Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Saturday, Sunday, Monday
Saturday night I had a strolling gig. Polly’s friend Darla, who she worked with on Scrubs & Dirty Sexy Money hired me to work her birthday party. Lots of industry types and a few actors I recognized from TV.
Lots of fun and nice to put on a suit for a change. My sets were well received and she said I got great feedback. Darla is a trip, She’s got Polly on the Pussy Trapping Amway Program. We trap neighborhood stray cats, take them to a place where they are neutered, washed, flea dipped, given shots, then we release them back where they were trapped. It’s fun, good for the cats and the community. Darla is also Neil Diamonds’ personal hair and make-up person when he tours.
Sunday I met Dan Sylvester “The Jester” at the Castle for a late evening of discussion. Always a pleasure to spend time with my old soul brother. He showed me his latest completed comic book about ugly little critters called “Tater Bugs”. We ran into Max Maven who is the new Entertainment Director at the Magic Castle. He said that he would be happy to look my promo tape. I wouldn’t mind booking a week at the Castle.
Monday I had lunch with Aaron Fisher, his girlfriend Amy and Todd Karr. We were celebrating Aaron’s 32nd birthday!!! Happy B’day Pal!! After lunch Aaron, Amy and I to a nice hike in Bronson Canyon (up near the Hollywood Sign).
The nice weather is back, it’s been in the upper 70’s. Loving life, trying to eat right, exercise and sharing all the love in my heart. It’s a good life.
Lots of fun and nice to put on a suit for a change. My sets were well received and she said I got great feedback. Darla is a trip, She’s got Polly on the Pussy Trapping Amway Program. We trap neighborhood stray cats, take them to a place where they are neutered, washed, flea dipped, given shots, then we release them back where they were trapped. It’s fun, good for the cats and the community. Darla is also Neil Diamonds’ personal hair and make-up person when he tours.
Sunday I met Dan Sylvester “The Jester” at the Castle for a late evening of discussion. Always a pleasure to spend time with my old soul brother. He showed me his latest completed comic book about ugly little critters called “Tater Bugs”. We ran into Max Maven who is the new Entertainment Director at the Magic Castle. He said that he would be happy to look my promo tape. I wouldn’t mind booking a week at the Castle.
Monday I had lunch with Aaron Fisher, his girlfriend Amy and Todd Karr. We were celebrating Aaron’s 32nd birthday!!! Happy B’day Pal!! After lunch Aaron, Amy and I to a nice hike in Bronson Canyon (up near the Hollywood Sign).The nice weather is back, it’s been in the upper 70’s. Loving life, trying to eat right, exercise and sharing all the love in my heart. It’s a good life.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Wednesday Afternoon Session @ Dean Dill's Barber Shop
Always a good time. Click pics to enlarge. Highlights included a woman with a mind reading dog. She was workshopping the act. Never seen a dog do "Out of this world".
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Aunt Jonnie & Uncle Stewart Burke
My mothers' sister and her husband are in town. Cruised in, in a big RV, complete with car in tow, grill, wine refrigerator, washer/dryer and two VERY LARGE DOGS. I love these guys. We drove down to Seal Beach and met them at the Navel Weapons Station / RV Campground. Stewart is ex military (Airforce, flew 204 missions in Viet Nam). He gets the hook up at any military campground. We spent some time hanging out and catching up in the RV. Then we headed out for a while. They treated us to a nice lunch where the conversation continued. We talked to about my mom and my grand parents.
We talked about my siblings and their kids (my cousins). We all lived in Europe at the same time and used to spend Thanksgivings with them on the Air Force Base. Feels like a lifetime ago. We were all so young and innocent. I remember one holiday, all the kids were sent away so that the grown ups could chill, have a cocktail and listen to the latest George Carlin album, "Occupation: Foole". I must have been 7 or 8 years old. Our ears pressed up against the door as we heard our parents laughing loudly at the "7 words you cant say on TV". Shit, Piss, Fuck, Cunt, Cocksucker, Motherfucker, and Tits! This was an eye opening exposure to my first taste of professional comedy. Aaaahhh those were the days. Now we're all grown up. Nice visit, nice people. . . nice to have family. Funny, they were in San Diego last week and ran into Jimmy Talksalot. 
From the archives: I put this pic up here because I just found out that my Aunt reads my blog and she might get a kick out of it. I love you. Great seeing you both! Click Pics to Enlarge
Friday, February 22, 2008
Quote du Jour
"I used to want to change the world. . . . now I just want to be able to leave the room with a little dignity"
- From the Movie Short Bus
- From the Movie Short Bus
Thursday, February 21, 2008
In my "In Box"
I'm enjoying your stuff, especially the Houdini stuff...
I'm from Houdini's hometown, Appleton, Wisconsin. Houdini's greatest escape was getting out of Appleton...
When I was a kid, grandma would just point out the Zuelske Insurance building and say "That's where Houdini lived when he was a kid" and that's all we knew. Sometime in the 80s I guess Sidney Radner, a very aged assistant to Houdini, loaned for years a whole lot of Houdini's stuff to the Outagamie County Historical Society (later, some controversy over was it a gift or on loan for a long term???)... The Houdini Historical Center was created. Also, there are bronze plaques throughout the downtown area, and a map to help people find them all, sort of like doing the Stations of the Cross I thougt! -- which greatly enhanced the experience as someone who grew up there. We all knew that the world's first commercially practical hydroelectric station was down by the river (a copy of it can be seen at the site) but did not know that Houdini nearly drowned near there when he was playing as a kid, and supposedly that is some kind of psychological thing about his escapes, especially the getting-tossed-in-water-in-a-packing-case stuff... There really is a lot of terrific stuff in Appleton, I'll try to restrain myself...
