tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61931482012-02-22T22:25:32.214-06:00Rants and raves from the master of Demented Magic about the state of the magic world itself.Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comBlogger6481100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-66675068884860028892012-02-21T00:59:00.002-06:002012-02-21T08:13:01.071-06:00

We rely on card tricks too much. There I said it.there is a lot of card magic out there.. and why not? They are portable and there are so many options literally at our finger tips. However, for as much card magic as there is... there is very little good card magic.Oh but I hear you bemoan, "My card tricks are good. My mother tells me so!" yes yes that's all fine and good, but really. Think about

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-73886086451518985612012-02-20T05:12:00.002-06:002012-02-20T05:12:58.124-06:00

For those of you who know the more recent trends of the Asian magicians to be speed demons with their magic it's nice to see one slow down to Shimada-like proportions.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-29541538874625530792012-02-15T05:11:00.002-06:002012-02-15T05:23:26.303-06:00

In today's magic marketplace there are many factors that will make or break your product sales. One is a good demo of course. The other is to make sure any video looks like it was shot competently (even if it wasn't). A big one of course is the product name.There are some tricks with some terrible and/or unoriginal names. Much like promo material, you want something that will draw them in to see

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-23081435732682429042012-02-09T18:46:00.003-06:002012-02-09T18:59:54.000-06:00

Here is a fun fact you might not know. Corporations don't care about you. Do you know why someone incorporates? So if they screw up, the corporation takes it in the ass and not the person running it. They are not held accountable. (usually)Here is another tidbit. They are in it only for the money. This holds true everywhere including magic. Theory 11, Ellusionist, Penguin, Murphy's and most any

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-34047763052258389522012-02-06T02:06:00.002-06:002012-02-06T02:14:40.327-06:00

Ok so I just saw this on the big green machine and quite frankly I am a bit pissed off.As someone who creates magic I don't like to see other performers with unique aspects to their act ripped off. Theo Dari was (and is) the original Laser Man. A few people have ripped him off since he appeared, but this is a DIRECT insult. The fact this a-hole admits it's part of a bootlegged act is just

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-88533088996351218732012-01-27T07:24:00.002-06:002012-01-27T07:31:18.147-06:00

I recently removed a video from my Youtube channel. (No that's not news.) Not only was it on a dated video format, not only was it filmed in my living room, but it didn't show one important thing... my damn face.We all know YT is chocked to death with crotch shots of magicians of varying ages showing off their headless magic. If you find yourself looking left and right after reading that sentence

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-41844557701644282492012-01-23T22:04:00.001-06:002012-01-24T04:15:52.196-06:00

There isn't just ONE secret to comedy. Some will say timing but that is just one of the tools at yer disposal. I have talked about ways to create while in the moment. One of the things that helps this along is a grasp of improv. Improv itself has a few extra rules but one that stretches across both genres of magic and comedy is don't be afraid to say anything!Sometimes you just have to throw

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-20688807191821459732012-01-18T00:54:00.002-06:002012-01-18T00:55:33.412-06:00

What do some magicians believe in more than money? Head over to www.Bizzaromatic.com to find out.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-1880700211767480372012-01-17T15:08:00.001-06:002012-01-17T15:09:35.398-06:00

I am not sure what cracks me up more in this video. The magician trying to give kids drugs or the kid who somehow knows everything about them...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-22705979052298609572012-01-14T12:09:00.002-06:002012-01-14T12:13:30.283-06:00

I was just perusing the Cafe (My fault I know) in the new releases section. I think I counted the word "box" 5 times in two pages. Holy crap people!! Why are we still making box magic? I can forgive card boxes because what the hell else are they gonna come it? (Hey hand me my card envelope please)Yes most things come in boxes but don't we have enough problems in magic without adding to it some

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-52472172158170897742012-01-12T03:22:00.003-06:002012-01-12T03:28:15.331-06:00

For those of you who might be interested or amused, I have a new journal ranting about the issues I face when making websites. It's called Angry Web Design. Feel free to follow it if you like coarse language and technical jargon. Otherwise keep just reading this one... which is also filled with coarse language and technical jargon.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-32700137356238291892012-01-09T01:25:00.002-06:002012-01-09T01:35:39.487-06:00

