Busker du Jour

I swear this hat is empty, originally uploaded by Metius.

Obama-Biden Magic - Click here for more amazing videos

Pics from Pollywood

A few nights go we attended a nominee party. If you didn't know, my girl Polly was nominated for an Emmy (for her work on ABC's hit show Dirty, Sexy, Money starring Peter Krausse, Donald Sutherland & Jill Clayborn). It was a lovely affair, serving among other things and endless stream of Cosmopolitans. Hair and Make-Up Artists from the Local 706 all excited about their nominations and looking fabulous. The party was at the Academy in NOHO (North Hollywood. . . minutes from where we live).

Industry chit chat about the benefits of "day checking" over the grueling 80 hour (5 day) week of episodic shooting. I love being in the middle of all this. They get to do all the hard work and I just get to show up when I want and eat good catering and see how TV shows are made. After schmooze/cocktail hour there was a short ceremony where certificates were presented to the nominees.

I love Polly so much. . . I wish I had words. She just finished up 5 weeks on "Merry Christmas Drake & Josh" for Nickelodeon and with barely a break is getting put back into heavy rotation day checking on "Big Love". She's off today so that means lots of hugging and kissing. What have I got to complain bout?

For whom the bell tolls . . .

With much sadness, I found out that Roger Klause passed away on Aug. 30th after battling cancer for the last year. Roger was a great guy with a lot of love in his heart and killer chops. I met him as a young man, I must have been 18. He was always so nice to me and coordinated a couple of my most memorable performances. The first time was at the "35 Years Later" Convention where Ed Marlo gave his final lecture. For whatever reason, Roger wanted me to do my act for Marlo. What a rush! Another time a few years later, at the Castle, Roger arranged for me to give a private performance for Dai Vernon and a few other select guests. It always puzzled me that Roger gave me the time of day, let alone, want me to perform for his good friends (my hero's).

Roger's generosity was legendary, he gave of his time, energy and knowledge freely and was a gentleman of the highest order. I will miss his friendship, his kindness and his love.

I posted this pic last week when I found out that Geoff Latta had died (he's the one on the left), I post it again for Roger (on the right). What does this mean. . . I'm next? Hope not. This picture was taken in February of 2006 at the World Magic Seminar. I had wisely blown off most of the convention to hang with these two guys. With Geoff we tried to kill our pain with booze, with Roger, he told me to watch my drinking. With both of them we shared tricks, stories and our shared love of the art of magic.

Steve Ameden and I spent countless hours at the bar with Roger as he lavished us with his time, magic and great stories of his adventures in the art. I will always remember Roger Klause and how nice he was to me.

More on the Billy McComb Legacy Auction

Spending 4 afternoons with Annabel Gray (Billy McCombs' partner for the last 20 years or so of his life) proved to be quite an unexpected treat. She was in a bind and needed help taking pics, cropping and uploading, so I offered to help her out. I shot hundreds of pictures all which can be seen on the online auction The Billy McComb Legacy. I arrived at their condo in Hollywood, not too far from where the Magic Castle is located. She invited me in, and after we made proper introductions, asked me if I knew Billy. I said that we had met 20 years ago and left it at that. I actually had a funny story about me threatening Billy at the Castle bar, but I had just met the woman and didn't feel it appropriate introductory dialog.

We got to work and started to take pictures of the various lots. I love playing with old magic props,looking through old magic books and studying old magic pictures. The next few days would would give me great insight into the man who was Billy McComb.

Although he graduated from medical school as a doctor, he blew off medical notions and pursued a career as a magician (I'm sure his parents must have loved that choice). I guess he got the last laugh though, as he had a hit TV show in that aired in the UK in the early 60's and worked right up till the end of his life. He had wonderful adventures as an entertainer.

Years ago, I purchased an estate of magic, vent props, books and pictures. I had the depressing notion at the time, that when you die, you are reduced to a pile of shit that someone else has to deal with. I had no such feeling this time, as I took picture after picture of what billy had collected in his 84 years on this planet. The difference was Annabel. She was there, sharing stories about this prop or that. Most interesting however, were the stories of their life together. I think it's safe to say, that Billy knew everyone who was anybody in magic. He was a magic junkie. . . like many of us.

After several afternoons with Annabel and some tasty meals that we ordered in, I felt comfortable enough to tell her the story about my one memorable confrontation with Billy. The year was 1987. Danny Sylvester and I could be found at the Castle almost every weekend for over a year. On the night in question, I had brought my then girlfriend a lovely woman named Mary Crawford who was 15 years my senior. I was having a dandy time throwing back cocktails and doing tricks. At some point Mary informed me that she just had an indecent and lewd proposal from that man over there (Billy McComb in all his glory sporting a pretty good buzz himself). I'm not sure what made me do it, but I took out this GIANT switchblade from my jacket, popped it open directly below his nose and threatened him with bodily harm. . . but not with such nice words. Ahhhhh the many memories. . . the people. . . and the art.

