June 24, 2013
Hi There,
Great time we had yesterday at Browser's Den of Magic.
Chris Westfall performed and lectured for a packed store of attendees.
Chris covered a bunch of fine points on doing magic in restaurants; the dos and donts so to speak.
Great to see so many wonderful customers. He also had lots of support from his magic friends in attendance such as: Jeff Hinchliffe, Chris Mayhew, Ben Train, Lee Asher.
Before I forget I would like to thank so very much on behalf of all us here at the shop CAM DIX for bringing in such delicious snacks. Mind you, I think I have to go the gym now after consuming a couple of them.
Chris showed why he has been able to hold onto 3 different restaurant jobs for the past 10 years or so.
Nice to see too that Chris went the extra mile and with the help of James Alan had available a well produced and thought out book, dvd set for attendees.
Our next planned big lecture at Browser's Den is Justin Flom. His lecture takes place at our store on Sunday, August 25 at 2pm. We should have the full details on our site sometime later this week.
Until next time,
Jeff Pinsky
Browser's Den of Magic Shop
Toronto, Canada
Monday, 24 June 2013
Monday, 17 June 2013
Lectures & More
June 17, 2013
Hi to all of our dear magic friends.
Finally some nice weather in Toronto. It certainly took long enough to get here.
I was very pleased that thirty people or so attended the Gerry Frenette lecture that we had two weeks ago at Browser's Den of Magic. Thanks to all of you who supported the lecture.
Gerry performed and taught a wide variety of effects. What was cool is that the effects he taught covered a pretty wide spectrum and none of them required any heavy-duty sleights.
My favorite part of the lecture was the section that Gerry devoted to explaining how illusions are made to appear thinner than they really are. His focus was on the base where usually a girl or two or more are hidden. He brought with him visual cutouts to drive home his points.
And though illusions have never been my thing in magic, I must say that I thought that it was very interesting...sort of the science part of our beloved magic world.
During the time (1995) that I have been operating Browser's Den we have had hundreds of lectures/special events. And I know many of our customers enjoy the lectures because turnouts are generally strong.
But in all of the years and all of the events I cannot remember receiving from anyone such a nice albeit short note about a lecture of ours.
About two days after the Gerry Frenette lecture I received by email:
Hey Jeff,
Hi to all of our dear magic friends.
Finally some nice weather in Toronto. It certainly took long enough to get here.
I was very pleased that thirty people or so attended the Gerry Frenette lecture that we had two weeks ago at Browser's Den of Magic. Thanks to all of you who supported the lecture.
Gerry performed and taught a wide variety of effects. What was cool is that the effects he taught covered a pretty wide spectrum and none of them required any heavy-duty sleights.
My favorite part of the lecture was the section that Gerry devoted to explaining how illusions are made to appear thinner than they really are. His focus was on the base where usually a girl or two or more are hidden. He brought with him visual cutouts to drive home his points.
And though illusions have never been my thing in magic, I must say that I thought that it was very interesting...sort of the science part of our beloved magic world.
During the time (1995) that I have been operating Browser's Den we have had hundreds of lectures/special events. And I know many of our customers enjoy the lectures because turnouts are generally strong.
But in all of the years and all of the events I cannot remember receiving from anyone such a nice albeit short note about a lecture of ours.
About two days after the Gerry Frenette lecture I received by email:
Hey Jeff,
Just
wanted to thank you again for the great day. I used to think Browser's
Den was a store - but it feels more like an education centre -
inspirational education. I feel truly grateful for having met you and
for all you do-Jenny.
We have two more lectures coming up very shortly at Browser's Den. One is Chris Westfall (June 23 at 4pm). And the other is James Alan (July 7 at 4pm).
I am really looking forward to both of these fine magicians.
Okay...Just thought I would type something out on my Monday off from the shop.
