At The Browser's Den of magic:
From the December 18th Facebook post by The Browser's Den of Magic:
Buy Two Get Two Free, Upcoming Lectures!
Read details the newsletter and buy tickets.
Congratulations to Savio Joseph, this year's recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial Award!
With thanks to Ari Soroka for sharing his photo with Savio at the 47th anniversary party at The Browser's Den Of Magic!
From The Browser's Den of Magic:
Sunday, November 20
BIG DISCOUNTS ON ALL MAGIC ALL DAY LONG * MINI MAGIC AUCTION * MAGIC TRIVIA QUIZ WITH BIG PRIZES * LEN COOPER MEMORIAL AWARD * BIRTHDAY CAKE
Due to the virus this will be the first anniversary party in two years! Many of you have been customers of ours since the beginning back in 1975. We hope that you will be able to join us on November 20!
This is also the day that we remember our founders Len and Bernice Cooper.
Jeff Pinsky purchased Browser's Den from Len and Bernice in November 1995. Len Cooper passed away in 2003. Since then at each anniversary party we hand out in Len's memory a full set of eight Tarbell Course in Magic books to someone under 26 years of age who has shown a dedication to the art of magic. Jeff Hinchliffe was the first recipient of the award!
PLUS - In appreciation of your devotion to our shop this is the only day of the year where EVERYTHING in the shop is on sale all day long!
Everyone who comes to the shop gets to choose a playing card from a deck. On that card will be a number that represents the percentage discount on any non-auction items you buy during the day.
You may use the card as many times as you wish. Discount cards range from 10% to 20% off.
SPECIAL NOTE: Masks must be worn in the shop at all times except at the end of the day when we serve cake.
Yours very truly - The Jeff's & The Browser's Den Team
From the October 3rd Facebook post by WonderPhil Magic:
Hey all! My lecture at The Den is coming up on October 21st at 7PM.
😊 Here's a bit of what I'll be yammering on about 😊
From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:
Dear Denizens,
We are truly excited to inform you of a lecture and workshop that will most likely never be offered again in Toronto!
We will have Germany's INCREDIBLE Pit Hartling in our shop to give a lecture and workshop!
The Lecture (July 22nd)
Pit Hartling is one of Germany’s most successful magicians. He is part of Germany’s Flicking Fingers magic group, he was the youngest member of the famous Escuela Magica de Madrid and he has won Lecturer of the Year from the Academy of Magical Arts in Hollywood.
Internationally, Pit is best known for his fun and clever style of card magic as well as his Little Green Lecture notes and his critically acclaimed books Card Fictions and In Order to Amaze. In this entertaining show-lecture Pit discusses card effects from his professional repertoire. He covers not only the working of the tricks themselves, but also general principles of method and presentation that can be used in any magic context.
There will be a wide variety of plots and effects, with methods ranging from sleight of hand and clever uses of mathematical and psychological strategies to some routines that are entirely sleight-free!
You'll have fun! You'll be fooled! And you'll leave better equipped to bring that same fun and fooling experience to your audiences!
The Workshop (July 23rd)
Memorized Miracles: An introduction to Memorized-Deck Magic
This workshop deals with various aspects of memorized-deck magic with many examples from Pit’s latest book In Order to Amaze.
The vast majority of material is stack-independent and applies to any stack. (Aronson users rejoice!)
According to interest, the methods will range from technically self-working to more demanding material as well as theory, psychology and presentational technique. There will be time for questions and Pit will adjust to the interests of the group as much as possible.
Plots and effects may include: Coincidence effects, Challenge Locations, Poker and Gambling-themed material (including Pits “Poker Formulas“ which were part of his Magic Castle Act), mental effects, personal versions of classics (Weighing the Cards, Predictions,..), unusual plots, visual effects and more.
Techniques to be discussed may include: Full-deck and partial false shuffles, Spread Cull and applications, controls, etc.
General concepts may include: So-called “Improvisation“ with the memorized deck, Memorized deck as Open Index, The Faro and Antifaro concept, Riffle Shuffles and the Interlocking Chain Principle and more.
It is not required to already know a stack; it’s also fine to just join in, have fun and see what this memdeck-stuff is all about! ;)
Duration: About 3h plus breaks for coffee, etc.
A NOTE FROM YOUNG JEFF: Many of you know that I am an avid memdeck user, and I can personally attest to the quality and power of Pit's material from In Order to Amaze. If you're serious about memdeck work (or want to get serious about it) I strongly suggest you attend!
Finally, we would appreciate that being a larger event, coupled with the fact that our shop is not a large space, that everyone who attends wears a mask to enter.
Yours truly and thank you.
The Jeff's, Lisa Close & Luiz.
From the June 28th Facebook post by Len Herb Pinsky:
Dear Denizens,
We hope that all is well with you and yours!
