Magic Roadshow

Hi All

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday Season. My wife and I certainly did, and I'm so thankful for the Blessing's 2007 brought and the Hope 2008 holds...

Here's a heartfelt WELCOME to all the new subscribers who so generously signed up since our last issue. I hope each issue offers something to help you with your magic. If I can assist you in any way, let me know.

I don't know if this is the first issue of 2008, or the last issue of 2007.. Either way, this is definitely one of the more 'eclectic' issues I've published. Although the Magic Roadshow is about magic, I enjoy taking an occasional detour with some of the resources, and publishing something slightly off-the-wall. Sometimes it's these resources that garner the most atention..

"Man does not live by magic alone..."

Since this is my last issue of 2007 I want to take a moment too, to thank every one of you who has taken time from your busy schedules to write kind and way-to-generous emails to the Roadshow. I read every one, and appreciate every one, as it lets me know what you liked, or didn't.. Stay in touch.

Comments, Requests, Rants and Raves... EMAIL ME
 

On with the (Road)show...

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In This Issue
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.: We Are Professionals.

"It requires absolute bull-dog tenacity, and a rock-solid backbone to do what we do!”

We are full time entertainers. Not just any type of entertainer, oh no. We are professional, full time magicians & illusionists. When most people hear this (depending on where you grew up and how), the ‘standard perception´ is a man in his mid to upper fifty´s dressed in tails, white gloves, top hat (to produce rabbits from) and a cane.

It is typical from “well meaning” people to make statements such as …”We would love it and it will be fun to have you come to our party. There will be plenty of children there and this will be the perfect place for you to practice your magic tricks.”

To this we have been known to respond in several ways, but one which grabs their ear the most is “(Name), what is it you said you do for a livelihood?”

They state what they do as their full time profession and we reply.

“Oh, a lawyer. Now if I was to call and invite you to a party we are hosting and in the same breath state, since you are a lawyer, this will be a great place for you to practice your law knowledge (I know several people who have legal questions for you). I know this is your time off, but it will be great exposure for you and once everyone sees how good you really are… people will call to hire you.”

“Oh, a factory laborer, Now if I was to call and invite you to a party we are hosting and in the same breath state, since you are a wage employee, this will be a great place for you to practice your nine to five job knowledge (after all we need help setting up and taking down the party). I know this is your time off, but it will be great exposure for you and once everyone sees how good you really are… people will call to hire you.”

“Oh, a doctor, Now if I was to call and invite you to a party we are hosting and in the same breath state, since you are a doctor, this will be a great place for you to practice your medical knowledge (I have been having this cough lately - - bring your bag of medical gear). I know this is your time off, but it will be great exposure for you and once everyone sees how good you really are… people will call to hire you.”

“Oh, a construction worker, Now if I was to call and invite you to a party we are hosting and in the same breath state, since you are an all-around fix-it-up person, this will be a great place for you to practice your production knowledge (Our kitchen has a leak in the ceiling). I know this is your time off, but it will be great exposure for you and once everyone sees how good you really are… people will call to hire you.”

“Oh, a (insert any profession here), Now if I was to call and invite you to a party we are hosting and in the same breath state, since you are a (___________), this will be a great place for you to practice your (_________) knowledge. I know this is your time off, but it will be great exposure for you and once everyone sees how good you really are… people will call to hire you.”

We hope you realize from the examples above how peculiar this ‘standard´ statement is to us, as full time professional entertainers.

Another point to ponder is derived from two statements we hear often from family and friends:

1. “Are you still doing the ‘magic´ thing?”

2. “When are you going to get a real job?”

“Are we ‘still´ doing the ‘magic´ thing?” Hummmm, let´s reword your statement, by bringing this into your world.

-“Are you ‘still´ doing the ‘law´ thing?”
-“Are you ‘still´ doing the ‘medical´ thing?”
-“Are you ‘still´ doing the ‘building´ thing?”
-“Are you ‘still´ doing the ‘factory´ thing?”
-“Are you ‘still´ doing the ‘(insert any profession here)´ thing?”

“When are you going to get a real job?” Again, let´s reword your statement, by asking a question. What is a ‘real´ job?

Let us tackle the first question. “Are you still doing the ‘magic´ thing?”

To you it is considered a ‘thing´, what separates what we do from what you do on a weekly basis? Does what we do for a full time living make you un-comfortable because this is not what you perceive as the ‘norm´? Or could it be, you have never given the time to really investigate by asking us what we do on a daily basis and/or come to our public performances and or run with us for one day (like an intern)?

Fact: Did you know we are often asked and actively attend career days in schools just like other professionals with ‘real´ jobs do?

