An online magic journal for things I find interesting. You'll find reviews of magic books, tricks and DVD's and I'll occasionally teach how to do a unique magic effect. In short: this is my web sandbox: I hope you find it useful.
When people ask what I do, my usual reply is "I'm a magician" but, if conversation gets to the point where I'm handing out a business card, the potential client will find the term "Prestidigitation" as my professional title. I THINK, that's what I am: a "prestigitator" ... a "sleight of hand artist" if you will. Note: I prefer the term legerdemain, but zero percent of the laity knows what that means, so I defer to the former.
The term "magician" is in the right ballpark, but I don't consider myself exactly that (*though I accept the misnomer to keep conversations simple.)
My general goal is to do what I love (sleight of hand) and to have fun with those watching it.
It's my choice... and that's kinda my point here... I've made a choice...
Have you?
What do YOU THINK you are?
Well, it's been cold here in NOLA this week, so I've forgone my daily long-walks & instead: I've hit the Gym (made it there every day this week.) I do 30-45 min on the treadmill, some weight training and then the elliptical for as long as I can stand it... god I hate that machine.
*I also use this time to practice some secret magi-things
&
**I'm generally listening to an audiobook or a podcast or when I need the energy 'boost' I turn on the "Rocky/Gonna Fly Now" station on Pandora for some great workout tunes.
I rarely feel like getting up and out, each session is still a battle. But, I feel better for doing it, every, single time.
In bout 6 months, I intend for this battle to be over. Well, not really over... just for the "mind/body/soul power/hour" to be a habit *and hopefully I won't be fat anymore.
I'll also continue my "magi-workouts" this weekend in the French Quarter: 4-6 hours a day, as many shows / interactions as I can muster... strengthinging my stage persona, as well as my body, voice, mind and more. And in the interim, I'll continue other life strengthing things, like writing for example :) Thanks for reading some of the words... and yo: if you've been thinking bout putting some exercise into your life... just do it!
Just got home from busking. I went out too early (and it was chilly!) But I persevered and the busking gods delivered :) More importantly: I experimented with my craft and was happy with the results. In fact, my best $how/Hat came from a set where I wsa breaking in my new 'psychic' routine (that's right, I'm putting the $ into E$P!) I'm jazzed to further explore the routine and do it again tomorrow!
One
of the unequalled bonuses of busking/street performing is the creative
freedom to do whatever the fk you wanna do... your only judge is the
audience... and if it's not good enough, you'll find out quick! That brutal
honesty that can/will make you a better performer. I'm blessed to have this as part of my life (I've felt that way for 30ish years now!)
Was doubly excited when I arrived home to find a sweet package from Anthony Miller / RFA Productions. I've been a fan of the "Real Man" design for a long time (I often close my busking set with this effect/prop) and Tony's current rendition is downright diabolical (and of course, it's super well made.) I'm adding this to my pocket immediately. Double jazzed to test drive this wallet tommorow!
If you're interested / curious bout the Real Man's Speed Loader, here's the info:
Rained out today, so I’m at home working and working out: did some
meditation, a lil yoga + an hour at the gym & now I’m currently
rehearsing a new sequence (designed ta pack small and play big.)
The routine is “Much Ado About Nothing” (literally!) My hopes are
with just 3 envelopes and a few clips (plus a piece of rope that’s
already part of the act) that an audience and I are able to connect,
have some fun & maybe even be amazed!
*But it’s main intent is to “Lure With Spectacle”!
Spent part of the afternoon in NOLA's lovely "City Park" (shooting some test video...)
If you find yourself in New Orleans with free time; a trip to City Park will make your brain happy. Whether you're a family looking for a group event, a romantic duo or an artist looking for inspiration, you'll find what you seek here.
I spent some time today watching magic "contests" Fool Us, Wizard Wars and America's Got Talent
I also watched some recent magi-magic-contests (Mostly FISM winners.)
so, now I'm thinking...
If magic "contests" are going to be a thing, I'd like to see at least some of them being judged by the laity.