I just got done watching the second half of a bio about the history of the Nightmare on Elm Street films. (If you don't know what I am talking about, leave this page, go to Wikipedia, and slap yourself.)I have a firm belief that a lot of filmmakers who were once so great and are not so much now is because they no longer have to work out problems. Much like in magic, to be more creative, you have

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-11449631002301830752012-01-04T19:33:00.002-06:002012-01-04T19:42:47.890-06:00

Ok so I know a lot of you amateur magicians are also amateur filmmakers now. What with the technology being so affordable and your parents checkbook being so easily accessible. (because who the hell uses checks anymore right?)Well for those of you wanting some inspiration other than the over done E! and T11 style of filming might I suggest you watch the newest episode of the BBC program Sherlock

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-39615457862078403662012-01-02T02:19:00.001-06:002012-01-02T02:19:48.604-06:00

From a friend - "I never noticed how facepalm inducing magicians are". We're looking at you Zak.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-88250523270587475842011-12-24T04:08:00.002-06:002011-12-24T04:11:22.707-06:00

Watch this, then stick around for some commentary...I liked every bit of that until the production of the girl at the end. It's the same reason I dislike the shadowbox illusion (as well as a few others). Magical unexplainable stuff is happening and then a girl appears which can explain away so much of the actual magic. I think bringing an inanimate object to life is far more impressive than

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-9201114051271396452011-12-24T00:35:00.002-06:002011-12-24T00:38:22.265-06:00

I wouldn't say T11 is trying to capitalize on a trend, but the guy in the video is the farthest thing from steam punk they could have gotten.It's almost insulting to those who actually embrace the style.You can decide for yourself.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-86475133777163219842011-12-17T19:22:00.002-06:002011-12-17T19:32:31.406-06:00

I always laugh when someone calls a chair or broom suspension a floatation. To me they are more of a puzzle than any other illusions out there. Kind of like some of my ex's. Nice to look at but they're not fooling anybody.I also like the fact Jay Sankey thinks about magic. This means he is not afraid to experiment and figure out the hows and WHYS of something. Despite the fact he does flood the

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-64817250344987450362011-12-17T04:01:00.000-06:002011-12-17T04:02:00.476-06:00

I'm kinda glad I'm not famous...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-71309639045847855572011-12-14T20:15:00.004-06:002011-12-14T20:26:38.824-06:00

In a few more sentences I am going to give you a gift. It's nothing tangible. Nothing you can hang on the wall. It's an idea. It's a GREAT idea. You can start thanking me now.As many of you who perform "Easy Money" (Hundy 500, Prophet, Extreme Burn, etc.) the trick has some fundamental flaws. (Except for the original one that turned pieces of paper into money, that just make sense) The biggest

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-89802991839040739762011-12-13T17:57:00.001-06:002011-12-13T18:00:14.702-06:00

A message to all the younger magicians out there:Hey kids, I know it's a catchy tune and all but for the love of all that is holey, please stop using that damn Fireflies song. It's annoying.Thanx,The mngmnt.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-89531187461848198642011-12-09T21:12:00.000-06:002011-12-09T21:13:08.905-06:00

Tomorrow we release our new training video! Do you want to teach your sponge balls some new tricks? Then go to www.spongeballbreeding.com and learn more!

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-56621119076455568962011-12-09T17:06:00.002-06:002011-12-09T17:15:12.738-06:00

So my previous post tught me two things. 1. Andrew Mayne reads this (waves hello the Andrew) and was kind enough to offer a counter-point to my ramblings. And B. I need to be more specific in this thing sometimes. Sometimes I start with an idea and I forget to actually point something out that inspired it, be it tongue-in-cheek or not. When I said I was happy about my stuff being ganked I should

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-33814529357335622622011-12-08T17:27:00.002-06:002011-12-08T17:40:39.036-06:00

Recently I discovered some of my magical offerings for download on a magic torrent site (No I won't give you the link). Believe it or not I am actually glad about this. Hell, I might very well be the only magician in the world who is. Crazy you say? Probably. Eating tacos right now? Definitely!If you got to the big green bean you can find a lot of people in the ethics section bitching an orange

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-86698253274073713492011-12-08T05:10:00.001-06:002011-12-08T05:11:52.883-06:00

I need to stop watching youtube videos of magicians because it makes me realize that if I was ever asked to judge a magic competition and give my feedback, I might make someone cry.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-41532089063424104982011-12-03T17:05:00.003-06:002011-12-03T17:12:01.059-06:00

As many of you know we have been working with Sponge Balls for the last few years. We have collected quite a few rescues and learned a lot about these little fellas. With that in mind we decided to release a training DVD. Want to learn more? Head over to Sponge Ball Breeding dot com.You'll be glad you did...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-86547343973753669592011-11-30T04:46:00.002-06:002011-11-30T04:48:13.986-06:00

Finally, something for the alcoholic creepy magic uncle for x-mas. The self opening liquor bottle!

