Showing posts with label # guest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label # guest. Show all posts

11 November 2014

[Guest post] Report on Forcing the Ace

previously mentioned that I enjoyed Erin Thomas new novel, "Forcing the Ace," from the Orca Limelights series.  However, I'm not the target audience (the book is intended for children ages 11 to 14).  With that in mind, I found a young reader who agreed to read and give me their feedback on the book.

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as Kidlet.

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My thoughts on  "Forcing the Ace" by Erin Thomas:
  • It was a really good book!
  • The synopsis at the back of the book really makes you want to read the book.
  • I wish it was longer.
  • Some chapters made me want to stop reading and practise magic or learn card tricks.

Favourite things:
  • Everyone (boys and girls) can relate to the characters.
  • Kids know what it's like to try and get their parents' permission to do things they want to do while trying to keep up with school.
  • The accident wasn't as bad as it could have been.
  • Injuries were common ground for the two main characters.
  • The girl at the hospital with the shaved teddy bear.
  • The boy and the girl have to figure out how to work together.
  • The book teaches the reader how to deal with difficult people.
  • How the main characters ended their routine.
  • The line about the advantage of being a female magician.

What I learned:
  • Magic can help with physiotherapy.
  • Being in a hospital can be boring.
  • When you're performing and you make a mistake, it may be hard but you can recover.
  • Having fun and connecting with an audience (including things like stage presence and showmanship) can be just as important as technique.

In conclusion:

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Enter today to win your copy of Forcing the Ace!


Thank you Kidlet for guest posting at Canada's Magic!



21 August 2014

[Guest post] Kreskin at the CNE

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.  Photos taken during Kreskin's second show at the CNE on Friday, August 15th, 2014.

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Kreskin loves Canada. And Canada loves Kreskin. He said he thinks of Canada as his second home. Many Canadians even think of him as one of us. No wonder, we've long been enthralled by his charismatic performances, most memorably those also seen throughout the world during his famous 1970s television series taped in Ottawa and Toronto.




Kreskin's twice daily performances at this year's CNE in Toronto is like attending a master class in audience management. With nothing more than his easily recognized voice and considerable stage presence, Kreskin presents a remarkable demonstration of the "powers of suggestion". He says it is definitely not any kind of hypnosis (which he asserts does not exist anyway). Whatever it is, he held the entire audience (both onstage and offstage) spellbound with his supreme confidence and showmanship honed over a lifetime of such performances.





Here Kreskin's "powers of suggestion" render onstage audience members unable to voluntarily control the movement of their own hands and fingers, much to the amusement of the rest of the audience.




During the show Kreskin stopped to chat with this onstage audience member who, under Kreskin's influence, appeared to be unable to remember his own name.



Here Kreskin's influence causes an onstage audience member to believe the woman beside him has eleven fingers, which he repeatedly miscounted, much to his growing bewilderment.



Kreskin concluded his entertaining performance with an homage to Dunninger: "For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't [believe], none will be good enough". Kreskin's shows follow in the tradition of Dunninger's who originated the disclaimer.

Anyone within traveling distance of the CNE should see Kreskin this summer. His act may be old school but he still knocks it out of the park each and every time. At nearly 80 he is an inspiration. Dare I say "amazing"? There is so much to learn from watching him. He's well worth the price of admission.





Also at this year's CNE in Toronto, ventriloquist Michael Harrison presents two shows daily. His laughter-filled act is clever and fast paced and a total audience pleaser.

Here Michael does the talking for both his dummy and also for an audience member in a climax to his act that left his delighted audience wishing for more.

Photo taken during Michael's second CNE show on Friday, August 15th, 2014.





If you plan to attend this summer's CNE in Toronto you should be sure to check out the "Browser's Den of Magic" booth in the Hobby Building. Although primarily designed to create interest among newbies, there's some extra good deals on offer that should be of interest to all.

Here Browser's Den of Magic associate Ahmed entertains an enchanted young fan.

Photo taken at the CNE on Friday, August 15th, 2014.




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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!





03 March 2014

[Guest post] An open letter from the president of Ring 17

The following is a guest post from the president of the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club .
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Dear Canada's Magic readers,

It is my responsibility as the president of the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club  IBM Ring 17 in Toronto, to clarify a point of some controversy based on my comments in the "President's Message" of the March 2014 newsletter.

By way of background, the club hosted a special lecture on Thursday, February 6, 2014 which featured the cast of the Mosquitoes Suck Project  an instructional magic download designed to raise money to fight malaria in sub-Saharan Africa and featuring such notable magicians as Bill Abbott, Jay Sankey, Joshua Jay, Bobby Motta, David Peck, Anthony Lindan, Brian Roberts and James Alan*. In attempt at humour in stark violation of John Cleese's Three rules of comedy** we dubbed the event, "The Lecture That Sucks."

In our March 2004 newsletter, I reported that the lecture was a complete success, citing well known member and terror of the Internets, The Great Mark Lewis who posted on the Facebook that the lecture sucked:
According to Mark Lewis' posting on Facebook, the the lecture sucked so it was, in principle, a complete success. And more importantly, through the evening, we raised $400 for the Mosquitoes Suck Tour, which translates to 40 bed-nets, which will protect up to 200 people for up to five years. So we are extremely grateful for your support.

In point of fact, his full commentary (divided into two posts before and after the event) was:
I am in great dread that it may not just be the mosquitos that suck.  
Only half of it sucked. Naturally I am far too tactful to say which half.

While Mr. Lewis feels that his views were misrepresented in the newsletter, I believe my remarks were faithful to his original sentiment. Of course it is now up to the reader to decided whether this is, in fact, so.
What's really at issue here is the applicability of the term "sucks" in an environment with an abundance of puns and a deficit of a well defined sense of humour in people with (clearly) too much time on their hands. Does the act of sucking blood automatically imply "sucks" in the pejorative schoolyard sense? Does it work the other way as well? 

The Ring 17 Philosopher in Residence and Professor Emeritus of Ring Reportage of the P. Howard Lyons Ring, Dr. Sammy Jakubowicz suggested, when reached for comment, "We might consult the writings of Lewis Carroll here. He may have been right when he wrote, 'When I use a word,' Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, 'it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less.' On the other hand, he may have been wrong. It is difficult to say with certainty. Why are you bothering me with this anyway? I was out of the country and nowhere near the lecture."

It's also clear that the actual quality of the lecture plays no part forming Mr. Lewis' opinions and can safely be set aside for the purpose of this discussion.

If you feel the need to weigh in on the matter, please feel free to contact the Ring 17 Goodwill Ambassador, Matt DiSero with your thoughts.

Thank you very much for your kind attention as we attempt to resolve this misunderstanding. We look forward to seeing our members at the next meeting, Thursday, March 6, 2014.

*Present on the DVD but absent from the lecture were Joshua Jay, who was reportedly in the United States working on his six-pack and Brian Roberts who was alphabetizing his sock drawer. Matthew DiSero did turn up, somewhat against his will.

**No puns, no puns and no puns.


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Thank you, I think, for guest posting at Canada's Magic!