Note: I'm a big fan of Penn & Teller's "Fool Us." I think it provides an amazing showcase for close-up magic (that otherwise would never be showcased.) I also think their recent "Wizard Wars" had some merit.
America's Got Talent is a step in the right direction, but... yeah, it has issues (for example, we have a German, a Brit, an Australian and a Canadian judging the american talent... and that's the least of their problems.)
I'm a fan of anything that brings our art(s & crafts) to the laity, but, when it comes to showcasing magical offerings for judgement, I really think at some point, joe Q public needs to be part of the judging.
More than anywhere I else, I believe this to be true for magic-convention contests. Please oh please put some laymen in those judges seats (at least some of them.)
Magic is an art meant to be enjoyed many ways (including inbred ways: like trying to fool your kindred spirits... a guilty pleasure I enjoy as well.) I'm just saying, it's an Art meant to be consumed by the public... and if we are to be judged as great magicians, the public should have some say-so in that judgement.
I first saw Daryl at Haine's House of Cards in 1984 and I clearly recall, dreaming, that one day I could be close to his caliber of greatness. At that point in my magi-life, I had never felt so inspired.
Imagine seeing (pre youtube / DVD) Daryl's Rope Routine, Elbow Knee & Neck, Audio Transpo Ultimate Ambition & a plethora of FISM award winning Card Magic (ex: the "Hot Shot Cut" before the word "Cardistry" was even a word.)
I'm confident he inspired (several?) generations of magi & You'll find his magic runs deep through my own creative output (ex: Spongolgy, Triumph Tools, Coin Spectacle & much more)
Indeed, he was "The Magicians Magician" and he set the bar for delivering strong / quality content higher than anyone before or since (and did so with unequaled, joyous enthusiasm.)
One reason I'm reviving this blog is to post ideas for posterity
Here's a snap shot of some post-its from my desktop
the list is piling up and growing daily
(thank goodness)
*and there's plenty more where that came from.
My intent is to use some of this blog-space to document these ideas and some of their development
and I intend to do so using the many mediums offered by modern technology.
Sidenote:
This (revived) blog was a post it note 3 days ago
I highly recommend Steve Beam / Joe Mogar's "Digital Effects" http://www.stevebeam.com/digital-effects-the-magic-of-joe-mogar/ (I LOVE this book. It's so so good on so many levels. You'll learn, laugh and enjoy some of the great sleight of hand magic, some great theory and thoughts on presentation and as usual, Steve's entertaining writing will keep you on the page to absorb each nuance.)
In other news:
Over 15 years of practicing and playing with thimbles... I Still haven't put them into a show
what's that quote? "time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time"
:)
which reminds me:
cardistry thought:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0KSaqiv5C0
specifcally:
2:42 (that thought is for me)
I really do like"The Virts" IMO, they are one of the few "acts" that have placed cardistry on a public platform that can be enjoyed by laymen and card geeks all their stuff is worth checking a look I hope they're selling lots of decks
I've been going though a shit ton of heavy life crap & appear to be over the hump
as such, I can get back to trodding through this existence as only I can (and I hope the same for you: *in your own special way of course)
Me thinks My initial postings will likely focus on my re-entry into the busking arena
I've worked the cobblestones of New Orleans on and off for the better part of 20 years...
and now that I'm back on, it's more challenging than ever (status quo for me... and busking)
I suppose the sadist in me that brings me back... that and lack of any real job skills ;)
Anyhoo: it's a beautiful morning and I find that's the best time for me...
on that note: I'm outta here... and heading out there!
Stephen Page ( former front man for the "Barenaked Ladies") has long been one of my favorite male vocalists. If you're not sure who I'm talking about, do yourself a favor and youtube a tune or two: I suggest "Break Your Heart" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiNyPn2OZzg (there's LOTS more where that came from)
So anyway:...
His appearance at Toronto TedX delivers a wonderful look at creating and performing.
