Search found 161 matches

by Tom Pilling
May 9th, 2015, 10:07 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: One Trick Phoney
Replies: 171
Views: 24892

Re: One Trick Phoney

Derren Brown is very explicit that what he does is not 'real'. Of course, he's also the master of pseudo-explanations, but even these he admits to on stage before offering up another pseudo-explanation. Layers upon layers, and all that. Tim Ellis has nailed it, but there isn't really any point in ar...
by Tom Pilling
November 14th, 2014, 11:15 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: What do we think about this?
Replies: 1
Views: 1674

Re: What do we think about this?

Good, for the right crowd, of course. You already knew the answer to this, though...

Sleazy in the extreme, but a coked up crowd is sort of your best audience, if you know what to do with them.
by Tom Pilling
November 8th, 2014, 9:15 am
Forum: General
Topic: Identity of this "Camp/Gay" magician please
Replies: 141
Views: 40194

Re: Identity of this "Camp/Gay" magician please

[...] a) we touched a nerve b) he cannot argue against any of the points raised so tells us all to f*** off c) boasts about making a ton of money doing the thing many think is offensive [...] Or, alternatively: a) this thread is naturally irritating to the subject b) he made plenty of cogent argume...
by Tom Pilling
October 21st, 2014, 5:38 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Martin Gardner
Replies: 2
Views: 1390

Re: Martin Gardner

Lovely, thanks.
by Tom Pilling
October 21st, 2014, 6:14 am
Forum: General
Topic: Identity of this "Camp/Gay" magician please
Replies: 141
Views: 40194

Re: Identity of this "Camp/Gay" magician please

"A List Actors?....I would really hate to see your DVD Collection" It is hard to get any more A list than Ian McKellan, our greatest living actor. I consider myself very fortunate to have seen Sir Ian in his prime on the London stage. In the 70's I saw him perform Romeo in Romeo and Julie...
by Tom Pilling
September 2nd, 2014, 9:13 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Charlotte Pendragon's World of Illusion
Replies: 81
Views: 25006

In honour of RK's ruling: The video comes across badly, to me. It looks like a magician's assistant without the magician. Imagine going to do a gig and getting food poisoning. Your slightly inept assistant/roady takes control and saves the day, by dint of personal courage in the face of disaster, wh...
by Tom Pilling
August 29th, 2014, 5:10 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Charlotte Pendragon's World of Illusion
Replies: 81
Views: 25006

Re: Charlotte Pendragon's World of Illusion

Randy and the Ragrunts, eh? That sounds wrong on so many levels.
by Tom Pilling
August 28th, 2014, 11:14 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Introduction and Second Dealing
Replies: 7
Views: 3222

Re: Introduction and Second Dealing

And I always thought BASF made cassettes...

Ah. Analogue.
by Tom Pilling
August 21st, 2014, 9:38 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Shocking magic episode on AGT?
Replies: 54
Views: 13417

Re: Shocking magic episode on AGT?

Surely anyone who administers an electric shock to somebody else on these vapid shows should be congratulated rather than censured?

If only the charge had been at the fatal level. I would have liked that.
by Tom Pilling
August 21st, 2014, 9:21 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: F/S: Tommy Wonder 'Ring, Watch & Wallet...MINT, UNOPENED!
Replies: 50
Views: 19292

Re: F/S: Tommy Wonder 'Ring, Watch & Wallet...MINT, UNOPENED

For sure, to all of that. But, and it's a big "but", I have considered purchasing this set of props, over the years since I bought the 'Books of Wonder'. I see it advertised, both on AVD's site and in other places, mainly made by RS. It's too much for me to invest in this trick. I don't lo...
by Tom Pilling
August 21st, 2014, 8:42 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: F/S: Tommy Wonder 'Ring, Watch & Wallet...MINT, UNOPENED!
Replies: 50
Views: 19292

Re: F/S: Tommy Wonder 'Ring, Watch & Wallet...MINT, UNOPENED

I tend to agree that this was a poor way to advertise what was on offer, and definitely the wrong approach, but I think it's a shame that Rudy was banned. I have had very good dealings with him, in the second hand market. I find it hard to believe that anyone would even contemplate buying such a pac...
by Tom Pilling
July 24th, 2014, 11:46 am
Forum: General
Topic: Best trick I've ever done
Replies: 24
Views: 5718

Re: Best trick I've ever done

mrgoat wrote:
Bill Marquardt wrote:Beautiful trick, but I have seen different versions before. Do you intend to credit everyone?


