because they thought these inanimate objects could actually do all that.. all for $4.95. Remember those old skool magic catalog drawings. Lighting shooting from the magicians fingertips and radiating lines causing the magic to happen. To promise applause is very much like that. Might as well get outlandish with it while yer at it. Tell them it gives you head after the show. That would at least be amusing, and hell, it might even sell more of them.

If yer gonna lie... go all the way.

Bizzaro.

NEIN!!

It's officially a new year here on the left coast. I will refrain from the typical year end review as.. nothing really exciting happened... except I moved to Vegas.. that's kinda cool.. at least for me.

Where was I? Ah yes. Some of you may have noticed, (Probably didn't care), that our 5 year anniversary of this magic journal just passed in Dec. I was hoping to have a nice surprise for everyone and a special announcement BUT... it'll have to wait a while longer. Regardless, five years. That's a long time for someone to ramble on about nothing. I am nothing if not persistent.

So as my first presidential duties of the new year, I shall go forth unto the lands and dispense advice hither, thither, and yon. Today I bring you This!!

In today's world, convenience and affordability are sometimes hard to come by. I recently got this printer/scanner/bad-ass for x-mas at a fairly good price. (Well it was a gift so for me it was a GREAT price) I decided to get one after our good friend Aaron Stone got one for himself. It prints clean and fast. It does CD and DVD faces (Which is a HUGE plus for anyone in this business). It even looks like Darth Vader. Seriously. Look at the damn thing. You can almost feel it choking you thru the monitor for mocking his beliefs.

So if yer looking to make some promo DVD's (like I am doing right now) or just scan, print, and otherwise make some new props, I highly suggest this device.

So there yah have it. My first post of 2009. Hope you heed my warnings and hup to. Me and Darth will be watching you.

The force is strong with this one...

Bizzaro.

Stupid Americans...

Really.. we are. We might just be one of the only countries that don't support the variety arts. Ever wonder why people from other countries are so good and unique? It's encouraged, that's why!! It's usually a family thing. Hell, it's looked DOWN upon to try to NOT be a clown in some families.

A lot of parts of the US seems to have never grasped the idea that art doesn't just hang on a wall. You don't just stare at it in a gallery or in a living room over a fireplace. It's to be experienced and enjoyed.. sometimes in groups... it's like SEX!! Er.. skip that last bit there...

I doubt we'll ever get to the point in this country where what we do is appreciated, encouraged, and *gasp* even paid well for... but that's no reason to not try right?

Being a communist doesn't look so bad sometimes.

Bizzaro.

How many times do I have to say this?

Even tho' a few of my photos might be a tad vague on the magic aspect of what I do, I try to make them vaguely interesting.

I want you to take a look at ANY of this dood's photos. If you were shown these images without knowing what he did, could you guess? None of them have a magic quality to them. Sure they are artistic and expensive looking. That doesn't mean anyone but you knows what the hell is going on.

Photos like this always make me wonder if the person can deliver the goods. Just because your promo material is slick, doesn't mean you are. In the world we live in, it's not as impressive to have an abundance of over-produced promo material as ANYONE with a computer and the right hardware can make themselves look good.

So the moral of this story is, if you are going to go thru the trouble, make sure people know who and what you are...

Which hopefully isn't huge tool.

Bizzaro.

This about sums it all up...

An inconvenient truth...

I was having a chit-chat with a fiend on IM. It went a little something like this:

FBL: When magic is involved, people don't want pretty and fun, they want mind boggling. >.> Unfortunately
Me: well they want what they want with everything, familiarity.
Me: If they have to think outside their comfort zone, they don't get it
Me: They NEED it, but..
FBL: but they don't want to do it. Which is really lame.
Me: mm hmm
Me: If you appeal to everyone then you work more, but you say less.
FBL: Which is why I try to do a little bit of everything.

This is a pretty accurate description of the entertainment world at larger. No matter how "artsy" you are, people want something they are used to. Hell, this is true in any aspect of life. Does this mean you shouldn't stand out? Hell no! There is a market for everything. Being different means you just have to work harder to find it.

This is why to this day some people don't know who Penn and Teller is or like them. They like to challenge people and their little worlds. Some people don't jive with that. It's ok... there are plenty of others who "get it". So don't let the man get you down. There is plenty of work for all of us...

Except for you sucky people. Pack it up and go home.

Bizzaro.

I see a red door...

And I want to paint it CHARTREUSE!!

So tonight I finally sat down and devised my own handling for Andrew Mayne's Twisted. This is an effect I feel didna get much press when it came out and has great potential when used under the right circumstances. Most of the magicians who don't understand the concept of "right place, right time" for effects don't understand the definition of the word context.

An effect might be better off in a stand up situation, or work better as a close-up piece or even play better on a camera in a big auditorium. Shawn Farquhar ends his big show with a card trick and it kills. Remember: Just because it doesn't work for every situation doesn't mean it won't work for ANY situation.