Is your definition of getting a ‘real´ job:

-Working in an office for many hours each day.
-Answering the phone.
-Making cold calls.
-Running errands.
-Drinking coffee to stay awake.
-Attempting to dominate your market, by staying ahead of your perceived competitors.
-Driving in traffic to get you your next appointment early.
-Preparing for an upcoming event.
-Invoicing customers and settling accounts due and or payable.
-Getting your web site ranked on the first two pages of Google, month after month.
-Setting meetings whether they are in office, on the road or conference calls.
-Emailing potential clients, creating strategic marketing and sales campaigns.
-Hand writing thank you cards to your customers.
-Getting your deposits into your business account before the bank closes.
-Taking care of tech issue - - computers, cell phones, etc. . . .

And many more professional business tasks like this?

If you answered yes to any or all of these…then by your own admission, we have a ‘real´ job!!! This and more is what we do on a daily basis, six days per week…often earlier than nine and much later than five.

Note: By your own definition, maybe your statement “When are you going to get a ‘real´ job?” is only defined by the amount of money one earns. If this is the case, many people do not have a real job. Yet, if we can pay our bills and live what we consider a comfortable lifestyle and this is what we choose, be happy for us…like we are happy for you…after all like us, you too have a ‘real´ job!

Finally, another statement which is often spoken by the majority of people who are not truly educated in the art form of magic. The statement is, “oh, I wish the children/grandchildren were here”.

When you take a journey into the history of magical performers, you will discover how in times past magicians were not defined as children´s entertainers. Magi were often hired by the affluent (the top echelon, royalty, dignitaries, Etc.). Through your studies you too will find it is true the richistan of society were the clients of magicians.

Note: If we specialized in children´s entertainment (and there is nothing wrong with this at all), this would be a valid statement, but when we state, “We are full time corporate magicians” and to this someone responds with “oh, I wish the children/grandchildren were here”. Immediately we know this is an un-informed individual.

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"Written by David Breth & Lindy Scarborough, (Traveling from our native state of Maryland, we perform approximately 350 shows each year nationwide.) ... We are the full time performing duo of Dave & Lindy. We own an entertainment company called MAGICTAINMENT. Professional Entertainers Specializing in Creating a Fun Captivating Atmosphere for Corporate Luncheons, Trade Show Exhibiters, Private House Parties and Other Events Which Need Personalized Entertainment Experts who are "shattering the standard perception of magicians."
http://www.magictainmentshow.com -or- Call Us @ 443.490.1334

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.: True Story..

While performing in a restaurant some time back, I performed a little 'move' that is one of my favorite.. I dropped the centavos that comes with the Scotch and Soda effect into the back pants pocket of a gentleman who got up from a table and was headed to the restroom. I've found that if I position myself properly between a customers table and wherever they're headed, I can gently 'bumb' into them, then put my hand on their shoulder and offer an apology while dropping the centavos into a pocket. I've actually dropped it into shirt pockets, jacket pockets, front pants pockets, as well as my favorite rear pants pocket.

On this occasion, it was the rear pants pocket that seemed most approachable. I did my dirty work, and then watched for my victim to return to his table.

As soon as he returned, I made my way to their table, begin a little small talk, and asked the gentleman to examine a genuine fifty cent piece I handed to him.. I didn't ask permission, lest I risk him saying 'no', and I'm out a centavos..

After he examined the fifty cent piece I handed him a centavos and asked him to examine it as well. When he returned it, I substituted the centavos for the gaffed centavos and a quarter needed to make everything magical. I asked him to extent his hand, went through my patter, placed the centavos ( covering the quarter) and then the fifty cent piece in his palm, asked him to close his palm around the coins and put both hands under the table.

After asking him to put one coin in one hand and the other in another, I asked him to hand me the fifty cent piece, which he easily did. Then, I asked for the smaller centavos.. and watched the surprise on both his and his wife's faces as he opened his other hand, producing a quarter that had been concealed under the centavos in his palm..

Now, all this is fairly amazing to laypeople, but the real kicker is when they ask.. " what happened to the Mexican coin?", and I reply.. " check your pants pockets.."

Usually, they will find the centavos after I direct them toward the correct pocket. The amazement is Real..
But on this particular night, after searching through his front and back pockets, he couldn't find the coin. I knew for a fact I had dropped it into his right back pants pocket, so I asked him to double check, and he did, and still no coin..

I saw him take a wallet out of the back pocket, so I knew that there was a possiblilty the coin had fallen into the wallet. " Sir, would you have a look in your wallet.."

He did.. and still no coin. He showed me his open wallet as if to confirm that he was telling the truth. I took a chance and said " Keep looking..". He then opened the bill section of his wallet, and there, among the ten and twenty dollar bills, was a Centavos...

