Rebuilding A Mystery

Searching the Map of Chicago Magic

I've added Google-based searching to the Map of Chicago Magic. Just click "Search the Map" from the menu on the left and you'll be taken to a page that will return results from only the site. Enjoy!

Review: The FIgurine

My review of Lennart Green's The Figuring is now available at

My Lovely Assistant.

Do you prefer print or electronic magic books?

We have released a snapshot of the printed vs electronic sales of our book, The JINX Companion. You can get the details here.

A Flipboard magazine about Magic and Magicians

If you're a Flipboard user, please consider subscribing to "Magic & Magicians," my new "magazine."

The new Map of Chicago Magic

I've released a completely re-imagined version of the Map of Chicago Magic. I hope you enjoy the new site. Contributions and corrections are welcome.

Review: The Card Puzzle

My review of The Card Puzzle is now available

here.

Reviews: Xpand and Stitched

Now posted at My Lovely Assistant: My review of Xpand and Stitched.

Wonder Worm Review

My review of Wonder Worm is now available.

Review: Silicone Egg

My review of Alan Wong's Silicone Egg is now available.

Reviews: Psychic Blues: Confessions of a Conflicted Medium Review

My review of Psychic Blues: Confessions of a Conflicted Medium Review is now available.

Performing in the 21st Century

Magicians always run the risk of seeming archaic, but perhaps the suggestions for Giving Kick-Ass Presentations In The Age Of Social Media might help avoid that.

Performing in Magic Chicago (May 2, 2012)

This week, on May 2, 2012, I'll be performing in Magic Chicago. Also in this month's show are Eugene Burger, Steve Vaught, and Magic Sam.

I'm in the Linking Ring!

Not too long ago I attended a Joshua Jay lecture at the "Chicago" Ring 43. I just got my copy of The Linking Ring, and to my surprise, I'm in the photo they ran! Whoo-hoo!

Why people hate magicians

Last month I was really happy to find something worthwhile in The Linking Ring. Alas, the latest issue arrived and undid most of that goodwill. In the Parade from the British Ring, there's a trick where a member of the audience is instructed to remove a piece of paper from an envelope they've been handed. Here's what they find:

Now I suppose an apologist might dismiss this as "British humor," but in my view the I.B.M. should not be encouraging this kind of audience abuse by featuring this routine in their journal.

Blaney Parade in The Linking Ring

I certainly haven't hesitated to criticize The Linking Ring, so to be fair, I'd like to point out Walter "Zaney" Blaney's parade in the December issue. When a longtime working pro tips routines right out of his family shows, it's worth your attention. Some of the routines need updating (such as the one that uses fire), but look past that to see their practicality.