Bye for now-Jeff Pinsky
Browser's Den of Magic
Serving Magicians Since 1975
www.browsersden.com
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
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
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
Monday, 22 April 2013
Fun Auction at Browser's Den!
Hi Everyone!
Yesterday at Browser's Den we had an auction. We have been doing two full day auctions at Browser's for over 35 years!
It is a day that is filled with unique items, great deals and fun for sure.
Shawna, Lisa and I (Jeff) are so glad that so many of you decided to attend even though Sunday was a very sunny day.
Great to see many regular attendees of the auction plus some new faces!
There were posters, books, and DVD's too that were auctioned off.
I was the auctioneer throughout. Michael Close was trying to get back in time from the United States to auction off some items too but the auction ended a bit earlier than normal and Michael got in a bit late. But it was nice that he along with Lee Asher, Ben Train and Glenn West dropped by the shop to say hello.
Ava Close, the daughter of Lisa and Michael, came for the day. She is a very beautiful and bright young 6 year old.
I was a bit worried that Ava would get bored the whole day at the shop listening to some sweater-vested guy auction off items...But she was very quiet and well behaved. She kept busy at our office desk answering some emails and doing some accounting for me. Okay, not...she was doing something on an iPad.
I have hired Ava the 6 year old to give me lessons on how to use an iPad.
Until next time,
Jeff
Yesterday at Browser's Den we had an auction. We have been doing two full day auctions at Browser's for over 35 years!
It is a day that is filled with unique items, great deals and fun for sure.
Shawna, Lisa and I (Jeff) are so glad that so many of you decided to attend even though Sunday was a very sunny day.
Great to see many regular attendees of the auction plus some new faces!
There were posters, books, and DVD's too that were auctioned off.
I was the auctioneer throughout. Michael Close was trying to get back in time from the United States to auction off some items too but the auction ended a bit earlier than normal and Michael got in a bit late. But it was nice that he along with Lee Asher, Ben Train and Glenn West dropped by the shop to say hello.
Ava Close, the daughter of Lisa and Michael, came for the day. She is a very beautiful and bright young 6 year old.
I was a bit worried that Ava would get bored the whole day at the shop listening to some sweater-vested guy auction off items...But she was very quiet and well behaved. She kept busy at our office desk answering some emails and doing some accounting for me. Okay, not...she was doing something on an iPad.
I have hired Ava the 6 year old to give me lessons on how to use an iPad.
Until next time,
Jeff
Monday, 15 April 2013
Magic Camp Open House & Best Magician Contest
April 15, 2013
Hi There,
What a great time we had at the shop yesterday afternoon.
It was the Open House for Mike & Jen Segal's Sorcerer Safari Magic Camp.
Very pleased that the turnout was the best in about three years. Lots of kids and teenagers with their parents finding out about the camp.
Plus others showed up who have participated at the camp for many years including: Lee and Christina Asher, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Chris Westfall, Brad Allen, Rosemary Reid, Amy and more.
The night before I was honored to be asked to be one of the judges for the Best Magician Contest 2013 at the Market Village in Markham.
Other judges were Mr. Jim Tam and Mr. Lee Asher plus four Asian Cover Girl models.
It was nice to see some of our customers in the crowd. Primarily it was a large crowd filled with laymen.
Some of those you many know who competed were: James Alan, Keith Brown, Rosemary Reid, Alex Kazam, Jenny Parsons, Mohammed, Solomon. There were nine all together. My apologies but I forget the names of the other fine contestants.
The final performance was given by last year's winner Ryan Brown. Ryan did a wonderful performance of the rings and card manipulation.
Keith Brown was the winner with James Alan coming in a very close second.
All participants should be congratulated for trying their best. It takes guts to enter any sort of contest so they should all be commended for a fine effort.
Thanks to goes to Anson, Jim, Arthur, Willson, Wesley and their helpers.
Until Next Time,
Jeff.
Hi There,
What a great time we had at the shop yesterday afternoon.
