Search found 398 matches

by Brian Morton
February 6th, 2023, 5:32 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: RIP Scott Alexander
Replies: 11
Views: 3188

RIP Scott Alexander

According to a Facebook post by his wife Jenny, Scott Alexander (Grocki) passed away due to a stroke while he was performing on a cruise ship that stopped in St. Kitt's. "Scott suffered a stroke while working on a cruise ship in St Kitts and did not make it home to us. We are shattered. *If you...
by Brian Morton
March 21st, 2022, 9:38 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Peter Francis Galinskas, RIP
Replies: 1
Views: 726

Peter Francis Galinskas, RIP

According to Scott Alexander at the Yogi Magic Foundation website, Peter Galinskas, one of the few students of magician/gambler Frank Thompson, has passed away. For years Peter took select students and taught them card magic in the side room of the Denny & Lee Magic Studio in Essex, and then Ros...
by Brian Morton
November 2nd, 2021, 9:47 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Rumour - Blaine headed for Vegas residency
Replies: 11
Views: 1833

Re: Rumour - Blaine headed for Vegas residency

I saw Blaine in Worcester, MA the first iteration of his tour in 2017 (where Asi Wind performed at the midpoint) and then again in 2018 at the MGM Grand theatre outside of Washington DC and then the finale of his tour at the Kings Theatre in his hometown of Brooklyn. Each show was quite the tour de ...
by Brian Morton
January 18th, 2021, 2:16 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: RIP Joe Porper
Replies: 4
Views: 1495

Re: RIP Joe Porper

Met him at billiards exhibition and convention in Valley Forge in 2001—he was surprised to see a magician there. Nicest guy you’d ever want to meet (and an amazing craftsman). I’m going to treasure the card clip of his that I own.
by Brian Morton
July 20th, 2019, 12:44 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Blaine overreaches in Europe ?
Replies: 14
Views: 5827

Re: Blaine overreaches in Europe ?

In 2002, I remember walking eastward along 42nd Street in New York and seeing a crowd of people on the corner across from the NY Public Library, and thinking, "Who would be stupid enough to toss the broads on this corner?" I got closer and realized it was David Blaine doing close-up card m...
by Brian Morton
January 23rd, 2019, 5:27 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Obituary for Denny Haney
Replies: 17
Views: 5030

Re: Obituary for Denny Haney

Richard Kaufman wrote:News just appeared on Facebook that Denny Haney, of Denny and Lee, has sadly died.
I need someone who knew Denny to write a 500 word obit for Genii in the next few days.
Any takers?



Richard, I'll do it.

brian :|
by Brian Morton
January 23rd, 2019, 5:26 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Obituary for Denny Haney
Replies: 17
Views: 5030

Re: Obituary for Denny Haney

It's true, Denny is gone. (I wrote the bio of Denny in his website; it's the full text of a cover story I wrote on him for the Baltimore City Paper in 1997.) From the store (most likely written by his daughter, Dawn Campbell): Friends of the Magic Community, It is with heavy hearts that we must anno...
by Brian Morton
July 18th, 2017, 11:18 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Would like to visit The Magic Circle (soon!)
Replies: 1
Views: 1160

Would like to visit The Magic Circle (soon!)

Hi, all! In another couple of weeks, I'm fulfilling a lifelong dream (and checking a bucket list item off) and am visiting London. I have wide-open days from July 28th through to August 1st, and would LOVE LOVE LOVE a chance to get to see The Magic Circle. Currently (if it matters) I'm an inactive m...
by Brian Morton
January 1st, 2016, 12:50 am
Forum: General
Topic: Ricky Jay - On The Stem
Replies: 8
Views: 3741

Re: Ricky Jay - On The Stem

I have a VHS copy given to me by an exec from HBO. I'd say it's legit. :D

brian 8-)
by Brian Morton
December 1st, 2015, 2:49 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED
Replies: 72
Views: 24591

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

The deluxe slipcover edition of Gardner's Impromptu arrived here in Charm City yesterday, nine years, nine months and two days from the ordering date of 28 February 2006. Packed like a Faberge egg, arrived in pristine condition.

I hope to find the time to actually read it now. :)

brian 8-)
by Brian Morton
October 31st, 2015, 9:27 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED
Replies: 72
Views: 24591

Re: Martin Gardner's Impromptu PRINTED

I ordered the deluxe version on February 28, 2006, right after Todd made the announcement that it was on sale. After nine years, I am tempering my enthusiasm until the book is actually in my hands. This has been the first time I ever ordered (hell, pre -ordered) a magic book. In that time, I have bo...
by Brian Morton
November 20th, 2013, 11:02 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: David Blaine tonight
Replies: 13
Views: 4629