Nah, I'm going the Paul Gordon route on this one.

:)


You're not telling me Harry Lorayne is the father?! :o
by Tom Pilling
July 23rd, 2014, 6:59 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Best trick I've ever done
Replies: 24
Views: 5718

Re: Best trick I've ever done

Congratulations! Wonderful news, Damian. L'chaim!
by Tom Pilling
July 7th, 2014, 7:57 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS
Replies: 30
Views: 9515

Re: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS

Then you should definitely support this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjkhvken1Y4

It is indeed superior to some I have seen.
by Tom Pilling
July 7th, 2014, 6:21 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS
Replies: 30
Views: 9515

Re: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS

I approve of the entrepreneurial spirit. As do I, which is why I opened my post praising exactly that. However, if we solely praise someone for just 'trying' they will not improve. Life, sadly, isn't the special olympics and no prizes are given for just trying. Sorry if I upset people's sensibiliti...
by Tom Pilling
July 7th, 2014, 5:41 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS
Replies: 30
Views: 9515

Re: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS

My skeletons moved out of the cupboard some time time ago and now occupy the spare room. However, they are campaigning for more living space, as they are finding it cramped in there too. Damn skeletons.
by Tom Pilling
July 7th, 2014, 4:52 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS
Replies: 30
Views: 9515

Re: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS

Damian, your opinions are always very white or very black. No room for gray. [...] It's how we won the War, Richard. Erm. No, hold on. That was the Russians and Americans. Damn. Still, to be honest, I really don't like these, but it is just a matter of taste. I approve of the entrepreneurial spirit.
by Tom Pilling
July 7th, 2014, 3:47 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS
Replies: 30
Views: 9515

Re: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS

Richard Kaufman wrote:


[...] Damian, you'll feel different when your child grows up.


True.
by Tom Pilling
July 7th, 2014, 3:27 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Magic Faker's latest
Replies: 3
Views: 1705

Re: Magic Faker's latest

Poor Ben looks like he could do with a packet of this:

Image
by Tom Pilling
July 7th, 2014, 12:51 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS
Replies: 30
Views: 9515

Re: Underground Playing Cards: Diamond Edition-- My first KS

Somehow I was reminded of a misspent youth:

Image
by Tom Pilling
June 29th, 2014, 8:40 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller
Replies: 33
Views: 9328

Re: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller

I still think that the charge of 'windbaggery', coming from The Guardian [nee The Manchester Guardian], is hilarious. It is the least well edited of all our serious newspapers; it is also the most prone to pomposity. I happen to be slightly to the left of it on many issues, but not on all. Still, I ...
by Tom Pilling
June 27th, 2014, 10:07 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller
Replies: 33
Views: 9328

Re: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller

I dunno. You post something provocative about Penn & Teller and you get told off for grammatical errors. Who knew? Everybody professes to have actually read Our Magic, but so many condemn the very substance of it, when identified contemporaneously. I guess there's a bottom line for every eejit. ...
by Tom Pilling
June 26th, 2014, 11:30 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller
Replies: 33
Views: 9328

Re: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller

Image
by Tom Pilling
June 26th, 2014, 11:13 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller
Replies: 33
Views: 9328

Re: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller

mrgoat wrote:
Tom Pilling wrote:
We'll have to agree to differ, Ross. :)

...

Of course, four years on and you saw the same show again, that's annoying


Sounds like you are agreeing, essentially.

:)


Shucks, you may be right.. :)
by Tom Pilling
June 26th, 2014, 11:13 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: The Oldest Trick in the Book by Bob Read
Replies: 36
Views: 10631

Re: The Oldest Trick in the Book by Bob Read

Thank you for the lead, gentlemen. I may have to sell one of my children now.

