Search found 271 matches

by Jeffrey Cowan
December 22nd, 2023, 1:20 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Dead books
Replies: 3
Views: 1542

Re: Dead books

I'd like to return to the De Cova book. When is the last time Alexander De Cova attributed its delay to Chris Washuber ?? Almost two years ago, Chris wrote to me (in response to my most recent email asking for a status update): "I cannot promise when it will be done, but I can say that I see pr...
by Jeffrey Cowan
December 11th, 2023, 8:07 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Bill Goldman
Replies: 11
Views: 1804

Re: Bill Goldman

I saw Bill in action at a trade show in DC in the '80s (which also featured Tim Conover and Paul Gertner). Great commercial performer, with a lovely rapport with the crowd.
by Jeffrey Cowan
October 29th, 2023, 11:45 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Video of Roth's Standup Copper/Silver Classic?
Replies: 31
Views: 8789

Re: Video of Roth's Standup Copper/Silver Classic?

Roth's p2p technique was remarkable. I visited him at the FAO Schwarz counter on a visit to NYC in the fall of '86 or '87, and he gave me some pointers on the move (which I had been learning from his Tannen's video). Then he demonstrated the p2p change with two pairs of dice. Flawless, silent, inspi...
by Jeffrey Cowan
July 27th, 2023, 5:07 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Instagram sensation!
Replies: 7
Views: 2048

Re: Instagram sensation!

Mark, I'm not surprised. Got a link to your AGT episode, or has it not yet aired?
by Jeffrey Cowan
March 22nd, 2023, 2:23 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: LF Close Up Magic, Vol 1 DVD by John George
Replies: 2
Views: 1031

Re: LF Close Up Magic, Vol 1 DVD by John George

I forwarded your post to John, who is a long-time buddy. Per John, he still has some of his dvd; send him an email (magic at john george dot com) for details.
by Jeffrey Cowan
November 10th, 2022, 1:26 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Dani DaOrtiz
Replies: 132
Views: 81384

Re: Dani DaOrtiz

Mark omitted Del Ray from the list of 20th century great/master close-up magicians. [If you never got to see him in person, Mark, it's a shame. It was an incredible, jaw dropping experience. His rapport, humor, and methods were off the charts.] And for what it's worth (and apologies to the head Geni...
by Jeffrey Cowan
October 18th, 2022, 1:12 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Who is the best coin magician you have seen?
Replies: 80
Views: 15613

Re: Who is the best coin magician you have seen?

Bob Kohler was mentioned only once and Armando Lucero wasn't listed at all. Bob and the late Tim Conover are the two best I have ever seen; and Armando's Menagerie matrix routine is legendary. It's been over 10 years since Tim (tragically) left us, but Eric Mead is writing a book about Tim's magic. ...
by Jeffrey Cowan
October 6th, 2022, 10:48 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Thin Man Cups and Balls
Replies: 2
Views: 1316

Re: Thin Man Cups and Balls

Bravo. Looks great, Kent!
by Jeffrey Cowan
August 31st, 2022, 12:39 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Trick Supply shop in Vegas/ Wolfgang Wollet
Replies: 1
Views: 471

Trick Supply shop in Vegas/ Wolfgang Wollet

Anyone know what's going on with Wolfgang Wollet and his Trick Supply magic shop in Vegas? I placed an internet order on it about 3 weeks ago -- and nothing has shown up yet. I did get an email with a USPS tracking number claiming the item has been mailed, but the USPS states that the item has not y...
by Jeffrey Cowan
August 16th, 2022, 8:23 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Spider Vanish
Replies: 56
Views: 5881

Re: Spider Vanish

Ian Kendall wrote:Can we all take a moment to agree that the Spider Vanish is bloody horrible and should be consigned to the depths of hell?

/FlameBait


Ian, you apparently have not seen Bob Kohler's version of the Spider Vanish. . .

BTW, when is that "hill" article coming out? :P ;) :D
by Jeffrey Cowan
August 11th, 2022, 5:02 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: WTB: "The Peanut Trick" by Steve Roth & Al Cohen
Replies: 0
Views: 411

WTB: "The Peanut Trick" by Steve Roth & Al Cohen

I owned "The Peanut Trick" packet trick as a teen and have since misplaced it. Anyone got one he/she is interested in selling? - Jeffrey Jeffrey W. Cowan | The Cowan Law Firm | http://www.cowan-law.com | 9301 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 609, Beverly Hills, California 90210 | Phone: (310) 394...
by Jeffrey Cowan
July 26th, 2022, 12:59 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: FISM 2022 - Day One
Replies: 5
Views: 1358

Re: FISM 2022 - Day One

Terrific report, Craig. Thank you for writing these.
by Jeffrey Cowan
July 25th, 2022, 4:53 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Disappearing Magic Cafe!
Replies: 157
Views: 20059

Re: Disappearing Magic Cafe!