Billy McComb Collection Auction

On Sunday, September 7, 2008 you are invited to the live auction of the estate of Billy McComb at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.

This unique event will celebrate Billy’s extraordinary life in magic by offering selections of his personal property spanning several decades -- including photographs, letters, manuscripts, ephemera, magic tricks, awards, rare magic books, inscribed photographs from top magicians and personal effects.

The sale will contain a stunning collection of photographs, notebooks and records from McComb’s early career. Highlights include a set of The Tarbell Course in Magic books -- the six volumes published in Tarbell’s lifetime, each individually signed to McComb, embellished with hand-drawn cartoons. Another highlight is a hand-cut silhouette of Billy from longtime friend and colleague Dai Vernon. Other treasures include original Houdini magazines, first edition Goldston tomes (three-volume set), a Victorian Vent Doll and an antique shadow puppet.

Billy McComb’s longtime affiliation with the Academy of Magical Arts (Magic Castle) is also represented with an important group of awards and correspondence during his tenure as Vice President and member of the Board of Directors. Similarly, his association with London’s Magic Circle is featured, as well as conjuring and variety clubs and societies worldwide.

It is with understandable excitement this auction will be a wonderful opportunity for McComb devotees to obtain a wide variety of magical history, which carries a powerful and direct connection to Ireland’s Largest Leprechaun. Each object will undoubtedly trigger a McCombical memory for the admirer, collector and student of his work.

The sale will preview at the Magic Castle on September 6 and 7. As more information becomes available, it will be posted on the web.

Busker du Jour • Name this freak. . .

IMG_5850, originally uploaded by monayomo.

Buck Twins

HOT

Hot sun beats down
feral cats seek shade
like under a car
or a bush

Roses bloom year round
in the winter
and in the hottest part of the summer

Camp paradise AC hits the spot
smoke fills the chamber
the magician appears
maybe that’s what I need to wake’em up
a little flash paper

reminds me of a finger tip coin
production from Downs Palm
I used to do with a small piece of flash paper

Homer and Brett had some nice ideas about such things

Where has my passion gone
what am I looking for?

Nothing. . . apparently. . . I seem perfectly content
Is there something wrong with that?

Going on a little adventure this afternoon






I’m going over to a Miss Annabel Gray’s place to photograph the Billy McComb Legacy. It’s up for auction online and there was a last minute issue with pics, so I volunteered. Should be interesting to see the sum collection of an esteemed member of our fraternity.

Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser

Hofzinser, originally uploaded by Dai Vernon.

Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser (June 19, 1806 – March 11, 1875) was a minor employee at the financial department of the Austrian-Hungarian Monarchy He was never a doctor of philosophy; there is no such title in his working descriptions. He used the name Dr. Hofzinser as a stage name after retiring in 1865. As a magician he was best known for his clever conjuring inventions and refined sleight of hand skills.

Hofzinser is called the Father of Card-Magic by the most prominent representatives of modern card-artistry; magician Dai Vernon often mentioned Hofzinser in his books. In his day, Hofzinser's talents were famous throughout Europe. From 1857 on, under the name of his wife Wilhemine, Hofzinser presented illusions in their apartment (Salon) for an elite audience of invited guests three or four times a week. They called these gatherings Eine Stunde der Täuschung or "An Hour of Deception" and charged a relatively high price for admission. 1865 he went on tour with his show and was seen in Berlin, Munich and in most of the bigger cities in the Austrian Monarchy.

Hofzinser is famous for his minimalistic approach to performing his illusions. Rather than presenting large-scale effects to impress his audience, Hofzinser focused on a simple setting using small props to demonstrate his skills. Playing cards were one of Hofzinser's specialties and he was one of the earliest performers to demonstrate card tricks. He invented many card manipulations, some of which continue to be used by magicians today.

FISCHER spread the story that his death in 1875, Hofzinser's wife destroyed many of his manuscripts to honor her husband's instructions though there is some dispute about this. Even so, many of his mechanical plans and card-handling methods may forever remain a secret. Several of Hofzinser's pupils preserved portions of their teacher's notes and instructions. There are still about 270 manuscripts and letters of his own and of his pupils in various collections.

