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Magic Roadshow May 2nd, 2007 Issue # 70 Rick Carruth / editor (C)2007 All Rights Reserved Worldwide Street Magic's #1 free newsletter for magicians, street performers, restaurant workers, close-up artists, and mentalists, with subscribers in over seventy countries worldwide. _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Hi All
Welcome to another issue of the Magic Roadshow, a publication of StreetMagic.info, Google's #1 Street Magic site in the World. Now that I've succeeded in patting myself on the back, we can get on with the Really Important stuff, like saying "WELCOME" to all the subscribers who have signed up since the last issue. Subscribers are the Heart and Soul of the Roadshow, because without you there wouldn't BE a Roadshow. I hope each of you, new and old, find something you can take from this issue to make your magical journey more rewarding.. Comments, Suggestions, Criticisms, Rants and Raves ... EMAIL ME It's been another busy week in my corner of the world. So much to do.. so little time. Starting tomorrow, the little wife and I are headed to Myrtle Beach for a few days. She wants to lay in the sun and I want to visit my friends at four great magic shops in the area. I was in Myrtle Beach last week on business and managed to find time to stop and see Mr. Jim Lee and Mr. McTaggart at their shop in the huge indoor Myrtle Beach Flea Market, and Ron Conley at his great shop at Barefoot Landing. It's always a treat for me, as I don't have a magic shop in my immediate area.. I have a special treat for you guys and ladies this week. I've managed to gain access to about seven hours of Derren Brown video, via Google. For those of us who don't live in the UK, this should prove to be quite rewarding. I realize not all of us are 'mentalists', but that's OK.. I honestly think there is much to be learned that has the potential to add to your magic repertoire, regardless of your field. Don't watch the video's thinking of Derren as an illusionists or a mentalists. Watch thinking of him as a former magician who is now a successful 'entertainer', much like David Blaine. Let's get on with it.. -------------- In This Issue -------------- (01) Derren Brown - 7 Hours of Video (02) Simon Singh - A different perspective (03) Smoking Fingers - Video (04) Bill Switch - Video (05) Aldo Colombini - Unique Marketing Idea (06) Criss Angel's New Book (07) How To Shuffle - Picture Tutorial (08) Card Superstitions - Having a run of (bad) Luck? (09) Magic Gopher - Online effect (10) The Rules of Magic - Lucas Da Silva "One man's "magic" is another man's engineering. "Supernatural" is a null word." Robert A. Heinlein (American science-fiction Writer, 1907-1988) _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Derren Brown - 7 Hours of Video Derren Brown, love him or hate him, is one of the top magic-related performers in the world. Regardless of your opinion of Derren and his various stunts, performances, and demonstrations.. he has solidly carved a niche for his work in Great Britain and very soon will probably do the same in the United States.. More on this later.. Although many would classify his performances as psychological illusions, if you take a CLOSE look at many of his effects you can clearly see the 'magic' influences at work. In fact, I personally feel that Derren is much closer related to a stage magician than a mentalist-hypnotist, based on the actual techniques he uses to achieve many of his effects. Regardless of the techniques used, the question is.. how entertaining is his work? You must look at a performers popularity to help determine whether or not he is successful. Same holds true for David Blaine and Criss Angel. You may not agree with some of their techniques, but it's hard to ignore their influence. Derren Brown IS going to influence a large number of performers for years to come. He has created what one might call 'a new wind '.. and the key is to remember is that, although we can't change the wind, we can certainly adjust our sails.. --------------------------- "Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see." -Arthur Schopenhauer "Different is not necessarily better but better is always different." -Hugh Lendrum ---------------------------- Born in Croydon, South London, on February 27th, 1971, Derren began his career as a magician, in the classical sense, around 1994, and within a few short years turned his interest to hypnosis, performing under the stage name of Darren V. Brown. Wikipedia reports that a friendship with famous mentalist Ian Roland led Derren to pursue his particular style of psychological illusion / mentalism / mind control. In a relatively short time he was offered the chance to record the first of many TV shows and specials.. "Mind Control".. Rather than trying to re-write this large section of text relating to Derren and his performances, I'm going to paraphrase from a very detailed entry in Wikipedia ( http://www.wikipedia.com ) under a 'Derren Brown'search.. --------------- Simon Singh argues that many of Brown's routines are standard magic tricks, and that no suggestion, hypnosis or other 'mind control' techniques are actually used in his performances, and has criticised him for making the viewer believe otherwise. By Derren's own admission, he uses "magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship". On Brown's television and live shows he often appears to show the audience how a particular effect was used - often by placing words or pictures into a subject's mind with subliminal