Thursday, May 30, 2013

Lake

Just returned from a 5 day excursion to Smith Lake AL. It really was a peaceful getaway from the hot / humid (& often stupid) city life that New Orleans offers. Alas, the trip was in lieu of the Pebblepallooza Con (held in OK City, for the first time this year.) The visit to the lake was very important to the wife and kids, so I opted for the opportunity to give the family a memory as opposed to a self-serving visit to see some of the best close-up magic in the world (sigh.) I did have a good time with the family and some good friends, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't constantly think of the awesome gathering I was missing. I wasn't completely without some good trickin: I performed a bit of magic during the get-away (at a huge memorial day party) and was able to catch up on a bit of reading (finishing up the Ramon Ribadoo book & the first re-read of Semi-Automatic Card Tricks #6: LOVE Steve Beams writing! And I suggest you get EVERYTHING he has put out!)Also started relearning my bottom deal (leaving Marlo's 'Illusionary' (strike) bottom in exchange for a more secure push out deal.) I guess it'll take a year or so... I'll get there. I also reviewed Bannon's Bullet DVD's and more than ever; I'm convinced he is one of the most important creators of solid attainable, entertaining card magic that has seen print (in either book or DVD) in the last 2-3 decades. Anything with his name on it is worth getting. Anything. I just read some of the Pebble posts on what I missed in OK and I can only hope they do it again. Speaking of this gathering: I'd like to send a personal shout out to Tyler Wilson who went above and beyond the call of duty in effort to get me out there (but alas my sexy sasquatch: some things are more important...) I hope everyone who's eyes gaze upon this page has the love of a child (and simultaneouly the unconditional love of a good woman) A love that proves "true love" does exist (one even stronger than the love of close-up magic.)

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Sick

My new favorite magic reviewer Magic Johnny 8 Ball talks about "Sick" and Ponta is sick... check out his work

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Blind

I've been waiting for this...

I've been an online friend of Rich Aviles for many moons (long live TSD)
and a personal acquaintance for a few years, yet I've never bought anything from trcky
Well, than all changes this weekend: He gets my bucks for this wonderful effort.

Regarding Rich (Author of "Above the Fold")
Some might be familiar with his new upstart http://www.trcky.com
("misdirecting the i ") It was with Rich whom I finally caved in and did a video project (or 3)
Built to Last by Doug Conn and the Pinky Swear Project
both have recieved rave reviews and I'm VERY happy mssr Aviles was part of the project.

I'm sure Mr. Jack Carpenter will feel similarly when "BlindSpot" is released on May 17th

Here's a Demo of the Effect : 


Num Num (the cereal too: I don't know what kind it was, but I know it was good)
You want this. I want this. Get it.

Thanks guys Enjoy

cARdT

If you like gambling stuff, you'll wanna watch this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz_MAaN0-7w

His Mucks are awesome

His deals are great

His shuffle work is strong

He even does a bit of magic that's worth watching.

I enjoyed the full 3 minutes, wonderful editing, great music, amazing chops

all for now, back to work

Friday, May 10, 2013

Artee


Cool Tee
Well done T11
And $35 is almost reasonable!



Want one? (Me too)
http://www.theory11.com/gear/artisan-shirt

Thursday, May 9, 2013

dougconn.com

DougConn.com is Back!
It's been awhile (and I thought this day might never come, but it has!)
I've got  the standard promo-crap up there as well as some fun magi-bonuses those familiar with the arcane arts might find interesting (and I'm just warming up: look for these areas to get bigger & better)
I'm still learning to work the wordpress platform, so bare with me while I adjust any kinks.

If you could please take a sec & beta test: http://www.dougconn.com
& if you have any comments, criticism, etc: please email me! 
Thanks & I hope you find something of use!
Doug Conn dot com

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Mat

I've had more than one person ask me about my close-up mat

It's the best in the biz and it's made by

Pattrick Przysiecki
@
http://www.pattricksmagic.com/

He offers a variety of styles and surfaces and also does custom embroidery work 

Start your search here:
http://www.pattricksmagic.com/index.php/world-famous-mats/

The plush style mats are a few bucks more (and well worth it IMO.)
Need something custom? Patrick is your guy



Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Salad

Gig Salad has gotten me quite a few leads (more in a few months than a few years of web site hosting)

Just sayin: If you're a professional entertainer, you might wanna check it out (unless you live in the NOLA area :)  http://www.gigsalad.com/

use this info as you see fit. (no guarantees or anything like that)


Sunday, May 5, 2013

More MIMs

I've been reading the new/outstanding Magic in Mind tome from Josh Jay / Andi Gladwin (Vanishing Inc) It's a wonderful collection of 30plus essays on magical theory. IMO: It's a must read (and I'm only 1/3 the way through... this is not the kind of book you'll pick up and plow through.) I think each essay is worthy it's own meditation. IMHO: You should put some thought into what these masters are trying to say.

Last night I was reading John Carney's wonderful section (concerning magic as art) and I reflected back to how strong the opening segment to Carneycopia is.  If you're intention is to become a well rounded magician, I think his book should be both on your shelf and in your brain. The tricks in Carney's book are great, but the opening segment on HOW to do magic is greater. Carney's theories on magic (misdirection, timing, etc.) are among some of the best in our craft (art?) <heh, that's up to you to decide.