What ws known about Hofzinser was mostly based on the work of Otokar Fischer (1873-1940) who published his findings in his books, Kartenkünste (1910) and Zauberkünste (1942) though many of Fischer's findings turned out to incorrect. In recent years, Austrian magician Magic Christian has discovered many new facts about the life and magic of Hofzinser, publishing them in his books Non Plus Ultra, currently available only in German

Peace

Waiting to go to work. Excited, yes. Enthusiastic, yes! Ask me when I'm done how excited I am. I fear the season is over. This week I saw the slowest numbers in recent months. As I've commented in the past, peak season was not what it should or could have been. I play the cards I'm dealt, do the best job I can and if that's not good enough; I go to the gym after work and sweat out my frustration.

Guess, as we shift into another gear at the CityWalk I'll have to slowly add my act back into my act. Through the busiest part of the season, I pitch the decks harder and do things like the cups and rings less.

Yesterday I went to the UCLA Dental College to deal with a broken temporary crown. I have three appointments this week. I've had a mouth full of problems for years and over the last year or so been dealing with it. It's a work in progress, were about halfway through all of the mental anguish and anxiety.

Visited Polly on one of sets of Merry Christmas Josh & Drake yesterday. Strange building in Santa Monica that had been converted into a little studio with a sound stage and a mini back lot. Timing was good, I had just come from the dentist in Westwood. Not too bad getting to Santa Monica in rush hour traffic. Polly had just been wrapped when I showed up, so we went out for Japanese Food. Nice dinner with one of my favorite people. She went to bed early as she had a 6:12AM call in Malibu.

Me, I just do my thing. . . whatever that is. I love my life.

In my "In Box"

I was a little sad to see the sidewalk torn up. The paper boxes are still there so some student of your's I'm sure will be standing on it again soon...

You are missed.

JR

Tom Frank • Street Performing @ Pike Place Market, originally uploaded by Dai Vernon.

The Magician, originally uploaded by claylindo.

Latta Love

Its gonna take a latta love
To change the way things are.
Its gonna take a latta love
Or we wont get too far.

So if you look in my direction
And we dont see eye to eye,
My heart needs protection
And so do I.

Its gonna take a latta love
To get us thru the night.
Its gonna take a latta love
To make things work out right.

So if you are out there waitin
I hope you show up soon,
cause my heart needs relatin
Not solitude.

Gotta latta love
Gotta latta love.

Its gonna take a latta love
To change the way things are.
Its gonna take a latta love
Or we wont get too far.

Lotta Love by Neil Young

, originally uploaded by Dai Vernon.

This and that

Lots going on in LA these days. Everyday an adventure in paradise. Talked to a couple of my kids over the weekend! I wished my youngest son Liam, Happy Birthday as he's turning 7 years old. It was great hearing his voice. I can finally understand everything he says. Growing into a little boy. Of my four kids, he was always the happiest as a baby. Always smiling, always happy. I also talked to Hope who sounded good. I miss my kids and want to see them during their holiday break. Gonna try and make that happen, or at a minimum get something juicy going on my blog. Nothing like some old fashioned conflict to make a story interesting.

Went back to the Hollywood Bowl Wednesday night to see Jamie Cullum perform. Another romantic evening with my sweetie, lips locked. Backed up by the Count Basie Orchestra he delivered a power packed set. He's one of my favorite "new artists", at 29, he's put out four albums that range stylistically from Jazz Standards to a unique blend of jazz, pop, blues and a smidgen of this and that. All I can say is I dig it BIG TIME.

E Pluribus Unum, originally uploaded by bushn.

Geoff Latta • Dead at 51 • Nice knowing you

I met Geoff 25 years ago in Manhattan. The year 1983, the place Ruben's Deli. I had dropped out of high school & moved to NYC to street perform.

I took the pic to the left during one of those famous Ruben's Deli Sessions. Great memories of a great time in my life. What I remember most about hanging with Geoff back in those days was his evolved sense of palming coins. He had these great shows, where you would swear his hand was empty. I also remember this wicked cool false explanation he used to give for Copper, Silver, Brass. He would ask the audience if they wanted to know how it was done. When they said yes, he would explain that he just juggled the coins very quickly to change which hands the coins were in. The he would proceed to perform 3 very quick muscle passes (two of them simultaneously) causing the two copper coins in his left hand to end up in his right, and the silver in his right to end up in his left hand. Back then he was a proof reader and was never without his trusty walkman blaring heavy metal music.

Our paths didn't cross again for another couple of decades. I saw him again at one of the Las Vegas Magic Invitationals, a few years back. We saw each other again at a World Magic Seminar a year or two later and spent a lot of time hanging, drinking and doing tricks at the bar at the Orleans Casino.

