ICYMI: Say the magic word -- a short film by Chris Ramsay

Found at the September 9th post on X by Chris Ramsay.

 

Watch the September 9th upload "Say the magic word" on Chris Ramsay's YouTube channel:

A short film that features magic.

 

ICYMI: Chris Ramsay talks about being an online creator on "Standing By: The Terry and Ted Podcast"

From the December 6, 2023 upload on the Standing By YouTube channel:

S6E7 is a must watch/listen for aspiring content creators. Chris Ramsay is a magician, comedian, puzzle enthusiast and social media phenomenon with more than 7 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 600 thousand Instagram followers. Chris takes us on his sometimes bumpy but never dull journey to Internet notoriety and success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Ramsay's short film "The Paradox of Plenty"

From the May 10th YouTube upload by Chris Ramsay:

Hey Folks! This is a short film I made about the pitfalls of collecting things.. Turns out the more objects I end up collecting, the less I actually enjoy them. I made this short film as a sort of exercise in storyboarding. As I'm getting older I find myself more interested in telling stories and less interested in just showing you cool stuff.. this is kind of my way of doing both while fulfilling the creative side. Thanks to Lee, Antoine and Green for their help and thanks for taking the time to watch! Leave a like and give it a share if you enjoyed it!

This was shot on a Canon R5C

 

 

 

 

 

NYC: Asher, DeGuzman, and Ramsay at Cardtopia [Nov 4]

From the October 4th Instagram post by Cardtopia:   [emphasis added]

Join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Moonlight Studios in New York City for unforgettable performances by the biggest names in the world of cards: Chris Ramsay, Anna DeGuzman, Chris Brown, Felipe Mojave Ramos, Bea Staack, Rick Smith Jr, Rokas Bernatonis, Lee Asher, Chris Chelko, Bill Kalush, Richard Turner, Laetitia Barbier, and the dynamic duo, Kristen & Alex! 🎩🃏

But hold onto your seats, because that's just the stars you can witness on stage at the Studio! 🌟 Stay tuned for the list of performers on stage at the TED World Theater and the full program, including master classes, discussions, interactive games, and more, which we'll reveal this Wednesday. You won't want to miss it! 🤩

There's still time to be part of this card lover's paradise! 🎫 Grab your tickets now at www.cardtopia.com and let the magic unfold before your eyes. Don't miss out on the ultimate card experience! 🎉

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From the October 23rd Instagram reel by Chris Ramsay:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Ramsay 🇨🇦 (@chrisramsay52)

 

 

 

 

 

ICYMI: Chris Ramsay helped Rick Smith Jr earn a Guinness World Record

From the October 18th Tweet by Bicycle Cards:

No @chrisramsay52’s were harmed in the making of @RickSmithJr1being the new unofficial Guinness World Record holder for most cards thrown within 60 seconds around the human body (56 cards within 30 cm) #CardCon2022

 

No @chrisramsay52’s were harmed in the making of @RickSmithJr1 being the new unofficial Guinness World Record holder for most cards thrown within 60 seconds around the human body (56 cards within 30 cm) #CardCon2022 pic.twitter.com/lWvUUPumda

— Bicycle Cards (@bicyclecards) October 18, 2022

 

 

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A post shared by Chris Ramsay 🇨🇦 (@chrisramsay52)

 

 

You Flash, You Lose LIVE with Chris Ramsay at Magifest 2023

From the December 14th Instagram post by Vanishing Inc Magic:

You do not want to miss this. @chrisramsay52 will be doing a LIVE edition of You Flash, You Lose at Magifest.

It's a free event for all attendees. So, if you haven't yet, get your Magifest ticket now before they sell out!

