Thursday 16 May 2013

Middle-Aged Shopkeeper

Welcome back to the blog of Toronto's oldest magic shop. And in theme with getting old...I must say that I am looking forward and find it interesting getting older.

You read that right.

I, Jeff Pinsky am 47 years old. I took over Browser's Den when I was 29 years old.

Len Cooper the first owner and founder of Browser's Den started the business when he was 48.

I first visited the shop when I was 8 years old. Naturally when visiting someone 40 years your senior you look upon them as an older person.

Now it is my turn to be looked upon that way.

What I find very amusing is that for the past few years there are moms and dads coming in to the shop with their children. And I am in many cases about 20 years older than the parents. 

As I grow older it changes the dynamic in how I demonstrate/help/sell to the new group of parents and children.

And if handled correctly it in many ways is easier. Generally as one gets older people presume that you are in some ways at least wiser. As such newer customers with kids accept advice more willingly.

I could go on but I will not take up any more of your time as I am sure you have other blogs to visit.

I will add though that as I get older my sweater vests are even more comfortable.

Magical Hugs,
Jeff Pinsky
Browser's Den of Magic
Toronto, Canada
Serving Magicians Since 1975
Tel 416-783-7022

Monday 6 May 2013

BILL ABBOTT LECTURE

May 7, 2013

Jeff Pinsky here from Browser's Den of Magic.

The BILL ABBOTT LECTURE this past Sunday, May 5 was EXCELLENT! And well attended!

Bill always delivers the goods. He performed and taught magic/mentalism effects that are based on subtlety in handling and patter rather than on knuckle-busting technique. Permitting the performer to well...perform!

And Bill for those of you who have had the pleasure of watching him perform in the past will know that it is this area(performance) at which he excels.

That is, it is just wonderful to watch a performer or on this past Sunday as it was, a lecturer at ease with his material. As a result, we the audience are relaxed as we know we are in good hands.

Bill showed us why so many of his creations that he has invented and marketed have been big hits with the magic community because he can take a classic premise and add some twists and turns to breath fresh 'magic' life into the effect.

There was only one card effect during the lecture...which was his opener. A superb and subtle handling of the key card principle which could throw even the most well versed card man for a loop.

Bill Abbott also showed a fantastic effect wherein he predicted the serial number of a borrowed bill. Actually about 7 or 8 bills were borrowed and one was FREELY chosen by the spectator.

Bill took an old move from a Bill Severn book on impromptu magic and made it into a showpiece!

For many in the audience the highlight was his new presentation for the already successful Powerball 60 that he and Richard Sanders put on the market a couple of years ago.
No longer do you need to have the spectator add up any numbers. Instead they find the lucky number that you the magician/mentalist is thinking of! Great idea!
There were two more phases to the effect.

The lecture was about two hours in length with no break. Those in attendance certainly got their $15.00 of value to say the least.

Plus Anthony Lindan, a past lecturer at our shop, stepped in to perform a cool mental effect with a key fob.

Some of those in attendance to take in Bill's lecture were (This is by memory of a 47 year old shopkeeper at home today)...James Harrison, James Alan, Mark Chan, Anthony Lindan, Bobby Motta, Nik, Owen, Gordon Precious, John Talbot, Linde Weedman, Jahal, Heather, Scott Hood, Mike McErlain, Haim Goldenberg, Terry Streaker, Kristie & Jada, Doug Cuff (from Ottawa!), C Charlie Kennedy, David Fairweather, Vic, Howard, Vicky, Dennis, John Michalson, John Pellatt, Assad, Jeff K, Paul Pacific, Gino, Cam Dix. Okay, I give up. My apologies to the others.

Thanks to all!

Until next time,
Jeff