22 December 2013

[Guest post] Love’s magic

The following is a guest post from an author Killarney Sheffield

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Hello, my name is Killarney Sheffield. I am an award winning multi-published historical romance author from right here in Canada. You’re probably wondering why a romance author is writing on a magic blog, well it all started with a plot to a book I was working on called Love’s Magic. The story is about a female magician named Celeste in the early 1800’s and her sidekick a black Holland Lop rabbit Dexter. I know, magic rabbits are supposed to be white thanks to Mary Toft, but I had to make it a little unusual, because well, that is the publishing industry. As I got into the story I realized that if I was going to write about a magician I needed to know something about the craft of magic itself. Yes, I could have just made it all up and flubbed my way through the magic scenes but someone somewhere would have caught it, and I try to be true to the things I write about even though it is fiction. I could have bought a book on magic tricks but since I write in the historical period I needed to know early tricks and the history of magic. I was lost. As you know magician’s don’t like to share their secrets, can you blame them? I was on twitter one day and reached out to an American magician/escape artist and explained about the book. He was happy to help me write the magic scenes as long as I never revealed how they were done. I got to know him well after emailing and Skypeing back and forth for a few months and was amazed at just how seriously he took his craft, from the breathing exercises and practises, to his whole routine before each show he does. It really opened my eyes to the complexity of what magician’s do. Eventually I finished writing the book and emailed it to him to read it and double check my magic scenes. Once he gave me the thumbs up off it went into The Great Romance Contest of 2013. From there it came in runner up and was contracted by Assent Publishing’s Breathless Books imprint. The book is to be released this February and will be my 15th title. I couldn’t have done it without my Twitter magician. Not only do I have a new appreciation for the magician’s craft and skill, but now I am a diehard fan. There is a whole lot more to magic than meets the eye!


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Thank you Killarney for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

To learn more about "Love's Magic" visit http://www.assentpublishing.com/AuthorAnnouncements.aspx#KSheffield

02 November 2013

[Guest post] New Okito Box patter

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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NEW OKITO BOX PATTER
Exclusively for readers of Canada's Magic
by The Magic Demon

Some time ago I purchased a brass Okito Box from the Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto (although I'm sure Perfect Magic in Montreal carries them too!) If you don't already have one and you are into coin magic, you need one.

What always used to bug me about it was coming up with an explanation for the unusual looking prop. It isn't something you see every day. Inspired by recent events in the UK, I came up with the following story. I hope you will enjoy using it or a variation of it in your act.

I use a large old English penny. You can also use multiple pennies if you wish. You could use this as a module in your coin act or as a stand alone item. I won't go into the mechanics of the trick; use your favourite method. But here's what you can say while demonstrating the effect (in this case, that of making a single coin disappear from a seemingly secure brass case).

~~~~

"The Royal Family in England never carry cash on them. Do you know why? It used to be a problem for them years ago when they wanted to "spend a penny". Do you know what that means? In England it means to use a public toilet which used to cost a penny in the old days. They cost more today but the expression is still the same.

Now, in the old days they created little gold cases for the Royals to store their precious pennies, in case they needed to spend one. The cases had room for 3 or 4 pennies, more than enough for any Royal on tour. Now the original cases were made of gold or silver but they kept getting stolen or mislaid. So they decided to manufacture a number of them in brass. They still looked elegant but they were less likely to get stolen. I have one of them here, but I won't tell you how I got it. Let's just say the Royals were very absent minded about where they left them.

So they would store their precious pennies in their new brass cases - all safe and sound. But what they could not have foreseen was the unusual effect that the brass casing had on the old fashioned copper pennies. Now some say it is a purely chemical reaction between copper and brass. Others claim it is because Britannia (who is on the the coin) hates being imprisoned in such a tiny space. Well, whatever the reason, you can still see what happens - it's gone!

And that's why the Royals don't keep any money on them to this day. What would be the point? They couldn't even hold on to their pennies!"

~~~~


Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

14 July 2013

The Zombie post, now with pictures!

The unabridged version of  the "Michael Weber Zombie Workshop" post is now available with photographic illustrations over at Reality Based Magic.

You're welcome.

06 July 2013

[Guest post] Michael Weber Zombie Workshop

Updated July 11 to add:  The unabridged version of the "Michael Weber Zombie Workshop" post is now available with photographic illustrations over at Reality Based Magic.


The following is a report from Ring 99.

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Michael Weber Zombie Workshop
June 30, 2013

While we may occasionally pretend to be men (and even women) of our word, our illustrious membership has less collective willpower than Augustus Gloop in a room full of Wonka Bars.

Earlier this year, as a result of a rather vague controversy, we vowed to send our beloved Ring to the grave and ne'er speak of it again. We thought we had succeeded. But when Michael Weber sent word that he would be in town (for reasons we are unable to relate here as they are so secret we have yet to determine them) and was interested in doing a workshop, we rose like zombies and gathered to feast on the contents of his magnificent and delicious brain.

This was no small order as the weekend he has selected was not only the long weekend celebrating our country's founding (uncreatively named Canada Day - Max Maven and Allan Slaight could have done better), but also the glorious orgasmic climax to Pride Week, which is always enjoyed most enthusiastically in Toronto. Nevertheless, we forewent the excessive indulgence in alcohol, fireworks and public nudity and assembled at the usual place. We were not disappointed for our efforts.

The ex-president (James Alan) accompanied by another James (James Harrison), and Keith Brown (recently named Toronto's Best Magician in a silly little contest held outside of Toronto to save on parking and avoid both traffic and credibility) rushed over from their fabulous performance at the gay pride installment of Abracadabaret (Canada's only variety show dedicated to magic, mystery and to-die-for shoes) on the other side of town to not miss any of the mind-blowingness. Two underaged attendees even managed to secure fake IDs to gain entry to our secret speakeasy-cum-clubhouse for the event.

Mr. Weber did not disappoint. He offered a marvelous assortment of practical, commercial and diabolically clever card magic, money magic, mentalism, and personal grooming accessories. We cannot divulge the contents of this super-secret workshop as we have all been sworn to secrecy. The penalty for violating this solemn oath is being forced to watch certain unnamed members of the city's other ring perform all of Ben Train's unpublished material. Twice. They would also be made to judge next year's Chasing Dovetails Bingo tournament. We are not permitted to  explain that he shared the stories  behind two of the long uncredited Vernon and Miller items from Kaplan and Expert Card Technique. We can say he taught his own mischievous and devious twists on three items hidden in the pages of the recent Graham-Diaconis book on math and magic. Weber closed out the night by demonstrating a small non-card treasure he unearthed in a letter written by Charles Jordan. Suffice it to say that we were all thoroughly delighted and will be keeping our yaps shut.

The special meeting room also features a VIP viewing gallery at the back to which the ex-president, Chicago's David Solomon and Aspen's Eric Mead were banished to prevent them from causing too much trouble. To keep the peanut gallery quiet, a second, younger more vertically-challenged Mr. Weber held court. Due to a strategically timed nap (and apparently a better fake ID than any of us had ever seen), young Master Weber was able to share the real work on several captivating iPad apps well past the point any sensible person would consider bedtime. The legumes on the periphery did manage to poke their heads up occasionally as Weber the senior got around to what we might call "the good bits" which happened what we may call "often".

