connmagic.com

Ok, so a few years ago, I had someone swipe my website "dougconn.com' right from under my nose (due to bank switch and a credit card that didn't work anymore) So, I decided to use 'Connmagic.com' as a replacement site... well, over the past year I was able to reclaim my name (no small feat) and now dougconn.com is back to 'normal' (it's actually a hot mess right now but I'll get there... one day)
To make a long story short: connmagic.com is set to renew and I see no reason to have two domains that are going to the same place (I've just been forwarding the connmagic domain to dougconn.com)
Point: I'm gonna let the connmagic domain go.
As of mid April, that site will be obsolete

In other news... I've really been thinking about the video thing... I've been thinking hard.
I think I'm gonna do it. Response was less than what I'd hoped, but in the day of the info glut, that's no surprise. .... I think (like the "Field of Dreams")
"If you build it, they will come"

I've got a lot to decide... I'll probably start with a once a week youtube segment... and "like a box of chocolates, there's no telling what you're gonna get"  I've got a good list of topics I'd like to cover already, but I want to  go further than that... Eventually, building to an interactive web stream (again: at least once a week, maybe more.) I'll be doing magic, moves, theory, reviews, tips and occasionally rambling about the crazy nonsense that often captures my interest (like Juggling, Mnemonics, The Rubics cube, etc etc etc) I see no good reason to charge for this: it will be free and If things work out, I'll be navigating into new info-area that few magi have tread.
For now, it's just talk and I've done plenty of that.
My current connundrum is the camera. Really the best one I have is on my iPhone.
I'm a complete nube when it comes to web/camera/webcams and would appreciate any advice if you have it.

For now, believe it when you see it... but, I really believe you're gonna see it.

Stay tuned... and practice your pinky count
all for now,
Conn...gone

Conn-TV?

I'm thinking of making at least one post a week that is comprised of video content

Before I go through the trouble of doing this, I need to get a general idea of who is out there and interested in seeing my mug (or my hands) spewing about magic and the related arts

I'm not gonna invest the time and energy if no-one is listening.

Lemme know (comment, email, +1 this post, whatever)
I think it'd be a fun challenge, but I don't wanna just talk to myself.?

Get Small

(kudos to those who recognize the Steve Martin title reference)

This post will be a tip about doing card tricks that involve a large layout procedure; These are often un-weildly due to space conditions / restrictions.

I'm talking about things like the 21 card trick... or more gooder (like theres something less gooder than the 21 card trick?) the Grid / Matrix Effect that Lennert Green and / or John Bannon have done so much work on. Note: I first learned this in Jon Racherbaumers' MO Zine as "Spectator Works Harder to Triumph" and the credit was given to Peter Dufie... I'm not sure which came first, the chicken or the egg, but I do know this is an amazing principle. In case your curious, my favorite version is John Bannon's "Origami Prediction' (from his Bullet DVDs) 
So, yeah, basically the idea is to carry the needed cards in Playtime size (smaller cards) which allow you to do this large layout on a surface 1/4 the size it would normally require: and IMO, the use of said cards requires no more justification that that. I carry the above Bannon / Oragami effect in a small coin envelope that houses the 16 cards and the prediction. It's small enough to toss in a wallet if you want to carry something unique to perform at your next social gathering (I don't really consider this kind of effect a good walkaround piece... but I digress)  Sidenote, if you'd like to know just about everything possible with this kind of 'matrix' effect, I'd suggest a look at Lennert Green's dissertation on the subject in his EMC DVD release... he covers about a a dozen different options (more than enough food for thought to develop a strong routine.)

Beyond that...
There's quite a few effects in Cardopia that require such layouts and you might consider using this strategy to make these more user friendly by employing a smaller card stock.

That's todays tip of the day... hope someone finds it helpful

Back in the Saddle

Hello fellow Webinians
Happy to report the hiatus has ended and I'm back to 'normal' (whatever that is)
Time is short today (early / afternoon lunch gig)

I'm performing for a disabled youngster (young 20's) who has limited mobility and loves magic.
I've been scratching my brain trying to think what I could show him (beyond some good magic) & I think I'm gonna suggest he try some phone apps... his mother mentioned how he likes technology and I think a disabled person (I think he has MS) could probably do something like iForce or Rising Cards (google either of those in the app store)

Anyway... the above gig has me short on time (I decided to redo my table top for today & the upcoming season of 'magishing')

Set list... hmmmm...
I haven't performed for awhile so, I'll probably KISS it:

Silk / Reel (untying)
Rope
Coins
Rubber Bands (it's a small party 12-15 people)
Inv Deck (or Unshuffled)
Rings
Unshuffled (or Inv Deck)
Cups and Balls
Regular deck (multiple selection with 8 ball, 3 & 1/2, Long Card and Card to Wallet)


and then I'd like to spend some time with the young man talking about what he can do with magic
(Ala' David Copperfields project magic)

So, that's my day and on that note, time to get too it!
See ya soon

Hiatus

Just a head's up
I've taken a lil hiatus from the magi-grid (plogging, forums, vid viewing, etc)
These breaks are a necessity
never intentional or with mal intent
just taking a break

after 40 years of eating, drinking and sleeping magic
I've discovered from time to time, one needs a breather from the deep end

don't get me wrong, I still keep a pocket full of coins and a deck of cards by the bedside (and in the car) but I'm not actively learning, creating or devoting any real time or energy to the art

I find this allows me to return with renewed vigor each time 'it' happens

it's happening now, and I'll be back soon

so, that's wuzzup (in case anyone was curious)
see ya on the flip side

Blue Crown / Red Sale!

Happy Valentines Day!

I was happy to see The Blue Crown "celebrating" the holiday with a sale on their Red Crown decks

These top notch packs (none better IMO) are normally $5.95

But

Today (2.14) thru Sunday (2/17/14)

The Red Crowns are only $2.14 a pack

If u haven't handled these beauties: NOW is the time

http://thebluecrown.com/the-crown-deck-red.html

I have no connection / affiliation with this company, I just think they make good cards.

BTW: each pack includes an extra "special" card (a dupe or a dbl backer, etc) and you also recieve a free download that explains an effect to go with the pack

Why are you still reading this?

Click above & send TBC your $

(Note: shipping is a bit pricey; I'd order 6-12 decks to really get your $ worth)

Enjoy!

Apps

One of my "hobbies" is playing with new apps (it used to be called software: wonder what we'll be calling things in the next decade...?)

Anyway, I'm currently an iPhone user & so, this Info will be geared to that platform. I imagine the more popular apps will be available on other platforms (google / android, etc)

So anyway, just thought if mention a few apps I found that are useful &/or fun

First of all, is the Blogger app (for blog spot) that I'm using to thumbp this out.

It's simple, clean & robust

"Paper" is an interesting way to peruse Facebook. Check it out

"Magical Pad" is a useful app that combines mind maps and outlines (along with pictures , shapes & colors) to make organizing any project (a show, a routine, an effect) visually & memorable

"Grid" is another outline tool worth a look

Popograph is an incredible photo app that performs masking and tons of other edits formerly only available through high end software: check it out

All if these are free & all of them useful to the professional entertainer (and beyond)

While on the subject I'll (re)mention some other apps that I've talked about before ...

My favorite magi apps are

Iforce , Stacked Deck (men deck tool) and iPredict Max Krause Card Stats is another winner

Games: Fieldrunners (1&2) are atop the heap wit lots of close seconds

Most useful app is probably "Evernote" it's capabilities are awesome 

Ok, nuff  for now... Cya next time