From the magician’s dictionary (apparently):

lay·man (l?’m?n)  
n.  

 
1. One of the lowest forms of the species homo sapiens. Recognizeable by the inability to show even the most elemental powers of reasoning or observation. Frequently observed to be conspicuously drooling and unable to operate a towel to wipe it off.
2. On object of pity and derision by higher forms of life, such as a magician.

 

Interesting, the real world sees things much differently:

Humans are also noted for their desire to understand and influence the world around them, seeking to explain and manipulate natural phenomena through religion, science, mathematics, philosophy and mythology. This natural curiosity has led to the development of advanced tools and skills; humans are the only known species to build fires, cook their food, clothe themselves, and use numerous other technologies. (Wikipedia)

Every time I hear the it just blows right by laymen, I want to scream. Just because someone is too nice to call your hand on the transparency of your latest miracle, doesn’t mean they were fooled for an instant! Make no mistake – if magic doesn’t fool it isn’t magic. Mystery is the only reason for magic. That doesn’t mean there can’t be elements of comedy and intrigue. Certainly clever and interesting patter is one of the core ingredients of good magic, but if people aren’t saying – how in the H… did he do that, then you’ve wasted your time!

Again, I must point you to b d erlands blog and today’s entry entitled Lucifer’s Lawyer: Downplaying the Process. It’s brilliant. The essay studies  considerations in making your magic mystifying – hiding the secret and, thereby, avoiding exposure and embarrassment. He covers the bases pretty darn well.

While he spends some time with tension and relaxation, I wish he would have emphasised framing as practised by magical geniuses like David Williamson. They are close relatives, but there are differences.

I also wish he would have used a larger font, underlined and put in bold the VERY SPARINGLY when he talked about the use of the magician in trouble plot and the multiple climax. I can think of very few times that I’ve ever bought the magician made a mistake bit and I’m quite sure very few watching it did either. Those few occasions were when a piece of the torn newspaper accidentally fell to the ground unnoticed by the magician and the restored paper was missing that piece. I also recall a bit where Lance Burton failed to notice that he dropped something in his original act and all worked out, but these are the very small minority.

The multiple climax is great, when in context. Look at Mike Close’s Dr. Strangetrick for a sterling example. Most of the time, I hear your card is the seven of spades AND my ring is on a different finger. Huh!?!?!?

Enough of my prattle – check out the essay. I should be required reading. 

Take care……… 
 

These are, in no way, attempts at reviewing other magic blogs. I haven’t got the talent or temperament for that. These snapshots are nothing more than pointing those blogs that may be worthy of your attention.

b. d. erland’s blog

I’ve never heard of the author – something which goes both ways, I’m sure. He’s from South Korea and the blog is fairly new and still has a lot of energy and vitality.

You’ll find a great collection of videos available. If your an Internet junkie, you will have seen most, if not all, of them, but it’s great to have them all in one place. His reviews are the best and most complete of any site that I know of.

My favorite features are the frequent essays. The recent multi part series titled Thoughts On Exposure should be required reading for all magicians. It’s an unfortunate title for some very provocative material.

Keep it up b. d.  – whoever you are.

Take care……… 
 

This month the Cafe’ was to have Jerry Andrus as the Honored Guest. The section started out with the usual welcome from Mein Brooks. This was followed by the usual array of magicians kissing his ass in absentia – each trying to out do the other is showing what close personal friends they were with ol’ Jer. It was more pathetic than usual.

Personally, I wanted to ask if he was ever going to send the book I bought and paid for over 30 years ago. He never even gave me the courtesy of a simple reply. It was damn expensive to a young man back then.

Andrus didn’t fulfill his commitment due to illness. Frankly, I don’t give a damn!

Take care……… 
 

Drivel & Drool

I guess I’m getting……

too fucking old! Today, I went to TigerDirect to pick up a case fan – I had run out. You walk in the door and they spit on you – if you ask for help they piss all over you. You wait forever to check out and then get a body cavity search before you can leave.

The amazing thing is they are very busy. No matter how I try, I can’t treat my customers that way, but it seems to be the only way to make money today. Oh – and I paid 50% more for the fan than I normally sell them for.

Drivel & Drool

Be thankful

When we blow something all we have to do is wipe a little egg off of our red face, smile and move on.

Others aren’t so lucky:

I know the easy answer is Billy McComb’s PLUMS, but I’m talking about the items that are always available when someone finds out you’re a magician and says show me something. You must have something available. No excuse will do. Off hand, here are a few tricks – easy to carry, angle proof and foolers:

• Wonderland Bill
• Crazy Man’s Handcuffs
• Linking Pins
• Scotch & Soda
• Bill Transposition
• The Pothole Trick (I think it’s worth carrying a punch)

There are surely others, but the list of any time, anywhere is pretty short when you think about it.

Other ideas?

Take care……… 
 

Drivel & Drool

R.I..P. Magic Friday

I’ve written before that I considered Jamie Grant’s Magic Friday to be one of the few things worth reading in Blobbo’s Magic Site. Since Jamie accepted a position as a columnist for a new magazine, MF has been reduced to once a month or so and, frankly, since that announcement he’s pretty much just mailed it in.

The last installment was particularly uninspired. It seems the product was one from his new boss and, of course, it received 10/10. You will find some of his other posts on the Cafe followed by that clown that puts MBA under his signature – as if that was something to be proud of! Guess what – the CEO of Black’s Magic – an incestuous little circle for sure.

To bad – another good thing bites it.