Monday, December 26, 2011

Thousand Words


They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. I’ve always wanted to test that theory. Here is my second "Thousand Words" essay.

I've been digging through some of my old albums tonite looking for a specific picture. This isn't the picture. This one, however, really describes what is going on in my mind in a very visual and cryptic way, which is the way that I like.

This is my old apartment in Michigan. I miss it, especially when I start looking through old photographs. I'm a pretty present minded person (though really I just live in my head in a world that either doesn't fully exist or doesn't yet exist.)

Looking through old photos reminds me of the moments. This picture has a few items that really bring back memories for me. Those orange crates are Jordan's. This picture was probably taken about a month before she moved back to Texas. She took the crates with her and now they are located in her room.

I loved seeing both of our styles coming together. It was always so much fun to decorate a room with her (see: watch her decorate a room for me.) The apartment I'm currently in has a few of her touches from when I first moved here as well as a few failed attempts on my part.

Come to think of it, this is probably one of the first pictuures I took with my current phone. This picture was in a folder titled "2010-11-12 phone." The folder was created when I finally ran out of room on my phone to take any more pictures. I uploaded all of them to my computer at once and was able to start over again.

Sitting in front of those crates is my rug. I LOVE this rug! I bought it with my brother Brad in my first apartment. It was part of my first New Month, where I do something new every day during the entire month of January. My new thing was to get a JCPenney store card. I then used that card to buy a couch and a rug for the new apartment. Both are still in Michigan and I'm probably still paying off the interest on my JCP card to this day!

Pan over to your right a bit and you see some fake calla lily's from the Target down the street. I bought them for Jordan for our anniversary. Or was it for Valentine's Day? Hmph, I am going to stick with my first thought on this one and say that it was the anniversary.

Calla lily's are Jordan's favorite flower. She only told me once and it was during the first few months that we knew each other back in 2006. I remember spending a few hours during the summer of '08 digging through my brain in order to recall what flower it was. Remembering was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I thought it was completely impossible to do, pulling a word out of your memory from years past.

Those flowers sit in her room also.

Makes me wish I was sitting in her room, or, more accurately, that we were sharing a room.

That is what drew me to this picture. It was our things together in a scene where we were both living. That's my goal. Years ago it seemed like such a strange thought, years later it was so simple, and now it feels like a bit of a challenge.

I wasn't originally looking for this picture. I was searching for a different picture that told me the first time Jordan and I "met." We didn't originally meet in person, but online through Beck's MySpace comments. Years later I scoured through Beck's MySpace page looking for that comment in order to screenshot it as a keepsake. I was looking for the picture that said "December 9th, 2005." I couldn't remember the day. I thought it was the 15th or the 18th, though I think those days are important too probably, or else I wouldn't have them in mind.

Either way, I won't be in Texas on December 9th, so knowing the date isn't too important anymore as I won't be able to do anything on that day. In fact, I have a magic show in Ohio on that day, if I remember correctly.

I just let out a sigh. I remember taking this picture, somewhat. I saved it to my phone to come up whenever my apartment called. I realize that I must be sitting on the couch during this. I've been trying to recall why the plastic police badge is on the table! At least, I think that's what it is!

This apartment was amazing. It was so roomy, too roomy! Is roomy a word? I can remember walking through it and loving the walls, the paint, the tiles, the size...man the size! I was so excited to get this apartment.

I can't wait to feel that excitement again. I have to buy a new car and I'll probably get that excitement after every car that I see!

There's a lot more going on in my head than 1,000 words can describe. I'd almost rather leave you with just the picture and not have explained anything. I think the picture really gives you a glimpse into my thougths, if you're willing to look, without me having to describe it. However, it doesn't tell you everything going on in my head. I'm not even telling you that and now that I've reached a thousand words, I feel like I shouldn't post this. Only time will tell.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

December #SecretShow

Hey everyone. I'm sitting in the Dallas/Fort Worth airport about to fly in to Chicago. I just drank one of the worst Starbucks frappuccinos I've ever had and am now ready to announce my second Secret Show!

The Saturday Secret Show happens once a month and is announced less than a week in advance. It's a full one hour magic show for free in a random location. My first one was at Market Street in The Woodlands, Texas.

This Saturday I'll be in Frankenmuth, Michigan! Follow me at www.Twitter.com/TheUsedMagician to get the specific location and time later this week.

Also, like last time, I'll be live tweeting the event with #SecretShow. So even if you can't make it you can still participate!

One last note. December 15th is the 2011 season finale of Steve Tv with my last magic video of the year titled The Viral Video! Join the Facebook fan page and help make the video go viral to end this year with a bang!

Thanks for following,

Steve, The Amazing

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Facebook Fan Poll - Hashtags

This week's Facebook Fan Poll is:

"What tags should be used to promote the upcoming Viral Video on December 15th?"

Join the Facebook Fan Page and let your opinion be known in the Tuesday Fan Poll!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Outsourced - How to be Mario

From Photojojo.com

After a 10 hour video game binge, reality transforms into a Scott Pilgrim-esque fantasy.

Is that dinosaur shaped shrub Yoshi incarnate? If you stomp on this mushroom, will you have an instant 2 foot growth spurt?!

Redditor NullPoint84 took note. He hung a handmade Mario question block in public, stood by with camera in hand and invited anyone to reenact the Mario fist jump!

