Search found 251 matches

by Dave V
January 4th, 2013, 3:37 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Can a crack in a brass PF cup be repaired?
Replies: 30
Views: 7298

Re: Can a crack in a brass PF cup be repaired?

It's likely a stress fracture from insufficient annealing during the spinning process. I hear brass is more brittle than copper and can be prone to cracking. If you lived in the Tulsa, OK area I'd point you to my brother Mark who works magic with broken instruments. <!-- m --><a class="postlink" hre...
by Dave V
January 4th, 2013, 12:20 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Can a crack in a brass PF cup be repaired?
Replies: 30
Views: 7298

Re: Can a crack in a brass PF cup be repaired?

Plating won't cover up any flaws. In fact, it might even emphasize them. Pending Mr. Riser's reply, I've seen brass musical instruments that have looked like they were run over by a truck restored to near original condition. A good instrument repair shop might be your best bet. They can solder the c...
by Dave V
December 28th, 2012, 2:59 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Scotty York
Replies: 22
Views: 6295

Re: Scotty York

Like Michael, I too enjoyed an evening at Scotty's house, thanks to Bill Wells. When he told me "Let's go see Scotty" I figured he meant go to where he worked, not his living room! After dinner, we spent the rest of the evening at his house as he brought out nearly every effect in his repe...
by Dave V
December 7th, 2012, 6:08 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Yann Frisch
Replies: 20
Views: 5256

Re: Yann Frisch

Didn't someone once say "Confusion isn't magic"? Some old Professor type if I recall...
by Dave V
August 16th, 2012, 5:42 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Ricky Jay on Youtube
Replies: 3
Views: 1439

Re: Ricky Jay on Youtube

Bill Evans wrote:It's rumored that, for some reason, he would only play the game with people named Jonah.

That's funny... I always thought the guy's name had to be "Mark"

Jonah's much more appropriate for this game.
by Dave V
August 5th, 2012, 12:54 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: The Berglas Effect
Replies: 120
Views: 22976

Re: The Berglas Effect

Point well taken-- the non-patter claim in the instructions that: "And by the way, the probabilities are quite accurate--if they seem counterintuitive, well, that's probability for you!" threw me. :grin: (Do you use any of those odds in your patter, Dave?) No, not really. It's more of an ...
by Dave V
August 4th, 2012, 8:15 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: The Berglas Effect
Replies: 120
Views: 22976

Re: The Berglas Effect

And you believed him? It's called "patter." At the time he published my handling, he was working in a bar. If he did his job right, the patrons weren't exactly thinking clearly enough to challenge him over the math.
by Dave V
August 1st, 2012, 12:22 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Computer Help Needed w/YouTube - If Possible
Replies: 12
Views: 3665

Re: Computer Help Needed w/YouTube - If Possible

It seems that YouTube has changed how their videos work, so now the Firefox plugins no longer work. I've been using <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.keepvid.com">www.keepvid.com</a><!-- w --> with good success. Just be careful what you click. Many of the "Download Now" button...
by Dave V
July 16th, 2012, 5:10 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Squeezebox or Spiker or Origami?
Replies: 29
Views: 7213

Re: Squeezebox or Spiker or Origami?

I have no malice toward you or the performer. I simply didn't like it. Too much "over proving" and over the top theatrics on stage. Yes, I know others do it too. I don't really care for them either, but they didn't come here asking for our opinions.
by Dave V
July 16th, 2012, 3:26 pm
Forum: Platform & Stage Magic
Topic: Squeezebox or Spiker or Origami?
Replies: 29
Views: 7213

Re: Squeezebox or Spiker or Origami?

The video has been up for three years and has only six "likes"

That should say something.
by Dave V
July 16th, 2012, 3:17 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: NY Times review of Alex Stone's FOOLING HOUDINI
Replies: 118
Views: 33271

Re: NY Times review of Alex Stone's FOOLING HOUDINI

His biggest trick seems to be how he's getting all this publicity over such a poor excuse for a book.
by Dave V
July 10th, 2012, 1:58 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Faux Switchblade?
Replies: 10
Views: 3552

Re: Faux Switchblade?

