Search found 56 matches

by skeptic555
September 20th, 2015, 1:15 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: AGT betting odds - Who will win?
Replies: 7
Views: 3083

Re: AGT betting odds - Who will win?

Is it out of the question that any of them-but I am especially thinking of Derek Hughes-intentionally tanked in the finals? We know about the unpopular "management contact" the winners are bound to, and the money "over 40 years" ain't what it seems. So, get the maximum exposure, ...
by skeptic555
May 4th, 2013, 10:10 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Real Secrets Weber Bonus and Email
Replies: 131
Views: 20759

Re: Real Secrets Weber Bonus and Email

Interesting, isn't it, that all the initial hubbub and controversy around discussing RS effects has been lost amid all the discussion around their business practices. I am a techie and a geek. I have my music collection backed up in the cloud. I have purchased maybe 5 e-books, even though as a famil...
by skeptic555
April 1st, 2013, 9:09 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Who is renewing Real Secrets?
Replies: 255
Views: 45733

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Neither... but (and being careful not to give too much away) it is fairly prominent on a gimmick that is specifically designed to look like a real-world counterpart... and is in the hands of the layman for long enough to be noticed.

Or perhaps I hang out with grammar nerds way too much.
by skeptic555
April 1st, 2013, 8:19 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Who is renewing Real Secrets?
Replies: 255
Views: 45733

Re: Who is renewing Real Secrets?

Arrived today... complete with unfortunate spelling error. I wonder if they will print another run and correct?
by skeptic555
August 29th, 2012, 5:45 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Dittleman!
Replies: 0
Views: 664

Dittleman!

Props to Dittleman on America's Got Talent. Dont know if he will make it to the next round, but I hope so. The dude managed to do what sooooo many others have not - gotten a TON of mileage out of the simplest of tricks, all without a contrived, tear-jerker backstory. Awesome indeed. And I am not bei...
by skeptic555
July 30th, 2012, 11:59 am
Forum: Convention Reports
Topic: S.A.M. 2012 Convention - Las Vegas
Replies: 66
Views: 19595

Re: SAM 2012 Review

I agree with most of the above. My only point of comparison is 4 Magic Live! events I've attended, and some things compared favorably, and some not so much. - I LOVED LOVED LOVED being at the Golden Nugget. At the South Point and/or Orleans, I felt trapped. Being able to walk 50 yards to a bunch of ...
by skeptic555
July 16th, 2012, 5:38 pm
Forum: Convention Reports
Topic: S.A.M. 2012 Convention - Las Vegas
Replies: 66
Views: 19595

Re: S.A.M. 2012 Convention - Las Vegas

I'll take a shot, Fred. Not a Las Vegan, but a fairly frequent visitor. 1. Best and most economic ways from airport to the Golden Nugget downtown. Well, I always rent a car, cause Im a wanderer. Downtown is at the far end of Vegas from McCarran, so cabs will be pricey, but dead simple. There are air...
by skeptic555
October 29th, 2011, 10:17 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Genii: The Conjurors' CONVENTION in 2012
Replies: 113
Views: 22352

Re: Genii: The Conjurors' CONVENTION in 2012

One vote FOR variety acts. One thing conventions can do is expose us to things outside our comfort zone (" I'm in a groove now, or is it a rut?"). So bring on the jugglers. Or the stand up comics. Hell, even the geeks and the carnys.
by skeptic555
August 28th, 2011, 11:47 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: So, How was MAGIC Live?
Replies: 117
Views: 20933

Re: So, How was MAGIC Live?

I've enjoyed this discussion. I heard an interesting comment on the nature of comedy - that being, its the only art form that a critic can simply "will" out of existence. A poorly sung song, is, after all, still music. A theater critic can savage a play, but at the end of the day, it may b...
by skeptic555
April 15th, 2011, 3:16 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Make Believe on Showtime
Replies: 3
Views: 1957

Re: Make Believe on Showtime

Watched the other night, and have been struggling with my reaction. I really wanted to like this, but I just..... really didn't. It was well made, and people like McBride and Lance came off really well. It's obvious what makes them pros (but once you start watching Jeff's "jazz hands," you...
by skeptic555
December 14th, 2010, 7:48 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: A Festivus miracle! ONE ticket to Play Dead, free for the asking...
Replies: 2
Views: 817

A Festivus miracle! ONE ticket to Play Dead, free for the asking...

