Search found 46 matches

by Gordon Bean
July 7th, 2014, 11:43 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Ron Wohl passes at the age of 77
Replies: 12
Views: 4397

Re: Ron Wohl passes at the age of 77

I'll really miss Ron's enthusiasm and bluntness. In any sort of argumentation, he had the impatience of the child genius he had undoubtedly once been, but his impish smile and ready laugh were never far behind. Few have as stellar a batting average when it comes to publishing groundbreaking material...
by Gordon Bean
July 17th, 2013, 12:44 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: A Rave for Penn and Teller and Pilobolus
Replies: 0
Views: 661

A Rave for Penn and Teller and Pilobolus

From a source not usually known for its spelling errors:

http://m.newyorker.com/online/blogs/cul ... human.html
by Gordon Bean
July 16th, 2013, 11:50 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: RIP Jan Howlett (David Ben's Wife)
Replies: 17
Views: 5610

Re: RIP Jan Howlett (David Ben's Wife)

In neither of the advanced degrees I received in Education did I encounter Jan Howlett's determined, common-sense approach, which seems to me to be a very important alternative--and the one I prefer over the current vogue for "student-centered" instruction. As devastating as her early depa...
by Gordon Bean
June 5th, 2013, 2:44 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: magic can be real
Replies: 11
Views: 2415

Re: magic can be real

As Brad has pointed out elsewhere, all really good magic gets people talking--and searching, perhaps online. What a wonderful mystery that performer presented.
by Gordon Bean
June 5th, 2012, 10:39 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: BLATANT RIP-OFF
Replies: 121
Views: 21552

Re: BLATANT RIP-OFF

I wonder if our current more open channels of communication--like this one--actually might be making things a little better. I can think of several recent overlooked credit situations that were brought to light and resolved in a way that wouldn't have happened before. So maybe the past doesn't alway...
by Gordon Bean
June 5th, 2012, 12:07 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: BLATANT RIP-OFF
Replies: 121
Views: 21552

Re: BLATANT RIP-OFF

In the fifth grade, a teacher gave a very effective talk to my class about the dangers of smoking. Years later, I went back to thank him. And no, a declining slope of magic ethics won't kill me, and any little victories won't bring anybody back to life, but I think even the most futile fostering of ...
by Gordon Bean
January 6th, 2012, 12:31 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Mark Nelson: Rest Easy My Friend
Replies: 14
Views: 3681

Re: Broken Wand :: Mark Nelson

What sad news, and what a loss. Mark's ebullience and intelligence were such a gift to the Castle and, through his writing, to magic in general. It's hard to accept that we won't see that amazing growing smile of his again.
by Gordon Bean
May 20th, 2011, 2:36 pm
Forum: General
Topic: The Gilbreath Principle
Replies: 15
Views: 4902

Re: The Gilbreath Principle

I just checked with Norman, and, though he isn't sure about the names, it seems likely that he was thinking of the Shields/Jones trick, as that uses the "some order after a riffle shuffle" concept (notably explored by Charles Jordan in Trailing the Dovetail Shuffle to its Lair) that led to...
by Gordon Bean
November 17th, 2010, 2:16 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: www.CheatingAtTexasHoldem.com
Replies: 126
Views: 36237

Re: www.CheatingAtTexasHoldem.com

John-

The world of advantage play is not my world. I was merely trying to give some perspective about Norman, especially as it relates to Genii.
by Gordon Bean
November 17th, 2010, 2:05 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: www.CheatingAtTexasHoldem.com
Replies: 126
Views: 36237

Re: www.CheatingAtTexasHoldem.com

As Ian Kendall alluded to, Norman put The Card Under the Spectators Watch in my Locked Room column in the May, 1995 Genii. Its really great, and every time Ive had the pleasure to meet up with him since hes shown me something equally fine.
by Gordon Bean
August 30th, 2010, 3:19 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: New book coming: J.K. Hartman's CAAN Craft
Replies: 1
Views: 918

New book coming: J.K. Hartman's CAAN Craft

In mid-September I will be releasing J.K. Hartman's CAAN Craft, a hardbound book of Mr. Hartman's approaches to the ACAAN plot. None of the eight routines in this book have appeared anywhere else, and included with the book will be a custom silk-screened card used in one of them. This will be availa...
by Gordon Bean
July 26th, 2009, 12:49 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Martin A. Nash Has Passed Away
Replies: 35
Views: 19630

Re: Martin A. Nash Has Passed Away

Martin Nash was one of the most vulnerable people I've ever known. He was also one of the most fearless. He could be devastated by a single perceived slight from a friend or colleague--and then calmly have yet another spectator carry the climactic loaded cut in a performance of his incredible Jacks ...
by Gordon Bean
December 6th, 2008, 11:29 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Vanni Bossi from Italy passed away
Replies: 17
Views: 6605

Re: Vanni Bossi from Italy passed away

I'll always remember the sharp mind that shone through those gentle, kind eyes. He was like the nicest spy in the world. How sad to think that the pulse of a magic get-together can never again be quickened by the news that "Vanni's here!"
by Gordon Bean
October 10th, 2008, 11:37 am
Forum: Light From the Lamp
Topic: Fenik
Replies: 3
Views: 2576