Following the official programming there were additional things which cannot be explained and an informal session with Eric Mead which deteriorated rapidly into philosophical discussions of gastronomy, techniques for setting things on fire and looking at baby pictures.

So having had our fix, we put yet another silver bullet in the chamber and return the illustrious Ring 99 to oblivion... until the next guy comes through town.

To read more about the adventures of Ring 99, see Ninety Nine Fabrications Volume 1 and Volume 2.

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Thank you to the Zombies of Ring 99 for guest posting at Canada' s Magic!



19 June 2013

[Guest post] Steve Cohen Performs at Luminato

The following is a guest post from Ian Crawford.

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For years I have wondered what it would be like to attend one of Robert-Houdins' Soirée Fantastic.  Steve Cohen brought the essence of Robert-Houdin to life last night at his Luminato performance in historic George Brown House in Toronto.  First you must understand the setting.  George Brown House is a national historic site, the home of a father of confederation and founder of the Globe newspaper.  The Edwardian house has been perfectly restored to its former glory and is the ideal setting for a performance that celebrates parlour magic.  And Steve Cohen is one of the few magicians with the presence, experience and passion to bring the parlour magic experience to near perfection.

Steve performed a mix of classic magic and mentalism that honoured past masters while acknowledging a twenty first century sensibility.  A lifetime of study, 16 years of performances combined with an engaging intelligence and perfect diction makes Cohens' performances ideal for the Luminato audience.  He expected an intelligent audience, and the tickets even suggested that suitable dress was "cocktail attire".  In return Cohen performed 90 minutes of witty, engaging magic.  He was also suitably attired in a modern morning suit with yellow waistcoat and aqua tie.

Cohen's magic was direct, simple, elegant and completely fried many of the magicians and all of the rest of the audience of more than 60.  Beginning with a multiple card selection, he immediately engaged his audience.  He invited the back rows to stand and others to come and surround him while he performed some coin vanishes culminating in a solid, real brick appearing under his hat.  Appropriately, it was a reclaimed brick.  He performed a classic linking finger rings with style and grace and engaged the audience with some predictions about the inscriptions inside the rings.

One of Cohen's trademark tricks is based on Hoffman's Think a Drink.  While performed part way through the show, this could have easily been the closer.  Five different drinks were predicted, poured and enjoyed by audience members, the last being poured by a volunteer.  Cohen went out of his way to acknowledge and thank the volunteer for dressing appropriately, nice touch.  His message was clear that an evening out should be an experience for all, in keeping with the setting.

Cohen finished his set with a map prediction and then went into some mentalism using billets and an unusually large journal.  The mix of magic and mentalism was clearly a salute to Robert-Houdin, and Cohan engaged his audience constantly.

For his finalé, Cohen asked the audience to come closer and gather round to watch as he performed what I can only describe as a a two deck Triumph.

If you missed Cohen, you can always catch him in New York at the Waldorf Astoria in Chamber Magic.

Toronto is blessed to have a magic benefactor in the Slaight family who sponsored the evening.  And David Ben and Julie Eng of Magicana should be thanked for bringing some of the best magic to Luminato year after year.  Together they have elevated magic to a respectable place.  Robert-Houdin would have been proud.

Ian Crawford

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Thank you Ian for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

13 June 2013

[Guest post] Keith Brown - Exchange

The following is a guest post from James Alan.

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Keith Brown - Exchange
June 7 - 16, 2013, various times
The London Fringe Festival
@The ARTS Project, 203 Dundas St (map)

There are two things that will get me to drive 200km to London and one of them is Keith Brown. (I won't tell you what the other one is, because whatever you're imagining right now is probably much cooler.)

Full Disclosure: Keith is a friend, we recently participated in a magic competition together where he beat me by two percentage points. He's also performed for Abracadabaret in the past and will be joining us again at the end of the month.

I have also done magic shows at the Fringe and I know they can be very stressful. Your entire show has to be set up, on stage, ready to go, usually in about fifteen minutes, and you have to clear the stage completely after every show and start from scratch every time.

I went to see the show with Nick Wallace, who's created three distinct shows for the Fringe over the years. As the doors closed, we looked around us and couldn't see a single empty seat. I leaned over and whispered, "Have you ever seen anyone sell out a late Monday night Fringe show?" "No, have you?" "No." Awkward silence.

I've seen Keith's show twice before, once at the Fringe and once as a self mounted production. Half of the show was new, which is not saying much because the 45 minute show only contains five pieces. It's all mentalism except for Houdini's Needle Swallowing trick.

Still, at that relaxed pace, there's no sense that anything drags. There's an innocent youthful charm that pervades everything. And even though he's swallowing needles, everything is in good taste, even the fart joke.

The title of the show, "Exchange", is apt because the audience participation makes the show and most of the applause goes to those who are chosen and volunteer. There are also several gentle nudges for participants to push their comfort zone, including one audience member drinking pure white vinegar.

While the show itself is fun and moves along at a good pace, it's not much to look at. Keith is wearing a charcoal suit on a stage with black chairs, a table with a black cloth on a black floor in a room with black curtains and black walls. The only colour in the show come from his tie, the blue latex gloves and the the carrot (it's not what you think.) But I realize the bare bones blank box feel is part of Fringe. If you want bright and colour full, The ARTS Project is also a cool little gallery which you can wander around before and after the show.

If London's not too far out of your way, go see this. Although, if Monday night is any indication, it looks like tickets for the last three shows will be hard to come by.

Three shows left:
June 14 - 5:00 PM
June 15 - 9:30 PM
June 16 - 3:00 PM

Tickets $15 ($10 if you have a London Fringe Backer Button)

Note that the Fringe operates under very strict rules and latecomers will not be admitted.

-James Alan

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Thank you James for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

09 May 2013

[Guest post] Scott McClelland lecture

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.
 
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SCOTT McCLELLAND LECTURE AT BROWSER'S DEN OF MAGIC
Sunday, March 24th, 2013

A (belated) guest review by The Magic Demon

Walking into the Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto on that Sunday afternoon you knew - right away - that you were in for an extraordinary (and possibly once in a lifetime) experience.

Scott McClelland had set up a huge backdrop (in front of which he would lecture) that incorporated the old fashioned style of large posters and canvas backdrops that would have been in use in late 19th and early 20th century circus side shows. Added to this were a number of oddly sinister looking ancient props strategically located throughout the staging area. The faded colours, the slightly macabre artwork, and the unsettling choice of subjects all projected an aura of the unusual, of the unexpected, of the distinctly otherworldly.

Which was entirely appropriate given Scott McClelland was there to talk about his thirty plus years performing in the realm of "Bizarre magic".

In appearance some might say that Scott resembles the late great Peter Reveen in his prime, with the magnificent speaking voice of an Orson Welles.

Scott came to the world of Bizarre magic through a family bloodline - his late grandfather had founded and toured with such an act from the 1920s through to the end of the 1960s. However, Scott still had to earn the right to perform his act like anyone else - the old fashioned way - by perseverance and careful honing of his considerable theatrical talents. His lecture shared a large part of that compelling journey, his family history and also his unique insights into creating the Bizarre magic acts that he tours with today.


