Cookie cutting magicians.

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

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

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.

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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?

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.

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

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?

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

This is a video of the great professor Dai Vernon

Ammar facts.

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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.