I think anyone who presents an art on stage for a live audience will find something to benefit from hie thoughts... if nothing else you get to hear Mr. Page sing a wonderful song
** the casual reader might want to skip to minute 8:00 to get to the meat of the talk (but BNL fans will want to listen to the whole thing)
I learned about Marc Maron's wonderful WTF podcast a couple years ago and I've been a fan ever since (thanks Rich!) Maron is a grizzled veteran of the comedy scene. His insight to the entertainment industry provides no holds barred interviews with random celebrities (and magicians)
Todays link du jour is the recent WTF with the Amazing Johnathon. This NSFW interview is: a no-holds barred look at AJ's career (and beyond.) Johnathon is going through some tough stuff and you might find this interview a bit dark, but looking beyond the words, you might find inspiration to persevere through your own tough times. If nothing else, once you start listening I can pretty much guarantee you won't be able to stop. http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_514_-_the_amazing_johnathan
Below is the Nate Bargatze interview that got me hooked on the show. Nate is Stephen Bargatze' son & a prossional comedian who, among other things gives a hillarious look at what it was like growing up with a magician as a father. http://www.wtfpod.com/podcast/episodes/episode_312_-_nate_bargatze
I don't expect everyone will like Maron's style as much as I do, but those who do will find a must-have bookmark for their pod-player of choice. http://www.wtfpod.com/
I've had a soft spot in my heart for card flourishes since childhood... perhaps learning things like the "Hot Shot Cut" (and a decade later: Chris Kenners "Sybll" ) from the printed page installed a respect for the craft at an early age... or perhaps my brain is just hardwired for the odd and unusual?
(the latter is more likely to be closer to the truth.)
If you're on the fence about flourishes, I suggest a look at Daryl's thoughts in his "In Praise of the Lowly Flourish" essay. This can be found in "For Your Entertainment Pleasure" (Stephen Minch)
While I'm here: Open note to Daryl & or Stephen: In my opinion For Your Entertainment Pleasure & "Secrets of a Puerto Rican Gambler" are as important now as they were back in the 80's... PLEASE REPRINT THEM!
but I digress...
Sub note 2.0" Alex Elmsley also published some interesting thoughts on the subject (these can be found in his "Collected Works"... again Minch ;) ... those who know me , know I put allot of value on just about EVERY thing Mr. Elmsley has published.
Anyhoo
If you don't want to do the right thing and find/read/contemplate the thoughts of these giants, I think I can sum it up in a sentence: "An audience should expect a professional to handle their props expertly"
(at the very least, they shouldn't be surprised if/when you do so.)
IMO: it makes total since that a performer who handles cards (or coins or balls or whatever) should be able to manipulate the objects extraordinarily. Sure, you must be careful not to overshadow the magic/effect with such displays, but as an interlude or when used to diffuse a hot moment, flourishes can be a wonderful tool (and as in the "Hot Shot Cut" & the "Snow Shoe Sandwich") used correctly flourished CAN also be used within a magical routine...
You cay no?
I say rules are meant to be broken
Of course, this isn't the right approach for everyone,
but there is a place and a time for some of it, some of the time.
NOte, No, I still haven't seen a full / live performance of "Cardistry" that I think a paying / viewing public would be interested in.... but I've seen LOTS of interesting web demos that interest me.
Here's one of them below (in fact, it was the inspiration for this post)
These young men perform with a smooth grace that brings a certain elegance to the flourishes
"It's only the unwilling suspension of disbelief that is fascinating"
Say what?
Think about that... and then watch the interview below to enter the minds of Penn & Teller.
"Magic can be an intellectual art form because it has built-in irony"(Teller)
While watching some YouTube today, I ran across an amazing interview with P&T... a great discussion that gets real juicy at the 9:30 mark. Some of the best theory crafting I've given my time to contemplate.
I'll be re-reviewing this for sure.
I could listen to Penn speak his mind ad-nausem on just about any subject
(and he has some interesting views on MANY topics) better than that... TELLER speaks!
This is a very interesting discussion from TAM 2012
The term "magician" is in the right ballpark, but I don't consider myself exactly that (*though I accept the misnomer to keep conversations simple.) 