In recent years, Temple Zion, which was long out of business as a synagogue and was being used to store stuff by the Historical Society, now has a bronze plaque that tells about Houdini's dad being the rabbi there, Appleton's first rabbi. The story always was that Houdini's dad got fired because the congregation wanted a younger man, but the plaque says the congregation was trying to raise funds to build the synagogue and the whole community contributed and got involved, and they wanted to get a rabbi who could speak English to help with this project. Houdini's parents only spoke Yiddish and Hungarian, I guess, being immigrants.
I was back there when my Grandfather was dying in 1993. I got stranded there when my Canadian lawyer, who was supposed to be doing my divorce, abandoned me. I was left high and dry by my dysfunctional local relatives, too. I'd left my kid back in Canada with her father telling her this can't take forever and I'll come back after great grandpa dies, but then for reasons of poverty I was stuck. As it was sinking in on me the horrible situation I was in, one day that fall I was doing my daily meditation, and doing it kitty corner from the Houdini Historical Center -- I was in a flower garden on the beautiful campus of Lawrence University. As I walked among the flowers and sunshine, praying the rosary, suddenly I heard in my left ear (I'm left handed, so I figured that's positive for me) "Near you" -- clear as a bell... I had just been thinking about how Houdini could ESCAPE, and I wished I could escape and get back to my kid who was crying in school every day because I couldn't get back to her. Of course, such an experience is subjective and I can't prove it, but swear to God that happened while I was praying. Whether it was my angel, Houdini, my imagination, etc., it was very consoling and I started to cry, which made me feel better. I did get back to Canada over a year later. I don't know whether they still have the annual seances on Halloween for Houdini (I'm sure you know he died on Halloween)... of course, that was officially only to be done for ten years after his death, but in Appleton they still did it for fun on Halloween, and I think the seances were at Lawrence University! Well, I wonder... They never did "hear from" Houdini, and that's a GOOD thing, you know. Houdini would NOT have approved... But I wonder: DID I HEAR FROM Houdini?? Can't prove it and maybe I'm just plain nuts. The effect is the important thing, and the effect was calming and consoling, like I felt comforted and moved to tears. So that helped me. Besides, if I was praying the rosary at the time, I guess it's ok.
Enjoying your pics. I'd never seen the one of Houdini with the kids evidently in a hospital. A couple of my relatives were entertainers, too, but in Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, which was headquartered in Wisconsin. Lots of young Wisconsinites joined the circus way long ago....
I'm from Houdini's hometown, Appleton, Wisconsin. Houdini's greatest escape was getting out of Appleton...
When I was a kid, grandma would just point out the Zuelske Insurance building and say "That's where Houdini lived when he was a kid" and that's all we knew. Sometime in the 80s I guess Sidney Radner, a very aged assistant to Houdini, loaned for years a whole lot of Houdini's stuff to the Outagamie County Historical Society (later, some controversy over was it a gift or on loan for a long term???)... The Houdini Historical Center was created. Also, there are bronze plaques throughout the downtown area, and a map to help people find them all, sort of like doing the Stations of the Cross I thougt! -- which greatly enhanced the experience as someone who grew up there. We all knew that the world's first commercially practical hydroelectric station was down by the river (a copy of it can be seen at the site) but did not know that Houdini nearly drowned near there when he was playing as a kid, and supposedly that is some kind of psychological thing about his escapes, especially the getting-tossed-in-water-in-a-packing-case stuff... There really is a lot of terrific stuff in Appleton, I'll try to restrain myself...
In recent years, Temple Zion, which was long out of business as a synagogue and was being used to store stuff by the Historical Society, now has a bronze plaque that tells about Houdini's dad being the rabbi there, Appleton's first rabbi. The story always was that Houdini's dad got fired because the congregation wanted a younger man, but the plaque says the congregation was trying to raise funds to build the synagogue and the whole community contributed and got involved, and they wanted to get a rabbi who could speak English to help with this project. Houdini's parents only spoke Yiddish and Hungarian, I guess, being immigrants.
I was back there when my Grandfather was dying in 1993. I got stranded there when my Canadian lawyer, who was supposed to be doing my divorce, abandoned me. I was left high and dry by my dysfunctional local relatives, too. I'd left my kid back in Canada with her father telling her this can't take forever and I'll come back after great grandpa dies, but then for reasons of poverty I was stuck. As it was sinking in on me the horrible situation I was in, one day that fall I was doing my daily meditation, and doing it kitty corner from the Houdini Historical Center -- I was in a flower garden on the beautiful campus of Lawrence University. As I walked among the flowers and sunshine, praying the rosary, suddenly I heard in my left ear (I'm left handed, so I figured that's positive for me) "Near you" -- clear as a bell... I had just been thinking about how Houdini could ESCAPE, and I wished I could escape and get back to my kid who was crying in school every day because I couldn't get back to her. Of course, such an experience is subjective and I can't prove it, but swear to God that happened while I was praying. Whether it was my angel, Houdini, my imagination, etc., it was very consoling and I started to cry, which made me feel better. I did get back to Canada over a year later. I don't know whether they still have the annual seances on Halloween for Houdini (I'm sure you know he died on Halloween)... of course, that was officially only to be done for ten years after his death, but in Appleton they still did it for fun on Halloween, and I think the seances were at Lawrence University! Well, I wonder... They never did "hear from" Houdini, and that's a GOOD thing, you know. Houdini would NOT have approved... But I wonder: DID I HEAR FROM Houdini?? Can't prove it and maybe I'm just plain nuts. The effect is the important thing, and the effect was calming and consoling, like I felt comforted and moved to tears. So that helped me. Besides, if I was praying the rosary at the time, I guess it's ok.
Enjoying your pics. I'd never seen the one of Houdini with the kids evidently in a hospital. A couple of my relatives were entertainers, too, but in Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, which was headquartered in Wisconsin. Lots of young Wisconsinites joined the circus way long ago....