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-40911740661773122152011-11-28T08:08:00.002-06:002011-11-28T08:12:45.409-06:00

I am glad there are others out there keeping an eye out for magic demos that are faked because of some insipid reason or another. Some of you may know that I will raise some hell about people trying to pull the wool over the eyes of magic consumers. I really want to interview these people and get their take on why exactly they would resort to this kind of chicanery but none of them will own up to

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-47566297137159976852011-11-26T06:04:00.003-06:002011-11-26T06:14:15.866-06:00

So I was reading a review for the X-men First Class film and came across this bit of text:"Having been in the writing game for a decade now, I can tell: you can indeed produce something good in a rushed fashion, if the deadline demands it and you have the focus; however, something great absolutely requires time for a creator to be able to step back, assess his/her work, and decide what

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-63105212657506578312011-11-22T05:03:00.000-06:002011-11-22T05:04:10.848-06:00

Cannot be unseen...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-79904761307984273292011-11-20T14:55:00.001-06:002011-11-20T14:59:47.526-06:00

Walking in Brussels, Belgium tonight I had something run naked thru my head. Forget everything you know about magic competitions, conventions, and really any performer no one outside of magic has heard of. Now list me off ANY modern magicians that are well known who perform card manipulation in their shows… aaaaaand GO! (Jeopardy theme plays) Times up!! I can see your answer clearly in my

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-50139504855528806722011-11-19T14:59:00.001-06:002011-11-19T14:59:15.903-06:00

I am going to make a video journal about this and go into more detail. For now I just want to ask all of these younger magicians if they know the companies who release their magic are screwing them over on the recognition factor? Think about it: They put THEIR logo onto it and your face is rarely seen. No one knows who you are or what you look like!! Something to chew on...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-30041089229848119382011-11-17T12:19:00.001-06:002011-11-17T12:19:20.739-06:00

It's no secret I really dislike photos of magicians with other well known magicians on working websites. No one cares ok? Second, and this is for the pros, do something interesting in your photos people take with you other than look goofy and half smile. Sure it's a hassle to you but at least make some effort to make something that looks better than some half-assed yearbook snapshot. You don't

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-63594657957105090642011-11-12T14:52:00.001-06:002011-11-12T14:52:04.848-06:00

I was hanging out with Alex Kolle in Nurenburg the last couple days and we did something kinky... we shared gaffs. I carry a cadre of weird (mostly) card gimmicks with me in my close-up bag. (yes the stage magician had a close-up bag. Get over it.) It was a lot of fun because a hadn't messed with a number if them in over a year or two. Many of them just sit there to show friends or toy with

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-77900997105806616072011-11-08T09:22:00.001-06:002011-11-08T09:22:44.249-06:00

No I am not having a psychotic episode that causes me to title my posts with old Nike slogans. I am merely giving you some advice. Last night after my lecture in Frankfurt, I had a lengthy conversation with a magician about creativity and the like. In the middle of the talk I had a revelation and want to share it with you my demented disciples. It is thus: The best way to be creative is to

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-59807070439528281522011-10-31T11:31:00.001-05:002011-10-31T11:38:32.213-05:00

Hey Google wised up and finally made a Blogger app. This way I can easily update from wherever I am, which in this case is Switzerland. I have been keeping tabs on the new Theory11 idea that sat dormant for many years. It was such a source of speculation for so long it could have been a photo of two rhinos getting jiggy with it and the kindermagi would have been happy as punch. Despite what I

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-59277516815789307542011-10-11T17:05:00.003-05:002011-10-11T17:07:43.317-05:00

So a Japanese company has put out a deck of "Irregular" playing cards. My first thought was "Big deal Bicycle cards already come like this sometimes".You may think that is a joke, but the last deck I opened, one of the joker's back design looked like I was about to do Luke Dancy's "Misprint" trick.Still kinda cool.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-64182064032715677902011-10-04T18:14:00.003-05:002011-10-04T18:22:34.702-05:00

