Search found 109 matches

by Naphtalia
April 1st, 2013, 11:45 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Do you consider sleights when planning an act?
Replies: 8
Views: 1525

Re: Do you consider sleights when planning an act?

I know a couple of very successful professionals who rely largely on one sleight. It's not that they cannot do others, but for them a top change or DL is the primary tool they go to. I do consider sleights when planning a routine. For me the questions I consider are 1) Can I do the effect without a ...
by Naphtalia
April 1st, 2013, 10:49 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Happy Birthday Best Magic in Anaheim
Replies: 1
Views: 431

Happy Birthday Best Magic in Anaheim

Today - April 1 - is Best Magic and Costume's 34th anniversary. :mrgreen:

So great to be able to report this brick and mortar is going strong.

They're located at 625 S Magnolia Av in Anaheim, CA for anyone who lives in Southern California and wants to stop by. :D
by Naphtalia
March 15th, 2013, 9:27 am
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Troublewit
Replies: 2
Views: 1262

Re: Troublewit

Thanks. I've come across pictures of others, but like you, didn't find Dr McComb.

I appreciate your looking.
by Naphtalia
March 14th, 2013, 1:52 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Troublewit
Replies: 2
Views: 1262

Troublewit

I had a great discussion today about Troublewits. Silly stuff, but it makes me smile.

I have been looking for awhile for a picture or video of Billy McComb doing his troublewit with a map. Can anyone point me to a resource on this?

Many thanks ever.
by Naphtalia
January 6th, 2012, 4:56 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Bill in lemon
Replies: 52
Views: 9454

Re: Bill in lemon

In real life - if people didn't know I was a magician - they might believe it. But the fact that we are "magicians", I think, changes things. There is an expectation that the bill will be returned/restored and that creeps into the moment of destruction (or immediately there after if it is...
by Naphtalia
June 27th, 2011, 10:56 am
Forum: General
Topic: Magic pet peeves.. stir things up!
Replies: 94
Views: 20862

Re: Magic pet peeves.. stir things up!

I work part time in a magic shop. It is not unusual to have someone purchase an effect they just saw, learn the secret and then say, "That wouldn't fool anyone." Of course, they forget that the reason they made the purchase was that it fooled them. I listen to the audience reaction when th...
by Naphtalia
June 20th, 2011, 4:41 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magic Castle difficulties
Replies: 277
Views: 76370

Re: Magic Castle difficulties

The latest BoD minutes are out and seem quite positive in the steps that are happening. Among other things will be a monthly column in the newsletter by the Treasurer, plans for an upcoming meeting with the membership to discuss last years finances and this year's budget, establishing a ad hoc finan...
by Naphtalia
June 20th, 2011, 12:55 pm
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: Troublewits & Photographs
Replies: 8
Views: 2126

Re: Troublewits & Photographs

When I was looking for Troublewit material, I found a clip in the Magic Castle library of Tom Ogden doing a routine.
by Naphtalia
May 24th, 2011, 11:17 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Magic Castle difficulties
Replies: 277
Views: 76370

Re: Magic Castle difficulties

What the hurry? Why rush? Our new board member and the official appointment of NPH as president was on 5/10. Your questions come up just under two weeks after that. I am both eager and anxious to get information. I don't think one can claim a lack of transparency at this stage with what's happening...
by Naphtalia
May 6th, 2011, 5:50 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: The President of the Academy of Magical Arts RESIGNS
Replies: 181
Views: 44897

Re: The President of the Academy of Magical Arts RESIGNS

I like the idea of questions submitted in advance, but with the expectation that all questions submitted by the deadline would be addressed. I would really like a way to submit the questions that offers an opportunity to make them public. I would like to know that the issue of XYZ has been raised. P...
by Naphtalia
May 6th, 2011, 5:16 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Astonishingly bad taste at the Skirball
Replies: 94
Views: 15185

