Search found 35 matches

by Bob Taxin
June 27th, 2011, 3:29 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Happy Birthday Matt Field!
Replies: 10
Views: 2596

Re: Happy Birthday Matt Field!

Happy b-day Matt. It's about time!
by Bob Taxin
March 29th, 2011, 11:03 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Sealo - The Seal Boy
Replies: 1
Views: 1167

Re: Sealo - The Seal Boy

I saw Sealo performing at Hubert's Museum (in Manhattan) when I was a boy. He was charming; showed us all how he shaves, etc. Seemed like a normal guy. The show, by the way, was fabulous. In addition to Sealo there was an old vaudevillian who played classical music on glasses with various amounts of...
by Bob Taxin
October 29th, 2010, 5:03 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Mental Killer
Replies: 6
Views: 3325

Re: Mental Killer

To bring things up to date, you no longer have to jailbreak your iPhone, and the ap costs less than 20 bucks. It is amazing and very deceptive. Can also be used as an out for any card effect, so I no longer have to carry around my invisible deck "just in case".

Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
October 8th, 2010, 4:52 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Hand Spiker
Replies: 27
Views: 8609

Re: Hand Spiker

I have done "Death Trap"(by Hocus Pocus) dozens of times. I engage the spec who places the knife by saying that unless (s)he is a psychopath or really wants me to get hurt, (s)he will react when I pass my hand over the bag concealing the knife. I watch the spec as I pass my hand over each ...
by Bob Taxin
August 11th, 2010, 6:19 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Rope scissors
Replies: 13
Views: 7657

Re: Rope scissors

I went into a local high end knife store, bought a small pair of high quality scissors, and had them grind the points of the blades into rounded ends. They look like children's scissors and easily cut through magician's rope. If you're in San Francisco, check out Columbus Cutlery in North Beach.
by Bob Taxin
August 6th, 2010, 5:34 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: New software to organize your books tricks and props
Replies: 5
Views: 2149

Re: New software to organize your books tricks and props

I'd love to try it out!
Bob Taxin
taxin@att.net
by Bob Taxin
July 29th, 2010, 1:27 pm
Forum: Light From the Lamp
Topic: EBook Review
Replies: 35
Views: 10848

Re: EBook Review

When I read this thread I remembered that I had purchased the ebook way back when and I also remembered how much I enjoyed it. I dug it out of my "Documents" folder and then found that it was password protected and couldn't open it! I emailed Tom. He sent me what he thought was the passwor...
by Bob Taxin
April 23rd, 2009, 6:14 pm
Forum: Feature Articles
Topic: Alex Ramon and the elephants
Replies: 16
Views: 6073

Re: Alex Ramon and the elephants

I spent a year working as a clown six days a week, on the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, way back in the '70s. In my limited experience, the animals were treated well and I never saw any being abused. This is not to say that there weren't morons who treated them badly; I just neve...
by Bob Taxin
April 1st, 2008, 11:56 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Remember any magazine page...
Replies: 10
Views: 4075

Re: Remember any magazine page...

Barrie Richardson does it as well, and has some excellent tips in "Act Two - Theater of the Mind", on page 299.
by Bob Taxin
December 28th, 2005, 7:53 pm
Forum: Magician's Local Hangouts
Topic: House of Magic in San Francisco is gone
Replies: 3
Views: 782

Re: House of Magic in San Francisco is gone

Hi Jeff- Yes, it seems that Mark has folded his tent. I brought this up in the "Buzz" section. As I said there, Mark has a very slick web site (MarkBurger.com) so I presume he's just doing internet sales now. If anyone has any information, please let us know! I also wonder what happened to...
by Bob Taxin
December 28th, 2005, 9:34 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: House of Magic has closed
Replies: 29
Views: 5039

House of Magic has closed

One of the long running magic businesses in San Francisco is solid gone. Mark Burger's House of Magic has closed after many, many years. I used to buy things from Mark's father (Buma) way back when. I notice that Mark's got an impressive website (MarkBurger.com) so I presume he's still in business, ...
by Bob Taxin
October 27th, 2005, 10:32 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: In The Hands Wild Card DVD Released Very Soon
Replies: 39
Views: 4404