Today was a strange day on Facebook. Various friends posted three different articles on "creativity". While I disagree with a few of the things they suggest, I found one that amused me and thought relevant to this journal in particular.And I quote:"Cohen once showed a card trick to TV magician David Blaine. Blaine loved the trick but hated the presentation, saying it seemed too rehearsed. "People

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-49498956969491421962011-09-28T20:34:00.001-05:002011-09-28T21:42:13.845-05:00

In half an hour (7:00 PST Wed.) we will have our first Live Why Am I stuck In Magician Hell video Broadcast. Where? Here!Thanx for watching. The plan is to do one every Wed. if I can help it. If you missed it, you can see it on the channel. If you have any ideas or requests let me know!

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-49041413071518608242011-09-25T01:45:00.003-05:002011-09-25T01:55:36.523-05:00

So tonight, I had a bad set with a routine I haven't been entirely happy with. I been racking my smooth brain about how to make certain aspects make sense and to make everything work smoothly. Well I am here to tell you a secret. Something that will help you in the future.Pay attention to your screw-ups!It is said that you learn more from failure than success. Tonight for me was a testament to

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-1552398999864559842011-09-22T19:09:00.001-05:002011-09-22T19:09:14.439-05:00

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-75394787779499917962011-09-19T04:12:00.003-05:002011-09-19T04:18:35.417-05:00

I was talking with another magician at a party recently and we both came to the agreement that you need to be a person first and a magician second. Magician is a vocation, not a personality trait. Mind you some people try to substitute one for the other and it don't work like that folks. Take away their deck of cards and some guys become a two dimensional cardboard cut out. No depth, nothing to

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-32557902077578493842011-09-17T22:03:00.000-05:002011-09-17T22:04:05.503-05:00

when magicians keep links to their websites online in various places and the link doesn't work anymore. Makes me wonder if they work anymore....

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-87898728606192362122011-09-10T17:47:00.002-05:002011-09-10T17:52:56.992-05:00

Someone told me about a website where you can get all sorts of crazy stuff done for only $5.00. The idea of this amused me so I went to take a look and realized how bad an idea this is after I did a search for the word "Magic".Undercutting people in price is an American tradition, but this is ridiculous.You think there are people out there trying to teach others ballet or painting for 5$ to pick

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-58067014988947859772011-09-07T19:11:00.001-05:002011-09-07T19:12:37.554-05:00

So this isn't so much a post as a question for some research: How much is too much to pay for a good magic DVD? Email me your answers (Smappdooda@hotmail.com) or just throw it up in the shout box.Thanx.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-65790026096640383722011-09-04T17:53:00.003-05:002011-09-04T17:54:16.985-05:00

First off: Second, should I do a live video version of these posts? Would anyone watch or care? Tell me in the shoutbox to the right.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-23132261078204529672011-09-02T16:30:00.001-05:002011-09-02T16:31:22.904-05:00

Hey did you know we have a new DVD coming out? Well guess what... Now yah do!

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-65152487148374825332011-09-02T00:18:00.003-05:002011-09-02T00:24:17.244-05:00

What the hell is wrong with us? What happened to holding on to something and putting it on a video compilation, in a book or in some notes. Why do we feel the need to fill the marketplace with these one trick items that only work for a handful of people.Things like this bottle production that fat guys could NEVER do. Let's leave the stuff with limitations in the lectures ok guys?

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-47700863902315906922011-08-27T02:54:00.003-05:002011-08-27T03:02:33.033-05:00

So today I needed to make a prop more visible from stage, however I needed something that would be flexible and durable. I only needed maybe a shot glass full but had to buy a large container to get that shot of yellow goo. So 9$ later my prop is finished and I have a huge container of tool dip that I have nothing else to do with. This is the joy/pain of creating your own stuff and trying to

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-57587570998726459592011-08-23T23:40:00.003-05:002011-08-23T23:44:16.646-05:00

Are you sick and tired of sound men blowing a cue so simple as "Pause"? We all suffer from this affliction. However there is a product I have found (and successfully used) that will help alleviate all of this. It's called Ijet. If you own an ipod, iphone or an itouchmyselfwhenIthinkofyou then this is a must have to those who have music or cues in their act. Now back to the show...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-89912907786191730502011-08-22T17:50:00.002-05:002011-08-22T17:52:07.138-05:00

Dear magicians, Please stop using your fingers like scissors to "cut" rope. It's insulting to the audience's intelligence and gives away the method. Find another joke that is not so tired and over-used. Thanx, The mngmnt. PS: If I went back in time and Killed Tabary, what do you think modern rope magic would look like?