Now to celebrate the holidays what better way to say I love you than FINISH HIM!!



Everything in it's place.

Bizzaro.

Just to get this out of the way now...


Before it's too late.

Bizzaro.

Damaged Goods...

Let's face it. Everyone who does not fall into the tiny niche' of "normal" society, (which is just about everybody), is where they are for a reason. Just about everyone in the entertainment business has issues. You look at almost any famous person deeply enuff and you will find some deep seated psychosis related to some shortcoming that may or may not exist anymore.

They are not all physical either. Sometimes it's some bizarre attraction to power they never had. Whether it's for money, control, admiration, or adoration it's there. Of course this does not hold true for everyone. There are those who have an honest to some deity calling to go against the grain and believe they are on a mission to further the art and expose themselves and others to something new.

Once you stop doing something for a reason and are just going thru the motions, it might be time to re-evaluate your priorities. It's like my theory why some bands music starts to suffer as their career goes on and on. They run out of things to say and are just taking up space to make a buck or fulfill some previous contractual obligation.

Be honest with yourself sometime. Really take a good deep look and figure out why you do what you do. Is it selfish or perhaps you weren't hugged enuff. Of course if you are well aware of yer issues, then you are one step ahead of the game. I will tell you who might very well be the most screwed up of all of us tho'....

Balloon twisters.

Bizzaro.

Into the unknown...

First, some funny...


So maybe some advice to counter-balance some of the bitching I been doing recently. I do a few effects that I would not call old, but definitely obscure. Some people *koff*ViToLuPo*koff* have made a living going thru books like Tarbell and making a career off magic effects no one remembers. They say if you want to hide something put it in print. I agree and would like to add that you can also release an effect into the market and it will eventually get overshadowed with the latest "I'm not ADD, OOH SHINY!!"

If you take an effect that got minimal press upon it's release and can spin gold from straw with it, then you will be revered as some kind of demi-god. (Which is WAY better than a Demi Moore god) Take this trick for example. Not very well known and not hard to figure it out if you know squat about magic. However, in the right hands, a whole routine could be worked out with this. (I got one in my head right now actually)

How about this little gem? I got the chance to play with one of these. It's a great visual and was fairly ignored in it's release. In the right hands...

Speaking of hands, I always liked the idea behind this trick and thought it would be great in the middle of a rubber band routine.

So there are some ideas to start you looking back in time to find the treasures that might have just gotten released at the wrong time. Like when The Adventures of Ford Fairlane got released the same week as the first Batman movie. Take a step back and see what you can find.

You don't even need a Delorean.

Bizzaro.

Guilding the Munster...

I was just watching the performance of Joshua Jay's effect The Big Deal. It's your usual gambling-ish premise with the usual kicker ending of some impossible to get hand of cards.

My main problem with this type of presentation is it's a gilding the lily with hints of the dreaded "Too Perfect Theory". In this demonstrations effect, you find a card thru impossible circumcisions.. er.. stances. Since the premise of odds is stressed, the conclusion of the selected card being found is impressive enough. However, in this case the magician mentality kicks in and he can't help almost thumbing his nose at the audience, which might lead some to question the fairness in which he had spent so much time building up.

A lot of the problem with many magic plots is that we feel EVERY routine has to have a HUGE ending. It has to have a magical ending even. This is not always the case. Once you have gone to the trouble of setting up the idea that the odds are against you and then kick the people watching in the balls with this impossible feat of stacking the deck, it almost cheapens it. By revealing you knew what was going to happen from the get go, it lessens the impact of the package as a whole.

A lot of us want to make sure we drive home the point we're magicians, MASTERS OF THE IMPOSSIBLE SARMOTI!! Er.. sorry.. However, there is a big difference between good magic and good theater... and if you eat your vegetables and get good grades, I might just tell you what it is someday.

Bow before Mr. Happy Pants.

Bizzaro.

Collecting dust...

That's what most magicians props do. Let's face it. A lot of artists are pack rats and today's generation are no different. How many unused magic props do YOU have in your domicile? Decorating your shelves and book cases? Lining your drawers. (Not the ones you have on you twits)

Some years ago, some ass klowns decided to release a few "Custom" decks of cards. The flourisher kiddies went batshit crazy for them.... that is until they realized that the black ink that covered those cards got a bit tacky after playing with them for a week.

Since then, the USPC has found that there is a market for different types of decks of cards and the magicians are in no short shortage of helping them along with that little project. We have become inundated with people clamoring for decks that only look good and serve no real function. The great debate of course is, "Real deck vs custom deck" because people will believe something they are not familiar with is a trick deck.

Like most debates, it's silly. However I personally believe in not giving people reason to be suspicious of ANY of your props... and do as few card tricks as possible. Don't get me wrong, I love cards.. I just happen to know a few tricks with OTHER props.

