Generals don’t get fooled with Bullsh*t #2

In contemporary, people will easily believe on something that promises positive results. Why? It is because they’re bored and desperate. When people tell you the positive effects of a certain product is it really reliable? Or are they just baits to lure us into bringing out some money out of our pockets? Simply put, it could be a con or a cheat. Psychologically, we submit ourselves into this fiasco because we perceive it as something good and whenever the human mind sees something good he would desire to have it. Unknowingly, we are being drawn by the promising words of the con artist ensuring us of our money’s worth. Just because something is so good, we have to indulge in it already? Think again or else I’ll call you a dumbass!

Manga Review #2 Akuma Bengoshi Kukabara

I am fond of reading Manga during my free hours especially when I am resting my hands and mind off magic and mentalism. But I only read Mangas which are already finished because I don’t like waiting for the next issue or chapter.

Akuma Bengoshi Kukabara (Devil Advocate)

Summary:

People die everyday. But what happens when you die? Do you go to heaven or to hell? What happens when you go to hell? Thats where a devil advocate comes in. Before you get dragged to the pits, he/she makes a contract to defend you in exchange for the devil essence that surrounds your soul when you died.

David Blaine versus David Copperfield???

Here’s a fun video clip to watch from Starveillance (creators of MTV’s Celebrity Deathmatch). I saw this clip years ago even before I was performing as a magician. Its a bit hillarious at some point. Though the characters in this clip doesn’t resemble much the personality of the two magicians in the real world.

What’s up with David Blaine and that show off attitude, he isn’t like that and is David Copperfield’s head really that big. On this video clip Copperfield is much of the street performer than David Blaine is. The energizer bunny is a crack up though I think that trick should be coined with Copperfield since its funny and most stage magicians do their magic with rabbits and the Tiger thing would be funnier if Siegfried and Roy was around.

Here’s the funny part, the homeless man in the clip looks like Simon Lovell. hehehe.

Books, Books, Books!

With the present technology and fast paced flow of life, magicians nowadays especially the younger ones (new sprouts) are inclining very much on magic DVD’s and other multimedia resources. What most youngsters in magic mostly those who don’t have any mentor to begin with, ignore the importance of reading magic books and magazines. They want the visual stuff where they don’t need to imagine what the book is telling them.

Answering your spectators’ question

In close up magic or street magic which it is more popularly known after the performance, people would ask you chains and chains of questions. More so if you a performing an impromptu performance either on the streets or indoors. Here are some of those questions are here are some answers that I usually give. Feel free to use some of them.

1. “How did you do that?”

“I really don’t know, it just happened”

“If I’ll tell you, I would be forced to kill you”

“How much is your month’s salary?. . . Okay, give me your month’s salary first”

“It’s MAGIC!”

“Is that a trick question? Could I pass?”

Manga Review #1 Valkyrie Profile

I am fond of reading Manga during my free hours especially when I am resting my hands and mind off magic and mentalism. But I only read Mangas which are already finished because I don’t like waiting for the next issue or chapter.

So here’s my first review. Valkyrie Profile is a story of a battlemaiden who had the mission to look for human souls in midgard (mortal world) to aid the Gods for the Ragnarok (battle of the Gods).

The Story is interesting at first but in the end I am left with the feeling that the Manga is not substantial enough to satisfy the reader. Not enough twists only a few reminiscence of the past and so on. Though there are lessons in the Manga one would be: “You have to find that thing that you would die for, so you would be fit to live”.

I give it 2 stars out of 5.

Here’s the story: 

David Blaine Dance Mania

Stage Magicians especially those who are performing manipulations and illusions are well appreciated for their classy and suave movements on stage. They put on a little dance here and there during their shows together with their lovely and sexy assistants and people do love to see those little dancing fill ins.

There’s a distinction between Stage and Street or Close up Magicians, but when it comes to dancing street magicians nail it down!

So without further undo, I give you one of the best street magicians out there, David Blaine and his wacky assistant Oliver!

15 Illusions in 5 minutes!

Magicians entertain people by doing the impossible but the video clip you’re about to see seemed to be a bit impossible for some magicians.

Here are Singapores Magic duo, JC Sum and one of my biggest crush in the Magic World (including Angela Furnovits) none other than Magic Babe Ning!

On this clip you’ll see Singapore’s top illusionists perform 15 magic illusions in just 5 minutes last June 27 ‘09!!!  They called it the impossible record. Its amazingly fast paced!

Congratulations to JC Sum and Ning on nailing this seemingly impossible act.

