Random thoughts about "An Evening of Magic Shop Memories"

Last Saturday, Jeff Pinsky hosted "An Evening of Magic Shop Memories" at The Browser's Den of Magic.

It was a lovely way to spend an evening!

We heard stories from: 

• Mike Segal
• Greg Hobor
• Richard Lyn
• Nicole Lee
  
• Dick Joiner
• Mike King
  
• David Sutherland
• Gordon Precious -- who, as an added bonus performed 2 effects for us!
• Colin Geddes
• David Peck
• Jeff Hinchliffe,
• Sammy Jakubowicz, and
• our host Jeff Pinsky
  

Stories told included Magic Masters, Daytona Magic, Macy's, The Arcade, The Den (on Bloor across from Varsity Arena, above Yuk Yuk's, Bathurst and Eglinton, and now!), Morrissey's (Montreal and Toronto) and even Marie & Jack Hughes living room in London, England!  They also included names like Sophie Smith, Len & Bernice Cooper, Herb & Dan Morrissey, Henry Gordon, Jay Sankey, Gary Kurtz, David Ben, Mark Lewis, David Mitchell, Danny Tsukalis, Steve Martin, Jim Carey, Keanu Reeves, and more!

 

Did you know that:

• Bernice Cooper often baby sat a Toronto magician's son at the store?
• Dick Joiner first saw Mark Lewis in England?
• David Copperfield once ended his grand illusion show in Toronto with "What's Next?" 
• Keanu Reeves used to hang out at The Browser's Den of Magic?
• There used to be a Canadian 25 cent bill!
  

 

Thank you older Jeff, for conceiving and hosting this wonderful evening of sharing!

From the January 14th Facebook post by Greg Hobor at The Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: 48th anniversary party for The Browser's Den of Magic [Nov 19]

From The Browser's Den of Magic:

BROWSER’S DEN OF MAGIC 48TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2023

BIG DISCOUNTS ON ALL MAGIC ALL DAY LONG * MINI MAGIC AUCTION * MAGIC TRIVIA QUIZ WITH BIG PRIZES * LEN COOPER MEMORIAL AWARD * BIRTHDAY CAKE

Auction Begins at 1:00pm

FREE MAGIC SHOW AT 4:00pm

You are invited to join us to celebrate our 48th year in business! Many of you have been with us since the beginning back in 1975.

This is also the day when we remember the shop's founders, Len and Bernice Cooper. Jeff Pinsky took over Browser's Den 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 the Tarbell Course in Magic books to a deserving magician under 25 years of age who has shown a dedication to the art of magic.

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 including magic in the Used Magic Room!

We hope you can join us - The Jeff's & The Browser's Den Team

From the October 4th Facebook post by The Browser's Den of Magic:

Hi Denizens,

Lovely news to tell you about.

At our 48th Store Anniversary Party (Sunday, November 19) both Sandy and Jack Cooper will be present to see and congratulate the winner of this years Len Cooper Memorial Award.

With Bernice Cooper not able to attend the party, we are very grateful that both Sandy and Jack will be representing the family to help us keep the memory of the founders of Browser's Den of Magic alive.

The award will be given out around 3/3:30pm.

You can find the full details of the party on the homepage of our website.

Thank you,
The Jeff's, John Cardella & Lisa Close.

 

 

 

Thornhill: Mini-Browser's Den of Magic now open!

From the September 22nd post at the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

We are very happy to announce that we have a brand new second location, 'Mini Browser's Den of Magic'!

The location is inside the recently opened: HWY 404 & STEELES MARKET (2900 Steeles Avenue East , Thornhill, On. L3T 4X1)

IMPORTANT: HOURS OF OPERATION FOR Mini Browser's Den ARE Only: Saturdays & Sundays from 10am to 5pm

Old Jeff will be at the new location on almost all Saturdays and Sundays unless there is a special event at our main location.

We are also very pleased to announce that we will have help from both John Cardella and Jon Sy at our main location on weekends to assist Young Jeff.

John Cardella worked here full time for over six years and is one of the few people in Canada qualified to be behind a magic counter.  His customer service skills are unmatched.  John will be helping out both at our main location and our new Mini Browser's Den.

The new Mini Browser's Den is only a one minute drive from the 404 & Steeles Avenue.  So if you live around that area or not...Do not hesitate to visit Old Jeff on Saturdays or Sundays.

Please note: Our hours at Browser's Den (Dufferin Street) remain the same.

Yours truly- The Jeff's, John Cardella, Jon Sy & Lisa Close

 

 

 

 

 

Breaking news: Browser's MAGIC BASH Is Back!