One of the strangest movies I've ever seen
Polly and I saw this movie tonight. Way out there in an avant garde sort way. Crazy movie, crazy special features. . . the making of and so on. Fascinating really, that a movie like this gets made at all. Muff said. . . sorry I mean nuff said.
Last night at work was a waste of time. It had been chilly and overcast all day and looked like rain. Coming home early allowed me to see the lunar eclipse. As I was pulling in at home, the moon was almost fully eclipsed. I called Polly and told her to come outside and see it.
We kissed under the dark side of the moon.
In my "In Box"
Hey Tom, This is Sebastian we saw each other again at Dean's today. After looking at your site I am now sure that I have seen your cups. Since you mentioned today that you are a cup collector I figured I would send you a picture of the cups I am looking for and if you have any leads or anybody that wants to get rid of them please let me know. I look forward to seeing you again some time I am in LA.
Regards,
Sebastian
sebastian@magicofsebastian.com
http://www.magicofsebastian.com
If anyone knows where he can get a set of these, please contact him and make him a happy camper.
TF
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
My Response
Sebastian,
Great seeing you again. I'll have to stay longer some Wednesday and hang until closing time to chum with you guys a bit longer. I do have a set of the cups you are looking for, but have no interest in selling them. After checking them out a bit I might comment that their pretty light and would most likely dent with regular use. (making them hard to get apart after time. . . unless you are always very nice to them. Here is a pic of a portion of my collection with the cups in question in it.
Again, nice seeing you again.
Sincerely,
Tom Frank
Click Pic to Enlarge•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Yeah I didn't leave until 9 last night. Yes those are the cups that I have been looking for. I am really nice and gentle with my props. I checked out the RNT website and I found a couple of sets that I liked but I want them in a chrome finish and if they are a real precision cup then the thickness of the plating makes it difficult to stack them. That is what I found out when I got the Riser Minis chrome plated. Keep in touch.
Regards,
Sebastian
Wednesday Afternoon Session @ Dean Dill's Barber Shop
Spent a couple of hours at Dean Dill’s Barber Shop, Magic Session yesterday. Dean with a big welcoming smile on his face and some of the usual suspects. Pete Biro was there, a fellow from San Diego named Sebastian, who I met before. Another fellow from Columbus, Georgia named Steve Travis, who I had also met at a previous session. A lawyer / magi and a computer animation guy from Chicago.
Always an interesting group of guys. I love that Dean is cutting and styling hair while a magic session surrounds. I know I’ve said this before, I think it’s worth saying again; Dean Dill hosts the best weekly session in LA. It’s old school, a bunch of guys hanging out doing magic tricks. Anyone is welcome, regardless of skill level, and everybody seems to get something out of the session. I was asked to do my Mental Photography Pitch for the guys. They liked it. Next thing you know, Dean is doing his routine for me. His addition of a single blank both sides card was very clever. This small variation certainly sells the spectator on the fact that the deck is blank, as they examine a selected card from the blank deck. This launched into a discussion about various magicians who liked this classic trick deck as much as us. We talked briefly about Don Alan and Goshman and the routines they performed with the Mental Photo Deck. Trivia Question: What was the older name for the Mental Photography Deck?
Pete Biro scored two bonus points this session. He correctly identified an obscure back design (happened to be a Palmetto Back / Texan Deck). I was impressed that he identified them quickly without having to think too much. I don’t know why, but that’s definitely a bonus point.
The second was his performance of a new card trick called, “Trilogy” by Brian Caswell. I had never seen or heard about this trick. Very clever and streamlined in handling. It was interesting to hear how Dean, Pete and Steve Travis had been playing with the effect and trying to improve upon it and make it their own. Pete added the use of a prediction for the final card revelation. Good thinking. Another personal benefit to attending these sessions, I’m exposed to some new tricks on the market. Otherwise, I’m basically out of the loop.
Steve busted out a nice version of Flash Cash, where 5 one dollar bills instantly change to 5 hundred dollar bills. Very visual effect, with a nice emotional hook. Can’t go wrong with hundred dollar bills. . . ever. I am so impressed with with quality of advice that is given at these sessions. Simple variations that help strengthen the magic. What a great way to spend a Wednesday afternoon. I simply must do this more often, I always have a good time.
Always an interesting group of guys. I love that Dean is cutting and styling hair while a magic session surrounds. I know I’ve said this before, I think it’s worth saying again; Dean Dill hosts the best weekly session in LA. It’s old school, a bunch of guys hanging out doing magic tricks. Anyone is welcome, regardless of skill level, and everybody seems to get something out of the session. I was asked to do my Mental Photography Pitch for the guys. They liked it. Next thing you know, Dean is doing his routine for me. His addition of a single blank both sides card was very clever. This small variation certainly sells the spectator on the fact that the deck is blank, as they examine a selected card from the blank deck. This launched into a discussion about various magicians who liked this classic trick deck as much as us. We talked briefly about Don Alan and Goshman and the routines they performed with the Mental Photo Deck. Trivia Question: What was the older name for the Mental Photography Deck?
Pete Biro scored two bonus points this session. He correctly identified an obscure back design (happened to be a Palmetto Back / Texan Deck). I was impressed that he identified them quickly without having to think too much. I don’t know why, but that’s definitely a bonus point.
