Matthew Hampel's Blog

Mr Bean's Christmas

2009-12-18T09:10:00.000-08:00

Focus is a must

2009-02-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

To be a success you must have focus.

One of the hardest things is to stay focused on one task at a time and get it done. I do not know if I have A.D.D but I feel like it sometimes. I am one of these kind of people that just keeps going and moves on to the next thing as quick as I can. I am working on getting focused and be more about task. I have a blackberry and have a bunch of different applications for it but I forget to use the task list sometimes.

Here is what I have found out though. When I do get focused on things I get all kind of things done and I feel better about myself at the end of the day and because of that I am ready for the next day. Every time I get into the office with focus on the brain I get all kinds of shows booked and am just must happier when people turn me down.

So if you are like me this takes training yourself and that is hard work. But once we get it believe it works great. Those are my two cents today. Let me know how this works for you.

As always enjoy magic and enjoy life.

Success is in the Mind

2009-01-27T11:08:00.000-08:00

In this new year I am going to start sharing with you some secrets of success that I have found and wanting to help others with it. I will also be sharing my thoughts with you sometimes in a video that I will post on here. Well with that out of the way here we go.

Success can only come from your mind

In my line of work (being a Comedy Magician) there is a lot of people being so negative about things. Here is the thing that I have found out. You can only be a success if you think you are. Zig Ziglar once said " Look in the mirror everyday and tell yourself how great of a person you are".

I do not do this everyday but every show I do. I will find a mirror someplace where I am and tell myself that I am the best at what I do. Since I have been doing this every show my shows and attitude has changed. I do kind of the same thing everyday here at my home. Since most of my work is working at home where there is a dog and other things to do I have to put myself in the focus area. I have a time to go to work (walk into my office) and a break time and most of the time I dress up. All of these things have helped me have a more successful look on the things that I do.

So stop wasting your time looking at web sites that will take you far from where you want to be and start setting your mind with the idea that you are a successful person and I can tell you that it works. It has for me and I know it will for you as well. Let me know if it does work.

Go out and enjoy magic and enjoy life.

Roy Benson a great magician

2009-01-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

So the other day I was looking around youtube and found what I have needed to. Roy Benson was a great magician. Not a lot of people know him besides the Benson bowl. He is a very funny magician. I love how he know s who he is, His character is perfect. He loves what he does and you can get that through his act.

Finding your character is something that all magicians need to do. Most magicians just buy a trick and there you go. There is so much more to being a magician then buying and doing the effect. You have to know who you are and what you want your spectators to feel during your act. Roy does all of these and he is perfect. We will miss him.

Meltdown is out

2008-12-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

Wow this is my favorite effect that I perform. I always have it with me in my car ready to go.

Take a borrowed quarter
Have it signed --- You shatter it into pieces.
The pieces are clearly visible in your hand or on the table. Using no covering you immediately make the quarter whole again and return the quarter to the spectator. It's just that simple and direct. The performer picks up the pieces and 'melts' them together right in front of every one's eyes. They see the pieces fuse back together.
This valuable video will give you step-by-clear-step the secret and handling of this most unusual trick

You will love this effect. If you are looking for an effect to perform that looks like real magic then meltdown is for you. Click here to pick yours up today.

New Store

2008-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

So I have been working on getting a store up and running and I now have one. If you would like to check it out go to www.matthewhampel.com and click store. I have all of my DVDs on there and will be uploading some more of my products in the next few days. So to find out when they are put up make sure you keep coming by here to see when they are launch. Thank you.

2008-11-22T13:19:00.000-08:00

Imagine, having a spectator select a card. The card is placed back in the deck and lost. An attempt to produce the chosen card fails, only to have it discovered in your mouth by the unsuspecting audience member!
Matthew Hampel performs and teaches this reputation making effect.
You will learn:The Classic Card to MouthExtreme Card to MouthandMatt’s own H.B. Card to Mouth

Frosted Pip

2008-11-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

Fantasize the most baffling Card to Impossible Location and you just might get the sense of the power of Frosted Pip. The pip of a selected card appears inside of an ice cube. The pip is really inside and not on the bottom for an optical illusion. Add this to the effect that the performer melts the ice cube in a hand! This effect will be your closer for years to come!

Restaurant worker

2008-11-22T12:56:00.000-08:00

What’s harder than getting a Restaurant gig?
Keeping it!
Restaurant worker, Matthew Hampel will not only teach you his real world tested routines, but, in an in-depth interview, with Steve Branham, he will reveal the “how to” of getting the gigs, building an entertaining routine and then keeping the gigs.
You will learn:
Sponge Balls
Waiter
The Rings
Coins
The Ropes
In addition, Matt will teach you two bonus routines
that will make you a hit at every table every time!

Sorry So Sorry

2008-11-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone It has been a long time for me. I have been so busy the last few months that I have not had anytime for blogging. I hope that you have all had a great few months.

I have been working alot and performing and having a great time.I have worked the last few months on a brand new show that I am so pleased with .