His public experiment resulted in a fantastic photo series of strangers caught mid-air.

Make your own and add a small trampoline for extra high jumps. Make a themed photobooth or fill one with chocolate coins for tasty motivation!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Facebook Fan Poll - Names

I've been talking to my graphic designer and am hoping to have my own deck of cards by the end of the year. Now, I'm looking for your input.

Join the Facebook Fan Page and let your opinion be known in the Tuesday Fan Poll!

What should my deck of cards be called?

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Hiatus

www.TheUsedMagician.com blog is taking the week off.

Follow @TheUsedMagician on Twitter or Like Facebook.com/SteveTheAmazing

I am still accepting booking requests also.

Friday, November 11, 2011

July 22nd


Today is essentially the one year anniversary of the idea of me moving to Texas. I had considered it sometime around May or so of last year, but July 22nd is the day that truly set this path in motion. To celebrate that anniversary, I took my girlfriend to the circus. In the end, it feels quite fitting.

On the drive home I thought of how I had just seen the impossible. I saw a girl juggle fire while being suspended twenty some odd feet off the floor by her hair, I saw body benders, uphill tight rope walking, an elephant that can paint, and so much more during the Greatest Show on Earth.

The impossible. It's what a move from home felt like.

I can't believe how long of a year it has been. The last three months have felt so quick, but anything before that feels like a lifetime ago. I'm looking through an old folder of pictures on my computer to find a photo to go with this blog and it just reminds me of how long this relationship between me and Jordan has gone on. From "meeting" on Beck's MySpace in December of 2005, to our first phone call in March the next year. Finally, in October of 2006 we met and it's crazy, but we met here...somewhere around where I am now, it's just down the freeway. You can't help but miss the trips sometimes! That is probably the downfall of long distance relationships. We would see each other one week every two to four months and you would have to fit that entire time into those seven days.

I do miss the absolute thrill and nervous excitement of seeing her at the airport. Luckily, however, it's not the trips that I miss. I do miss the places we went to, but I'll see them again. It's the time we spent living together that I really miss. I think it's a fairly human trait to always want more than what you've got. The grass is always greener on the other side, they say. For me, it's not wanting my grass greener, it's just wanting more grass!

That week that she came to see me in 2009 and then never left...that was amazing. That was impossible. I showed her off to everyone that week. I can remember the sun, the chilled air, the jacket I wore, everything. Such an amazing time. Ahhhh...Isn't life wonderful?!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Adventure Time

I just finished reading the A.J. Jacobs book "The Know It All." In the book, the author takes up a year long adventure of reading the entire Encyclopedia Brittanica from A - Z. This isn't my first A.J. Jacobs book as I really enjoy his "saturation journalism" or whatever it may be called. In another of his books he spends a year living as literally as possible to the Bible, especially the little rules that are overlooked. His books reminds me of the book "Yes Man." Before the movie there was a book about an author that spent a year saying "Yes" to EVERYTHING. It's completely different, but just as funny, as the movie and I would more than highly recommend it to anyone.

I'm about to go on an adventure of my own. My car died two weeks ago and I'm getting my mom's old car as a replacement. In order to get my mom's car I have to get from Houston, Texas to Detroit, Michigan. Very early tomorrow morning I'll be taking the Metro bus to a Greyhound station, off to Dallas, a Spirit Airline flight to Detroit, and then driving the car back down in time to work on Friday.

Looking to my adventure tomorrow and having finished the Encyclopedia (by proxy) makes me begin to look forward to my next adventure: My New Month.

Every January I do something new every day for the entire month. Last year I dyed my hair at home for the first time, announced my move to Texas, went window shopping for an engagement ring, grew a mustache, found out my IQ score, had my first New Year's kiss, had one of my magic ideas sold on wonderwizards.com, had an idol follow me on Twitter, and many more.

This will be my fourth year. Before January hits I make a list of some new things I could consider doing so that I always have an idea of what to do. This year will be one of the toughest and most fun as many of my new ideas have already happened throughout 2011. I rode a city bus, had to wear a beard cover at work, made it to my old high school weight, made a profit off of magic, and even tried to fix a car with duct tape.

Not only has the last year's changes made this adventure more difficult, but the fact that I have three other years of new things behind me makes the list a bit smaller.

So I'm looking for some ideas for 2012. Also, I'd like to see if anyone wants to join with me (as getting someone else to join would also be a new thing for me!)

Some old ideas of mine that haven't happened yet are:
Practice Radical Honesty for a day
Become a Yes Man
Learn French
Learn Guitar
Make a video go viral
Make a five year plan
Call everyone on my phone's contact list

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Fan Obsolescence 7 - Roll the Tape



It's Working - MGMT (Air Remix)
Blood on Our Hands - Justice Remix
File Sharing - Steve, The Amazing
Out of My System - Jamie Lidell
Down So Long - Jewel
Jupiter - Starf***er
Waitin’ for My Man - Record Club
Bottle of Blues - Beck
Fences - Phoenix (The Soft Pac remix)
Delicate - Finelle


My very musically inclined girlfriend tells me that it is not proper to censor a band's name. After hearing her short argument I completely agreed with her. However, I still feel it is necessary to censor the band name "Starf***er" because of the variety of people that may view my website. I do blame them for choosing such a name, but if you're interested in hearing their music I would recommend you searching for the uncensored name of the band. Thanks!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Outsourced - Feral Birds

“Across parts of Australia, reports have been pouring in of strange voices chattering high in the treetops — mysterious, non-sensical conversations in English. But while this phenomenon is certainly quite odd, its explanation isn’t paranormal. It turns out that escaped pet birds, namely parrots and cockatoos, have begun teaching their wild bird counterparts a bit of the language they picked up from their time in captivity — and, according to witnesses, that includes more than a few expletives.

