Magic Roadshow
February 1st, 2006 Issue# 40
Rick Carruth / editor (C) copyright 2006 - All rights reserved
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February 1st, 2006 Issue# 40
Rick Carruth / editor (C) copyright 2006 - All rights reserved
_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/
Hello Friends..
Welcome to the latest issue of Magic Roadshow - magic's Premier newsletter. First, I must 'Welcome' all the new subscribers and encourage you to take a proactive approach to being a part of our community. Never hesitate to let me know how you feel about Magic Roadshow and our content. Request are gladly accepted.. and generous tips will assure you of preferential seating..
January has been a cornucopia of magic. Everywhere I turned, I was among greatness. I love to watch true performers take the stage and hold an audience captive with style. Now, that 'style' may vary greatly, but it's the 'performance' aspect that keeps me mesmerized. I've slowly grown to realize that 'performance' is everything, and that without that 'something' you will not succeed in this business.
I've learned a few other lessons about success, but they will have to wait until I can get my thoughts organized and on paper. I have some interesting 'stuff' to share with you during the coming year...
Email Me..
_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/
This Issue:
1) The Magician is the Solution.. Dennis Regling
2) Over Priced Magic Books.. David Breth
3) Seven Magic Trick "Tips" Using Invisible Thread Dion Semeniuk
4) Magic Roadshow's 2005 Award of Excellence
5) TikiMagic.. free magic video's
6) Demotivators.. Have a Great day
7) MindBender.. Is it really possible?
8) The Tax Magician.. It's That time again
9) Blaine and Angel Together.. Both popular and rare footage
10)Card Tricks.. From PokerChipTricks
--------------
Definition of an optimist: A magician with a pager..
~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~
The Magician Is The Solution
by Dennis Regling
I spent 15 years of my life hiring and training sales people. The first lesson every one of them got was that we do not sell products, we sell benefits.
In marketing yourself as a magician, you must remember people do not hire magicians. They purchase solutions. If you are to be hired, you must be the solution to their problem or need. Of course this need may be real or perceived.
Look at the market you are selling to. Ask yourself what their motivation is for hiring an entertainer or speaker. List their needs and how you can be the solution. Stop selling magic and start selling solutions.
No one really cares that you produce 24 doves and a rabbit during your show. No one cares that you won an unheard of magic competition. No one cares that you have a state of the art sound system.
What they care about is how their children will "have their attention captured and will squeal with delight as you produce doves and rabbits." They care that your professional production will bring them loads of compliments for booking you. They care that you relieve them of the need to supply a sound system and that everyone will be able to hear you and enjoy the show. Got the idea yet?
Why should someone hire you for:
Restaurants: Restaurants lose money when patrons walk out instead of waiting in line. At busy times, the wait for food after ordering may take awhile longer than usual. As a magician, you sell them the solutions to these problems. You keep the customer entertained, making time glide by while they wait in line or wait at their table.
Weddings: How do you handle that awkward time between the wedding and the reception? The happy couple is having photos taken and the guests are waiting at the hall. A strolling magician can make this time pass quickly and also help break the ice between strangers.
Trade Shows: Your booth is in a room with hundreds of other booths. How will you draw potential customers to your booth? A magician performing tricks that also incorporate the features of your products is a great and well-remebered draw.
Birthday Parties: Twenty children for two hours. How do you keep them entertained and in control? A fast-moving, funny magic show with fuzzy animals can hold their attention for 30 minutes while you set the table or prepare for other activities. If the magician also supplies and leads games, songs and twists balloon animals, that is even better.
There are so many ways a magician can be the solution to the needs of different organizations. Often, people never even consider hwy they should hire a magician. It is your job to educate them. An educated buyer is a satisfied buyer.
Design your promotional materials to highlight the benefits of hiring a magician, ventriloquist or whatever your specialty is. Then go one step farther. Write a free report detailing how a magician can be the solution to a specific need. Use this as a lead generator.
For example, a birthday magician may write a report on "How To Give Your Child The Best Birthday Ever!" The report would include information about cakes, games and decorations. It would also list the reasons to hire a magician and have your contact information. If they request this report online, you will have their contact information. Otherwise, have a strong "call to action" if using a printed report.
I will write more about using free reports soon. But first, take the time to evaluate your benefits to the buyer.
If you would like me to review your materials, please email me.
captdenno@yahoo.com
Dennis Regling
Contributing Editor
http://www.MagicMinistry.com
http://www.bellaonline.com/site/magic
=======================
"Over-Priced Magic Books"
-David Breth
If you go to school, or know someone that does, you know that school books are very expensive (new and or used). When you price a car, they are expensive (new and or used).
Often hear other magicians say oh, that ‘magician’ is cheap…he will not buy the nicer of the two (even if it is a knock-off and or has a very bad look to it).
Allow me to go into your home.. I GUARANTEE for at least the majority of them that I can show them a few tangible ways to have the funds to purchase those ‘Over Priced Magic Books". For example:
1. Cable T.V.a minimum of $30.00 dollars per month times 12 months equals $360.00 per year (hummmm, wonder what amount of books you can purchase with this?).
But I can not live without my cable T.V., well I can not live with the knowledge that my grave stone will read "Here lies so and so and wow, what he could have been if he would of just given up a few things for a few years…wow!"
2. Sodas, food delivery, desserts. Buy your groceys at a grocery store, be frugal and save hundreds and maybe even thousands per year.
