Just A Sunday Post #96

The following is an interesting approach to 3 Fly. Basically it's from the performers point of view.



I don't know if this is going anywhere, but when it comes to combining magic and YouTube this seems to be an interesting way to go. You could have it filmed from both sides. Each time changing the methods accordingly. To a layman's eye this might seem honest.

DCT actually teaches me!

Wow, doing a card trick every single day really makes you appreciate and cherish all the cardicians before oneself. Also you learn so much. This is an experiment that I recommend to everyone who really wants to know about card magic.

Also you learn to put certain creators into perspective. Larry Jennings for instance. Creative guy with great creative output. But in terms of structuring... well let's say others had to improve his work. I feel he covered structural flaws with his insanely huge hands. He could finger palm playing cards. So a palm was often his choice of method. More often than it should be.

Instant Snow

Question! What was first? The magic product or this?

One for the Trolls

It is rare that you have an opinion and have a 180 when thinking about it for a long time. When I was looking for additional writers two years ago, I made it a condition that they use their real name. To me hiding behind a screen of anonymity was a coward's way out. If you had something to say, say it and stand behind it. With your real name.

I had long discussion with people who do use pseudonyms. One pointed out, that a pseudonym is not really hiding. As one tends to use that fake name all the time. Lots of writers in the past had pen names. Magicians all over the world use pseudonyms to distinguish their real personality from their stage personality. Slydini and Dai Vernon come to mind.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.

Oscar Wilde

And that is also true. Lot's of people are pissed off by Harry Loraynes constant advertising over at the Magic Café. If you talk out loud against it, you'll get banned. So why not create fake accounts and live out your freedom of speech.

Sure the use of a pseudonym is the way to get a life as an Internet troll. But be honest: We have matured enough to spot a troll and ignore him. If this is your main concern about not using the real name, then it is a weak argument. There are plenty of reasons not to use the real name.

So I have come 180 on this, as you probably have noticed by giving that freak Barry Solayme author rights on my blog.

However I will keep using my real name, as I am a magic troll. And if I verbally slap you, I want you to know where that slap was coming from.

Hey Ugly!

Here is a truth a lot of magicians need to know: If your looks don't support your character, you should change at least one. In most cases it means you gotta change your character.

I really don't wanna rip on thy highly skilled Eduardo Galeano, but his nerdy appearance simply doesn't fit the romanticized style he is going for:



For a few moments he seems to lose the "dorky" expression he seems to keeps having the whole time. That's when I buy it. But most often, I feel that he is a boy pressed into a suit. Also his energy level as he performs seems way too low. Especially near the end.

I know that this is a matter of taste and all. And probably a lot of you will disagree with me. This could be due to my own failure of not knowing style when I see it, but most likely it is your fault, because you are a magician. And magicians have a high fail rate when it comes to looks and such.

Think about it. You probably know at least one magician who acts like a female heart throb and a well behaved squire, when their looks simply do not meet that goal.

I know what I'm talking about. I'm a fat guy, doing corny jokes. Doing a romantic manipulation routine to Morris Albert's Feelings with Fantasio candles would make for a great basis for a comedy routine, but not for serious drama.

Yet I see lot's of performer attempting such a thing. If you look ugly, don't hide... finde the correct character that suits your looks. Juan Tamariz comes to mind. Or Dani Daortiz with his thin hair and the belly. But neither one tries to be a lady kind of guy when it comes to character. Both are highly skilled, knowledgeable and I admire both of them very much. They found their niche. Now find yours.