Search found 2388 matches

by MagicbyAlfred
November 17th, 2023, 1:49 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Enter the Simulation - New OOTW version
Replies: 9
Views: 2639

Re: Enter the Simulation - New OOTW version

Tickordie, I want to express my gratitude to you. You deserve acknowledgement and accolades for so generously sharing your work with the magical community. I learned your very creative and deceptive handling and then added my own theme, patter, and presentational touches, along with some further sub...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 27th, 2023, 8:08 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Egg Bag
Replies: 55
Views: 21449

Re: Egg Bag

Fun thread. A live chicken would be tough to beat as an ending. I frequently end by producing a large rubber chicken (if you fold it up and secure it with a rubber band, the loading is manageable, particularly if they think the routine is over). The production fits well with my opening theme that, &...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 26th, 2023, 11:31 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Egg Bag
Replies: 55
Views: 21449

Re: Egg Bag

Count me as one more who is bewildered by the egg bag's popularity. It just doesn't feel like magic to me. A bag's too big, an egg's too small. I wonder if the contrast of the fragility of a "real" egg, combined with the rough handling of the "empty" bag helps make the impact de...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 26th, 2023, 2:34 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Egg Bag
Replies: 55
Views: 21449

Re: Egg Bag

Ted M wrote:...If you're going to do magic with a knife, cut or stab something.


I tried this when I debuted my not-yet-world-famous "Hari-Kiri" routine, but obviously the trick failed. I was so distraught after that, that I thought about ending it all.
by MagicbyAlfred
August 26th, 2023, 11:32 am
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Egg Bag
Replies: 55
Views: 21449

Re: Egg Bag

I have to say I don’t ‘get’ the egg bag, much in the same way as I don’t ‘get’ paddle magic and knives that change colour. Andrew My personal view is that the egg bag can be very magical and provide a marvelous vehicle for entertainment. And i love color changing knives, as well. But again, that is...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 25th, 2023, 7:58 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Egg Bag
Replies: 55
Views: 21449

Re: Egg Bag

Ian Kendall wrote:Alfred;

Might want to remove that link - says explicitly 'don't share or post'...


Oh thanks for calling that to my attention, Ian. I hadn't noticed that. My apologies to Jeff.
by MagicbyAlfred
August 25th, 2023, 4:52 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Best McDonald's Aces Routine
Replies: 175
Views: 409886

Re: Best McDonald's Aces Routine

The psychology of magic is very important. The tiniest of things can double audience reaction. ...One thing I have always believed in and it certainly works for me personally is to underplay things. I often think that magicians come across as too confident. This sets up a conscious or subconscious ...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 25th, 2023, 10:21 am
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Egg Bag
Replies: 55
Views: 21449

Re: Egg Bag

...But does anyone have any recommendations for other written or video descriptions/explanations I should seek out? Any performances to watch (I see Jeff Hobson's routine is also on youtube from a couple of different performances.) Bill, Jeff has an entire website dedicated to the egg bag. It featu...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 25th, 2023, 10:08 am
Forum: Marketing & Magic Business
Topic: magician business card
Replies: 13
Views: 34106

Re: magician business card

Many of us are aware of Kevin Mitnick's business card , with its built-in set of lock picks. Received in today's mail. They are (or were, as of two weeks ago) still available . https://i.postimg.cc/pdYFTMhy/mitnick.jpg That's an amazing card, and so perfectly appropriate for a security consultant. ...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 24th, 2023, 10:10 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Best McDonald's Aces Routine
Replies: 175
Views: 409886

Re: Best McDonald's Aces Routine

The key to getting a fantastic reaction to this trick is simply to get a spectator to put their hand on the final Ace packet. It doubles the reaction and I am amazed that so many people who do this trick neglect this tiny but important detail. I often hear people comment when they discuss this, &qu...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 24th, 2023, 9:18 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Mr. Andrews is on the Cover of the September 2023 Issue of Genii
Replies: 22
Views: 3105

Re: Mr. Andrews is on the Cover of the September 2023 Issue of Genii

...I'm surprised at the lack of current producers not seeking a magazine review. Perhaps they prefer the highly edited video clips that accompany so many of contemporary items, or the reviews of online influencers, or the kindly quotes from the six friends they showed their trick to before releasin...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 23rd, 2023, 5:13 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Best McDonald's Aces Routine
Replies: 175
Views: 409886

Re: Best McDonald's Aces Routine

For decades, I’ve gotten into McDonald Aces using what I believe to be a Johnny Thompson idea. A tabled triumph is performed. Afterward , when the deck is spread face down, only the four aces are face up, three of which are the gimmicks. From there you can immediately begin McDonald Aces. No fussin...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 19th, 2023, 6:03 pm
Forum: Light From the Lamp
Topic: Martin Gardner Bibliography
Replies: 10
Views: 30352

Re: Martin Gardner Bibliography

Richard Kaufman wrote:He was also an extraordinarily nice guy.


