Who But A Magician?

Who but a magician loses things (like Aces) just so he can find them?

Who but a magician would have you “examine” a #2 pencil to make sure it “is” a pencil? Examine a coin to make sure it “is” a coin, and a card so you can tell it “is” a card?

Who but a magician needs to show his hands empty four times, telling you they are empty, and then asks you “if you are sure” they are empty? "Really sure?"

Who but a magician needs to tell you everything he isn’t doing?

Who but a magician wants you to look closely at his “invisible” moves?

Who but a magician promises steadfastly never to make anyone “uncomfortable,” then proceeds to make fun of any volunteer brave enough to try to help by participating?

Who but a magician can present to you “Ancient Chinese Miracles” made of highly polished plastic by old world craftsmen?

Who but a magician would present something that is “self-working,” then expect you to pay him to watch it work?

Who but a magician would ask you if “I put three balls in my hand, how many balls are in my hand?” Then, exclaim, “You are wrong!”

Who but a magician would sing the praises of “how fun it is to be fooled.” Yet, just can’t stand it when he is fooled himself?

Who but a magician would show everybody how great their second deal looks, then wonder why he can’t fool anybody with it?

Who but a magician would scream, “A true magician never reveals a secret!” Yet, then take great delight in regaling their audiences with "the" inside knowledge of everything that David Coppertone has ever done?

Who but a magician spouts “originality and creativity above all,” but displays neither?

Who but a magician says that some “TV Magicians” stink on ice . . . but, call the magic shop (the day after the special) to see if they have the “XXX” trick anyway?

Who but a magician hates it when somebody “guesses” how their “magic” was done, but when witnessing another performer feels compelled to tell them that they like their “DF, R/S idea - - - wink – wink, nod-nod.”

Who but a magician would cry publicly that magic shops RENT instructional videos, then complain to their shop that a $7 rental fee is a rip-off , as Blockbuster gives you “Girls Gone Wild” for three days for three bucks?

Who but a magician would say that “magic is priceless,” yet howl like wolves when a miracle costs more than $14.23 at the shop?

Of course, it isn’t you, and certainly isn’t not me. But, maybe we know somebody . . .

What can I say? It's all too true.
On the bright side, without the bad magicians out there the good ones wouldn't look as good as they do.
I just wish there weren't so many bad ones though.

An article like this will make us all look within
Sometimes a good thing!!

Excellent points, Randy!!

Who but a magician spends more time making passes with the cards, than he does with the ladies!!

"Who but a magician would cry publicly that magic shops RENT instructional videos, then complain to their shop that $7 a rental fee is a rip-off , as Blockbuster gives you “Girls Gone Wild” for three days for three bucks?"

Too true!!

Who but a magician would even write something like that?




TCR

Andy Rooney, and no doubt much better.

Though some of the most outlandish things were cited, I've been witness to them all.

There are reasonable questions to ask- we all know that most people prefer croutons on their salad, as opposed to bits of sponge ball. Most of us know that a "silk" does not have to be soiled and wrinkled, and Zombie balls don't have to have twenty-seven dents.

There are far more subtle considerations in magic . . . when is shuffling good, when is it bad? When does borrowing an item add to an effect, when does it detract? When are flashy props a big advantage, when do they automatically diminish an effect?

The point of such postings is to evoke thought, and engage conversation. Sure, I'm happy to offer my opinions; that is what I'm equipped with.

It is far better to define the fine points of performimg magic in the precise venue and style of the individual. It does no harm to question "why" it is that certain conventions are followed. It is the path of self-analysis and field testing that can strengthen and sharpen anyone's magic. Sometimes, all of us can be lulled into ruts that are not discernible unless we step back a bit and absorb a fresh perspective.

And who but a magician would rent an Instructional Video when they could rent “Girls Gone Wild”?

(…sorry I just had to!)

I think you'll that find "Girls Gone Wild" IS an instructional video!

(...sorry folks, I guess I'm just in one of those end-of-Tuesday silly kinda moods.... )

Huw

When did you see my show!

GIRLS GONE WILD at three bucks for three days..whoa..what a deal.

Best thoughts,
John Smetana

John, you can own a pair for 9.95 . . . it may not be magic-related, but I suspect that they might be watched more regularly than some magic tapes?