Child almost died wanting to be a MAGICIAN

The first ever magic show that I’ve seen was when I was 8 years old in a neighbor’s birthday party. Even until now I could still remember what the clowns did. First they made a spongeball disappear from one hand and appear on the other. The very first feat of magic has already dumbfounded me. Next they made a burnt out piece of paper into money then make a very long coil of paper appear from his mouth while being pulled by the birthday celebrant. Their finale’ is the blade swallowing act which is very common among clowns.

Generals don’t get fooled with Bullshit #1

In contemporary, people will easily believe on something that promises positive results. Why? It is because they’re bored and desperate. When people tell you the positive effects of a certain product is it really reliable? Or are they just baits to lure us into bringing out some money out of our pockets? Simply put, it could be a con or a cheat.

Psychologically, we submit ourselves into this fiasco because we perceive it as something good and whenever the human mind sees something good he would desire to have it. Unknowingly, we are being drawn by the promising words of the con artist ensuring us of our money’s worth. 

Magic Everywhere!

Would life be easier if everybody knows how to do magic? Check out this fun video from a JCPenney Commercial.

What I wanted to see from X-Men Origins

I was excited about the recent production of 20th Century Fox with cooperation of MARVEL comics about their recent big screen project entitled X-Men Origins (Wolverine) due to the fact that Gambit will be a part of story. I know a lot of card magicians out there expected so much from the Gambit character but to my dismay that I saw where just mere Hollywood effects. The moment Wolverine and Gambit met, I was anticipating for the cool card flourishes and stunts but didn’t see that much. Instead, I saw this trailer of the Movie from The Virts in Vimeo which depicts how cool Gambit would have been like in the movie.

“Always play the hand you’re dealt” ~ Gambit

Click here to see the clip.

Video of the Week – Jeff Mcbride

It took me a while to be back to the blogsphere since I have been preoccupied with the 12th Summit’s projects and shows. For my comeback, here’s a brilliant performance that I caught up with from youtube. Jeff Mcbride has been one of the greatest inspirations in magic especially in the field of stage manipulation. Here’s the King of Cards himself, Jeff McBride!

Criss Angel Stole a Cat?

During my early times in Magic, I really enjoyed the performances of Criss Angel in his show, Mindfreak. One of my favorites is when he made his Cat disappear. Just recently I read this article on itricks regarding the story behind Angel and his Cat, Hammie.

Here’s the scoop from itricks.com

Las Vegas promoter Jeff Beacher has filed a lawsuit contending that Criss Angel allegedly stole his family’s cat Hamlet. Mindfreak viewers know the feline as Hammie who’s made a few cameos in the later seasons of the A&E series.

Among the allegations…

After both of Mr. Beacher’s parents passed away due to cancer, his family’s cat was bequeathed to him by will. At the time, Mr. Beacher was residing at the (Las Vegas) Hard Rock Hotel. Accordingly, he allowed his friend Jennifer Madden to temporarily care for the cat until he moved out of the hotel.”

“Soon thereafter, while still grieving over the recent loss of his father, my client received a phone call from you (Angel) stating, ‘I took your cat. He lives with me now’… This action was against the will of Ms. Madden and Mr. Beacher. I also understand that you made further bizarre allegations, including, ‘The cat no longer likes you’ and ‘the cat and I have become close friends.’ …You and Mr. Beacher have repeatedly argued about the theft of his cat and your continued unwillingness to return it. Perhaps you are not aware of the legal consequences.”

Video of the week – Romhany’s Chaplin Magic

For my video of the week hot pick here’s Romhany with his Charlie Chaplin Magic Act. A good touch of creativity incorporating the classic icon into his performance. A good choice of music too. Enjoy this very charming video!

Featured Magician of May – Tony Andruzzi

Tony Andruzzi (1925 – December 22, 1991), born Antonio C. Andruzzi in Cheyenne, Wyoming, was a professional magician. From the 1950s to the early 1970s his performances were comedy illusions. He adopted the name Tom Palmer and had his legal name changed to Thomas S. Palmer. Under the name Tom Palmer, he published several pieces of magic including The Flea Cicus Act, Modern Illusions and The Comedy Act of Tom Palmer.

He was married from 1947 to 1964 to Gloria Jacobson. In 1970 he reclaimed Antonio C. Andruzzi as an alternative legal name. He started performing in a style known as bizarre magic and became a preeminent founder and contributor to the movement. He also performed under the aliases Tony Andruzzi, Masklyn ye Mage, and Daemon Ecks.

Andruzzi made numerous notable contributions to the art of bizarre magic, ranging from

NateMarx.com now online

I recently just put up my own website (www.natemarx.com). Thanks to sir Avel of Bariles Republic and sir Blogie Robillo for giving the free domain and hosting. It took me a while to put it up since I have to find in my old magic bags and online, the testimonials of people from my past performances. Its under development though. You might want to check it out, you can give me some suggestions and comments to make it look better and more client friendly.

