The Doors - Break On Through

A Magical Day

A Magical Day, originally uploaded by D L Ennis.

An afternoon at Dean Dill's

It's official, every time I go to Dean Dill's Barber Shop, I have a great time. It's so cool, you never know who's going to be there. Yesterday it was Doc Eason, in from Snowmass, CO to work the Castle. I had never met him before, but I've always been a fan of his work. There was a whirlwind of activity with people coming and going and the guy with the grinder or sander was none other than Jamie Schoolcraft putting the final touches on a Copper, Silver, Brass set for Doc. Jamie busted out 3 Fly for the gang and then disappeared into the afternoon. There were visitors from Columbus, GA and San Diego. Sam showed up as well as Pete Biro, and of course DEAN DILL!

Here's a pic of Doc performing Kate and Edith . He did a nice demo and sold one to the guy from Georgia. I was grateful to to have the opportunity to sit and chat with Doc, He's a very interesting fellow, started magic when he was 30. . . I didn't know that. He's 60 now. . . I didn't know that either. We got to know one and other and talked about our mutual friend Shawn Greer. This art of ours brings so many unusual, eccentric & fun loving people together.

Alfonso showed up and did some beautiful coin work. I did a few things including my trick deck pitches (by popular demand, if you can believe that). Dean performed his Super Duper Triangle. The afternoon was turning into evening and I didn't want to get stuck in traffic. I gave Doc and Sam a lift to the Castle then took a slow Laural Canyon home. Spent some time with my lady, then headed to work and had a slow night at the City Walk. I can't make people appear.

A famous piece of Hollywood is up for sale.

The owners of the Magic Castle and the Japanese mansion that houses the Yamashiro restaurant are looking for someone interested in buying the landmarks and the surrounding 10-acre hilltop property.

The buyer would get a valuable piece of land located just above Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame and other tourist attractions.

The property owners have no asking price, but instead are waiting to see what kind of offers they get.

The Magic Castle, which resembles a French chateau, is the headquarters of the Academy of Magical Arts. The structure also home to a hotel and restaurant featuring magic shows.

Hike in the hills

Yesterday started around 9AM, Kirsten came over with Ace to go on a hike in the Burbank Foothills. It was a beautiful day and the morning air felt good as we hit the trail. The first 20 minutes of the hike is up a steep hill. Feels good to get the heart rate up.

Kirsten is one of Polly's dearest friends and I know why. . . she's great.

She works in the Camera Department in TV & Film, she's worked on movies like Jar Head and Deja Vous as well working on Scrubs with Polly. I love talking to Polly and her industry friends about what they do. There's no business like show business!

Cheese Please

Session in San Francisco

Having a magic session with Chris Karney is like talking about Nixon with Hunter Thompson. Longwinded rants about what’s wrong with magic, cigarette droppers, body loads, lots of cigarettes and and inhuman amount of liquor.

Polly turned in and Jeanette put a movie on. Chris and I watched a recent performance of his at an old opera house that seated 600. It was a strong 20 minute set with a bunch of new stuff he’s been working on. Good magic, jokes and and exceptionally high ratio of laughs per minute (something chris takes very seriously).

Afterwards we retreated downstairs to his basement workshop. Chris prides himself on his ability to fabricate any prop, gimmick, table, pouch or anything he might need. I appreciate the old school sensibility of working with tools and the ability to problem solve in three dimensions.

Chris lit another cigarette as I puffed on my cigar. I showed him a couple of new things I had been playing with. A couples of interesting effects from the recent Ken Krenzel Genii Issue. One is an interesting trick combining “oil and water” & “Triumph”. The other was a cool technique for penetrating your hand with a coin.

What I like most about Chris is his passion and his drive. He’s making good headway penetrating the comedy club market as he continues to develop his act and his persona.

Tayade Rice Vase

Pics du Jour • San Francisco & Mendocino

Here are some more pictures taken during the last week in Northern California. Cool places, cool people, good food, drink and smoke. A late night magic session followed an evening city stroll through Chinatown. We ended up at an Italian joint near the Copolla Building. Excellent company with my sweetie and the Karney's over great food. The lamb shank was great.

More Trip Pics • Click Here