What exactly is Bizarre magic?

Everyone knows it when they see it but trying to define it in words can prove somewhat of an elusive task. Scott began by diligently offering his thoughts on defining his beloved artform.
  • Bizarre magic is not about puzzles;
  • Bizarre magic creates new, mysterious, alternative worlds;
  • Bizarre magic is visual, and uses seemingly archaic props and materials;
  • Bizarre magic is magic with a strong and well thought out story.

And stories usually have beginnings, middles and ends. So too must Bizarre magic, according to Scott:
  • The beginning - A cultural meaning or "meme" that resonates with an audience that they can relate to, such as a haunting/haunted theme or story;
     
  • The middle - "The meat" in which you reinforce the chosen cultural premise with further true history (that you have researched and cunningly interwoven into your fictionalized presentation);
     
  • The ending - Your big pay off, the effect or illusion itself (which must never use props that look like conventional "conjurer's tricks").

So in this brave new (old?) world of Bizarre magic you bend the truth somewhat in the interests of effective storytelling in order to create your new world. And you broaden and deepen its themes and textures with the clever interweaving of actual historical events whenever possible.


Bizarre magic techniques
  • The importance of learning about relevant history is therefore an important tool to the Bizarre magician. If you are to succeed in this demanding field you must be able to talk the talk as well as walk the walk. During your show as well as off stage during interviews or promotional events you need to be able to comment intelligently on your craft and its illustrious history in order to prove that you are not just "pushing boxes about". As an example, Scott talked knowledgeably about the Spiritualist movement which flourished in the 1920s. These facts he could then spin into and link onto aspects of his own act. Audiences could look them up afterwards online on legitimate sites and confirm what he had discussed.
     
  • Scott briefly outlined methods of aging props and standard magician's devices so that they are more in keeping with the visual themes in Bizarre magic.
     
  • He also discussed the value of implanting your alternative realities online so that after a show when audience members might want to research your theatrical narrative they could find evidence of its veracity. Lesson: A Bizarre magic show needn't stop simply because the audience has left the theatre.
Following a brief break, Scott proceeded to demonstrate and discuss a number of his favourite effects which illustrated many of his general themes. Several effects Scott had for sale in specially created kits - which seemed to disappear with great rapidity after the show!
  
Bizarre magic vs. mental magic
 
Scott was also most responsive to questions from the very attentive crowd. What is the difference between Bizarre magic and mental magic asked one member of the packed out room.
  • Bizarre magic invokes an alternate world with a much more textured, complete backstory that emotionally connects with its audience. Mental magic does not have to do any of this (although perhaps it should).
     
  • Bizarre magic is by definition more theatrical than most mental magic. It usually involves performing in the guise of a fictional character (as does Scott in his Bizarre and paranormal acts).
     
  • Of course, like some professional mentalism, much of Bizarre magic is vastly psychological in nature. You want people to believe that what is going on is real, and you want them to experience a genuine "magical moment" that takes them out of their everyday life.

Theatrical training

Scott shared many useful thoughts on a number of important related theatrical issues. He has had considerable training and experience in such matters. For example, on character-building:
  • Find your character. Who is he/she? Is he/she serious or comic?
  • Consider taking acting lessons.
  • Watch your favourite actors more closely on film; how they talk, how they move, how they interact with props.
  • Every move on stage should have a reason; only move when you need to move; every move should be scripted and well rehearsed ahead of time in order to appear completely natural. Scott quoted the legendary Micky Hades as suggesting that you should be able to do your act completely nude! If you can do your act in the nude without looking artificial or goofy, posited Micky, you can do it more easily fully dressed. (I'm sure this is true but somehow I'm not so sure I will avail myself of this advice...)
  • Find an interesting way of talking then script it. And don't waste your breath on unnecessary patter. Edit your script ruthlessly.
  • Believe your character's backstory so that your audience will believe it too. Know the historical facts from which your character is derived as if they were your own true birth facts.
  • Never be afraid to emote, to act, to be emotionally engaging on stage.
  • Find phrases or sentences that will stick with your audience long after they've gone home.
  • Rehearse. Rehearse. Rehearse.
  • Keep it clean, X rated material has no place in magic.
  • Always remember that you are attempting to create memorable magic moments on stage for the audience to take home with them. And by doing so, says Scott, you are helping to bring style and class back to the Art of magic.

Live performance vs. the internet

Many of us fear the death of live magic performance with the advent of the internet age. Scott asserts that we must fight back and take back the rightful place of live performance in the hearts and minds of the general public:
  • You must give an audience a greater experience live than they could ever get virtually online;
     
  • You must make an audience want to come back to see other live shows that are wholly unlike anything they can get online; and
     
  • You must remind audiences that we are all entertainers all the time, using any opportunity you can.

Clearly we need some heroic role models in this critical and worthy pursuit. I nominate Scott! But where else do we find such individuals today? It seems a rather daunting task. Scott argues that:
  • We can (and should) all be role models;
     
  • We can all help audiences regain/rediscover the wonder of/in magic;
     
  • We can all help make magic something that audiences want to be entertained by;
     
  • We must all work harder to make magic better; there are too many lazy magicians out there today;
and finally
  • By looking back into the past (vaudeville, etc.) we may well find the way to create an exciting new future in magic.

----

I have just very briefly scratched the highlights (for me) of Scott's incredible lecture. Part history, part theory, part theatre, and part magic, it was an experience full of memorable magical moments for all of us who attended. Any inaccuracies can be attributed to my futile attempt to write my notes faster and faster to keep up with Scott's powerful insights - and their subsequent growing illegibility.

For many of us this lecture was an introductory course in the Art of Bizarre magic. I hope Scott will follow it up with a more advanced lecture some time in the future.

Try to see Scott live any chance you can. If you are a magic club, book him for a lecture. You will not regret it. Meanwhile, his websites will delight and entertain you:

There are some photos of the event at the Browser's Den of Magic site. Go to their main website and check out Jeff's blog. You'll need to scroll back to late March 2013:

Many thanks to Scott McClelland for sharing the invaluable lessons of a lifetime and for showing us what it takes to be so well regarded (as he is) in his area of specialty.

Thanks as well to his charismatic assistant, Jessica Silver, for her invaluable contributions to the afternoon's festivities. You can follow her relevant posts on The Magic Cafe.

Finally, a big shout out and thank you to Jeff Pinsky, owner of the Browser's Den of Magic, for hosting yet another worthwhile special event that left all its participants feeling inspired and extremely well-entertained.

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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

10 February 2013

[Guest post] Bobby Motta dealer demo at Browser's Den

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.


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BOBBY MOTTA DEALER DEMO AT BROWSER'S DEN OF MAGIC
Sunday, Feb. 3rd, 2013
A review by "The Magic Demon"


Even a basic dealer demo with Bobby Motta is an event worth attending.

I'm pretty sure everyone who witnessed Bobby Motta's dealer demo of original professional products at The Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto on Sunday afternoon (February 3rd) all felt the same way too.