What is really happening is we are just feeding the collectors market. Mind you I don't really understand what army gear has to do with card decks or magic.. but maybe I am out of the loop. Maybe this is just some retro flashback to that fad of magicians wanting army issue card decks. Black and green backed cards that could be seen under red light. Maybe this is all some strange trend that will eventually stop and people will wake the hell up and start pushing magic back into an artistic direction...

But prolly not.

Bizzaro.

Youth is for exploding...

Or something like that.

Regardless, next time you think about putting out a magic product for them "Street" kids, just remember, This is who you are selling to.

Makes yah proud don't it?

Bizzaro.

What's a moment of your time worth?

As some of you may have seen in my latest, non-80's music related poll, I posed the question, "Is the ridiculous set-up for modern close-up magic really worth it?". Many of you said no, it wasn't. Two of you said it was. Well I hate to tell you this, but you two guys are WRONG!!!

Kidding. Well sort of. There is a time and place for some set up. If you are doing a show for some high profile clientele and want to blow them away with something that takes a ton of prep time right before, or on a TV show where you know it will pay off... sure. Go ahead. However, for those who do walk-around or repetition magic where you have NO control over your surroundings, easy reset is king.

The trend in a LOT of magic over the last 5 years or so, is that of right place right time. I blame the Asshat and Criss Fishing Rod mostly for their TV magic shenanigans. Effects like Ladybug or the newly released Frost or Xile, where you have a window of opportunity to perform it just baffles me. I just assume they get played with for a while, then after realizing it's more trouble than it's worth ends up in the junk drawer or for the current generation, e-bay.

There is always a dialogue that should be brought to your attention when considering a new purchase. "Will this fit me?" Well I suppose if your style is that of homeless street urchin, then probably (or you could go from looking like Jon Armstrong to "random street magician #286" to sell your trick because the man said so). Usually what goes thru my head when I see this stuff is, "What the hell were they smoki.." er.. "Do I have something just as strong if not stronger in my repertoire."

The answer is usually a resounding, Hell Yes!

This kind of thinking is great for TV and great to sell to kids with their parents money, but in the real world that insect farm you had to order in the mail isn't going to hold a candle to a properly done sponge ball routine.

Besides, how much pocket space are you willing to dedicate to bleach pens and Tupperware?

Bizzaro.

Multum in Parvo...

For those who don't know what that means, it has nothing to do with canine diseases.

Long gone are the days of books filled with arcane secrets as the only resource to find magic effects. Current trends have created a market for single effect DVD's for the same price as products with MANY effects. The magic youth market is now mostly composed of mindless little consumers who mindlessly follow certain performers or websites and merely turn up their nose at anything not "hip" or "cool".

Why is this? Why do some performers release one trick pony effects when they could EASILY put them on one DVD so you can save some room on your shelves? Simple. It's because the happy capitalists realized they can shear you out of more money by putting out lackluster magic on shoddy production values. YOU! YOU are enabling this! Everyone one of you misinformed little twats who mindlessly follow the herds are making this happen.

The only saving grace is when these effects are offered up as a download. Sure the price is the same cuz' yer paying for the secret, but that should make you realize something... they screw you because they can. Let me offer you up a story to illustrate what I mean.

I was working at the state fair and liked to partake of the occasional slush puppy. They had two sizes. small and... not as small. Well one day I got curious and kept my small glass and ordered the next size up. Guess what? The contents from the larger glass fit into the smaller one. So from then on I just got the cheaper one. What does this have to do with magic? Simple. There are others who prey upon your ignorance because they can. People don't ask questions. They don't challenge anything.

I think it's time we speak up and force these charlatans who call themselves "magicians" that we don't want their over-priced one at a time spoonfed BS anymore. I would rather wait for a WHOLE DVD of effects that cost the same as the simple effect ones. Maybe even, GASP, put it all down into the all too vanishing art of lecture notes. Remember those? Oh wait, I forgot, we live in a world where the internetz have created an army of kids who can't use punctuation or the spell checker function. We just ROTFLMAO our way thru life isn't that right?

You might think I am a little off the hook here, but look around you. It's true and you know it. Problem is it's the evolution, and the only way to stop evolution of anything is genocide. Since that's never gonna happen ,there will periodically be people like me who will stand and shout at the wind to no avail. Why bother? Someone has to do it....

And because the emperor has no clothes.

Bizzaro.

Can we talk?

So I did watch the world magic awards. I want to comment on a few of the things I saw on that show. First off, the editing needed some work. The canned obviouscanned laughter and applause, in my opinion, takes away from the authenticity of the performer and their act. (Much like changing their music, but I won't go into that) When you put in reactions that were obviously NOT there to begin with all too often it just gets annoying.