Most importantly.
by MagicbyAlfred
August 19th, 2023, 9:33 am
Forum: Light From the Lamp
Topic: Martin Gardner Bibliography
Replies: 10
Views: 30352

Re: Martin Gardner Bibliography

I finally decided to read up a bit on this incredibly fascinating man. I was amazed to learn that, despite inspiring and profoundly influencing many mathematicians, physicists and other scientists with his math-based writings, including a regular, wildly popular column in Scientific American that ra...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 18th, 2023, 8:06 am
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: An Index of wallets, peek devices, coin holders and deck holders
Replies: 21
Views: 10627

Re: An Index of wallets, peek devices, coin holders and deck holders

Nice work, Neil, and an attractive well-done website too. I see that you of course have my particular favorite, John Cornelius' Thought Transmitter Pro V3, listed in your index. I still have my original Thought Transmitter wallet that I purchased directly from John about 30 years ago. While the orig...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 15th, 2023, 10:36 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Have you already heard of The World Championships of Performing Arts ?
Replies: 11
Views: 1284

Re: Have you already heard of The World Championships of Performing Arts ?

Competition is always bad for art. They are necessarily regressive. To win a competition one must necessarily appeal to the taste of the judges. Which means that in creating an act people rely on and model the success of what has won previously. This is backward looking. Further, all great innovati...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 13th, 2023, 11:13 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Warren & Annabelle's - Maui, Hawaii fire
Replies: 4
Views: 4065

Re: Warren & Annabelle's - Maui, Hawaii fire

My heart goes out to them. It was such a wonderful accomplishment and iconic venue for magic-- the embodiment of a dream. To see it literally go up in smoke must be crushing. So selfless, though, that they are thinking of how they can help others. I have been fortunate to visit Maui. It is (was) so ...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 10th, 2023, 7:53 am
Forum: General
Topic: Eddy Taytelbaum
Replies: 13
Views: 5277

Re: Eddy Taytelbaum

Here' s some rare footage of Eddy.

Note the lovely comment by his daughter, Linda.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWqd59MaAD8
by MagicbyAlfred
August 7th, 2023, 9:15 am
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Pinetti's Petit-Turc Savant (meanwhile in Italy...)
Replies: 3
Views: 1658

Re: Pinetti's Petit-Turc Savant (meanwhile in Italy...)

Pinetti was an exceedingly colorful and creative magician, whose ultra-theatrical shows were comprised primarily, if not exclusively of his own inventions and apparatus. Forum member, Marty Jacobs, wrote a fascinating, in-depth piece about Pinetti, a magician who had the esteemed title, "profes...
by MagicbyAlfred
August 6th, 2023, 11:07 am
Forum: General
Topic: ERDNASE
Replies: 8153
Views: 12022442

Re: ERDNASE

“It’s the not the Destination, It’s the journey.” *Ralph Waldo Emerson “The journey, not the destination matters…” *TS Eliot “The journey is what brings us happiness, not the destination.” * Dan Milman, Peaceful Warrior I will try to remember this the next time the GPS on my phone leads me astray.
by MagicbyAlfred
August 4th, 2023, 8:15 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Dan Garrett Has Died
Replies: 3
Views: 1162

Re: Dan Garrett Has Died

Sincere sympathies to Dan's family. His steadfast dedication to magic fueled by a love for our art. I had the good fortune to attend a lecture he gave at a brick and mortar magic shop (remember those?) in South Florida back in the 90's. A very clever and creative magician and performer. He understoo...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 30th, 2023, 8:24 am
Forum: General
Topic: AC Top Hat
Replies: 1
Views: 2762

Re: AC Top Hat

What a creative idea, Pressure fan. I don't know what moniker you use in performance, but it seems like you should have some sort of zany, eccentric name to go with the hat, a name perhaps preceded by "Professor" or "Doctor." A 3-hour strolling gig in 105 degree heat is bordering...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 29th, 2023, 3:47 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: RIP Travis Winkler
Replies: 2
Views: 890

Re: RIP Travis Winkler

Very sorry to hear this. A unique and poetic artist. Sincere sympathies to his family and friends. A very intriguing website: https://mindheist.me Be sure to click on the link "The Show" on his site. My favorite quote on there: "There is no show without them." I've never met him,...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 29th, 2023, 9:58 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Baby socks ball holder
Replies: 5
Views: 3348

Re: Baby socks ball holder

I would probably do something crazy, like introducing a sock puppet, as my "assistant." https://witchhazel.typepad.com/blog/magic-ball-of-yarn/ Give him a catchy name and ask everyone to say "hello." When they do, one could say, "And you thought I was strange; you're talking...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 28th, 2023, 8:36 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Jim Ryan Magic and MORE! Chicago Magic Lounge
Replies: 2
Views: 436

Re: Jim Ryan Magic and MORE! Chicago Magic Lounge

I'll be presenting my lecture "This Will Kill Ya The Magic of James Patrick Ryan ... and MORE" consisting of many of Jim's classics as well as my Chicago Style magic for the Chicago Magic Roundtable folks at the Chicago Magic Lounge on Saturday August 12 ... my birthday weekend! Tickets a...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 27th, 2023, 12:19 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Have you ever experienced the "Yips" performing magic?
Replies: 17
Views: 6159

Re: Have you ever experienced the "Yips" performing magic?

