Saturday, April 30, 2011
Words of wisdom... now in song form!!
Yes I realize the irony of this video on this journal. Shut it.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
With the proper amount of force...
As I get older and work more and more on stage doing stand up I find that some things in my perspective change.
Such as card forcing. If you can't do a classic force, then maybe you shouldn't be doing a trick where forcing a card is required. On stage I think the force has to come off as fair and open as possible. Slip force, hindu, or any other convoluted cluster fuck card handling just won't do.
Close-up is a different animal because you can still misdirect in close quarters. However if you work stage, you need to make sure it looks like you have little to no control over the pasteboard proceedings as possible.
Just a thought...
Such as card forcing. If you can't do a classic force, then maybe you shouldn't be doing a trick where forcing a card is required. On stage I think the force has to come off as fair and open as possible. Slip force, hindu, or any other convoluted cluster fuck card handling just won't do.
Close-up is a different animal because you can still misdirect in close quarters. However if you work stage, you need to make sure it looks like you have little to no control over the pasteboard proceedings as possible.
Just a thought...
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Puff, puff, bitch...
Someone pointed something out to me today that is very amusing. Humans are, by nature, contrary beings. We love hypocrisy even when we can't spell it.
The entertainment world (as well as the world in general) is full of people who do illicit things. Many of them indulge in some recreational cigarettes that johnny gubmint isn't too keen on. Mind you these are the same people who don't condone piracy because it's "wrong and illegal". I got news for you boyos who do this, you can't really pick and choose. You will, but then your argument will become invalid.
So the next time someone is waxing poetic about their loathing of people who download magic off torrent sites while passing around a spliff, call them a hypocrite and tell them to stop bogarting that shiz.
Then go pirate something of Eric Mead's just to piss him off.
The entertainment world (as well as the world in general) is full of people who do illicit things. Many of them indulge in some recreational cigarettes that johnny gubmint isn't too keen on. Mind you these are the same people who don't condone piracy because it's "wrong and illegal". I got news for you boyos who do this, you can't really pick and choose. You will, but then your argument will become invalid.
So the next time someone is waxing poetic about their loathing of people who download magic off torrent sites while passing around a spliff, call them a hypocrite and tell them to stop bogarting that shiz.
Then go pirate something of Eric Mead's just to piss him off.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Turn on the angry music...
Sometimes it irks me when people I know full well hardly do gigs and call themselves a "professional" this or that. In the states, I have heard the status of "pro" is defined as someone who makes most if not all of their living from some form or something or other. So I suppose if you do nothing with your life and do a performance once or twice a year and they pay you, that definition holds true. Ah loopholes.
In other places, I have seen it referenced that if you are proficient at something you are a pro. I know many people who are great technicians with cards but can't entertain a thought let alone a group of people. Does this make them professional? I say no. I'm not saying you need to be a ninja master of what you do, but you need to be coherent in as many of the aspects of what your job entails. (This of course is mostly geared to the entertainment business. Not a lot of lawyers or accountants throwing this term in front of their monikers.)
I believe it is up to you to decide but you need to be honest with yourself. Just because it sounds good on a business card doesn't make it right. Sure, you can lie to yourself but eventually you will be found out. The proof is in the pudding... or the yogurt or wherever it's supposed to be.
Put that in yer pipe and smoke it.
In other places, I have seen it referenced that if you are proficient at something you are a pro. I know many people who are great technicians with cards but can't entertain a thought let alone a group of people. Does this make them professional? I say no. I'm not saying you need to be a ninja master of what you do, but you need to be coherent in as many of the aspects of what your job entails. (This of course is mostly geared to the entertainment business. Not a lot of lawyers or accountants throwing this term in front of their monikers.)
I believe it is up to you to decide but you need to be honest with yourself. Just because it sounds good on a business card doesn't make it right. Sure, you can lie to yourself but eventually you will be found out. The proof is in the pudding... or the yogurt or wherever it's supposed to be.
Put that in yer pipe and smoke it.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
HI PIG!!
I saw this on another magic blog and really liked it.