Thought I was gonna be in New York on business just after the first of the year, and excitedly bought a ticket to see Play Dead. Then the trip got cancelled. So, IF you will be in NYC on 2 January, and IF you have need for ONE ticket, and IF you are the first person to claim it via reply to this thr...
by skeptic555
August 10th, 2010, 11:12 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Dan Sperry just killed!
Replies: 17
Views: 5219

Re: Dan Sperry just killed!

I had the same reaction - dude killed it dead. I think most on the board would be familiar with him, but i've always loved the Marilyn Manson homage, and the fact he doesn't break character. Would have sucked out loud if they would have gone to him for comments and he talked about his dreams, and pu...
by skeptic555
August 6th, 2010, 3:27 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Murray Moves to the Final 16 on AGT
Replies: 5
Views: 1789

Re: Murray Moves to the Final 16 on AGT

He is doing great - and doing it right, too. Clearly polished, and clearly thoughtful (within the constraints of a tough format). I can't stand one more "What would winning mean to you?" "EVERYTHING! JUST EVERYTHING!" interview. He projects calm, and answers the questions asked w...
by skeptic555
March 19th, 2010, 8:23 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Criss Angel Believe
Replies: 56
Views: 13314

Re: Criss Angel Believe

Only one time (and don't remember if it was also featured 2 years ago) which was during Metamorphosis. Still uses the smoke instead of the cloth, but there is also a line of flame lengthwise across the stage further obscuring things.
by skeptic555
March 19th, 2010, 9:52 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Criss Angel Believe
Replies: 56
Views: 13314

Re: Criss Angel Believe

I first saw the show just after its formal opening, and as most here know, it was uncomfortable to watch. Bloated, pretentious, arrogant, and not amazing or funny. Applause cues were met with awkward silences. It was bad. Really bad. Most blamed it on two very control-freaky entities clashing over a...
by skeptic555
August 13th, 2009, 8:23 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Penn & Teller : The Next Magicians to appear on America's Got Talent
Replies: 5
Views: 1741

Re: Penn & Teller : The Next Magicians to appear on America's Got Talent

Now THAT was a great trick! Not the sawing into halves (which was also fun) but the fact that, according to Penn's twitter, it was recorded that afternoon and made to "look live." Other than an early shot with the 3 judges' heads rather obviously overlayed in the foreground, it was really ...
by skeptic555
January 11th, 2009, 4:05 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: NEIL PATRICK HARRIS ON SNL
Replies: 4
Views: 1266

Re: NEIL PATRICK HARRIS ON SNL

No magic indeed, but there was one thing that would make magic fans who bristled at the treatment Josh Jay received at the hands of Kathy Lee Gifford recently pretty happy - a sketch that lampooned KLG pretty relentlessly. Funny, too.
by skeptic555
January 6th, 2009, 7:40 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Masters of Illusion
Replies: 24
Views: 7995

Re: Masters of Illusion

Saw Ep.1, and have the ol' DVR set to record the rest of em, but really I was overwhelmed with a sense of same-ness. I am regularly blown away with live magic - but there is something about this (tired) format that just does not do it for me. I'm afraid I don't have a whole lot of alternative sugges...
by skeptic555
October 31st, 2008, 12:25 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Criss Angel Believe Buzz
Replies: 446
Views: 163251

Re: Criss Angel Believe Buzz

So, back from Vegas today, and I have seen Believe with my own eyes. It's, ummmm, not great. It is not, in fact, the worst show I have ever seen. But for the money spent, and the talent involved, its ugly. Some perspective. Ive seen a ton of magic shows big and small over the years. And if there is ...
by skeptic555
October 10th, 2008, 2:39 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Criss Angel Believe Buzz
Replies: 446
Views: 163251