Jaynia Sladek, an ornithologist from the Australian Museum, says that some birds are just natural mimickers, able to acquire new sounds based on things they hear around them. For birds kept as pets, these sounds tend to mirror human language — but that influence doesn’t cease even after said birds escape or are released back into the wild.

Once back in their natural environments, these chatty ex-pets eventually join with wild birds who, in turn, start picking up the new words and sounds. The remnants of that language also eventually gets passed along to the escaped birds’ offspring, much like it does for humans.

“There’s no reason why, if one comes into the flock with words, [then] another member of the flock wouldn’t pick it up as well,” Sladek said in an interview with Australian Geographic.

According to the report, ‘Hello cockie’ is one of the most commonly heard phrases feral birds are teaching in the wild, along with a host of expletives — perhaps the last words those escapees heard after their frantic owners realized they were making a break for freedom.”

Via Treehugger.com (Thanks Damon)

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Where I Stand - Recording Day

Recording days are filled with a lot of emotion. Usually that emotion begins the nite before when I'm trying to condense weeks worth of hopes and goals into a few workable routines. Each time I'm looking to push myself a bit further than I did last time.

Luckily I've been getting a lot of shows here which means that I've been practicing pretty non stop.

I've gotten over a lot of my performance anxiety, which is really helpful when wanting to record magic on the street for strangers. I've also come to the point where I know WHY I'm recording magic for YouTube, etc. I don't need to capture every moment or every effect I ever perform, but I just need to give people an idea of what I do so that they want to see it in person. I don't need to be "the next Criss Angel" and record an entire dvd, but just get out and perform for people. It's a lot more enjoyable that way.

It is still a very daunting task to go up to someone (especially with a camera person) and potentially interrupt their day in order to perform something that will "most likely work."

Today was a good day though. I did start to stretch my performance muscles by performing some pretty heavy duty mind reading, though my nervousness shown through by getting easily sidetracked and making jokes. Most people wouldn't notice it because they didn't know what to expect, but I knew. I have been known to be very hard on myself. Luckily I have been able to take a much more balanced approach lately in evaluating my performances.

The day got off to a slow start practicing some routines with my camera man that we hoped to record. We practiced the same effect over and over because there really is no telling what is going to happend during some magic effects, especially when dealing with mind reading and hypnosis.

After listening to a local girl covering Adele songs while we ordered some Pot Belly's we got started.

It didn't take long for my camera man to mention a group walking past us. I stopped them and performed a quick trick. There was no need to start recording right away as we were looking to build early successes. The great thing about this first group was that it caused a small scene and allowed me to scout out possible spectators.

A few groups stopped and tried to see what was going on, but only one group stuck around long enough for me to ask them over once the effect was done.

After recording some fun stuff (and a lot of wild conversations) we moved on to find another group. This is usually a pretty strange moment. If you don't find a group immediately afterwards it can often be an hour or more until you find a group that seems open to seeing something crazy. After a lot of walking we decide that we should find one last group in order to end on a high note.

I point out a group so large that my camera man gets nervous!

That last sentence makes me feel very excited for how far I've come along in my performance. A huge thank you to all the people that participated in the recordings and I hope you see your video up in the Steve TV section soon!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Facebook Fan Poll - Secret Shows




Secret Shows can happen anywhere! Here's your chance to try to influence where the next Secret Show will happen. When will it happen? Well, that's the SECRET!

Join the Facebook Fan Page and let your opinion be known in the Tuesday Fan Poll!

"Where should one of my next Saturday Secret Shows be?"

Monday, October 31, 2011

Magic Monday - How to Become Sherlock Holmes

I've studied Sherlock Holmes for the past two years. Here's a small snippet from the first part of my notes to get you on your way:

I would have to say that this next paragraph from Watson is the best way to describe the Sherlock Holmes character.

“I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had seen what he has seen, and yet from his words it was evident that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque.”

Here's an example of Holmes at work; giving a very, very simple impression such as “I perceive that your bedroom window is upon the right hand side.” What's most fascinating about Holmes, to me, is not that first impression he gives, but his explanation as to how he perceived it:

“My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness which characterizes you. You shave every morning, and in this season you shave by the sunlight: but since your shaving is less and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and inference…. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the inquest and which are worth considering.”

Sherlock Holmes seems to work around a certain aspect of things to predict. He will predict strange body flaws, facial traits, psychological ticks, and careers.

Remember that Sherlock Holmes is a character himself, he is not a real person. Think of what you do and who you are as though you were a mystery novel writer, Sir Conan Doyle himself. Write the events in an interesting, fascinating, and believable (enough) manner. That is what is truly important. Name unique, wild, and wonderful impressions that come to mind

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Outsourced - How to Live Forever






“People will do almost anything if they think it will help them cheat death. The futurist Ray Kurzweil has utterly transformed his lifestyle in a bid to live until 2050, by when he thinks technology will allow his consciousness to be uploaded into a computer, making him immortal.

