At the risk of sounding like a me too, I want to talk a little about comedy magicians. This idea has been bouncing in my head for a couple of weeks – since I returned from seeing Mac King’s great show.

Dan Mindo at Magic Uncensored is ranting in his latest post about the lame crap we pass off as comedy magic OR, my favorite, entertainment. I couldn’t agree more with his sentiments.

In a recent post, I questioned whether we are doing anyone any good by encouraging the terrible magic and jokes we see at our local clubs. There’s no good way to make it sound like anything but that really blows. It’s tough to do.

There’s no end in sight, unfortunately. I see they’re reissuing the 20th Century Bra. I can hardly wait.

Turning people off to magic one spectator at a time.

To my point. I had the pleasure of watching Mac King with my 2 adult sons. For a change I was proud to be called a magician. You can be funny, entertaining and fool people. No blue material, no cheap lines, just a smooth, professional performance. And…. he was genuinely funny. It’s probably one reason his contract was just extended for 5 years.

I sometimes wonder if these entertainers are stone deaf. Can’t they hear the strained laughter and embarrassed mumbling? Can’t they understand that this is pity applause?

Interestingly, magic, when done well, has an element of humour and whimsy. You don’t have to be Chuckles the clown. Learn to perform quality effects – well routined and develop a quality and truly entertaining script. It can be fun. Let’s move on from Robert Orben – it wasn’t that good when it was fresh and like old fish it really stinks now. 

Take care……… 
 

As an old line conservative, I’m generally against government intervention into anything.

Your government (I no longer claim it) has rules that tell corporate America how much rodent dung and insect parts they can leave in our food. And…. as I’m sure anyone reading this knows, rules governing every conceivable aspect of our lives. Well, what the heck, if they’re going to try and protect us, we need a Federal Magic Administration to prevent atrocities like this from reaching the public:

To those that haven’t seen this, I can assure you that watching it is no less painful than finding out all of those brown things floating in your beef barley soup aren’t beef!

Kevin Parker has released 4 one trick DVDs which sell for $25 – $30, I believe. I’ve only seen this one and I can assure you, that’s a statement that won’t change. The trick is something you throw into a set a lecture notes as something to play with. It has a viewing angle of about 15 degrees and is impractical for repeating.

The production values for the DVD are ZERO. Apparently shot with a single home camera in the local park. I can forgive all of that if the content had any worth at all, but it doesn’t. I felt like it ran for 3 or 4 hours, but it was probably more like 10 minutes. (I’m not going back to time it – life’s too short.)

You do get the obligatory street demonstrations before the local space queens and street bums. Even the women aren’t worth a second look – just like this DVD.

Save your shekels here folks.

Take care……… 
 

No raves or glowing recommendation here, just something for your consideration.

I should tell you that I’m a huge fan of David Williamson and his magic. His 3 previous DVDs are required additions to any serious close up performers library, as is the Williamson’s Wonders book. He is one of the VERY few magicians that are truly funny and possess world class chops.

The is a new release, as it is converted from a prior video. He does 4 tricks and then his Rocky Raccoon. The tricks are OK, but suffer from the amateurish production. The reason to get this is to see him perform, not learn tricks. His nearly throw away remarks on staging and timing are the real hidden jewels here.

I do think he does one of the best top changes I’ve ever seen and this DVD should be on your shelf for that lesson, if nothing else.

If you’re a David Williamson fan, you’ll want to add this. 

Take care……… 
 

No Pit In Hell Is Hot Enough!

A friend sent this today.

By Robert J. Samuelson
Thursday, July 13, 2006
The Washington Post

Delinquency Of the CEOs

But they have contrived a moral code that exempts them from self-control — a moral code that justifies grabbing as much as they can. They unduly enrich themselves at shareholders’ expense and set a bad leadership example. Because almost everyone else sees their code as self-serving and selfish, CEOs have undermined their moral standing and their ability to be taken seriously on other issues. They are slowly becoming a threat to the very system they claim to represent.

I stopped by my local magic dealer over the weekend and he actually got me to pull out the credit card and make a major purchase.

I’ve been rather disgusted with a lot of magic props currently available, but once in a while I see something that gives real value.

Jerry O’Connell has been a semi-underground name for a number of years. Many people have considered him the finest magic wallet maker in the business. The wallets were only available from Jerry and certain select dealers. Apparently he has decided to make the items available to a larger audience and your local dealer can now obtain his products through the normal distribution channels. I think there are about 6 items available.

