In my "In Box" • Hair today, gone tomorrow

Hey Tom:

Just watched your recent "videos" doing the "Three Card Miracle" (don't know the real name) of this effect....and also your adaptation
of the oldest trick in magic history the "Cups and Balls" (you are probably one of the best that should go down in magic history)

As far as I am concerned..and I have written you before...I think your Act is Great...(p.s. I am still trying to convince Kozmo to put you and other street magicians on some future "Reel Magic DVD release".)

Now...please listen my Jewish Friend....

And if you take this wrong....and give me Hell....I will accept it......

Tom.......you are too young...to get into the James Randi appearance!!!!!!!

Personally..(and if you write me to give me hell that's O.K.)...but Tom.....please go back to the "Good Ole Days"

I hate your surface beard...I hate the fact of hair loss...and I hate the fact that this make you look like "James Randi"

Please consider my friend..to spend a few pesso's to shave your beard...and maybe get some hair device..(rug or transplant)..

But Tom...I think you will benefit....and work more for a younger crowd..then us old Bastard's....

It's just that I was a bit shocked at your recent Magic Castle Video...the magic was tops...but you looked a bit old....

So.....if you want to tell me to F....OF......that's O.K...maybe I just don't want one of my Magic Idols to be and Old Man..

Don Alan Did it.....Neil Foster Did It.....Randy Wakeman Did it...and if I was loosing my top...I would do it too..

Love you may Friend.

Marien

Canada.

I wish I lived closer so I could smoke cigars...drink whiskey or brandy with you and share what the "real magic is"

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My response

Dear Marien,

I would never give you hell or tell you to F#@k off. You are one of my few fans. I do remember your kind words from last years email.

Trust me, for years I have thought about my balding and the notion of looking older. At some point I made a decision that I wanted to grow old gracefully. . . whatever that means.

Society and specifically the entertainment industry is a youth driven business and puts disproportionate pressure on youth and beauty. Good thing I'm not in the Entertainment Industry (in Los Angeles, that means television and film). I'm a street performer and trick deck pitchman. I'm a 46 year old twice divorced, father of 4. In reality. . . I look my age. . . I guess. As for the beard, a lot of it has turned white. That's life I guess. I keep the beard in the winter, because it keeps my face warm. I work outdoors and it can be cold at times. I thought about dying the beard, but; as quick a beards grow I would have to dye the roots every other day. I'm lazy and not that vain.

Polly, who has spent her professional career as a hairdresser for TV & Film (and knows how to hand make a wig) Loves me for who I am. A short, bald, chubby, jew. That's good enough for me. It's not likely, even with a rug, that fame or fortune is coming my way. I gave up on that dream years ago. The new dream, is to live the rest of my life with a heart full of love doing what makes me happy. Polly makes me happy, my family makes me happy. I love performing magic and trying to make other people happy. It's all good.

If being me, makes me look like an 83 year old gay man, then so be it.

Thank you for your time, interest and support. I too would enjoy drinking and smoking with you. If you ever get out to LA, look me up and we'll have a great time!

Sincerely,

Tom Frank

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Frick......you are hilarious............
Tom...."Thanks for the quickie reply"............................Glad you took it in good spirits (although the other type of spirits taste better)....LOL...

I have many Jewish friends....and don't forget you are "The chosen people"....

Although I am not a professional....magician....(but a professional who works part time....ala...Gene Anderson)...I have been in "Sales" for 40 years. I know a lot about selling...and have been successful at it. Selling and Magic are the same...and I have given many talks on sales to various companies in the past. In Magic...we have patter...in sales it is called organized language. In Magic we have props...in sales we have tangible products or sales concepts. But all in all whether you are selling products or a service...we are in "the people business". You have to know how to handle people...handle objections and overcome them....build a repoir...and make them like you.

Let's face it Tom...if they don't like you and think you are a conceited jerk...they just won't buy from you....LOL....LOL....
Thank you for your honesty...and I am so glad that you have found the "true treasure" in life. It's not things....It's not money (although money helps)....it relationships..and friends... Whenever I am down a bit ....I go an watch "Noodle Joint"...you kill me in this one...and anyone who is not a true Magic Addict...would not
understand this whole video...

Wishing all the best....in your "Trick Deck Sales...& Magic Street performances"....

Whew....now I can sleep again..because I thought I had offended you my friend...

Best

Marien Hopman

Canada...

pix of me and David Merry...if you know who the hell he is............ha..ha..ha........(working a gig together)

3 Card Mental Problem

Castle Cups and Balls

Busker du Jour • Shawn Greer

Shawn Greer performing at the Tempe Arts Festival, 12/4/2011 • Click pic to enlarge

In my "In Box"

November 1, 2011

Hello Mr. Frank.

I've been a reader of your blog for a long time, and Sunday night I finally had a chance to see you perform if only for a minute. I doubt you remember me but I was wearing a green Las Vegas shirt and was with a girl way too pretty for me. I dropped a 5 in your hat would have been more but in the credit card age I just didn't have much cash on me.

I just wanted to let you know that your show was fun and engaging. It was a pitch show and as disappointed as I was to not see your Linking Ring Routine, it was entertaining to see you play with some of the basics. Thanks for a few minutes of fun.

Also I was hoping that we could begin a magic dialogue. I've been a studier and, at times, performer of magic since I was a kid, and since I'm only 22 I still haven't quite become anything other than a kid. I would love to hear any stories you'd be willing to share. Any insights on the street you'd love to discuss. Busking has always been a part of my life, from stealing decks of cards to do quick shows on any corner I could, to spending hours on end walking up and down Santa Monica BLVD, taking in the art of it all. Someday I hope to make it to the street, but for now I'm feeling pulled to other places.

I've never had a chance to really have a good conversation with a true street performer, after seeing videos of yours and reading your blog, I can't even begin to imagine how many lessons you have locked in your head. If you find yourself with any spare time, I'd love to just shoot the shit. I don't know what I'd have to offer in return, but I am funny. :-P

Again than you for adding a some magic to our night. I hope you had a wonderful Halloween weekend.

Brandon

Max Frank, Hope Frank • Days Gone By

Email to my daughter Hope Frank

Dear Hope,

I DO get the letters and e-mails from you, and I love them! I just think you are terrific! You're turning into such a beautiful young lady. (Thanks you so so much for the pictures! They made my week!) I guess I'm just at a loss. What do you say to someone who won't talk to you? I don't know.

It's been cruel that we're not allowed to see each other. I love you and want to spend time with you. If there is ever a school event that you are participating in and want me there, let me know and I'll do my best to be there. I dream of the day when we can visit, a day where no one can tell us that we can't be together. That day is coming, I know it.

As we reflect on Thanksgiving and all that we're thankful for; I am thankful for YOU and Max and Liam and especially your mom. Without her, none of you could have been the result of our love. I've been thinking about how much love I have for you all. Someday you will feel that love in a GIANT hug.

Have a GREAT Thanksgiving! I'll call you on Thanksgiving Day and "Hope" that you will talk to me. Please give my best to everyone

I love you dear girl

Dad

Say Hi to Max and Liam for me and let me know what you might like for the holidays ($50-$70)