I also have been shooting some brand new DVD's . I have released three and have many more coming your way.

Well I will post the video for those and let you know where and when you canget those from me for a cheap price for one week only.

9/11 Have You Forgotten?

2008-09-11T06:54:00.001-07:00

Have you forgotten that morning?I woke up today remembering my dad waking me up and telling me what happened. For the next three hours I sat on the steps in the basement just thinking to myself O my God. So what about you? Do you remember where you were at . That was the day that for me I sat back after it was all done and said to myself that I am going to be true American.

Never forget that day and the people who lost there father,daughters, mothers and sons. And also do not forget why we have troops fighting for us in war everyday for our freedom. To me that is true magic.

May God bless you and may God bless America.

A Super night

2008-08-28T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well what can you say about a master magician? Mike Super is a great entertainer. It is great to finally get to see someone who gets that the magic effects are just tools and we are supposed to entertain first.

I was really looking forward to seeing his show last night. I have never seen him live only on TV. I was hoping that his hole entertainment feel was not just for TV but in his show as well. Let me tell you it was. I do have to say that he is the first magician (expect for Copperfield) where I just sat back and enjoyed myself. There was a few hundred college kids there last night and they we entertained and at the same time in Ah of Mike's magic with everything from making a bowling ball appear to his voodoo effect. If you ever get the chance to get to see his show I really think you should make the time.

Mike it was great to meet you and keep up the good work.

Mike is a man who I can tell enjoys magic and life and so I will leave you with this like I always do. Enjoy magic and enjoy life.

Flourishers must grow up

2008-08-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

So I have noticed that magic is all focused on nothing but card flourishes right now. Do not get me wrong I do and like doing card flourishing but it does not pay the bills. To me there are so many kids that just because that can hold 18 packets of cards in between there fingers they think that they are just like me. I hate to tell you that YOUR WRONG.

I really do think that someone should teach on how to use the flourishes in the right way instead of standing at a table in a restaurant just showing off. PEOPLE do not care about how you are in love with the buck twins. So do flourishes but do them in the way that they should be used and that is to just dress up your card magic and that is it.

Remembering A Master Magician: Harold D. Russell

2008-07-30T21:15:00.000-07:00

So what do you say about a great magician, friend and man? Harold D Russel was one of the best guys I have ever known. Last week while I was gone Harold passed on from here to a better place.

I love it when I hear all kinds of stories about Harold. Sometimes I feel that I have known Harold forever just because of the stories. Harold gave me one of my first big breaks in the St Louis market with close up magic. I will always thank him for that.

Harold always went out of his way to help others and was just a great guy. You can click here to hear more about one of the biggest nights in his life and what others had to say about a great man.

Harold you will be missed here but I am sure that were ever you are at you are making people laugh and amazing them all. Thanks for all of the good times and memories.

It is because of him I say Enjoy magic and Enjoy life because Harold always did that.

IBM / SAM Convention

2008-07-28T10:40:00.000-07:00

WOW what a great long week. The IBM/SAM have not had a convention together in 35 years. This was such a cool thing to find out. Well what do I say about a long week. If you can think of someone they where most likely there and I hope you were. The very first show that I saw in my first 30 min of being there was with MAc King as the MC and then from there it was game on. I did not stop until 10 o'clock at night when I finally went to my car and got my stuff. There was so much going on that I did not want to miss anything.That night and I think only that night was an early one I went to bed around 1 in the morning.

In the next few days I will be putting more info on my blog about what happened. I have got some great pictures as well. I am just putting a few on here today.

Picture number one is me with John Racherhaumer after his lecture on Ed Marlo. He was such a nice guy and to see some of his card stuff afterwards that night was so cool.

Well on Monday I was walking around and talking with my friend Michael Finney and look who walked by . Can you saw Marshall Brodien. It was great to get to talk to him about some of the past.

Well around 12:30 Tuesday night I was walking around and saw a family friend. Bev Bergeron.

So I see this guy walking around with a rubber maide with some fur sticking out of it and I was wondering what it was.Well it was Mr Morris (from Morris costumes) showing the original Bigfoot costume and telling some stories about it for 45 min. I will post more on this later. The head in his left head and the costume i am holding is the original and the head in the center is the new head.

Well after the lecture about comedy magic David Williamson was hanging out with me and Micheal Finney. What a great guy he is. I really love to see him showing some great card stuff at 3:00 in the morning to a bunch of kids. He loves to take time for them. You go Williamson.

Well this is just the start of some great posts I will be sharing with you all. If you have any pictures or anything about the convention make sure to send it over to either me or Justin Robert Young at itricks.com

helping others

2008-07-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

So I just got done talking with a friend and he told me that he is leaving for good.I am sad by this because he was one of the best minds in magic. The thing to me is instead of being a jerk we as magicians need to be there for our brothers and sisters in magic in times like these. So I will not say who because he asked me not to. Just when you are praying just say one of my friends and God will know who.

Enjoy magic and enjoy life.

