Erin Thomas at Sorcerers Safari

This summer I had the good fortune of meeting author Erin Thomas, while she was doing research for her book about a teenaged magician.  She blogged about her experience at Sorcerers Safari Magic Camp:

For some time now, I’ve been working on a book about a teenaged magician. Magician as in sleight-of-hand, not as in Harry Potter. It’s slated for publication sometime in 2014, as part of Orca’s new performing arts-based series, Limelights.

And as I’ve been researching the book, I keep coming to the same conclusion:  I really like magicians. As it happens, they’re a lot like writers. For one thing, there’s an awful lot of work behind the scenes before anything ever reaches an audience.

I’ve had the chance to interview a lot of people, about a lot of different things, over the past few years. Being a writer sometimes feels like a get-out-of-jail-free card for nosiness. And people are generally happy to talk about what they do for a living, or what they care about. But magicians… they go beyond that.

Read more.

I'm eager to get a look at the book she's finishing up!

Toronto: Friendly reminders from the Browser's Den

From the Browser's Den Facebook group:

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22-Bobby Motta Lecture. Only $10.00. Please visit the homepage of our website for full details.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29-Jay Scott Berry Lecture. Only $15.00. Mr. Berry is from Australia and has not given a lecture in Toronto for more than ten years. Please visit the homepage of our website for full details.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5-Special Guest Visit for our Magic Club-TYLER WILSON will be spending the afternoon at our shop from 2:30 until 4:30pm to talk magic and show some stuff.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17-Browser’s Den 38th Store Anniversary Party! All invited to attend (Mini Auction in Morning, Discounts, Prizes, Trivia Quiz, Len Cooper Memorial Award, Sandwiches, Birthday Cake AND…BERNICE COOPER THE WIFE AND PARTNER OF LEN COOPER WILL BE HANDING OUT FOR FREE A SPECIAL MOMENTO OF LEN COOPER FOR ALL WHO CAN ATTEND. Bernice will be at the shop in the middle of the afternoon).

Read more.

Kickstart the Can-eh-diana deck

The previously mentioned Can-eh-diana deck is now an official KickStarter project.

From KickStarter:

I have been a deck collector for quite a while now, and have yet to find a Canadian deck that isn't filled with stock photos of scenery (basically a souvenir deck).   So, having combined that fact and my passion for playing cards, I have designed a deck of playing cards with a Canadian theme.

The deck will feature maple leaves instead of the the typical spade suit.  The suit colours will be two shades of red (bright red, and maroon), instead of red & black like in a typical deck of cards.

The most customization for the deck can be found on the court cards.  I have featured nine world famous Canadian magicians.

Read more and pledge.

Rogers TV: Behind the Magic with James Harrison

From Rogers TV:

Using some of Barrie's well known facilities, James Harrison entertains us with his magic. You may even learn a trick or two.

Read more.

Ottawa: David Merry at the Canadian Comedy awards

I have it on good authority that David Merry [warning: sound] is part of the "and more" listed in the blurb below!

From Canadian Comedy:

October 4, 2013
Canadian Comedy All Stars Show

Hosted by Alan Thicke and featuring Harland Williams, Nikki Payne, Mark Forward, Sean Cullen and more! These Canadian comedians spin comedic gold right before your eyes! When else will you get to see these old favourites and rising stars all in one place? Here's a show not to miss!

Read more and buy tickets.

Vancouver: The Music, The Magic, and The Movement

From the Global Speakers Summit:

The evening of Monday, December 9, 2013 will be a CAPS Foundation Fundraising event that includes entertainment, fellowship, and auctions, all in a good cause. We invite our CAPS members and our GSF guests to actively participate in this Foundation Fundraising event.

Read more.

The magic will be provided by:

• Anders Boulanger
• Sheldon Casavant
• Shawn Farquhar
• Richard Tremblay and
• Etienne Vendette

 via:

Here's a great event where you can see five magicians from across Canada in one single night. Tickets will sell... http://t.co/Zh6WWTn4fJ
— Shawn Farquhar (@magiChampion) September 8, 2013

Broken wand: Daniel McIlroy

From Obits for Life:

DANIEL ROBERT McILROY (Retired TTC Driver, Member of Bobcaygeon Baseball and Dunsford Food Bank volunteer) Entered into rest suddenly on Saturday, January 28, 2012. Dan was the beloved husband of the late Rose Ann (nee Carter). Loving father of Robbyn (Terry Moore), John (Dorothy), Donald (Nuala), Kimberly, and David. The loved uncle of Edgar "Eddie" Tonna. Dear companion of Shirley Read. Adored grandfather of Krystal Rose, Kati (Lauren Hassard), Devlin, Hilary, Shane, Monica, Michael, and Jack. Cherished great grandfather of Camdyn, Caleb, and Grace. Predeceased by his sister Irene. He was a chivalrous gentleman, a magician, a family man, who always had a fantastic story or joke to tell. He loved the theater, symphony, crosswords, old movies, sports and relaxing with his family at the cottage. He was notorious for showering his grandchildren with toys and cookies.

Read more.

[via The Linking Ring, Vol 93, #8, August 2013]