I recall my time in college was spent dining on the famous cup-o-noodles, you know these little packages that you get in several flavors. You can buy a case of 50 for like four bucks!!! Be willing to do without for a short while, so you can have for a long while. Do what others will not, to have what others do not!!!
3. Theatres and sporting events (I do understand that if you are married and or have children this will be slightly different). Spend time with the family and save hundreds and even thousands per year by signing up with a local video store for unlimited movie rentals for one low price per month ( Blockbuster. com, Hollywoodvideo. com).
Play games with your family like frisbee golf (http://www.pdga.com)
4. You can look around and find out what is not a necessity for now, so you can have what you desire later. You cannot feed your ego and your family at the same time - so this in thought...do not be concerned with what others may think of you while you are in this time of learning your art. Tell them you are a student in school (which you are) and most of the time they will simply say ahhhh, ok yes I understand. I recall my days in college". When asked what you are studing maybe state, " I am studing 'event enhancment', my goal is to become a professional event enhancer."
P.S. Two valuable book recommendations:
a. Denny and Lee lecture notes (by Dennis Haney).
b. Maximum Entertainment (by Ken Weber)
Both are available from:
http://www.dennymagic.com
Enjoy your journey,
David
Associate Editor / Event Enhancer
http://www.davidbreth.com
==================================
Seven Magic Trick "Tips" Using Invisible Thread
Have you ever been to a magic show, sitting there mesmerized as you asked yourself, "How did they do that?" As you know, magic is more an illusion, creating the vision that something is happening although it is not. While magicians use many different tools of the trade, one of the most popular is the invisible thread. Trying to get magicians to divulge their secrets associated with the invisible thread is near impossible.
However, we do want to provide you with some highlights and tips about the top seven magic trick tips performed using invisible thread.
What is "Invisible Thread"?
The first of the seven magic trick tips using invisible thread is to understand what it is. This type of thread is actually a very fine stand of nylon used primarily for getting small objects to levitate. For years, magicians worked with invisible thread and their hands only, meaning they had to be very precise in their movements for the magic tricks to appear flawless. Today, magicians can use an invisible thread reel, which not only dispenses the thread but it is also designed to retract it.
Because of this, the magician is able to maintain a constant tension on the line so there are no mishaps in the performance.
Invisible Thread Reel Size
The second tip when using a thread reel is to use the appropriate size. Since different objects need different types of control, thread reels are made in a number of different sizes. Typically, the longer the tube the more distance you will get from the reel while the more tension the less distance.
For magicians, the idea is to use the smaller size invisible thread reels for close-up work opposed to a larger reel for distance. As far as size, a stage reel is capable of extending 35 feet, which means a magician could easily perform a "floating bill" trick in the center of a room with no nearby walls. However, if you want to really impress a crowd, you could perform the same floating bill trick outdoors simply by anchoring the reel to the ground. With this, it would appear the trick was impossible and the crown cheers.
What about Tension?
Third on the list of seven trick tips using invisible thread is using the right tension. As you pull the invisible thread out of the reel, there will be an increase in tension. What happens at some point is that the pull will become too much for the thread, causing it to break. If you want to put more tension on the thread reel, wind more of the invisible thread into a wax ball. What you do not want to do is add additional winds on the elastic, which would only make it cumbersome.
Floating Objects
Next on the list is insight into working with floating objects. When using invisible thread for a magic trick, keep in mind that you want something that is light enough not to sag by putting too much weight on the thread. The key is to choose objects that you can easily move and maintain in a position in space, which is why the floating bill is such a popular choice. Other choices to use an invisible thread magic trick include ring fingers, an empty soda can, etc. The greatest benefit of using a thread reel is that when you walk away from your floating object, you are actually transferring energy to the reel, which can then be used to make the bill float from the floor to your hand - magically.
Those Darn Lights
Next, to use invisible thread, you have to know how to use correct lighting. If you are a magician or just practicing to be one and you want to perform tricks with the invisible thread, remember that lighting is crucial. The two main factors to consider when using the thread reel are light source and clothing. Typically, the best conditions for a magic trick with invisible thread are cloudy days and the worst, direct lighting that comes from behind you. With this, the light will only reflect off the thread, thus being seen by the audience. For clothing, anything dark will serve as a backdrop for the thread, thus making it easier to see. For this reason, you should go with lighter, non-reflective type clothing. Magic is always fun and with some practice, you will soon learn a number of magic tricks with invisible thread, perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Methodology
The sixth of the seven magic trick tips using invisible thread has to do with methods of performing the tricks, such as the Hoop Pass. This is actually considered one of the greatest tricks you can do with the invisible thread reel, which involves passing a solid hoop over a bill. The key is to use a ring with a relatively thick stock, which will put less strain on the thread as it goes over the metal hoop. Lay the hoop on the thread so it is between you and the floating bill. Then, with your hand, scoop the ring through so the thread is now on the back of the left hand. Next, use the right hand to pass the hoop over the bill. To complete the trick, all you do is let the thread slide off from the back of your hand. Remember, this is just one of many methods used with the invisible thread, so have fun practicing them all.
Finishing the Show
The final tip is that whatever trick being performed using invisible thread and/or a reel, it should never kill the effect.
In other words, you want to keep your audience wanting more. If you carry a trick on too far, you will lose the interest of the audience so it would be far better to keep the tricks short and sweet. In addition, put some meaning and emphasis in your performances to leave your audience with a memory of your magic ability. We recommend you use the invisible thread late in your show, which will end the performance on a fun note.