On another note: I am glad to see so many liberally minded magicians speaking their mind on the internet nowadays. I don't mean those armchair asshats over at the green weenie either. I am talking about people who don't like their language watered down. The ones who see something wrong around them and aren't afraid to stand up and tell someone about it... even if that someone is the internet. In some small part of my brain I'd like to think I helped someone realize they had a place to say what they wanted to online instead of some crappy forum full of amateurs and douche canoes™.... much like how the Magic Circle jerk originally opened my eyes to this zany outlet lo those many years ago.
One for my homies...
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Clever title goes here...
Two things,
One: If you are into weird presentations for magic and possibly sacrificing rubber ducks to Charles Nelson Reilly, then check out this e-zine, Bizarro. I have nothing to do with it, I just find it amusing.
Bee: Someone named DJ just emailed me about the hidden cash post and my junk mail folder ate it... so could you please resend yo. Thanx!
As you were...
One: If you are into weird presentations for magic and possibly sacrificing rubber ducks to Charles Nelson Reilly, then check out this e-zine, Bizarro. I have nothing to do with it, I just find it amusing.
Bee: Someone named DJ just emailed me about the hidden cash post and my junk mail folder ate it... so could you please resend yo. Thanx!
As you were...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Can I get some change?
There are some plots I am not into in magic. The bill change is one of them. Seems like a waste of power. However, much like Tommy Wonder, if I get to thinking about something I will work on my own touches for it. In an attempt to make a more foolproof version of the old 2$ to two 1's effect, I came up with an idea I think is of my own design.
Since I will probably not do this in my day to day routines, I am going to proposition you my dear readers. ("20 bucks, same as in town") I need some people to go out and test this in real world conditions and report back to me. So the next 5 people who email me will get an explanation of how the bill change is done BUT only if they will go out and see how it plays for real people. Free magic and all you have to do is perform? That's right, I am a kind and benevolent dog.
So hit me up before this offer ends.
Operators are standing by.
Since I will probably not do this in my day to day routines, I am going to proposition you my dear readers. ("20 bucks, same as in town") I need some people to go out and test this in real world conditions and report back to me. So the next 5 people who email me will get an explanation of how the bill change is done BUT only if they will go out and see how it plays for real people. Free magic and all you have to do is perform? That's right, I am a kind and benevolent dog.
So hit me up before this offer ends.
Operators are standing by.
Monday, March 21, 2011
I just happen to have...
Remember a while back when I talked about how illusions were getting passe' for the modern audience? How they might be fooled but they just don't care? Well I think I stumbled upon another area of stage magic where the world might have just moved past it all.
Prediction effects
I have always said I don't believe coincidence is magic. It's too perfect if you will. "I just happen to have your card TATTOOED on my leg!" I think when you bring out some bring pop where you made a "prediction" ahead of time and the props look like they have been professionally made is just not believable.
Oh sure, just like the illusions they may not know how it's done and clap at it, but do they really care? Sure there are exceptions. However on the whole, I think we live in a more jaded educated world where we are no longer burned at the stake for being witches and people know what we are doing is mere trickery.
If you want to argue with me that people still come up to you and believe you have spooky mind powers go ahead. Those same people prolly go to psychics and believe fairies carry electricity into our light bulbs to make them illuminate. Sometimes, you have to look at the source.
I think it's more powerful to write the "prediction" down in front of them. That whole "before the show" shit has to stop people. It's just insulting to the audiences intelligence. If you are looking for filler and have to resort to mentalism, then you just aren't trying...
or don't care.
Prediction effects
I have always said I don't believe coincidence is magic. It's too perfect if you will. "I just happen to have your card TATTOOED on my leg!" I think when you bring out some bring pop where you made a "prediction" ahead of time and the props look like they have been professionally made is just not believable.
Oh sure, just like the illusions they may not know how it's done and clap at it, but do they really care? Sure there are exceptions. However on the whole, I think we live in a more jaded educated world where we are no longer burned at the stake for being witches and people know what we are doing is mere trickery.
If you want to argue with me that people still come up to you and believe you have spooky mind powers go ahead. Those same people prolly go to psychics and believe fairies carry electricity into our light bulbs to make them illuminate. Sometimes, you have to look at the source.
I think it's more powerful to write the "prediction" down in front of them. That whole "before the show" shit has to stop people. It's just insulting to the audiences intelligence. If you are looking for filler and have to resort to mentalism, then you just aren't trying...
or don't care.