Got up to 100

Just as I was about to publish my newest posts I found out on my Dashboard that I already reached 100 posts. I started blogging just recently with enough motivation from bloggers and people who are constantly visiting my blog, I manage to get it this far. Yeba!

Looking for Magicians, Comedians & Clowns

Last Tuesday, I and my friends in the magic industry received an email and a phone call regarding a city which will be built in Pasay which will be called “Newport” which will include condos, hotel, theater and casino. If you are a magician, comedian or a clown then don’t let this opportunity pass. Entertainment International is currently looking for your type of performer.

If you are interested, just give an email to entertainment.internl@gmail.com together with your name, stage name, contact number and regular rate. You could also send your profile, photos or video performance to:

Kris Miranda

Star Cruises Centre
100 Andrews Avenue,
Newport City, Pasay
Metro Manila Philippines 1309

Good Luck & Spread the Magic!

Magic and the Brain: Teller Reveals the Neuroscience of Illusion

I happen to stumble upon this article from wired.com where half of the Penn & Teller duo, Teller explains the the neuroscience of illusion.

To view the article click here.

Capitalism of Magic

In fashion, it seems, top designers may not want to protect their IP. When their ideas are copied, they become passé. This in turn creates demand for new ideas from the top, and so on—a process known as “induced obsolescence”.

Magicians, by contrast, very much want to protect their IP, but not through a disclosure-based legal process. To do this, says Mr Loshin, the “magic community” has developed a “unique set of informal norms and sanctions for violators” that protect IP without resorting to the law. These allow magicians to maximise the amount of sharing of ideas and methods within their community, whilst minimising the exposure of their IP to the outside world of their customers.

True, there have been occasional instances of IP theft within the community, notably Harry Kellar’s prolonged campaign of industrial espionage to acquire the secret of the “floating lady”

Video of the Week – Cyril’s Coin and Pepper Shaker Penetration

For the video of the week, here’s Cyril Takayama’s Coin and Salt shaker penetration. One thing that I like when Cyril performs aside from his charismatic presentation is the creativity of his feats and of course, the beautiful asian girls whom he performs for. Enjoy!

DVD Review: Jay Sankey’s Boris Pocus Extremely Mental

Extremely Mental is one of the most unique mental magic video I’ve ever watch. Boris really made learning magic a bit more fun with his comical persona. When I first saw the cover of this DVD on Penguin Magic I didn’t recognize that it was Jay Sankey. This is worth to watch and learn from. The feats taught on this video are easy to learn and requires minimal sleight of hand. One of my favorites on this DVD is Mona Lisa where Boris presents a feat concerning the mystery of coincidence and how things came to be even if they appear to be ramdom.

The opening credits of this DVD is a killer, learning with Jay Sankey was never boring especially with his comical character. I give this DVD a rating of 8 stars out of 10. If you are into mental magic and wants to have quick and strong effects you got to definitely buy this one.

Left 4 dead – my newest favorite

Aside from doing magic, one of my hobbies is playing computer games. I am not a fan of MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing games) rather I consider myself an FPS (First person shooter) type of gamer. I have been a fan of FPS games since I was in elementary, the rapid environment, the sound of violence, blood spurting out of your enemies’ guts and running for your dear life has been an adrenaline booster for me and at the same time relieves my stresses. My first FPS game was Doom 2 then followed by Heretic, I spent a lot of times playing these type of games that it made me vomit once in a while. I have to admit that I almost got addicted to these type of games and became one of the members of  ”Unholy Inquisitors”, a professional group of Quake 3 gamers.

There are a lot of FPS games right now in the market both online and local area. My favorite online game would be Warrock but lately there was this game that really proved to be interesting. Its a wicked and crazy game, I really love it a lot!

Mentalist vs Medium, the Duel

On Edinburgh Festival, a face off will occur as a renowned mentalist, Peter Campbell-Wells who has an indept skill in the art of mentalism and magic goes head to head against Donna Stewart who is a natural medium with an unassuming style that has gained her a reputation for delivering highly accurate and detailed messages from the spirit world .

The clairvoyant medium will be performing authenticity of her gift, against the mind-reading magician, showing that mediumship is nothing more than a well intentioned “magic”.

Peter also had many years of experience in the mentalism genre of magic where he depicts his capabilities in reading your mind! Even without prior knowledge of a person, a practiced mentalist can still quickly obtain a great deal of information about the subject by carefully analyzing the person’s body language, clothing, hairstyle etc.

This is a duel that is much awaited since the time of Houdini.

For details click here

Pictures from: www.donnastewart.co.uk; www.petesmental.co.uk