gestures or language. Singh's suggestion is that it is these explanations which are at the very heart of Brown's misdirection, that, by making the audience feel it knows how the trick is being achieved, he is able to hide the true methods by which the magical effects are created." Some of Derren's mentalistic tricks are variations on classic tricks. In an episode of the Trick of the Mind television series Brown performed one of his personal innovations; a spectator piled pictures of people into two piles, after which Brown showed that the two piles had been separated into pictures of dead and alive people, respectively. This technique is simply a variation of the classic card trick invented by Paul Curry called 'Out of This World', where the spectator unknowingly separates a deck of cards into red and black piles. Derren hinted to this at the end of the routine by thanking his spectator with the phrase: "That was out of this world". Brown carefully claims that no actors or stooges are used in filming, although there are many who have serious doubts. Either way, this is one point that would be extremely difficult to prove one way or the other. In Derren's book 'Tricks of the Mind', he writes 'I am often dishonest in my techniques, but always honest about my dishonesty. As I say in each show, "I mix magic, suggestion, psychology, misdirection and showmanship". I happily admit cheating, as it's all part of the game. I hope some of the fun for the viewer comes from not knowing what's real and what isn't. I am an entertainer first and foremost, and I am careful not to cross any moral line that would take me into manipulating people's real-life decisions or belief systems'. Others accuse Brown of unfairly claiming to use NLP, a hypnotic technique, whenever he performs. In reply Derren writes "The truth is I have never mentioned it". Beginning on July 25, 2007, the US based Sci Fi Channel will show six one hour episodes of a series with the working title "The Derren Brown Project". We do not know much about the content of the shows, other than journalists in New York at the press announcement were shown preview clips of Brown "manipulating human behavior". Sci Fi's own press release describes the show as an "original US produced version", which doesn't answer the question of whether the show will feature new or re-edited material. ---------------------------- I've secured Google Video links to numerous Derren Brown productions, thanks entirely to my friend Steve ( howdoidisconnect ), who was gracious enough to share these links with you and I. They are in no particular order, and represent a good cross-section of Derren's work not normally available in the US... Many of these videos are almost an hour long, so I would bookmark each one and watch them at your pleasure.. - Enjoy - ------------------ Derren Brown 2 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7682449756678501045&hl=en Russian roulette http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5633486654143498106&hl=en Seance http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=697598565731532025&hl=en The Heist http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6391870070680580544&hl=en Messiah http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1258592542461516992&hl=en Something Wicked This Way Comes http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1402638741983898688&hl=en Winning at Blackjack http://digg.com/videos/educational/Derren_Brown_Winning_at_Blackjack_Memory_Trick_Explained ==================== Simon Singh - A different perspective Notice the name 'Simon Singh' in the above article about Derren Brown? I suppose if Derren has a true nemesis, it's Simon.. As a writer for the UK's Daily Telegraph, Simon published an interesting article related to Derren and his magic called " Spectacular Psychology or Silly Psycho-babble?" "Derren Brown is one of the biggest TV sensations of the year, and now he is bringing his amazing mind control to the West End. But is he a genius of psychology or merely a skilled magician?" Read both articles to get a different perspective of Derren Brown. I am presenting these articles so I can retain my claim of being "fair and balanced", just like FOX News ... http://www.simonsingh.com/Derren_Brown_Article.html Derren Brown Q&A http://www.simonsingh.com/Derren_FAQ.html ==================== Smoking Fingers - Video Here's an interesting video that demonstrates how you can make smoke appear from your fingertips. Although I've never tried it, I have read something very similar in an older magic book that detailed what the video shows. I would like for someone to email me and let me know what degree of success you have with this technique.. http://www.hallpass.com/media/smokingfingersrevealed.html ==================== Bill Switch There are many different bill switches out there, and many are very similar to what you see demonstrated here. It's always good to watch a creditable video of a do-able bill switch, as this is one effect that I wouldn't attempt to describe in print. Some things are just better learned visually.. http://www.hallpass.com/media/convert5to20revealed.html ==================== Aldo Colombini Aside from being one of the most respected magicians performing today, Aldo Colombini is a genuinely nice guy. So nice, in fact, that he is doing something no mainstream magician has ever done before, to my knowledge.. Aldo owns the rights to his videos, dvd's, and effects. He has decided to forego the middlemen of magic and offer his fans a very unusual deal, no doubt. You can now go