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-7213866173814307082011-08-20T06:28:00.003-05:002011-08-20T06:35:59.866-05:00

I was recently at Magic Live talking with Steve Brooks (Yes THAT Steve Brooks) about the silliness of magicians and anonymity on the internet. Anyone who has been reading this thing for.. however many years it's been now, knows I will gladly own up to anything I say and defend it. If I didn't mean what I say, I wouldn't say it. Sure it might not make me many friends but if someone is going to get

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-60619340706297218302011-08-06T04:09:00.002-05:002011-08-06T04:14:35.404-05:00

Before I toddle off to my (very) late night gig, I want to share with you one of the thoughts that crossed my mind at the recent PCAM/CAM convention (Which was killer might I add).I have talked about how we know the end of the trick so we forget that the audience doesn't also share this arcane knowledge. This fact tends to put us into a rut of crap performances and I hit upon a reason why...We

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-9372594912647251962011-08-03T13:59:00.003-05:002011-08-03T14:02:55.769-05:00

In my lecture this weekend I tried to hammer home the ability to be creative is to put restrictions on yourself. If you have read my Creativity Notes then you know what I mean.As an example, have a look at This. The makers of the short films were allowed to ONLY use the same 6 lines. This makes them focus on how to tell a story without saying too much. As magicians we tend to be wordy bitches and

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-56080170068639391752011-07-26T16:49:00.003-05:002011-07-26T16:52:33.762-05:00

Hey, female magi, do me a favor. Please stop putting your "modeling" shots into your promo material. I know someone with a camera said they were gonna make you look purty.. and they most likely did but leave the non-magical shots on your facebook page or make a separate site for modeling stuff ok?We get it. We know you have breasts and you are attractive. That will only get you so far... well in

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-34635606545770114582011-07-24T21:26:00.001-05:002011-07-24T21:27:29.889-05:00

So I have removed the polls featured and decided to try out a little tagbox on the right side. For those of you watching us from an RSS feeed, come by the real site and say hello.More blather soon...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-90519576724691441272011-07-23T02:18:00.002-05:002011-07-23T02:19:21.410-05:00

Some of the best creative innovations start out with "What if?"

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-5817640979168887892011-07-12T06:38:00.001-05:002011-07-12T06:38:29.554-05:00

Roland hasn't posted this before me...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-45039211889881698872011-07-12T03:47:00.002-05:002011-07-12T03:49:56.292-05:00

I had a realization in my kitchen. No matter the format, there have always been mediocre magicians putting out shoddy videos just because they had access to the equipment. The only difference now is the cameras are nicer and the output if higher.The moral of the story is magicians have sucked for a very long time.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-74156263656669269072011-07-09T03:57:00.002-05:002011-07-09T03:59:12.447-05:00

Have you ever seen someone who advertises themselves as "So-and-so: Master Magician"? Of course after you watch their act you realize they are under some sort of delusional alien influence?Here is a little something to gnaw on in your brain kiddies: A true master never says that he is.This thought brought to you by Kung-Fu Panda

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-37317419824538836652011-07-07T05:33:00.001-05:002011-07-07T05:36:41.073-05:00

As I am preparing for my lecture in Tuscon tomorrow and looking over random notes, I came upon a thought I had jotted down in my phone. Thieves are not competition.Anyone who would purloin someone else's art will never be in your arena to pose a threat to you IF you are a true professional and truly want to make something of yourself and your career. If someone steals from you make sure they know

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-38576262476694018432011-06-26T04:23:00.005-05:002011-06-26T04:30:24.903-05:00

Dear magicians,If you dress in an eccentric costume or play and eccentric character outside of the norm, please stop doing fucking card tricks. It's anachronistic. It doesn't FIT. You can probably use tarot cards or maybe cards made of wood or metal if you insist but they are out of place with a style of dress that is already out of place. Thanx,The mgmnt.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-5380235073997098922011-06-19T07:19:00.001-05:002011-06-19T07:19:37.981-05:00

