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I have found a tool with which to performs miracles

Senex said:
That's the one. Bondage magic for children.
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There are some remarkably entertaining routines you can do with that or with the related, thumb-tie/thumb-cuff type items. It proves the "magic" really isn't in the complexity of the secret so much as the performer.

Not me though. I couldn't pull it off (puns always intended).
 
marplots said:
There are some remarkably entertaining routines you can do with that or with the related, thumb-tie/thumb-cuff type items. It proves the "magic" really isn't in the complexity of the secret so much as the performer.

Not me though. I couldn't pull it off (puns always intended).
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The way I did it (at 9 :rolleyes: )required no panache. I just was chained and turned around quickly and came back free. I then put the chain on others and watched the struggle. I should have been more creative but it's never too late.
 
That's a fun video. I especially like the last line when, after telling the audience to give a hand for "David! And Tammy!" he goes for the gold and says "And MEEE!"

I used to do the pipe cleaner thumb-tie escape, but probably never well and certainly never as entertainingly.
 
Garrette said:
That's a fun video. I especially like the last line when, after telling the audience to give a hand for "David! And Tammy!" he goes for the gold and says "And MEEE!"

I used to do the pipe cleaner thumb-tie escape, but probably never well and certainly never as entertainingly.
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I once tried the zip-tie version for busking but I didn't have the chops to pull it off. I can't seem to hide my general disdain for escapes as a genre. Which is odd, because I pick locks and other shenanigans in that area.

Makes me wonder if there's a wall between the stuff we do for our own satisfaction and the stuff we like to perform...
 
marplots said:
I once tried the zip-tie version for busking but I didn't have the chops to pull it off. I can't seem to hide my general disdain for escapes as a genre. Which is odd, because I pick locks and other shenanigans in that area.

Makes me wonder if there's a wall between the stuff we do for our own satisfaction and the stuff we like to perform...
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Possibly. I've never been a real performer of magic, so my perspective is limited. However, I do have tremendous experience in the theatrical arts (acting and singing) as well as public presentations of other kinds, including high level briefings to very senior officials, so "chops" in general shouldn't be an issue, yet when I do try some magical effects in my world of limited audiences, I frequently get more nervous than an outside observer should expect.

The lock-picking thing is funny. I'm not a lock-pick artist, but I have several friends and relatives who think so merely because I have a lock pick set, some bump keys, and -- due to some past security experience -- a basic working knowledge of average locks. I've "picked" many a lock if you ask them. If you ask me, I'll say that I took advantage of weaknesses that are thankfully unknown to most people, and I rarely try when I am not fairly certain I will succeed.
 
I have found a perfect patter for my new found telekinesis tricks. I say, "You know how I always call woo when someone seems to break a law of physics? We'll now I have discovered a faux way of moving things with my mind. It isn't really breaking any laws but it sure looks that way. I have researched the internet and can replicate the woos best methods.""I can move objects, maybe not technically with my mind but they do move without being needed to be touched".

I add ambiguity and obfuscation to what I say, but the object does move under people's noses. These people know I can shut my heartbeat down and perform other explainable stuff. My friends truly are entertained when I am at my best performing magic.

It makes people think.
 
Since you've gone down this path, what are your thoughts about performance conditions? I'm interested in using the technique outside in direct sunlight while busking. Thoughts?
 
marplots said:
Since you've gone down this path, what are your thoughts about performance conditions? I'm interested in using the technique outside in direct sunlight while busking. Thoughts?
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About 99% of what I can do can be performed in direct sunlight. When I was about ten I bought this levitating Hindu rope trick that couldn't be done anywhere at anytime. I mean I performed it by firepit light at a distance while camping and was laughed at. I can't say Lou Tannen's never sold me crap.

I've never had the nerve to busk because I'm not disciplined enough to reset as I go. As far as light goes direct sunlight under any and all angles is challenging. Some things aren't worth the chance of failing. Besides light sometimes you need to consider the back round -- another variable buskers may not be able to control. What you are thinking to do is a definite no go. Sorry.


I came up with another great idea for this summer. I ask people for a deck of cards and use it for run of the mill tricks but squirrel the deck away when no one is looking and strip it myself with common tools I brought in a jacket. I bought multiple cases of nice poker cards from BJ's to replace the decks with later because I don't want anyone to get in trouble at their local poker game after I leave. NO ONE will think I stripped a stranger's deck when I went to use the facilities. I think it's a crazy brilliant idea. I can make Dai Vernon's 4 ace trick look quaint after eight minutes alone with a deck.

This isn't spoiling any trick more than saying stripper decks are sold in any magic shop.
 
marplots said:
Since you've gone down this path, what are your thoughts about performance conditions? I'm interested in using the technique outside in direct sunlight while busking. Thoughts?
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I've reconsidered my first answer and now say that the opportunity cost of having this ready is close to zero so I give it a ten as something you should have access to when the environment is right during a busking performing evening.

As far as the "latest idea" post my tool can't do that. That tool is more expensive and needs more attention than I'm comfortable with.
 
Senex said:
I've reconsidered my first answer and now say that the opportunity cost of having this ready is close to zero so I give it a ten as something you should have access to when the environment is right during a busking performing evening.

As far as the "latest idea" post my tool can't do that. That tool is more expensive and needs more attention than I'm comfortable with.
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Which brings up another worry I've always had. The failure rate for this tool (breakage during use) is rather high, isn't it? Do you need a backup plan for everything you do?

More than anything else, this failure rate business seems a huge problem. I know it doesn't stop other performers, but I also know they readily admit the problem is there. Isn't the current recommendation to carry spare tools with you, not "just in case" but because you are almost sure to need them?

Have you run into this problem?
 
If you want a magic trick, Senex, I recommend the 'disappearing food item' trick. I can't get it to re-appear, though.
 
Ok, summer party I is in the books after this Memorial Day. The new patter I came up with when moving objects on a picnic table was a chant I made everyone engage in.

"The Power of Quantum Energy Compels You, The Power of Quantum Energy Compels You, The Power of Quantum Energy Compels You..."

Sunglasses, forks and playing cards were flying all over the place and everyone was crazy impressed. No exaggeration.
 
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