:twisted:
by Tom Pilling
June 26th, 2014, 11:09 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller
Replies: 33
Views: 9328

Re: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller

I saw the show for the second time and the Guardian's reviewer has it spot on. Frankly, I felt rather cheated. For £45 a ticket, and a four year gap, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a largely new show, rather than largely recycled one. (That said, I could watch Teller's coins and goldfish...
by Tom Pilling
June 26th, 2014, 8:37 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller
Replies: 33
Views: 9328

Re: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller

It's just a viewpoint. The Grauniad critic took another view. What I was driving at, poor grammar and all and without expecting any agreement necessarily, is that they were hugely entertaining. I cannot think of many magicians who come anywhere near. The fact that they sell out such a big venue refl...
by Tom Pilling
June 26th, 2014, 6:46 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller
Replies: 33
Views: 9328

Re: Not the Best Review for Penn & Teller

Well, I would beg to differ with The Grauniad [sic] on this occasion. Incidentally, it is ironic that this particular newspaper offers accusations of 'windbaggery'. I saw the show on Sunday, and along with three thousand or so other people, was very much much entertained. With the notable exception ...
by Tom Pilling
June 26th, 2014, 6:22 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: The Oldest Trick in the Book by Bob Read
Replies: 36
Views: 10631

Re: The Oldest Trick in the Book by Bob Read

Dustin,

It seems that the U.S. consignment has sold out. I cannot find any information about copies available in the UK. Have I missed this particular boat?

Cheers,

Tom
by Tom Pilling
June 10th, 2014, 12:20 pm
Forum: General
Topic: I did it
Replies: 4
Views: 2032

Re: I did it

Well done, Damian. Onwards and upwards!
by Tom Pilling
June 6th, 2014, 12:56 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Little Man
Replies: 28
Views: 9133

Re: Little Man

Looks like a blow up doll you once knew. ;)
by Tom Pilling
June 5th, 2014, 11:37 am
Forum: General
Topic: Why FISM?
Replies: 30
Views: 7576

Re: Why?

That'll do the trick :D

And images like this:

Image

as opposed to this:

Image
by Tom Pilling
April 26th, 2014, 8:19 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Magicians stealing
Replies: 76
Views: 16777

Re: Magicians stealing

Anyone who has travelled the world in the last umpteen years will have observed tens of thousands of unlicensed images, on T-shirts, bags, phone covers, you name it. This item, I would assume, is on a comparatively minuscule run. Who cares about it? Is it worth a lawsuit? No. It is not. Yes, nobody ...
by Tom Pilling
April 23rd, 2014, 8:18 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Orson Welles talks magic, 1955
Replies: 2
Views: 2054

Re: Orson Welles talks magic, 1955

Wonderful. Thanks.
by Tom Pilling
April 23rd, 2014, 7:49 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Magicians stealing
Replies: 76
Views: 16777

Re: Magicians stealing

Richard Kaufman wrote:Oy. Everyone just shut up already.


Oh, alright then.
by Tom Pilling
April 23rd, 2014, 7:05 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Magicians stealing
Replies: 76
Views: 16777

Re: Magicians stealing

At the risk of breaking taboos and straying into the realms of common sense for a minute: why the hell shouldn't Paul Daniels sell films of his own performances? I don't mean legally, I mean morally and ethically. I have lawyers on all sides of the family, it's not the legal issue I'm thinking of. W...
by Tom Pilling
April 13th, 2014, 6:30 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Exposing mediums
Replies: 8
Views: 4394

Re: Exposing mediums

Possibly time to write one? A good one.

It's a fairly hideous racket.
by Tom Pilling
March 31st, 2014, 5:06 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Al Schneider One Cup and Three Balls routine
Replies: 5
Views: 2814

Re: Al Schneider One Cup and Three Balls routine

Richard Kaufman wrote:We'll have a piece about it by Al in the May issue of Genii.


That is fab news, Richard.
by Tom Pilling
March 28th, 2014, 6:55 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Geller stoops to a new low
Replies: 266
Views: 43586

Re: Geller stoops to a new low

Reply to Damian: Daniel Day Lewis does not drop character during production. He is a very, very rare exception, but he doesn't stay in character forever, just during a shoot, and usually just on set. During the filming of Gangs Of New York, he stayed in character the whole time and slept in conditi...
by Tom Pilling
March 28th, 2014, 6:36 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Geller stoops to a new low
Replies: 266
Views: 43586

Re: Geller stoops to a new low


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