Respect for the art

2008-06-25T19:47:00.001-07:00

As I sit here watching the show on NBC called UUMMM what do you think Celebrity Circus and I really do not know what to think. I was in the circus for 15 years and I have seen some amazing circus acts and these are not it. But this blog is not about that. I am posting because of something that has been bugging me.

No RESPECT. A few weeks ago this show had a women on it and the whole time she was all about her self and not the art. I do not think I have to say but she was booted off the first week. Last night on America Got Talent was the same thing. They showed some of the magicians that went for it and let me tell you there was this one ( I believe the first magician they showed) that really ticked me off. He came out with his shirt untucked and looked like a bum on TV. His act sucked and should never have even thought about being apart of what that show can do for people. To me he showed no respect for himself , the show or the most important his art form.

When you look at some of the best in this biz they only have respect for themselves and they put the art first and form most. So do me and all of us in this art a favor and respect the art before you go out and make us all look like a bunch a stupid dorks. Thanks

Enjoy magic and enjoy life.

Why O Why does it happen?

2008-06-20T07:15:00.001-07:00

So This post will be a short one but something I wanted to put out there. I am starting to get really upset with magicians who are backing out of being a full time magician. All I hear is how bad things are so I have to. I do not know about you but I am working more then I have in a long time.There are other magicians who have and are working more but the are just backing down. I just do not get it.

So I guess you have to think about how much work and guts does it take to make good money at this. It takes a lot. I am not going to sugar coat it . It is not easy but instead of going to get a job I am working harder then I have and it is paying off.Well I said that this was going to be short and it is.

Enjoy magic and Enjoy Life.

Stick to your guns.

2008-05-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

So a few posts ago I told you about someone talking trash about my act. Normally I am OK with that if it is from someone who knows what they are talking about. (This person did not)

So I was watching this clip and noticed something. What I saw was someone that knew what is best for there own act and stuck to there guns about it. I want to tell all of you who have been working very hard on your act and have had some trust worthy people judge it and you have fixed it and now it looks great.That you need to stick to your guns about your act. Now do not get me wrong. I am not saying that if someone (let's say like Copperfield) comes to you and says I think you should Whatever that you do not listen to him. You should always be open for things like that.

All I am saying is if the act that you have right now is your best and you love it and so do the people then you need to have full convince in it as well. If you do not then you might be heading down the wrong road. Just thought that I would let you know that .
Enjoy Magic and Enjoy Life.

ITricks new group on facebook.

2008-05-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

As part of itricks.com we have started a new group on facebook. Itricks.comis my cult is the brand new group. which will be focused on all things related to the Magic Week in Review podcast.

You can comment on Justin Robert Young’s wry cadence, talk with other fans of the podcast and even get a drop on who will be our special guests in the coming weeks.
Check it out.

Good bye to Branson?

2008-05-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

So over at itricks.com they broke the bad news yesterday. Darren Romeo will be leaving Branson Mo and heading to open his show in San Fransico june 3 rd. If you never got to see his show you missed out. It was a great show. He performed some of the classic illusions but while he was singing broadway show hits. I know you are thinking but it was one of the best shows that I saw.

Well thanks for coming to branson and good luck in san fran

Listen up this monday

2008-05-16T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone try to think really hard about who is going to be on this weeks itricks.com magic week in review podcast. DOne Well you got it Matthew Hampel. I will be on this week podcast over on itricks.com. IT will be up and running by monday. Make sure to stop by and listen up. It will be a great time.

Where does the time go?

2008-05-09T14:31:00.000-07:00

So I just remembered that I have not written anything for a while. I know you might be asking why. Well here is the reason . I have been working. I know for some of you this might be a shock. A full time magician doing real shows and not wasting time on the Internet talking about stupid things. I have been working on my web site and my promo work and I have been performing.

This is the thing that most magicians do not get. Most of you think that just because you have bought the top number one magic trick in the world that you should now be working. To tell you the truth performing is %10 of my week . Most of it is working on promo and making calls(which non of us like but have to do to make money). I really hope that you can say that you have been doing the same thing. I think that really I have to say thank you to three people for helping me with getting focused. Number one my good friend and mentor Michael Finney. Number two again good friend Tom Kryztof and number three would be Eric Paul I have been listening to his Thursday night seminars and reading some of his stuff and it has been great for me.

Well I hope that you can start getting focused and start to make some great money. Enjoy magic and Enjoy golf . Now I am going to go golfing because I can :)

Stupid is as stupid does.

2008-04-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

There have been some people that told me last week that being stupid does not mean your funny. First My act is not me being stupid . IT is me being me and no one else. Second I have worked very hard to put the act that I have together. I have had help from some of the best in the biz. I also think that yes sometime being stupid does work . As long as it is not totally retarded. Take Steve Martin. Most of the stuff he does he will even tell you that it is stupid but that is the point. Well that is off my chest now so enjoy the last video and the next one.

I am totally feeling this.