Watching Bobby demo and explain his own effects I was struck by two thoughts. (1) Bobby Motta is a naturally laid-back, extremely funny and charismatic performer, and (2) Bobby Motta has an incredibly inventive mind. He is the creator of numerous out-of-the ordinary professional effects in use by names like Penn & Teller, Criss Angel, David Blaine and Derren Brown. Oh yes, this is the man who helps make them all look good.

And according to Browser's Den of Magic owner Jeff Pinsky, Bobby Motta practically grew up in the Browser's Den. Jeff has seen Bobby go from fledgling hobbyist to world class professional mentalist in what seems like only a scant few years.

Bobby later told me he was a bit apprehensive about doing this demo. It was not advertised as a lecture and it was definitely not meant to be a performance. So what was it? It was a roomful of appreciative magic aficionados allowed the privilege of learning first hand how a top rate mind came to create a dozen or so of his most powerful effects and the secrets behind them - all for free. What's not to like? The fact that the majority of us could not afford most of them did not seem to deter Bobby from his entertaining task (although I noted at least a couple working pros afterwards decided to enhance their routines with some of Bobby's higher-end creations as well as a larger number of amateurs happily buying some of his less expensive ones.)


The Demo

Bobby opened with his current much-talked-about commercially available effect, "Blackmail". If you are into mentalism, or would like to be, you can perform miracles with this clever utility device, inspired by but significantly updated from a classic principle once described by Corinda.

He followed with a presentation of "That's Alive". If I tell you it is a revelation effect with a surprise finish that caused his audience spectator to jump you can guess it was judged a big success by the room. And all I will add is that his lovely assistant Amanda made a most welcome guest appearance.

"Taste" involved a young audience member repeatedly choosing different beverages behind Bobby's back without his knowledge and yet... Bobby proved that he somehow knew which drinks had been selected and in what order, again and again and again. This one just blew me away when he performed it and blew me away again after he explained how it works. Ingenious! (And Jeff Pinsky's favourite of the event).

Bobby then presented (but was unable to fully demonstrate) his "Lethal.  A card is chosen, the deck is thrown into the air, a knife is thrown at a spectator wearing a protective board and the knife impales the chosen card right onto the board! It didn't matter that he couldn't fully demo it, the room was again delighted with its explanation - another combination of innovative technology and applied human psychology.

"Shock Treatment" was briefly discussed - it's a classic secret of mentalism/magic that Bobby has brought into more modern times featuring greater portability than in past versions.

Bobby then demonstrated the use of certain exotic electronic flimflammery that those in mentalism will already know about and the rest of you will not get any more information about from me. Suffice it to say that Bobby likes electronics very much.

He ended with his visually strong effect "The End" - what could be more fitting? Unknown letter cards freely chosen by spectators are randomly arranged in a horizontal frame and eventually turned around to reveal they spell - guess what? Beautifully constructed props and a stunning reminder that sometimes the greatest impact of all can be had from basic but unsuspected methods.

Bobby added an encore of his own devising which he calls "Advil." It's something that he says he will never reveal nor sell in which numbers called out at random from the audience somehow turned out to be the exact serial numbers on a audience member's previously chosen and physically isolated five dollar bill. A jaw-dropping conclusion to a most enjoyable afternoon with a most talented performer/inventor.

Many thanks to Bobby Motta of course and to Jeff Pinsky of the Browser's Den for hosting yet another worthwhile special event. I assume some of Bobby's effects can be purchased through Jeff or directly from Bobby himself. Bobby also performs on a regular basis in Toronto and details can be found on his website, www.bobbymotta.com.

Oh yes, I read later that there was something else going on that afternoon elsewhere. Not that any of us attending seemed to know or care very much. Super Bowl? What was that? Some kind of extra huge load Lota Bowl?

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Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!



20 July 2012

[Guest post] A magical childhood memory of summer

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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A Magical Childhood Memory of Summer
by "The Magic Demon"

Whenever I drop by The Browser's Den of Magic in Toronto these days I always spend a few minutes looking through their well-stocked collection of joke or gag items before moving on to the more serious magic in the rest of the shop. Joke buyers usually tend to be a very different breed of customer than magic fans, Jeff Pinsky (the shop's owner) once told me, although some of us started buying gags when we were very young and eventually moved into more serious magic.

Perhaps the most famous, classic gag item is the old "snake in a jar" or "snake in a can". It has been around forever and never fails to get a laugh. I haven't bought one in decades, however, since I was a kid. But in my home, high atop a bookshelf I rarely visit, lies a dusty unused mini-jar of what appears to be Colman's French mustard. Whenever I look at it I always feel a combination of great affection and nostalgia.

I should explain, although most of you have already figured it out, that this is not just any jar of Colman's French mustard. It is, in fact, a jar from Davenports Magic in London, England bought during a childhood-era visit overseas. Whenever you open it, a coiled yellow and orange snake will still jump up and obligingly scream out "SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAK!"

Like I said. Classic.

And still inexplicably funny (provided the target - I mean subject - doesn't suffer from a weak heart.)

But this is not just any snake in a jar - it is an exact duplicate of a snake in a jar over in England that is memorably bound up in my family's personal history over there. Let me explain.

Imagine it is summer - perhaps very much like this one but many, many years ago. I am visiting my then equally young cousins in the UK. We have just come home from London to one of its sprawling suburbs and have placed a seemingly innocent jar casually near the dinner table. A special jar we had longingly coveted, extensively planned around and eventually bought with the remains of our hard-earned allowances. My aunt, my mother, my sister and of course my cousins and I are all painfully aware of its contents. My uncle, the chosen target - I mean subject - of this evening's scheduled entertainment, is not.

We (who know) are already bursting with anticipation. But we are doing everything young kids can do to contain themselves and appear normal - assuming kids can ever do that in the eyes of any adult. My uncle continues to be blissfully unaware of our emotional straight-jacketedness. (Or was he?)

My uncle was always very keen on his mustard. And so the jar was eventually set down centre-stage on the dining room table. But during the subsequent dinner he made not a single motion towards it. Had he gone off mustard? Was it somehow invisible to his eyes? Would our elaborate gag never be sprung? It was then my ever-resourceful aunt had the brilliant idea to ask him to pass her the mustard. Feigning inability to open it worthy of an Academy Award, she passed it back to him with the casual request to loosen it.

The rest of us held our collective breaths ready to explode, our little bodies literally quivering with barely concealed excitement...

My uncle calmly took the jar, twisted the top a little more open and... immediately returned it to the table.

... It had completely failed to open!

... ... The snake was still nestled inside the jar!!

... ... ... We were all ready to bust a gut!!!

Whether my uncle knew something was up and was merely playing with us by now - no fool, he - or whether his actions were entirely genuine - we shall never know.

All we do know for sure is that agonizing decades and decades seemed to pass until at long last he absent-mindedly picked up the mustard and - SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAK! - the snake satisfyingly jumped out of its jar and we all screamed appreciatively.