It was a tough time for us both. Both of us were being denied any visitation with our kids. It was hell on us both. We drowned our sorrows and discussed out situations. Not good.

Geoff was a good guy and a good magician. I'm sorry to see things end this way for him. I just hope to hell that he's having one hell of a session with Dingle, Vernon, T. Nelson Downs and Erdnase somewhere in the wild blue yonder. We'll all miss you Mr. Latta.

Man on Wire (a Sundance Film Festival Favorite)

kellar, originally uploaded by undream.

HD Video Review May 2008

May 19, 2008 7:30PM TF Shows CityWalk
Shawn Greer shooting me from afar • Nice crowd shots lousy audio litttle interview

May 19, 2008 7:59PM Shawn performs at the CityWAlk Cards, Coins and Cups

May 19, 2008 8:20PM Guest magi (kid) at my pitch

May 19, 2008 8:55PM Shawn does a card trick & his 3 card Monte Routine and another show

thurston the great magician, originally uploaded by undream.

, originally uploaded by Dai Vernon.

Jamie Cullum at the Hollywood Bowl tomorrow night!

Trying new things at work

One of the issues I deal with nightly at work, is where people's heads are at when they're watching me. I'll clue you in, they just spent all day in Universal Studios being visually over stimulated by the most fantastic of things to look at and experience. Besides being a working studio with a tour, its also a theme park with rides (The Mummy Roller Coaster ROCKS!). Anyways, as the sun goes down and the park is letting out, there I am, fighting the loud music piped in where I perform, amidst an amazing array of architecture, neon and over the top store fronts. They're hot, tired, broke and emotionally bankrupt but, God bless their souls, they stop and watch me like a television commercial. If they could only see their own expressionless faces.

So, I ride the roller coaster of my own emotions as I try my best to entertain these people and motivate them to give me their money. . . it's no easy job. I play all sorts of games trying to get the types of reactions I want (smiles, laughs & applause).

Lately, I've been experimenting with something a little more organic. I'm trying to "OWN" the lack of reaction. I acknowledge it, I understand it and I accept it. No more lines like, "Is this an audience. . . or jury?" I'm letting the magic speak for itself, I give the audience an opportunity to respond, if they don't, I move on with no consequence to them.

I told another street performer friend about this strategy, he asked, "How's that working out for you?" I replied, "I don't like it, but I'll try anything".

On Saturday Afternoons In 1963 • By Rickie Lee Jones

The most as you'll ever go
Is back where you used to know
If grown-ups could laugh this slow
Where as you watch the hour snow
Years may go by

So hold on to your special friend
Here, you'll need something to keep her in :
"Now you stay inside this foolish grin ... "
Though any day your secrets end
Then again
Years may go by

You saved your own special friend
'Cuz here you need something to hide her in
And you stay inside that foolish grin
When everyday now secrets end
Oh and then again
Years may go by

Chill'en at the crib

People ask me all the time, "Don't you ever get tired of doing nothing?" The answer has always been a simple. . . no. I like to look at my life as though it was piece of art. Each day another brushstroke in the living and ever changing tapestry, that is the experience of life. Some parts of the painting in my mind are simple areas of nothingness, like a plain sky contrasting a busy cityscape. I gave up the real world to retreat to a fantasy. It's amazing that life is what you make it, even if it isn't real.

Totally digg'en my scene. I love where I live, and who I live with. I love that I work 3 hours a night doing the only thing I've ever wanted to do for a living.

Been trying to get to the gym 7 to 10 times a week. Feeling better than I ever have physically. The meat of the day is spent doing whatever the fuck I feel like doing. I answer to nobody. Yesterday, after the gym I caught the 12:45 Imax showing of the latest Bat Man movie. Polly and I had seen it when it first came out on the big screen at the Cinerama Dome, but I wanted to see it in an Imax theater as a bunch of it was shot with Imax cameras. Looked absolutely fantastic. Great movie across the board.

Been reading "The Magician and the Cardsharp". The story of Dai Vernon's quest for the legendary center deal and Allen Kennedy. Enjoying the read and loving going back in time to the New York City Inner Circle Sessions in the back rooms of magic shops in the 20's and 30's. I've been so lucky in my own lifetime to have met so many influential magicians. Even luckier to call so many of them my friends.

Here I am today, weighing in at 160 lbs. Been a little over a month since I started working out and eating better. I could show you the pot belly side view, but I'm feeling too good about myself to want to do that right now. Starting to build muscle and resolve. Worked with Morisio the trainer today. Half hour with him, weights, forward and backward lunges, work with the big exercise ball (an interesting exercise for the obliques), more weights. Half hour of cardio with music blasting in my ears. 5 laps in the pool. 5 minutes in the hot tub, 12 minutes in the sauna (working towards 15), shower, head home just in time to relax, fire up a cigar and watch the afternoon breeze by under the cloudless blue sky of california. What a life.