His anti-ageing regimen is based on established research that has identified ways to slow the process. Cutting your intake of calories and getting plenty of exercise both seem to help.

One of Kurzweil’s ploys is to get lots of sleep too. In this, he is unwittingly emulating the Djungarian hamster. These rodents use short hibernatory naps to reverse the ageing process.”

Dozy hamsters reverse the ageing process

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Where I Stand - Short-cuts






I've forgotten what it's like to sit outside. I just did it, just now, a few minutes ago.

Well, two weeks ago. I'm writing this just after having done it, but my website robots decide when to post it.

Anyway, it was really nice to sit on my patio. I've been here six months and haven't really taken advantage of that patio. I also haven't taken advantage of the swimming pool. I have, however, taken advantage of the garbage can at the swimming pool that is much closer than the dumpster at the other end of the apartment complex. I received a letter today telling me to no longer throw any of my garbage in the trash can or else I will be charged for them having to dump it!

Some people would get upset, but not me. I was taking a short-cut and got called out on it. That's just what I do. I test the system, I look for holes, I crawl up in those holes and take a nap. Oh yeah, I also show up late.

This week I'm testing my own system. I'm going to call myself out on keeping to my budget. I didn't go out and do anything today. I didn't get in my car once. Normally that would upset me or make me feel like I didn't accomplish anything today, but I did. I saved! I saved gas, I saved money I would have spent wherever I went out. I stuck to my budget AND am even getting ahead of it. It's quite exciting.

Next year I have to start paying upwards of $100 a month on insurance. I'm not looking forward to that at all and I feel that it is a H U G E waste for me to get. Perhaps I should have only gotten dental insurance or only medical, but both? I don't feel that I'll be able to afford it or make it worthwhile. However, I am still the same person I've always been, so I'll find the way to make it worthwhile and somehow I'll afford it (sorry mom, but maybe in 2013 I'll start paying my phone bill...?)

However, this week is my first step. Not necessarily towards paying for my insurance, because living insanely frugile and saving an extra $20 is not going to be a big enough step, but it is a step. Once I get rid of my old credit card debt I'll have a decent sized gap that I can push a new bill into. Unfortunately that gap won't be created in time for January 1st's new insurance bill, but you really never know.

Long story short, I've been doing good this week, but I've also been doing a lot of nothing. I miss having hangouts, having someone to come home to, and having a purpose for the downstairs portion of my townhouse. I should really get a kitchen table, a tv stand, and/or a couch.

Perhaps my secret goal to win the lottery next year should be an actual goal. Until then, hooray for short-cuts.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Quick Update - 1994 Tour




I've had a bit of a technological problem with the videos recorded in Michigan. Apparently DSL really is slow and it's caused my MI based camera man to be unable to upload anything, but I went out yesterday afternoon in Texas and recorded some brand new videos to put up this Thursday.

The 1994 Tour continues on. I'm in the middle of four shows in three weeks, how exciting! This is perhaps the busiest I've ever been and it's such a nice kind of busy. I had a show on Saturday at the Autism Walk at Reliant Park. This is the first walk I've been involved with that had no grass in sight, just a parking lot and Reliant Stadium blocking out the sun!

I had a blast and I say that at each show, but it's still true. I made it snow, which is something that I've been claiming to do for years and finally saw my chance to make it happen! I read some minds, bent some forks, and got kidnapped by some mascots to do magic for thirty minutes in their bus!

November is fast approaching which gets me excited for my next #SecretShow! The first #SecretShow went much better than I expected. I picked out a nice performance spot, got to practice some material, and also met my current Texas camera man. So I can't wait to see when, where, or what the next #SecretShow will be!

Until then, thanks for subscribing, liking, following, sharing, and watching. I'm going to get to sleep by listening to some Sea Change by Beck.

Friday, October 21, 2011

New Playlist up in Steve TV

"The Playlist"

On Fridays "The Playlist" will be updated with magic videos from YouTube forming a full magic show.

Along with The Playlist is the regular Steve TV section which is updated each week with The Used Magician videos forming it's own full 22 minute magic show.



This week, The Playlist celebrates a different kind of magic.

Subscribe to the YouTube Channel and comment links to your videos if you want to include them in The Playlist!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Fan Poll - Hidden Designs

Join the Facebook Fan Page and let your opinion be known in the Tuesday Fan Poll!

What designs would you expect to see in the upcoming "Steve, The Amazing" deck of cards? What designs would you Like to see?

Monday, October 17, 2011

Magic Monday - 8 Tracks

I spend Mondays working on creating my own magic effects. I sit back with the cellphone off in my little work space at the apartment and put on some music. Usually it's NIN's "Ghosts" in order to promote an atmosphere of creativity as well as to shut out other distractions.

Here's a mix for your own days of creativity:

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Outsourced - Hipnotizados!

Hipnotizados!

Forty-one Colombian high school students experienced mass-panic and had to be taken to hospital following a hypnotism show at the culmination of their annual ‘Fun Day’.

Out of an amassed (paying) audience of 590 students, eight were put into a trance by Miller Zambrano Posada who then made them lift their arms, walk in circles, cry like babies, laugh hysterically, bark like dogs and act like chickens (were it not for the setting, one could be forgiven for thinking that they were behaving like a very normal group of teenagers during breaktime).

The performance was concluded to a round of unforced applause, but as the eight students made their way back to their seats the proceedings appeared to go a bit “Pete Tong”.