Re: Astonishingly bad taste at the Skirball

I've volunteered as a docent at a museum that was largely marketed to families. My mother continues to act as a docent at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. I think someone planning a school trip or a parent planning a family outing should be provided with advanced information that some material may be...
by Naphtalia
May 4th, 2011, 5:23 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: The President of the Academy of Magical Arts RESIGNS
Replies: 181
Views: 44897

Re: The President of the Academy of Magical Arts RESIGNS

I wish the membership was notified when a new person was brought on board - sort of a "Say 'Hi' to ------ who will be -------." I know this is okay by local law. It's not necessary, but it might go some way toward bringing back the familial feeling that used to exist between members and st...
by Naphtalia
July 10th, 2009, 3:58 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Jonathan Pendragon arrested
Replies: 52
Views: 17798

Re: Jonathan Pendragon arrested

My kindest thoughts and hopes to both Charlotte and Jonathan. This is a disturbing and sad situation.
by Naphtalia
June 15th, 2009, 11:11 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Why do people think it's okay to upload magic DVDs?
Replies: 454
Views: 121506

Re: Why do people think it's okay to upload magic DVDs?

I agree we will never stop piracy, neither do we have expectations of wiping out other crimes. We need to have laws with teeth and then find ways to give those charged with enforcing the laws and prosecuting the criminals the ability to do so. In my estimation, more important is to educate people ab...
by Naphtalia
June 9th, 2009, 3:05 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Why do people think it's okay to upload magic DVDs?
Replies: 454
Views: 121506

Re: Why do people think it's okay to upload magic DVDs?

Practically speaking, preventing copying in the digital age is pretty much hopeless, massively expensive and impractical without the apparatus of a totalitarian police-state. We don't need a totalitarian police-state. We just need to up the possibility of getting caught, prosecuted and fined in acc...
by Naphtalia
June 8th, 2009, 2:11 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Why do people think it's okay to upload magic DVDs?
Replies: 454
Views: 121506

Re: Why do people think it's okay to upload magic DVDs?

People work hard to create something new and worth sharing. They are entitled to profit from their work. These sorts of sites are about stealing intellectual property and distributing stolen property. I wish law enforcement had more means to go after these fences for intellectual property. The fact ...
by Naphtalia
May 20th, 2009, 10:21 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: New Magic commercial..airing in NY Markets
Replies: 1
Views: 771

Re: New Magic commercial..airing in NY Markets

Having seen a number of bill switches, I picture the next phase of the trick being the illusionist making another grand gesture and the money returning to its starting place... Or maybe an assistant popping out of the pile of money looking like a scantily clad IRS agent. or returning to the illusion...
by Naphtalia
May 15th, 2009, 9:37 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: The Magic Castle
Replies: 10
Views: 3013

Re: The Magic Castle

Smart lady who knows magicians will work for food - especially dessert!

I hope you and your friends have a great time. I am always smiling when I'm there.
by Naphtalia
April 28th, 2009, 1:54 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Dan Ryan Productions - Be warned !
Replies: 52
Views: 9795

Re: Dan Ryan Productions - Be warned !

I was having the same thought about being late for or forgetting gigs. Yes, I've been late for gigs...I live in the LA area and there is traffic. I have called the person who hired me and let them know what was happening and where I was and what they could expect. I haven't been in the position wher...
by Naphtalia
April 20th, 2009, 2:42 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Michael Caine plays a magician in "Is Anybody There?"
Replies: 30
Views: 6101

Re: Michael Caine plays a magician in "Is Anybody There?"

Michael Caine was on Craig Ferguson last week. For the role, he decided to part his hair in the middle, because he thought that was how magicians looked. When the magic consultant (who?) arrived, the consultant also had hair parted in the middle. Michael asked him about it, and the consultant said ...
by Naphtalia
April 17th, 2009, 10:36 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: First Impressions
Replies: 27
Views: 4574

Re: First Impressions

I am very aware of the fact he is a human being hence me trying to help him. If his behaviour is making it increasingly difficult for him to get work then it's a big problem. I don't want to make him feel bad, that is why I've been wrestling with my conscience about telling him...and now I'm gettin...
by Naphtalia
April 16th, 2009, 3:47 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: *An Open Letter to the Magic Fraternity:*
Replies: 13
Views: 3105

Re: *An Open Letter to the Magic Fraternity:*

Mark Weidhaas wrote:Here is a question - what city would you like to go to see a SAM Convention? Most will choose their home city, so to be fair you must choose a location at least 200 miles from your home.


