WMF Chris Kenner

I heard so many good things about Chris Kenner. Being a consultant of David Copperfield and other stuff. In fact, I read his wonderful book, "Totally Out of Control" It is a great magic book. Lot's of knuckle busting stuff. Hell I even perform a few of his effects. ("In Ten City" and "Long gone Silver")

So I know this guy is good. He is a great thinker and reading his book I got the impression he loves magic. But he seems to like money even more.

Exhibit #1: "Tnr by Mathieu Bich" a horrible effect that Kenner advertises on the hip and cool website Theory 11. Effect: A card is torn into 4 pieces, the pieces are restored piece by piece and in the end the card transforms into a different card. This is a monster.

Not only is the trick extremely impractical, it also makes no sense. If a card is torn and restored, the first assumption of any spectator is "switch". And basically their thoughts are proven with this.

Chris Kenner is smart enough to understand that this effect is trash and that the trick is impractical. The fact that he still advertises it makes me think that he is either forced to do it, (I think I heard the trigger of a gun in the demo video) or that he just wants to milk our money, implying that he doesn't care for the art anymore (if he ever had).

Shame on you for being such a sellout, for saying "f*** you art, hello business."

And I really like your routines.

Just A Sunday Post #6

This is good for a few reasons:

1. No cards and coins
   
2. There is a build in visual component to remind where the dice travel to. (The red die)
3. The little cup adds an impossibility in the end, which creates the feeling of progress.
4. Did I mention No cards and coins?
5. It is done quickly and straight to the point.
6. It is practical.

I have too much time to think about stuff like that!

This is just a little addition to the gag where your turn a towel into a chicken... Here you see the gag

Have an egg palmed as you do the folding parts. It won't hinder you and you can hide the egg the whole time.

After the chicken is created have it lay an egg as a kicker.

Passing Time

Frequently asked questions and their answers:

Can you turn a 10 into a 20?

• "If I could I wouldn't be here!"
• "Sure I can, I just don't want to. I like being poor!"
• "Well yes, but tell me: Why should I do it for you?"
• "Yes, I mean no, forget I ever said 'yes'. Even forget that I just said that. I better shut up now. And you do the same. Understood?"

Can you make my wife disappear?

• "Okay, close your eyes." then addressing the wife "This is your chance. RUN!"
• "Of course I can. I just need to call my pet Mafiosi Luigi and all will be well."
• "How much will you pay?"
• "She asked first, so both of us have an appointment in that dark ally outside, later."

Where did you learn that?

• "I could tell you, but then I have to kill you!"
• "I am not telling you, I do not want future rivals"
• "I bought a magic set yesterday"
• "I was born with this, it's a gift from my father. Favourite guy in the 70's. Doug was his name!"

How did you do that?

• "Not quite sure, I am surprised myself each and every time. Call it motivation!"
• "I wish I would get a buck each time I hear that question. Oh by the way, you owe me a buck now"
• "42"
• "Oh boy, that question again. I'll give you the most honest answer:" yelling into their ear "It's a trick!"

WMF Shawn Farquhar

Shawn Farquhar, the two time world champion of magic. He acts so professional, so ultra professional, so super duper professional. Well in a certain way he is. He is a professional in making others believe he is a professional.

Have you seen his magic?

Decent. That is it. No more. He claims he created the tricks above. Really? I have NEVER seen something similar before. And I am not being IRONIC.

I saw him at a lecture. Mr. Farquhar is a name dropper. This is a habit of people with a low self esteem. And if this guy lacks anything, it is modesty.

His skills and his presentations are barely above average, yet he acts, as if he is the best thing since sliced bread.

And I assume he googles his name every day, so: "Shawn Farquhar: You are not awesome, your are just normal. Face it."