Some children in the audience began crying while others dived to the ground for no reason Others beat their chests with the palms of their hands and one female student screamed that she could see ‘the devil’

A total of forty one students experienced what has been described as a mass panic, only one of whom had been an on-stage participant in the hypnotism routine.

Whilst the children were escorted to the hospital, Miller Zambrano Posada was escorted off the premises in police custody facing charges of witchcraft from the parents and teachers.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Export 4

Export is my video diary that documents my move from Michigan to Texas. Here is the fourth video, which I'll admit, get's a little wild. I was going through a bit of cabin fever at the time from being inside the apartment too much!

Sunday, October 9, 2011

October Fan Page Discount

Look for a new Promotion each month exclusively on the Facebook Fan Page!

Click "Like" to learn about October's current Promotional Discount. A new money saving promo will be available the first Sunday of each month.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Outsourced - Nicolas Cage is a Time Traveler

www.TheStir.cafemom.com

Nicolas Cage 'Vampire' Claim Is Pretty Creepy
Posted by Cynthia Dermody




I always knew there was something off about Nicolas Cage, and not just his drunk and disorderly behavior, penchant for wacko baby names, or his eyebrows. I mean, that's like every other celebrity you throw a rock at on the street. Isn't it strange that the supposedly 47-year-old actor looks virtually unchanged since his first big hit Moonstruck all the way back in the '80s? Well, Jack Mord and I don't think so. And the Seattle photo archivist has a photo to prove it.

He claims the Civil War photo at left is none other than Nicolas Cage. And looking at it, there can only be three possible explanations:

1. It's a fake (Mord says it can be proven authentic).

2. It's a guy that just really looks like Cage, and Cage's youthfulness is due to plastic surgery tips he picked up from his co-star Cher while filming Moonstruck.

3. The photo proves Nicolas Cage is really a vampire!

I'm going with number 3.

I'll admit there are some holes in this theory. For some reason, Mord's auction of the photo on eBay today (for a cool $1 mil) was either pulled by the site or Mord himself, but not before explaining the origins:

Read More...

Friday, October 7, 2011

The Playlist

The Steve TV section has been updated with a brand new set of videos:

"The Playlist"

On Fridays "The Playlist" will be updated with magic videos from YouTube forming a full magic show.

Along with The Playlist is the regular Steve TV section which is updated each week with The Used Magician videos forming it's own full 22 minute magic show.

Now the Steve TV page is not only a great way to see me perform before booking me, but also a spot to see some of the web's greatest magic moments.

Also, subscribe to the YouTube Channel and comment links to your videos if you want to include them in The Playlist!



This week on the Playlist is perhaps David Blaine's best special to date. Lots of magic in this. It's called "What is Magic?"

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Facebook Fan Poll - Stanley Cup Prediction

Join the Facebook Fan Page and let your opinion be known in the Tuesday Fan Poll!

Two months ago I made my most challenging prediction of my career, attempting to predict the Stanley Cup Champion before the season even begins.

Now it's your turn. Head to the Fan Page for this week's Fan Poll asking:

"Who will be the 2012 Stanley Cup Champion?"

Monday, October 3, 2011

Secret Shows

The first Saturday Secret Show has been announced!

Each Secret Show will be announced on the Facebook Fan Page and on The Used Magician Twitter feed.

What is a Secret Show? It's a full (free) magic act in a random, secret, location. Secret Shows will occur one Saturday a month and be announced only a week in advance. They can occur anywhere, so make sure to "Like" or "Follow" The Used Magician this Fall.

Got a suggestion for a Secret Show location? Please feel free to leave a comment below or at the Fan Page.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Steve du Jour

Here's the Website Update Schedule for the "1994 Relaunch"

Monday: Magic Monday's
Magic podcasts of what I'm working on and music uploads of what I'm listening to in order to get into that creative mood.

Tuesday: Facebook Fan Poll

Wednesday: Where I Stand Blog

Thursday: Steve TV video update

Friday: "The Playlist"
Part of the Steve TV section

Saturday: Secret Shows

Sunday: Promotions
Monthly Show Discounts on the Facebook Fan Page

Saturday, October 1, 2011

"Fan Obsolescence 6"

Unplanned Obsolescence: Live Live by fanqmon

Guest Mixer Fangmon

a mix that consists of all live music called
"Unplanned Obsolescence: Live Live"

Rammstein - Seeman
The Cinematic Orchestra - All That You Give
The Great Society With Grace Slick - Arbitration
Sonic Youth - Hard Work [Live]
Bob Grossman - Viva la Quince Brigada
The Cinematic Orchestra - Flite
Beck - Howling Wolves (Bon Jovi in a Vacuum Cleaner)
Beck - Casio (Good Stuff)
Bob Grossman - Fox
Rammstein - Das Modell (Kraft Werk Cover)
Arlro Guithrie - Alice's Restaurant Massacree
Strong Bad - Everybody To The Limit (Live)
Sonic-Farnicle - Is Your Name (Rob, Robbie, Robert, Bobby, Or Bob?)
The Great Society With Grace Slick - White Rabbit
Neil Young - Natural Beauty

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Steve TV Channel

Each Thursday a new magic video is uploaded to the Steve TV Channel. It's a great way to see my performance style before booking me for a show.

Not only that, but it's a fun place to watch magic as the video is part of a full 22 minute magic show that gets updated each week!