I've seen those. I think they are French folding knives. Last time I saw them was in a 18th century reenactor catalog. Modern versions look like this: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/8750614/?catalogId=70&bnrid=3120901&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=...
by Dave V
July 1st, 2012, 12:32 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...
Replies: 429
Views: 105931

Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Don, RS doesn't seem to announce anything directly to its subscribers. Rather than receiving any sort of alert from Real Secrets, we learn from 3rd party websites about the [temporary, fleeting] posting of better thought-out presentations, handling tips and even bare last-name-only credits for what...
by Dave V
June 17th, 2012, 4:14 pm
Forum: Link Watch
Topic: Robot Fun with Dick Van Dyke and Tina Lenert
Replies: 13
Views: 3962

Re: Robot Fun with Dick Van Dyke and Tina Lenert

Seems to me the tv.com page is incomplete. Along with the episode list, it's missing many of the guest names. Freddie Prinze was the guest for the Thanksgiving episode, which would have been two months into the series. The Wikipedia and Tvrage pages more closely match each other, and also what is fo...
by Dave V
June 13th, 2012, 11:46 am
Forum: Children's Entertainment
Topic: Music and sound effects
Replies: 13
Views: 19624

Re: Music and sound effects

I still find it interesting that magicians feel they must have a "one man show."

Sometimes you just have to have a team behind you. You do the magic, let someone else do the rest.
by Dave V
June 3rd, 2012, 12:50 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Extreme Vegas
Replies: 6
Views: 2486

Re: Extreme Vegas

No, but it looks like they buy their props from the same guy. They are Justino and Daniela Zoppe. They can add all the fire they want, Jinger will always be hotter.
by Dave V
May 24th, 2012, 11:08 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Piff - the Russian version
Replies: 27
Views: 6159

Re: Piff - the Russian version

John Van Der Put (Piff) was at IMX this week and this was the "hot topic" of the week. He's doing a great job of mocking the other guy with his characteristic dry wit and playing off the whole situation, up to and including having an imposter (Craig Mitchell) in the dragon suit and coming ...
by Dave V
May 10th, 2012, 11:27 am
Forum: Collector's Marketplace
Topic: WANTED: Vernon Headshot
Replies: 3
Views: 1074

Re: WANTED: Vernon Headshot

Emailed you.
by Dave V
May 5th, 2012, 11:40 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...
Replies: 429
Views: 105931

Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

Do they? You're not a member yet, are you? Seems they make them up as they go. Maybe now, but those "clear" rules you're talking about weren't made that clear in the beginning. They have our email addresses. A notification once in a while when they make a major change like deleting items w...
by Dave V
May 3rd, 2012, 4:41 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...
Replies: 429
Views: 105931

Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

My cancellation had nothing to do with their product, and had all to do with customer service.
by Dave V
May 3rd, 2012, 4:09 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...
Replies: 429
Views: 105931

Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

One more thing. If you choose to cancel your subscription, remember to go to your PayPal profile and cancel the auto-renew subscription otherwise you might get a nasty surprise next year when you find yourself paying again for a service you didn't use.
by Dave V
May 3rd, 2012, 4:03 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...
Replies: 429
Views: 105931

Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

The one thing they are good at is responding to cancellation requests. I just got a polite letter stating they will refund my subscription and cancel my account. That was immediately followed by a PayPal notice confirming it.

Now, if they were only that good at keeping customers...
by Dave V
May 3rd, 2012, 2:56 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Spectator's Cups & Balls by Ammar & Williams
Replies: 4
Views: 1796

Re: Spectator's Cups & Balls by Ammar & Williams

I bought it as soon as I saw it. There is HUGE potential here, especially for buskers who don't want to lug a fruit stand around in their bag. Good spectator interaction and involvement with minimal intervention by the performer. All (or nearly all) moves are justified and the manipulations necessar...
by Dave V
May 3rd, 2012, 2:43 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...
Replies: 429
Views: 105931

Re: Real Secrets Trick of the Month Club...

That's enough for me.

Bye Bye RS.
by Dave V
May 1st, 2012, 10:45 am
Forum: Book of The Month Club
Topic: Book for a Year – Secret Agenda by Roberto Giobbi
Replies: 133
Views: 115333

Re: Book for a Year – Secret Agenda by Roberto Giobbi

I can perform something differently... and badly. Certainly not better. I think Giobbi's comment holds true. I think Cardini developed his character and interpreted his tricks so he could perform them as "Cardini" better than anyone else. I wouldn't dare try to emulate McBride. Jeff can do...
by Dave V
August 10th, 2011, 3:17 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Kalin, Jinger, and Hobson: The Carnival is in Town!
Replies: 1
Views: 748

Re: Kalin, Jinger, and Hobson: The Carnival is in Town!

I already have tickets.
by Dave V
August 7th, 2011, 1:02 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: How many kB’s are acceptable for a newsletter??
Replies: 19
Views: 4503

Re: How many kB’s are acceptable for a newsletter??