My goodness the Quantity and Quality of magic that has come in for the Used Magic Day and Mini Auction (Sunday, July 17) is excellent!
It has been more than two years since we held an auction/used magic day and for those who will attend you will absolutely not be disappointed!
There is magic for ALL interests. Such as: Collector's Workshop, Super Kids Props, Loads of Books, Close Up and Parlor! Many good props that are no longer made. Plus so many props/tricks that we do not usually stock.
It will be like the good old days too at the shop as our dear friends John Cardella, John Michalson and Cam Dix will be in the shop to help Jeff and I out and to serve you!
And please do not forget that one of the cleverest magicians alive, Pit Hartling will be giving a lecture here at the shop on July 22 and workshop on July 23.
As always thank you for your support,
The Jeff's, Lisa Close & Luiz.
Quick note:
From the March 22nd Facebook post by The Browser's Den of Magic:
We are very pleased to inform you that on the date and time above, there will be a collection of over 150 used books out for sale at our shop.
The books range in price from $5.00 to over $200.00. Sorry, there is no list or previewing of the collection in advance.
Kindly note this is not an auction. The used books will be throughout our shop for you to consider at 10:00am.
We would appreciate that this being our first larger event in over two years coupled with the fact that our shop is not a large space, that everyone wears a mask to enter.
From the March 11th Facebook post by the Browser's Den of Magic:
We would like to formally announce the winner of the 2021 Len Cooper Memorial Award, Kevin Hamdan!
This marks the first time (since we started the award back in 2003) that a mentalist has won (so I guess he knew he was going to win, right?)
Family Day special featuring Christophe, Magic Ian, Pete Di Lisi, Mike D'Urzo, Robert Presswood, and Aaron Matthews. Ticket purchase enters you into a draw to win a gift certificate from The Browser's Den of Magic!
From Entertain Kids on a Dime:
MAGIC FEST is an exciting event that will air on YouTube over Family Day Weekend (Friday, February 18, 2022 at 6:30pm EST).
Families who purchase tickets will receive a private YouTube link emailed to them on the day of the show.
This video will be featuring 6 amazing Ontario Magicians: Magic Of Christophe, Magic Ian, Magic Pete, Mega Magic Mike, Bumbling Bert and The Magic Of Aaron Matthews.
Each Magician will be performing one trick and then teach a second trick to the kids using common items in the home.
WHY MAGIC FEST?
The goal behind this event is to bring joy to families everywhere through the love of magic.
With the lockdown back on, it is hard for many Entertainers to find steady work as events are now limited. All proceeds from the event will be split equally among each entertainer.
So get your tickets, and be ready to cuddle in your pjs with your family while away on vacation or cozy in your home!
Get 30% Off your ticket until January 25, 2022!
Price before the deal
$15 +taxes per family
SAVE 30% OFF ON ADMISSION
Use Code: EKOAD30
https://magicfest.eventbrite.ca
Everyone who purchases tickets will be automatically entered into a draw to win one of FIVE $20 gift cards to The Browser’s Den Of Magic in Toronto!
The Browser’s Den Of Magic is only one of two brick and mortar magic shops in CANADA!
https://www.browsersden.com
Read more.
From the Browser's Den of Magic newsletter:
We are pleased to announce that NEXT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH from 1PM-4PM Ryan Murray will be visiting the shop and have copies of his two fantastic card books for sale! Get the book signed while you're at it! Please note that in order to attend we will be requiring proof that you are double vaccinated.
For those that don't know him, a little background on Ryan. He's been interested in magic since he was a kid, but as a teenager he fell in love with sleight of hand with cards. He's been a Saturday regular, sitting at our table for many years. The 2016 recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial Award, it's clear that he's put in the work.
Read more.
From the Browser's Den of Magic:
We are very excited that this SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH from 1PM-3PM professional magician extraordinaire LORAN will be in the store for a meet + greet, as well as having copies of his new book for sale! Get the book signed while you're at it! Please note that in order to attend we will be requiring proof that you are double vaccinated.
Loran is truly one of Canada's hidden treasures. His magic is powerful and theatrical, designed to really move you. Many in the Toronto magic community know Loran from his appearances at Sorcerer's Safari magic camp, where he was a staple for almost the camp's entire run. He's worked with Jackie Chan, and he also opened for AC-DC and The Rolling Stones at SARSTOCK in 2003, the largest concert in Canadian history!
The Ring 49 calendar suggests the meeting will be held online on October 12th.
From the September 8th post "Welcome to the 2020-21 Season" at The Doug Henning Magic Club:
The October lecture will feature Old Jeff Pinsky from Browser’s Den of Magic, who will provide a dealer’s demo on some of the newer magic at the shop. In addition, Young Jeff will be performing magic tricks for our club.
Read more.
[via Colin Geddes at Ring 17]
Just over a year ago we all put our heads down and did what needed to be done.