 

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A post shared by Vanishing Inc. Magic (@vanishingincmagic)

 

 

 

ICYMI: Chris Ramsay in Inked

From the June 8th article "Magician Chris Ramsay on finding magic, making it big on YouTube and appearing opposite Chris Rock in 'Spiral'" by Devon Preston in Inked:

But, one of his biggest puzzles to date took place in the 2021 film “Spiral,” where he portrayed a drug dealer caught in a Jigsaw copycat’s trap. “Darren Lynn Bousman, who was the director of this film and ‘Saw II,’ ‘Saw III’ and ‘Saw IV,’ is fan of magic and hit me up on email being like, ‘Hey man, I’m a big fan and I would love to kill you in one of my movies,’” Ramsay says. “In between takes, Darren would come up to me and be like, ‘Hey, I’m working on this, how do you think it looks?’ He’d just finished a scene with Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson, but he wouldn’t care and would ask me how a card trick looked. I would definitely do it again, and my character doesn’t die. I think he’s the only one who survived.”

Read more.

 

 

 

 

TEN [Oct 29 & 30]

Buy tickets at Studio 52.

 

From the October 27th Instagram post by Studio 52:

Ten of the world’s most talented, influential and skilled magicians… each take the stage for 60 minutes and do anything they want. No rules, no requirements and no recordings.

 

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A post shared by STUDIO52 (@studio52)

 

 

 

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CardCon with Chris Ramsay IG live [Sep 12] and emcee in Irvine [Oct 16 - 18]

From the September 9th Tweet by Bicycle Cards:

Want to know more about CardCon? Ask @chrisramsay52
 and the Bicycle team all of your questions during our Instagram Live on Monday, September 12th at 12:00 noon ET! See you then! https://fal.cn/3rKq5

Want to know more about CardCon? Ask @chrisramsay52 and the Bicycle team all of your questions during our Instagram Live on Monday, September 12th at 12:00 noon ET! See you then! https://t.co/1kV0ktDqm6#CardCon #CardCon22 #Cardistry #Magic #PlayingCards pic.twitter.com/iJuIaxxcc6

— Bicycle Cards (@bicyclecards) September 9, 2022

 

 

From Eventbrite:

Be a part of history at the first-ever CardCon, an exclusive experience dedicated to celebrating a collective love of cards. During this exclusive, inaugural event, expect the unexpected with performers, collectors, illusionists, magic, cardistry, and card games that inspire and entertain. Enjoy live performances, special guests, digital experiences, all-new deck reveals, panel discussions, and tutorials. And whether you want to explore your competitive side, learn something new, or just play games with friends, there will be plenty of opportunities for game play.

Performers include*:

Oct. 17: Chris Ramsay (emcee), John Stessel, Ekaterina, Richard Turner, and Rick Smith, Jr.

Oct. 18: Chris Ramsay (emcee), Richard Turner, Rick Smith, Jr., and Jon Dorenbos


Read more and buy tickets.

 

 

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So honored to be emceeing the very 1ST #Cardcon by @bicyclecards Oct 16-18!! pic.twitter.com/gnoDFHE9dF

— Chris Ramsay (@chrisramsay52) September 1, 2022

 

 

 

Chris Ramsay's FISM 2022 recap

On behalf of everyone who wasn't able to attend FISM 2022, thank you to all the attendees who have shared your experiences, photos, and videos from the event!

 

From the August 2nd upload "I Went to The World Championship of MAGIC!! (FISM 2022)" at Chris Ramsay's YouTube channel:

 

 

 

Magic & Comedy tour (Live Taping with Wes Barker and Chris Ramsay) [May - June]

Catch Chris Ramsay and Wes Barker on their upcoming Magic & Comedy tour! 

 

From WesBarker.ca:

• CALGARY - MAY 1 - Tickets
• VANCOUVER - MAY 2 (on sale soon)
• VICTORIA - MAY 3 - (on sale soon)
• WINNIPEG - JUNE 15 - Tickets
• TORONTO - JUNE 17 - (on sale soon)
• MONTREAL - TDB
  

Check back for updates!

 

 

The Big Trick Energy Live show has been cancelled because we are not popular enough to fill arenas. (Makes sense)

Instead, Wes and I are booking smaller venues across Canada! Click the linktree in my bio for info!! pic.twitter.com/JYKiHx3d5Q

— Chris Ramsay (@chrisramsay52) March 30, 2022

 

Big Trick Energy Live on tour!