Re: Criss Angel Believe Buzz

So, here is one more "review" - this one from a decidedly CIRQUE point of view. Taken from the Cirque Tribune (which is a Cirque Uber-fan forum). Ill be seeing it with my own eyes in a little over 2 weeks, and will be sure to weigh in after that: After reading Doug Elfman's now-famous colu...
by skeptic555
September 24th, 2008, 11:53 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: David Blaine - Death Dealer
Replies: 101
Views: 22229

Re: David Blaine - Death Dealer

Wow. That didn't go over well. AT ALL. Dead silence, and then did I hear the start of booing? I missed the conclusion of the bullet catch due to DVR funkiness with the Prez...but the cynic in me suggests if they would have used one of the apparently hundreds of dentally challenged spectators from ea...
by skeptic555
September 19th, 2008, 7:25 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Criss Angel Believe Opening Delayed a THIRD Time
Replies: 20
Views: 3518

Re: Criss Angel Believe Opening Delayed a THIRD Time

In an earlier note in this thread, I wondered aloud if I would get a "preview" credit for the show on Tues Oct 28 10pm show that I hold tickets for.... well, I have my answer. Yes. A 100% credit. Luxor called today with news the that particular show is canceled. Seems all the 10pm shows ar...
by skeptic555
September 14th, 2008, 1:01 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Criss Angel Believe Opening Delayed a THIRD Time
Replies: 20
Views: 3518

Re: Criss Angel Believe Opening Delayed a THIRD Time

Starting to get nervous here. Being a huge Cirque fan (in addition to the obvious, this being posted on the Genii forum) I picked up tickets for Oct 28 a while ago, figuring that A MONTH AN A HALF from the original Sept 12 date would be sufficient. Apparently not. Looks like Ill still have a show to...
by skeptic555
May 30th, 2008, 3:30 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: CELEBRACADABRA
Replies: 214
Views: 62300

Re: CELEBRACADABRA

I love this show more every week, and will be sorry to see it end. My girls, 8 and 7, are transfixed every week as well - which is not that easy to do as the show features neither Hannah Montana nor Zack and Cody. That said, I've been pulling for Hal all season - I found him funny and legitimately i...
by skeptic555
May 15th, 2008, 8:36 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Hilarious Doug Henning Parody On Saturday Night Live
Replies: 7
Views: 8694

Re: Hilarious Doug Henning Parody On Saturday Night Live

You didnt miss it - not as long as you can Hulu:
http://www.hulu.com/saturday-night-live

It's the "It's a Match" sketch found under "most popular today"
by skeptic555
April 27th, 2008, 11:59 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Celebracadbra Premiers on VH1 Sunday Night at 9pm!
Replies: 12
Views: 5785

Re: Celebracadbra Premiers on VH1 Sunday Night at 9pm!

Count me among those who really enjoyed this. Will be interesting to see if, over the weeks, the "OOOHS" and "AHHHS" of the celebrities lessen as they (hopefully) get into the real work. Now, I love McBride as much as anyone, I really do, but he can come across a little - ummmm -...
by skeptic555
December 27th, 2005, 2:23 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magic Forum Revealing Passwords to Magic Sites
Replies: 88
Views: 12145

Re: Magic Forum Revealing Passwords to Magic Sites

Since this is at least partially a discussion about ethics, I found the following interesting. Seems the main page employs a trick to increase traffic to the site - that is, hiding text with "keywords" that the search engines look for. These folks have gone so far as to include popular MIS...
by skeptic555
December 5th, 2005, 7:47 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Johnny Thompson Question.....
Replies: 33
Views: 4923

Re: Johnny Thompson Question.....

My Johnny Thompson story happened at a lecture here in Chicago. Although I guess it's really a Pam story... Goes without saying it was a great talk. He ended with the performance of the egg bag, and moved into the gimmick selling portion of the evening. A youngster, maybe 13-14 years old, was consid...
by skeptic555
September 1st, 2004, 8:59 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magic Live
Replies: 73
Views: 7186

Re: Magic Live

Well, this was my first convention - of any kind. So I had no preconceived notions. And as expected I loved it - but I was surprised by a thing or two. First, the number of folks. A larger gathering than I certainly expected. As merely an enthusiast, I was wondering about the mix of working pros to ...
by skeptic555
August 10th, 2004, 8:47 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Vegas show recommendation needed...
Replies: 11
Views: 1741

Re: Vegas show recommendation needed...