The best solution I know is to make a "headline" newsletter with links back to a website to "read more"

A secondary benefit is you can use something like Google Analytics to track visits to the webpages and see how well you're doing.
by Dave V
June 15th, 2011, 10:22 am
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Neil Patick Harris / Tony Awards...a lesson?
Replies: 19
Views: 5053

Re: Neil Patick Harris / Tony Awards...a lesson?

No, but I'm trying.
by Dave V
May 30th, 2011, 11:15 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Announcing a new event in Las Vegas ... 3 days of non-stop magic ... IMX 2011
Replies: 52
Views: 14624

Re: My take on IMX 2011

What was limited about the dealer room? I had more than enough time to blow my magic budget for the year, and then some.
by Dave V
April 23rd, 2011, 12:58 pm
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Ricky Jay cups?
Replies: 9
Views: 3802

Re: Ricky Jay cups?

I think it was more of a "tribute" to Bertram than a direct copy. There are too many differences to be considered a "copy" I think Magic Inc. needed something to sell and were able to get Miller's name as an endorsement. I don't know the full story, but I'm sure somebody here does.
by Dave V
November 29th, 2010, 10:38 am
Forum: Close-Up Magic
Topic: Magnetic Ball Passe - Ramsay/Galloway/Townsend
Replies: 1
Views: 816

Re: Magnetic Ball Passe - Ramsay/Galloway/Townsend

It seems so natural I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned before. Thanks!
by Dave V
November 10th, 2010, 3:04 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Fire aboard David Sandy's "Magic Cruise"
Replies: 50
Views: 11873

Re: Fire aboard David Sandy's "Magic Cruise"

Did you hear what some of those supplies were? Food rations included canned crab, croissants, Pop Tarts, and Spam.

Yum!!!
by Dave V
November 7th, 2010, 3:47 pm
Forum: Alternative Media
Topic: Steve Martin on Austin City Limits
Replies: 3
Views: 1455

Re: Steve Martin on Austin City Limits

I saw it. Great show. He and his band were only the first half hour though :(
by Dave V
November 7th, 2010, 1:43 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Castle Grievance filed against Bill McIlhany by Rich Cowley
Replies: 206
Views: 64635

Re: Castle Grievance filed against Bill McIlhany by Rich Cowley

Kalin and Jinger make their living selling tickets to their show, not giving away "freebies" to club members. Show Business is still a Business first and foremost. Much of the impact of live theater is the "live" aspect. Recorded shows just don't have the same feel. Some performe...
by Dave V
October 17th, 2010, 3:56 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: New Max Maven DVD - Multiplicity
Replies: 52
Views: 19107

Re: New Max Maven DVD - Multiplicity

Thanks Steve and Max,
Looks like I'll be adding one more item to my "wish list" now.
by Dave V
October 16th, 2010, 7:15 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: New Max Maven DVD - Multiplicity
Replies: 52
Views: 19107

Re: New Max Maven DVD - Multiplicity

Hi Steve, This looks great! I'm not too thrilled with the "picture in picture" double shots of Eugene in the demo that really doesn't add to the presentation. I wonder if there was a good reason for that? Or was it someone playing with one of the toys in the editing suite? One problem I se...
by Dave V
September 25th, 2010, 1:17 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Luis deMatos wins 'Illusionist of the decade' Merlin
Replies: 9
Views: 2440

Re: Luis deMatos wins 'Illusionist of the decade' Merlin

I think membership is awarded to anyone who has ever purchased one of his videos. So in essence, his "members list" is the same as his customer list. Unless you return a video for a refund, I doubt anyone, ever stops being a "member." Even then, I'm not so sure.
by Dave V
September 22nd, 2010, 2:16 am
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Trouble getting on Magic Cafe
Replies: 62
Views: 15232

Re: Trouble getting on Magic Cafe

As a former Grammar Host, I can safely say they're users just like you and I. There's no "back room" anywhere where they get together and discuss things of this nature. For the most part, they were as in the dark as we were.
by Dave V
September 12th, 2010, 1:49 pm
Forum: Buzz
Topic: Beware Internet Scam Using Milt Larsen's Name!
Replies: 17
Views: 4552

Re: Beware Internet Scam Using Milt Larsen's Name!

I got the same email, and I'm pretty sure I'm NOT on his list. It is easy though to build a mailing list just by surfing a few sites such as these and hitting as many addresses as you can find that are even remotely related. It looks very much like the whole thing was faked externally, and nobody ne...

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