2008-04-12T11:09:00.001-07:00

So I was surping a little on the net and I found this magic blog over at The Magic Vault.
I totally agree with this. I have many fights with people over nock off products on the market. But I love what they say near the end.

"Copying magic DVDs in my opinion is far worse than making a similar product based on a non-patented or non-copyrighted item."

So there you go.

Matt Talks About Getting Focused.

2008-04-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Getting to work.

2008-04-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let you all know that I will be posted a new video blog in the next few days. I have been putting my time toward other things. The next video blog will be all about helping you start to focus on what really needs to focused on. Stop wasting your time on the stupied forums and start working and putting your same 24 hours that I have to good work. Well come back tomorrow. I hope.

Matt talks1

2008-04-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

Trash vs Professional

2008-04-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

I was just talking to my father about the trash in our area. When I say trash I do not mean the trash at your house. I mean the trashy magicians screwing up this business of ours.

There are a few magicians in this area that go out for as cheap as they can and belive they look and are cheap. Because of them I know for a fact that people have turned down bringing in a magician for the next year.

I do not know about you but it makes me mad to see a trashy magician performing. I work my butt off on trying to be as pro as I can and yet others are crap. Sometimes I wish that there was a magic moffia or somthing that would take care of the trash in this biz.

Do not get me wrong I am not saying that when you first start out that you can not be a little unprofessional. We all have to learn. But these guys have been doing for a long time and one of them is like a God on the cafe. I just forgot it is thursdayWell those are my two cents. Like always enjoy magic and enjoy life.

Who really cares?

2008-03-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

Just a quick question. Who cares really? I have seen a lot of chit chat from some of the forums and tearing people down. I really do not think anyone really cares about other people. As magicians I really feel that we are supposed to help out each other. But too many magicians beat up other magicians because they might not do the best double lift or coin vanish.

I really think that before people start to beat up on others they might want to check themselves first. just a thought.

Sex & Magic

2008-03-11T14:15:00.000-07:00

So I have been really thinking about should I write this or not and after all my thoughts on it I am going to.

This is a issue that I have tried to talk about on a magic forum and it totally got shot down so this is my blog and I can say what I wait so I am going to. Sex sells is something that I am sick and tired of hearing. There are magic magazines now that are really focused on this thought of sex sells. Magic is not about sex but now it is because it is the cool thing to do.

I tell you this is what Sodom and Gomorrah got deleted of the face of the earth for this junk. People have asked us to sell some DVDs or magic magazines that have half naked girls in them . We have families coming into our magic shop so no we can not. I really do not think that we should stand for this trash to be a part of magic. Porn is the number one money maker in this world. That is sick to me.

I have talked to people that have put there names on these items . This is what they say. I am a christian but there is nothing wrong with it. AWAWAWWAWWAWAWAW. There is nothing wrong with it? As a christian we are not supposed to support this trash but yet they do because there is money in for them. So there you go Sex & magic is sick .Those are my two cents.

2008-03-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

This video was just talked about by Penn of Penn & Teller on his video blog.

Books or Dvd's

2008-02-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

So I have been reading some blogs and looking around today on the net and this is something that is really bugging me. Books are vanishing and more and more DVD's are coming out on the market. People say that DVD's are better but then why is america one of the dumbest country's there is latly? I feel it is because no one wants to stop and read a book for a half hour or so. They want to want to watch the dvd and nothing else.

Do not get me wrong dvd's are nice heck I have put one out and soon I will again. I have dvd's heck and I have learned from some of them but what I am saying is most people only do the dvd thing and nothing else. That is what is sick to me. Pick up a book and really learn and not from some guy that has never picked up a book in his life but now has a great dvd. Learn from the best and that takes time and reading a book. Like always enjoy life and enjoy magic.

Why o WHy

2008-02-18T10:45:00.000-08:00

So this weekend I was talking to a friend of mine about magic. I thought that this phone call was going to take about 10 min or so but it ended up to be about 45 min of great talk. One of the things we talked about is being different. He told me that he has gotten turned down by the castle and some magic conventions because he is not there type of magic. But knowing him and seeing some of his stuff he is one of the greatest creator's and performers I know.

So here is my thing. Magicians are so worried about being just like this guy or that guy that they forget who they are. I have talked about this before but magicians still do not get it. I have been told that I am one of the kind and so has my friend. To me this is true because the two of us do not do the same pick a card any card trick. We strife to be different because some of the greatest magicians are the greatest because they are different. So think about your act and how you can be yourself and not like the guy down the road. So anyways enjoy magic and life.

Does it matter?

2008-02-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

So here is my thinking. Does what you do matter or make sence? Now I want you to think about that question and go back and rewatch the teller speaks video. I will wait._______________________________________________

Ok now your back so what do you think? Does what we do really matter or even have to make sence? I think yes it has to. I once heared Michael Ammar say that when you go to pocket do not go for magic dust but for a marker or a coin or something. There should be know were in the effect that people can back track to a point and say he did this when he did that. I can not stand to see magicians use the old thing about magic dust. That to me is a way to make our spectators feel cheap and used. I never want them to feel that way. If you do this then the only thing is to say is shame on you. When I perform my close up magic my goal is to have a relationship with my spectators. You cannot do that by making them feel used and cheap.