I have three favorite concise essays on performing competent magic. Writings that at least give you enough information to think about and make your own decisions. They're not all in Magic in Mind, so for your consideration, I suggest you track down and study:

#1: The Automatic Producer by Alex Elmsley (my main man!)
This is a  wonderful procedure for insuring that you're performing material that will interest and excite your audience. It can be found in Volume #1 of  The Collected Works of Alex Elmsley (Published by Stephen Minch and his Hermetic Press) Now that this book is available in Electronic / .pdf form for the low price of $20, there is simply no excuse to call yourself a magician without studying this man's work.

#2 Secret Philosophy by John Carney
The 15ish pages of magical theory that open Carneycopia breathe life into such subjects as "muse" , "craft", "misdirection" and much more. It's inspirational, thoughtful and giving. Read it (also Published by Stephen Minch and his Hermetic Press)

#3 The Books of Wonder by Tommy Wonder
These two WONDERful volumes are scattered with a variety of must read topics from one of the best magicians to  ever walk this planet. Tommy Wonder made magic art. Study his works and maybe you can as well. Is it any surprise that this is also: Published by Stephen Minch and his Hermetic Press!

There are many more I could mention...  but those above are my 'top three' (at least for today ;) If you've studied these works,  good for you. If not, there's no better time than the present... and then you can get started on Mike Close, Eugene Burger, Henning Nelms, Darwin Ortiz, Ken Weber and so on.

Meanwhile, I'll remind you that "Magic in  Mind" is a great place to start for free.
Thanks again Vanishing Inc. Good on ya!



Here's an excerpt from the Carney Book (which is an excerpt from another book ;)


Progress Well Begun

A Description of the Operator

He must be one of a bold and undaunted Resolution, so as to set a good face upon the matter

He must have strange terms and emphatical words to grace & adorn his actions
 and the more to amaze and astonish the bystanders

And Lastly, He must use such gestures of body as may take off the specators eyes from a strict and diligent beholding your manner of performance.

  Henry Dean    "The Whole Art of Legerdemain"  1722


Saturday, May 4, 2013

tube

man, I wish I had youtube when I was a kid

I just stumbled through a ton of unmentionables (that taught some really great cardstuff)

along the way, I happened upon this link
This is Ricky Jay's "Learned Pigs and Fireproof Women" special from a couple decades ago ;)
there's a ton of other Ricky Jay stuff out there as well (easy nuff: search for it)

I also found this excellent series on the history of magic (some wonderful artists & clips)
Enjoy the 'Grand Illusions of Magic'
Or maybe "The Worlds Wildest Magic" (and/or any of the other Gary Oullet / Bob Jaffe special from the 90s') This guy has 25 killer clips:  http://www.youtube.com/user/770pratik/videos 
Inluding Penn & Tellers invisible thread & Dai Vernon's "Spirit of Magic"  http://youtu.be/C_Pg-OTXYu4

wow... so much...
gotta go (I'm busy)

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

MIM

So...

Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin have released a new ebook, titled: Magic in Mind, 
It's a wonderful (500 page) tome full of essays on magic theory.

it's available at Josh Jay & Andi Gladwin's most excellent site: Vanishing Inc

A note from Joshua Jay: What if I told you that today we are releasing a
book with contributions from Derren Brown, Teller, and Juan Tamariz? How
about if the book also included contributions from John Carney, Darwin
Ortiz, Tommy Wonder, Pit Hartling, Rene Lavand, Tom Stone, and nearly thirty
other magic luminaries?


Well what if I told you it was free?

It is!
Get your copy for free from the Vanishing Inc. web site:
http://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-downloads/free-magic-downloads/magic-
in-mind/




Yeah, no catches... just go get it.

I'm proud to be part of this tome. You'll find my 'wordy' essay on page 541-542

Josh sent me an email thanking him for my submission
but it is I who is thankful.
To be part of a book that contains some of the best thinking from our best minds in magic is an honor.

Josh, Andi.... Thanks.
It's guys like you that give me hope for the future of our art
Really, no one in recent memory has done more for magic than these two young men (OUTSTANDING magi in their own right!)
The recent revival of the Magi-fest and their generous scholarship / youth programs are unparalleled.
Keep up the good work gents. Bravo.





R.I.P. E.E.

When "By Forces Unseen" came out, I was a young cardman and found Earick's book delivered exactly the kind of conjuring my fingers craved. This was nouveau work that walked a path untread before.
Well, 20 years later, I can still say the same ... and I'm happy to say that.
Unfortunately, I'm sad to say, Earnest Earick has passed.
Sad but true
On April 27 it was his time to go. Heart problems... sigh.

And just last week Tyler was speaking of a road trip to the Earick mecca. (in May no less)
Timing...

Fortunately, Stephen Minch penned the fore-mentioned tome & I'm sure it's one that will live in the minds and hearts of cardmen for many years to come. If you haven't seen or read this wonderful book, I suggest you correct that mistake at your earliest opportunity (cardmen only need apply; this book is only for 'us')


Want to see some of this stuff performed?
well, you're in luck... the young asian man in the following youtube clip took it upon himself to learn virtually the entire book (quite an accomplishment) If you haven't seen it yet, enjoy this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0wxinoS4eI
(there's more where that came from: search you tube for "Earnest Earick By forces unseen)

Alright, well, I've blabbed enough about this (shitty) untimely topic
nuff for now... 
off to practice a few 'unseen' moves 

RIP E.E.