I wish I could quit you...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-60141698029136826862011-06-06T22:09:00.002-05:002011-06-06T22:11:02.897-05:00

I think magic inventors charge so much for their products merely out of spite. Dealing with some of these people just makes you so angry you want to put them in the poor house for revenge.Just sayin'...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-18892144713174398112011-06-06T04:46:00.004-05:002011-06-06T04:54:10.651-05:00

So while I troll the castle looking for amusement I came across This Thread. After reading it I agree with a few of the other people on there. Let me quote a bit: "You want your magic spoon fed to you on a silver (expletive deleted) platter. He shows so many different effects and possibilities on the demo, you didn't actually think that's what you were buying is it? It's a utility gimmick and I

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-69677471975090602892011-05-31T08:34:00.003-05:002011-05-31T08:40:20.049-05:00

So in an effort to spice up your lives, my store front has undergone a new look. It also has it's own home too at www.Bizzar-O-Matic.com. (Mobile version coming soon)Also, don't forget, Helter Shelter; The Movie is STILL only 10$ until the end of May... so hurry up and buy it already!!

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-4513512679218729482011-05-27T20:56:00.002-05:002011-05-27T21:01:24.057-05:00

I used to say I weep for the future of magic. I have come to realize that magic will be fine. There are some very focused on magic only youngsters out there. Mind you they have no other interest and just create magic for the sake of magic. I now am afraid for the future of not magic... but entertainment.Thankfully every so often I meet a youngin' that restores my faith in the fact that being a

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-73738533964001766622011-05-24T20:48:00.002-05:002011-05-24T20:56:47.782-05:00

As a magic product releaser type person, I sometimes feel a twinge of guilt. If I could just will these products into being without any overhead, I would likely give the ideas away because I like to think they are good and that good magic should be out in the wild. It's such a slippery slope I am on with my beliefs on magic capitalism and the product I release. I am in a love/hate relationship

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-31718250093489144302011-05-18T17:46:00.001-05:002011-05-18T17:47:49.711-05:00

Dear magicians, can we stop putting 2.0 next to every release you put out because you realized yer original sucked? Why not wait a while before you release it so you don't have to pretend yer a computer programmer? Thanx,The mngmnt.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-7639893209688315572011-05-16T06:52:00.001-05:002011-05-16T06:53:14.394-05:00

I feel this way about the magic cafe sometimes...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-57748888791699557112011-05-16T06:04:00.003-05:002011-05-16T06:09:24.937-05:00

There is a concept in magic that I think takes more skill than any manipulation. It's using comedy as a subtlety. If you find yourself trying to accomplish a move or maybe needing to get one object somewhere else all sneaky like, why not hide it in comedy.Sometimes an idea requires something a little sneakier than just plain old misdirection. Sometimes it requires bawls. Having the confidence in

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-90856204404400464882011-05-09T07:12:00.003-05:002011-05-09T07:28:04.458-05:00

"KRYP-TO-NITE!!"Ok so maybe I am paraphrasing a bit. I have been sitting on this thought for a while and since I haven't said much in a while, (and I am reorganizing my character and creativity lecture soon), I thought I would finally hash this ramble out.Jon Armstrong has a concept he spoke about in (I think) Genii magazine a few years back and I also believe it's part of his lecture. He speaks

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-68496877388092980722011-05-08T18:19:00.001-05:002011-05-08T18:24:47.162-05:00

So one of our fellow amusing wordsmith of the magic variety has a contest like thing going on and has asked me to help spread the word like an STD.So watch the video and give it a thumbs up will yah? You'll be glad yah did.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-78426118202542413432011-04-30T01:24:00.002-05:002011-04-30T01:24:56.661-05:00

Yes I realize the irony of this video on this journal. Shut it.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-79996551234386107092011-04-27T06:50:00.001-05:002011-04-27T06:50:58.079-05:00

Can't find what you are looking for?Make it.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-59979178576517505252011-04-22T08:24:00.002-05:002011-04-22T08:28:03.320-05:00

As I get older and work more and more on stage doing stand up I find that some things in my perspective change. Such as card forcing. If you can't do a classic force, then maybe you shouldn't be doing a trick where forcing a card is required. On stage I think the force has to come off as fair and open as possible. Slip force, hindu, or any other convoluted cluster fuck card handling just won't do

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-68981389512886288842011-04-12T07:37:00.004-05:002011-04-12T17:51:39.609-05:00