For those that like a Himber Wallet, this one is very well made. Personally, I always thought a Himber Wallet looked exactly like what it is and am surprised that it fools anyone.

I’ve always been fond of card to wallet effects and my favorites are:

• Jerry Mentzer’s Mullica Wallet
• The Garnier Wallet from The Camirand Academy
• The Jennings Wallet from Jeff Buzzbee

Add to that list the Plus Wallet from Jerry O’Connell. This wallet is packed full of features. The ID case makes the envelope nearly passe’ and will make a nice addition for the table hopper.

The Wonder Unit could be a nice addition for those performing Shaxon’s Confabulation. I would strongly suggest looking up Ron Wilson’s routine, as well as the original from Ken Brooke. Putting these three together could make someone a real reputation, I believe.

Although I haven’t tried it, the wallet should be fine for Ken Brooke’s Absolutely Impossible. A much overlooked trick.

The biggest surprise was the included DVD. I’ve come to expect DVDs included with tricks to be nothing more than coasters and they aren’t even good at that because of the hole in the middle. This DVD is a gem! Not from a production standpoint, but because the the quality of the information. The DVD is just Craig Dickson sitting at a table with a single camera pointed at him. Craig has used and carried the O’Connell wallets for many years and his knowledge is apparent. The practical tips and advice are invaluable. The wallet also comes with real instructions written by someone who has English as a first language. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such a high quality prop with world class instructions like this. (I hate to say it, but that industrial grade prick, Jeff Buzzbee, was the last.)

You do, of course, have to wear a jacket to use this prop, but most of us would be doing so anyway. This is an item that deserves your consideration.

Here’s the advertising poop if you’re interested. 

Plus Wallet (Large)
by Jerry O’Connell

Made from genuine leather.

Take care……… 
 

Good Luck Tom!

Tom Frank’s blog, Coming Through The Haze, is certainly one of the most popular magic blogs. I don’t know Tom personally, but anyone that reads his writings must feel some degree of intimacy. Tom has very openly shared his life’s trials and tribulations with divorce, custody issues and life in general. Few of us could be so open.

Tom is moving from Seattle to Los Angeles to be with his new love and I truly hope he finds what he is looking for.

Good luck, Tom – keep in touch.

About a 100 years ago, or so, my wife took me to see Tom Mullica at the Tom Foolery in Atlanta. She was, and is, a pretty woman and drew one of the hot seats next to Tom’s close-up area. AS he husband/date I got to tag along and sit next to her.

It was one of the most magical nights I’ve ever experienced. When I discussed the late Tommy Wonder, I pointed out how far he would go to fool the pants off you. Tom Mullica was the same. Although he worked behind the Klem Kadiddlehopper persona, he was a devious performer. He had the added advantage of total control of his surroundings – lights, music, employees, layout – everything.

I can still recall staring at his face while he was stuffing it full of cigarettes and napkins. I knew what was coming, but never saw a thing. They just vanished. Real magic was the only explanation.

I recently picked up Kaufman’s book about Tom’s magic and it brought back wonderful memories, but it, in no way, captured the sheer artistry of the man.

Take care……… 
 

Ken Lay Aftermath

I received several emails, critical of my comment on Ken Lay.

Get this – I make absolutely NO apologies. Ken Lay and his ilk have destroyed hundreds of times more Americans than Osama Bin Laden could ever dream about. At least Bin Laden’s victims came to a quick end, while the victims of the corporate board rooms die a slow and much more painful death than any physical abuse could ever cause. To Ken Lay I say rot in the pits of Hell you lying, stealing bastard. I just hope someone that can be trusted actually sees the body. Believe me, he can afford and is fully capable of a death scam.

A small and somewhat minor PS – While I was writing this, I saw an ad on TV from Chrysler. Now Chrysler is no better or worse than the rest, but they are a good example. They are advertising their cars and how they are better because of the Mercedes merger. Who knows, but the ad says try it for thirty days and if you don’t like it, just bring it back. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it?

Do you know what those fuckers have in the fine print on the screen? I’ll tell you what – buyer is responsible for a 5% restocking fee. Restocking fee my ass. Thats well over $1,000 dollars, for their implied 30 day trial….and the sad part – not a single one of those lying corporate bastards will ever understand why this is wrong.

Save room down there for more Ken – you’re far from the only lying, stealing sack of shit in America’s corporate board rooms.

The Son Of A Bitch Got Away With It!

AP –

Kenneth Lay, the founder of Enron Corp. who ascended to the pinnacle of American business only to tumble into disgrace, died of a heart attack on Wednesday. He was 64.