While we were hunkered down, a big shift happened in the Canadian magic community.
We’re down to TWO dedicated brick and mortar magic shops.
From the October 1st, 2014 post “Why bother with a magic shop?” written by Evelyn Matlin wrote at the Perfect Magic blog:
It’s so easy to look up what you want on line, find the cheapest price and order. I can’t say that I blame anyone for doing that. But there may be a cost to the saving of money, especially in magic.Click through to read Evelyn's thoughts on the matter.
Over the past ten years roughly 85% of all brick and mortar magic shops in the world have closed.
We need to think about how we can support the two remaining brick and mortar shops in Canada, Browser's Den of Magic & Clownin’ Around.
If you haven't seen it already, check out the Tuesday November 24th post Jeff P made at the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook page:
This is a long note...but a FUN note!
Part of the tradition at our annual shop anniversary party is a store wide discount. Well we would still like to offer you a discount for your overly kind support. Many of you have been part of the Browser's Den magic family for more than forty years!
From today until December 2, 2020 any orders (Curb Side, Phone, Online) will receive 10% off their purchase.
And for the first forty five purchases a special 45th Anniversary Gift will be included with your purchase.
The gift was specially made with love by Artemus Syman and his new 'The Magic Coffee Co.'
Plus for those first forty five purchases a draw will be held for one lucky winner of a special gift from The Magic Coffee Company and a Special Gift from Browser's Den of Magic.
Congratulations to Patrick Nemeth, this year's recipient of the Len Cooper Memorial Award!
Watch Patrick receive the award at the Browser's Den of Magic on YouTube:
Visit the Browser's Den of Magic's website for the complete list of winners.
From the November 3rd post in the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:
Dear Denizens,
This November is the 45th anniversary of 'Browser's Den of Magic'.
It is also the 25th year that Old Jeff took over the shop from Len and Bernice Cooper. Back then Old Jeff was Young Jeff and Young Jeff was Really Young Jeff.
Joking aside, for the past 45 years each November we have held a shop anniversary party. For obvious reasons this year we have to celebrate differently.
Over the next couple of weeks we will be making several eflyer announcements related to our 45th anniversary.
To start the celebration....
From the September 10th Facebook post by Jeff Pinsky:
(Limit of 5 people in Store at a time)
The Cryptids - $80 (SPECIAL PRICE!)Mysterion has been telling us about this idea for some time, and it's finally happened! And he's got a special offer for you! Have you ever wanted to read minds? This book will give you that power.
Combining several different book test methodologies into a compact prop, The Cryptids is a miracle just waiting to happen! Here's some of what you can do with it:
- Have any long word remembered, and slowly reveal the word letter by letter! This is the Mother-of-All Book Tests concept.
- Have a word peeked at and instantly know it (variation of the flashback principle)
- Ability to force a word and have it appear on a freely selected page
- Reveal that you knew which Cryptid from a list of 100 in the book you knew would be 'randomly' selected
- With a map of locations for famous Cryptids, they can take a journey to these exotic places yet you always know where they've ended up!
You get all of these great magic methods and more! The book can actually be examined and read. Also, by using a larger font you don't have to worry about your spectator not being able to see the word they've chosen. And the subject of the book is one that appeals to all ages and performing venues. Mysterion will be demonstrating the book during his visit and answering any questions you might have. He's also offered us a GREAT DEAL! The book normally retails for $99 US, but he's offering it to you for only $80 Canadian! That's a significant saving!
We look forward to seeing you!
I know what you're thinking.
You started a VLOG in the middle of a pandemic???
Yes we did!
We took a trip to the Browsers Den of Magic to visit Jeff, buy some tricks, and have a good time
Please like, share, subscribe and whatever Youtube things to help us explode!
Today was one of the most difficult days I have ever had at the shop.
Marvin York called me before we opened the magic shop to inform me that Shawna Ross York died last night... a couple of days after her knee surgery. She was only 54.
Shawna worked at Browser's Den of Magic for fourteen years.
And though she never learned how to do magic she became a part of the magic community.
She met her husband Marvin through the shop.
Shawna waited for the knee surgery for so long and now this disaster.
Life just sucks sometimes.
Jeff Pinsky, Browser's Den of Magic.
Leave your comments on Jeff's Facebook post.
And we are HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE that... Beginning Friday, July 3rd Browser's Den of Magic will be back to normal hours without an appointment needed!
However...yes, however...everyone must wear a mask to enter the shop. No more than three (3) people will be permitted in the shop at any one time. And social distancing must be respected. Hand Sanitizers will be found in the front foyer and throughout the shop.
We look forward to seeing you...again!
Our Shop Hours Are:
Mondays- Closed
Tuesday through Friday 10am to 6:30pm
Saturday 10am to 5:30pm
Sunday 12noon to 5:00pm