So I gusse what I am saying is do not make a bottle of wine appear just because you can. Make sure everything in your act fits and also think about your ending. Where do you want you spectators mind to be at the end. Then work your act on how to get there with out using magic dust.

Now rewatch the video one more time and then get to work.
Enjoy magic andEnjoy life.

What are you going to do about it?

2008-01-26T13:45:00.000-08:00

So in my last blog I talked about your choices in magic and life are what makes you. if you have not read it yet check it out. So I am ging to keep this short. But my only question is whatare you going to do about? For real what are you going to do about changing your life and those lifes around you? Our goal with magic should be to improve life around you and to help others enjoy it. So do it. I am to sick and tiered of people who just talk and do not do anything about it. So stop reading this and write downsome ways you are going to help yourself and others live a better life. Enjoy magic and life now get out of here.

What makes you?

2008-01-13T12:45:00.000-08:00

So I have had a great week this past week. I know that most of you want to know something about magic and about being a magician but check this out, both of those are still you and you can not go and be the magician you need to be until you know who you are first. This is a big part to your growth as a magician and a person. I want you to start thinking about some choices you have to make this coming week to push your goal as maybe a full time performer up a step. I was just looking at this blog and I was reading the comments and this was part of one of them " There are choices in everything we do, but the choices we make end up making us".

You have everything you need to push your goal no matter what it might be to the next level. I am going to start pushing harder then I have. Before you make a choice think about what it will do for your life. Next time you go and waste three hours on some magic forums and chat rooms think about how that will help your life,family and yourself in the long run. Do no get me wrong going to the forums and chat rooms TO LEARN are not bad things but just to go because you have to and sitting for hours wasting away.
This is my thoughts of the week and ask you to take a step this week. Go for it and when you do remember to enjoy magic and enjoy life. God bless.

Cookie cutting magicians.

2007-12-27T09:56:00.000-08:00

So last night I was watching the Kennedy Center awards and I have been thinking about somethings. The only way I can really say it is the cookie cutting magician. When I look at most magicians today they are all doing the same pick a card, cut and restored rope and no one is that differnt. This is something that I try to be. Watch this clip of someone who was and is differnet and always will be.

Steve martin was himself when he performed he knew that is was not for him but for them.To me this is something that most cookie cutting magicians forget about. I have always wanted to be differnt. That way no one can say to me I have seen that before.I want them to remember me for me not the tricks but that I was who God made me to be. Think thru your magic and see how you canstart to be differnet and why you are doing that enjoy magic and enjoy life.

Christmas over at itricks.com

2007-12-25T07:47:00.000-08:00

So as I sit here waiting for my in laws to show up so we can have a lovely Christmas LOL. I went over to check out itricks and theory 11 . I think that they have took the words right out of my mouth for Christmas. Go to itricks and theory 11 to check it out. And remember to have a magical Christmas.

Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T06:57:00.000-08:00

I really do not care what other people think .You should not say this or that well this is my blog so from my family to yours I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. May this day and the year of 2008 bring you much magic in your life. Have a great Christmas.

What a great book.

2007-12-15T11:57:00.000-08:00

Well I just got back from a vacation and I was reading Steve Martin's book called Born Standing up. This is a great book. To me the book is more then just a book for a working comedy magician like myself.

The bio is more then just him talking about his life but it also teaches in it. One of the best chapters in this book to me was the second chapter. He talks alot about his years working in Disneyland starting at age 12 and working there most of his life up to the age of about 20. When he starts to talk about magic it really makes you think about where did the good days of respect for magic go. The way he talks about magic is like poetry. IT is really pretty. Well I am not going to give it all to you. I want you to run out and buy this book for your library. This is a great book to have and really makes you want to fall in love with magic all over again. Happy reading and like alway enjoy magic and life.

Is there room for Bling in Magic?

2007-12-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

So here is my question to you. Is there room for bling in magic today? I got this picture from Itricks.com and I started to ask myself this question.

You know if you look around in the world today you can see that bling comes off as a negative thing really. Most of the pro football players, rappers, gangsters all have bling on but that does make it a good thing. Really I think that we need to start setting a more positive mood for magic instead of looking like a thug. Do not get me wrong there is a place for great street magic but looking like a thug with all of the bling I really do not see how that is a positive look for magic. You can take it or leave it what I am saying it is up to you but I just think that we can do more with our money and time. Look at Penn he just gave something like $500 to Charity for some kids playing there never released video game. Lance Burton is performing for charities this month. So just stop and think about it for a moment.

So to go back to my first question "Is there room for bling in Magic"? I say not if you are wanting to give a positive mood for magic. Like always these are my thoughts. Enjoy magic and enjoy life.

2007-11-28T14:20:00.000-08:00

So normally I do not do reviews but after watching this video I had to. Long story short Bizzaro you rock homes.