Interview du Jour • Harry Blackstone Jr. • Click here

Audio Interview with Harry Blackstone, Jr.

In this 1985 interview, Don Swaim talks with the award-winning magician, Harry Blackstone, Jr. about his first experience on stage at the age of six months, and the relationship between his father and Houdini. Blackstone is the co-author of There’s One Born Every Minute, My Life As A Magician and The Blackstone Book Of Magic and Illusion.

Nauseous

Cigar & Cards, originally uploaded by tfrank8176.

Have you ever heard of someone becoming nauseous from smoking a cigar. This would sometimes happen when I would smoke Cuban cigars. Never knew why that would occur . Every morning in Cincinnati, I would drop Max & Hope off at Montessori, getting me to work an hour before opening the doors of my store, "Carew Tower Magic Shop". I would spend that hour every day with my ass parked in one of the overstuffed leather couches at Strauss Tobacconist at 4th & Walnut. I would enjoy a fine morning smoke before work, shuffle cards and chat with the colorful cast of daily characters. Lenore, manager of this 100 year old cigar store was my friend and treated me exceptionally as a customer. One day I asked her about why one may become nauseous. She told me that the nicotine can sometimes mess with your blood sugar. Ever since then when that happens I would have a Pepsi and almost immediately feel better.

This just happened to me outside in the 92 degree heat, smoking a cigar down to the nub with a toothpick. Felt a little woozy when I stood up. Went to the fridge for a Pepsi, but passed it up, (Haven't had one in weeks); grabbed a plum knowing that it will turn to sugar, ate it and felt better.

Back at the Bowl • Paolo Nutini, Solomon Burke & Etta James!!

Chinese food at 4PM at Bamboo Village with Polly, then on home for a serious pre concert chill down, relax and watch the afternoon disappear. Nice thing about where we live, so close to the Hollywood Bowl. We've been doing a park and ride deal near Universal. Nothing but stacked parking at the venue, can make it a real pain in the ass to get out. Ran into a friend of Kirsten's, a fellow named Steve, he's a focus puller on Greys Anatomy. We chatted him up and found out that they shoot in an old studio in Los Feliz. Same place they shoot General Hospital. Love this town.

We got to the Bowl as the show was starting, picked up a couple of seat cushions and made out way to or seats. The opening act was Paolo Nutini , a fresh new face from the other side of the pond. Got to say he delivered an impressive set. With interesting vocal styling and a variety of musical influences, I dug it. Here's taste of what he does.



The Hollywood Bowl is outfitted with one of those giant turntable in the stage. Makes changing acts a piece of cake, The stage rotated and now filling the stage is Solomon Burke and large ensemble. He sits in a giant gold and red throne wearing a black sparkly suit. A big man, with a big voice, he put on a great show. A big fan of gospel, soul, blues and R&B, I just loved what he was dishing out. I first became aware of him a few months ago when he sat in with Widespread Panic at the Orpheum. Enjoy this clip of an old school showman. He has 21 kids, 86 grand kids and 20 great grand children.



Solomon kept saying this was his last song, then he would do another 3 songs, this went on and he milked the crowd. It was great. They finally had to just rotate the stage with the band still playing. There was a 20 minute intermission, then the time that we had all been waiting for Miss Etta James!! There were several times during her performance that I thought about my mom. She would have liked this concert. Somewhat familiar with her legacy of work, I was in no way prepared for her performing style. Go figure, she turns out to be this granny foul minded little nympho! Far out. She grabbed her crotch more times than than Madonna & Michel Jackson combined. At one point simulating fellatio with the mic. She took the audience on a wonderful journey. Dig the clip, her biggest hit (nestled in the middle of her set a REAL CROWD PLEASER)



The best part of the evening was sharing it with the woman I love. We made out in our seats like high school kids in heat. It was a perfect evening under the stars. Booze, music and my baby. My arm around her shoulder and my cheek against hers. My entire heart filled with love. Ummmmmmmmmmm

tiffeyes, originally uploaded by ikswolwap.

Summer Nights

Summer flying by. Pushing mid August and frankly, peak season is a big disappointment. Plenty of people, but my numbers are down by almost 50% from last year. Lots of things going on in the world that effect the economy. . . or maybe. . . I just suck. Feel like the rest of the country, working harder for less.

C'est la vie. Take it as it comes, go with the flow and enjoy life as much as one is capable of doing (that's actually my strong suit).