Updated March 31st to add:

•  The BTE Tour has morphed into the Magic & Comedy tour (Live Taping with Wes Barker and Chris Ramsay)!

From WesBarker.ca:

• CALGARY - MAY 1 - Tickets
• VANCOUVER - MAY 2 (on sale soon)
• VICTORIA - MAY 3 - (on sale soon)
• WINNIPEG - JUNE 15 - Tickets
• TORONTO - JUNE 17 - (on sale soon)
• MONTREAL - TDB
  

Check back for updates!

 

 

Tickets available at Modo Live.  (See Tweet below for presale code.)  Dates include:

• May 4 - Vancouver
• May 5 - Victoria
• June 16 - Toronto
• June 18 - Calgary

Check back for more dates!

 

From the February 16th Tweet by Alex Boyer:

OMG!!!! 🤩😱
It’s happening!!!!! 🤯
Come see us four idiots LIVE!!!
Presale Code: BTE 🤫😉
(Link in bio) pic.twitter.com/anFecFoqYS

— Alex Boyer (@AlexBoyerMagic) February 16, 2022

 

 

 

Visual effects supervisor Adrien Saint Girons mentions Chris Ramsay

From the January 14th article "Here’s how math art inspired the mirror verse moments in ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’" by Ian Failes at Befores and Afters:

b&a: Tell me about that artefact, first?

Adrien Saint Girons: We designed that. That was, very bizarrely, one of the things that we spent a lot of time on. You wouldn’t think it, but it was a very time consuming process. It took a lot of iterations to come up with exactly the right look and the right mechanism for the box. There were a lot of changes that occurred. It used to be a much more mechanical kind of puzzle–I don’t know if you ever saw those Chris Ramsey [sic] videos online where he’s solving big puzzles. There was a whole backstory to it that got simplified in the end.

Read more.

 

Can we find this guy??! #mcu #SpiderManNoWayHome pic.twitter.com/b4UjgYJ838

— Chris Ramsay (@chrisramsay52) January 15, 2022

 

 

2021 Readers' Choice award results

 

 
Thank you all for participating in the spirit in which the awards were intended:

a fun way to recognize and celebrate all of the wonderful things being done by the fabulous talent in our country!

This was the tightest race in the history of these awards.  For the first time, we have a tie for first place!  Thank you to everyone who made the effort to vote.  Every vote absolutely mattered!

Here are the results of our sixth annual "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

 

Beacons of Inspiration (in alphabetical order by surname)

Scott Baird (The Hermit Magazine)

Nominated by Anonymous who wrote.
"I would like to nominate Scott Baird for showcasing his love of magic and art with his detailed magic illustrations on Instagram, and also for deciding to start a new Canadian-made online magic magazine. His magic artwork is FANTASTIC so check it all out - @magicbaird @scottbairdmagic @hermitmagicmag Wishing him the best of luck in all his magical endeavors."

Editor's note:

Visit the Kickstarter for The Hermit Magic Magazine.

Learn about The Hermit Magic Magazine.

 

Website:  HermitMagic.com

 

Jean Deshaies

Nominated by Magicien Méphisto who wrote: 

"I would like to nominate Jean Deshaies.

"A few years back, after doing magic as a hobby for some years, I went to attend a 2h course in magic, along with my daughter and a few other people in Québec City. The teacher was great, and made a strong impression on me right from the start. He was patient, nice, skillful & knowledgeable. But most of all, he showed a real passion for magic. After the course, we chatted a little and I told him magic was a fine hobby, but beside a select few, I thought no one could earn a living doing that. I vividly remember him looking at me like I had 2 heads. He answered there were many ways and opportunities to make a living in magic, if you really like it and put in the time and effort. Afterward I gave that some serious thoughts, and not long after that, I started doing magic professionally because of Jean's encouraging words and attitude. Since then, whenever I needed clues about getting started in different fields (strolling, table magic, zoom magic etc) he was always willing to teach and help. I sometime sent him videos for him to criticize or get his point of view.