Re: Fenik

Fenik has more amazing unreleased material than virtually anyone else I know--and he keeps coming up with more! I'd go on about his world-class sleight-of-hand chops and his TV-star charisma, but the video link above will let you know all that in just a few moments.
by Gordon Bean
May 15th, 2008, 9:37 am
Forum: Light From the Lamp
Topic: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"
Replies: 89
Views: 43212

Re: David Regal's "Approaching Magic"

A Distant Ring. (And that's all I'm saying! As Jamy said, this is a book that a lot of us are going to be harvesting performance items from.)
by Gordon Bean
April 4th, 2008, 1:02 am
Forum: Light From the Lamp
Topic: Michael Close's New Book
Replies: 66
Views: 21765

Re: Michael Close's New Book

I had such a great time reading this--and do hope there might be a sequel/addendum some day. As I posted at the Lulu site, I found out that it's definitely not what you should read in a small house when the rest of the familys sleeping!
by Gordon Bean
January 22nd, 2008, 11:34 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Bruce Cervon's Castle Notebooks Volume 1
Replies: 311
Views: 89882

Re: Bruce Cervon's Castle Notebooks Volume 1

One of the lessons of the Erdnase/Vernon school is that a natural appearance is deceptively difficult to achieve. So it is with Linda Cervon's work in meticulously cleaning up the scans for the Castle Notebooks: since these efforts are by definition self-effacing, they're easy to underestimate. And ...
by Gordon Bean
November 24th, 2007, 6:20 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Bruce Cervon's Castle Notebooks Volume 1
Replies: 311
Views: 89882

Re: Bruce Cervon's Castle Notebooks Volume 1

Bruce Cervon is one of the great sleight-of-hand artists of all time, and his record of the Castles golden era has no real rival as an unseen magical treasure trove. Once when I was working on an original effect, Bruce came down to the Castle library and dropped off a related item of his from the no...
by Gordon Bean
November 13th, 2007, 2:03 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Hooker Card Rise
Replies: 212
Views: 69794

Re: Hooker Card Rise

Agreed. Both Silent Mora's letter and your comment pretty much reflect my own appreciative muddle upon seeing the routine. As long as nobody mentions that it apparently can't be performed below the equator, I'll be happy.
by Gordon Bean
November 13th, 2007, 12:26 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Hooker Card Rise
Replies: 212
Views: 69794

Re: Hooker Card Rise

And so, inevitably, the bottom of a slippery slope appears. I imagine Im not alone in thinking that a public forum is not the appropriate venue for such a bull session regarding methods. (I was about to add a joke about the trained fleas, but...)
by Gordon Bean
November 9th, 2007, 12:58 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman
Replies: 344
Views: 128269

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

Mr. Fred: No, I haven't had the chance to spend an extended amount of time with movies, dvds, or books for some time. I compensate by reading reviews of everything I tell myself I'll get around to one day. Dustin: Wish I could be out there with you right now! Mr. Bean (not a fun name when one is ret...
by Gordon Bean
November 8th, 2007, 11:19 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman
Replies: 344
Views: 128269

Re: Expert at the Card Table with Allan Ackerman

In my opinion, Mr. Fred's powers of analysis and expression give him instant credibility, much like seeing a stranger perform a top-notch effect. I look forward to any opinions he might have on other matters.
by Gordon Bean
October 30th, 2007, 9:01 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: A Few Spots Still Open This Thursday and Friday to see the Hooker Card Rise in LA
Replies: 20
Views: 2247

Re: A Few Spots Still Open This Thursday and Friday to see the Hooker Card Rise in LA

I've never had an experience in magic to compare with seeing the Hooker Rising Cards. It's worth ten conventions all by itself.
by Gordon Bean
July 23rd, 2007, 7:11 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Roger Klause Seriously Ill with Cancer
Replies: 93
Views: 16485

Re: Roger Klause Seriously Ill with Cancer

One of the highlights of the 2007 FFFF for me was seeing Roger. Being around him is always a pleasure, as well as a lesson in keeping a positive outlook. Betraying no sign of his illness, he held court with his usual good humor and charm. I always walk away from our meetings a better, more considere...
by Gordon Bean
May 24th, 2007, 10:48 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Bruce Cervon Has Died
Replies: 28
Views: 11870

Re: Bruce Cervon Has Died

Bruce Cervon is one of the all-time greats, with his name inscribed up there with but a few peers. If theres any doubt, go back to Out of His Mind, which David Regal included with his definitive interview in the October, 2004 Genii. It is a masterpiece, pure and simple, and was one of the two effect...
by Gordon Bean
April 22nd, 2007, 10:33 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Max Maven to Undergo Heart Surgery Monday
Replies: 133
Views: 40253

Re: Max Maven to Undergo Heart Surgery Monday

Max,

I'm sure a double bypass will be no problem for the master of the two-way out.