So hey, what about those performers hunh? Kirby Van Angel.. er.. Birch. Talk about selling out. I understand altering your look to keep up with the times but changing your look to look like someone else to jump on THEIR bandwagon... please. Get a better agent man. Speaking of stuff that made no sense, what was up with that Harrary thing? I think that "TV magic" like that have ceased to have the impact that they used to. It's a different world. Vanishing the statue of liberty has been done. Let's move on hunh?

I'd like to take a moment to talk about the shadow box illusion. Ok so you create a silhouette of some sorts. Hands, a person, etc. It appears and vanishes and alla that, then suddenly a woman appears from the box (Or cylinder.. thing). Gee I wnder who was making those shadows and stuff... hmmm... This is the inherent problem with magicians. They feel compelled to take your hand and walk you down the garden path. It's like in the Prestige. Who wants to be under the stage while someone else gets the applause? Certainly not your wife because let's face it, you marry your assistant, that's one less pay check right? So why not expose the method to those other perhaps more impressive magical moments for one really BIG ONE!!

I dunno. I'm biased I guess. Speaking of biased, Florian Zimmer's paintball bullet catch. I am wondering why no one has stepped up to him and said, "That thing with the neck? Knock it off!" It's dumb and makes no sense. Someone commented his outfit looked like he just got done fighting off some other magician backstage. (Also, why is it the audience is in all these nice suits and the magicians are dressed like homeless kids. When did THAT happen. I missed a memo apparently)

All in all I was not impressed. Choppy noticeable editing, poor directing, and the cavalcade of the same old crap we have been seeing for the last 5-10 years. I think the best part was Doogie actually improving a few lines and getting impaled at the end of Alonso's trick.

I miss Gary Oullet.

Bizzaro.

For those who want to have a proper url in their bookmarks, I have officially purchased www.whyamistuckinmagicianhell.com thanx to the advice of Brian Brushwood.

Adjust your setting accordingly.

Bizzaro.

I watched the world magic awards...

and I got inspired to make this


What?

Bizzaro.

(PS: It just dawned on me I misspelled "ridiculous" in my Poll question. Oops!)

We're all mad here...

Sorry about that last poll I made. I didna have anything to put there so I amused myself with some song lyrics. This current one has a bit more relevance.

Anywho,I was watching the video for the new magic effect Frost ,(of which I have some comments about, but I'll save those for a later date), and someone on there made some comment that made me realize something: We're making people crazier!!

Have you ever been trapped by someone spouting some very out there psycho-babble? I mean bat shit crazy talk? Well if you go around trying to pawn off your magical skill as "real" powers, YOU are helping the crazies stay that way. You merely affirm their tinfoil hat wearing insanity! You! It's YOUR DAMN FAULT!!

Knock it off.

Bizzaro.

I am sure I have more to talk about than this.. but not right now. This is the last weekend for the Wonderground until sometime next year. Last night, there was a young lady selling an unusual deck of cards she had produced using her artwork. It's called the Jill Deck.

I will say it is a must have for card collectors because it is unique. Imagine doing a color change.. but with a bra!! Even has gaffs to play with. You can do a sex change right in front of someone's eyes.. without having to go to Sweden! Take a look and I'll be in touch...

not in that creepy Catholic way either.

Bizzaro.

Just watch...


Bizzaro.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH!!


No shit...

Bizzaro.

Give em' an inch..

A little forgiveness goes a long way. Hell just ask anyone who has ever suckered their wife into believing they were just playing "Twister" with her sister... naked... without the spinner.. or mat.

Where was I?

Ah yes, leeway. (Or is that segue?) Magicians are very critical of other magician's acts. Some just don't like them, some don't think they are "Good enuff" and others want a deeper meaning into character and motivation. Now I am not saying this is a bad thing. However, on the flip-side you have the non-magicians who look at an act and think "Well that didn't suck" or "Wow, I can't believe I just paid 80 bucks to sit and watch Believe." (Translation: Well that sucked.)

Sometimes magic doesn't make sense. (Did I just say sometimes?) I mean why does ANYONE produce playing cards from the air? Because they can? Sure why not! Why produce doves... or any feathered creature for that fact? Why why WHY!? Simple... because we can.

There is a point where you just have to step back and remember that the people watching us aren't (usually) asking themselves, "Well what's their motivation here?" Especially if you are doing something they have never seen. They're just happy to see something that isn't linking rings probably. People are also not as stupid as we think. (ok well some of them are but..) There comes a point where we have some leeway as magicians because in their eyes, we are just that... magicians. They know that we know that they know that we know it's a show. They know we are just joke blowers trying to give them some eye candy to take the edge off their tedious little lives. So they suspend some disbelief and put on their tinfoil hats and come along for the ride. We like that about them. They give us a lot of room to play and accept a lot because of who we are and what we do. We like that about them.

