Post Prestidigitatical Depression

[Matthew Field]

I've been feeling pretty "down" lately about magic, but I read something and watched a DVD, both of which brightened things a bit, so I thought I'd share them.

The DVD is something I ordered from Peter Pellikaan (http://www.PeterPellikaan.com) called "In the Hole." It contains 8 effects and explanations utilizing cards with holes in them, and they are wonderfully creative. I'll never perform any of them because they require one to be seated at a table with a close-up mat, but that doesn't matter. Peter's ability to camouflage the holes and instantly make them vanish is a delight and has my imagination ticking away.

The quote is an old one, the title page quote from Eddie Dawes's book "The Great Illusionists" and I'll set it down without comment:

"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed."
Albert Einstein, "The World As I See It" (1934)

[Riversky]

I've been feeling pretty "down" lately about magic

What are the symptoms of magic "down" feelings?

[Bill Mullins]

I've been feeling pretty "down" lately about magic

A quote from a Genii article from 2007 comes to mind:

"You know, magicians let me down all the time. But magic has never let me down."

Some guy named Maven said it -- you may know him.

[Richard Kaufman]

Matt, when you get the next book I send you to edit you'll be very happy.

[Matthew Field]

I'm hoping seeing you and being at the International Convention cheers me up.

Matt Field

[Bill Duncan]

Matt, find a copy of the new Jonathan Levitt DVD set. It will restore your faith...