The second was his performance of a new card trick called, “Trilogy” by Brian Caswell. I had never seen or heard about this trick. Very clever and streamlined in handling. It was interesting to hear how Dean, Pete and Steve Travis had been playing with the effect and trying to improve upon it and make it their own. Pete added the use of a prediction for the final card revelation. Good thinking. Another personal benefit to attending these sessions, I’m exposed to some new tricks on the market. Otherwise, I’m basically out of the loop.Steve busted out a nice version of Flash Cash, where 5 one dollar bills instantly change to 5 hundred dollar bills. Very visual effect, with a nice emotional hook. Can’t go wrong with hundred dollar bills. . . ever. I am so impressed with with quality of advice that is given at these sessions. Simple variations that help strengthen the magic. What a great way to spend a Wednesday afternoon. I simply must do this more often, I always have a good time.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
In my "In Box"
hey tom.
hope this finds you well.
i had seen you preforming some street magic recently, l.a. just outside universal studios. you were quite entertaining.
i bought a deck off of you. the mental photography deck. i have been practicing it for a bit now, and have just started to do it for people.
and its been doing pretty well.
i wanted especially thank you for taking the time to walk me through how the trick worked too. cause later when i tried to read the directions. well lets just say i don't have them any more.
but ya i have been doing card trick for some time now. i only have maybe only 5 or 6 now. but i think it is fun. sometimes just the look on there face is just so priceless.
i start with your deck and tell how when i was on holidays and saw a magician doing street magic. he was really good. i bought this "magic" deck off of him. but man was i pissed off when i got to the hotel and opened them. they where all blank........... yada yada yada you know the trick.
i carry another normal deck of the same kind on me so i can do other trick afterwords. i have the most trouble switch the decks but im gonna keep working on it. nothing a lil practice cant fix.
but anyways thanx again.
keep doin what you're doin
cheers
butch
hope this finds you well.
i had seen you preforming some street magic recently, l.a. just outside universal studios. you were quite entertaining.
i bought a deck off of you. the mental photography deck. i have been practicing it for a bit now, and have just started to do it for people.
and its been doing pretty well.
i wanted especially thank you for taking the time to walk me through how the trick worked too. cause later when i tried to read the directions. well lets just say i don't have them any more.
but ya i have been doing card trick for some time now. i only have maybe only 5 or 6 now. but i think it is fun. sometimes just the look on there face is just so priceless.
i start with your deck and tell how when i was on holidays and saw a magician doing street magic. he was really good. i bought this "magic" deck off of him. but man was i pissed off when i got to the hotel and opened them. they where all blank........... yada yada yada you know the trick.
i carry another normal deck of the same kind on me so i can do other trick afterwords. i have the most trouble switch the decks but im gonna keep working on it. nothing a lil practice cant fix.
but anyways thanx again.
keep doin what you're doin
cheers
butch
Friday Lunch at the Castle
After Thursday’s poker game at Aye Jaye’s house, I called him to thank him for an enjoyable evening. As it turns out, he lives less than 10 minutes away from me in Sun Valley. He asked me what I was doing,“Meeting you at the Castle for lunch”, I replied. “See ya at 12:15 baby, I want to see the close up show at 12:30, he informs. I arrived on time and we went into see a fellow named Derek DelGaudio. A refreshing young man and a solid set of card magic in the close up room. After the show, we headed upstairs for lunch.
Aye Jaye and I sat at a round table in the back of the room and were joined by famed actor and leading Houdini authority Patrick Cullitan. Very interesting fellow. Next to him sat Lisa Cousins whom I had had the pleasure of briefly meeting a couple of times, once with Billy Goodwin and once with David Britland; strangely enough, both at the City Walk. There were a couple other fellows at the table whose names escape me. After lunch I spent an hour in the Library with Billy & Lisa. Topics ranged from the history of our art, to dissecting Derek DelGaudio’s act from an hour and a half hour earlier. We both agreed that he had a nice style with chops to match. Both Billy and Derek have an excellent sense of construction. Taking things in a logical direction and exploiting where they know their audiences are heading. Does that make any sense. I like people. I’m genuinely interested in their lives. I really enjoyed hanging out with a lovely couple.
I got back in my car and drove as fast as I could to go home and chill for a while before work. Was going to go back to the Castle later that night, but changed my mind after finishing my own disappointing night of work. Just wasn’t in the mood. Thanks anyway Billy, you’re a pal.
Poker, a new understanding
While in Las Vegas earlier this month partying with some high roller friends, I had questions about their behavior. I took my video camera with me hoping to answer some of these questions. I quickly learned that not one of them wanted to discuss this on camera. . . . or off, for that matter. It must be a very personal thing. Is it an obsession, a compulsion, an addiction or just plain fun. It’s hard to tell.
Wednesday night I went to Aye Jaye’s house and played poker for my first time. A bunch of magicians hanging out, a fellow named Alex with a huge mustache, Dave Cox, Craig, Andrew Goldenhersch, Bruce Gold and of course Aye Jaye. We all bought in for $20 chips that were passed out in quarter, fifty cent and dollar, white, red and black chips. I awkwardly confessed that I had never played poker before which immediately made me seem like I was trying to hustle the group. Crazy games, crazy names, crazy rules. . . shit sometimes it sounded like they were making it up as they went. Rat Fuck, Double Rat Fuck, Omaha, 7 Card Stud with the lowest hole card wild, and a rotating wild card based on the last card which you could pay to keep up or down as to not disrupt your first wild card. What the hell. 727, 5.5 and 27, HELP!! Craig was very helpful slowing down the explanation of the rules to the point that an 8 year could get it, unfortunately, there’s never an 8 year old when you need one. The hands were quick, the rules complicated, and the chatter entertaining.
The following evening Polly and I watched a Poker movie that came out last year starring among others, Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Jr. An interesting look at high stakes poker and the people who play at that level. A lot of my initial questions were answered. Is money the most important thing about gambling? In the movie, a character explains, “that money just keeps the score, but the game, the battle. . . that’s what drives it”. It also answered a question from the game at Aye Jayes’, I wondered why they changed the game with each pass for the deal. It levels the playing field, so that if someone specializes in one specific game, you can force them out of their comfort zone. All very interesting to me. Convincingly bluffed my way out of a jam tonight during a performance and a hundred dollar wager.