----------------
Dion Semeniuk is the owner of the popular online magic shop, This is Magic, which specialize in Invisible Thread Magic. To receive 4 free magic tricks and learn more about the ITR, visit -
http://www.thisismagic.com
===============================
~ Magic Roadshow's 2005 Award of Excellence ~
"Best Web Site Design 2005"
Each year I strive, at some point, to pick my top 'site of the year' in one or more categories. This year there were a number of sites I felt were worthy of recognition. But, being an art major and a die hard fan of Dali, the one site that totally eclipsed all others with it's revolutionary design and substance was none other than Derren Brown's new site.
Cutting edge doesn't begin to describe the original design. Whereas a few sites, like Ellusionist for example, use a very loose and dark, almost gothic style, Derrens site combines an interactive flash format with a grunge style that's totally original.
I subscribe to Google alerts for "Derren Brown", so I see various articles from around the world that relate to Derren and his brand of mentalism. During the last month I've noticed at least a half dozen different organizations that have awarded DB's site special recognition in the excellence category.
Don't take my word for it... visit Derren's site and see what YOU think..
http://www.derrenbrown.co.uk
-----------------------------
" Most Innovative Site 2005"
This wasn't a really difficult decision. Now, I know someone will protest, but I can assure you my decision was honorable. My choice for "most innovative site" goes to Ellusionist. The reasoning is simple; no one develops the range of new products Ellusionist does. Not only have they released an innovative new line of cards, but they continually release and/or develop new dvd's or video downloads from a variety of magicians worldwide.
There are no exclusive agreements with select magicians, and no 'pushing' of their favorite magician. If you have original effects that meet their standards, you have a good chance of seeing your material on Ellusionist's site. After all.. shouldn't it be about the magic - and not the magician.
I have to hand it to them... they continually release material not found anywhere else. And as an affiliate, I can attest to the fact that they run the best affiliate program I'm associated with at any level of internet marketing.
http://www.ellusionist.com
------------------------------
" Most Informative Site 2005 "
Tim Quinlan and Quinlan's Inside Magic was Magic Roadshows runaway winner in this category last year. Early on in 2005 it appeared Tim had the inside track to pull off a repeat. Then, right in the middle of magic's summer ratings war, disaster struck in Ann Arbor...
Returning home from a rousing performance of John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera", Tim was kidnapped by a small, but enthusiastic, gang of agnostic mentalists from Ontario (who weren't quite sure of their ability as performers, it seems...), who then forced him to both critique and tweak their performances, as well as re-write their charter/manifesto..
After spending a totally dreadful nine days imprisoned at the Knights Inn (the one with the adjoining Shoneys) in Watertown Ohio, Tim was able to escape after convincing the performers to let him acquire sticky pads from the Dollar General store across the street.
The police report stated, much to the chagrin of mentalist worldwide, that he had them totally convinced that the 'inside secret' to his center tear was the adhesive on the sticky pads and the perfectly natural appearance one gained by sticking the torn portion to the center of the palm instead of actually palming the torn portion...
Being the consummate professional, Tim made the most of a bad situation and convinced four of the six to commit to a somewhat more realistic career in balloon art, and the other two to run for public office.
I was on the verge of declaring "Minnie's Mighty Magic News.com" the unanamous winner for 2005, but upon hearing of Tim's plight, I rethought my decision and decided to honor the man the Watertown Police Dept. described as " more nervous than a clam at low tide".... the irrepressible Tim Quinlan !
I spent a couple of days in Columbia S.C. recently, and had the opportunity to sit down with Tim in the lobby of the beautiful Marriott hotel. Despite his terrible ordeal in Ohio, I couldn't understand how I continued to receive a new, information-filled issue of my favorite news source every three days. Every time I asked, Tim countered with a typical in-depth answer...
Rick: "Tell me Tim, how'd you do it..?"
Tim: "Well Rick, that's like asking how many data base people does it take to change a light bulb.. Three of course: One to write the light bulb removal program, one to write the light bulb insertion program, and one to act as a light bulb administrator to make sure nobody else tries to change the light bulb at the same time..."
Rick: "But Tim, I don't see the connection..."
Tim: "Again Rick, the connection is metaphorically perfect.. That's like asking how many existentialists does it take to screw in a light bulb..."
I hate it when I'm faced with really big words I don't know the meaning of..
Rick: " Existentialist... that's sort of like a former mentalist, isn't it?
Tim: " Rick, your lights are flashing, your gates down, but your train ain't coming, dude .... Everyone privy to real inside magic knows it takes two existentialists... One to screw it in and one to observe how the light bulb itself symbolizes a single incandescent beacon of subjective reality in a netherworld of endless absurdity reaching out toward a maudlin cosmos of nothingness.... "
Rick: "Oh, I get it... It had something to do with working at the speed of light, right..? "
Tim: " No. Wrong again, dough boy.. Surely you were raised by Democrats. Surely you know that it takes one Democrat to change a light bulb, six to talk about how wonderful it's going to be when the new bulb is screwed in, and ten to argue for increased funding for solar lighting research.."
Rick: " Tim, I know you're the editor of the most dependable source for reviews, magic news, and interviews on the web, but I'm not a Democrat.. never been a Democrat, and you still haven't answered my question, good buddy.."
Tim: " Look Rick, I love you like a step-brother, but you're about as dense as the southern border.. You don't have to be a Democrat to understand my light bulb analogy. Are you Republican? Even Republicans can understand the connection between my answer and your question. In fact, it takes as many Republicans to change a light bulb as you have questions.. Twelve to investigate Clinton's involvement in the failure of the old bulb, 23 to de-regulate the light bulb industry, and 51 to pass a tax credit for light bulb changes - and the perpetual care of old fools like you who ask too many questions..."