"Furthermore, instead of getting discouraged by the pandemic, Jean used the new medium of virtual magic to great success, presenting zoom shows in schools all across Canada.
Jean Deshaies is my mentor in magic and without his inspiration, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today: still learning, but happy to be a professional magician."

Editor's note:

• We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!
  

 

Website:  JeanDeshaies.com

Comments from Jean's fans include:
- THANKS

Chris Gowen

Nominated by by Anonymous who wrote:
"I nominate Chris Gowen as he is changing how magic looks in Edmonton. Completely selling out his Taste of Magic shows with the Canadian Brewhouse... seems about as Canadian as a show can get.

"Looks like he's fast on his way to no longer being one of 'Edmonton's Best Kept Secrets' but more one of Edmonton's celebrated artists."

Editor's note:

• We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!

 

Website:  ChrisGowen.ca

Paul Romhany

Nominated by Mike Norden who wrote:
"I nominate Paul Romhany!

"Paul is an amazing magician, and a wonderful human being.

"First - his Chaplin act is amazing. He’s toured the world with this act and that alone is justification for this award.

"Second - he has produced dozens of books, tricks and routines for other magicians! Some of the top names in magic use his methods or gimmicks while they compete on shows like AGT or Fool Us!

"Third - He runs Vanish Magazine! Have you read it? It was free for years and now cost a few pennies lol - it’s filled with Canadians - half of the columnists are local!!

"Fourth - He supports magic clubs, is on the board of CAM, participates in conventions and lectures - and he is willing to give his shirt off his back - genuinely - for someone in need. He’s the real deal!

"He does so much for magic and does not seek the spotlight - so let’s shine some light on him this year and vote for him please!"

 

Editor's note:

• In addition to all of the above, Paul is also the booking agent for The Magical Mystery Show.  (Details in the November special edition of VANISH Magic Magazine about an opportunity to work overseas with your own own 70 minute parlour style show!)
  

 
Websites:  ChaplinMagic.com and VanishMagic.com

Comments from Paul's fans include:
- Paul is a phenomenal entertainer and all around awesome guy.
- Paul Romhany is an unsung hero.
- Merry Christmas!

Editor's Choice

Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Wes Barker, and Alex Boyer (aka Big Trick Energy)

Nominated by Unknown who wrote:
"Decisions decisions! For me this year I'd have to give it to the dudes at Big Trick Energy. If I had to pick one of the 4 I would have picked Eric. So maybe this is TWO nominations? I've never met such a carefree, loving and positive human in my life...well (except for maybe the delavegas-sweetpeas). Eric lives magic, epically. His insta stories motivate me to get off my butt.The other guys are also totally awesome as people and performers, and I hope their show propels them and to even bigger things ahead."

Editor's note:

• These newly minted "bad boys of magic" had quite the exciting year with the launch of their show "Big Trick Energy" (BTE) on truTV (and Netflix too).
  
• As part of the BTE excitement, they appeared on Ellen, earned a Guinness World Record, and most importantly, they did an interview for Canada's Magic.
  
• You may also be aware that Chris makes opportunities to give back to the magic community.  For example, a BTE episode features Quincy Li (owner of Clownin' Around), he's offering sponsorships through his 1STdotshop brand, and two years ago he offered to buy strangers anything they wanted from Magie Spectram!
  

Websites:  Chris-Ramsay.com, EricLeclerc.com, WesBarker.ca, AlexBoyer.com, TruTv.com/shows/big-trick-energy.

 

Readers' Choice (A first ever tie! Listed in alphabetical order by surname.)

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Anonymous who wrote:
"I'd like to nominate Gwyn Auger, the Magic Assistant (@magicassistant on Twitter and Instagram). Gwyn's petite frame can barely contain the enthusiasm and passion she has for magic and the magic community. She is great ambassador for magic locally in Calgary, in Canada and abroad."

Editor's note:

• Watch Gwyn's was recent interview with David Krychowski.
  
• Read Gwyn's marketing tips in The Hermit Magazine.
  

 
Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

.

 

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing) (aka Magicians Talking Magic)

Nominated by Anonymous and the Merchant of Magic who wrote:
"for the inspirational Magicians Talking Magic podcast" and for being all around fabulous people!"