No audience for any professional performance has ever laughed so much nor felt such intense relief. My uncle happily laughed along too but with what was a possibly mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

Today that original jar sits undisturbed in a glass cabinet in my aunt's kitchen, largely untouched since that special family dinner. Like my duplicate of it back here in Canada, it is a poignant reminder of the innocent pleasures of childhood. That long ago and far away dinner remains one of the most joyous of my childhood memories of summer - thanks to a classic gag - and a very magical uncle.


--

There's nothing quite like the combination of a young soul and a snake in a can!  I know I've gotten good value from the one in my home.  (It helps to have an obliging audience.)


Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!


What are your childhood memories of magic?








25 February 2012

More from Matt about Ron Leonard

Another comment from Matt DiSero, on the post Remembering Ron Leonard:

I just found a old VHS tape of a hat and rabbit club show I was on with Ron from 1996... he was the emcee. Black Tux, Red cummerbund. White Hair. It was later in his life...but he was still great. He did the production of the oranges and lots of great emcee bits. Man he's fun to watch. I miss him. Jeff Pinsky is right...he was an amazing business man... I STILL to this day, every day, use bits of professional advice he gave me.

He had an older style of performing, but people loved him. 
What stuck me most after watching this video was, that most of the acts on the show were younger " up and coming" acts... the new guys... all slick with their tricks and style of performing....but when you really watch the tape, you could see the audience still liked Ron best. Man he was funny. A zillion one liners... Just goes to show ya... no substitute for a solid, worked in act.

For me, Ron embodied something you don't see much of anymore. A guy who liked to PERFORM. Not just come up with tricks and moves to sell...but he liked his act. He impressed upon me the importance of always working on it, and always loving to perform. Its good advice. You don't hear it much anymore.... I wonder what Ron, or Herb Morrisey, or Len Cooper would think of the state of acts of late?

19 February 2012

[Guest post]: Remembering Sam Cramer

I am grateful to Phil Matlin and all of his input to the creation of the Broken Wands page. In the absence of a proper tribute page, Phil offers some memories of Sam Cramer, from Montréal:

One of the names I gave you was Sam Cramer. Although I am not sure I believe he had the first magic shop in Montreal. My first visit to his store was in 1947. I was 10. For about 2 or 3 months he sold me what I wanted (i.e. what he demonstrated) and then one day he wouldn't sell me another trick until I bought books. He set me up with a plan that if I gave him $3.00 every 2 weeks he would give a volume of the Tarbell course. I eventually got all 5 (that's how many there were then). The price of each volume was $6.00. When he retired, his brother-in-law Alex Chervin took over the store and kept it. Had to move a few times and finally closed it up when the city expropriated the land they were on. Alex's main interest was stamp collecting but he also was a wonderful magician. Alex is still around. I spoke to him a few months ago. He is still living by himself, (his wife died close to ten years ago), and confided in me that he was 94 years old. Between Sam and Alex, every magician in Montreal then and now owe them, because without them, magic in Montreal as we know it today would never have happened. I know that Sam Cramer from Montreal was a cover feature in an issue of MUM. So far I have been unable to find it.

17 February 2012

Jeff Pinsky and Matt DiSero remember Ron Leonard

In response to the earlier post Remembering Ron Leonard, the following comments from Matt DiSero and Jeff Pinsky have been added to the original post.

From Matt DiSero:
Ron was so nice to me as a kid at the magic club...when I got to be on a show with him for the first time it was one of the biggest thrills of my career at that time. He was so nice, and generous.... I miss him.

[Copied with permission from Facebook.]

From Jeff Pinsky:
I have fond memories of Ron Leonard. I was born in 1966. Thus I really only have my childhood memories during the decade of the 1970s.
 
Of course for those of us who were bitten by the wonderful magic 'bug' in Ontario Ron Leonard was an important figure.
 
How exciting it was to learn at the beginning of the Uncle Bobby Show that magic guest Ron Leonard was on. If memory serves me right he was not on all of the shows. That I learned many years later was due to his strong business acumen; busy with many professional performances and a gifted commercial painter.
 
In an era when there were about 12 television stations - one being in French - anything to do with magic appearing on television was exciting. Can you imagine the first Henning special? Or seeing for the first time Slydini on the Dick Cavett Show?
 
What was for me particularly wonderful about seeing Mr. Leonard perform on the Uncle Bobby Show was that he was using at times props which I might be able to afford if I saved my money. I could not dream of buying something I saw Doug Henning perform. And of course until I studied 'Magic of Slydini' I had no idea how Slydini's effects were done.
 
It was sort of a video catalogue for a magic shop well before there was any video! Watch Ron Leonard... then decide if I like the trick... then look it up in the (printed) magic catalogue and find out the price.
  
Years later after I took over Browser's Den of Magic I would have the pleasure of meeting Mr. Leonard. He was quite different than his TV personality. And why wouldn't he? On the show he was performing for little children at home.
 
But he was always pleasant when he would visit even with his poor hearing and health beginning to fail. One could tell it was affecting his enjoyment of life but at least he still had some 'magic' in him.
 
Jeff Pinsky
Browser's Den of Magic
Toronto, Canada
February 16, 2012


[With thanks to The Magic Demon for passing this along.]

15 February 2012

James Randi remembers Ron Leonard

The following is correspondence from James Randi in response to the earlier post Remembering Ron Leonard.  These thoughts have been added as a comment to the original post.  James, thank you very much for making the time to put some thoughts about Mr. Leonard together to share.

(And thank you to The Magic Demon for making this happen!)

I recall that one of the very first magicians I ever saw - live - was Ron Leonard, at a large theater somewhere in Toronto. I sat in the very front row, the music played, and Ron stepped out fanning and manipulating cards. Then he paused for applause, riffled through the deck until he was told to stop, and extracted that card, its face toward him. He pointed at a man on the aisle and asked him to name a card - "any card." The gentleman did, and Ron flipped the card around - it was correct! Only backstage in his dressing-room, did he reveal the secret. It had been a total fluke! His usual line, he told me, was to simply reply to the card named, with "Absolutely correct, sir!" - without revealing the face of the card. He was only right about once every 52 guesses, but I'd been lucky to witness such a moment...

Handsome, well-dressed, well-spoken and elegant, Ron Leonard was one of my early heroes, though he was only five years my senior. In fact, when I was on my own in Toronto as a teen, I responded to an ad offering a room for rent, only to find that it was being rented out by Ron's mother, a spare room that she had available! It was a couple of months before that lady noticed my interest in the conjuring profession, and proudly announced the identity of her son...! I was appropriately floored by the coincidence.

Ron, along with Johnny Giordmaine, Ross Bertram, Dai Vernon, Raymond Lowe, Howard Lyons, Bruce Posgate, Tom Ransom, Sid Lorraine, and our spiritual father, Harry Smith, saw me through the tortures of a top-change, multiplying billiard balls, and various rope-ties until I was able to head off to the USA as a pro. I'll never forget these chaps, all of whom made it possible for me to enjoy a long and happy career as a performer...

James (The Amazing) Randi.