The term yips is said to have been popularized by Tommy Armour—a golf champion and later golf teacher—to explain the difficulties that led him to abandon tournament play. In describing the yips, golfers have used terms such as twitches, staggers, jitters and jerks. "The yips are involuntary wri...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 19th, 2023, 1:33 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Juan Tamariz - cardtoon with a twist
Replies: 26
Views: 8686

Re: Juan Tamariz - cardtoon with a twist

Philippe Billot wrote:It's the tragedy of the internet, everything is bound to disappear...


Then that would include the exposure "tutorials." That would not be a tragedy. Maybe there is hope...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 19th, 2023, 4:30 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: 3 shell game tips
Replies: 30
Views: 8052

Re: 3 shell game tips

...However, with a bit of thought this issue can easily be overcome...even if you don't get anyone to guess anything you can still bring them into it in some way. Ask them a question or get them to say a magic word for example...you have to involve the people somehow. Pretty much every trick I do e...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 18th, 2023, 8:39 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: 3 shell game tips
Replies: 30
Views: 8052

Re: 3 shell game tips

...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czCwt6fAalA This is a superb routine and presentation. IMHO, it should have ended at the end of the rhyming patter. ...it needs more audience participation... I am all for that. But it can be a bit of a catch 22 in routines such as the 3 shell game, or monte routi...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 18th, 2023, 11:57 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: 3 shell game tips
Replies: 30
Views: 8052

Re: 3 shell game tips



This is a superb routine and presentation.

IMHO, it should have ended at the end of the rhyming patter.
by MagicbyAlfred
July 18th, 2023, 5:17 am
Forum: General
Topic: The Magic Rainbow
Replies: 12
Views: 4248

Re: The Magic Rainbow

PS A beautifully written forward by Juan, himself.
by MagicbyAlfred
July 18th, 2023, 4:50 am
Forum: General
Topic: The Magic Rainbow
Replies: 12
Views: 4248

Re: The Magic Rainbow

I am actually very impressed with Strong Magic which is a bit of a miracle since I am a bit of a misery when I read theory books most of which are filled with utter nonsense...I can't remember the publishers name though... Published by: Kaufman and Company, 1994. Edited by: Richard Kaufman, Matthew...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 17th, 2023, 3:48 pm
Forum: General
Topic: The Magic Rainbow
Replies: 12
Views: 4248

Re: The Magic Rainbow

I am reading Strong Magic , by Darwin Ortiz. The writing is exceptionally clear, articulate, logical, and colorful, and the ideas are profoundly insightful and thought-provoking. Darwin sees magic as a dramatic art form, noting that "It is concerned with considerations of theme, characterizatio...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 15th, 2023, 6:13 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge
Replies: 45
Views: 3542

Re: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge

On an intuitive level I just could not for the life of me include myself in the standing ovation he received at the first Genii Bash. I felt compelled to remain seated on the floor by the sidelines. However, for Juan Tamariz I leapt freely to my feet and my heart soared with delight and celebration...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 14th, 2023, 5:36 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge
Replies: 45
Views: 3542

Re: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge

Great thought-provoking discussion. I love it when I get laughter in reaction to my magic. And you know you've made an impact when someone asks, "How did you do that?" But I love it even more when someone has that look of astonishment on their face, and proclaims, "I don't even want t...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 14th, 2023, 7:49 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge
Replies: 45
Views: 3542

Re: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge

Brad Henderson wrote:Does he not bend spoons with his mind?


I would say yes! Or at least he has used his mind to create the illusion that he has bent a spoon using his mind.

Thus, he has used a spoon to bend minds. And isn't that the goal?
by MagicbyAlfred
July 13th, 2023, 5:12 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge
Replies: 45
Views: 3542

Re: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge

MagicbyAlfred wrote:...The performance in question begins at around the 40 second mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p2gWJ0ojoA&t=54s


Whoops, I meant it begins around the 30 second mark.
by MagicbyAlfred
July 13th, 2023, 4:55 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge
Replies: 45
Views: 3542

Re: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge

From the McGill Reporter, March 26, 1998 : "The performer shows an audience member a newspaper article and asks him to choose a word from it. He then instructs the audience member to read the contents of an envelope under his seat, which reveals the chosen word! Was it psychic powers? ESP? Don...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 13th, 2023, 1:04 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge
Replies: 45
Views: 3542

Re: NYT: The End of the Magic World’s 50-Year Grudge

"Sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand..." Aptly said, Joe. Ironic that, although Randi told his audiences that he (Randi) possessed no psychic powers, and that he would simply be using deceit, they nonetheless believed he possessed such powers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLl9D9B...
by MagicbyAlfred
July 13th, 2023, 10:01 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: John Mendoza Material
Replies: 16
Views: 4820

Re: John Mendoza Material

PS I just checked my "My Best" DVD, Vol. 1, and just to clarify, in the routine called "Red/Black Shuffle Routine," it starts with "Out of this World," with the spectator doing the dealing into two piles, and it is then found that the spectator has separated the reds an...

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