It was the Open House for Mike & Jen Segal's Sorcerer Safari Magic Camp.
Very pleased that the turnout was the best in about three years. Lots of kids and teenagers with their parents finding out about the camp.
Plus others showed up who have participated at the camp for many years including: Lee and Christina Asher, Ben Train, Chris Mayhew, Chris Westfall, Brad Allen, Rosemary Reid, Amy and more.
The night before I was honored to be asked to be one of the judges for the Best Magician Contest 2013 at the Market Village in Markham.
Other judges were Mr. Jim Tam and Mr. Lee Asher plus four Asian Cover Girl models.
It was nice to see some of our customers in the crowd. Primarily it was a large crowd filled with laymen.
Some of those you many know who competed were: James Alan, Keith Brown, Rosemary Reid, Alex Kazam, Jenny Parsons, Mohammed, Solomon. There were nine all together. My apologies but I forget the names of the other fine contestants.
The final performance was given by last year's winner Ryan Brown. Ryan did a wonderful performance of the rings and card manipulation.
Keith Brown was the winner with James Alan coming in a very close second.
All participants should be congratulated for trying their best. It takes guts to enter any sort of contest so they should all be commended for a fine effort.
Thanks to goes to Anson, Jim, Arthur, Willson, Wesley and their helpers.
Until Next Time,
Jeff.
Friday, 29 March 2013
Scott McClelland Lecture
On Sunday March 24 SCOTT McCLELLAND gave a lecture at our shop. He seldom gives lectures. In fact this may have been his first though he has been a performer for about 30 years.
And what a wonderful treat it was for the 37 or so in attendance.
Scott McClelland is easily one of the best performers in his field.
As soon as people walked into Browser's Den they knew that this was going to be something different...something special. Scott had truly transformed the whole look of the shop by setting up a magnificent backdrop.
The backdrop filled the entire width of the shop and was about 10 feet high. Rather than me describe the backdrop you can see the photos that accompany this piece.
Ironic is that the Earth tone colours of his backdrop perfectly matched the colours of the shop. Just amazing how this can change the entire look and feel of the shop. For the two plus hours of his lecture it created a different tone...and resulting in a unique experience.
Mr. McClelland discussed his theory on performing Bizarre Magic. Most of the principles and techniques he explained could be most easily adapted to most performing styles.
Without a doubt I think that most of those in attendance went home thinking about how they can improve their show. Scott raises the bar for the rest of us by his unbelievable attention to detail. In particular he spends a lot of time doing research to give his pieces a backbone upon which to build a connection with his audience.
He also brought with him many different types of unique props including a mermaid that is about 130 years old...By the way...No, she does not have a sister.
Joking aside I am so glad we were fortunate to spend such a wonderful evening. We were all truly inspired to reach new heights.
There was tons and tons of wonderful information...So glad many of you were able to participate.
Until Next Time,
Jeff Pinsky
Scott McClelland is easily one of the best performers in his field.
As soon as people walked into Browser's Den they knew that this was going to be something different...something special. Scott had truly transformed the whole look of the shop by setting up a magnificent backdrop.
The backdrop filled the entire width of the shop and was about 10 feet high. Rather than me describe the backdrop you can see the photos that accompany this piece.
Mr. McClelland discussed his theory on performing Bizarre Magic. Most of the principles and techniques he explained could be most easily adapted to most performing styles.
Without a doubt I think that most of those in attendance went home thinking about how they can improve their show. Scott raises the bar for the rest of us by his unbelievable attention to detail. In particular he spends a lot of time doing research to give his pieces a backbone upon which to build a connection with his audience.
He also brought with him many different types of unique props including a mermaid that is about 130 years old...By the way...No, she does not have a sister.
Joking aside I am so glad we were fortunate to spend such a wonderful evening. We were all truly inspired to reach new heights.
There was tons and tons of wonderful information...So glad many of you were able to participate.
Until Next Time,
Jeff Pinsky
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