Editor's note:

• In 2021, Ryan and Graeme produced 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including their two year anniversary, topical topics such as returning to live shows, news coverage about FISM, and plethora of guests which included Joshua Jay, Shawn Farquhar, Greg Frewin Spidey, Boris Wild, Paul Royter, and Joe Diamond.
  
• Ryan and Graeme consistently demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism.  We're lucky to have them as part of our community. 

Websites:  RyanJoyce.com, GraemeReedMagic.com, and Magicians Talking Magic.

 

Comments from Magicians Talking Magic's fans include:
- Thank you!
- Talking Magic got me through Covid and maintained my interest in Magic when I hit the "burnout" wall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vote now for the 2021 Readers' Choice Award

 

Nominations are closed and voting is now open for the sixth annual 2021 "Readers' Choice Inspirational Canadian Magician of the Year" award!

Take a moment to acknowledge that this has been another extraordinary year.  Many of you embraced new skills and a new performing landscape.  Some of you took on work outside of performing.  Some of you continue to struggle with the day-to-day.  No matter your situation, give yourself a pat on the back.  You've made it this far.  To paraphrase Tom Brady, you didn't come this far to only come this far.  You've got this! 
(Also, wear your mask and get vaccinated. --Mom)

Congratulations to everyone for inspiring someone(s) enough for them to submit your name!  (I'm always tempted at this point, to declare all of the nominees as winners and not bother with the voting part. However, a vote was promised and a vote there shall be.)

Voting will close on Thursday, December the 23rd at 11:59pm EST.  Votes submitted after this time will not be counted.  One vote per person. 

To vote, scroll down to the bottom of this post and participate in the poll. (Click through the Google Forms link if the poll does not appear in your browser.)

Let's have a look at the nominees (listed in alphabetical order by surname):

Gwyn Auger (aka The Magic Assistant)

Nominated by Anonymous who wrote:
"I'd like to nominate Gwyn Auger, the Magic Assistant (@magicassistant on Twitter and Instagram). Gwyn's petite frame can barely contain the enthusiasm and passion she has for magic and the magic community. She is great ambassador for magic locally in Calgary, in Canada and abroad."

Editor's note:

• Watch Gwyn's was recent interview with David Krychowski.
  
• Read Gwyn's marketing tips in The Hermit Magazine.
  

 
Website: Magician.org/member/magicassistant.

Scott Baird (The Hermit Magazine)

Nominated by Anonymous who wrote.
"I would like to nominate Scott Baird for showcasing his love of magic and art with his detailed magic illustrations on Instagram, and also for deciding to start a new Canadian-made online magic magazine. His magic artwork is FANTASTIC so check it all out - @magicbaird @scottbairdmagic @hermitmagicmag Wishing him the best of luck in all his magical endeavors."

Editor's note:

• Visit the Kickstarter for The Hermit Magic Magazine.
• Learn about The Hermit Magic Magazine.
  

 

Website:  HermitMagic.com

Jean Deshaies

Nominated by Magicien Méphisto who wrote: 

"I would like to nominate Jean Deshaies.

"A few years back, after doing magic as a hobby for some years, I went to attend a 2h course in magic, along with my daughter and a few other people in Québec City. The teacher was great, and made a strong impression on me right from the start. He was patient, nice, skillful & knowledgeable. But most of all, he showed a real passion for magic. After the course, we chatted a little and I told him magic was a fine hobby, but beside a select few, I thought no one could earn a living doing that. I vividly remember him looking at me like I had 2 heads. He answered there were many ways and opportunities to make a living in magic, if you really like it and put in the time and effort. Afterward I gave that some serious thoughts, and not long after that, I started doing magic professionally because of Jean's encouraging words and attitude. Since then, whenever I needed clues about getting started in different fields (strolling, table magic, zoom magic etc) he was always willing to teach and help. I sometime sent him videos for him to criticize or get his point of view.

"Furthermore, instead of getting discouraged by the pandemic, Jean used the new medium of virtual magic to great success, presenting zoom shows in schools all across Canada.
Jean Deshaies is my mentor in magic and without his inspiration, I certainly wouldn't be where I am today: still learning, but happy to be a professional magician."