  

From August 29th The Browser's Den of Magic's Facebook post:  

Browser's MAGIC BASH Is Back! 

Read more at: https://mailchi.mp/browsersden/browsers-magic-bash-is-back

  

  

  

  

Toronto: Browser’s Den of Magic 47th Anniversary party! [Nov 20]

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 

Read more.

 

 

 

 

 

Ring 49 hosts The Browser's Den of Magic

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]

Ring 17 is Conjuring for a Cure

Updated to add links to Tweets:

• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334661194431537154
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334665104500142081
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334665958976315392 
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334666982633959425
  
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334667234334142466
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334668744153587712
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334668995753029632
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334669750782267392 
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334670002629259264
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334671009086119936
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334671009220231168
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334671512494739457
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334671512746553344
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334673777393868801 
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334674280739528710
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334675539030724609
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334676293942534145
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334676545546305537
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334677552309399553
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334677803824984067
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334678307233656832
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334681830423932931
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334682082111442944
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334684095478116354
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334684346888777728
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334684850486272000
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334685605389885441
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334687115272138755
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334687366921981952
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334688121909354499
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334689128475021313
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334689631837822977
• https://twitter.com/canadasmagic/status/1334692651657031681
• https://twitter.com/james_alan/status/1334697232734543878
  

 

If all goes according to plan, we'll be live Tweeting the event.  Join us by following the hashtag #Ring17Cure

 

From The Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club:

The Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club is getting together (virtually) to put on a show to raise money for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Over a dozen magicians will be performing from home. It's going to be a great time. 

To see the show go to www.ibmring17.com/show on Thursday, December 3 at 8PM Eastern. The show is free to watch and all donations, big and small, are very much appreciated. If you like, you can head there now and donate early. 

Come and join us and together, let's make cancer disappear!

 

 

 

 

 

Browser's Den 45th anniversary celebrations!

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.

Read more for details.

Patrick Nemeth: recipient of the 2020 Len Cooper Memorial Award

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.

 

 

Toronto Magic Company starts a vlog (and Newest Trick on July 28)

From the July 17ty Toronto Magic Company Instagram post:

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!⁠ ⁠

From the July 22nd Toronto Magic Company Instagram post:

View this post on Instagram

One week today is The Newest Trick in the Macbook, our virtual open mic magic show streaming live on Facebook.⁠ ⁠ It featured 5 incredible performers. Blowing your mind Virtually.⁠ ⁠ Plus a little bit of antics from Jonah and Ben.⁠ ⁠ It’s happening on July 28 at 8:00pm EST⁠ ⁠ We want to see you there⁠ ⁠ sign up and get notified when we go live so you don’t miss the show!⁠ ⁠ Oh yea… and did we mention that it’s FREE?⁠ ⁠ Link in Bio⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #magic #magician #torontomagic #torontomagician #magicintoronto #magiciantoronto #torontomagicshow #torontotheatre #torontocomedy #torontomagiccompany #comedytoronto #torontoentertainment #torontoevents #torontoevent #abracademy #visualmagic #magicianslife #cardmagic #magicians #magicperformance #sleightofhand #cardtricks #didyouknow #illusionist #creativeart #artofvisuals #artlife #artistry #artofmagic #thenewesttrickinthebook

A post shared by Toronto Magic Company (@torontomagiccompany) on Jul 21, 2020 at 1:01pm PDT

Jeff Pinsky - honourary life member of Ring 17

From the Canada's Magic Twitter feed: A note to subscribers: the content of this post is embedded from another website and is not available to preview. To view the content of the post, please visit http://CanadasMagic.blogspot.com. Some of the embedded code may be visible in this notification.

A well deserved award of recognition presented last night to Jeff Pinsky @theBrowsersDen by @IBMring17 pic.twitter.com/jYdjFGmfjD

— Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) December 7, 2018

The Browser's Den in Toronto.com

From the July 21st article "Inside a magical place: Browser’s Den of Magic in North York" in Toronto.com:

It would be understandable for visitors to Browser’s Den of Magic to leave the shop in disbelief. The cozy North York home of prestidigitation can leave customers mystified at times. The city’s go to spot for purveyors of the art of sleight-of-hand, under the guidance of proprietor Jeff Pinsky, offers a magical space to learn about magic. Whether you take in the monthly Magic Club meeting or enjoy a “demonstration” by Jeff, himself an accomplished magician, you are sure to be entertained. Of course the shop offers a huge variety of tricks and tools as well, for practitioners of legerdemain and illusion, no matter their level of proficiency.