So just remember, that the magicians may not dig your grave, but then again.. they don't have to. It's ultimately just us and them. Love them, let them love you...just make sure you use protection.

Like a taser.

Bizzaro.

A mean mother...

They say necessity is the Mother of Invention. In magic I think it might be boredom. There is a rather unseemly trend that you too may well have noticed in those who create the magical effects that drain the pocket books of the uninformed and unsuspecting. Most of the inventors of magic effects are not the best performers of said effects.

Have you ever been watching a demo video and thought to yourself, "You would think the creator of the effect could perform it better". I know I have... hell I might be the only one, but that's besides the fact. Some people just cannot entertain anything but thoughts. Like magician savants.. without the magician part. It's not their fault. Their brain merely thinks at right angles when it comes to contraption and methods. The synapses that would normally give them social skills or that gift or brazen showbiz glitz are being used elsewhere... like how to make a bong out of an apple.

There are of course those who have both panache for performing AND creativity while others are just good performers and hack-tastic magicians. There is no wrong thing to be... however, if you are a shite presenter, you REALLY need to find someone to explain yer material for you or else you risk some MST3K type ridicule whilst watching yer instructional video... or being known as the magical cure for insomnia.

Know yer role!

Bizzaro.

Yer OUT!!

So last night I was at an election party thing. A tipsy woman from the Ukraine was wanting to see some magic. Lucky for her the room was full of them. She took a quarter I was doing some stuff with and clasped her hands around it and wanted me to make it vanish. Now before I tell you how I handled this, think for a second... what would you do hot shot? What.. would.. you..do?

(Jeopardy music plays)

If you answered shoot the hostage you are correct. Regardless, the only thing you can do when someone asks you to do something you KNOW you can't do, is to answer with humor. That will disarm their silliness. Ever had someone grab a playing card and ask you "What card is this?" I always answer, "It's a red card". No matter what they say, I reply, "On the back" they will usually laugh and hand me the card back.

Of course there are those times when someone REALLY wants to put the card in the deck themselves. They will wrest the deck from you and try to put it where THEY want. Do you get rude and struggle with them? No. Get yer hands on the card for a second and crimp the hell out of the corner. Now who cares where they put it. Hell even a glimpse will help you. If you can still be amazing under their idea of "test conditions" then you will come off looking much better.

Always remain in control of the situation, but it's ok to sometimes make them believe they are the ones calling the shots. However, it is ok to politely walk away from someone who is too drunk to be accommodating.

As for the lady, I fell back on the old stock line, "I have made it vanish, and now it's back. Have a look!" So she gave up the coin and I later put it in a bottle of water. Sometimes the best misdirection is alkeehal. The moral of this story is don't be afraid to let your helper have their way sometimes. It might make you look better in the end.

And some of you need all the help you can get,

Bizzaro.

People are strange...

When yer a stranger. Showin' yer penis scares em' awa.... wait, what was I talking about? Ah yes. Being strange. We live in a world today when somethings are oddly taboo. Even with guys like Criss Fishing Rod running around pulling coins out of his arm and screaming "MINDFLAKE!" in yer face, people are still too caught up in the image is everything ideal. If 7-up has taught us anything.. no wait.. if those we consider masters of our craft were not afraid to be a bit aloof or non-sequitur, why should we be?

Magic at it's very heart in nonsense anyway. A good 3/4ths of what we do makes no sense, but it is thru that nonsense that we can express ourselves and bring some enlightenment to the world. Much like what we call surreal, is really just bits of random we're not used to. Magic, much like life, is very random. I'm not just referring to people who pull doves and candles from their ass for no reason, (but really.. why do you do that?), but what sense does it make to pull playing cards from the air? What is our motivation for vanishing.. well, anything? There are extremes sure, but isn't there in everything?

If those we revere were not afraid to pull a coin from their nose or pour salt on a newspaper, why should we sneer at the thought of doing something a little off-color. Something a tad out of the norm (Nielsen)? It's our JOB! Don't be afraid to have fun on-stage. Life is serious enough. Do people really need to see more of it when they want to be entertained? I don't think so. Let your freak flag fly.

Let's go out and scare the norms!

Bizzaro.

Glad yer into it...

There is a lot to be said for enjoying what you do. If a time ever comes when it starts to feel like work.. stop doing it.

I don't understand not being 100% into what you do when you hit a stage. I also cannot FATHOM how you can be an entertainer and have skill and yet not, even in the SLIGHTEST way, play to the crowd. Especially when yer doing a silent act. It's even MORE important! It makes my wind wobble.

It also angers me that lackluster entertainment runs rampant in this world. Here is some advice: Regardless of yer day, even if yer wife left, killed your dog, and lit yer house on fire, it's still wrong to take it out on your audience. Hot glue on that fake smile for a day if you have to, but despite the fact we might be our own bosses we whore ourselves out to someone else from time to time and they wanna feel they got their money's worth well after they have wiped themselves off with the hotel curtains. (Too far?) Be pissed and bored on your own time.

