Following up on the Magic For Humans controversy
The last article, covering the controversy in the comments section of Willman’s video, might have been very much in need of a TL/DR, so here’s my attempt at providing it, in the form of a questionnaire.
On the ethics of “cheating” in televised magic
Magic on television is back in a huge way, and Netflix recently put up Justin Willman’s series “Magic For Humans”. Now, before I go any further here, I’m super worried that people will read the title, see Justin’s name in the first paragraph, and assume I’m calling him out for cheating. I’m totally not doing that.
The Jerx Successfully Applies Lipstick To Pig’s Snout
Look, I’m not going to fault anybody for trying to deal with audience suspicions, but sometimes the cure is worse than the disease.
Banachek on Joe Rogan’s Podcast
It’s going to be difficult coming up with proper content when the internet seems intent on delivering good stuff… Whatever, here’s Banachek on Joe Rogan’s podcast.
Justin Willman on Kevin Pollak’s Podcast
Since I don’t really have any good magic thoughts for you, I won’t bore you with my bad ones. Instead, here’s Justin Willman on Kevin Pollak’s podcast.
Thoughts After Gigs, #4
In today’s episode, your humble bloggist has to take ownership of some social awkwardness.
Favourite “Easy” Card Trick
Something from the old Ye Olde, from Favourites Month, part of the 365 project… My personal favourite “easy” card trick, complete with runners up.
First Close-up Gig in 6 Years
Technically a ton of stuff I did in Korea could have qualified as “a close-up gig” but whatever, this one felt like I was right back at it properly, without the weight of also being an ESL teacher at the same time. (Apologies in advanced, a lot of me-talk coming up…)
Still Getting Settled…
Alright, so I’m back in Vancouver and still trying to get settled, so I don’t really have that much to talk about. Here’s the plan for the short term…
Routining Your Magic
Was given the advice that the appendix to the Jolly Almanac of Card Knaveries could be heavily edited down, and it made some sense. So, this passage that talks exclusively about routining your set or act is being printed here, for free.
Ya boy got a card trick published…
In the May 2018 issue of Vanish Magazine there’s a trick of mine called the O/X Deck. You can read it on page 14.