Read more and see photos of great photos of Jeff Pinsky, James Harrison and some of the magic club attendees.

Toronto: Browser's Den School of Magic

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

CLASSES BEGIN: Sunday, September 16, 2018

Since 1975 'Browser's Den of Magic' has been helping people of all ages whether they are professionals or hobbyists, learn to perform magic effectively.

The goal of our Magic School is to emphasize quality over quantity. Knowing how a tricks works is only the first step. Understanding how to perform a trick in an entertaining and mystifying way is the most important part of becoming a magician.

Magic School also helps people learn lifetime skills such as talking in front of others, practice, psychology, social skills, patience and concentration.

HERE'S HOW IT WORKS:
We know how busy people are these days. And with most of our dear customers living at least 45 minutes away it is not easy for many to sign-up and commit to attending a class each week.

Instead each student registers in advance for 5 classes. And then he or she may show up for any of the classes for a total of 5 classes.

Read more and register.

Random thoughts from the Browser's Den of Magic 42nd anniversary party

I had the pleasure of spending some time at the Browser's Den of Magic 42nd anniversary party on Sunday.  A great time appeared to be had by all!  Here are a few random thoughts:

• I missed the auction, but heard it was absolutely packed, with a lot of great deals to be had.
• There are lots of a amazing finds and deals in the Back Room.
• It was still pretty busy in the afternoon.
  

  It was a packed house at @theBrowsersDen 42nd anniversary party! pic.twitter.com/cghsXjvP61

  — Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) November 13, 2017

• The trivia segment was great fun, as always.  Jeff has a lot of very knowledgeable patrons!
  

  The patrons @theBrowsersDen anniversary party were in fine form for the trivia challenge. pic.twitter.com/deXvFOLVa3

  — Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) November 13, 2017

• Trivia question answers included: Jeff Hinchliffe, Jeff Pinsky, and 1995.
• Bernice was looking well.  It was great to see her.
• It's not an anniversary party without an award ceremony...
  
  
  
• Happy to see Sorcerers Safari alumnus RJ Steele win the Len Cooper Memorial Award this year.
  

  Lovely to see Bernice come out to the party!
  
  Congratulations to RJ for winning the Len Cooper Memorial Award @theBrowsersDen ! pic.twitter.com/1s47mglbzA

  — Canada's Magic (@canadasmagic) November 13, 2017

• Congratulations on another great anniversary event, Jeff et al!

Browser's Bash 2017 in the Toronto Star

Edited to add this direct link to the Toronto Star website:

• https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2017/04/06/browsers-annual-bash-for-illusionists-is-where-the-magic-happens.html

From Press Reader:

Jeff Pinsky is the guy who makes it all happen.  For the third year in a row, he has rounded up the sprawling community that's grown around his four-decade-old specialty store, Browser's Den of Magic, on Dufferin St. north of Lawrence Ave. W.

"The magic shop, and in extension the bash itself, is a separate little world," he said. "It's a wonderful escape for some people."

Guests at his bash said that Pinsky's event is really the only one out there of its kind and scale. Some flew in from across the country, or even as far as Japan, to be there for the 12 hour "full day of magical fun!"

Read more.

Catching up with Discourse in Magic

Jonah Babins and Tyler Williams have been steadily producing podcasts since their launch in April.  Have a look at what they've released so far...


From Discourse in Magic:

Welcome to the Discourse in Magic podcast! This is where we tackle magic’s hardest issues, theories, philosophies, discussion, and more to help you explore.  We jump into all sorts of resources and most importantly actionable tips to help better the art and become a killer performer!

• Episode 11 – How to be a Great Teacher, Mentor and Student of Magic with Aaron Fisher and Adam Grace
  June 16th, 2016
• Episode 10 – Playing Card Innovation and Economy in the Era of Crowdfunding with Lee Asher June 9th, 2016
• Episode 9 – Community Month: Introduction Magic Shops, Camps and Friends June 2nd, 2016
• Episode 8 – Performing Tips for the Working Magician, From Restaurants to Big Illusions with Chris Westfall May 26th, 2016
• Episode 7 – Ethics and morals for the modern magician with Ben Train May 19th, 2016
• Episode 6 – Creating a fictional premise with conflicts and twist endings that rock May 12th, 2016
• Episode 5 – Designing magic for the screen and the stage with Patrick Kun May 5th, 2016
• Episode 4 – Improv and being open to change with Chris Mayhew April 29th, 2016
• Episode 3 – Personality, character and connecting with your audience with Eric Leclerc April 27th, 2016
• Episode 2 – Going viral, the Reddit secret, and Rubik’s cubes with Steven Brundage April 23rd, 2016
• Episode 1 – Introduction Episode April 20th, 2016

Read more and listen to podcasts.