The show must go on.. and on.. and on...

Bizzaro.

I do not think that work means what you think it means...

So the last week (and sporadically over the last few months) the topic of ethics have cropped up in our magic discussions. Now most of us equate ethics in magic to mean giving credit where it might be due or not ripping off someone else's stuff or even exposure and how one goes about it.

Well there are some other types as well that are very much at the seamy underbelly of the entertainment world. Being two faced is frowned upon, especially in a community as small as the one of working pros. Problem is, most people can't keep their mouths shut and word gets around. If you talk smack about someone while to their face you are all smiles and hugs, you will get caught and you will get a bad rap. I don't go out of my way to make enemies OR friends on this journal, but sometimes I step on someone's tricks and they don't like it. Thaz fine. However, it's like the old saying goes, "Don't shit where you eat".

Life is too short to make enemies, and the person you alienate today, could be the person who could have suggested you for your dream job tomorrow. Do you really want to take that chance? If you have a problem with someone, don't waste your energy or time or mental space on them. Ignore them, be cordial, but don't go out of your way to help them.. unless of course it benefits you. (that is a WHOLE other can of snakes I will talk about later)

Don't bite the hand that could come back to bite you in the ass.

Bizzaro.

No offense...

But these guys bitching about getting ripped off just sounds like karma coming back to bite them in the ass.

Just ask Jim Pace.

Bizzaro.

Lies all lies!!

So this weekend I was performing at Jeff McBride's Wonderground. (Which I highly recommend). Got to meet some faboo people and see some performances. Something hit me this weekend while watching some stuff... we are a bunch of damned liars.

Ok well some of us more than others. I am all for setting tone and character and whatnot, but when you go so far as to say "This is the first trick I ever learned as a kid", and yer in yer 30's, you better not SUCK at it, or you will reek of LIES!!

"I remember my grandfather showing me this when I was.. " STOP IT, YER ADOPTED!! My issue I guess is, if you are not drawing from real life experience, and drawing from what you KNOW, then why should the audience care. If yer the 8th magician they have heard say this exact shpeel from, then some might become suspicious. Be true to thyself. When you are drawing from real events, even a little bit, it will show thru and let the audience in a bit. If you keep them at bay with yer little black lies, then you will be lost in a sea of magicians who believe they are being unique.. by doing something they saw someone else do.

Fitzkee wrote, "People are interested in one thing.. people." Don't be just another talking head. That was a band in the 0's and they did a fine job without anyone else's help. Just be yourself..

If you don't who will wear your pants?

Bizzaro

Right back where I started from...

Well kids, we made it to Vegas in one piece. Got in and met up with our lovely host for the week, Jordan Wright and went to see him as part of Jeff McBride's show Magic at the Edge. (If you don't know who Jeff McBride is, stop reading this journal and punch yourself in the face with a stapler.. now!)

If you get the chance to see the new bits and old faves in the current venue, do so. Also, (Shakes the magic hate ball) chances are good I will be performing this weekend at the Wonderground weekend venue. So stop on by Street of Cards this Friday and Sat night to see a live feed from the venue and maybe even some bits from me.

Until then... get a staple remover.

Bizzaro.

EPIPHANY!!

I got it.. I figured out why the Asshat does theses stunts. It's so simple, WHY didn't I see this before!? In every stunt he has done, he has been hooked up to a catheter and been in full view of people at all times. These are not coincidences!! He has a secret fetish for catheter and a not so secret fetish of exhibitionism!! Holy crap the Asshat is into kinky S&M and has found a way to make money off of it!!

Don't believe me? Watch this:


You can thank Itricks for this revelation.
Bizzaro.

Selling your sole...

I'm not too sure how I feel about another magician using someone else's tricks to A: make a name for himself and 2: Whore said products out to all the other wannabe magi's who own a TV or can work a computer.

I know that collaboration is a big part of magic and no magician is an island. (hell most magicians don't even qualify as dirt let alone a whole island) My issue is, with so much potential and room to blow yer own horn, why do you need a huge back up section? (boy someone is analogy happy today)

I think thaz all I have to say right now...

Bizzaro.

Swingers...

I wish my answering machine would talk to me.

Anywho, for those who may not have heard, Bizzaro will be invading Las Vegas in about a week's time. We are picking up shop and moving out to the desert to see what kind of insanity awaits for us. So if anyone has any advice, warnings, or hook-ups, lemme know.

This of course means posting will be scarce, but I will report when I have the chance and probably have a whole SLEW of new things to bitch about in the next few months. However for now I want to talk about This. Ever heard (or used) the line, "lemme see yer hand, no the clean one. Oh that was the clean one."? How about people saying you shouldn't use lines like that because it makes the spectator feel bad.