He was shocked. His wife was shocked. I was shocked. ( although I didn't show it..)

Sometimes magic 'happens'.. Not just 'normal' magic, but SPECIAL magic - magic that can't be duplicated or defined.

He knew that there was no way I could have removed his wallet, placed a centavos in the bill section , and then placed the wallet back in his pocket. Yet there was no other possible explaination. Fortunately for me, when I dropped the centavos into the back pocket it not only fell into the pocket, but into his wallet, and not simply into his wallet.. but into the note section of his wallet - buried among his paper money.

This is what I want from YOU... I want YOUR 'special magic moment'. I want you to write me and send me you 'perfect storm'..

Don't worry about your spelling or your English.. I don't. Just send me your story, and I'll take care of the rest. Your moment may be magical, it may be embarrassing, it may be dumbfounding... it doesn't matter. The only requirement is that it be something your not afraid to share with a few other magicians, worldwide..

EMAIL ME

Thanks to Carson at- http://www.instantmagicshop.com/ - for the suggestion..

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.: The Magic Portal

My buddy, Jim Canaday, publishes the Magic Portal. A 'magic portal' is similar to a 'magic roadshow', in that both are methods of getting from the real world into a magical world with a minimum of effort.

The Magic Portal, as a website, publishes dozens and dozens of magic resources stockpiled by Jim. He has links to places I've never heard of.. If you enjoy the resources published by the Roadshow, then you'll love the many resources published in the Magic Portal.

The only downside is... I frequently lift resources from the Magic Portal and publish them in the Magic Roadshow. So, for those of you who thought I endlessly scoured the web for all the magic resources published in the Roadshow.. now you know the 'Rest of the Story..'

I get help... and now you can get a 'sneak peak' at one of my top resources. Explore categories like:

Cards - Coins - Gamb'ling - History - Carney - Magazines - Blogs - Podcast - and numerous others...
 
Go ahead - bookmark it, and go back and visit frequently, just as I do. If you have a love of magic like Jim and myself, you'll discover a treasure chest of magic lore at the Magic Portal.

    
http://mysite.verizon.net/jhcanaday/

( Editors note.. the resource below is an excellent example of a link I 'borrowed' from Jim...)
 
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.: Jason Randall - Renaissance Magician

Aside from being David Letterman's favorite magician, Jason Randall is an all-round nice guy. I've watch him perform on Letterman's show on several occasions, and never fail to enjoy his magic. Although I can generally pick up on what he's doing, that's OK, because the audience doesn't.. and thats what counts..

Watching Jason perform is like watching a teaching video. He uses double lifts, palms cards, performs a pass every now and again, and observes all the basic rules of magic. His laugh and manner is infectious, and his performances will probably give you a chance to learn a new effect, as performed by a genuine renaissance man..

Jason holds a Ph.D in social psychology, perfect for performing feats of magic, generally card effect, for the public. He is also a member of MENSA, plays five musical instruments, and has recorded six CD's.. all original works.. Fluent in three languages, Jason has authored three books, published numerous magazine articles, is a licensed locksmith, a NAUI scuba instructor, a board certified master hypnotherapist, and worked for ten years as a special effects technician and a Hollywood stuntman, having doubled for Eric Estrada on the CHiPS TV series and eleven films including Officer and a Gentleman, The Fugitives, Tequila Sunrise, and Pretty Woman.

If all that wasn't enough, Jason holds an airline pilot's license, and is a certificated gold seal and master flight instructor for both helicopters and airplanes."

And if you don't think this funny little guy is tough, he instructed for six years for the Chuck Norris Karate Schools and currently holds a seventh degree black belt, and has been prominently featured in Karate Illustrated, Fighting Stars, and Black Belt Magazines. Jason also spent five years as a Los Angeles Sheriff's deputy and academy drill instructor.

In his spare time, Jason is a licensed general building contractor, having designed and built a unique granite house on his ranch outside of Yosemite National Park.

And, of course, Jason Randal is a magician...

As a consultant, he brings a unique approach and skill set to corporate America. His close up magic shows combined with a comedic and fast paced mentalism show amazes his core clientele of senior level executives with Fortune 500 companies.

"With over a hundred television appearances, he´s a favorite of both David Letterman and Ellen DeGeneres. On stage, Randal has opened for comedians Jerry Seinfeld, Don Rickles, and Dennis Miller, musical acts including Glenn Frey, The Four Tops, and The Temptations, and has performed before twelve heads of state including the last five US presidents."

Whew..!

