July 29, 2013
Hi There,
I hope that you are all well.
This was an interesting weekend at Browser's Den in that usually Saturdays are busier than Sundays. But not this past weekend.
It was also nice to see some guys hanging out at the Table for the afternoon such as: Jay Davis, Louie, Mark Chan, Lawrence, Christian, Jahah & Heather.
Boy Louie sure showed some great card work. He does excellent seconds and centres! I have been told that my second deal is pretty good. But I cannot do centres and I have never liked my bottom deals.
Also great to see on Sunday my former co-worker John Cardella at the shop. He looked great and picked-up from us some new magic goodies.
Also this past week we had visits at Browser's Den from: Magic Mike Segal, Greg Frewin, Lee Asher, Dr. Mark Horowitz (Lee's dad), Laurent.
By the way we are open this long weekend coming up.
Saturday, Aug 3rd, 10am until 6pm (Magic Club is on this day too 2:30 to 5:00pm)
Sunday, Aug. 4th, 12 noon until 5pm
Monday, Aug 5th, 11am until 5pm
Until Next Time,
Jeff
Monday, 29 July 2013
Monday, 22 July 2013
Kids at Browser's Den
July 22, 2013
My goodness we were swamped with kids this past Saturday at Browser's Den!
From 12:30 to about 4:30 I never stopped demonstrating. At one point there must have been about four or five families and a total of about twenty kids in the shop at the same time. It felt like old times. I guess now the only thing that is older is me...I was very tired when I got home Saturday.
But that's okay as I was glad to see so many kids. My favorite people to demonstrate magic has always been ages 7 to 14 and then from 25 and up.
Some teenagers are a bit different to demonstrate to and sometimes takes me a couple of visits before I feel I have connected.
Anyway, I will not bore you any more with my random thoughts on demonstrating. I could write a book on the subject to be honest...but I will never do that.
Mohammad worked his first day behind the counter on Saturday.
He did an excellent job!
And should he decided to stick with it he will only get better over the next year or two.
Hope you are all enjoying the nice weather.
Thank you Jeff
Browser's Den of Magic
3220 Dufferin St. Unit 19A
Toronto, Ontario M6A 2T3
416-783-7022
www.browsersden.com
Serving magicians since 1975
My goodness we were swamped with kids this past Saturday at Browser's Den!
From 12:30 to about 4:30 I never stopped demonstrating. At one point there must have been about four or five families and a total of about twenty kids in the shop at the same time. It felt like old times. I guess now the only thing that is older is me...I was very tired when I got home Saturday.
But that's okay as I was glad to see so many kids. My favorite people to demonstrate magic has always been ages 7 to 14 and then from 25 and up.
Some teenagers are a bit different to demonstrate to and sometimes takes me a couple of visits before I feel I have connected.
Anyway, I will not bore you any more with my random thoughts on demonstrating. I could write a book on the subject to be honest...but I will never do that.
Mohammad worked his first day behind the counter on Saturday.
He did an excellent job!
And should he decided to stick with it he will only get better over the next year or two.
Hope you are all enjoying the nice weather.
Thank you Jeff
Browser's Den of Magic
3220 Dufferin St. Unit 19A
Toronto, Ontario M6A 2T3
416-783-7022
www.browsersden.com
Serving magicians since 1975
Monday, 15 July 2013
Deborah Almost Zig-Zagged Forever!
July 15, 2013
Dear Magic Friends,
Have you ever heard the old cliche curiosity killed the cat?
Well on this past Saturday at the shop the curiosity of John Pellatt almost zig-zagged Deborah into the world of all past and departed magic assistants. Okay, she was never in any real harm or danger. But please read on...
This all happened because I decided to ask the wonderful Lisa Close to help me out behind the counter for a Saturday.
Here are the details so that you will see how Deborah was almost Zig-Zagged forever...
Hanging out at the shop with some other customers were Deborah and her boyfriend Dr. Sammy.
One of our customers had left a Zig Zag illusion on consignment at our shop for us to try and sell.
During the afternoon of what had been a very pleasant and uneventful day at Browser's Den walks in the very curious, professional writer and lifetime magic enthusiast a one John Pellatt.
On past occasions John had dined with both Deborah, Sammy, Paul and some others. On this day he proceeded to wish Lisa and I and Dr. Sammy a pleasant hello. Then he gave Deborah what appeared to be a most innocent kiss on the cheek . Little did we know at the time that it was The Kiss of the Zig Zag Curse.
John then turned his attention to the Zig Zag Illusion. He was most curious about its inner workings...its secret. He told us that he did not know how it worked.
John walked about the illusion. Looking the illusion up and down and up down. Then he looked at Deborah up and down...What was he thinking?
John opened up the top door of the Zig Zag Illusion and peered inside...to the inside of darkness.
Lisa came to his rescue!
She stated that she knew all about the illusion and would be most happy to demonstrate this to all.
Deborah being a kind soul was happy to assist. Deborah took off her shoes and Lisa positioned her inside of the Zig Zag.