Click poster to enlarge
Wednesday night I went to Aye Jaye’s house and played poker for my first time. A bunch of magicians hanging out, a fellow named Alex with a huge mustache, Dave Cox, Craig, Andrew Goldenhersch, Bruce Gold and of course Aye Jaye. We all bought in for $20 chips that were passed out in quarter, fifty cent and dollar, white, red and black chips. I awkwardly confessed that I had never played poker before which immediately made me seem like I was trying to hustle the group. Crazy games, crazy names, crazy rules. . . shit sometimes it sounded like they were making it up as they went. Rat Fuck, Double Rat Fuck, Omaha, 7 Card Stud with the lowest hole card wild, and a rotating wild card based on the last card which you could pay to keep up or down as to not disrupt your first wild card. What the hell. 727, 5.5 and 27, HELP!! Craig was very helpful slowing down the explanation of the rules to the point that an 8 year could get it, unfortunately, there’s never an 8 year old when you need one. The hands were quick, the rules complicated, and the chatter entertaining.
The following evening Polly and I watched a Poker movie that came out last year starring among others, Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Jr. An interesting look at high stakes poker and the people who play at that level. A lot of my initial questions were answered. Is money the most important thing about gambling? In the movie, a character explains, “that money just keeps the score, but the game, the battle. . . that’s what drives it”. It also answered a question from the game at Aye Jayes’, I wondered why they changed the game with each pass for the deal. It levels the playing field, so that if someone specializes in one specific game, you can force them out of their comfort zone. All very interesting to me. Convincingly bluffed my way out of a jam tonight during a performance and a hundred dollar wager. Click poster to enlarge
Friday, February 15, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
HD Video Review
Oct. 2, 2007 6:00PM - Practice Footage City Walk
Testing 24P Settings in HD nice looking top change
Oct. 3, 2007 3:38PM - Polly in living room cameo
Jan. 29, 2008 6:45PM - Practice Footage City Walk
Silk Vanish and reproduction
Jan. 31, 2008 2:24PM - Vegas Trip
On the Fly a way bus to LAX
7:09PM at the MGM in the room with Harvey Weinstein
Shot out the hotel window
7:38PM Will Waxler in room with Farley and Harvey
Feb. 1, 2008 12:17AM After dinner, locksmith working on safe in our room
Feb. 1, 2008 9:53AM Farley talks about snoring and pussy.
Feb. 1, 2008 6:34PM Steve Weinstein arrives
Feb. 2, 2008 4:07PM Day shots of Vegas Construction
Feb. 2, 2008 4:58PM Sushi lunch at the MGM
Feb. 3, 2008 1:21PM Will Talks to Sheldon re gambling
Feb. 3, 2008 2:50PM Woody Weinstein before the Super Bowl Party
Feb. 3, 2008 4:34PM Harv. @ SB Party
Giants Win over Patriots 17-14 GREAT GAME
Feb. 4, 2008 11:13AM Breakfast with Woody, Will, Conrad, Harv & Steve Ostrow. Bagels, lox and a bowl of fresh berries.
Feb. 4, 2008 2:05PM in back of Limo the MGM provided for our trip back to the airport.
Feb. 5, 2008 7:36PM Guest Magician at City Walk Simon from the UK
Feb. 6, 2008 6:20PM - Practice Footage City Walk
Cups and Balls using my Riser Traditional Cups for the first time. Real nice cups. and my chops on the money, no flashes! Vanishes look good. Timing good (working to music) not rushing. Pausing for each individual effect to register. Penetration sequence looks good. Sound system powering over piped in City Walk Music pretty good. Added a 4th lemon to my load sequence. Small flash on second load.
Feb. 6, 2008 6:49PM - City Walk Sunset, beautiful
Quick D-Way Practice footage x 4
Feb. 7, 2008 2:01PM - Hollywood & Highland Practice Footage (Quick D-Way)
Kid does a funny impression of me. (will post)
Feb. 7, 2008 8:47PM Polly gives Kirsten a haircut
Feb. 8, 2008 3:15PM Polly and walk at Hansen Dam
Shots of golfers . Beautiful winter day in the Valley. Nice mountain shots and my girl.
Feb. 9, 2008 5:15PM Alfie working City Walk x2
Alfie had a bit part in the movie “The Prestige”. He was the magician who vanished the birdcage by killing the canary.
Let him use my sound system for better audio on the video. Is this me in 20 years?
He does a few card tricks followed by the bunny trick and finishes with “The Professors Nightmare”.
One girl in his audience on her cell phone the entire time. . . unbelievable.
Feb. 10, 2008 6:20PM Practice Footage City Walk
I get a crowd in less than 2 minutes. Silk vanish and reproduction, multiple (6) card selection. Textbook crowd building.
WORST angle for Le Paul’s Spread Pass. Horrible!
Coin routine to music.
Testing 24P Settings in HD nice looking top change
Oct. 3, 2007 3:38PM - Polly in living room cameo
Jan. 29, 2008 6:45PM - Practice Footage City Walk
Silk Vanish and reproduction
Jan. 31, 2008 2:24PM - Vegas Trip
On the Fly a way bus to LAX
7:09PM at the MGM in the room with Harvey Weinstein
Shot out the hotel window
7:38PM Will Waxler in room with Farley and Harvey
Feb. 1, 2008 12:17AM After dinner, locksmith working on safe in our room
Feb. 1, 2008 9:53AM Farley talks about snoring and pussy.
Feb. 1, 2008 6:34PM Steve Weinstein arrives
Feb. 2, 2008 4:07PM Day shots of Vegas Construction
Feb. 2, 2008 4:58PM Sushi lunch at the MGM
Feb. 3, 2008 1:21PM Will Talks to Sheldon re gambling
Feb. 3, 2008 2:50PM Woody Weinstein before the Super Bowl Party
Feb. 3, 2008 4:34PM Harv. @ SB Party
Giants Win over Patriots 17-14 GREAT GAME
Feb. 4, 2008 11:13AM Breakfast with Woody, Will, Conrad, Harv & Steve Ostrow. Bagels, lox and a bowl of fresh berries.