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Facebook Fan Poll - , The Amazing Deck of Cards

I've been talking to my graphic designer lately about making my own deck of cards. I'm trying to narrow down a few ideas for the look of it and thought I'd ask my fans (who voted themselves to be called "Stevie Wonders") on the Facebook Fan Page for your opinion.

What do you think should be included on the back design, what should the deck be called, and would you buy a "Steve, The Amazing" deck of cards?!

Join the Facebook Fan Page and let your opinion be known in the Tuesday Fan Poll!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Do YOU want to learn magic for free?

Free Beginner's Magic DVD at PenguinMagic.com


Penguin Magic is the website I've been going to since 2003 to buy just about anything magic related. If I remember correctly they even began (or the founders are from) Michigan.

This is a Beginner's Magic DVD that they produced themselves that teaches you how to begin in magic.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Secret Shows

Be on the look out for Saturday Secret Shows. Each Secret Show will be announced on the Facebook Fan Page and on The Used Magician Twitter feed.

What is a Secret Show? It's a full (free) magic act in a random, secret, location. Secret Shows will occur one Saturday a month and be announced only a week in advance. They can occur anywhere, so make sure to "Like" or "Follow" The Used Magician this Fall.

Got a suggestion for a Secret Show location? Please feel free to leave a comment below or at the Fan Page.

Friday, September 23, 2011

New "Steve TV" section

The Steve TV section has been updated with a brand new set of videos:

"The Playlist"

On Fridays "The Playlist" will be updated with magic videos from YouTube forming a full magic show.

Along with The Playlist is the regular Steve TV section which is updated each week with The Used Magician videos forming it's own full 22 minute magic show.

Now the Steve TV page is not only a great way to see me perform before booking me, but also a spot to see some of the web's greatest magic moments.

Also, subscribe to the YouTube Channel and comment links to your videos if you want to include them in The Playlist!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Fan Page Poll Results - Beard, No Beard

"Should I shave or should I grow now? Beard, No Beard, what say you?"

The results are in and with 50% of the votes the winner is
"No Beard"

I'll be shaving in the morning.

New Facebook Fan Polls every Tuesday

Monday, September 19, 2011

1994 - The Used Magician Relaunch

My Roots:

That's what 1994 is about to me.

1994 was a big year in my life, though it is because of things that I wasn't even aware of at the time. My first idol, Jim Carrey, was beginning his takeover of comedy with Dumb and Dumber, The Mask, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. I began mimicking him and learning what I could about his interests. I still have quirks from those days, making funny faces in every mirror I see, being a bit spastic, and mimicking any sound that I find entertaining.

My future idol was doing a similar display of insane; performing on stage with leaf blowers, shouting into a megaphone pointed at a microphone, setting things on fire, and also being a bit spastic. Beck, having a similar breakout year as Jim Carrey, releasing Mellow Gold, Stereopathetic Soul Manure, One Foot in the Grave, and A Western Harvest Field by Moonlight in and around 1994.

I always considered myself a bit wild and carefree of a character, myself performing stunts such as standing on a freeway off ramp dressed as a construction cone, living a day as a Drifter, or going to my first game as a volunteer soccer coach riding a bike and dressed up as "Death."

As I've gotten older, my wild side feels like it has subsided. I've become comfortable with the friends I have, complacent, and subdued - with only occasional spastic moments. I felt like I may even retreat into a shell once I moved to Texas and left my comfort zone of Michigan.

Some could argue it's just a thing about getting older, but I realized the other day that I'm in the same age range now of my idols of 1994. So, in the spirit of '94, I'm going to encourage courage as well as expressing myself (somewhat publicly.)

It's not just about being silly, but being adventurous. I've heard stories of Beck doing whatever it took to be able to perform for people. He would talk to musicians at bars and tell them that the owner lets him do a small opening act before the shows, then he would go up to the bar owner and say that he's friends with the band and that they let him open all their shows!

The truth is, I'm still quite a silly guy, I've just not been giving myself the platform or the opportunity to really explore that in a while. School and summer camp were always a great place since you were in a large group of people that weren't total strangers. For the next few months, this place, www.TheUsedMagician.com will be my platform. I hope you all enjoy the show, as that's the only reason I've done anything since 1994.

Perform

"Steve, The Amazing"

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Facebook Fan Page

Look for a new Promotion each month exclusively on the Facebook Fan Page!

Click "Like" to learn about September's current Promotional Discount. A new money saving promo will be available the first Sunday of every month.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Facebook Fan Poll

Join the Facebook Fan Page and let your opinion be known in the Tuesday Fan Poll!

This week's question

"Should I shave or grow out a beard?"

In other words:

Monday, September 12, 2011

My bid to stay at the "Conan" studio

I'm a huge fan ever since my friend showed me your original show back in the old days (the 90's.) I just wanted to say that I'm very clean, I keep to myself when necessary, and I wouldn't be much of a bother. I also wanted to say that I'm a close-up card magician, "Steve, The Amazing" and would be willing and able to perform for your audience at any point, since I would be staying there anyway. I'd also be willing to pitch in a little towards groceries, but if I buy ice cream or oreo cookies I would appreciate you asking before taking any.

In closing I really think you should pick me. I moved from Michigan to Texas to be with my girlfriend and don’t get to see my friends too often. This way, they’ll be able to turn on your show and perhaps get a glimpse of me!

