tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-170005252012-01-31T14:33:45.726ZFUCK OFF!The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.comBlogger851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-10273284659689151582012-01-31T14:33:00.000Z2012-01-31T14:33:45.734Z

A nod to a spiffy fellow who one day WILL be convinced of the perfection to be found in Erdnase... Here's what blogger tells me you folks were really searching for when you landed here: phantom notebooks: google must work pretty well then. phanton notebooks: perhaps i'll open the "tampon notebooks" erdnase push off second deal: google, please update your index... send them to a jason england

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-77429841746735813752012-01-31T14:19:00.001Z2012-01-31T14:19:50.919Z

"So lemme get this straight. "You know LePaul created "devilish and amazing" material (which he did). And yet you're going to deprive yourself of that material because you refuse to learn from a freakin' book?  "Perhaps it's a good thing. I wouldn't want someone performing such great material if they don't care enough about it to merely read. A. Book.  "I mean, jeebus people, this is a magic

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-19725408748909605052012-01-31T12:43:00.000Z2012-01-31T12:46:04.114Z

I think the availability of Card Zones is a blessing in disguise. It means that instead of being forced to part with considerable time/effort/money in tracking down the Sadowitz manuscripts and thus being more likely to actually study and use the stuff, most magicians will just buy the big book and leave it to rot on their shelves whilst they sit google-eyed and hunched over a computer screen

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-9158720487926506522012-01-30T08:06:00.002Z2012-01-30T08:11:23.267Z

"that particular technique is one of the weaker ones in the book" said with such authority, yet wrong again. Just watch Freeman do it on Revelations. Erdnase's blind shuffle for retaining the entire deck is not only one of the best techniques in the book, but it is one of the most convincing false shuffles ever conceived, period.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-66619107251165371762012-01-29T19:19:00.001Z2012-01-29T19:19:19.188Z

could induce a snooze-fest at the annual insomniacs convention

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-71114787460108976522012-01-23T21:20:00.001Z2012-01-23T21:20:54.237Z

Steven Youell wrote: "But I do know this: I have Paul Chosse's personal notes/corrections on it. And no one else has that." Translation: I know something you don't know, nja nja! He just can't help himself. This is how his performing persona comes across in his notes too. Everything that is wrong with magicians today. If you ask me. (And I know that you didn't, but I'm telling you anyway)

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-33379281901633797832012-01-23T20:28:00.001Z2012-01-23T20:28:04.125Z

Respect.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-81071077323003160902012-01-16T13:05:00.000Z2012-01-16T13:08:45.781Z

Does Lybrary.com advertise in Genii by any chance? Recently they culled an entire thread because people were rightfully slating L&L over the Vernon rerelease, and now a legitimate question regarding library.com's rights/ethics in selling pdf's of manuscripts without permission... Update: Here's the proof... do you see anything censor-worthy here? I haven't read an issue of Genii in years, but

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-14246023760846078702012-01-14T19:50:00.001Z2012-01-14T19:50:17.685Z

There is a thread on the cafe about stupid things magicians say. Here's a cracker: "dead. solid. perfect."

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-55301049653158307632012-01-13T09:14:00.001Z2012-01-13T09:22:02.782Z

I think this is an important issue. Should Lybrary really be selling the Sadowitz manuscripts as PDF files? If no agreement can be produced, do the legal rights to the material remain with the author?  Legal issues aside, is it unethical for Breese to be releasing the material in this format against Sadowitz's wishes?  Not knowing all the details, one can only assume that Sadowitz is no longer

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-1155873330312975032012-01-12T22:48:00.001Z2012-01-13T08:15:39.197Z

I don`t really want to waffle too much about this. There is nothing new here technically, it`s just a "blocking" (for lack of a better word) for going into the turnover to create a nice illusion. Any time I've seen the move done (or described), it is with both cards parallel to each other so the hand must describe a straight line (across the table) in doing the switch. This has an unnatural look