Feb. 4, 2008 2:05PM in back of Limo the MGM provided for our trip back to the airport.
Feb. 5, 2008 7:36PM Guest Magician at City Walk Simon from the UK
Feb. 6, 2008 6:20PM - Practice Footage City Walk
Cups and Balls using my Riser Traditional Cups for the first time. Real nice cups. and my chops on the money, no flashes! Vanishes look good. Timing good (working to music) not rushing. Pausing for each individual effect to register. Penetration sequence looks good. Sound system powering over piped in City Walk Music pretty good. Added a 4th lemon to my load sequence. Small flash on second load.
Feb. 6, 2008 6:49PM - City Walk Sunset, beautiful
Quick D-Way Practice footage x 4
Feb. 7, 2008 2:01PM - Hollywood & Highland Practice Footage (Quick D-Way)
Kid does a funny impression of me. (will post)
Feb. 7, 2008 8:47PM Polly gives Kirsten a haircut
Feb. 8, 2008 3:15PM Polly and walk at Hansen Dam
Shots of golfers . Beautiful winter day in the Valley. Nice mountain shots and my girl.
Feb. 9, 2008 5:15PM Alfie working City Walk x2
Alfie had a bit part in the movie “The Prestige”. He was the magician who vanished the birdcage by killing the canary.
Let him use my sound system for better audio on the video. Is this me in 20 years?
He does a few card tricks followed by the bunny trick and finishes with “The Professors Nightmare”.
One girl in his audience on her cell phone the entire time. . . unbelievable.
Feb. 10, 2008 6:20PM Practice Footage City Walk
I get a crowd in less than 2 minutes. Silk vanish and reproduction, multiple (6) card selection. Textbook crowd building.
WORST angle for Le Paul’s Spread Pass. Horrible!
Coin routine to music.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Monday, February 11, 2008
Life is good
So relaxed. Surrounded by beauty and love. A stringent routine of daily chillaxing, cigar in hand, enjoying the sunshine and palm & fruit trees.
Had a good week at work. The weekend panned out nicely and my sets were well received. Shot some video of Alfie on Saturday. Might post it. I like shooting other magicians. I know where all the shots should be. Where to pull in tight, where to go 3/4 and most important when to get the reaction shot, hopefully with the magician in the frame.
On an Amy Winehouse kick. Great music with a 60’s Motown retro feel. Really a talented artist. Shame she’s such a train wreck. But there is an undeniable fascination to watching someone spin out of control.
Going to Aye Jaye’s house Wednesday night to play poker with a bunch of magicians. Sounds like fun to me.
Not too much to report on. Been shooting practice footage of Dingle’s Quick D-Way. I used to do the trick years ago. Tried doing it at a session not long ago and totally chocked on it. All those damn pinky pull downs where making me look like a rank amateur. So, I’ve decided to work it back into shape focusing on “tension” in the hands. Video is always very telling. I like to shoot it from about 5 different angles. Pretty happy with the way it’s looking and feeling. Been throwing it in during my crowd gathering sequence. Nice trick. I always liked Dingle’s construction of an effect as well as diabolical handling. After dinner one night in Vegas, I performed “Out Flushed” and really nailed it. Gambler vs Magician discussion with a bunch of real gamblers made the trick even more relevant. Another $240 bottle of wine was uncorked and the magic of life continued.
Had a good week at work. The weekend panned out nicely and my sets were well received. Shot some video of Alfie on Saturday. Might post it. I like shooting other magicians. I know where all the shots should be. Where to pull in tight, where to go 3/4 and most important when to get the reaction shot, hopefully with the magician in the frame.
On an Amy Winehouse kick. Great music with a 60’s Motown retro feel. Really a talented artist. Shame she’s such a train wreck. But there is an undeniable fascination to watching someone spin out of control.
Going to Aye Jaye’s house Wednesday night to play poker with a bunch of magicians. Sounds like fun to me.
Not too much to report on. Been shooting practice footage of Dingle’s Quick D-Way. I used to do the trick years ago. Tried doing it at a session not long ago and totally chocked on it. All those damn pinky pull downs where making me look like a rank amateur. So, I’ve decided to work it back into shape focusing on “tension” in the hands. Video is always very telling. I like to shoot it from about 5 different angles. Pretty happy with the way it’s looking and feeling. Been throwing it in during my crowd gathering sequence. Nice trick. I always liked Dingle’s construction of an effect as well as diabolical handling. After dinner one night in Vegas, I performed “Out Flushed” and really nailed it. Gambler vs Magician discussion with a bunch of real gamblers made the trick even more relevant. Another $240 bottle of wine was uncorked and the magic of life continued.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Sat. Night
Feeling fine, Saturday night. Made some cash, filled up my tank, got drunk and stoned. Fuck it, tell it like it is. I get a buzz on, know what I’m saying? Right on.
It’s amazing I make a living at all. Too hot to nude sunbathe today if you can believe that. close to 80 degrees in February. I got a woman who loves me for who I am. Cigars, refer, a day bed out back and Polly. . . life is good.
It’s amazing I make a living at all. Too hot to nude sunbathe today if you can believe that. close to 80 degrees in February. I got a woman who loves me for who I am. Cigars, refer, a day bed out back and Polly. . . life is good.
Vegas pt. 2
Vegas rocked. Had great time at the MGM with my homies. Sushi, Lobster, Steak, Crown Royal, Fine Cigars and all the excitement that a town like Vegas breeds 24 hours a day.4 days of fun in the sun. Polly had a good time in Dallas. We missed each other and were glad to get back into our routine of rest and relaxation back at home. Sounds like the writers strike might be coming to a close, so she might be going back to work.