And then...once all was in place...Lisa zig and zagged poor Deborah's middle to the left! It looked great. There was Deborah in obviously three pieces yet no pain; still a most pleasant smile on her face. I may add that there was a pleasant smile on all of our faces.
The pleasant smiles quickly disappeared into Robert Harbin history for when Lisa decided to Un-Zig Zag Deborah...well, Deborah's middle would not well..would not go back to the centre.
DEBORAH was in fact in permanent Zig Zag Lymbo!!!
Now the person who really lost his smile was yours truly...me!
Lisa pulled and pushed and pushed again...but poor Deborah was still in three pieces. John Pellatt who was the one fascinated with the illusion started to ask Dr. Sammy if he Dr. Sammy would still be interested in being the boyfriend of Deborah should she permanently be in three pieces. Dr. Sammy replied that he needed time to think about.
Fifteen minutes later and with my face covered in sweat from anxiety Deborah was released from the mind and inventiveness of Robert Harbin the inventor of the Zig Zag Illusion.
Of course it was the sweater-vested fellow, me, who saved Deborah as he realized that by opening the bottom door she could wiggle out to safety.
We all noticed that Dr. Sammy stayed calm and cool during the entire event. I suppose a doctor should stay calm under pressure...mind you he holds a PHD in Philosophy not Medicine.
At the end of the day John Pellatt who started all this got another kiss, Dr. Sammy took home Deborah in one piece, Lisa waved a goodbye with a big grin on her face and me...well, I breathed a sigh of relief and realized that I had something new to write about in this most silly world of Blogs.
Until Next Time-Jeff.
Browser's Den of Magic
Serving & Keeping Alive Magicians Since 1975
Dear Magic Friends,
Have you ever heard the old cliche curiosity killed the cat?
Well on this past Saturday at the shop the curiosity of John Pellatt almost zig-zagged Deborah into the world of all past and departed magic assistants. Okay, she was never in any real harm or danger. But please read on...
This all happened because I decided to ask the wonderful Lisa Close to help me out behind the counter for a Saturday.
Here are the details so that you will see how Deborah was almost Zig-Zagged forever...
Hanging out at the shop with some other customers were Deborah and her boyfriend Dr. Sammy.
One of our customers had left a Zig Zag illusion on consignment at our shop for us to try and sell.
During the afternoon of what had been a very pleasant and uneventful day at Browser's Den walks in the very curious, professional writer and lifetime magic enthusiast a one John Pellatt.
On past occasions John had dined with both Deborah, Sammy, Paul and some others. On this day he proceeded to wish Lisa and I and Dr. Sammy a pleasant hello. Then he gave Deborah what appeared to be a most innocent kiss on the cheek . Little did we know at the time that it was The Kiss of the Zig Zag Curse.
John then turned his attention to the Zig Zag Illusion. He was most curious about its inner workings...its secret. He told us that he did not know how it worked.
John walked about the illusion. Looking the illusion up and down and up down. Then he looked at Deborah up and down...What was he thinking?
John opened up the top door of the Zig Zag Illusion and peered inside...to the inside of darkness.
Lisa came to his rescue!
She stated that she knew all about the illusion and would be most happy to demonstrate this to all.
Deborah being a kind soul was happy to assist. Deborah took off her shoes and Lisa positioned her inside of the Zig Zag.
And then...once all was in place...Lisa zig and zagged poor Deborah's middle to the left! It looked great. There was Deborah in obviously three pieces yet no pain; still a most pleasant smile on her face. I may add that there was a pleasant smile on all of our faces.
The pleasant smiles quickly disappeared into Robert Harbin history for when Lisa decided to Un-Zig Zag Deborah...well, Deborah's middle would not well..would not go back to the centre.
DEBORAH was in fact in permanent Zig Zag Lymbo!!!
Now the person who really lost his smile was yours truly...me!
Lisa pulled and pushed and pushed again...but poor Deborah was still in three pieces. John Pellatt who was the one fascinated with the illusion started to ask Dr. Sammy if he Dr. Sammy would still be interested in being the boyfriend of Deborah should she permanently be in three pieces. Dr. Sammy replied that he needed time to think about.
Fifteen minutes later and with my face covered in sweat from anxiety Deborah was released from the mind and inventiveness of Robert Harbin the inventor of the Zig Zag Illusion.
Of course it was the sweater-vested fellow, me, who saved Deborah as he realized that by opening the bottom door she could wiggle out to safety.
We all noticed that Dr. Sammy stayed calm and cool during the entire event. I suppose a doctor should stay calm under pressure...mind you he holds a PHD in Philosophy not Medicine.
At the end of the day John Pellatt who started all this got another kiss, Dr. Sammy took home Deborah in one piece, Lisa waved a goodbye with a big grin on her face and me...well, I breathed a sigh of relief and realized that I had something new to write about in this most silly world of Blogs.
Until Next Time-Jeff.
Browser's Den of Magic
Serving & Keeping Alive Magicians Since 1975
Monday, 24 June 2013
Chris Westfall Lecture
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
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, 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
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