Spending a fair amount time at the gym. Most days starting and ending there. I like that it's so close to home and work. Haven't been loosing that much weight (6 lbs in a month), but I've lost 2 inches off my waistline, so I can tell something positive is happening. Fitting into a bunch of clothes I retired a couple of years ago.

Turning fat into muscle and trying to eat right, sounds like a plan to me.

Wasn't on the CityWalk street performing schedule last weekend, so I blew off Saturday and Sunday and spent some good time with Polly. Saturday we relaxed at home, watching movies and catching up on some kissing we missed earlier in the week. Polly prepared a wonderful sea bass dinner on a bed of spinach Sat. night.

Sunday afternoon we drove through the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains to Malibu where we spent a few hours in Paridise Cove. It was nice laying out on the beach with my girl. The temperature was perfect (in the upper 70's with a nice ocean breeze).

Tonight we'll be going to the Hollywood Bowl to see Etta James! Were both excited to her performance. Should be a great time.


ETTA JAMES, KEITH RICHARDS ROBERT CRAY-Hoochie Coochie Gal

What's NEW in Pollywood!!

Polly is getting another Department Head credit! For the last two (out of 5) weeks she has been working on "Merry Christmas Drake & Josh" a Nickelodeon movie of the week. What's neat is, a month ago, we saw a move called "The Wackness" staring Ben Kingsley and Josh Peck. . . the same Josh from Drake and Josh. This kid is great actor and held his own through half a dramatic movie sharing scenes with Ben Kingsley!

I visited Polly at work, last week for lunch. They were shooting exteriors in Encino. Nestled at the top of a hill, high dollar properties, looking good.

Friday night frustration

The heat of the valley gives way to the cool ocean breeze as I crest the hill, heading towards Santa Monica. Not on the schedule this weekend at the City Walk, I decide to give Westwood (by UCLA) a look. At 5:30 on a Friday night it looked a bit scarce. I imagined what it might look like at 8 or 9PM, but wasn't overly optimistic with regard to the demographics. So I headed to Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade. I found a spot and set up to work. 15 minutes in and having trouble drawing a crowd. Relaxed, got it together, made a hundred bucks and it was time to move (Rule: all acts rotate every 2 hours. . . on the even hour. . . . 80 feet from where you just performed, 40 feet from the nearest performer). Fucking Shit! Got shut out on an 8-10 slot. Acts lined up and down the place, I called it a night, had no choice, wasn't gonna hang out for 2 hours to work a 10-12PM. Thought about heading back to Westwood or Hollywood & Highland; but once on the freaking 405 (which was a total mess at 8:30 on a Friday Night), I decided to blow it off and head home. Glad I'm on the schedule next weekend in my normal spot. Makes it a lot easier.

Another Great Day

Spent the day sessioning on the beach in Malibu with Aaron and Andi Gladwin. Pleasant discussions about the pasteboard's, examining the thought process of some of our favorite moves. It was a picture perfect day in Paradise Cove, Malibu, California. Andi, his girlfriend and another couple visiting from England. We all hung out on the beach, went in the ocean and enjoyed the afternoon after a couple hours of fun in the sun, we enjoyed a nice meal at the Paradise Cove Cafe.

On the way back Aaron and I stopped at a State Park in Topanga Canyon. We continued talking about magic, working out, comedy, pres-how exercises and just shooting the shit.

Video du Jour • Aaron Fisher • Gravity Half Pass

Germain the Wizard • Click pic to enlarge

Aaron Fisher ROCKS the Magic Castle!!

I'm lucky to call him a close friend. I've liked Aaron Fisher since the day I met him and been impressed with his magic and thinking even before we met. I sold my fair share of his excellent treaties on card magic entitled The Paper Engine at my magic shop in Seattle. Last night after work and the gym & I put on my suit and tie and made the short drive through the Hollywood Hills, past the Hollywood Bowl and to the Magic Castle. I was excited to see Aaron work. It was fun to watch him break in some new material and get strong reactions from the packed room. Tight 20 minute set including a nice stand up version of Twisted Sisters, a very original take on the card to wallet, with an even better ending, if you can imagine that. He finished up with a mental mind fuck that fooled everyone.

It was a pleasure seeing Billy Goodwin and Lisa Cousins. I'm feeling a bit more welcome at the Castle these days and enjoying the time that I'm spending there.

After Aaron's show, I went down to see Andrew Goldenhersh in the Close Up Gallery. First time I ever saw him work. I had heard good things, but never seen his act. He did beautiful close up magic, opening with an origami dollar butterfly, that turned into a real one. He also produced a little bunny from his long black hair, kinda freaky. My favorite part of his act was his coin work. Really tight, pretty handling's of both Translocation & Chink a Chink. Strong Magic performed by a nice and interesting cat.