Re: In The Hands Wild Card DVD Released Very Soon

It sounds great for those of us who go group to group. I'll check it out. Up 'till now I've used a Roberto Giobbi effect called, "Wild Nudist" which works all in my hands.
Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
August 11th, 2005, 10:57 am
Forum: General
Topic: Lessons from 2 shows (long)
Replies: 12
Views: 1811

Re: Lessons from 2 shows (long)

I do a few card tricks for young kids, and I never rely on them to remember their card - I always have them sign it, or draw something on the card that they'll be able to identify. I also use kid-style cards with animals or whatever, available in toy stores. Works well with a "Joanne the Duck&q...
by Bob Taxin
June 30th, 2005, 9:14 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Bob Cassidy
Replies: 11
Views: 1405

Re: Bob Cassidy

Jim- After more than 2 months and many unanswered emails, I received an apology from Bob and the ordered items plus a gift. I had given up and simply accepted it as a loss by then, so I was pleasantly surprised by the way it worked out. My bet is that he will come through for you. Bear in mind that ...
by Bob Taxin
June 8th, 2005, 2:03 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Slip cut force
Replies: 13
Views: 2851

Re: Slip cut force

Doc Eason has one of the best versions I've seen. I believe it's on one of his videos. He's a great guy. If you contact him I'm sure he'd be happy to tell you where you can find it. He's at www.doceason.com.

Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
May 26th, 2005, 2:49 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: THE ART OF CARD SPLITTING DVD NEW
Replies: 4
Views: 451

Re: THE ART OF CARD SPLITTING DVD NEW

Hi Froggy-
If you haven't sold the DVD, I'd like it! Please contact me at btaxin@mindspring.com. Thanks! I also emailed you off list.
Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
March 30th, 2005, 2:16 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: BIG NEWS! MATT FIELD IS THE NEW EDITOR OF THE MAGIC CIRCULAR!
Replies: 39
Views: 2647

Re: BIG NEWS! MATT FIELD IS THE NEW EDITOR OF THE MAGIC CIRCULAR!

Matt-
Congratulations! Now how do I get a subscription?

Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
March 14th, 2005, 10:55 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: 202 Methods of Forcing - Any update?
Replies: 6
Views: 978

Re: 202 Methods of Forcing - Any update?

Chuck Hickock's got a fine manuscript about forcing, specifically geared to the mentalist.

Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
February 21st, 2005, 5:27 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: T&R THREAD.
Replies: 4
Views: 962

Re: T&R THREAD.

For stage work, I recommend wool.It breaks quite easily and is thicker than thread, so it shows better from a distance.

Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
January 22nd, 2005, 3:21 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: bill switch and more...without TT
Replies: 43
Views: 5768

Re: bill switch and more...without TT

Another thank you for your generous gift.

Another fine tipless bill switch is in Jarle Leirpol's "Pocket Power".

Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
January 22nd, 2005, 8:20 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Chuck Hickok February lecture dates
Replies: 1
Views: 490

Re: Chuck Hickok February lecture dates

I saw Chuck's lecture at Mindvention, and I'm still digesting some of the valuable insights he provided. If you're anywhere near his lecture, check it out. You won't be disappointed!

Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
January 13th, 2005, 11:41 am
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Any reviews for Mindvention?
Replies: 13
Views: 1741

Re: Any reviews for Mindvention?

In a word, it was great! There is a long thread discussing this at the Magic Cafe forum. If you go there and write "MIndvention" into the search engine, you'll be able to read all the comnments.

Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
November 24th, 2004, 2:23 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: cassandra deck and double vision
Replies: 10
Views: 1591

Re: cassandra deck and double vision

Can it be ribbon spread? Yes. Can you leave it out for more than a few seconds, no.

Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
July 22nd, 2004, 8:14 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Amateur Fireeating is Bad
Replies: 2
Views: 616

Re: Amateur Fireeating is Bad

A useful resource can be found at <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.youcaneatfire.com">http://www.youcaneatfire.com</a><!-- m -->, if you're really interested in eating fire. I supported myself traveling all over Europe for 3 years, with not much more than a small bag of torches and a c...
by Bob Taxin
July 20th, 2004, 1:25 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Saturday's mentalism show
Replies: 16
Views: 1078

Re: Saturday's mentalism show

David- I've presented many book tests and I always simply pull out my books. I claim that we all have personal preferences which enter in when we choose a word, but by picking a "random" word in an "arbitrary" fashion the choice is truly free. I offer a selection of several books...
by Bob Taxin
July 17th, 2004, 10:46 am
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: The Longest Long Salt Pour. . .
Replies: 32
Views: 4716

Re: The Longest Long Salt Pour. . .

