Murphy's Magic

Murphy's has been busy

I was introduced to their new review show over the holidays
"Unwrapped" featuring Kyle Marlett

It looks good, though initial viewings have been a bit 'happy'
no real negatives yet... so, it remains to be seen if this is a Murphy's commercial or really a review show

Each review show covers two items... here's the most recent (#10)
http://youtu.be/2PYTVr7eLH4 
I highly suggest going through the archives.

Seems they also have something called free trick friday in which a feature magi brings you a freebie effect.
all in all, I'd say their youtube channel is worth looking at. Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/user/murphysmagic?feature=watch

Nice to see a company growing and keeping up with the times.

BeLIEve it or not

So, I just watched "BeLIEve" (2 episodes of 'season 1')

I was prepared to join the haters and was ready to be disappointed, but overall
I enjoyed Criss Angel's return to TV

http://www.spike.com/shows/criss-angel-believe
this really is a GREAT website with some awesome content. Check it out if you missed the show... heck, check it out anyway.

There were two initial episodes:
#1 "Buried Alive" (which, while well done: was IMO was the weaker of the two)
#2 "Blind" in which (while blindfolded) Criss walks a high 'beam' with a 2 ft gap in the center of it.

Both had some great 'extra' magic scenes.... a good mix of close-up, platform, stage and also an 'inside' peep at some of the trouble we'll go through to fool folks (the moving room, unintentional blindness, etc.) I like the slick / brisk format.

I used to be upset at his use of TV as a medium to project effects that would not really be seen in the real world.. but the bottom line is: as long as he is able to suspend disbelief (at least for the moment) then, power to him for using the tools at his disposal (no different than a magician who always sits / laps or perhaps one who wears gimmicks / sleeves, etc. 

Overall these effects that are 'too good to be true' (switching a mans legs  with a womans legs?) are just that: too good ... too perfect if you will. In the words of uncle Ben "With great power comes great responsibility"  and in the words of Walter White: "Tread Lightly"

alas: Criss still has a long way to go in his presentation (but that's easy for me to say: I haven't presented 100's (1000s?) of diff effects.. it's hard enough to do 10 well. I can't imagine learning 100's)
Fortunately, someone has figured out that they can fast forward through Criss' shortcomings and we can avoid that downtime & simultaneously we all get to see more magic. Win/win.

Nice to see Angel has surrounded himself with some good minds. Banacheck is one of the best in the biz, Malloy is an amazing creator... and the youngblood like Jesse (Fienberg?) and Krysten Lambert  are being given a chance of a lifetime (and hopefully being paid well as they do so)
http://www.spike.com/shows/criss-angel-believe/bios
There's mention of a 'variety' touring show... it'll be interesting to see if/what becomes of that.

At the end of the day / week / month: no one else has stepped up to take the spot as "The Magician" (on tv... the 'one' america craves) and until someone does, we can rest in peace that Criss is doing as good a job that can be done (IMO)

I have a feeling that most magicians who watch him and/or read this will disagree and dislike him. If you're one of those people, I suggest you put yourself in his shoes and think if you could do better... and if you can: get on it... I'll await your appearance on Spike ;)

I'm guessing I've said too much already (most would rather spend time bashing Criss than pointing out his adequacies)  I'll let others speak negatively: just want to offer some positive food for thought. 

Pinky Swear Shout Out

Thanks to Mike Fisher who allerted me to the 'shout out' on this weeks WPR show
http://youtu.be/CeVKAB9BewM
@ 1:55 Craig mentions what must be "Pinky Swear"

Nice.
Love the show and glad to hear our efforts are improving card magic worldwide!

Do you have your copy yet?
Pinky Swear DVD
Only $15
45 minutes of technique and effects
http://dougconn.com/product/pinky-swear/

Six tricks and Multi Camera / Angle HD DVD

VANISH!

Vanish! is a FREE International magic magazine, produced by Paul Romhany & Co.
I think I've mentioned it before (because it is worth reading @ over 100 pages of pro info, tips, tricks, etc)
They're up to issue #7 all of which are available here: http://www.vanishmagazine.com/

Yes, I said free. Don't let dissuade you from discovering this wonderful zine. It's a full color production with columns, tricks advice and information written by some of the top names in our biz. Here's a list of the current issue contributors: Chipper Lowell, Magic Babe Ning, Diamond Jim Tyler, Tony Chris, Paul Romhany, Nick Lewin, Wayne Rogers, Cris Johnson, Keith Fields, Lee Alex, Richard Webster,
Bizzaro, TC Tahoe, Danny Archer, Kyle Peron, Charles Bach, Steve Spill, Jeff McBride, Chase Hasty,
Bill Warren, Ben Robinson, Joe Gold, Paul Alberstat, Gwyn Auger, Anders Hansen, Felix, Leif David,
Banachek, Kyle Peron, Balu the Magician, Joe Pipia, Peter Mennie & More.

I'm sure a few of those names catch your eye. In short: they're serious about this thing.

I'd like to bring your attention to the current April / May issue where yours truly is featured in the review section. I'm happy to report "Built to Last - By Doug Conn" scores another high mark. And for that, as always, a tip of the hat to Rich Aviles at TRCKY.com who did an excellent job on the production.

Regarding the Built to Last  review:
The bottom line is "VERY Highly Recommended".
Here are some other quotes
I just didn’t want to know how to do the effects, I enjoyed being fooled and charmed by Doug’s magic.   I felt like a kid again enjoying being fooled Whether you are new to magic or a seasoned pro I think everybody will get A LOT from this DVD set.

Pinky Swear (My other current release) is also glowingly reviewed in this issue.
I’ve become a huge fan of Doug Conn’s and for those who love cards will definitely want to get this DVD. The magic on here is original and can be used by themselves or combined with other routines.

Wow, I'm gonna need to go buy bigger hats for my growing head!
(an open thanks for the kind words! thanks!)

If you'd like to go directly to this issue, click here to go to the 'yousendit' page 
(yousendit is the service with which they distribute the mag.)
You can read it online or download a copy to your tablet, laptop, pc, etc.

Get Built to Last : Click here
Pinky Swear is available here
peruse the whole shebang on www.connmagic.com

I'm happy someone pointed me to the review (Thanks Rock!) because I'd forgot about this wonderful publication and look forward to reading it from top to bottom (as well as all  the other issues I've missed.)
I hope you en

Vanish! check it out!

www.vanishmagazine.com