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-53065002372975206272012-01-11T15:08:00.000Z2012-01-12T15:48:47.476Z

I think the dust has settled enough for me to address this now. ON COPYING FROM THE CRIMP:  I have the archive of all 512 posts ever published on the phantom notebooks and here is the list of the five which may be considered to be "hijacked" from the crimp:  magic fans  ethics in publishing recommending tricks from the past (different tricks by the way) recommending music (different music

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-46163393235475399342012-01-11T13:57:00.007Z2012-01-11T13:58:06.628Z

Perform something from Stars of Magic. Watch Sadowitz on Stuff the White Rabbit. Read The Expert at the Card Table in one sitting. Discuss Our Magic with a "non-magician" friend. After doing a trick for someone, look them in the eye and say "dead, solid, perfect" and see how long you can last without bursting out in a fit of laughter. (I've managed about 3 and a half seconds) Create a video

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-65903050440592253012012-01-11T13:55:00.002Z2012-01-11T13:55:31.045Z

Why do magicians continue to delude themselves with this sort of rubbish? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db0tGSNceGk

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-43587997566944925512012-01-03T12:26:00.000Z2012-01-12T13:33:55.135Z

Post your thoughts here, without fear of censorship. Link Seriously, heart being in the right place n all that, amateur camcorder footage of Vernon lectures would have been made available non-commercially.  But no, this way they can get people to spend 200 quid on a few grainy, shaky, jittery, incomplete home movies. Claiming them to be a "free bonus" is laughable.  How many are paying

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-14518286669930919512012-01-03T10:14:00.001Z2012-01-03T10:14:25.282Z

Sums it up really... "I'd prefer to spend time on things that give me a high glory to pain ratio." Dead. Solid. Perfect.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-46525187844551630842011-12-23T09:51:00.000Z2012-01-03T10:32:04.316Z

For too long, magic has been filled with self-righteous, pompous gits. Join me in making the following pledge for the good of all mankind: 1. I will not be a self-righteous, pompous git. If you're in, reply to this post with "I'm a git." If you really want to make a statement, and for a bit of a laugh, take the silly little cafe pledge here and add it to your signature as they suggest, but

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-33541835754723944432011-12-23T09:19:00.001Z2011-12-23T09:19:06.023Z

http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=446374&forum=2&96

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-1418902049548417332011-12-20T13:27:00.001Z2011-12-20T13:27:12.311Z

This Xmas, and what the heck - make it a resolution for 2012 too, don't read anything that was written after 1970.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-66656742702142092812011-12-19T13:57:00.002Z2011-12-19T13:57:57.186Z

"Why do people keep prattling on about bloody Erdnase? This book sent me to sleep if I'm honest and I never got anything whatsoever out of it. As far as CARD MAGIC is concerned, Expert Card Technique by Hugard & Braue knock spots off EATCT - but rarely gets mentioned or credited as the TRUE card magician's bible." Sigh. http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=442490&forum=2&

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-88270062799061818222011-09-14T19:29:00.002+01:002011-09-14T19:29:37.067+01:00

by Steven Youell Is an apt title as you'll find about as many in here as they found in Iraq.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-91930432128925792612011-09-03T06:15:00.000+01:002011-09-04T11:16:54.553+01:00

"I'm sorry, but you're in some weird-ass denial. It is blatantly obvious you aren't mucking anything."  "To the keen observer (as is any knowledgeable card worker), it couldn't possibly be more obvious you're not mucking anything but air."  "Your credibility has been flushed down the toilet. There isn't a single thing you could do to prove that video is legitimate. Every time I watch that

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-40963133796718660962011-09-03T06:07:00.000+01:002011-09-03T06:07:24.560+01:00

I was about to repost this to put the repost of the mucking video in context. But I thought better of it because there's no point poking Mr Kendall further as he seems like a pretty good sport. Then I discovered he is now offering magic lessons over Skype at 25 quid a pop. So fuck to that, here's the repost: Following the lead of Mr Kendall, I think I'll stop posting videos here and instead