At that point I realized U2 and I were in the same boat.. We still hadn't found what we were looking for..
I don't know.. maybe it's just me, but I got the impression Tim didn't want me to know the true inner workings of Quinlan's Inside Magic. Maybe he was being evasive, or maybe he was being straight-up.. and I didn't have the mental proclivity to keep up with the best magic writer on the face of the earth.
Regardless, I don't understand how Santa Claus manages to deliver toys to homes around the world in one night either.. I just know he does... and that's good enough for me..
My gosh.. It's all I can do to furnish you guys with a couple of links to other sites, not to compare with the extensive narrative Tim squeezes into every story - regardless of the drastic situation he may find himself confronted with...
Discover why Mr. Quinlan has my vote for "Best Magic Writer on the Web" and "Best News Source on the Web."
http://www.insidemagic.com
============================
TikiMagic - Free Magic Videos
Here's four really nice video's detailing four different card tricks you can watch without downloading anything. You will need something like the free Windows Movie Player to view the videos. (link provided)..
Where Dit Go, Mind Merge, Don't Do It, and Conscientious Objector are each nice effects that don't require conplicated sleights. Watch the performances by clicking on the images, then, learn the secret by clicking the links to the right of the images..
I've featured these tricks in Magic Roadshow in the past, but I feel they deserve to be watched again. If you folks are anything at all like me, you watch an effect, tell yourself you're going to learn it... and then forget about it..
I do that all the time. I've had the opportunity recently to sit and watch a couple of dvd's I purchased last year. A trick will play and I'm telling myself " hey, I was going to learn that last year..! "
Don't wait until I'm forced to run these tricks a third time...
http://www.tikimagic.com/free.html
=================================
Demotivators
I want to thank my friend John Kinde ( http://www.humorpower.com ) for providing this link. It has absolutely nothing to do with magic... and everything to do with you as a person and a performer..
Here's a little something to help you overcome the winter blues...
"AT DESPAIR, INC., we believe motivational products create unrealistic expectations, raising hopes only to dash them. That’s why we created our soul-crushingly depressing Demotivators® designs, so you can skip the delusions that motivational products induce and head straight for the disappointments that follow!"
http://www.despair.com/viewall.html
==================================
Mindbender
Tired of bending forks? Borrow a deck of cards. Ask the spectator to pick out any card from the deck. It does not matter which.
You can barely even touch the card as it is placed on the back of your hand.
As you stare at the card intently you will draw your middle finger across the length of the card from a few inches above - at no time do you touch the card. Slowly, at first almost imperceptibly, the card begins to bend upward.
The only way a card can bend normally is for a person to apply pressure to the edges and actually bend it, but at no time does this happen. You. Don't. Touch. The. Card.
They see it happen. It happens before their eyes as the seconds tick by. They can stare at the card until their blood runs cold and they won't know what happened.
Watch the video..
http://www.ellusionist.com
==============================
The Tax Magician
It's that time again, folks. Time to take perfectly good money and send it to a bureaucracy who doesn't have a clue what to do with it...
As a magician, do you know how to deduct the business use of your home? Business expenses, self-employment taxes, travel, entertainment, gift and car expenses? Do you know how to estimate your taxes?
What about setting up your bookkeeping and record keeping and correcting previous years tax returns?
Steve Snyder makes his living helping magicians and performers like yourself minimize their tax liability and put more money in their pocket..
Steve will send you several free reports simply for the asking.. I got them last year, and they were well worth the small investment in time it took me to send for them...
http://www.thetaxmagician.com/
==============================
Blaine and Angel Together
For all you David Blaine and Criss Angel fans, here's an eight minute video of the two performing some of their more popular effects. Some of the clips were taken directly from their shows, and others appear to be out-takes that were not run on their tv specials as well as a couple of stage performances...
Thanks to Meta Cafe for the video..
http://tinyurl.com/bwk5n
==============================
Card Tricks
Card Tricks is an off-spring of PokerChipTricks, and will feature both tricks with photo's and tricks with videos. Most of the tricks at the moment are more flourishes than tricks, but that's OK with me.. since I'm not the most nimble-fingered guy in the world and I can use all the help I can get....
To quote from their site:
"Card Tricks is now live and hopes to become the site you visit when you’d like to learn how to perform different tricks with a regular deck of playing cards. For the initial launch there are seven tricks on the site, but I hope to get a lot more added in the coming weeks. All of the first seven card tricks are neat looking things to do with a deck of cards and many of them with one hand.
In the future the site should get updated with different types of card tricks which involve magic and/or math. Here is a list of the first tricks:
Dealer Shuffle, Bridge Shuffle, From the Top, Front to Back Cut, One Handed Twirl Cut, One Handed Lift Split Cut, One Handed Drop Cut.. "
http://pokerchiptricks.com/cardtricks/
=================================
My loving wife, Carolyn, pointed out to me the other day the primary difference between me and a government bond... It seems government bonds eventually mature and earn money...
Oh well... she just doesn't understand the life of a devoted magician.
I hope you've found something in this issue to help your routine in a good way. If you have something you would like to share with other magicians, please send it to rick(at)magicroadshow.com and I'll gladly give you a platform to share your work with others, literally, around the world. Don't worry about grammar and spelling.. I'll take care of that.