Had a great time, closed the joint and had a mini session in the parking lot.

Busker du Jour • James James

IMG_2401, originally uploaded by mareike.liewald.

Video du Jour • Larry Pringle

T. Nelson Downs • King of Koins

King of Koins, originally uploaded by Dai Vernon.

Camp Paradise • Week 54

Had a good day today. Worked out this afternoon w/ Aaron, yesterday we trained with Morisio. It's fun getting in shape, who would have thunk. Going to work soon, to display my craft, make people happy and some cash at the same time. Then after a few hours of that sort of fun or frustration (we'll see how the evening unfolds). Probably go back to the gym for another round before going to the Magic Castle to see my pal Aaron Fisher who is working late parlor this week.

I felt like a girl trying on a couple outfits that were a bit snug even a month or so ago. A long way to go, but creating much better habits. Continuing to eat right (for the most part). Never been much of a drinker (some might dispute), so that's not much of an issue.

It's been BEAUTIFUL this week in Hollywood, CA

Palm trees, neon, over the top retail, sports cars you've never seen before, Bently's common.

Bitches. . . off the hook . . . now did I really have to say that . . . .

Recently sold on Ebay • 1st Edition of "Expert at the Card Table"

From the Jay Marshall Collection

Erdnase, S.W. The Expert at the Card Table. [Chicago, 1902]. First edition. Illustrated. Original green cloth. Pages browned as usual. An exceptionally tight, clean copy of the desirable first edition.

Sold for $2,800.00

Professor Pipe Speaks to Oscar, originally uploaded by brancusi7.

Polly

I dig my chick, what can I say. She makes me feel loved and wanted. She says she's crazy about me too. . . but I just think she's crazy. It takes a strange woman who wants to spend her life with me. I know, I've been through a a few of them. We just like each other. We're nice to each other, she's a real good kisser.

We enjoy each others company and spend as much time together as we can.

She's at work and I miss her.

She cooks, she sews (call me old fashioned, but I think that's cool). She makes me happy.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strain
Ch-ch-changes
Don't want to be a richer man
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Turn and face the strain
Ch-ch-changes
Just gonna have to be a different man
Time may change me
But I cant trace time

Last week I received an email with a power point presentation from the street performer coordinator (a Universal/NBC employee), it had pictures of our acts and bullet requests for changes to be made. On my list were a few items like: Don't put your amp on a stool (then they suggested I could put it on my table), Skirt your table (storage area below visible), Loose the doctors bag for tips and use a basket or clear jar.

I don't like being told what to do. . . . that's why I'm a street performer. I sucked it up and made the changes. Big deal, I'll kiss a little ass when it's called for. This is my bread and butter. They run a tight ship on every level. It's one of the things I like about the place.

The day I got the email, I went to Guitar Center and bought a proper amp stand. Then Polly volunteered to take on the skirt issue. She went to the fabric store, busted out her fancy sewing machine, presto chango, I have a very sparkling table skirt, total show biz baby.

"I'm with it"

Last night Danny Sylvester and I met t the Steve Allen Theater to see Aye Jaye perform his one man show entitled "Carney Trash". I met Aye Jaye years ago at a SAM National Convention in Cincinnati with JR. Aye Jaye is a wildly friendly cat with a big smile and a huge heart. His show took us through his family history, several generations of carnival owners and operators. He hips the audience to the secret underground subculture of carney's and tells of his adventures while educating the audience to the hundreds of years of history relating to carnivals and circuses. 10 in 1 shows, freaks and geeks, scams, cotton candy, midways and sideshows. It's a colorful story and well told. I had a good time and was glad we went.

Afterwards Danny and I hung out and shot the shit for an hour or so. Good to hang with my soul brother.

Cups from the Jay Marshall Collection

All recently sold on Ebay. I bid on some, but didn't get any.

ta da!, originally uploaded by sladegibbs.

A million years ago. . . . don't ask

Polly Lucke nominated for an Emmy!!

Well what do you know!? Polly is up for the coveted Emmy award for Outstanding Hair Design for her work on ABC's smash hit Dirty, Sexy, Money. Way to go Polly!

Emmy Awards are administered by three sister organizations who focus on various sectors of television programming: the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (prime time), the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (daytime, sports, news and documentary), and the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (international).

The Emmy Awards recognize excellence within various areas of the television industry. The awards are a symbol of peer recognition from over 15,000 members of the Academy. Each member casts a ballot for the category of competition in their field of expertise.