If you are looking for a DVD that will teach you everything you have ever wanted to know about the great razor blade illusion then you have to look no further. To me this DVD is on it own. There is no DVD on the market like it. Very funny ,spooky,informational,and just a great DVD to watch and learn.

This video is taped at the 13th street morgue if that can tell you anything. It is not a spook fest but it is just a very fun DVD. I have not done this effect but I am going to go out and buy some blades and start cutting myself. (wait not like that ) Never mind . Anyways I would give this DVD a four and a half stars out of 5. But do not take my word for it go and buy it and find out for yourself. Again great job Bizzaro. To pick this dvd up just click here.

Helping you out

2007-11-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone I am going to brake my thoughts for this week on real magic and I want to talk about something else.

I have some great friends in magic and one thing that we talk about sometimes is how the magic community right now is all about let's rip this person up or tear that person down. Here are my thoughts "Cann't we all just get along".

Come on people get over this stupied crap. I use to go on a few magic forums but I have stoped because that is all they are about anymore. Magic is here to bring people together not to tear aprat. I think that many of you have forgotted about that fact. So let's start helping each other out instead of hating this person or that person and as always enjoy magic and life.

2007-11-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

From our friends at Wikipedia this is what they say is .

"Magic is a performing art that entertains an audience by creating illusions of impossible[1] or supernatural[2] feats, using purely natural means. These feats are called magic tricks, effects or illusions."

Welcome friends to this first week of let's make real magic. For the last few weeks now I have been watching NBC's Phenomenon and really been very disappointed in most of it. To me it seems that magic has become more of a let's freak people out instead of "Let's Entertain people".I have been talking to some magic friends of mine and they think the same. To me real magic is not to freak people out but what Wikipedia says in the very first line "Magic is a performing art that entertains an audience ".

I think that to many new kids in magic are just in it to freak people out. All because Criss Angel and Blaine do it they have to. To me Blaine,Angel are not magic it is cheap tricks. Come on people look back to the history of magic Blackstone SR/JR, Thurston, Dai Vernon they did real magic. So my question is were did it go? I think it got forgotten about. Because that was not cool but now it is. I am sorry but last time I looked magic was not supposed to be cool but MAGICAL.

Well this is just the first thought about this. Do not get me wrong I am not mad or anything I really want magic to go back to how it used to be all about entertainment and not to freak people out. Well let me know what you think. Like always remember to enjoy live and magic.

Making Real Magic

2007-11-16T11:10:00.000-08:00

So I have been thinking about a lot of magic that is on the market today. I think that a lot of it is great. I think magicians will love it but what about the laymen what will they think? This is something that ever magician should ask themselves before the perform and or put something on the market.
Starting next week I am going to start talking a little about how you can make your magic more real looking. First of all I know what you are thinking. What do you mean by saying more magical. Well come back next week for more on this subject. Until then I think you should go to maybe itricks,youtbe and look up magic. You will start to see maybe where I will be going. Until then enjoy magic and life.

Relationships In Magic.

2007-11-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

As I look around and see other magicians perform I see that there is one big mistake that most are making. That one mistake is they forget about building relationships. Look around and you will see the same thing. Most magicians that I have talked to just think that all they need to do just do a magic trick and move on. To me magic is more magical if you try to build a relationship with your spectators. When you are performing let's say close up magic. To me that is so easy way to build that relationship. People are made to have relationships in there life's so why not build on that in you r magic.
The other great thing about it is you are also building relationships for you next show. Everyone you perform for could be your next show. If you show that you care and build a relationship with them they will remember you next time they have a event. So That is it.

always enjoy magic and enjoy life.

Criaa Angels thoughts.

2007-11-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

I found this clip of Criss Angel talking about the fight on nbc a few weeks ago. He was talking on Access Hollywood about his thought and few points of psychics. You know a lot of people are giving Criss Crap for what he did on tv but you have to rememeber that he was brought on that show to do just that. To me he did a great job. YEs he could have toned it down down a little bt but sometimes you need to get into peoples faces like that. So those are my thoughts. To see the clip click here.

2007-11-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

Card To Cake

I have just got word that my first DVD will be coming out monday. The project is called Card To Cake but features 10 of my favorite effects that I perform on a regular basis.

If any of you are around satuday night I will be doing a lecuture in Lebanon il at 7:30PM. $10 a person and the dvd will only $25 this night only. Well I can not wait till I get them in my hands they are going to be great videos. Just thought that I would let you know.

Take time off

2007-11-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

So the last month or so I have taken some time off from my blog. I felt that I was getting to into some of the things I was saying and not being a magician. Now that I have taken the time off I have been very busy . That is what I would like to talk to you about here today.

Sometimes in our lives we need to step back and refocus. At one time I was all about the magic forums and getting my name into everything . Now I am more focused on performing and now my first DVD is coming out . The month of Decamber I will be taking off from performing so that I can pratice on my act and focusing on my family life.