As of now, it's back up.
by Jeffrey Cowan
May 25th, 2022, 4:56 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Chuck Fayne - RIP?
Replies: 3
Views: 1188

Re: Chuck Fayne - RIP?

Also confirmed by a magic buddy of mine who lives in Melbourne and knew Chuck.
by Jeffrey Cowan
March 1st, 2022, 9:34 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: FISM 2025 - Russia or China ...
Replies: 43
Views: 5798

Re: FISM 2025 - Russia or China ...

I invite other Genii readers and Forum uses to join me in stating here -- for the benefit of any FISM executives or planning committee members that may be reading this post -- that I will not attend FISM 2025 if it's in Russia. Full stop.
by Jeffrey Cowan
March 1st, 2022, 9:19 pm
Forum: Marketing & Magic Business
Topic: Trade Show Magic books?
Replies: 34
Views: 15922

Re: Trade Show Magic books?

The best publication to come out on the subject in recent years is Seth Kramer's big set of lecture notes on working trade shows. They're terrific, and Seth is the real deal (I've seen him on a trade show floor). Contact Seth to see if he still has them.
by Jeffrey Cowan
September 15th, 2021, 1:49 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: cheppum panthum origins
Replies: 7
Views: 2369

Re: cheppum panthum origins

I'm told that the late Gary Kosnitzsky's set and video is the best way to learn the trick. It's also the only detailed resource that I'm aware of in the 45+ years that I've been studying magic and reading its literature. See https://www.penguinmagic.com/p/S21156 and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3...
by Jeffrey Cowan
August 30th, 2021, 2:21 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Instructions for Paul Fox candy bowl
Replies: 15
Views: 5433

Re: Instructions for Paul Fox candy bowl

Update: This weekend I phoned Micky and reached a woman who took a message and invited me to re-send my original email. Micky replied a few hours later, I sent a Paypal payment, and his sent me the instructions this morning. Given that my parents are about Micky's vintage, I surely should have thoug...
by Jeffrey Cowan
August 29th, 2021, 7:11 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Instructions for Paul Fox candy bowl
Replies: 15
Views: 5433

Re: Instructions for Paul Fox candy bowl

The instructions provided with the apparatus issued by Danny Dew are rather sparse. A full presentation and handling, with a photograph and illustrations is described on pages 66 to 69 of Magic With Faucett Ross, written by Lewis Ganson. It is a terrific book, with lots of great magic, and well wor...
by Jeffrey Cowan
August 28th, 2021, 12:47 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Instructions for Paul Fox candy bowl
Replies: 15
Views: 5433

Re: Instructions for Paul Fox candy bowl

Micky has been having "good days, bad days" for some time; as he is 90 years old now. It's pointless to call the house phone regarding orders, for if the man is up and working, he is working; if he's not, he's not. It may be frustrating, but that's where things are. My best advice is send...
by Jeffrey Cowan
July 23rd, 2021, 3:00 am
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Instructions for Paul Fox candy bowl
Replies: 15
Views: 5433

Re: Instructions for Paul Fox candy bowl

Thanks, Brad -- but alas, I received no response to my order attempt on the Mickey Hades's site. If anyone knows how to separately contact its owner (or has these instructions), please email me. Thanks in advance for all help.
by Jeffrey Cowan
July 17th, 2021, 7:19 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Instructions for Paul Fox candy bowl
Replies: 15
Views: 5433

Instructions for Paul Fox candy bowl

Anyone have instructions for a Paul Fox candy bowl that you would email to me? Thanks much.

- Jeffrey
by Jeffrey Cowan
April 1st, 2021, 1:57 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Here's Johnny (Carney) on the December Issue of Genii
Replies: 18
Views: 6253

Re: Here's Johnny (Carney) on the December Issue of Genii

My copy arrived in Los Angeles today -- and it looks great.
by Jeffrey Cowan
March 19th, 2021, 4:08 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: George Goebel has passed away.
Replies: 7
Views: 2364

Re: George Goebel has passed away.

Brad Jeffers wrote:
Jeffrey Cowan wrote:Does video of his show exist?
YES!


That is sensational; thanks for posting that, Brad!
by Jeffrey Cowan
March 11th, 2021, 10:43 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Best way to get a break above the card second from bottom of the deck?
Replies: 20
Views: 2674

Re: Best way to get a break above the card second from bottom of the deck?

Richard, what is the advantage of the Cliff Green technique over the way that, Sean, you and I have done it? Better cover from the right side of the body? Something else? Thanks!
by Jeffrey Cowan
March 11th, 2021, 6:46 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Best way to get a break above the card second from bottom of the deck?
Replies: 20
Views: 2674

Re: Best way to get a break above the card second from bottom of the deck?