1) San Francisco
2) San Diego

If I had to choose out of state - KC, MO or Dallas - I have family there.
by Naphtalia
April 3rd, 2009, 3:24 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe
Replies: 136
Views: 28141

Re: Getting Bodies into Seats At Criss Angel: Believe

Sadly, at the mention of Lidsville, I can still sing the entire theme song....

of course, if I try to sing when Irma's around, she stops playing piano...doesn't want to encourage me.

Naphtalia
by Naphtalia
April 1st, 2009, 8:43 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Happy Anniversary to the Brick and Mortars That Opened Today
Replies: 0
Views: 482

Happy Anniversary to the Brick and Mortars That Opened Today

Brick and Mortars are still around. The three below celebrate their anniversaries today. April 1, 2008 - The Magic Bug in Anaheim California - 1 year April 1, 2004 - California Magica Dinner Theater in Martinez California - 5 years April 1, 1979 - Best Magic and Costume in Anaheim, California - 30 y...
by Naphtalia
March 30th, 2009, 1:41 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Brick and Mortar Anniversaries - Something To Celebrate
Replies: 0
Views: 479

Brick and Mortar Anniversaries - Something To Celebrate

On April 1st 2008, the Magic Bug in Anaheim, CA opened its doors to the public. On April 1st 2004, Calfornia Magic and Dinner Theater in Martinez California opened its doors to the public. On April 1st 1979, Best Magic and Costume in Anaheim opened its doors to the public. Three surviving brick and ...
by Naphtalia
January 18th, 2009, 1:41 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Anyone See The Tony Curtis event at the Castle Tonight?
Replies: 13
Views: 5095

Re: Anyone See The Tony Curtis event at the Castle Tonight?

I'm going today for the movie screening, but was up last night. At the end of the evening, I was taking a friend to see the seance room. Mr. Curtis was getting ready to go in for a seance, but took time to visit with several people. What an incredibly gracious individual. With all the wonderful magi...
by Naphtalia
January 13th, 2009, 2:53 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Masters of Illusion
Replies: 24
Views: 7992

Re: Masters of Illusion

Co-workers have been commenting. Most commented on magic for them was Joe Skilton's mismade bill and Kevin Jame's floating rose. Both got very positive reviews and were remembered the next morning. All agreed the jet engine might have been more interesting if we hadn't watched most of the trick befo...
by Naphtalia
December 22nd, 2008, 3:47 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: MAGIC SHOP OWNER ACCUSED OF SELLING MORE THAN MAGIC IN HIS S
Replies: 22
Views: 7221

Re: MAGIC SHOP OWNER ACCUSED OF SELLING MORE THAN MAGIC IN HIS SHOP

Terribly sad to hear about this. We've occasionally joked about the possibility of being stopped by a cop and asked to empty our pockets.... We've joked about vials of white (slush) powder that a couple of our regular customers carry on them and how they would explain them. It could be a joke as lon...
by Naphtalia
December 17th, 2008, 3:10 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Josh Jay
Replies: 205
Views: 90700

Re: Josh Jay

I always have a problem with this kind of argument. While there are a number of parallels between magic and music, there's one important difference: magic, particularly close-up magic, is an interactive performance, whereas music is not. Then again, if a singer screws up, it's not unheard of for an...
by Naphtalia
December 16th, 2008, 1:50 pm
Forum: General
Topic: Magic set recommendations?
Replies: 22
Views: 9107

Re: Magic set recommendations?