As a visitor to Jason's site you can watch video's of six different Dave Letterman appearances, three different Ellen DeGeneres shows, A Stage Performance Sample, Memory Seminar Sample, an appearance on
Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and an appearance on Last Call with Carson Daly.. Every appearance is entertaining and serves as a great example of what it takes, personality wise, to appease the wishes of the talk show circuit.. My only problem with Jason's site - I wish the video's would load a little faster. Other than that, I think you will both enjoy and profit from a visit with Jason Randall..

http://www.jasonrandall.com
  

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.: Free Magic eBook

Discover the Magic Tricks and Secrets of professionals in the privacy and comfort of your own home, and get a free magic ebook in the process..

http://www.301url.com/procourse (AD)

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.: Effective Mentalism - Video Tutorial

How do you get an audience member to correctly predict the name of an item you have concealed in an envelope? Easy... if you know the secret.

Produce a long list of items and let the spectator direct you to the exact name of the item in the envelope, proving that you knew all along which item they would pick.

All that's required is a little 'slickness' on your part - A move that the audience will NOT detect, if you perform it as shown.

http://streetmagic.info/2008/01/simple-but-effective-mentalism.html

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.: Erdnase Color Change video

Without a doubt, the most familiar of all color changes. This is a good, basic video that demonstrates the straight-forward move that cements the change.

A little tip.. If you have trouble dragging the second card out, make sure your palm is moist, preferably by applying lotion beforehand.

http://rickcarruth.blogspot.com/

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.: Memory Effects - free PDF

Scott Cram of Grey Matters has researched one of the finest ebooks of interest to anyone who enjoys memory related material. Whether it's improving your memory, memory magic, magic squares, or memorizing a deck of cards or related material.. this ebook has page after page of pertnant information and links to the actual resources.

This is a great resource by a great practioner of the art, and noted authority who loves to have fun with his passion..

Getting the ebook free is only half the fun. Scott publishes one of the most informative blogs related to memory on the web. Explore his site. In particular, visit the Videos page and watch some classic memory related videos. Then, visit Scott's Product page and discover his Memory and Mnemonics material, Recreational Math, Magic, and Just plain Fun items..

From the homepage, scroll down the right navigation bar until you see the 'Downloads' section. Look for the - MemoryEffects.pdf - link, right click, and 'save as..' to your desktop. Now, you're armed with a wealth of memory related resources..

"Train and Strain your Brain to Entertain..."

http://headinside.blogspot.com/

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.: MagicCleaver - Free Magic Trick Reviews..

I've published paid ads for Brian Keith and MagicCleaver. At one time in the near past getting into MagicCleaver required paying a monthly fee to gain access to their library of written and video reviews of dozens and dozens of magic effects from top magicians around the world..

Now, you can access this array of reviews for free. All that's required is going to their sign-in page, create an quick account, and enjoy...

From their site, here is a list of the criteria they use every month to review new products and save you money..

Impact: Practicality: Value for the Money: Quality & Workmanship: Clear Instructions: Originality: Who's It Best For? :

They also take into consideration whether you're performing for a living, or if you're a casual performer. Also, they look at what venues the magic will be best suited for.

All in all, you'll be getting thorough reviews that let you know 'before you buy' whether the magic will be a 'good fit' for you and your performing style.

MagicCleaver currently has over 800 Magic Videos, DVDs, and hundreds of Magic Effects in their library that
they will review for you at your request. In other words, if you don't see the effect you're curious about, there's a good chance they have it in their stock pile of magic and they will review it for you.. at your request.

Take advantage of this resource...

http://magiccleaver.com

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.: SPACESOUNDS

With our telescopes we can capture amazing images from the far corners of our galaxy and beyond. But, with our banks of gigantic radioscopes we can also capture the sounds generated by those amazing images. No, you won't hear any little voices or alien chatter, but you WILL hear some genuinely haunting sounds, created by space itself.. Listen to:

Black Hole GRS 1915+105
Vela Pulsar
Sputnik satelitte
The Rings of Saturn
Big Bang Remnants
more...

And then listen to the history of our space program.. Actual NASA ground and spacecraft communications from Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Shuttle missions in streaming audio..

You don't have to be a space buff to enjoy this site.. just human.

http://www.spacesounds.com/home/index.html

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.: Super-Spy-O-Matic

Got any magician's working in your area that are absolutely knocking everyone's socks off? Want to get a little dirt on them and give yourself an opportunity to catch up? Let the National Security Agency give you the ammo you need to get a leg up and take you to new heights... riding the backs of your competition...

INSTRUCTIONS: Simply enter the name of anyone you find suspicious, and Super Spy-O-Matic instantly cross-references NSA domestic phone, e-mail, travel and banking databases to expose shockingly seditious behavior and attitudes!

http://superspyomatic.us

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.: Rory Coker's Pseudoscience