P.S. Even if you don’t consider picking me for this, you can still hire me as a magician. I charge $65 an hour plus travel.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

1994 - Website Relaunch



On the 19th Day of the 9th month at 4:00 p.m. I will relaunch www.TheUsedMagician.com

Starting that Thursday there will be a new video uploaded on the Steve TV page continuing until the "finale" in mid December.

Got any stories or memories from 1994? Share them below or at the Facebook Fan Page!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Fan Obsolescence - "Fan Five"

Finally got this one uploaded!



Inspired by Beck.com and Stewoo.net, this is my fifth mix of songs I'm listening to this month.


Midnite Vultures Bonus Noise - Beck
Get Real Paid - Beck
Showtime - Jon Brion
Gypsy Blood - Jamie Lidell
Lovestoned - Justin Timberlake
The Horrible Fanfire/Landslide - Beck
Underwater Music - Beck
This is the Place - Red Hot Chili Peppers
A Message - Coldplay
1234 - Feist
Truckdrivin’ Neighbors Downstairs - Beck
(Unknown Track 8)
Fugue fat - The Octopus Project
Finer Feelings - Spoon
Sinister Kid - The Black Keys
Pay No Mind (Snoozer) - Beck
Her Insomnia - Steve, The Amazing
Subliminal Influence and Traffic - Kenton Knepper
Save Me From What I Want - St. Vincent

Friday, August 19, 2011

Deception, Crime, Hacking - My Influences



This is the kind of story that I love to hear. I used to watch shows about people like this on the crime networks as a teen. I was fascinated by some of the thieves. It's not that I wanted to get away with a crime...well, maybe a little, but it was the deception involved. I enjoyed the thought process.

I also love the character that it creates. This guy got sent to solitary confinement because they believed that he was able to break into the phone lines while in prison and whisper the launch codes. I love these impossible myths and legends that "normal" people can create.

A story that always stuck with me was one of a house burglar. He would purposefully choose houses that had a large dog knowing that they wouldn't have a motion activated alarm system, because the dog would constantly be setting it off. He would then break in through a side door by taking out a panel. He was able to stay calm enough that the dogs didn't see him as a threat. He only stole silver that was in a cabinet and would not take any other valuables. He then waited until he got outside to check if the silver was real or not. Anything that was imitation would be left in the bushes. This became his calling card. He reassembled the paneling on the door and no one would even notice they were robbed for days usually as silver is not often used on a daily basis. He then would drive down the freeway and throw out the clothes he wore bit by bit every few miles.

I think the part that struck me the most as I originally watched that episode from my old home as a young teenager was that when the guy eventually got caught (for something else entirely) he was able to negotiate a lighter sentencing if he told the police his secrets. He, just like the guy in this video and the guy that inspired the movie Catch Me if You Can, all worked with the police force or other companies to help protect them from their own techniques.

I'm attracted to things that have layers of thought and I've always loved the concept of using art/illusion to show reality. I think the other thing that I enjoy about these stories is that no one is really hurt. It's like if you've ever seen a bicycle with no chain outside of a store and you just want to move it around the corner in order to scare the kid, but not actually steal his bike!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

My Guidelines




In less than two weeks I'm returning home for the first time in almost five months. I still don't really have any friends in Texas yet, so I've created a small list to help me improve my time here. I'm looking to avoid going home for nine days and having something to do nonstop, and then come back to Texas and be at a loss for what to do.

These are things that I've been doing the last few days much more frequently:

1. Call my friends/family from back home.

This one sort of boils down to "if it ain't broke..." I already have friends, and though I need to look into making new ones, there's no point in leaving out the old ones. The conversations become a bit more "meaningful" since I'm not there to hang out all the time as well, which is a bonus.


2. Set up a date with Jordan in advance
(if you're following my guidelines I would highly recommend you choose your own boyfriend/girlfriend to schedule a date with)

It's nice to have something to look forward to instead of assuming that I'll hang out with her on my day off. It also makes it less of a chance that other things will come up and interrupt the plans.

3. Get out amongst people

I've found that I'm a social person, but I don't need to BE social with people at all moments. I just am able to be social when it's really, really called upon. So, instead of saying "I need to find new friends" and getting worried about how I'm going to do that; I'm just asking myself to get out amongst people in any situation. Generally what I do is hang out and read or practice magic at the mall. Being out amongst people is all I really need and perhaps I'll end up having a conversation or two as well.

4. Explore new places

This works great with the last guideline. I'm in a new State, so almost everything is new. I've been here on vacations, but there is so much more to explore or even revisit. In essence, I can still consider this to be a vacation (how wonderful is that?!) Where would I go if I were here on a short trip? I am also going to use this to find other places to hang around people. For example, a Panera Bread opened two exits down the freeway, so I'm going to go there once a week or so for breakfast and to read.

5. Find a place to walk/exercise

Exercise is an amazing thing. It gives you energy, keeps you healthy, and it can help you stay happy. It is also a great way to be out amongst people and to stay stimulated with a new environment.

These guidelines also purposefully do not involve money. They could, but they don't have to at all. I want to keep money in check in order to give me even MORE options to explore as well as to stay happier since my bills will be taken care of.

Monday, August 8, 2011

The Challenge - Out of My Hands

Each year I wanted to predict the winner of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and two years in a row I made a prediction, but didn't follow through with actually opening it. The first year I was too timid to find a location to present it and the second year I didn't open the prediction until months after the playoffs had ended.