What Sean Piper said has worked for me for a long time. Sort of a reverse pinky count. But I'm no cardician, so there likely are advantages to the method that Brad describes.
by Jeffrey Cowan
January 18th, 2021, 1:04 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: RIP Joe Porper
Replies: 4
Views: 1495

Re: RIP Joe Porper

Crap.

Joe was a very kind guy on top of his considerable talents as a craftsman.
by Jeffrey Cowan
January 15th, 2021, 3:50 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: RIP David Roth
Replies: 49
Views: 14744

Re: RIP David Roth

Definitely a shame. David was generous with me when I presented myself at the FAO Schwartz magic counter in 1986 and asked for some feedback on the palm to palm change I had been learning from his video. He then did it for me with sets of dice, switching two for two. It was perfect and an ephiphany....
by Jeffrey Cowan
January 12th, 2021, 8:01 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: George Goebel has passed away.
Replies: 7
Views: 2364

Re: George Goebel has passed away.

Does video of his show exist? I saw it at the IBM convention in DC in 1976 or '77 (forget which), and it burned a wonderful memory in my adolescent brain.
by Jeffrey Cowan
December 18th, 2020, 8:54 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: R.I.P Al Cohen
Replies: 18
Views: 3222

Re: R.I.P Al Cohen

The Washington Post published a superb obituary yesterday about Al. It does him justice.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/ob ... story.html
by Jeffrey Cowan
October 6th, 2020, 1:40 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Mendoza Tribute and interesting news
Replies: 5
Views: 1269

Re: Mendoza Tribute and interesting news

That's good news for today's and tomorrow's magicians. I logged many, many hours during my teen years studying the Book of John.
by Jeffrey Cowan
August 23rd, 2020, 1:46 am
Forum: General
Topic: Rubinstein -OR- Giacomo?
Replies: 16
Views: 3943

Re: Rubinstein -OR- Giacomo?

Neither. Get Kaufman's Coin Magic and/or the Latta book.
by Jeffrey Cowan
July 28th, 2020, 1:56 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: What is the purpose of close-up magic?
Replies: 16
Views: 2336

Re: What is the purpose of close-up magic?

Watch video of Goshman or Del Ray working for a live audience. You'll know.
by Jeffrey Cowan
July 2nd, 2020, 5:24 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: RIP Tom Blue
Replies: 7
Views: 2053

Re: RIP Tom Blue

Tom was a craftsman (I think he spoke once of making some stuff for Vernon), a purveyor of Bill Gusius products at Castle swap meets -- and a very nice and generous guy once you got past the sometimes gruff exterior. I met Tom in the mid 1990s, and he ended up inviting me to his home in Van Nuys and...
by Jeffrey Cowan
June 3rd, 2020, 1:43 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: How are Illusion Magic Lounge & the Castle doing?
Replies: 4
Views: 1314

Re: How are Illusion Magic Lounge & the Castle doing?

You can see Illusions/Magicopolis during the looting at about the 7 minute mark here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbxTqyW ... D3cz1bxcgQ
by Jeffrey Cowan
April 29th, 2020, 12:10 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: COVID-19 Death Harvey Rosenthal
Replies: 9
Views: 2060

Re: COVID-19 Death Harvey Rosenthal

What distressing news. Harvey was very generous in helping me during the two years I worked as a full-time pro between college and law school. He had some terrific techniques, and -- more important -- Harvey was very devoted to his daughter, whom he invariably brought up or was thrilled to discuss w...
by Jeffrey Cowan
April 12th, 2020, 4:40 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: NYT mentions new Houdini biography by Adam Begley (Yale U Press)
Replies: 0
Views: 900

NYT mentions new Houdini biography by Adam Begley (Yale U Press)

My mom updated me today that the New York Times had a passing reference this week to a new Houdini biography. See https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/books/review/new-this-week.html Given that Yale University Press published it (and the author has some impressive writing/literary credentials), I'm as...
by Jeffrey Cowan
March 26th, 2020, 3:15 am
Forum: General
Topic: Allan Slaight Covid-19 Relief Fund
Replies: 8
Views: 2269

Re: Allan Slaight Covid-19 Relief Fund

Kudos. What a great mitzvah.
by Jeffrey Cowan
March 23rd, 2020, 6:09 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magic Live is cancelled
Replies: 5
Views: 1643

Re: Magic Live is cancelled

Deferring Magic Live to 2022 not only eliminates competition with FISM (folks with jobs and kids can justify only so much time away from home for magic conventions) but also returns to the convention's early history when Magic Live was only every 3 years anyway.

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