Re: David Blaine tonight

Blaine's lack of expression is a performance choice (and it works for him). That he now throws in a smile shows more of a performer secure in his skin than in his younger day. He admits in this Yahoo interview that he adopts this affectation for a reason: "Even though I do magic and I'm always ...
by Brian Morton
February 19th, 2013, 9:23 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: 1st ed. Absolute Magic, 3rd ed. Pure Effect (eBay Auction)
Replies: 1
Views: 940

Re: 1st ed. Absolute Magic, 3rd ed. Pure Effect (eBay Auction)

After doing a little research, I just want to point out that each of these books by themselves (and as reprints) go for $200 apiece at H&R Magic Books (when they are in stock, which right now, they are not). At present there are only three bids on this auction. It ends Thursday night. brian :cool:
by Brian Morton
February 14th, 2013, 5:03 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: 1st ed. Absolute Magic, 3rd ed. Pure Effect (eBay Auction)
Replies: 1
Views: 940

1st ed. Absolute Magic, 3rd ed. Pure Effect (eBay Auction)

Like new editions of Derren Brown's Absolute Magic and Pure Effect, up for auction at eBay. 1st edition Absolute Magic is the rare edition Brown self-published and sold off his password-protected website back in the early 2000s. This book has material that the later (green covered) editions don't ha...
by Brian Morton
November 2nd, 2012, 7:14 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Open Audition Calls in LA and Elsewhere for the Next Season of America's Got Talent
Replies: 12
Views: 3139

Re: Open Audition Calls in LA and Elsewhere for the Next Season of America's Got Talent

Anyone considering applying needs to think about a few things: 1) Other than the million-dollar carrot at the end of the maze, they don't compensate you for squat . You travel to the audition city, you put yourself up, you pay for all your meals, you cover all your own expenses. They claim they &quo...
by Brian Morton
June 21st, 2012, 11:49 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: NY Times review of Alex Stone's FOOLING HOUDINI
Replies: 118
Views: 33196

Re: NY Times review of Alex Stone's FOOLING HOUDINI

"I am not exposing the weaknesses of magicians; I am revealing their strengths. This book has been written with a spirit of respect and admiration for the great men and women of magic whose methods are described within these pages. An art form is only as great as the innovative people who crea...
by Brian Morton
June 7th, 2012, 11:49 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Wanda Sykes
Replies: 14
Views: 4571

Re: Wanda Sykes

by Brian Morton
May 14th, 2012, 9:07 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Question about Blackstone Jr.
Replies: 44
Views: 13367

Re: Question about Blackstone Jr.

But Harry didn't start out with a big show. He didn't have his father's props as those were sold off years earlier. He was working small venues with the cage, the hanky, the committee and maybe the lightbulb. He worked at The Tropicana in Vegas as one of the acts in between the dance numbers. When ...
by Brian Morton
April 14th, 2012, 1:47 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Fire breathing?
Replies: 10
Views: 2679

Re: Fire breathing?

Jeffrey Cowan wrote:Nope, it does read that way, Doc. Really funny -- but it would be funnier if there wwere a monkey perched on it.


Oh, I am SO taking a lighter to the cover of my copy now. ;)



brian :cool:
by Brian Morton
February 1st, 2012, 7:52 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Harbin Bow Sawing - Portable Spectator Sawing in Half
Replies: 5
Views: 1925

Re: Harbin Bow Sawing - Portable Spectator Sawing in Half

I love this trick; I've been doing it for about nine years now.
by Brian Morton
July 27th, 2011, 10:05 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Auckland magicians fail to see the funny side
Replies: 1
Views: 1225

Re: Auckland magicians fail to see the funny side

The Onion couldn't have written this any better.
by Brian Morton
July 22nd, 2011, 10:39 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Moon Landing Anniversary
Replies: 24
Views: 4994

Re: Moon Landing Anniversary

My parents were stationed with the US embassy in Bogota, Colombia at the time. My dad woke us up (long past our bedtime) and we all went into the TV room where the Colombian national station had picked up the feed from the US. We sat there watching the grainy black and white picture from the moon wh...
by Brian Morton
July 12th, 2011, 1:34 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Martin Gardner at a Strip Club
Replies: 18
Views: 5370

Re: Martin Gardner at a Strip Club

Gordon Meyer wrote:Well, Brian, it was the MCA convention. I've attended several and it always surprises me how very little magic is performed in general, not just for laymen who happen to be nearby.