to Aldo's site and purchase anything he has in stock, dvd's and all, for ten dollars each.. This is NOT an ad for Aldo. I do not get a commission. I DO get the satisfaction of introducing you to one of the truly great deals in all of magic.. I, and many other magicians, will be very interested in finding out how Aldo's 'experiment' works out. If he's successful, look for a number of other renown magicians to follow suit.. http://www.wildcolombini.com/ ==================== Criss Angel's New Book - MINDFREAKS Well, the cat's out of the bag. Criss Angel has finally revealed all his secrets. OK, maybe not.. But he did released his new book ' MINDFREAKS - Secret Revelations' this past week, and his fans are clamoring for it. Honestly, I can't say that I'll buy a copy.. but then again the last magic-related biography I bought was of Harry Houdini, at a used book sale for Friends of the Library.. I'm not making a recommendation one way or the other, as I said, I haven't read it.. But I will make a link to Amazon available to anyone who wants to check it out.. To quote from the publisher: "This first ever memoir by Criss Angel is a look into Criss' thoughts, dreams, imagination and deep devotion to his craft and the pursuit of perfections, in all he's done and continues to do. The book traces his history, starting with his life growing up in Long Island, New York and following his path of hard work and encouragement from his parents to reach his current success in the world of mysticism." Some of the highlights include: -Criss revealing the secrets his 40 favorite amazing MINDFREAKS (close-up magic).. -A behind-the-scenes look at what goes into his performances on television, stage, and in public amongst thousands of on-looking spectators. -Detailed descriptions of how he imagined and created some of his groundbreaking shows. -Criss uncensored opinions of his fellow magicians and their place in the current climate of entertainment. -Ideas for illusions and demonstrations that are currently being researched and developed. -Personal, unique twists Criss adds to each demonstration to impart his signature essence. ===================== How to Shuffle - Tutorial You can't be a competent magician without the ability to shuffle. Most effects begin with a deck being shuffled, and the first impression you give your spectator/audience is one of whether or not you look 'comfortable' with a deck of cards. A special Thanks to Tim Ryerson for putting together this tutorial.. This tutorial is very thorough and doesn't require any complex graphics to view.. The Overhand Shuffle - This is the shuffle used by most people. A good simple, lazy, sloppy shuffle. The Hindu Shuffle - A simple, quick and very elegant shuffle. One of my personal favourites. The Weave Shuffle - A very simple shuffle to perform and for those yet to master the riffle shuffle. The Riffle Shuffle - This is a great way to shuffle cards and not as difficult as it looks. The Table Riffle Shuffle - This is easier than the in the hands riffle shuffle, yet just as effective and elegant. The Strip Shuffle - Also known as running cuts and is a great finish for the table riffle shuffle. Check it out at.. http://www.pokerology.com/articles/howtoshuffle.htm ===================== Card Superstitions Ever had a run of bad luck with the cards? Like virtually every aspect of life itself, cards are not immune from superstitions. I've listed a number of absolutely true statements that are guaranteed to change your luck at the card table... maybe.. ---------- -If you have had a run of bad cards it is said to change your luck if you lay your handkerchief flat upon your chair and sit on it. -Change the run of the cards by turning your chair around three times or walk round it three times. -It's good luck is to blow through the cards when they are being shuffled. -The luckiest seat in the game is the one which faces the door; the most unlucky one is that which has its back to the fire-place. -When cutting the cards, if you turn up a deuce of any suit, it's good luck. -If two packs of cards are used and you are asked with which you wish to deal, always choose the one farthest away from you. -The most unlucky card to hold in one's hand is the four of clubs. -When changing seats at the table you should always move in a clockwise direction; that is, from right to left. -Never pick up your cards with your left hand, or one card at a time. -It is very unlucky to sit cross-legged when playing cards. -If your partner should lose a game or a trick, never say "Bad luck", or your luck will not change. -Having a dog in the room while playing cards is said to cause disputes. -Friday is a bad day for card playing, while any thirteenth day of the month is considered unlucky. -Playing cards on a table without a table-cloth is unlucky. -If you lend money during play you will lose; If your borrow money during play, you will win. -A sure-fire way to make someone win at cards is to stick a pin in their coat. -Dropping a card on the floor while playing is a bad sign. -If you sing while playing cards - your side will lose. -Don't play at a table with a cross-eyed man whether he is your partner or opponent; you will lose. "So, if you're sitting cross-legged in a chair backing to a fire place, singing a little song as you hold a four of clubs on a Friday, and a cross-eyed man with a pin in his coat and a dog at his side wants to borrow some money from you, a situation that has happened to me many times, politely get up from the table and find yourself another game... IMHO" Editor ===================== VodaHost