Mac King's magic tricks and sets are well worth making the effort to find. I know they're available on-line at his site. We've had some of them in our shop. Mac really gets it right. Classic tricks that are well themed. Links to a kidsafe website. Some include a DVD that is worth the price of the tr...
by Naphtalia
November 12th, 2008, 12:21 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: The World Premier of the Jerry Andrus Movie
Replies: 6
Views: 1764

Re: The World Premier of the Jerry Andrus Movie

I've watched my copy and bought another for a friend because I didn't want to risk passing this on and not getting it back.

Very worthwhile.
by Naphtalia
November 4th, 2008, 5:02 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: New Copperfield TV Special
Replies: 103
Views: 19626

Re: New Copperfield TV Special

I grew up watching Copperfield and Henning on t.v. I remember the occasional late night for me when I might have caught a magician on Johnny Carson. I remember Merv Griffin's and Mike Douglas's shows would sometimes have magicians on. There are moments of magic on t.v. today that I have enjoyed, but...
by Naphtalia
October 7th, 2008, 6:51 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Breaking the Magician’s Code
Replies: 91
Views: 30946

Re: Breaking the Magician’s Code

I've seen plenty of folks who over-reached their technical ability but were great personalities. I've also seen any number of folks with incredible technical abilities who should never get in front of an audience. You can't offer a great performance with just one or the other. I will admit to having...
by Naphtalia
September 24th, 2008, 12:01 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: I Wand to Hear From You
Replies: 17
Views: 3033

Re: I Wand to Hear From You

From one of my favorite internet resources, the OnLine Etymology Dictionary (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.etymonline.com/">http://www.etymonline.com/</a><!-- m -->), magic (n.) c.1384, "art of influencing events and producing marvels," from O.Fr. magique, from L. magice &...
by Naphtalia
September 22nd, 2008, 4:18 pm
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Great magic shops - Past and present
Replies: 46
Views: 22065

Re: Great magic shops - Past and present

Eugene Burger's discussion about the many shops once in Chicago made me yearn for earlier days as well. Amen! I have a couple of kids who are regulars in the shop where I'm working who have given up on buying on the internet. As one said, "The stuff is cheaper on the internet, but they'll let ...
by Naphtalia
September 22nd, 2008, 1:34 pm
Forum: Mentalism & Mental Magic
Topic: Table Lifters
Replies: 25
Views: 15159

Re: Table Lifters

I've only had one opportunity to play with a Losander-type table. While I could easily see it being incorporated in a seance, I would not see it being used for a table-lifting or tipping; it's too delicate an apparatus. In my limited experiences with seances, there is usually a group sitting about. ...
by Naphtalia
September 19th, 2008, 11:29 am
Forum: Magic History and Anecdotes
Topic: Great magic shops - Past and present
Replies: 46
Views: 22065

Re: Great magic shops - Past and present

Orange County California turns out to have a number of magic shops - There's one in Disneyland on Main Street and a Houdini cart in the "Downtown Disney" area in front of the park. There's one in Knott's Berry Farm. There's one in the Adventure City/Hobby City Complex called the Magic Bug....
by Naphtalia
September 17th, 2008, 6:57 pm
Forum: Other Magic Publications
Topic: Women In Magic
Replies: 30
Views: 9649

Re: Women In Magic

People's responses and directions have been a great help. Thanks. I'm so immensely grateful for this forum and the ability it gives me to connect with people more expert than myself. If I haven't said it lately, thanks RK. And yay for Ask Alexander which lets me access stories from home computers. T...
by Naphtalia
September 17th, 2008, 1:51 pm
Forum: Other Magic Publications
Topic: Women In Magic
Replies: 30
Views: 9649

Re: Women In Magic

Thanks so much to all who have helped me find resources. In talking to friend last night, he suggested I explain why I started this thread....it's a bit long, I apologize....but here goes... When I was 6 years old, I ended up playing football in the park with a local "league."...nothing ne...
by Naphtalia
September 16th, 2008, 5:19 pm
Forum: Other Magic Publications
Topic: Women In Magic
Replies: 30
Views: 9649

Re: Women In Magic

The thread was meant to seek out positive and inspiring information.

It appears to have now been hijacked.

I will step away.

If anyone has any resources to suggest, please feel free to p.m. them to me.

Many thanks.

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