The world’s largest magic convention was held a few days ago, and reports are coming in that it was less than steller. The first few things I read about it I figured were just sensational journalism, but it looks like the event really let everyone down in far too many ways. Its unfortunate to hear really. The only thing that can compete with the Worlds Largest Convention is the intimacy of a small magic convention. It sounds like the friendships that were made and re-established was still apparent at Blackpool though.

You can read more about the convention at Tim’s blog, and at Shawns blog(although it appears to be down right now for me, I’m sure it’s only temporary.)

I look forward to attending events like that in the future Maybe it’ll happen sooner if its a bit closer to home!

Here’s a neat video of how different people from around the world count cash:

How People Count Cash? – Celebrity bloopers here

Here’s a video of how magicians count cash! (I Like this way better):

I figured out the nail puzzle! Only took me another minute or so haha. I feel accomplished.

Well I woke up today and got right down to business and confirmed my booking for tomorrow’s magic show in Penticton. I’ll be doing a birthday party down there, but its a big family type event so its going to be lots of fun.

I also got a bunch of new magic in the mail today. I love getting magic in the mail and then sitting around and playing with it. Every time I order something, I always get some sort of puzzle or trick that I don’t really need, but could be fun just to play with. This time I got the nail puzzle. I haven’t figured it out yet, but I’ve only played with it for about a minute. I’m just making this post before I forget then Its down to business again.

I wanted to share a link with you that’s been making its rounds on the top blogs. The site describes and gives examples of “Five great auditory illusions“

While wearing headphones listen to this:

It’s an example of using 2 microphones to pick up noise in a room where our ears would normally be. Then our brain figures out where in the space around us the objects are coming from. It’s a simple idea, but its quite amazing when you think about it. There’s a few others listed on the site too, check them out they’re really cool!

I’m also feeling a bit better, I got some weird head cold yesterday but I’m feeling much better today. Hopefully it was just a 24 hour thing, I’ve got a show to do tomorrow!

I’ve always loved the stars and sky ever since I was young. I’ve always liked to just lay down during the summer and watch the stars while letting my mind drift away. I can remember when Hale-bopp was flying through the sky. From our second story balcony on our house you could see the comet just above the mountain line. It’s probably the most amazing thing I’ll ever see happen in the skies above me.

I bring it up, because unless you’re living under a rock (or not in North America), then you must have seen the Lunar Eclipse tonight. I was driving downtown to pick up my mom from the airport and so I got a pretty good view of the moon as it reached the eclipse. Apparently the next one will be in 2010. Which is also the year of the Olympics in Vancouver- so that should be extra special. I had a link to a bunch of images of the eclipse tonight on a facebook group, but I seem to have lost it. If you’re interested I’m sure pictures will be easy to find on google though.

I can’t wait for the summer. It’s finally starting to warm up a bit, and I’m looking forward to doing some shows outdoors! I’ve already been in contact with a few people for some festival shows this summer. I can’t wait!!

Yesterday I got to check out Ted and Marion’s magic show, and it was superb! There’s lots of original stuff in their show with some clever thinking and it plays really well. I also took my girlfriend Melissa too, and it made for the perfect date. She even got to go up on stage and help out!

[Left to right: Myself (Leif Thordarson), Marion Outerbridge, Melissa, and Ted Outerbridge ]

I had some flyer’s printed up advertising the local magic club, and after the show the ushers handed them out. So hopefully that will spark some interest and maybe a few might even join

After the show Melissa and I stuck around and chatted with Ted and Marion for a bit. It was really nice and its too bad they weren’t in town longer, but, hopefully next year we’ll get a chance to sit down for dinner or something.

Clip Aired on December 29, 2007.

Funny stuff.

Hope you had a good one

I never shop at Penguin magic, and, in all honesty, I probably never will. My main reason is the fact that it isn’t run by magicians to help magicians. It’s owned by a company to make money. All dealers need to make money, but, there are enough other choices out there who have a love for the art of magic and just want to help it (and make a living while doing it).

None the less, I thought my readers would want to know about the Valentines day special going on over at Penguin magic right now.

Orders over $50 and get your choice:

* Visu-Antics by Jim Pace (DVD)
* Table Hopping Cups and Balls with Carl Andrews (DVD)
* Reparation by John Lovick (DVD)
* Jay Sankey’s Create Your Own Magic (DVD)

Order $100 or more and get your choice:

* Pyrotechnic Pasteboards with Gregory Wilson (DVD)
* Liquid Metal Starring Morgan Strebler (DVD)
* Bill in Kiwi with Carl Cloutier (2 DVD set)
* Lake Tahoe Bar Magic with Randy Wakeman (2 DVD Set)

Order $150 or more and get your choice:

* Sankey’s Greatest Hits (3 DVDs)
* Gambling Moves w/ Cards featuring Simon Lovell (3 DVDs)
* Complete Card Magic with Gerry Griffin – The Definitive Set (Volumes 1-7) (7 DVDs)
* Escapology with Dixie Dooley (4 DVDs)

Here’s an interesting magic theme music video. I’m not sure if I like the song or not, but the imagery is neat anyways.

I’ve been so busy that I haven’t had time to update and I’m sorry. Last week I met up with another local magician Landon who’s just scored himself a job doing some table magic at a local restaurant. We met up for dinner and together we worked on his material and went over a bunch of tips for working the tables. I had a blast and I can’t wait for him to get out there and perform.

I also had 4 shows last weekend, and another 2 next weekend as well.

Even though I’ve been busy the past few days, I’ve also been diligently working on a new backup system for my records. That way, if my harddrive crashes, house burns down, etc, etc, I still have a copy of all the shows I have to do I may not have my house anymore, but I’ll still have my show dates.

Also, I’m looking forward to tomorrow night. I get to get see somebody else’s magic show, Ted and Marion Outerbridge will be performing at the Rotary Center for the Arts. During the intermission for the show, look out for the invitation letter to join the Kelowna Magic Club! It was written by your’s truly