Someone pointed something out to me today that is very amusing. Humans are, by nature, contrary beings. We love hypocrisy even when we can't spell it. The entertainment world (as well as the world in general) is full of people who do illicit things. Many of them indulge in some recreational cigarettes that johnny gubmint isn't too keen on. Mind you these are the same people who don't condone

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-43182774630573979162011-04-11T05:26:00.003-05:002011-04-11T05:38:23.591-05:00

Sometimes it irks me when people I know full well hardly do gigs and call themselves a "professional" this or that. In the states, I have heard the status of "pro" is defined as someone who makes most if not all of their living from some form or something or other. So I suppose if you do nothing with your life and do a performance once or twice a year and they pay you, that definition holds true.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-34784822102358932802011-04-06T06:59:00.005-05:002011-04-06T07:11:14.760-05:00

I saw this on another magic blog and really liked it.On another note: I am glad to see so many liberally minded magicians speaking their mind on the internet nowadays. I don't mean those armchair asshats over at the green weenie either. I am talking about people who don't like their language watered down. The ones who see something wrong around them and aren't afraid to stand up and tell someone

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-22222641037076591622011-04-03T17:39:00.003-05:002011-04-06T06:48:05.220-05:00

Two things, One: If you are into weird presentations for magic and possibly sacrificing rubber ducks to Charles Nelson Reilly, then check out this e-zine, Bizarro. I have nothing to do with it, I just find it amusing.Bee: Someone named DJ just emailed me about the hidden cash post and my junk mail folder ate it... so could you please resend yo. Thanx!As you were...

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-22750392059996961522011-03-31T06:00:00.002-05:002011-03-31T06:07:33.978-05:00

There are some plots I am not into in magic. The bill change is one of them. Seems like a waste of power. However, much like Tommy Wonder, if I get to thinking about something I will work on my own touches for it. In an attempt to make a more foolproof version of the old 2$ to two 1's effect, I came up with an idea I think is of my own design.Since I will probably not do this in my day to day

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-3858405108938748842011-03-21T18:21:00.004-05:002011-03-21T18:30:45.445-05:00

Remember a while back when I talked about how illusions were getting passe' for the modern audience? How they might be fooled but they just don't care? Well I think I stumbled upon another area of stage magic where the world might have just moved past it all.Prediction effectsI have always said I don't believe coincidence is magic. It's too perfect if you will. "I just happen to have your card

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-998876104749655292011-03-21T04:55:00.002-05:002011-03-21T05:35:01.969-05:00

Earlier today an associate and I were talking about how if a performer is TOO nice, he has little to no authority over a crowd and can be easily overtaken. The performer could be very edgy or authoritative off stage, but if he is a push over in front of s crowd, it can backfire. No one on this PLANET is 100% shiny happy people. Everyone has flaws. It's why we tend to like some people. We can

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-81589915156586612432011-03-17T00:53:00.002-05:002011-03-17T00:54:00.143-05:00

Be amused people!

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-33342323333922064562011-03-11T19:29:00.002-06:002011-03-11T19:33:30.341-06:00

Anyone who knows this journal will know I am a big proponent of females in magic. Well Paper Crane has finally done something interesting. So good on them. Spread the word and let's see what comes of it.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-74920371609956924002011-03-11T06:44:00.002-06:002011-03-11T06:48:07.493-06:00

Alright, well maybe not proofreaders per say. However I am looking for some very brave souls who are willing to go thru the last 7 years of this journal and tell me their favorite posts.I want to compile a "Best Of" and make it into something that resembles a book (Along with some other bonus stuff nyuk nyuk)Anyone who wants to undertake this can just email me the dates and/or posts they find to

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-35035339566963477332011-03-10T17:57:00.002-06:002011-03-10T18:25:08.634-06:00

Jeff McBride hosts a weekly online session thingy every Monday. On there was someone I have known for longer than I want to reveal. He was asking people to suggest how they can get a younger crowd to come out to the magic conventions.here is my suggestion: Get rid of the close minded ass clowns that you have booking the acts!! Far too often some has-been or wannabe magician has been put into a

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-82544466838108004762011-03-09T18:28:00.001-06:002011-03-09T18:28:42.989-06:00

Fight the power!(Real rant coming soon I think)

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-25807576128078425012011-02-22T08:08:00.004-06:002011-02-22T08:11:53.614-06:00

So, you didn't believe me when I said dancing cane was dead hunh? You scoffed when I insisted that it had been adopted by ravers and hippies hunh? Well here is proof that even your grandfather can do it.Yah and guess what? They are being marketed to the general public as a "Flow-wand". Dancing cane is over. It's done. Snap yours in half. Point the blame at whomever you wish.Besides, they are all

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-59490083752191759812011-02-21T18:20:00.000-06:002011-02-21T18:21:16.937-06:00

Nice to see something different from time to time....