Please visit Magic Bullets - the blog at: http://www.streetmagic.info/blogger.html
Also, stop by Street Magic. info and see what's new: http://www.streetmagic.info
May my next issue find you well...
Rick Carruth / editor
-----------------------------
Welcome to the latest issue of Magic Roadshow - magic's Premier newsletter. First, I must 'Welcome' all the new subscribers and encourage you to take a proactive approach to being a part of our community. Never hesitate to let me know how you feel about Magic Roadshow and our content. Request are gladly accepted.. and generous tips will assure you of preferential seating..
January has been a cornucopia of magic. Everywhere I turned, I was among greatness. I love to watch true performers take the stage and hold an audience captive with style. Now, that 'style' may vary greatly, but it's the 'performance' aspect that keeps me mesmerized. I've slowly grown to realize that 'performance' is everything, and that without that 'something' you will not succeed in this business.
I've learned a few other lessons about success, but they will have to wait until I can get my thoughts organized and on paper. I have some interesting 'stuff' to share with you during the coming year...
Email Me..
_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/
This Issue:
1) The Magician is the Solution.. Dennis Regling
2) Over Priced Magic Books.. David Breth
3) Seven Magic Trick "Tips" Using Invisible Thread Dion Semeniuk
4) Magic Roadshow's 2005 Award of Excellence
5) TikiMagic.. free magic video's
6) Demotivators.. Have a Great day
7) MindBender.. Is it really possible?
8) The Tax Magician.. It's That time again
9) Blaine and Angel Together.. Both popular and rare footage
10)Card Tricks.. From PokerChipTricks
--------------
Definition of an optimist: A magician with a pager..
~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~::~
The Magician Is The Solution
by Dennis Regling
I spent 15 years of my life hiring and training sales people. The first lesson every one of them got was that we do not sell products, we sell benefits.
In marketing yourself as a magician, you must remember people do not hire magicians. They purchase solutions. If you are to be hired, you must be the solution to their problem or need. Of course this need may be real or perceived.
Look at the market you are selling to. Ask yourself what their motivation is for hiring an entertainer or speaker. List their needs and how you can be the solution. Stop selling magic and start selling solutions.
No one really cares that you produce 24 doves and a rabbit during your show. No one cares that you won an unheard of magic competition. No one cares that you have a state of the art sound system.
What they care about is how their children will "have their attention captured and will squeal with delight as you produce doves and rabbits." They care that your professional production will bring them loads of compliments for booking you. They care that you relieve them of the need to supply a sound system and that everyone will be able to hear you and enjoy the show. Got the idea yet?
Why should someone hire you for:
Restaurants: Restaurants lose money when patrons walk out instead of waiting in line. At busy times, the wait for food after ordering may take awhile longer than usual. As a magician, you sell them the solutions to these problems. You keep the customer entertained, making time glide by while they wait in line or wait at their table.
Weddings: How do you handle that awkward time between the wedding and the reception? The happy couple is having photos taken and the guests are waiting at the hall. A strolling magician can make this time pass quickly and also help break the ice between strangers.
Trade Shows: Your booth is in a room with hundreds of other booths. How will you draw potential customers to your booth? A magician performing tricks that also incorporate the features of your products is a great and well-remebered draw.
Birthday Parties: Twenty children for two hours. How do you keep them entertained and in control? A fast-moving, funny magic show with fuzzy animals can hold their attention for 30 minutes while you set the table or prepare for other activities. If the magician also supplies and leads games, songs and twists balloon animals, that is even better.
There are so many ways a magician can be the solution to the needs of different organizations. Often, people never even consider hwy they should hire a magician. It is your job to educate them. An educated buyer is a satisfied buyer.
Design your promotional materials to highlight the benefits of hiring a magician, ventriloquist or whatever your specialty is. Then go one step farther. Write a free report detailing how a magician can be the solution to a specific need. Use this as a lead generator.
For example, a birthday magician may write a report on "How To Give Your Child The Best Birthday Ever!" The report would include information about cakes, games and decorations. It would also list the reasons to hire a magician and have your contact information. If they request this report online, you will have their contact information. Otherwise, have a strong "call to action" if using a printed report.
I will write more about using free reports soon. But first, take the time to evaluate your benefits to the buyer.
If you would like me to review your materials, please email me.
captdenno@yahoo.com
Dennis Regling
Contributing Editor
http://www.MagicMinistry.com
http://www.bellaonline.com/site/magic
=======================
"Over-Priced Magic Books"
-David Breth
If you go to school, or know someone that does, you know that school books are very expensive (new and or used). When you price a car, they are expensive (new and or used).
Often hear other magicians say oh, that ‘magician’ is cheap…he will not buy the nicer of the two (even if it is a knock-off and or has a very bad look to it).
Allow me to go into your home.. I GUARANTEE for at least the majority of them that I can show them a few tangible ways to have the funds to purchase those ‘Over Priced Magic Books". For example:
1. Cable T.V.a minimum of $30.00 dollars per month times 12 months equals $360.00 per year (hummmm, wonder what amount of books you can purchase with this?).
But I can not live without my cable T.V., well I can not live with the knowledge that my grave stone will read "Here lies so and so and wow, what he could have been if he would of just given up a few things for a few years…wow!"
2. Sodas, food delivery, desserts. Buy your groceys at a grocery store, be frugal and save hundreds and maybe even thousands per year.
I recall my time in college was spent dining on the famous cup-o-noodles, you know these little packages that you get in several flavors. You can buy a case of 50 for like four bucks!!! Be willing to do without for a short while, so you can have for a long while. Do what others will not, to have what others do not!!!
