Search found 109 matches
- 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 ...
- 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
I appreciate your looking.
- 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.
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.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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.
I hope you and your friends have a great time. I am always smiling when I'm there.
- 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...
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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.
- 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
of course, if I try to sing when Irma's around, she stops playing piano...doesn't want to encourage me.
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...
- 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 ...
- 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...
- 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...
- 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...
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...
- 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...
- 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.
Very worthwhile.
- 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...
- 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...
- 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 &...
- 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 ...
- 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. ...
- 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....
- 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...
- 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...
- 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.
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.