Toronto: Browser's Back Room

How exciting! I look forward to visiting soon.

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook page:

Dear Magic Friends, 

Jeff Pinsky here. I hope that all is well. 

I am very pleased and excited to announce something new at Browser's Den. 

We have transformed the back room of Browser's Den (some 500 square feet) into a Collector's and Used Magic Centre! 

This new centre is open to you during our regular store hours. There you will find a treasure trove of both used and collectable magic at very low and reasonable prices. 

Read more.

Toronto: Best Magician Contest 2016

From the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

"Best Magician Contest 2016"

Hello all Magic Lovers, the BEST MAGICIAN CONTEST is BACK for you. This is your opportunity to show your skills.

In the evening of April 16th, 2016, A1 Chinese Radio (http://www.ccue.com/a1_radio/web/) is giving out opportunities to the magic lovers! Bringing along with your own incredible skills, the candidates will enter into an exciting competition held on a magical platform in Market Village.

This is the 5th year magician contest to gather a large amount of Toronto magicians within the magic community and the qualified contestants will be challenge among each other and then finally compete for the fame of Top Magician in Toronto.

This might be the LAST YEAR we are having the contest at MARKET VILLAGE because this famous landmark will be renovating very soon. Hence, this is a historical moment for all magic lover to witness the contest of BEST MAGICIAN one LAST TIME at Market Village.

This Year, we will also have Lee Asher, Jim Tam, Jeff Pinsky and Magic Mike to be our judges.
Performance: Stage Magic or Close-Up Magic.
Contestant: All Ages, All Genders
Event date: Apr 16, 2016 (Saturday) 7:30pm
Venue: Market Village (Steeles & Kennedy) 

(Event will be host in Cantonese and English. Contestants can use any langue for their Magical Routine.)

We are now starting the YOUTUBE audition. From now till 30th of March, all participants only need to submit a roughly 2 - 5 minute video to starz@classicforce.com
- Please submit your video before March 29th, 2015 to waive the $20 entry fee. Any video(s) submitted after March 30th, 2015; a $20 entry fee will be applied.
- When submitting the video, please provide us your name and contact, so we can contact you.

*We will arrange an audition, AFTER we got your videos. Roughly 8 magicians or Magic group/ team will be chosen at the audition by the director of A1 media Toronto. These magicians will be competing on April 16, 2016 for the BEST Magician award 2016 & People choice award. ONE VIDEO entry per contestant only.

The winner of the competition will be receiving the following:
- “Best Magician 2016” trophy, “People Choice Magician 2016”
- Your chance to perform at CNE on with A1 Radio at Canada Day.
- Gift(s) from our main sponsor(s).

Look forward meeting you guys, See you all at there!!

Toronto: Update to "Used Magic Day"

I previously posted about the upcoming Used Magic Day at the Browser's Den of Magic.

Jeff recently posted some new information about the day in the Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

All the fantastic deals will be in boxes and tables throughout the shop. Many items priced less than $5.00. Plus 'Bags of Magic' loaded with stuff for less than $10.00 per bag. The items to be on sale are not from one source. Rather, they are from a bunch of smaller collections.

AND for those who stay right until the end (5pm)...Jeff will make a truly unbelievable offer.

An offer that you will truly not be able to refuse.

Once you hear the offer you may come to the conclusion that Jeff has actually lost his mind or that he has watched the Godfather movie too many times. (Probably both true.)

Read more.

What could Jeff possibly have up his sleeve this time?

Canadian magic in The Globe and Mail

It's nice to see mentions of Brent Smith (Vanishing Rabbit), Zack Mirza (Illusions of Grandeur), Darcy Oake, Ron Keller, Shawn Farquhar, and Jeff Pinsky (The Browser's Den of Magic).

From The Globe and Mail:

As curio shops go, Brent Smith’s Vanishing Rabbit is all things magical. Attached to the ceiling is a series of old billboards advertising the greats through the ages – Houdini, Sorcar, Mandrake and a young Doug Henning as Chou Chou (pronounced Shoe Shoe), the clown who actually sold shoes for a living.

Inside Mr. Smith’s store, a creepy-looking Charlie McCarthy puppet sits above display cases filled with easy-to-perform tricks and novelties, including the ever-popular Fart Extinguisher.

“It’s a big hit with the kids,” Mr. Smith says as he emerges from behind a counter holding a deck of Svengali playing cards. “I sell a lot of cards, too. Magic is really hot right now.”

Read more.