Yes, I've done my fair share of marketing, and No, I'm not going to turn this newsletter into a marketing rag.. But, some things really ARE useful to some magicians. I've had some truly poor experiences with hosting companies that support my various web sites. Working hard to get your site up and indexed in the search engines, and then having to take it down and move it to a new server, which will cost you dearly with the search engines, can be a disheartening task.. The only solution is to begin your adventure by hosting your site(s) on a first-class server from day one.. If you're like me, it has to be really affordable. And it has to have the ability to allow me to host numerous web sites on the same accout without any additional expenses. And it has to have ALL the features you would expect, and then some.. There are only three web hosting companies in the world I would recommend to my friends and family. Feature-wise, this is number one.. http://www.301url.com/vodahost =================== Magic Gopher Thanks to my friend, Jim Canaday ( http://mysite.verizon.net/jhcanaday/ ) for the link to this magic site. I always enjoy the sites that feature interactive flash magic, particularly if they're well done.. Many of us have seen sites that are similar or feature a similar effect, but that doesn't take away from the work that was put into this one.. http://www.learnenglish.org.uk/games/magic-gopher-central.swf ===================== The Rules Of Magic By Lucas Da Silva Magic is all about performance and creativity, so the rules of magic are extremely limited. But having said that, it's vital that you follow the rules that do exist, as they're designed to maintain the mystery and credibility of magic. Break one of the four rules that follow and you'll waste the hours of practice that you've put in to perfect the tricks that you perform. Oh yes, hours of practice are required to make magic tricks look convincing. That's the fourth rule of magic, but we'll come to that in a moment. 1) A Magician Never Reveals How A Trick Is Done If you do a trick well, people will ask you how you did it. It's guaranteed. But a magician never tells, because the moment someone knows how a trick is done, the mystery vanishes. So resist the temptation to spill the beans. If necessary, perform another trick to take the pressure off, because the moment people know your secret, the time you took to learn the trick is effectively wasted. There is of course one exception to the rule. If you know someone who is genuinely interested in performing magic, and you can trust them not to spread the secret, give them all the encouragement that they need. After all, new generations of magicians need to learn otherwise the secret of magic would die out. 2) Find The Right Audience Your magic will have the greatest effect when you find the right audience. If people aren't in the right frame of mind your efforts will be lost on them. So don't just accost people at random and start showing them card tricks. The best situation is when people ask you to show them some magic. And once you find the right audience, don't hit them with trick after trick after trick. If you do that, they'll lose interest and the magical effect will be lost. It's a fundamental rule of showbusiness - Always leave your audience wanting more. That's what creates part of the mystery that surrounds magicians. It's just a case of learning when to stop, as some people have more of an appetite for magic than others. 3) Quality Is Far More Important Than Quantity Who cares whether you can do 100 or 200 tricks! Most people aren't ever likely to see you performing more than handful of different tricks. So focus on a few of your favorite tricks and learn them to perfection. Think about it. Would you rather see an amazing trick performed perfectly or a string of average tricks? Just remember - A trick that isn't perfect isn't magic. 4) Practice, Practice, Practice You've just learnt a new trick and you're keen to see what type of reaction it creates. But if you really want to amaze people with your magic, don't even think about showing anyone until you can perform it perfectly every time. And that means hours and hours of practice! In fact some of the more complex, and therefore more spectacular tricks, might take weeks or even months of practice to get right. And once a trick is perfect, practice some more. Let's face it, if you perform a trick before you're ready, people will see through it and you'll compromise all the hours that you've already spent learning how to do it. So remain patient and keep practicing. And when you finally pull the wraps off your latest trick it will be worthy of the name, magic. Lucas Da Silva runs SuperMagicTricks.com. For free information on a wide range of amazing magic tricks, visit http://www.SuperMagicTricks.com. ==================== Sometime in the next week or so I'm going to make it really easy for you to contribute to the Roadshow, and in the progress, I'm going to make it worth your while.. More later.. Thanks for being a friend of the Magic Roadshow! I'll see you in two weeks.. Questions, comments, rants or raves... EMAIL ME ----------------- Remember to visit some of my other sites at: http://www.StreetMagic.info http://www.MagicRoadshow.com http://www.Mentalists.info http://www.StreetMagicSecrets.info http://www.StreetMagic.info/blogger.html http://www.MadMarketing101.com ----------------------- May my next issue find you well .. Rick Carruth / editor ============================= |
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