Vegas highlights: Getting to see my good friends from back home. 3 Weinstein’s and a Waxler, throw in a pinch of Farley, Sheldon & Ostrow some other cats: Murray, Lawrence and Arthur that had what appeared to me unlimited funds to gamble with. It’s a different world.
One of my desires in this trip was to try and get into the head of a gambler. . . and these guys are. . . trust me. . . they got serious game. They gamble at least 15 hours a day, going on little sleep. They battle the night away sometimes having to leave with a small victory, or a painful beating or a big win. Ya just don't know. Luck of the draw. Apparently there is some sort of discipline involved with regard to knowing when to up your game and wen to back down. From where I sit at the bar with cigar smoke swirling around my head. . . it all looks like a crap shoot.
RFB Baby! Room, Food & Beverage all you got to do is win or loose thousands.
The VIP Super Bowl Party was a hoot. Great game on a great screen.
What can I say, it was a swell time. I didn’t eat too much, I didn’t drink too much. . . hell, I might be turning into a grown up!!!???
Another highlight was seeing a Cirque de Solie show called KA, another comp from our host. Check out this clip.
Can't say that I've ever seen a show like this before! Entertaining, exciting, strange and downright COOL!
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Blog du Jour • Raffaele De Ritis' Novelties and Wonders
I spend a lot of time reading various blogs. I must have at least 50 blogs loaded into my RSS Feed Reader. Here's one I find very interesting. It's not a magic blog, but it sure is interesting. It's called "Raffaele De Ritis' Novelties and Wonders" and you can visit the site by Clicking HERE.
Here's one of the performers he profiles in a recent blog post.
Here's one of the performers he profiles in a recent blog post.
In my "In Box" • The Powers That Be
Tom,
I just received another complaint that you have been smoking in your performance area . The Store Managers was very upset because the cigar smoke goes into their store. Hilltop operations got many calls and they sent out various emails that got back to me.
This issue needs to be resolved, I have asked you once before not to smoke in the performance area. Please review the street performer handbook you will also see it says there.
Please be aware as the third time of notice I will have to suspend you for the month .
Thank You
I just received another complaint that you have been smoking in your performance area . The Store Managers was very upset because the cigar smoke goes into their store. Hilltop operations got many calls and they sent out various emails that got back to me.
This issue needs to be resolved, I have asked you once before not to smoke in the performance area. Please review the street performer handbook you will also see it says there.
Please be aware as the third time of notice I will have to suspend you for the month .
Thank You
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Larry Pringle Video • Click Here
Good memories of my old pal and mentor Larry Pringle. Hanging out at Haines House of Cards every Saturday afternoon. Those were the days! Enjoy the video
Larry Pringle Video • Click Here
What happens in Vegas. . . I can't remember
Just got back from 5 days and 4 nights in the Sin City. Had a great time partying with my friends from Cincinnati. They were all in to gamble, party and bet on the Super Bowl.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Neil Young Movie closes Sundance
Sundance Film FestivalVeteran rocker Neil Young (using his filmmaking alter-ego, Bernard Shakey) hit Sundance to promote his new movie, CSNY Deja Vu – the film chosen to close the festival. The movie documents the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young 2004 Freedom of Speech tour, and the reaction to the tour’s anti-war message across North America just around the time that public opinion began to turn against events in Iraq.
Young teamed with veteran television journalist Mike Cerre to intermingle concert footage from the tour with a series of journalistic vignette stories produced by Cerre at Young’s behest, all shot in HD, covering people and events surrounding the tour–from his band-mate Steven Stills’ work campaigning for Democratic candidates to Iraq veterans using music to protest the war to some vocal fans reacting with great anger to the band’s political message.
After arriving at Sundance, Young spoke with millimeter senior editor Michael Goldman about his reasons for making the movie, his growing interest in filmmaking, and his views on the use of film as a medium for creating political dialogue.
To listen to the podcast interview CLICK HERE
Friday, January 25, 2008
Rain Rain Go Away
This will be the second week this month, lost work due to rain. Off season, as a busker, is hard enough without this shit. Blue skies and sunshine wanted to poke through the clouds but had trouble doing that.
An important part of my street performing rig is my Crate Amp. It’s a little 30 watt banger that does the job. I’ve used it a lot over the last year and a half. Went from an 8 hour charge on the internal battery when it was new, to less than 3 hours now. I ordered a new battery from the manufacturer and had it installed today. I’ll pick it up in Pasadena tomorrow and hopefully it will stop raining long enough for me to make some money.
I've been out of work, Polly is still out of work because of the writers strike, but we've been having the best time. All the rain has made us hole up in our house, watch lots of movies, eat, drink and be merry. We did a Godfather marathon. 1 & 2 and at least an hour of special features on Wednesday, 3 and another couple hours of special features on Thusday. Over the same two days we threw in Citizen Kane and Modern Times for good measure. We love movies and how they're made. We love how they're written, and directed. I love my girl. We have a good time together. She sits there and knitts, hour after hour, I shuffle cards and practice. We watch the movies and look over at each other and smile with a knowing wink. There's a lot of love in our home.