3. Theatres and sporting events (I do understand that if you are married and or have children this will be slightly different). Spend time with the family and save hundreds and even thousands per year by signing up with a local video store for unlimited movie rentals for one low price per month ( Blockbuster. com, Hollywoodvideo. com).
Play games with your family like frisbee golf (http://www.pdga.com)
4. You can look around and find out what is not a necessity for now, so you can have what you desire later. You cannot feed your ego and your family at the same time - so this in thought...do not be concerned with what others may think of you while you are in this time of learning your art. Tell them you are a student in school (which you are) and most of the time they will simply say ahhhh, ok yes I understand. I recall my days in college". When asked what you are studing maybe state, " I am studing 'event enhancment', my goal is to become a professional event enhancer."
P.S. Two valuable book recommendations:
a. Denny and Lee lecture notes (by Dennis Haney).
b. Maximum Entertainment (by Ken Weber)
Both are available from:
http://www.dennymagic.com
Enjoy your journey,
David
Associate Editor / Event Enhancer
http://www.davidbreth.com
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Seven Magic Trick "Tips" Using Invisible Thread
Have you ever been to a magic show, sitting there mesmerized as you asked yourself, "How did they do that?" As you know, magic is more an illusion, creating the vision that something is happening although it is not. While magicians use many different tools of the trade, one of the most popular is the invisible thread. Trying to get magicians to divulge their secrets associated with the invisible thread is near impossible.
However, we do want to provide you with some highlights and tips about the top seven magic trick tips performed using invisible thread.
What is "Invisible Thread"?
The first of the seven magic trick tips using invisible thread is to understand what it is. This type of thread is actually a very fine stand of nylon used primarily for getting small objects to levitate. For years, magicians worked with invisible thread and their hands only, meaning they had to be very precise in their movements for the magic tricks to appear flawless. Today, magicians can use an invisible thread reel, which not only dispenses the thread but it is also designed to retract it.
Because of this, the magician is able to maintain a constant tension on the line so there are no mishaps in the performance.
Invisible Thread Reel Size
The second tip when using a thread reel is to use the appropriate size. Since different objects need different types of control, thread reels are made in a number of different sizes. Typically, the longer the tube the more distance you will get from the reel while the more tension the less distance.
For magicians, the idea is to use the smaller size invisible thread reels for close-up work opposed to a larger reel for distance. As far as size, a stage reel is capable of extending 35 feet, which means a magician could easily perform a "floating bill" trick in the center of a room with no nearby walls. However, if you want to really impress a crowd, you could perform the same floating bill trick outdoors simply by anchoring the reel to the ground. With this, it would appear the trick was impossible and the crown cheers.
What about Tension?
Third on the list of seven trick tips using invisible thread is using the right tension. As you pull the invisible thread out of the reel, there will be an increase in tension. What happens at some point is that the pull will become too much for the thread, causing it to break. If you want to put more tension on the thread reel, wind more of the invisible thread into a wax ball. What you do not want to do is add additional winds on the elastic, which would only make it cumbersome.
Floating Objects
Next on the list is insight into working with floating objects. When using invisible thread for a magic trick, keep in mind that you want something that is light enough not to sag by putting too much weight on the thread. The key is to choose objects that you can easily move and maintain in a position in space, which is why the floating bill is such a popular choice. Other choices to use an invisible thread magic trick include ring fingers, an empty soda can, etc. The greatest benefit of using a thread reel is that when you walk away from your floating object, you are actually transferring energy to the reel, which can then be used to make the bill float from the floor to your hand - magically.
Those Darn Lights
Next, to use invisible thread, you have to know how to use correct lighting. If you are a magician or just practicing to be one and you want to perform tricks with the invisible thread, remember that lighting is crucial. The two main factors to consider when using the thread reel are light source and clothing. Typically, the best conditions for a magic trick with invisible thread are cloudy days and the worst, direct lighting that comes from behind you. With this, the light will only reflect off the thread, thus being seen by the audience. For clothing, anything dark will serve as a backdrop for the thread, thus making it easier to see. For this reason, you should go with lighter, non-reflective type clothing. Magic is always fun and with some practice, you will soon learn a number of magic tricks with invisible thread, perfect for entertaining family and friends.
Methodology
The sixth of the seven magic trick tips using invisible thread has to do with methods of performing the tricks, such as the Hoop Pass. This is actually considered one of the greatest tricks you can do with the invisible thread reel, which involves passing a solid hoop over a bill. The key is to use a ring with a relatively thick stock, which will put less strain on the thread as it goes over the metal hoop. Lay the hoop on the thread so it is between you and the floating bill. Then, with your hand, scoop the ring through so the thread is now on the back of the left hand. Next, use the right hand to pass the hoop over the bill. To complete the trick, all you do is let the thread slide off from the back of your hand. Remember, this is just one of many methods used with the invisible thread, so have fun practicing them all.
Finishing the Show
The final tip is that whatever trick being performed using invisible thread and/or a reel, it should never kill the effect.
In other words, you want to keep your audience wanting more. If you carry a trick on too far, you will lose the interest of the audience so it would be far better to keep the tricks short and sweet. In addition, put some meaning and emphasis in your performances to leave your audience with a memory of your magic ability. We recommend you use the invisible thread late in your show, which will end the performance on a fun note.
