Search found 46 matches
- 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...
- 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
http://m.newyorker.com/online/blogs/cul ... human.html
- 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...
- 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.
- 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...
- 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 ...
- 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.
- 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...
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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...
- 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 ...
- 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!"
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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!
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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.
- 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...)
- 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...
- 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.
- 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.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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
I'm sure a double bypass will be no problem for the master of the two-way out.
Best Wishes,
Gordon
- 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...
- 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.
- 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.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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.)
- 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"...
- 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.
- 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.
- 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...
- 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.
- 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...