I agree that you should not attack a spectator head on with cheap shots. If you are going to insult an audience, do it to all of them. The problem with getting people up onstage is you are dealing with a crap shoot of possibly unstable individuals who could come up onstage with a fear or leave with a new one because of you. Having someone hold a prop, then having it collapse while they hold it can be dangerous. If they already have a low self image or feeling of being useless, and you get that one person, they could very well go home that night and hang themselves because of YOU!!

Handing a breakaway wand to a kid is funny...ish. Handing someone an object you claim to be very important and then it breaks is just poor comedy. If anything bad is going to happen, the performer should take it on because they have the ability to fix it (if they so desire). There is good-hearted ribbing, and then there is downright insulting. Some performers will NEVER say anything verbally off-key to anyone onstage... and those guys have some boring ass acts. Seriously tho', if it within the parameters of your character to be a bit of a dick to your helpers, and it works (Being the key element here) then go for it. Don't buy a prop that will get cheap laughs at someone's expense just because you aren't funny enuff to do it on your own.

Besides, the money you save today might save the life of some loser tomorrow.

Bizzaro.

The Notorious Biggie Fries...

So in usual fashion, I am taking this opportunity to whore out my own magical effects. This time around, we at Fire Cat Studios bring to you, FOILED AGAIN. Imagine producing a jumbo half-dollar coin and then peeling the top of it down to reveal it's chocolate underneath. You then reseal it and hand it off to the nearest bystander and they find it to be solid METAL! Imagine no longer! You can have this amazing ability! It is within your grasp!! How you ask? Go Here. Want to see what it looks like? Look below. (Note: there is no switching involved. It is a custom made gaff that works with any three inch jumbo half-dollar coin.)


Tastes great, less filling.

Bizzaro.

What you make of it...

First off, for those who only read this thru RSS, you miss out on the polls AND the new feature of pretty much showing how big a dork you are by reading my posts. So for those of you who eschew the main site, you might wanna pop in sometime.

So the other day I was looking at a Magic Maker's catalog from last year someone left under my couch. (I'm looking at you Aaron Stone) Many of you prolly know I am not a fan of teh Magic Maker's DVD products. You also know I am a big believer in the concept of "name recognition". While looking thru the catalog and seeing some of the guys who have put out MANY DVD's under their production it got me thinking... "It's nice to be know... but at what cost?"

If my face was plastered everywhere on shoddy merchandise, I would be known.. but not for what I wanted to be known for. It's like being a dove magician. Do I want them applauding for me... or at me. Personally, I'd rather be known for who I am...

not the company I keep.

Bizzaro.

Coming to terms...

Today we shall discuss two ideas and terms I feel are very important to creating the right presentation and effect. The other day I talked about my penchant for using food items to create magic. Last night I tried out one of my new creations at our weekly variety show. (Imagine healed and sealed with a small snack size of bag of Cheetos) A few things came from the live performance and the hour I spent before the show restructuring the routine. I am going to go over these two helpful ideas with you now. Grab yer ankles and get ready.

At Play - This term refers to making a prop or getting the props you need together and just.. playing. No matter how absurd an idea MIGHT be, you should at least follow thru with it. Make a prototype if need be. You never know what you are capable of until you get something in your hands. A lot of people have great ideas but never follow through with them. Don't be a lazy ass!! Whip it out and play with it!! (ummm...) Even if the initial idea you had doesn't work, something MUCH better might present itself. I prefer serendipity to luck any day.

In the Moment - When you are onstage or performing an effect for the first time, there are some aspects of a trick or presentation that you could NEVER have thought of in mere mirror practice. You have to be in the moment in front of a real people because that is when your secret subconscious performing reflexes will kick in. There is an energy that is present when performing for a mass of watchers. Don't be afraid to say or do something right out of the gate. Have a vague idea of what you want to say and do, but do not be afraid to deviate from the flight plan. Hijack that damn plane and head straight for the Pentag.. er.. Disney Land!! Mind you, the best time to have no fear in performance is a place where there is no pressure to be good or when yer doing it for free. Got new material? Find an open mic night or create your own somewhere. Opportunities abound!!

So there are two thoughts that might help you get out there and make magic your bitch. Mind you they require you to stop looking at the internet and actually motivate yer lazy ass. Bo not afraid. Run headlong at that cliff...

you might just be able to fly.

Bizzaro.

This sounds more like a lifestyle choice than a magic trick...

Bizzaro.

Thought for Food...