Well, the ladies were rather disappointed, thinking they'd at least get to see someone do something.
by Brian Morton
July 11th, 2011, 11:09 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Martin Gardner at a Strip Club
Replies: 18
Views: 5370

Re: Martin Gardner at a Strip Club

There were two very lovely models standing around for photos. Surrounded by magicians performing moves and flourishes, the models were totally ignored. In 2006, Ken Trombly hosted the Magic Collectors Association in Roslyn, VA, just across the Potomac from DC. Big convention full of the heaviest hi...
by Brian Morton
June 11th, 2011, 1:00 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magic Castle difficulties
Replies: 277
Views: 76173

Re: Magic Castle difficulties

Frankly, I saw a lot more blatant theft of material from performers working the rooms than people holding up the lines doing tricks. The most glaring example I saw: David Malek, working the close-up room all week. The Monday after the changeover to a new act? There's a member down in the Hat & H...
by Brian Morton
April 15th, 2011, 4:37 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Michael Weber 101
Replies: 2
Views: 2414

Re: Michael Weber 101

Loved, loved, LOVED the Michael Weber talks.
by Brian Morton
April 15th, 2011, 9:31 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Mark Lewis Book!
Replies: 73
Views: 21634

Re: Mark Lewis Book!

I think Mark Lewis's next book can be a compendium of aliases.
by Brian Morton
March 18th, 2011, 7:32 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: New Martin Nash Book
Replies: 20
Views: 6239

Re: New Martin Nash Book

I think I found it hidden away on Denny Haney's side shelf; I doubt if I paid more than 30 bucks for it.
by Brian Morton
March 18th, 2011, 2:09 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: New Martin Nash Book
Replies: 20
Views: 6239

Re: New Martin Nash Book

Yupcame out in 2003. I've got #21.

brian :cool:
by Brian Morton
March 13th, 2011, 10:23 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Las Vegas Economy in Tatters
Replies: 13
Views: 3078

Re: Las Vegas Economy in Tatters

Well, there's nothing like publicizing leather-covered walls and a 26-head shower in hard times to garner empathy from an audience in hard time.

brian :whistle:
by Brian Morton
March 11th, 2011, 9:30 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Hold 'Em Magic
Replies: 68
Views: 18371

Re: Hold 'Em Magic

Actually, people in basements and backrooms all over the country play nickel-dime-quarter poker and they don't play hold 'em. Just because people like to watch high-end games doesn't necessarily mean they want to play them. Sometimes stud, draw, Omaha and hi-lo are good enough.

brian :cool:
by Brian Morton
March 1st, 2011, 11:18 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Academy of Magic Arts Final Award Nominees
Replies: 7
Views: 2365

Re: Academy of Magic Arts Final Award Nominees

Diamond Jim Tyler wrote:Most of us out-of-towners can only afford to go and work the Castle once every few years. Whenever I can save up enough money I'll go and work it again!


Some of us are still trying to save up enough to work it the first time.

brian ;)
by Brian Morton
February 26th, 2011, 4:16 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Latest Criss Angel News
Replies: 3
Views: 1373

Re: Latest Criss Angel News

The "Elite Diamond Merlin Award?"

Oy. It hurts.


brian :cry:
by Brian Morton
February 8th, 2011, 11:06 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Picky about mentalism
Replies: 4
Views: 2572

Re: Picky about mentalism

Isn't that sort of like walking into a room full of pros and asking, "Hey guys, can you create an act for me?"

brian :cool:

P.S.: Oh, and Martin Nash was the Charming Cheat.
by Brian Morton
January 16th, 2011, 4:25 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Jay Chou, card guy?
Replies: 12
Views: 3219

Re: Jay Chou, card guy?

Okay, I went back and found it: Chou is doing kind of a Chink-A-Chink move on the seat of a director's chair on the set. It's at 2:45 on the #13 video in the list; "The Cast Talks To Yahoo." (Christoph Waltz is saying how Chou "is like the most amazing magician you've ever seen")...
by Brian Morton
January 16th, 2011, 3:26 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Jay Chou, card guy?
Replies: 12
Views: 3219

Re: Jay Chou, card guy?

Another one of the Yahoo behind the scenes on-set promos has a few seconds of Chou squatting down and doing what looks like Shadow Coins on the vinyl seat of a desk chair. Looks like in addition to a musician and actor, he's a magician. And I'm gonna wait for the movie to hit Netflix, since I was ce...
by Brian Morton
January 15th, 2011, 12:28 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Jay Chou, card guy?
Replies: 12
Views: 3219

Jay Chou, card guy?

In a promo trailer for the new Green Hornet movie, there's a short bit where Jay Chou (Kato) is wowing Cameron Diaz with what is obviously an Ambitious Card routine. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://blog.movies.yahoo.com/blog/409-the-asian-justin-timberlake-hits-america-in-green-hornet">ht...
by Brian Morton
November 16th, 2010, 8:39 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: www.CheatingAtTexasHoldem.com
Replies: 126
Views: 36237

Re: www.CheatingAtTexasHoldem.com

I've heard of Norman Beck. I heard of him twelve years ago.

I've never heard of John Born.

brian
by Brian Morton
November 10th, 2010, 1:03 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle
Replies: 38
Views: 12899

Re: Scary Rumors Regarding the Magic Castle

"Not even God himself could sink this ship."
-- Employee of the White Star Line, at the
launch of the Titanic, May 31, 1911

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