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-52395390439820363212011-09-02T07:15:00.001+01:002011-09-02T07:50:08.327+01:00

As promised, here is a video of what I consider to be some respectable mucks. I am posting these videos in justification of recent criticisms I have made. One particular fellow is actually selling these moves on a DVD when, in my opinion, he can't even do them properly himself. What's wrong with learning from the original books? And don't give me any crap about the descriptions not being good

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-79936429938132451562011-09-01T19:08:00.001+01:002011-09-01T19:08:53.130+01:00

"Really? So, Erdnase will help me with Hofzinser's techniques, or the double-lift? Because in my working repertoire I rely more on those than anything in Expert at the Card Table."  Actually, yes.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-88967374811416529542011-08-31T17:27:00.000+01:002011-08-31T17:27:17.292+01:00

I'm bumping this because I can't believe there isn't SOMEONE out there who knows or can ask the question, who were these top card workers they consulted. Come on, anyone? The public deserves an answer! Serious question. Magic Makers claim: "We consulted with the top card workers in the world, every one of them pointed just to one man being the authority on Erdnase. His name is Wesley James."

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-49142739250181308432011-08-31T07:48:00.000+01:002011-08-31T07:48:01.638+01:00

Wesley should ask the dude what he thinks of all the "improvements" covered in The Man Who Raped Knows Erdnase. You know, like using a left little finger break for the top palm, and sticking the thumb out at right angles during the shifts.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-63238930003704275972011-08-31T06:39:00.000+01:002011-08-31T06:39:49.026+01:00

And as usual, here come the straw men. I recall Wesley James saying precisely the same thing: "And, personally, I find insulting not to recognize how much Card Magic has evolved since 1902! Dozen of brilliant people have released outstanding material and have educated generations of Magicians. Progress is made possible with an open mind, what you are. We are fortunate enough that many people

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-2680950345456966442011-08-31T05:25:00.003+01:002011-09-01T11:47:12.298+01:00

"Incidentally, Dai Vernon and I ... discussed this a few times, and I remember him saying to me - 'You don't need it, Harry, not at this stage of 'your' game.'"-Harry Lorayne "...it may enable the skilled in deception to take a post-graduate course in the highest and most artistic branches of his vocation."-S.W. Erdnase (emphasis mine)

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-77427957783167127932011-08-30T08:53:00.004+01:002011-09-02T07:03:19.628+01:00

This question has been tackled by fellows more worthy than I and, almost universally, those in the know have tended towards conciseness (cageyness even) in their replies: no, it is not outdated and it remains the best book ever written on the subject. This is probably all that needs to be said on the matter and it seems pretty clear to me why such abruptness persists. It is a question that

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-1127387488910840332011-08-27T11:21:00.003+01:002011-08-27T13:39:11.046+01:00

This palm is often misunderstood. A careful study of "Hofzinser's Card Conjuring" will reveal the true genius of the palm. Steve Freeman touched on it briefly in the Revelations videos, commenting on the brilliance of having the cards turn in the palm without turning the pack. Indeed, done properly, the palm has a wonderful mechanical, yet soft feeling about it. Anyway, in my experience the

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-16158524001530894712011-08-27T10:49:00.001+01:002011-08-27T10:51:51.091+01:00

Watch in awe as our expert deftly shuffles the pack in the overhand manner with a natural "over and under" action. Even considering the clarity and preciseness of instruction in the book, easing the students pathway to mastery, lets take nothing away from this profoundly inspiring interpretation of the shuffle: "The right hand makes five up and down movements in the ordinary or regular

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-44974636836618053912011-08-27T09:09:00.002+01:002011-08-27T09:16:45.525+01:00

Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle.- Michelangelo  Blind Riffles To Retain Top Stock The finger positions feel very unnatural at first and there is significant difficulty in attaining the grip without the least hesitation. This difficulty is eliminated through practice. There will be a temptation to seize the deck with the second fingers but this defeats the purpose of the

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-75664582459222549712011-08-26T08:55:00.003+01:002011-08-26T08:56:34.338+01:00

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-8934402467277939702011-08-24T19:02:00.006+01:002011-08-24T19:09:58.991+01:00

Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle.- Michelangelo  Blind Shuffles  To Retain Top Stock, First Method As the right hand makes its final chopping action after the in-jog, it simultaneously positions itself in the exact position for picking up the packet under the jog. Thus there is no hesitation in the final cutting action.To Retain Top Stock and Shuffle Whole DeckIf the in-jog

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-12425221717455670262011-08-23T13:46:00.000+01:002011-08-23T13:46:30.615+01:00

No words necessary. Enjoy this unique demonstration of the Erdnase Stock shuffle:

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-25502760785549023152011-08-22T13:07:00.003+01:002011-08-22T16:05:19.872+01:00

30 measly votes?! As your punishment, here's a repost of an Ed Marlo trick done badly:

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-1158311439982928512011-08-16T07:57:00.005+01:002011-08-27T11:19:08.543+01:00

I'm reposting this to make a little observation at the bottom... In Cardshark, Darwin Ortiz published a trick called "The Unholy Three." I was immediately intrigued by it and it is a wonderful idea, superbly subtle in method. However, if you ask me, it is a victim of what some people call the "too perfect theory" (I prefer to call it the "too obvious theory") in that it leaves the spectator with

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-51694513124367318372011-08-15T14:37:00.004+01:002011-08-15T17:50:35.028+01:00

a talented musician walks into a bar, approaches one of the patrons and says "hey would you like to hear me play a tune?" No actually, he doesn't. Note: Underlining text to emphasise a point is copyright 1994 Jerry Sadowitz. Writing style used here without permission.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-63099503042905800292011-08-15T12:27:00.002+01:002011-08-24T08:49:12.465+01:00

Just so you know what kind of ship they really run over there, if it was still in any doubt, Harry Lorayne recently let slip that he's been reading the private messages of those he considers to be trolling him.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-3292655228508223082011-08-15T10:55:00.003+01:002011-08-15T10:59:17.921+01:00

The Phantom Notebooks auf Deutsch!

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-54166276069816200782011-08-15T09:35:00.010+01:002011-08-15T13:00:02.615+01:00

Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle.- Michelangelo  Blind Shuffles GeneralThe Cards must be held near the fingertips, and not in a deep grip in the right hand. A deep grip results in unnatural looking grips later when breaks are established and packets picked up etc. For example, a deep grip will result in the right thumb protruding very noticeably in a similar fashion to the "

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-91860369595829253172011-08-15T09:09:00.001+01:002011-08-15T09:20:33.743+01:00

Blurring the Aces

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-20992553775790631532011-08-14T16:55:00.004+01:002011-08-14T17:28:10.283+01:00

Absolutely astounded that our undisputed authority on Erdnase has been shunned for this event. What were they thinking? They owe us all an explanation. At least they got one thing right, I can't think of a more appropriate name ...

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-91038490112658775852011-08-14T10:34:00.001+01:002011-08-14T10:42:23.057+01:00

With some well deserved relief from the rigours of card table procedure, the expert does a fabulous job of reminding us all that, whilst some believe it to be a beginners move, the famous Erdnase colour change requires just as much attention and practice as any of the more esoteric card table cheating moves. I know people who have been practicing the move for 20 years and it still doesn't look

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-7071505439024472462011-08-14T09:27:00.004+01:002011-08-14T10:25:05.866+01:00