An important part of my street performing rig is my Crate Amp. It’s a little 30 watt banger that does the job. I’ve used it a lot over the last year and a half. Went from an 8 hour charge on the internal battery when it was new, to less than 3 hours now. I ordered a new battery from the manufacturer and had it installed today. I’ll pick it up in Pasadena tomorrow and hopefully it will stop raining long enough for me to make some money.I've been out of work, Polly is still out of work because of the writers strike, but we've been having the best time. All the rain has made us hole up in our house, watch lots of movies, eat, drink and be merry. We did a Godfather marathon. 1 & 2 and at least an hour of special features on Wednesday, 3 and another couple hours of special features on Thusday. Over the same two days we threw in Citizen Kane and Modern Times for good measure. We love movies and how they're made. We love how they're written, and directed. I love my girl. We have a good time together. She sits there and knitts, hour after hour, I shuffle cards and practice. We watch the movies and look over at each other and smile with a knowing wink. There's a lot of love in our home.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Greg Irwin Video • Click Here
This is some footage I shot of Greg at Venice Beach on Sunday. He's a pal from back in Cincinnati. We went to China together. He brokered the Phoenix Cups deal for me. Uniquely creative and inspired individual. Always a hoot.
Greg Irwin Finger Fitness Expert • Click Here
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
Session w/ Lee Asher, Aaron Fisher & Josh
A busy weekend of working, partying, joy and reverie. Things got started Friday night with an informal jam at Aaron Fishers' pad celebrating the arrival of Lee Asher. Other than Aaron and Lee, it was me and Josh. We had a good time but wrapped things up early around midnight. We would reconvene the following evening for a more involved look at out art and ourselves. We talked until close to 4:20AM. What night. The only other timed I've sessioned with both Lee & Aaron was in Seattle a couple years ago.
Being around such talent makes me feel out of my league. Sometimes I feel like a hack with little to offer, other times I feel like I hold my own.
We're all just trying to find our place in this new world order. . . as magicians. . . as people. . . as friends and as creative artists. We talked about tricks, techniques, and making money. Good stuff all around.
What can I say. . . I love my life, flaws and all.
Being around such talent makes me feel out of my league. Sometimes I feel like a hack with little to offer, other times I feel like I hold my own.
We're all just trying to find our place in this new world order. . . as magicians. . . as people. . . as friends and as creative artists. We talked about tricks, techniques, and making money. Good stuff all around.
What can I say. . . I love my life, flaws and all.
Recently sold on Ebay
Up for auction is one of the finest Harry Houdini signed photographs in existance. This crystal clear 5 X 7 original matt-finish photograph is in almost perfect condition and is stamped on the back of the photo, which reads, from "Harry Houdini Collection, Original." The original bold blue fountain pen signature reads "Houdini."
Houdini looks as if he is alive and well, almost apearing as if he is coming out of this photograph to say that I have escaped even death. This Houdini signed photograph is more desireable then some that you see in other auctions because this signature is not personalized to anyone, it is a perfect signatur grase 10 out of 10 and will look spectacular in any serious Houdini collection.
100% Authentic
Condition of the photograph is near perfect with just a touch of surface & Corner wear. I am Just mentioning this to be accurate. It is very minimum. You can see from the images that I have shown that it is a clean photo and Mint signature.
Sold for $1,899.00
Houdini looks as if he is alive and well, almost apearing as if he is coming out of this photograph to say that I have escaped even death. This Houdini signed photograph is more desireable then some that you see in other auctions because this signature is not personalized to anyone, it is a perfect signatur grase 10 out of 10 and will look spectacular in any serious Houdini collection.
100% Authentic
Condition of the photograph is near perfect with just a touch of surface & Corner wear. I am Just mentioning this to be accurate. It is very minimum. You can see from the images that I have shown that it is a clean photo and Mint signature.
Sold for $1,899.00
In my "Out Box" • Sylvester the Jester
Dear Dan,
Wasn't sure if you had seen this or not. Did you sell them the rights to manufacture and sell this. I hope these guys didn't rip off one of your classic bits you've been doing around the world and on TV for almost 20 years. That would be a real shame. You hear about that sort of thing happening all the time. There is a web-site devoted to unauthorized knock offs of other peoples intellectual property. It's called Magic Fakers.
Hope you are doing well.
your old pal
Tom Frank
Overload: Smoking ears on command!
Produce blasts of smoke up to 5ft both sides of your head. You can repeat it as many times as you like, with no reset needed. Looks like a very expensive effect that you only see in the movies, but you can perform it whenever you want at an amazing price.
Plus extra bonus included FREE!!
Produce smoke from bare hands. With this addition, you can produce smoke quite literally from anywhere, bare hands / bottom / leg and even build it into props. Endless possibilities!
Very safe, no ignition, no heat produced and most important no hard to find hazardous chemicals.
Simply amazing!!
Comes complete with:
Full instructions
Overload gimmick, suitable for any head, whatever size
Delivery system
Smoke from anywhere gimmick, will fit anyone
One cartridge, these refill cartridges are available all over the world
To view a Windows Media clip of Overload, Click Here
Retail: $160.00
Wasn't sure if you had seen this or not. Did you sell them the rights to manufacture and sell this. I hope these guys didn't rip off one of your classic bits you've been doing around the world and on TV for almost 20 years. That would be a real shame. You hear about that sort of thing happening all the time. There is a web-site devoted to unauthorized knock offs of other peoples intellectual property. It's called Magic Fakers.
Hope you are doing well.
your old pal
Tom Frank
Overload: Smoking ears on command! Produce blasts of smoke up to 5ft both sides of your head. You can repeat it as many times as you like, with no reset needed. Looks like a very expensive effect that you only see in the movies, but you can perform it whenever you want at an amazing price.
Plus extra bonus included FREE!!
Produce smoke from bare hands. With this addition, you can produce smoke quite literally from anywhere, bare hands / bottom / leg and even build it into props. Endless possibilities!
Very safe, no ignition, no heat produced and most important no hard to find hazardous chemicals.
Simply amazing!!
Comes complete with:
Full instructions
Overload gimmick, suitable for any head, whatever size
Delivery system
Smoke from anywhere gimmick, will fit anyone
One cartridge, these refill cartridges are available all over the world
To view a Windows Media clip of Overload, Click Here
Retail: $160.00
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)