Best Wishes,
Gordon
by Gordon Bean
March 5th, 2007, 9:22 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Jerry Andrus Terminally Ill
Replies: 57
Views: 5952

Re: Jerry Andrus Terminally Ill

Jerry, you've always brightened any room you walk into. You've influenced so many of us to be more original, more honest, and more energetic than we would be otherwise. As one of our most honored uncles, you've made sure we kept the questioning nature of a child, and have always been a big help in m...
by Gordon Bean
June 12th, 2006, 11:35 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Gordon Bean a New Daddy!!!
Replies: 17
Views: 1106

Re: Gordon Bean a New Daddy!!!

A magic bum is just a reprobate with an open Genii next to him on the diner counter.
by Gordon Bean
June 12th, 2006, 5:07 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Gordon Bean a New Daddy!!!
Replies: 17
Views: 1106

Re: Gordon Bean a New Daddy!!!

Thanks, everybody! (And note to Richard: prior to my present familial situation, I wasn't a "reprobate" I was--as dubbed by Tony Giorgio--a "magic bum.") Back to work.
by Gordon Bean
May 28th, 2006, 6:48 pm
Forum: Magicana
Topic: June Magicana
Replies: 13
Views: 4737

Re: June Magicana

In Psychomancy (1986), David Britland has a very effective Do-As-I-Do routine called Three Times a Lady, which--building on ideas from Paul Curry and Stewart James--is based on clever force that uses a DB card and a DF card. I use the same force procedure in The Los Angeles Open, which I released as...
by Gordon Bean
January 22nd, 2006, 1:59 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Crazy Great Week at The Castle
Replies: 4
Views: 690

Re: Crazy Great Week at The Castle

As usual, Dave's right on the mark. What a great week. All the performers are ones I've enjoyed in the past, and this time around I've been able to escape from the library to see two shows: early Close-Up and the Palace. Jonathan's close-up routine is masterfully designed, managing the the tough fea...
by Gordon Bean
April 25th, 2005, 9:26 pm
Forum: Magicana
Topic: Acer - Magicana
Replies: 23
Views: 4293

Re: Acer - Magicana

Glad you've started "Splitting," Josh. I've recently started playing around with it again, and have come up with some new ideas. First of all, it's probably good to hand the cards simultaneously to the participating spectators to either reject or accept; this speeds the procedure up greatl...
by Gordon Bean
April 20th, 2005, 12:50 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Mondo Magic, Vancouver BC Trick Question
Replies: 4
Views: 1100

Re: Mondo Magic, Vancouver BC Trick Question

Yes, it's the New Limited Edition, which I put out a few years ago. This is different from the original Limited Edition that I put out with Larry in the 90s. (The New Limited Edition adds the corner kicker.)
by Gordon Bean
February 15th, 2005, 1:05 pm
Forum: Reference Room
Topic: Ordering from Gordon Bean -- any problems?
Replies: 2
Views: 609

Re: Ordering from Gordon Bean -- any problems?

My deepest apologies. It's just come to my attention that I haven't been getting the e-mail from the website address, so if anyone's tried to use that address and received no reply, my silence meant nothing more than that. The best address to use is <!-- e --><a href="mailto:gordontbean@hotmail.com"...
by Gordon Bean
August 22nd, 2004, 12:11 am
Forum: General
Topic: Magic Live
Replies: 23
Views: 2314

Re: Magic Live

I seem to recall your saying something eerily similar about going back into the magazine biz, Richard, so count me in for the Geniivention when it happens. For now, Larry Horowitz and I will have a booth at Magic Live, and I'll be debuting two new tricks, Monte 3.0 and The Wild Bunch.
by Gordon Bean
August 5th, 2004, 12:45 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Lucero Houston Workshop
Replies: 5
Views: 642

Lucero Houston Workshop

Armando Lucero asked me to pass along the information that he'll be conducting one of his card workshops in Houston on Sept. 3, 4, and 5. Check out armandolucero.com for more details.
by Gordon Bean
July 6th, 2004, 11:35 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Armando Lucero Workshop
Replies: 9
Views: 1083

Armando Lucero Workshop

Armando Lucero just told me that he'll be doing an all-day workshop on his original card sleights and effects in the Los Angeles area on July 31st. He's previously given workshops in Japan, Austria, and England; this will be his first one in the U.S. Attendance will be limited to fifteen. For furthe...
by Gordon Bean
April 19th, 2004, 9:31 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Jerry Sadowitz Interview
Replies: 22
Views: 8893

Re: Jerry Sadowitz Interview

We are all very lucky to have Jerry Sadowitz contributing to the advancement of creative, artistic magic. I've always greatly enjoyed my meetings with him and wish that some Los Angeles TV producer would cough up huge amounts of cash to force him to sell out and move here.
by Gordon Bean
March 11th, 2004, 7:31 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Madrid
Replies: 8
Views: 875

Re: Madrid

Yes, your wonderful city and citizens are in our hearts.
by Gordon Bean
January 12th, 2004, 4:08 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Derek Dingle
Replies: 48
Views: 9978

Re: Derek Dingle

When I was a teenager, I was once talking with a woman from New York City. When she found out I was a budding magician, she smiled and recalled a performer she had encountered at a party. Even though the party had occurred over a year before our conversation, she remembered the full name of the perf...

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