So I have been wanting to add a bit more to my creativity notes. You, my loyal readers, get a first glimpse of this addition to my usual ramblings.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The other day I was going over some of the magic I have created in the last few years and realized a LOT of it involved food and drink based props. I usually joke that you "go with what you know" and then pat my belly. Like most jests, there is some truth behind that. The items I use are things I actually consume. Doritos, sandwich cookies, Coka-cola, Cheetos, etc. The best part about this is that I am not the only one in the world who deals with these objects on a daily basis. We all have to eat. (some of us do it better than others but there is no way in hell I am gonna start doing magic with Tofu)

This brings me around to my point (I knew I had one here somewhere): Use items people relate to. You pull out brass cups or gaudy boxes with dragons on them, what are they going to think? Magic Prop!! That's right. You could honestly save yourself a lot of time and money by using soup cans or styrofoam cups. It might not be pretty but if the prop matches your presentation and character, it will paint a more complete picture. The best part is, you will get all of the credit for the magic you do. If they think it's accomplished with the prop you bought then you get NOTHING!!!

If you use props or items they have handled, seen, bought, etc they will subconsciously know that there is no trickery involved with the prop... even if there is. On the otherhand, you can use a concept they are familiar with in an incredible situation. I believe that if you give them a little bit of truth, they will believe a LOT of BS. (Like a jumbo coin being filled with chocolate) In the case of using foodtsuffs, you can play upon people's memories, emotions, or even mental states because people associate so much with edible items. With cookies you can get them going back to their childhood, water, you can have them remember summertime. It's a dirty trick, but man does it work.

So look through your repertoire, and see what you can repaint, remake, or just plain get rid of/sell and maybe find a way to make a better mousetrap.

Just don't forget the cheese.

Bizzaro.

Contesting...

I spent the weekend in Ft. Worth, TX attending the TAOM convention. (Texas Association Of Magicians) It is a regional convention that occurs in a different TX city every year. It can be one of the bigger conventions one can attend, depending on the year. Up until this year, it is the only convention I have ever attended. (thus far I have been to three conventions this year, which is odd because I usually only do one every 3-4 years)

Most every year I go to TAOM, I join in the merriment that is the magic competition. This year was no different. Now I am personally not a fan of competing BUT it has it's place so long as everyone remembers that that place has nothing to do with accolades or trophies.

My stage act is not generally one that radiates what is typically considered magic fodder. There is no hard-core manipulation. I do NOT produce doves. You will never see linking rings, cups and balls, or zombie ball in my act. Much of this kinda cuts me out of a lot of the categories upon which magic contests are judged. Originality is not seen so much as a skill but more of a tacked on feature, which counts for very little of your score on a judges sheet. Real world application is not ever a CONSIDERATION for these acts. There are a great deal of magic acts that go over great at a convention but fall short in the interest of the general public.

I am going to tell you the reason I still compete, even tho' I KNOW the deck is stacked against me (no pun intended) and then I am going to offer up some advice. I do it because I want to remind people I am still out there and make them AWARE of what I can do. The perfect place for your peers to see you is at a magic convention. This is the sole reason I participate in the whole debacle. (It sure as hell isn't for the fact that I LIKE getting up at 8am and then have to try and be funny)

Now why should YOU compete? The same reasons I do. Never go in thinking you are going to wipe the floor with other people. The moment you do some Korean kid with a bunch of colored playing cards is gonna saunter in and make you his bitch. You need to be aware that when you go into this, it is to show off what you can do, who you are, and get your name out there. Even if your act doesn't win, don't let it get you down. Listen to the buzz of the crowd. Often the audience can tell you more than the "judges" do. A trophy might look nice on a shelf somewhere, but word of mouth will get you a lot farther.

Speaking of performing in front of a crowd, here is some advice for those of you who do want to showcase your talent. Step away from the mirror!! I have seen SO many acts that do not engage the audience in any way, shape, or form. They get on stage and start performing like they would at home in the camera. Before you EVER compete, and I will repeat this EVER, find some places to do your act in front of a real audience. Again, the people watching will tell you more than you can ever know. The timing of an act in real life is much different. The methods used at home might not even be necessary in front of the drooling masses. Polish your act by performing your act in real time... not your own time.

Speaking of timing, I would like to comment on something I do think is a tad silly in the realm of Close-up. A number of conventions put a time limit on how long your act can go. For stage I think this is a good idea. It's sets a focused goal that FORCES you to pick and choose the best pieces of your act. Mind you that doesn't mean you HAVE to add material to STRETCH it to the limit but I digress..

However for close-up, (which isn't TRUE close up at a magic convention. It's really parlor. Be aware of this before you go into battle for the first time), I do not believe there needs to be a HARD limit. I think there should be a reasonable suggested limit, but a hard limit with no leeway is absurd. Even in real world rehearsal, you cannot judge audience reaction time. How long it takes to sing as card, shuffle a deck, or any other number of things that we tend to require others to do in an act. I understand there are some people with no assemblance of time, but putting a defined limit on something that is so free form or yer screwed is a bit archaic... but thaz just me.

So that's some advice from my skewed brain. For those who might be wondering, no I didn't win. No I don't care. I came away feeling that that TV show about a bar...

where everyone knows my name.

Bizzaro.