Sounds to me like we'll be getting all dressed up and going to an awards banquet. I love my girl and this town!

What keeps me coming back

Every night's a little different. The weather has a lot to do with where peoples heads are at. Is it too hot, is it too cold? Is the audience looking into the sun? I've been going to work each night as my spot becomes shade and the evenings sun sets. I continue to be flabbergasted with how cheap people can be. I go out there every night and do the best I can to make people happy with my magic. It's all I ever wanted to do. . . really.

There was this kid last night, he had the best reactions. Mouth dropped, eyes widened. . . he looked like he was watching real magic. My heart filled & soul flew.

It's tough work what I do . . . and where I do it. LA (here and now) is the toughest place I've ever street performed. The economy isn't helping and I feel it in every hat. But I have an endless supply of love in my heart and I'll keep going out there till I get it right. I have good days and weeks and others where I just learn a lot. I've learned not to second guess the evening. I make sure my head is right and that I'm in the proper space to deliver the type of magic I like to do. I do the best I can and the rest either comes together, or it doesn't. No big deal either way.

Lately I've been going to the gym twice a day. Once in the morning, and once after work. Been trying to duplicate my morning workout in the pm. 30 min. weight training, 30 min. cardio losing a few pounds and starting to think I might actually have some muscles. Today instead of working out I went to a yoga class with Polly. Lots of boobs. Feeling very good these days and hope to make sure that it's reflected in each performance.

Presto! New Pixar Movie

Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton (Limelight)

Busker du Jour

magician, originally uploaded by pole_aroid.

The Dark Night

batman_dark_night_poster, originally uploaded by jjaimejr.

Saw this yesterday with Polly on the giant Cinerama Dome screen in Hollywood. Needless to say it ROCKED. Made a 2 hour and 40 minute movie feel like an hour. Across the board a great film. Really fine performances, FANTASTIC production design and great camera work. I love Batman and think that Chris Nolan has a great take on this classic franchise. ( like my LA lingo?)

Video du Jour • Click Here

Living Right • Great Fucking Day!!!

I feel so great right now. After three shitty nights at work, I was doubting that I had any talent at all. Boo hoo, poor me. Last night it was so bad that I left early on a Friday night! I was pissed and wanted a stiff drink or to buy some refer. . . but I didn't. . . I went to the gym instead. Three weeks ago Polly and I joined LA Fitness and it has changed my life literally. Aaron and I have been working out with a trainer a couple times a week and doing self guided workouts on the other days. Polly has been working out and taking some of their yoga classes. I've never been a healthy person, I've always satisfied all of my appetites. Well now it seems to be getting in better shape and watching what I throw down my throat. Learning about diet, protein and carbs. . . fat burning vs cardio, bla, bla, bla all I'm saying is I haven't had a Pepsi in a week.
This is some concoction that Polly whipped up in the blender. It started with 4 cucumbers and ended with her straining out all the mush and being left with this green cucumber juice, add a mint leaf and some other stuff and you get a drink as bad as it sounds. After a sip I had to pass. You have to draw the line somewhere, flavor is mine.

Today started out leisurely smoking a cigar out on the back patio with Polly. She puttered and watered plants as I smoked and read. Currently reading Revelation the latest offering from Mike Caveney on Vernon's treatment of Erdnase. A must for any serious student of card handling.

Before I work out each day I have some sort of protein drink. Here is one tasty morsel that my girl threw together. Frozen mango, blueberry and strawberry with some protein powder and fiber powder. Delicious and nutritious frozen smoothie right out of the blender, yummy in my tummy.

After my mid morning smoke and read, I met Aaron at the Gym (which is literally 3 minutes from the Universal CityWalk) we pushed ourselves and focused in the legs. 3 or 4 different machines swapping off, doing jumping jacks between while the other person is on the machine. 30 minutes of weight training, then 30 minutes of cardio. Biked it today 6 miles in 30 minutes, my legs were thrashed, my heart was racing and music pumped in my headphones. A dip in the pool, hot tub, sauna, shower and off to work. Had sushimi for lunch at the CityWalk before starting. Rocked the room for 5 hours and made decent money. I don't usually work in the day, because it can be blazing hot and my spot in the direct sunlight. For whatever reason, the best spot in the place, Fountain Court was wide open. The nice thing about working this area, is they'll turn the loud piped in music that blares every second of every minute. No one sleeps at the city walk, except babies. Came home Polly made chicken, artichoke & spinach salad with warm shallot dressing.

Later I entered the bedroom, there were candles lit all over the place, giving a very familure space an exotic feel. It was a great night all around!