So that is all. I really wish that some of you woul try this practice in your life. You will see that things around do not have to move so fast . As ferris would say life is to short . If you do not stop and look around a bit you might miss it.

Enjoy life and enjoy magic.

Hans Klok has a new Partnership

2007-09-24T11:51:00.000-07:00

I just found out form VegasReport Newswire that "Illusionist Hans Klok, star of "Hans Klok - The Beauty of Magic" at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, forms partnership with Las Vegas charity, Opportunity Village. Klok's partnership with Opportunity Village aims to support the organization through a series of special events and promotions. This includes an upcoming benefit performance, unique incentive packages for donors, and special appearances at events such as the Magical Forest and the Las Vegas Great Santa Run. "It touched my heart meeting all the amazing people during my recent visit to the main campus," explained Klok. "I am very excited to be involved. Opportunity Village is such a vital and necessary organization in the Las Vegas community.""We are honored that Hans Klok has chosen Opportunity Village as his charity of choice," said Linda Smith, chief development officer for Opportunity Village. "We are truly lucky to have the support of so many Strip headliners throughout the years, Hans is a great addition to our family."Those wishing to make a donation to Opportunity Village are advised to visit the community page of the Hans Klok website, www.hanslasvegas.com/charity".

Review Time:The Cloak

2007-09-21T10:46:00.001-07:00

Justin Miller has some great effects out on the market today. To me one of the best is his brand new DVD project called The Cloak.

If you have ever wanted to do more with thread then make a playing card spin or a something float then this dvd is for you. On this dvd you will learn some of Justin top secert effects that he performs with the thread. It is tottally sweetness. You will love it.

Check out the trailer.

The Cafe is Down?

2007-09-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

So the last few days I have been yondering what has happened to our good friend the magic cafe. If you do not know the magic cafe is were magicians chat about all kinds of thing . It is one of the biggest Magic forums on the net today. It is great.

But I found out today that everything from jan to today has been lost. Everything is gone. You might not even be on there anymore. They had a major meltdown . Steve Brooks and everyone are working very hard to get it up and working again but I just thought that I would let you know.

Let's talk to Whit Hayden.

2007-09-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

Inside magic is a great magic news web site. THe other day they interviewed Whit Hayden. A master at what he does and now you get to hear from his own words about who he is.

He was chosen by Caesars Palace to be one of the acts to open the $60 million Magical Empire at the Las Vegas Resort. Whit performs regularly on the most prestigious cruise ships including the Queen Elizabeth II, the Norway and the Westerdam. He has opened for Jerry Seinfeld, Loretta Lynn and Gallagher. He consulted and contributed to the Discovery Channel's documentary, Houdini -- They Came to See Him Die.

Just click here to read more.

Penn gives a tour

2007-09-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

So you want to know what is going on in Las vegas? Who better to ask then vegases very own Penn (the speaking part of Penn & Teller)

In the Startribune today they spoke with Penn about vegas and some other very intresting topic.

We wanted a tour guide who is like Las Vegas itself -- loud, larger than life and at least a little bit naughty.
Enter Penn Jillette.
He's loud. Ever hear him on TV, radio or in his stage act? He is not the silent one in Penn & Teller. He's larger than life: 6 feet 6 and, well, we're afraid to ask him how much he weighs.

To read more click here.

What Do You Do When?

2007-09-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

Nathan kranzo is a great thinker and a great guy. I was reading his email today and thought that I would pass on to you some of his thoughts on how to approach people when performing.

"Over the past few months members of Kranzo's Newsletter have received a number of my pet effects. Today I'd like to talk about how to execute that magic for an audience. I know that out of the thousands of people that read these newsletters there are beginners, amateurs, pro's and everything in between. I think the information I will share with you over the next few months will be valuable to ALL those people.

The Approach

When performing for small groups you will most likely be in a situation where you have to approach a group, or table, "cold". By that I mean you have not been introduced, and they have no clue who you are, or what you are doing. It's up to you to win them over so that they will allow you into their space, and ultimately, enjoy your magic.

One of my favorite gambits is to get invited to the table so THERE IS NO COLD APPROACH. I have a couple of clever ways to do this that I will talk about later. For now lets assume you have to approach cold.

There are primarily two ways to approach this situation. Go right into an amazing and quick effect, or establish a nice dialogue with the guests as you transition into some great magic.

Both work great and one might be better for YOU and your personal style. If you aren't a wordsmith I'd suggest going with the visual effect and let your magic do the talking for you. Of course you'll need to speak at some point. : ) If you are confident in your presentation and know how to quickly establish repoire with an audience, then you are ahead of the game.

No matter what approach you use here are a couple of important things to remember.

Confidence

Be confident. Dogs smell fear and people do to. The only way you will be confident is if you know exactly what you are going to say and exactly what you are going to perform. Confidence can be displayed by your look, demeanor, speech, volume of voice, witty remarks, conveying a relaxed attitude etc.

Don't forget to smile

A smile is a powerful thing. If you've got a great smile this alone can open up a group and cause people to smile BACK at you. A strong smile is also a sign of confidence.

