Seeing as how the original poster didn't defend the legitimacy of the story, methinks the Fool has fooled us. Still a great read, though - thanks.

I'll admit......I can't back this up with any hard evidence, unless I put the sound files from the cassete online, or post a pic of me in the 'bumasquerade' as I call it, but either of those could be faked. I know there are some of you here in Fla., and if you got out to O-town, I'd be happy to introduce you to Cotton or uncle, but I could've simply bought their loyalty with a donation, so that would't cinch it either. And I'm definetly unwilling to give a transcript of the police file, or the names of the shelter workers in fear of any legal problems that might cause. Well, like the title of the thread says, I can't believe most of this myself! And I'll admit, it is a weird story, but I wouldn't by any means call it fantastic. I'm actually a little flattered that it's 'cool' enough that people doubt it's legitimacy. Thank you all again for reading, and listen.....TRY THIS!!! You won't beleive the reaction & surprise it causes when people see an (apprently) homeless guy do magic! Just be carefull...lest you get sucked into their world like I did! One thing I learned is that the homeless have more than their share of enemies, including those who pose as their 'freinds'. Also, like JoeJoe and the detective said, don't make any mention of 'help' or 'hungry' if you use a sign. Looking back, I see that was a dirty angle. Of course, you don't have to specificaly do the 'bum' routine, just try something wierd, different or unexpected. Most of us sail through life with a set course and rarely alter it. I don'r beleive in taking foolish chances, but nothing worthwhile can be experienced without taking any chance at all! Who would want to live in a world without daring? (that's a quote from Charrels Lindburgh) Try it.....one day, just take your ship out into unfamiliar waters, unfurl your sails, and see where the winds of adventure take you!

Thanks so much for this! That Disney situation was just the sweetest thing, and I think we're all ecstatic about Nancy's outcome. Take this story and run... straight for the publisher's!

Angela

Hiya, Mighty:

I admire the concept ("Will do the Pass for food") and might -- MIGHT -- try something similar. But you gotta admit there are certain elements here which sound a bit urban legend-ish.

Comping a tourist family into the Magic Kingdom is what really stood out as fantastic to me. The shelter director's description seemed a bit...well, a bit like Dickens.

Strange things happen all the time; I once reached into my nail bag and grabbed EXACTLY the number of nails I needed to for 12 feet of wall framing. Twice. Top and bottom plates to all studs. I used to live in an apartment whose toilet had been stamped by the manufacturer with its production date: My birthday and year (hey, don't make wise on that one!)

Jury's still out on this one -- and like you said, hard evidence is tough to provide. Whatever the case, thanks for sharing!

Leland

Thanks for that. it was very interesting

I love it!

The authenticity of the story isn't even an issue. What makes a difference if it all happened or not? If it weren't real, so what, it's still a good story. A few stories even considered "non-fiction" are highly fictional (e.g. propaganda/ sensationalized news) . But does MightFool's story affect us in any logical manner? Does it brainwash us to think in a certain manner? No. It's pure entertainment, a well told story. If true, awesome. If not, awesome. Because it was a *** good story.

Thanks for sharing! It sure made me smile.

Lance

Who really cares if the story is true, it's one of the best reads on the Café. I was inspired enough to want to try it out myself.

I for one enjoyed the story and I would love to have the skill and guts to do half of what The Magic Fool did (or if some prefer, allegedly did).

I just got back from Cambodia and had fun with a little simple street magic with poor street kids. Simple coin vanishing and appearing, torn and restored paper, TT stuff and balloons etc. So basic that most of you would be unimpressed BUT the effect was tremendous! The Magic Fool's account was pretty inspirational and gave me a push to "just go out and try". So, whether the account is real or not is not a big issue for me for it helped me. I don't think I have had that much fun in years! So a big thank you "The Mighty Fool"

(BTW, I posted a short description of my experience somewhere else on the magic Café a few minutes ago).

The truth is often much stranger than fiction.

Thanks for the ride Mighty Fool.

Fact or fiction, you kept it real.

Kudos

Wow, I can't believe I never ran across this thread before! This is probably one of the best I've read here at the Café. Great story! Fool, I gotta say, you got some guts.

Michael

Thanks for reading guys! And Paulmagic, I'm glad things are working out for you!

Great thread gives hope to us wannabe street preformers

This was truly a great read...I myself had some experiences along the same lines, however that was over 10 years ago and I have forgotten some of the things that happened.

I was once homeless and hungry, went to a soup kitchen and performed magic. I was accosted by one of the people who ran the joint (it was a woman) who said magic was of the devil blah blah blah and I should get right with the lord.

And a crazy bag lady almost kicked my butt for showing her magic. This all happened in Tacoma (aroma) Washington. I never gave up though and had many adventures while living and performing on the streets of Tacoma. I was jumped by the 'Bloods' (a scary gang), stabbed , robbed, hit on by trannies...oh the memories.

johnny

This is a great story. I am going to be thinking about this for a while.

Wow. Amazing story. I believe you cuz it sounded real and even if it's not, WHY would you people WANT to doubt it?

Hmmm, interesting concept. But I think I will stick to performing in restaurant or pubs.

cheerios

This raises the question of what is and what is not ethical in the magical arena.

One might argue that your deception of people on that level (dressing like a transient, playing on people's good natures, etc.) was wrong on some level. But in the end you did put the money to good use so if we ignore that whole "the ends don't justify the means" line of reasoning it worked out.

An interesting experiment to try at this point would be to see whether or not a sign that said, "Magic Tricks Worked In Exchange for Donations to Help the Homeless" (with you dressed not so shabby this time around) would earn more or less money in the same amount of time. This experiment would answer the question, "Does the appearance of homelessness engender greater loathing or greater generosity?"

Anyway, not something I would do (unless I was homeless) but certainly interesting and thought-provoking.

Read this thread for the first time just now. What a story!

Best... thread... ever...

Not sure if I would have the guts to pull any of that off.

Anyhow, truth or fiction (as some say), it does give people much to think about.

Wether it be truth or fiction its an amazing story non the less.

ollie