Friday, June 20, 2008

New Orleans

Well, I wish I was in New Orleans, I can see it in my dreams,
Arm-in-arm down Burgundy, a bottle and my friends and me

Hoist up a few tall cool ones, play some pool and listen
To that tenor saxophone calling me home
And I can hear the band begin "When the Saints Go Marching In",
And by the whiskers on my chin, New Orleans, I'll be there

I'll drink you under the table, be red-nosed, go for walks,
The old haunts what I wants is red beans and rice
And wear the dress I like so well, and meet me at the old saloon,
Make sure that there's a Dixie moon, New Orleans, I'll be there

And deal the cards roll the dice, if it ain't that old Chuck E. Weiss,
And Claiborne Avenue, me and you Sam Jones and all

And I wish I was in New Orleans, 'cause I can see it in my dreams,
Arm-in-arm down Burgundy, a bottle and my friends and me
New Orleans, I'll be there

- Tom Waits

Thursday, June 19, 2008

In my "In Box" • Traded Phoenix Cups for an iPod

Got them in yesterday, they are sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! The case kind of reminds me of the Tom Cruise line in "Color of Money" when he has his pool cue case.

"What's in the box?"

"Doom."

I've named it my Doom box. The wife thinks I'm retarded. Thanks for the awesome trade, enjoy the Ipod!

I read on your blog about your latest trip to the Castle. Lisa Cousins was our IBM Pres in Albuquerque when I was stationed there 8 years ago. She had a pretty sweet linking rings routine. Small world.

Take care.

Jim

The trickster, originally uploaded by All that remains.

An Afternoon in Santa Monica

In my "In Box"

Tom,

My name is Jerome Finley and I'm a performer and creator working out of Salt Lake City, Utah and currently relocating to Las Vegas. I got your email from Tony Iacoviello, I hope you don't mind!

I'm contacting you today asking for assistance in crediting this bit of business with three cards (give me the TWO cards that are NOT yours).

Years ago I created an ungaffed, progressive, 5 phase ESP card test. I used this 3 card test in the third phase (when only 3 cards are left). I learned it from Paul Vigil who got Ian Rowland with it a few years back. I was told it was Sal Piacente's and contacted Sal for permission and credits because I wanted to publish my routine. Sadly I could never get in touch with Sal and didn't ever hear back from him.

Not a lot of people know this piece of work, so when I saw your performance on video I thought I may have found a person who can help;)

I'm happy to send you my routine if you wish to see it. It's quite good and hopefully I can finally get to the bottom of this.

I trust all is well in your world and that your day is a beautiful one. I look forward to hearing back from you when time permits.



All my best,

Jerome Finley - TDR/Reality Engineer

www.sangomahealer.com

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Pic du Jour • Penn and Teller • 20 years ago

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Coin Manipulation on the Promenade


Spiral Mazes, originally uploaded by Heaven`s Gate (John).

Shawn & Denise Greer Visit to the Magic Castle

My oldest friend and his wife were in town briefly on Friday and all day on Monday. After the girls went to sleep on Friday night, Shawn and I sessioned till 3AM. We spent a good deal of time on tabled shuffle work. Shawn's been working up the Zarrow Shuffle, so we broke out the video camera, shot some footage and reviewed it on the big screen. It's funny, even after almost 3 decades of jamming out on magic with Shawn, it still feels fresh, vital and like were teenagers hanging out in his grandma's basement in Norwood, Ohio.

Last night we dined at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood. We enjoyed a tasty meal, had a couple of cocktails and took in the evening. Martin Nash was there and we talked to him for a bit. Also there, Jon Armstrong a Castle regular. We chatted mostly about Batman. As it happens were both huge fans of the comic books and very excited about the new movie.

After dinner (by the way, thanks again Shawn & Denise), we took in the show in the Palace of Mystery. On the bill were Rob Zebrecky, Tina Lenart & Arden James. Good show, well balanced and a lot of fun. We wanted to see the Luke Jermay show in the Parlor but got shut out. Pretty good crowd there for a Monday night. Instead we headed down to the magical arts library to visit with Billy Goodwin. We did a card trick round robin where I did this trick. I've been playing with lately. It's an old Harry Lorayne effect from his book Quantum Leaps.



Lisa Cousins showed up. She just moved here from New Mexico to shack up with Billy. They got a place a block away from the Castle. A lot of love in that room, Polly & Me, Shawn & Denise , Billy & Lisa. A fucking spooge fest if you ask me. I got to tell you, love is GREAT and being around people in love. . . at the Magic Castle. . . a real treat. It's nice to have friends.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Busker du Jour


Which one is it under, originally uploaded by WeeMinxy.