[via The Magic Demon]

12 February 2012

[Guest post] Remembering Ron Leonard (1923-1998)

[Edited:

I had the pleasure of making Mr. Leonard's acquantaince through Toronto's Hat and Rabbit club.  He was always a true gentleman, the likes of which are rare these days.  As I sat through his Broken Wand ceremony, I was deeply moved by the impact he had on the lives around him.  I attended an art showing of his, in his memory, and was awestruck by his talent and passion for painting.
   
There is no official tribute site for Mr. Leonard.  Thank you Magic Demon for putting this together.
 
The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

--
REMEMBERING RON LEONARD (1923-1998)
by The Magic Demon

When I was a kid the first Canadian magician I ever saw on TV was probably the late Toronto-based Ron Leonard. Ron was tall, lanky, and silver or white haired with a friendly wide grin. He had an engaging style of presentation which was both kind of sophisticated and kind of goofy at the same time. I thought he was terrific. Although Ron performed magic on and off for most of his life he is probably best remembered for his numerous appearances during the 1960s and 1970s (and rerun for years thereafter) on the daily CFTO/CTV children's show "Uncle Bobby". The British-born host Bobby Ash always appeared during Ron's performances on the show, playing the part of his seemingly dimwitted stooge and creating a fun chemistry between them. Ron's weekly fast-paced appearances featured the classics of magic performed with energetic mock vaudeville-like gestures and intonations. Ron and Bobby really did seem to enjoy themselves which is why they were such great fun to watch working together.

Ask any grown up Canadian kid of a certain age today about the magician on Uncle Bobby's show. They will probably at least remember Ron's trademark explanation for all his minor miracles, "It's maaaaaaaaaagic!" Those words, repeatedly sung (merrily) during the course of a telecast by one or both of them (badly), would serve to comedically punctuate the climax of any particular routine or effect.

Ron was a former President and Life Member of Toronto's IBM Ring 17. His name appears as a young founding member on its original IBM Ring Charter issued in 1941. His brother, the late Canadian ventriloquist Cy Leonard, was also a regular weekly visitor to the Uncle Bobby Show over the years.
 
I remember writing a fan letter to Ron in care of the Uncle Bobby show and getting back an autographed 8x10 b&w photograph and a very kind handwritten reply encouraging me in the hobby of magic. In today's digital world full of instantaneous tweets and e-mails it's perhaps hard to imagine the sheer joy of receiving a snailmailed letter like that after anxiously waiting several weeks. Even after all these years I can still recall that he generously provided details about Ring 17 (which I was too young at the time to join) as well as what was then Toronto's only magic retail outlet, The Arcade Magic & Novelty Shop (now long vanished.)
 
If you do a search on line on Ron Leonard today you are more likely to find references to his much sought-after artwork than his magic. His magic seems to have been only a part-time profession for most of his life which he juggled alongside his other avocation (painting) and a full-time day job.
 
Among the few notable magic-related on line links about Ron that I've found to date:

Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Ron Leonard in person he seemed to be a genuinely nice man as well as being a talented and very entertaining magician.

20 November 2011

[Guest post] Patrik Kuffs in Toronto

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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PATRIK KUFFS IN TORONTO
Review by The Magic Demon

Montreal-based magician, mentalist and comedian Patrik Kuffs appeared in Toronto at the Browser's Den Saturday night (November 19th).

Throughout the evening, Patrik easily charmed everyone with his wry wit and quirky humour as well as impressing them with his insightful advice on real world performances. Playing to an packed room his two hours-plus lecture enlightened, informed and entertained.

Moving quickly from one effect to another he demonstrated and then explained a wide range of surefire audience pleasers including a close up design duplication worthy of Annemann; numerous compelling card effects (his card stab/knife routine was especially well-received); a novel handling of a classic book test; intriguing possibilities utilizing shiners; an innovative stage design duplication concept; a clever routine with a unique and inexpensive homemade version of a mentalist's most invaluable prop; and some classic spoon and fork bending.

Also particularly memorable was his TT gag... if you were there, you certainly remember the huge laugh it received! (I'm sorry - I know I've left out a lot but I was enjoying myself so much I repeatedly forgot to take notes.)

As he explained every effect there were frequently small gasps of appreciation throughout the room at the simplicity but ingeniousness of his methods.

Perhaps best known for his excellent DVD on metal bending, Patrik surprised the crowd by revealing it actually only played a very small part in his professional career of over 20 years.

As a bonus he gave away two special gifts to everyone in the audience - including the secret for a seemingly impenetrable impromptu blindfold made with materials readily available in any home.

Patrik at one point modestly referred to his lecture notes package, on sale and a real bargain, which were scooped up by many in attendance. He went on to apologize that he wasn't actually very good at selling. Not true! When it comes to his magic and winning over an audience, Patrik Kuffs really knows exactly how to sell himself... and does so brilliantly.

If you ever get a chance to see him lecture you will come away with several practical workers in your notebook ready to put into your act right away. Thank you Patrik for an extremely fun and rewarding evening.

Additional thanks to Jeff Pinsky, the Browser's Den's most gracious host, for presenting Patrik in Toronto.




Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

08 August 2011

[Guest post] The new Browser's Den opens in Toronto

The Browser's Den of Magic opened up in its new location last week.  Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to step foot into the new shop.  One of our regular readers, however, not only visited the new shop, he wrote about the experience in the form of a guest post.

The following is a guest post from an author who wishes to be known as The Magic Demon.

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THE NEW BROWSER'S DEN OPENS IN TORONTO
A guest review by "The Magic Demon"*

From the world famous Yorkdale shopping mall and its easily accessible TTC subway stop it is a short walk down Dufferin Street.

From anywhere by car, the ample free parking out front is a godsend in parking-challenged Toronto.

It's set back a bit from the street, so you really have to go looking for it. The big Red Lobster building is easily seen from Dufferin but our destination is in the strip plaza just behind it. In its large front window
there appears to be theatrical red curtains pulled aside for a display of some of the marvels to be found for sale within.

You first enter a small foyer. You stop for a moment. On the walls you see impressive photographs and awards that have been presented to its owner. Right away you realize - this is no Joe Schmoe operation - this place is the "real deal".

Suddenly you enter the main room - and you are in a magicians' paradise! Truly an Aladdin's cave of magic, of books, of wonders yet to be purchased and revealed.

This is the impressive new home of The Browser's Den at 3220 Dufferin Street in Toronto, the city's oldest brick and mortar magic shop.

When owner Jeff Pinsky found out that the lease on his old location at Bathurst and Eglinton was up and that the old plaza was scheduled for redevelopment into condos he knew he had to look around immediately for a new address. Wanting to keep centrally located but also insisting upon better customer parking, he has done well to establish The Den's new home so quickly and so successfully.

We regular customers all enjoyed the old Den but its interior design could most charitably be described as "cheap and cheerful". Not that any of us cared. What mattered was the camaraderie of its customers and the humour and positive atmosphere created by Jeff and his employees - all still available in abundance (I am happy to report) at the new location too.

The appearance of the new Den is something totally different and unexpected. For starters, the main room seems huge. A commendable illusion because its retail floor square footage is probably almost the same as in the old shop. But the massively high ceiling plus an unusually beautiful stone floor create the sense of enormous space. Space to breathe in magic. Space to stop and look around. Space to enjoy the wonderful books over in one corner across the floor from the long main counter. I was immediately drawn to it and relieved to discover that The Den has maintained its reputation for housing an outstanding collection of magic books for sale.