Has been spotted over at the Movie Appreciation forum. Whilst discussing the merits of Apocalypse Now Redux, the film enthusiasts were bemused when Harry showed up and asked if they had all read his original version. Please note that satirical ribbing of magicians is copyright 1991, Jerry Sadowitz. Reference: Crimp magazine.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-13719517892312708552011-08-13T12:01:00.002+01:002011-08-13T12:03:06.242+01:00

In this instalment, our hero expertly demonstrates the technique identified by Erdnase as the "single greatest accomplishment." And what an accomplishment to have perfected it to such a degree as you will witness in this clip! Deftly placing the pack directly into dealing grip, with neither hesitation nor unnatural movement, the underground sleight of hand expert proceeds with his masterclass

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-14613958751971739992011-08-13T07:42:00.002+01:002011-08-13T07:42:08.268+01:00

*Post removed due to copyright infringement. The word "fuck" is copyright Jerry Sadowitz, 1961.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-41031133996128326532011-08-12T22:31:00.002+01:002011-08-12T22:31:36.119+01:00

Used to respect the heck out of the guy. Now, not so much.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-46791112698377173682011-08-12T14:45:00.000+01:002011-08-12T14:45:16.900+01:00

Happy to oblige:

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-13755044417412975962011-08-12T12:54:00.009+01:002011-08-12T13:25:51.984+01:00

On accepting praise. "Those responses are fine if a table are thanking you for performing at their table but if they're saying how amazing you are etc then I feel its not quite the right response" What do you say when a bird compliments you after a really good fuck? I'd go with something like "Hey, the magic is in you..."or "It takes two to tango baby!" or how about "Oh come on, that's what

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-2384372110047230692011-08-12T11:55:00.002+01:002011-08-12T11:55:59.055+01:00

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-635872504811954472011-08-12T10:00:00.001+01:002011-08-13T11:47:37.778+01:00

Our inspirational protagonist once again showcases the fruits of 50 years studying Erdnase. With the hands perfectly at rest, not even a hint of an unnatural contortion and an unerring adherence to the precisely detailed finger positions, Wesley James finally puts to bed the myth that the Open Shift is but a mere pipe dream. "The shift can be made like a flash, and with the cards in perfect

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-18570192351113678752011-08-11T15:40:00.002+01:002011-08-11T15:43:54.835+01:00

More Cafe wisdom. "...It's like that saying about pizza: even when mediocre it's still pretty good." The saying referred to actually goes like this: "Sex is like pizza. Even when it's bad, it's still pretty good"

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-7076138650568120072011-08-11T10:25:00.004+01:002011-08-13T11:48:00.157+01:00

Smooth as silk, you can see just how much time and care this underground sleight of hand expert has invested in studying and practicing the material. Following the instructions to the letter, "THE authority on Erdnase" demonstrates for you the importance of detail, precise finger positions and natural handling.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-8847633659208626862011-08-09T22:39:00.000+01:002011-08-09T22:39:55.347+01:00

With the Erdnase Bottom Deal that is. Those who advocate a strike to eliminate the knuckle flash simply do not understand the deal, and its application in play. The Erdnase technique is still the most perfect and practical solution for the card table.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-83659978056049971482011-08-09T07:06:00.002+01:002011-08-09T09:21:35.004+01:00

That's about the nicest thing I can say about this piece of garbage. At least he's consistent. The trick is about as well structured and clearly thought through as the ad copy: "Cards have always been a tool for the magi to work his wonderful stories into a moment of astonishment and fun. And noone knew this better than J.N. Hofzinser. He created an effect called "the four ace problem" in

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-46259703346028787192011-08-05T09:21:00.003+01:002011-08-05T09:23:38.690+01:00

"...and I'd bet money right now that if Erdnase were alive today, we'd see a significant gap between his actual chops and what his cultists would have us believe..." I'd take that bet.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-76774415482228397692011-07-10T08:53:00.011+01:002011-07-20T19:14:15.500+01:00

