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While we do live in a sue happy culture (at least in the states) I see nothing wrong with having them, so long as it's an adult, cut the fruit. On the other hand, the performer will be less likely to cut through the card or bill, which certain personality types may just do, so they get the...

Let me put it kindly. . . this is the stuff that wins FISM and the majority of the high prestige awards. The reason for this is quite simple; it shows command of the basic/standard slight skills that have been traditionally viewed as the "foundation" to what makes a true magician. Look around...

Ok, my FREE PDF was mentioned, and not to sound overly arrogant, you really need to start with it first and foremost so you can understand the differences between Mentalism, Mental Magic as well as the different schools of thought when it comes to performance. I'll warn you however, this PDF...

eostrich... I believe if you look at what I actually stated we're a bit more in agreement than not. . . though I do believe your perspective on card tricks & the laity is a bit askew given the number of major names in magic point out how boorish the things can be in their own acts. Context and...

I can't help but see this as a contradiction in terms. . . wanting those rare titles about magic but wanting to focus mainly on Card Tricks. My comment is partly humor but there is a truth to it and not just my personal bias against playing cards (they are over-used and responsible for a...

Funny, I didn't think we exposed such things around here. . . It does look like the Andre Kole system, whether the kid consulted with Andre or not, I couldn't say.

I so hate this lie. . . IMPROVISATION/IMPROMPTU means you must work with what's on hand. . . unless someone has not told the folks at Websters they've made a mistake on their definitions. Walking around with pockets bulging is NOT impromptu but at the same time, a mage needs to apply a bit of...

Ok, let's address the whole "Peek" B.S. One of the first question Dunninger encourages students to ask is "What would this look like if a real Mind Reader (a.k.a. Psychic) were to do it?) I'll lay money on it that he/she would NEVER have you write something down and put it into their own...

Cute, but West Hollywood is far more into the silk thing that the Bay where it's more leather than lace. . . All kidding aside, the big shows generally use a steamer such as would be used to steam clothing, just pen one edge of the silk to a clothes hanger or rod and hit it with some steam. ...

Here's the problem. . . we usually ask our peers rather to approaching an actual historian. There are plenty around and approaching the major publishers is always a first step in that they have most of their back issues cataloged now days and searchable. Too, they usually have someone that...

I was just going to say that I thought this effect had been around a while and didn't need any kind of gaff. . . then again, that particular company isn't known for accurate research and giving credit where due

While it is true, MOST magicians are jerks you will find that this is most typical with those under 35/40 years of age who are still pushing to get some recognition or worse, live off a short-lived hint at fame. . . let me explain that one. In the 1970s I'd managed to start gaining some kudos...

You have to understand that the acts reach a point in the competition where they must make some business choices, much of which rob you from your freedom of scheduling for a few years; they essentially "own" you by contact and take a large cut from your gigs, recording deals, etc. Those that...

Ok... are you looking for a trick in which the mirror is a focal point or are you interested in effects that rely on mirrors as part of the method? There seems to be some confusion on that point. EFFECTS WITH A MIRROR A THE FOCUS depend on how big you wish to go as well as personal budget...

I admittedly missed that point and thanks for clarifying it. Yes, there is a reason to be concerned in that we are looking at exposure I believe this is much closer to my previous rant; the fact that the actions of our fellow magi DOES affect us all, it establishes a very ugly reputation...

. . . and they are likewise the ones that give magic, as a whole, a horrible reputation of being "cheap, low-end, corny entertainment" especially when it is being performed by the stereo-typical drunk, womanizer that can't seem to be intelligent enough to carry on a real conversation without...

I believe it was in the opening pages of the Henry Hay "Magician's Handbook" that says, "To become a famous magician, write a book." Unfortunately too many in today's world take that idea literally, resulting in hundreds of pieces of drek compiled by 14 year old kids (many of whom reside in 40...

I've said it before on this forum in other threads that say the same thing -- trying to defend the low-life antics of using tricks for picking up a trick. . . and stop lying to yourself, that is exactly what you are doing in this sort of situation and I'll add, it is one of "those things" that...

This is what a good act (actually, AWESOME) looks like. . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJN1iMOfgAc When it comes to the whole playing card thing, you might want to look at this. . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNV0K5U6Uro

Understand, whenever we "perform" even when showing off for some friends at the pub, other people are observing us and you haven't a clue who those others may be. An example that's quite similar to your own; an individual was just using a routine I'd shared in TOP HAT magazine long ago while in...