Flawed Logic...
Earlier today an associate and I were talking about how if a performer is TOO nice, he has little to no authority over a crowd and can be easily overtaken. The performer could be very edgy or authoritative off stage, but if he is a push over in front of s crowd, it can backfire.
No one on this PLANET is 100% shiny happy people. Everyone has flaws. It's why we tend to like some people. We can relate to someone who has some rough edges. We like that.
Magicians try so hard to be above everyone else sometimes that they become off putting and unrelatable to the people watching.
Even the nice guy needs an edge. Not necessarily being a dick onstage, but being a little mischievous or having a slight twisted sense of humor. The audience begins to like you more because you are like their friends. A little... off.
So if you wonder why you might not be getting that reaction you want, maybe be a little snarky from time to time.
Sometimes being bad can be good.
No one on this PLANET is 100% shiny happy people. Everyone has flaws. It's why we tend to like some people. We can relate to someone who has some rough edges. We like that.
Magicians try so hard to be above everyone else sometimes that they become off putting and unrelatable to the people watching.
Even the nice guy needs an edge. Not necessarily being a dick onstage, but being a little mischievous or having a slight twisted sense of humor. The audience begins to like you more because you are like their friends. A little... off.
So if you wonder why you might not be getting that reaction you want, maybe be a little snarky from time to time.
Sometimes being bad can be good.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Friday, March 11, 2011
This title is for Andrew...
Anyone who knows this journal will know I am a big proponent of females in magic. Well Paper Crane has finally done something interesting. So good on them.
Spread the word and let's see what comes of it.
Spread the word and let's see what comes of it.
Mars Needs Proofreaders!!
Alright, well maybe not proofreaders per say. However I am looking for some very brave souls who are willing to go thru the last 7 years of this journal and tell me their favorite posts.
I want to compile a "Best Of" and make it into something that resembles a book (Along with some other bonus stuff nyuk nyuk)
Anyone who wants to undertake this can just email me the dates and/or posts they find to be their favorites. It could be because they are funny, informative, or thought provoking. In return you will get a free copy when it comes out and even your name in shiny letters somewhere in the collected tome.
So step to my literate minions!
I want to compile a "Best Of" and make it into something that resembles a book (Along with some other bonus stuff nyuk nyuk)
Anyone who wants to undertake this can just email me the dates and/or posts they find to be their favorites. It could be because they are funny, informative, or thought provoking. In return you will get a free copy when it comes out and even your name in shiny letters somewhere in the collected tome.
So step to my literate minions!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Choice of a new generation?
Jeff McBride hosts a weekly online session thingy every Monday. On there was someone I have known for longer than I want to reveal. He was asking people to suggest how they can get a younger crowd to come out to the magic conventions.
here is my suggestion: Get rid of the close minded ass clowns that you have booking the acts!! Far too often some has-been or wannabe magician has been put into a position of power and, as most do, abuse it by hiring the SAME DAMN ACTS YOU SEE AT EVERY CONVENTION!!
"I am hiring this act because I want to see him live." or "This guy is my friend. I should do him a solid."
These are the two scenarios that make the most sense to me because mental illness or retardation seem only slightly less logical. Hey, want to bring in a younger crowd? Here is an idea: Hire people you don't see at magic conventions!
Don't believe me? Let me paint you a picture. Last week of April, 2010 - Magic vs. Science at the castle (Or Magic Woodstock as some have started calling it). Rudy Coby brought in acts that had never or hardly worked at the castle and guess what? They had the highest growing April IN CASTLE HISTORY! Read that line again. Highest... Grossing.
So instead of blowing your budget on a few "names" why not line up some unknown talent. People on their way up in the magic world? Maybe some guys that the young kids want to see... gawd forbid.
If this is a trend you keep seeing and are sick of it too, let your voices be heard. Email, call, morse code your feelings to someone who might listen. They can ignore 1 or 2 angry letters but 100... 1000? That's a little more difficult. (I doubt there are even 100 people who read this, but you get my point)
So if some of you convention bookers happen upon this article by some chance, such as some disgruntled convention goes trying to open your eyes, don't ignore it. Look outside your own little close-minded tux and tails kinda world. Find out what the current generation wants to see and don't dismiss them because they are a bunch of youtube using window lickers (Even if they might be). They are paying customers you are IGNORING! Don't be that guy.