I've got an old Magic Methods long salt pour gimmick which was designed by Jerry Mentzer. It holds a lot of salt, easily as much as a standard salt shaker, and does not need to be turned over to release the load. It's a great design and very easy to use. I don't know if they're still available. The ...
by Bob Taxin
July 2nd, 2004, 11:18 am
Forum: General
Topic: WHO IS THIS BY AND WHERE CAN I FIND IT?
Replies: 12
Views: 2394

Re: WHO IS THIS BY AND WHERE CAN I FIND IT?

You can see Bob Cassidy performing (and explaining) this effect on "Mental Miracles", published by Meir Yedid. There's a template for making the datebooks on Thomas Henry's wonderful CD, "DIY Templates for Magig & Mentalism". (<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.mi...
by Bob Taxin
May 22nd, 2004, 9:06 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Technicolor Prediction (M. Lewis)
Replies: 2
Views: 576

Re: Technicolor Prediction (M. Lewis)

I haven't seen the commercial version, having made my own, following instructions I received in Martin's lecture notes after a very informative lecture. The board would need to be opaque. If it isn't, you can fix that with some attractive stick-on shelf liner. If you can't find the proper envelopes,...
by Bob Taxin
April 3rd, 2004, 11:46 am
Forum: General
Topic: Rick Mang
Replies: 0
Views: 270

Rick Mang

I'm trying to get in touch with Rick Mang, a magi originally from the Boston/Wooster area. If anyone has any info, I'd very much appreciate it. Please contact me off list at btaxin@mindspring.com. Thanks!

Bob
by Bob Taxin
January 28th, 2004, 11:22 am
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Roger Klause's Red and White trick (silk dying)
Replies: 5
Views: 1025

Re: Roger Klause's Red and White trick (silk dying)

The routine is discussed in the excellent book by Lance Pierce, "Roger Klause In Concert", L&L Publishing. You can buy the goods direct from Roger or from Mystique Magic Mfg. at http//members.aol.com/silksrus/index.htm. I've also bought it from Misdirections in San Francisco, a great s...
by Bob Taxin
January 28th, 2004, 10:51 am
Forum: General
Topic: Mark Burger - House of Magic - Great service
Replies: 11
Views: 1321

Re: Mark Burger - House of Magic - Great service

HOuse of Magic is in San Francisco, At Fillmore & Chestnut. Great service and good advice - even the occasional "Don't buy that!", which always surprises me, coming from a guy that makes his living selling stuff.

Bob Taxin
by Bob Taxin
January 6th, 2004, 7:47 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Retractable Sword
Replies: 1
Views: 326

Re: Retractable Sword

Mark- Whether or not this will work depends on your painting skill and how far the actor is from the audience, but when I was a circus clown we used to make retractable swords using a metal tape measure and a shiny metal bowl. If you want to discuss this, feel free to contact me at <!-- e --><a href...
by Bob Taxin
August 18th, 2003, 2:09 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: faulty dvd
Replies: 9
Views: 871

Re: faulty dvd

Let me add my kudos to Doc Eason's handling of the DVD. It's obviously a hugh nightmare for him, and from the very beginning of it all he has behaved with the highest of ethics and concern for those of us who have purchased it. It's always been a pleasure doing business with him. He stands behind hi...
by Bob Taxin
August 2nd, 2003, 5:19 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Strait Jackets
Replies: 8
Views: 971

Re: Strait Jackets

In re: whether or not to use a gimmicked jacket: For years I used an ungimmicked Posey jacket with friction buckles, until the show where my volunteer tied me in in an unconventional way such that I couldn't get out! I've used a gimmicked jacket ever since. Lay audiences can't tell the difference, a...
by Bob Taxin
September 9th, 2002, 2:10 pm
Forum: General
Topic: What Are You Reading?
Replies: 112
Views: 23172

Re: What Are You Reading?

Let me offer a high recommendation for "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay", by Michael Chabon. A great story; hard to put down.

Bob Taxin

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