On reflection, I think the problem lies not with those who do not appreciate Vernon's work, but more with those who SAY they do but exhibit little or no evidence of it in their own work. The prime example of this is Wesley James. His handling could truly be described as the antithesis of everything Vernon stood for. At the same time, he bullshits about being a student of Vernon and striving to

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-77904451095826183412011-06-26T17:01:00.001+01:002011-06-26T17:11:25.219+01:00

Knocked this up a while ago, thought it was quite humorous. Enjoy.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-19455772095774189192011-06-11T16:03:00.002+01:002011-06-11T16:03:55.489+01:00

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-75720476408001383652011-05-27T19:50:00.001+01:002011-05-27T19:51:57.298+01:00

Aaron FIsher Your silly little "Personal Coaching" escapade is beyond cringeworthy. Erdnase Probably wasn't a very good magician. Our Magic Is still the greatest book on magic. Kicker Endings Don't appeal. Shape of My Heart Is not a good idea. Benjamin Earl Starting to like the guy. And yes, did fool the fuck out of Penn and Teller. Richard Kaufman Actually starting to like him too. Ed

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-90465228324700199242011-05-27T08:34:00.000+01:002011-05-27T08:34:58.450+01:00

I rarely agree with these guys and I don't particularly rate either of them as magicians (from what I've seen). But I do think their review show is brilliant. It's strangely addictive, they come across as genuine and honest, and they are providing an invaluable service for magicians. They do a good job of cutting through the hype and giving would-be purchasers a realistic idea of what exactly

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-59109381580538221502011-05-22T11:23:00.001+01:002011-05-23T08:00:58.432+01:00

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-22420030208187679862011-05-21T09:56:00.000+01:002011-05-21T09:56:41.363+01:00

I've always thought the principle utilised in the Hofzinser bottom palm (using pivot points to change the orientation of the cards without changing the orientation of the hand) had potential for a natural looking colour change. The idea being that the hand doesn't need to align with the pack in order to deposit the card. Something like this: (yes, it needs more work to appear smooth and

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-53988077693586599932011-05-18T09:16:00.001+01:002011-05-18T09:27:06.355+01:00

I have to admit, there's something I like about the guy, but he seriously needs to get things into perspective. His flourishes are not that technically difficult in the grand scheme of things. He does stress the point that creating original stuff is more difficult than actually doing it but then he comes out with some tosh like this: Indeed, ask anybody who plays a musical instrument. And

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-88644022411828968552011-05-10T11:51:00.001+01:002011-05-10T11:55:20.871+01:00

You dumb mother fuckers. A phrase I have always found to be rather ambiguous...

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-81813794862214965312011-05-05T13:13:00.000+01:002011-05-05T13:13:14.994+01:00

Just warming up...

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-44952412266003778082011-05-05T10:57:00.000+01:002011-05-05T10:57:39.779+01:00

In-keeping with a topic that has resurfaced recently... From The Magic Circular, December 2003: "The Secretary reported receipt of a complaint from Jerry Sadowitz concerning an alleged plagiarism by Paul Gordon of one of Jerry Sadowitz's card effects." Can someone provide the low-down on this. We are nosey.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-58825569920899531062011-05-04T07:22:00.000+01:002011-05-04T07:22:26.341+01:00

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-32158203412585973202011-05-03T07:47:00.000+01:002011-05-03T07:47:06.258+01:00

This is a fantastic idea. The handling could be refined a little, but the basic trick is brilliant. It takes an idea I saw used in a totally impractical 3 card monte, and makes it work thanks to the completely logical addition of the silk handkerchief. Brilliant effect.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-28290080919866783042011-05-02T14:19:00.001+01:002011-05-02T14:32:51.288+01:00

Glenn Bishop gets his quotes right!!!!!! I see Paul Gordon as a professional magician that has published some of "his" stuff ... Link Well as they say, even a broken clock is correct twice a day...