You know who you are...
here is my suggestion: Get rid of the close minded ass clowns that you have booking the acts!! Far too often some has-been or wannabe magician has been put into a position of power and, as most do, abuse it by hiring the SAME DAMN ACTS YOU SEE AT EVERY CONVENTION!!
"I am hiring this act because I want to see him live." or "This guy is my friend. I should do him a solid."
These are the two scenarios that make the most sense to me because mental illness or retardation seem only slightly less logical. Hey, want to bring in a younger crowd? Here is an idea: Hire people you don't see at magic conventions!
Don't believe me? Let me paint you a picture. Last week of April, 2010 - Magic vs. Science at the castle (Or Magic Woodstock as some have started calling it). Rudy Coby brought in acts that had never or hardly worked at the castle and guess what? They had the highest growing April IN CASTLE HISTORY! Read that line again. Highest... Grossing.
So instead of blowing your budget on a few "names" why not line up some unknown talent. People on their way up in the magic world? Maybe some guys that the young kids want to see... gawd forbid.
If this is a trend you keep seeing and are sick of it too, let your voices be heard. Email, call, morse code your feelings to someone who might listen. They can ignore 1 or 2 angry letters but 100... 1000? That's a little more difficult. (I doubt there are even 100 people who read this, but you get my point)
So if some of you convention bookers happen upon this article by some chance, such as some disgruntled convention goes trying to open your eyes, don't ignore it. Look outside your own little close-minded tux and tails kinda world. Find out what the current generation wants to see and don't dismiss them because they are a bunch of youtube using window lickers (Even if they might be). They are paying customers you are IGNORING! Don't be that guy.
You know who you are...
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
So, you didn't believe me when I said dancing cane was dead hunh? You scoffed when I insisted that it had been adopted by ravers and hippies hunh? Well here is proof that even your grandfather can do it.
Yah and guess what? They are being marketed to the general public as a "Flow-wand". Dancing cane is over. It's done. Snap yours in half. Point the blame at whomever you wish.
Besides, they are all better at it than you are.
Yah and guess what? They are being marketed to the general public as a "Flow-wand". Dancing cane is over. It's done. Snap yours in half. Point the blame at whomever you wish.
Besides, they are all better at it than you are.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Magicians don't exist....
Just got done watching the movie L'illusionniste. It's a cute but depressing little film especially if you are an entertainer. It shows the decline of the variety arts in the start of the 60's. Back when live theater had to vie for attention against rock bands and TV.
Struggling is nothing new to someone who wants to be an entertainer full time but as I tend to say... The only ones who fail in this business are the ones who give up.
Struggling is nothing new to someone who wants to be an entertainer full time but as I tend to say... The only ones who fail in this business are the ones who give up.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Our good friend Christopher Lyle, who you might remember from his cameo role in our PSA video, shared a story on the big green.
Tis' amusing.
PS: (Stole this from WMF) This is retarded.
Tis' amusing.
PS: (Stole this from WMF) This is retarded.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Eat me/ Drink me
I believe that a lot of magic creators are not the best at performing their miracles. As someone who makes stuff I can attest that sometimes you get narrow minded about the one or two things it can do and you just kinda stop because it "works".
The reason I being this up is because I like magic with soda. Mostly canned drinks. So despite what Roland might think of him, Michal P. Lair has some clever stuff from time to time (And yes some of it isn't so much).
The first two things on that demo video I just linked to I like quite a lot. Very subtle and in the right situation can be very fooling. The rest... I'm not so sure about.
"In the right hands, that could be a miracle" - Roger Klaus to Steve Bedwell
The reason I being this up is because I like magic with soda. Mostly canned drinks. So despite what Roland might think of him, Michal P. Lair has some clever stuff from time to time (And yes some of it isn't so much).
The first two things on that demo video I just linked to I like quite a lot. Very subtle and in the right situation can be very fooling. The rest... I'm not so sure about.
"In the right hands, that could be a miracle" - Roger Klaus to Steve Bedwell
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