Yet despite its perceived size the new Den still feels extremely comfortable to visit. Its relaxing colours consist of subdued browns and beiges with accents of white and black. Red signs and colourful framed magic posters cover much of its extensive wall space. And rather than using conventionally uniform retail lighting, there is an intriguing interplay throughout the shop of light and shadows falling mysteriously here and there - drawing your eyes immediately from one magical goody to another on display in the eclectic glass and wooden cabinets lining almost all its walls. Looking skywards there is a kind of slanted awning with reddish rooftop tiles up there all the way around the main room - making you temporarily question whether you are actually inside or are you outside? It's a kind of visual paradox that seems ideal for a magic shop.

Further inside (and across the floor from the main display counters) we come to "The Table". No need to tell fellow magicians what that means! And it's no longer a merely functional card table surrounded by uncomfortable folding metal chairs like at the old Den. The new Den's table is of tastefully finished light coloured wood in a classic oval shape. It's surrounded by matching classy solid wooden chairs with very comfortable green cushioning. They're all placed atop a luxurious red Persian style rug that together create yet another illusion - that of a very intimate space within the main room in which to share tricks and talk with your fellow magic enthusiasts.

The Den's new laid back ambience may require an adjustment of attitude from some old customers who were more accustomed to its brightly lit "cheap and cheerful" past. However the vast majority responded favourably to it right away when I visited. Looking around and soaking up the mood you may also feel (as I did) memories evoked of the great glory days of magic long gone and far away. But of course it's all modern and up to date too. Many of the latest wonders are for sale only inches away from you under the traditional glass top display counters. They run side by side in front of one wall from nearly the front of the shop all the way to the very back (and then around a bit). Hint - you'll find some sweet deals on discontinued effects on sale way in the back. (You're welcome).

If you ask very politely, you may also be shown "the future." In the back (still under construction) is an area designated for children's parties and private lectures/shows. Even further back is a partially hidden staircase leading up to a top secret room - dare I even mention it? - a Browser's Loft, if you will. Its future purpose is currently a complete and utter mystery.

Of course Jeff P and Shawna and Jeff H and Adam et al are all still as welcoming and hospitable as ever. They are friendly, funny, helpful people who could make any location feel like a home away from home for regulars, for new customers and for magicians temporarily visiting Toronto alike.

You must visit the new shop as quickly as you can and experience its unique atmosphere for yourself. If you think brick and mortar shops are dead, think again. This one has not only been reborn - it has been  significantly enlarged and improved. My guess is once you've visited it you'll be back again and again - and again. I know I will.


*Disclaimer: The author of this review has no personal, financial or business relationship with The Browser's Den in any way shape or form aside from being a regular customer for almost five years. The opinions expressed are his and his alone and may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner whatsoever without the prior written consent of Hockey Night in Canada. Thank you.



Thank you The Magic Demon for guest posting at Canada's Magic!

06 July 2011

[Guest post] Magic: The Next Generation

A few days ago, Ariel Frailich was describing his experience lecturing at the Browser's Den magic club along with James Fulford, James Alan and Mahdi Gilbert.  I found his take on the day intriguing and cornered Ariel into agreeing to write it up as a guest post.  True gentleman that he is, he graciously agreed.
 
The following is a guest post* by Ariel Frailich: writer, publisher, creator of magic and owner of  I Saw That! Exclusive Magic.

--
 
Toronto’s wonderful magic shop, the Browser’s Den of Magic, has its own magic club that meets once a month. The club is aimed at young magicians and beginners, but everybody is welcome, of course. Jeff Pinsky, the owner of the shop, regularly invites members of the magic community to perform at the club as special guests.

When Jeff invited me to perform at the July 2nd meeting, I was at a bit of a loss as to what to show. In my experience, young people who start out in the contemporary ‘flash and flourish’ school of magic consider our older, ‘hide-your-skill’ style passé. This is hardly surprising, as their idols put forth the idea that a magic performance is a display of dexterity. Hence, every gesture must be flashy, every action must be a flourish.

I asked myself: what could I show that wouldn’t be greeted by stifled yawns and polite applause?

A few days later, the answer came to me in a flash (of inspiration, not manipulation). I would show them some “old-school” esoterica! In the ‘70s, we used the term ‘esoteric’ for techniques that were particularly angly or finnicky to perform. The term has fallen into disuse. (The wags might argue that it’s because angly and finnicky techniques have become the norm today, so there’s no reason to give them a separate category. But I’m not a wag.)

I decided to demonstrate and teach the techniques I used in my first ambitious card routine (which later evolved into DIY Ambitious Card, published in Card Stories). A double lift from the centre, Tabled Tilt, ‘Rise, rise, rise!’ and a tabled colour change. I wanted to show that “old school” techniques could be just as bold, clever and visual as “new school” moves. I also wanted to show something they could use; for all that they’re on the esoteric side, the techniques I chose are actually quite practical and not terribly angly. But most importantly, I wanted to show that hiding one’s skill creates a much more magical effect than displaying dexterity.

It was a success. I caught their interest and fooled them. I got oohs and ahhhs, laughter, applause -- and even a minor avalanche of questions, for they were eager to learn. I showed them that “old school” magic may not be as passé as they had thought. I taught them a few techniques that they can use. And I showed them that magic without obvious displays of skill can look very magical indeed.

Then I moved in for the kill.

I performed my 'Andrus Misunderstood' colour change, which replaces the tabled colour change in the published version of the trick. It’s the most magical-looking thing I do, and approaches my ideal of looking like the magic happens without the performer doing anything.

Eyes popped. Jaws dropped. Stunned silence. The young man to whom I had taught the move a few weeks earlier literally begged me not to explain it. The others continued to stare in disbelief.

The first time I did this move for an audience of contemporary of young magicians, one young man told me: “This is the first time I’ve ever seen ‘real’ magic. Now I’m going to have to re-think everything I do.”

What an eye-opener! From this and a few similar experiences, it became very clear to me that “new school” magicians simply never experienced good magic without flash and fury, or at least, not enough of it to make them see that there is a better way.

This is why I always make a point of showing young magicians this move. On its own, it’s rarely enough to cause as dramatic a shift as in the case of the young man mentioned above. But it is a step in the right direction and an opportunity to broach the subject for further discussion.

To my fellow “old shoolers,” I would like to say: “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Instead of bemoaning the ‘new school’ approach, let us show young magicians what good magic is supposed to look like and foster discussion.” And to the “new schoolers,” I would like to say: “Hey, you of the Butterfly Cut Brigade -- don’t dismiss the grey beards quite yet; they just might give you a run for your money!”



Thank you Ariel for guest posting at Canada's Magic! 

To read more of Ariel's thoughts on magic, read his book "Card Stories," visit the Articles section of I Saw That! or follow his companion blog, I Wrote That!

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* This post is copyright © Ariel Frailich and is published with permission.  Please contact Ariel directly to work out terms and conditions for republishing.