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Dion Semeniuk is the owner of the popular online magic shop, This is Magic, which specialize in Invisible Thread Magic. To receive 4 free magic tricks and learn more about the ITR, visit -
http://www.thisismagic.com
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~ Magic Roadshow's 2005 Award of Excellence ~
"Best Web Site Design 2005"
Each year I strive, at some point, to pick my top 'site of the year' in one or more categories. This year there were a number of sites I felt were worthy of recognition. But, being an art major and a die hard fan of Dali, the one site that totally eclipsed all others with it's revolutionary design and substance was none other than Derren Brown's new site.
Cutting edge doesn't begin to describe the original design. Whereas a few sites, like Ellusionist for example, use a very loose and dark, almost gothic style, Derrens site combines an interactive flash format with a grunge style that's totally original.
I subscribe to Google alerts for "Derren Brown", so I see various articles from around the world that relate to Derren and his brand of mentalism. During the last month I've noticed at least a half dozen different organizations that have awarded DB's site special recognition in the excellence category.
Don't take my word for it... visit Derren's site and see what YOU think..
http://www.derrenbrown.co.uk
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" Most Innovative Site 2005"
This wasn't a really difficult decision. Now, I know someone will protest, but I can assure you my decision was honorable. My choice for "most innovative site" goes to Ellusionist. The reasoning is simple; no one develops the range of new products Ellusionist does. Not only have they released an innovative new line of cards, but they continually release and/or develop new dvd's or video downloads from a variety of magicians worldwide.
There are no exclusive agreements with select magicians, and no 'pushing' of their favorite magician. If you have original effects that meet their standards, you have a good chance of seeing your material on Ellusionist's site. After all.. shouldn't it be about the magic - and not the magician.
I have to hand it to them... they continually release material not found anywhere else. And as an affiliate, I can attest to the fact that they run the best affiliate program I'm associated with at any level of internet marketing.
http://www.ellusionist.com
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" Most Informative Site 2005 "
Tim Quinlan and Quinlan's Inside Magic was Magic Roadshows runaway winner in this category last year. Early on in 2005 it appeared Tim had the inside track to pull off a repeat. Then, right in the middle of magic's summer ratings war, disaster struck in Ann Arbor...
Returning home from a rousing performance of John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera", Tim was kidnapped by a small, but enthusiastic, gang of agnostic mentalists from Ontario (who weren't quite sure of their ability as performers, it seems...), who then forced him to both critique and tweak their performances, as well as re-write their charter/manifesto..
After spending a totally dreadful nine days imprisoned at the Knights Inn (the one with the adjoining Shoneys) in Watertown Ohio, Tim was able to escape after convincing the performers to let him acquire sticky pads from the Dollar General store across the street.
The police report stated, much to the chagrin of mentalist worldwide, that he had them totally convinced that the 'inside secret' to his center tear was the adhesive on the sticky pads and the perfectly natural appearance one gained by sticking the torn portion to the center of the palm instead of actually palming the torn portion...
Being the consummate professional, Tim made the most of a bad situation and convinced four of the six to commit to a somewhat more realistic career in balloon art, and the other two to run for public office.
I was on the verge of declaring "Minnie's Mighty Magic News.com" the unanamous winner for 2005, but upon hearing of Tim's plight, I rethought my decision and decided to honor the man the Watertown Police Dept. described as " more nervous than a clam at low tide".... the irrepressible Tim Quinlan !
I spent a couple of days in Columbia S.C. recently, and had the opportunity to sit down with Tim in the lobby of the beautiful Marriott hotel. Despite his terrible ordeal in Ohio, I couldn't understand how I continued to receive a new, information-filled issue of my favorite news source every three days. Every time I asked, Tim countered with a typical in-depth answer...
Rick: "Tell me Tim, how'd you do it..?"
Tim: "Well Rick, that's like asking how many data base people does it take to change a light bulb.. Three of course: One to write the light bulb removal program, one to write the light bulb insertion program, and one to act as a light bulb administrator to make sure nobody else tries to change the light bulb at the same time..."
Rick: "But Tim, I don't see the connection..."
Tim: "Again Rick, the connection is metaphorically perfect.. That's like asking how many existentialists does it take to screw in a light bulb..."
I hate it when I'm faced with really big words I don't know the meaning of..
Rick: " Existentialist... that's sort of like a former mentalist, isn't it?
Tim: " Rick, your lights are flashing, your gates down, but your train ain't coming, dude .... Everyone privy to real inside magic knows it takes two existentialists... One to screw it in and one to observe how the light bulb itself symbolizes a single incandescent beacon of subjective reality in a netherworld of endless absurdity reaching out toward a maudlin cosmos of nothingness.... "
Rick: "Oh, I get it... It had something to do with working at the speed of light, right..? "
Tim: " No. Wrong again, dough boy.. Surely you were raised by Democrats. Surely you know that it takes one Democrat to change a light bulb, six to talk about how wonderful it's going to be when the new bulb is screwed in, and ten to argue for increased funding for solar lighting research.."
Rick: " Tim, I know you're the editor of the most dependable source for reviews, magic news, and interviews on the web, but I'm not a Democrat.. never been a Democrat, and you still haven't answered my question, good buddy.."
Tim: " Look Rick, I love you like a step-brother, but you're about as dense as the southern border.. You don't have to be a Democrat to understand my light bulb analogy. Are you Republican? Even Republicans can understand the connection between my answer and your question. In fact, it takes as many Republicans to change a light bulb as you have questions.. Twelve to investigate Clinton's involvement in the failure of the old bulb, 23 to de-regulate the light bulb industry, and 51 to pass a tax credit for light bulb changes - and the perpetual care of old fools like you who ask too many questions..."