The name is the game

"Hi I'm Nathan Kranzo". 99% of the time when I approach a group, smile, and say that phrase, someone will offer their hand for a handshake and tell me THEIR name back. You've already got a great foot in the door because you are now a friendly face with a NAME! Your no longer a stranger. People are much less likely to blow you off when they shake hands with you and exchange names. While its just a little step you are slowly building a relationship.

Ok...now what? Well from here you either have to continue the conversation with some witty remarks, maybe ask them a question, make a joke etc. OR get right to the magic.

In a few days i'll share with you an opening effect that I've used in these situations for years. Your going to love it."

So there you go some great ideas on how to approach people. If you want more info like this click right here.

The Professor

2007-09-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

This is a video of the great professor Dai Vernon

Ammar facts.

2007-09-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Michael Ammar is one to me today's Dai Vernon. He is the best of the best. Now he has come out with a michael site about says about him. Alot likeChuck Norris. HEre are some of them.

Ammar doesn't read minds. He already knows.
Michael Ammar has "ATFUS4EVER" tattooed under his mustache.
Michael Ammar's name can be rearranged into Mamma Charlie. 'Nuff said.
Ammar doesn't read magic books. He stares them down until he gets the information he wants.
Michael Ammar is De'Vo.

For more check out http://www.ammarfacts.com/.

Looking For Help

2007-09-06T08:50:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life gets really hard to go thru by yourself. What you need to do is find a really good friend that will be there to help you out thru no matter what.

In magic it is hard as well because we have a lot of people who want to back stab people. Magic is a cut throat business. But then their are those people that just stick out and are willing to be there for you. Those are the kind of friends you need.

Last night I was on my skype talking with a friend for about a hour or so . Last night was a great night because I really got to see who this person is. So next time you are going thru something that you can not handle yourself then you need to go to a friend you can trust to be there for you. a super friend.

WOW

2007-08-31T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well the last few days have been just total sweetness in my eyes. My career is taken off. This last week I started working more comedy clubs here in the St Louis area. I was thinking today that I the kind of magic I do (close up restaurant work, Comedy Clubs) could not be further away from each other. I love it. It keeps me on my feet and is never boring for me. For me that is true but for a lot of magicians it is not so. I have seen a lot of magicians just going thru there effects like is the 1000 time they have done it. There is no real love for what they do they make it seem like a job. To me what I do is not a job it is my life and I love it. I want you to think of what you do as the same thing. Whatever it is you do, do it like you love it. Most of the most successful people I know love what they do because it is not a job. So put a smile on your face and do it to the best you can. Have fun with it. One more thing do not take yourself to seriously. Once you do life starts to go that way for you but life is suppose to be fun and fulfilling so go for it and take life by the horns.

Where did it go?

2007-08-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Where did what go? The magic of yesterday. It is getting harder an harder to see good magic anymore. To many people want to see magic like Criss Angel or David Blaine but people forget that with out Thurston, Houdini,Kellarand etc none of that would be albe to be.

Here at the Magic center we are all about talking about the good old days of magic. Do not get me wrong. I am not saying that today's magic is not good it is just I feel that somewhere we have forgotten what the true art of magic is all about.

Ever since the two words Street Magic came together that is all people talk about. Let Blaine do the street magic and everyone else do something different.That is where I wanted to get to . When you look back at the old days of magic they all wanted to be different. To a point. But it seems like today everyone is the same. I perform at comedy clubs and all stand up comedians are the same. That is why I work them because they want something different. So think about it. How can you make your magic diferent then anyone else out there.

WHat Is Mac King Up To?

2007-08-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

This just in from Itricks.com. According to Robin Leach, Mac King has teamed with AOL’s youth imprint KOL to provide them with minute long videos teaching tricks like Goldfish Gourmet, String Together and Super-slick Card. Mac’s goofy style and trademark “howdy” greeting should be a great fit for the plugged in youth of America and abroad.
No word on when they will be up or how they will be presented just yet, but it follows a similar deal that Lance Burton recently made with Cox Communications, where the magician explains to viewers the features their DVR remote controls with his trademark flourishes and showmanship.
It seems like short-form magic videos by strip veterans are all the rage these days.

I think it is great to see Magicians doing things like this. To me it helps the magic community and gives it a postive image. You go Mac King & Lance.

Itricks.com Is Hot

2007-08-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

Itricks.com is a great web site for the number one magic podcast and the latest news and updates on what is going on in the magic world. Also I am part of the itricks.com tv team. You can see some of the best magic videos on the wed today. So go and check it out

Hello everyone

2007-08-27T13:39:00.001-07:00

My name is Matthew Hampel. I am a full time magician. Everything about me is magic. Performing magic is something that I just love to do. This blog will be about what is going on in the magic world, or how I see magic today. I am really looking forward to starting this blog. I will try to update it at least once a week or more. You can also check me out on myspace.com

Hope that you will subscribe and come back to see what is going on.