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-22592127314029445272011-05-02T13:16:00.000+01:002011-05-02T13:16:26.194+01:00

apparently... see www.martinbreese.com/

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-18190141291457447382011-05-01T12:50:00.002+01:002011-05-01T12:50:39.582+01:00

Not The Magic Cafe

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-91001975381381554732011-05-01T12:27:00.001+01:002011-05-01T12:27:44.330+01:00

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-74370519431080963722011-04-30T10:16:00.000+01:002011-04-30T10:16:23.165+01:00

This is a great routine. I can really imagine Ricky Jay presenting it...

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-54074789675532349322011-04-29T20:14:00.000+01:002011-04-29T20:14:25.201+01:00

I'm currently playing around with a construction of the Jonah card trick. The basic idea is that, to give the procedure a real spontaneous and unstructured feel, you can introduce the concept of the trick that can't be explained. Depending on the choices made by the spectator, you can spontaneously alter the procedure. This has the side effect of making the trick instantly repeatable with a

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-68373648708831770452011-04-29T10:26:00.001+01:002011-04-29T10:26:10.037+01:00

To all you "yes men", hang your heads in shame.

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-66675588268669533292011-04-28T10:39:00.001+01:002011-04-28T10:46:33.176+01:00

Are you serious? Really? I'm no homophobe, but all this talk about "pressure on the backside" and "sensitivity on the front tip" is making me queasy... "Swivel that thing" "Go nice and slow." "I like the position of your thumb..."

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-2087067866774253712011-04-28T09:45:00.002+01:002011-04-28T09:47:32.515+01:00

to Retain Top Stock is eerily similar to Vernon's "Triumph" false shuffle. If you do not follow the instructions for squaring up, you often end up doing the Triumph style shuffle accidentally. On a related note, I'm an admirer of the work of Mr DaOrtiz and his recent triumph trick is rather nice. But (as Vernon said about his Ace Assembly lay down if I recall), the more versions of Triumph I

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-88314676920411275582011-04-27T18:04:00.000+01:002011-04-27T18:04:19.300+01:00

Particularly his rendition of "Remember and Forget." A perfect trick for so many reasons! By the way, did he borrow the opening for 3 Card Monte from Darwin Ortiz, or was it the other way around?

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-17364874791981287342011-04-20T15:50:00.002+01:002011-04-20T16:10:14.957+01:00

Is it any wonder so many people can't/wont learn from books. Question: At one point I need to switch out one card which is in my hand for another which is in my pocketAnswer: is the card in your hand or is it on the table??? http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewtopic.php?topic=412890&forum=2&1

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-84586816762628990752011-04-20T09:36:00.001+01:002011-04-20T09:37:23.641+01:00

It is difficult to disagree with the sentiment expressed on the Magic Fakers home page, but why should it apply only to manufactured tricks? If The Magic Bong is accurate, for example, then this sort of stuff should be exposed. Name and shame! It's always a controversial topic and is often glossed over with the lazy "just my opinion" reasoning. As I found out in reviewing the Erdnase DVD set

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-37850649677143073522011-04-16T14:03:00.001+01:002011-04-16T15:00:06.471+01:00

Found a great comment which can be turned into a convenient standard template for reaction to Paul Gordon tricks: "I cannot imagine how Paul Gordon could have had the stones to publish this. It should be taken for granted by anyone familiar with [INSERT NAME OF ORIGINAL TRICK] and with half a brain that this retrograde handling is obvious and no doubt was part of the evolution of the superior [

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17000525.post-55143085873552678712011-03-18T09:02:00.000Z2011-03-18T09:02:35.075Z

If you have an interest in Erdnase, access to an extensive library of magic books and magazines, want to help me out on a project with no guarantee of monetary compensation, and can keep a secret then send a mail to the usual address: the_smiling_mule@hotmail.com You will be contributing to one part of a rather spiffy project that I'm trying to get off the ground, but no promises at this time!

The Smiling Mulenoreply@blogger.com0