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-1595605758816915862011-02-21T04:24:00.002-06:002011-02-21T04:30:40.130-06:00

Just got done watching the movie L'illusionniste. It's a cute but depressing little film especially if you are an entertainer. It shows the decline of the give a damn if the variety arts in the start of the 60's. Back when live theater had to vie for attention against rock bands and TV. Struggling is nothing new to someone who wants to be an entertainer full time but as I tend to say... The only

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-7981850072652695922011-02-20T07:43:00.003-06:002011-02-20T07:54:17.718-06:00

Our good friend Christopher Lyle, who you might remember from his cameo role in our PSA video, shared a story on the big green. Tis' amusing.PS: (Stole this from WMF) This is retarded.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-25028761742150168662011-02-13T07:57:00.003-06:002011-02-13T08:05:15.083-06:00

I believe that a lot of magic creators are not the best at performing their miracles. As someone who makes stuff I can attest that sometimes you get narrow minded about the one or two things it can do and you just kinda stop because it "works". The reason I being this up is because I like magic with soda. Mostly canned drinks. So despite what Roland might think of him, Michal P. Lair has some

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-44565334766552153192011-02-10T06:47:00.001-06:002011-02-10T06:47:39.590-06:00

Hey what's going on in France right now?

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-49497874683727660172011-02-07T22:20:00.001-06:002011-02-07T22:21:27.347-06:00

Dear magicians,To those of you who think you can just get by on using animals and having money instead of cultivating talent...Die in a fire.Thanx,Bizzaro.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-84098669459205957922011-02-04T16:08:00.002-06:002011-02-04T16:31:19.458-06:00

Looking at a photo of a "new-ish" illusion and I came to the realization that I think a good chunk of the public is over it.I think magicians are, as usual, holding on to a tired concept for dear life in hopes it will bring them fame and fortune. All the while the rest of the world has moved on and left us in the dust. They want "reality", (or at least what they are spoon fed as reality), not big

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-78279121379582161062011-01-30T01:59:00.001-06:002011-01-30T02:00:58.103-06:00

Now that I have dipped my toes into the infested waters that is magic downloads, I thought I would toss my hat into the political ring. Enjoy.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-41477041004748501412011-01-26T22:26:00.005-06:002011-01-27T03:02:36.186-06:00

I never set out to create something that is either based on an old principle nor for release to sell. However, it sometimes works out that way. Hence my first official foray into the world of magic video downloads:Right now it's 12 dollars, but soon it will jump up to $16 so act now!ALSO: I am offering one free download to the first person who can tell me where the name "Threek" comes from. So

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-73014236554454515212011-01-16T21:46:00.002-06:002011-01-16T21:50:33.124-06:00

I have a love/hate relationships with acts like This.An act like this can be very entertaining and commercial, however I myself would never want to do something this reliant on sound effects timing. If just one things gets off you are screwed and it gives you VERY little room for improv or having fun with the audience. It's almost like you are performing at them and not for them.The plus side is

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-63026321570927898962011-01-12T11:52:00.002-06:002011-01-12T12:02:15.988-06:00

I was just watching a commercial where women were randomly handing each other yogurt. I understand it's all metaphor and theatrics to sell product, but it's also insulting to the intelligence of the person watching the TV. They don't really expect us to believe that being handed a cupful of bacteria by a stranger is going to illicit anything but strange looks and possibly security being called?I

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6193148.post-52718287176370773352011-01-04T01:09:00.002-06:002011-01-04T01:13:02.546-06:00

Telling someone in Vegas you are a magician is like saying you are an accountant ANYWHERE else.I forgot how fun and amusing it is to do magic to random strangers. If you haven't brightened the day if someone in the service industry in a while try it. It's quite refreshing sometimes.

Bizzaro.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14091146022808949244noreply@blogger.com