At that point I realized U2 and I were in the same boat.. We still hadn't found what we were looking for..
I don't know.. maybe it's just me, but I got the impression Tim didn't want me to know the true inner workings of Quinlan's Inside Magic. Maybe he was being evasive, or maybe he was being straight-up.. and I didn't have the mental proclivity to keep up with the best magic writer on the face of the earth.
Regardless, I don't understand how Santa Claus manages to deliver toys to homes around the world in one night either.. I just know he does... and that's good enough for me..
My gosh.. It's all I can do to furnish you guys with a couple of links to other sites, not to compare with the extensive narrative Tim squeezes into every story - regardless of the drastic situation he may find himself confronted with...
Discover why Mr. Quinlan has my vote for "Best Magic Writer on the Web" and "Best News Source on the Web."
http://www.insidemagic.com
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TikiMagic - Free Magic Videos
Here's four really nice video's detailing four different card tricks you can watch without downloading anything. You will need something like the free Windows Movie Player to view the videos. (link provided)..
Where Dit Go, Mind Merge, Don't Do It, and Conscientious Objector are each nice effects that don't require conplicated sleights. Watch the performances by clicking on the images, then, learn the secret by clicking the links to the right of the images..
I've featured these tricks in Magic Roadshow in the past, but I feel they deserve to be watched again. If you folks are anything at all like me, you watch an effect, tell yourself you're going to learn it... and then forget about it..
I do that all the time. I've had the opportunity recently to sit and watch a couple of dvd's I purchased last year. A trick will play and I'm telling myself " hey, I was going to learn that last year..! "
Don't wait until I'm forced to run these tricks a third time...
http://www.tikimagic.com/free.html
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Demotivators
I want to thank my friend John Kinde ( http://www.humorpower.com ) for providing this link. It has absolutely nothing to do with magic... and everything to do with you as a person and a performer..
Here's a little something to help you overcome the winter blues...
"AT DESPAIR, INC., we believe motivational products create unrealistic expectations, raising hopes only to dash them. That’s why we created our soul-crushingly depressing Demotivators® designs, so you can skip the delusions that motivational products induce and head straight for the disappointments that follow!"
http://www.despair.com/viewall.html
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Mindbender
Tired of bending forks? Borrow a deck of cards. Ask the spectator to pick out any card from the deck. It does not matter which.
You can barely even touch the card as it is placed on the back of your hand.
As you stare at the card intently you will draw your middle finger across the length of the card from a few inches above - at no time do you touch the card. Slowly, at first almost imperceptibly, the card begins to bend upward.
The only way a card can bend normally is for a person to apply pressure to the edges and actually bend it, but at no time does this happen. You. Don't. Touch. The. Card.
They see it happen. It happens before their eyes as the seconds tick by. They can stare at the card until their blood runs cold and they won't know what happened.
Watch the video..
http://www.ellusionist.com
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The Tax Magician
It's that time again, folks. Time to take perfectly good money and send it to a bureaucracy who doesn't have a clue what to do with it...
As a magician, do you know how to deduct the business use of your home? Business expenses, self-employment taxes, travel, entertainment, gift and car expenses? Do you know how to estimate your taxes?
What about setting up your bookkeeping and record keeping and correcting previous years tax returns?
Steve Snyder makes his living helping magicians and performers like yourself minimize their tax liability and put more money in their pocket..
Steve will send you several free reports simply for the asking.. I got them last year, and they were well worth the small investment in time it took me to send for them...
http://www.thetaxmagician.com/
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Blaine and Angel Together
For all you David Blaine and Criss Angel fans, here's an eight minute video of the two performing some of their more popular effects. Some of the clips were taken directly from their shows, and others appear to be out-takes that were not run on their tv specials as well as a couple of stage performances...
Thanks to Meta Cafe for the video..
http://tinyurl.com/bwk5n
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Card Tricks
Card Tricks is an off-spring of PokerChipTricks, and will feature both tricks with photo's and tricks with videos. Most of the tricks at the moment are more flourishes than tricks, but that's OK with me.. since I'm not the most nimble-fingered guy in the world and I can use all the help I can get....
To quote from their site:
"Card Tricks is now live and hopes to become the site you visit when you’d like to learn how to perform different tricks with a regular deck of playing cards. For the initial launch there are seven tricks on the site, but I hope to get a lot more added in the coming weeks. All of the first seven card tricks are neat looking things to do with a deck of cards and many of them with one hand.
In the future the site should get updated with different types of card tricks which involve magic and/or math. Here is a list of the first tricks:
Dealer Shuffle, Bridge Shuffle, From the Top, Front to Back Cut, One Handed Twirl Cut, One Handed Lift Split Cut, One Handed Drop Cut.. "
http://pokerchiptricks.com/cardtricks/
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My loving wife, Carolyn, pointed out to me the other day the primary difference between me and a government bond... It seems government bonds eventually mature and earn money...
Oh well... she just doesn't understand the life of a devoted magician.
I hope you've found something in this issue to help your routine in a good way. If you have something you would like to share with other magicians, please send it to rick(at)magicroadshow.com and I'll gladly give you a platform to share your work with others, literally, around the world. Don't worry about grammar and spelling.. I'll take care of that.
Please visit Magic Bullets - the blog at: http://www.streetmagic.info/blogger.html
Also, stop by Street Magic. info and see what's new: http://www.streetmagic.info
May my next issue find you well...
Rick Carruth / editor
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