Editor's note:

• We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!
  

 

Website:  JeanDeshaies.com

Chris Gowen
Nominated by by Anonymous who wrote:
"I nominate Chris Gowen as he is changing how magic looks in Edmonton. Completely selling out his Taste of Magic shows with the Canadian Brewhouse... seems about as Canadian as a show can get.

"Looks like he's fast on his way to no longer being one of 'Edmonton's Best Kept Secrets' but more one of Edmonton's celebrated artists."

Editor's note:

• We have nothing to add to that excellent nomination!

 

Website:  ChrisGowen.ca

Ryan Joyce and Graeme Reed (aka Graemazing) (aka Magicians Talking Magic)
Nominated by Anonymous and the Merchant of Magic who wrote:
"for the inspirational Magicians Talking Magic podcast" and for being all around fabulous people!"

Editor's note:

• In 2021, Ryan and Graeme produced 50 Magicians Talking Magic podcasts, including their two year anniversary, topical topics such as returning to live shows, news coverage about FISM, and plethora of guests which included Joshua Jay, Shawn Farquhar, Greg Frewin Spidey, Boris Wild, Paul Royter, and Joe Diamond.
  
• Ryan and Graeme consistently demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism.  We're lucky to have them as part of our community. 

Websites:  RyanJoyce.com, GraemeReedMagic.com, and Magicians Talking Magic.

Chris Ramsay, Eric Leclerc, Wes Barker, and Alex Boyer (aka Big Trick Energy)

Nominated by Unknown who wrote:
"Decisions decisions! For me this year I'd have to give it to the dudes at Big Trick Energy. If I had to pick one of the 4 I would have picked Eric. So maybe this is TWO nominations? I've never met such a carefree, loving and positive human in my life...well (except for maybe the delavegas-sweetpeas). Eric lives magic, epically. His insta stories motivate me to get off my butt.The other guys are also totally awesome as people and performers, and I hope their show propels them and to even bigger things ahead."

Editor's note:

• These newly minted "bad boys of magic" had quite the exciting year with the launch of their show "Big Trick Energy" (BTE) on truTV (and Netflix too).
  
• As part of the BTE excitement, they appeared on Ellen, earned a Guinness World Record, and most importantly, they did an interview for Canada's Magic.
  
• You may also be aware that Chris makes opportunities to give back to the magic community.  For example, a BTE episode features Quincy Li (owner of Clownin' Around), he's offering sponsorships through his 1STdotshop brand, and two years ago he offered to buy strangers anything they wanted from Magie Spectram!
  

Websites:  Chris-Ramsay.com, EricLeclerc.com, WesBarker.ca, AlexBoyer.com, TruTv.com/shows/big-trick-energy.

Paul Romhany

Nominated by Mike Norden who wrote:
"I nominate Paul Romhany!

"Paul is an amazing magician, and a wonderful human being.

"First - his Chaplin act is amazing. He’s toured the world with this act and that alone is justification for this award.

"Second - he has produced dozens of books, tricks and routines for other magicians! Some of the top names in magic use his methods or gimmicks while they compete on shows like AGT or Fool Us!

"Third - He runs Vanish Magazine! Have you read it? It was free for years and now cost a few pennies lol - it’s filled with Canadians - half of the columnists are local!!

"Fourth - He supports magic clubs, is on the board of CAM, participates in conventions and lectures - and he is willing to give his shirt off his back - genuinely - for someone in need. He’s the real deal!

"He does so much for magic and does not seek the spotlight - so let’s shine some light on him this year and vote for him please!"

 

Editor's note:

• In addition to all of the above, Paul is also the booking agent for The Magical Mystery Show.  (Details in the November special edition of VANISH Magic Magazine about an opportunity to work overseas with your own own 70 minute parlour style show!)
  

 
Websites:  ChaplinMagic.com and VanishMagic.com

 

 

Vote now!

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(Click through the Google Forms link if the poll does not appear in your browser.)