Rennie, I did that very thing a few trips ago, and ended up killing a few hours - turning out to be a highlight of that vacation. Nice guy indeed. So, I can heartily second your recommendation! Now, to go off on a tangent, from that visit I came away with the strong impression that Earl was the &quo...
by skeptic555
August 10th, 2004, 6:34 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Vegas show recommendation needed...
Replies: 11
Views: 1741

Re: Vegas show recommendation needed...

Thanks - Ronn Lucas has previously suffered from conflicting time-wise with Mac King... but maybe this time i'll do something different for a change!

And V is another one Ill strongly consider - especially as I understand Hobson is back as emcee.

Appreciate the replies!
by skeptic555
August 8th, 2004, 8:55 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Vegas show recommendation needed...
Replies: 11
Views: 1741

Re: Vegas show recommendation needed...

OK, adding my own reply, found this on the LV Advisor site... Appearing At: Big Easy Showroom 120 E Flamingo Blvd. Las Vegas NV 89109 Mostly Magic Matinee is a fun, family-friendly, afternoon extravaganza, filled with amazing illusions, stunts, and zany audience participation. Tyas Frantz and Nick C...
by skeptic555
August 8th, 2004, 8:42 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Vegas show recommendation needed...
Replies: 11
Views: 1741

Vegas show recommendation needed...

Like some of you, I will find myself in Las Vegas in just a few weeks. In poking around for shows to see in the convention "off times" I came across something called the "Mostly Magic Matinee" at Bourbon street (4 pm show). Anyone know who/what this is about? Bourbon Street doesn...
by skeptic555
July 30th, 2004, 1:01 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: AP has reported that Teller's father has died
Replies: 3
Views: 875

Re: AP has reported that Teller's father has died

Sad news indeed. It is rare that a celebrity shares any aspects of their personal life with "the public" - and rarer still that the subjects are worthy of such attention! But Teller's Pad was certainly deserving of that much and more. After all, he raised Teller...and therefore contributed...
by skeptic555
June 16th, 2004, 6:51 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Mac King Show....
Replies: 10
Views: 1428

Re: Mac King Show....

I would highly recommend that article, I especially liked that it showed up about 3 days before my most recent trip. Serendipity indeed. Re: Mac - I would STRONGLY recommend you buy a ticket - you can do so right before the show at the box office one floor above the showroom. Apparently free tix (wi...
by skeptic555
May 25th, 2004, 6:52 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Shade - DVD release today
Replies: 20
Views: 2260

Re: Shade - DVD release today

Went to the Blockbuster, hoping against hope they might have one for rent... imagine my surprise when they had an entire WALL SECTION of the things - must have been 50 copies at least. I'm guessing this was/is not an Algonquin IL phenomenon - here's hoping the national chain is stocked. Needless to ...
by skeptic555
May 15th, 2004, 4:18 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Hobson Show Ending May 30?
Replies: 5
Views: 966

Re: Hobson Show Ending May 30?

by skeptic555
May 15th, 2004, 2:09 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Hobson Show Ending May 30?
Replies: 5
Views: 966

Hobson Show Ending May 30?

It seems like I seem to post a lot of bad news in this forum (Amazing J losing the gig at the Golden Nugget, WGMS closing at the Sahara....) and here I go again - Anthony Curtis of "Las Vegas Advisor" fame is reporting (in his LVA Lite email newsletter that Hobson's "Money and Madness...
by skeptic555
May 11th, 2004, 5:41 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: I Hate Las Vegas
Replies: 18
Views: 2133

Re: I Hate Las Vegas

Dustin - really enjoyed your note. Made me laugh. I LOVE las vegas (is "the vegas" better or worse than "Lost Wages"?) but I tend to be a Sunday - Wed guy. Heading out next week for a conference that end Fri, and I am sticking around until Sat midnite, so we'll see how that goes....

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