My announcement is that I am going to attempt to perform my most difficult prediction event of my entire career. This is not something I will likely ever be able to replicate and there is absolutely no guarantee that I will be correct. I am going to predict the winner of the 2012 Stanely Cup Playoffs before the season even begins. I have spent the last two years working out the winner.

I have already made my prediction and sealed it into an envelope that I have mailed across the country to be held by my friend Dan in Michigan. This is the same skeptical friend that I opened my last NHL prediction to in 2008 and he also studied every bit of my graduation party effect from 2003. He is the biggest hockey fan I know and one of the few people who originally got me interested in the sport back in 1994.

I'll be posting videos next year to update you as to how I made my prediction as well as showing you the prediction's journey to the 2012 playoffs and the evolution of this prediction idea from videos made back in 2009.

Thank you for your support. I'm trying to make this the most legitimate test of my skills as a magician and I am being completely honest with you when I say that I do not know how successful this will be. There is not a back-up plan and there is no safety net to guarantee this to be correct.

Please follow along as I begin my 2012 Magic Goal and wish me luck.

- Steve

P.S. I have a few surprises planned for this prediction, so stay tuned.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

8 - 8

I began my career in premonitions back in 2003 at my own graduation party. I started a stir amongst my high school peers by announcing that I would correctly guess a randomly drawn word from a shoe box. If I failed, I would distribute all of my graduation money to whomever was present at the end of the party. Anyone was allowed to write down any word and put it into the shoebox as it was on display throughout the entire party next to the box to deposit well wishes and cards.

Hours later a word was selected by a random volunteer and I correctly guessed "beachwood."

The next year I held a show in my old Speech class at the Lincoln Park High School and ended the show by predicting the name of a chosen card in the school advertisements. I even used my abilities to get out of paying a quarter to place the ad!

Later in my career I would go on to predict the Mega-Millions Lottery drawing in a postmarked, signed, and sealed envelope held by a spectator during a Relay for Life performance in Riverview, Michigan in 2010.

There was one prediction, however, that has taken up the last four years of my life.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Fantasy Hockey 2012

I'm returning to Michigan from August 26th - September 4th and am hoping that somehow fantasy hockey will be beginning by then so that I can draft in person and defend my slightly broken and crazy glued back together "1997 Collector's Edition Stanley Cup Miniature."

I have created a hockey crossword puzzle to help my competitors beef up their hockey knowledge as well as to get everyone in the spirit of fantasy hockey! Go ahead and print it out, I made it myself. Post pictures once you finish the puzzle at the facebook fan page!

Here's to seeing you next year with another win!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Where I Stand - Wednesday, September 8th, 2010




Journal Excerpt

You're about to go on a trip with me in almost every sense of the word. I'm leaving gate A12 at Houston's Intercontinental Airport. Those of you who know me should be able to assume that I was visiting Jordan, and you would be correct.

I miss her. It's been a long time, but I've done this whole process before. It's weird to now know that I'm at an age to fix this. I think it took her moving to Michigan for me to realize it.

However, right now I am alone in my seat, seat 16A. I'm taking in to account the small size of the plane, the crumbs that were on my seat, the forehead grease on my cabin window, and hearing the flight attendants talk about safety in my head.

"we're number three for departure"

We're waiting. I want to put my tray down so I have a real surface to write on. Also, I'm having separation anxiety from my cell phone, as I'm sure many of you would be.

Turn Off Electronic Devices

Here we go...

From the sky this place looks obsessive compulsive. Each building is identical to the point that I compared them to Monopoly houses and hotels. I can see towns being erected. They'll give it a fantastical forest name.

It's amazing how a vacation that consisted of essentially running daily errands and watching DVD's can make you fall deeply in love with someone. I know it's not just me too. She's writing similar thoughts in her journal, if she hasn't already, she will soon enough.

I'm debating turning my cell phone on and texting her since technically they didn't say to put it on airplane mode.

"on today's flight you will earn 1,076 miles"

As I lean forward to look out the window I feel the overhead air begin to cool the sweat on my back. I'm going to have summer instantly lost on me as I've missed Michigan's transition week. I'll be dropping an instant 20 degrees upon my arrival.

My head begins to inch a little too close to creating my own grease smear on the window. I'm seeing the ultimate high score of Sim City some thousands of feet or miles below me. I pull my slightly misused and unlevel tray down for my drink and notice more crumbs. What's the old saying? "An airline that doesn't clean it's tray tables hasn't something, something, you're going to crash."

Forget everything I said. This lady gave me MY OWN Coke can AND peanuts AND pretzels. Best flight ever!

Houston Partly Cloudy 86 degrees

For those of you that truly listen, you will be given a tour into the inner workings of my mind as I explore it myself.

I gave Jordan a big example of my thought process earlier this week. I consider myself a naturally lucky person. I know the process, I appreciate the process, and I allow the process.

The process is basically this:

If you allow yourself to believe you deserve good things and that these things will come to you if you put forth effort - then your mindset changes to make this BECOME reality. Not only will you move towards positive things, but you will also change your perception of events to SEE the good of a scenario while simultaneously ignoring the bad (but not the lessons you learn from the bad.) Bad things become "your goal hasn't been achieved YET."

I've unconsciously held these beliefs for so long that things I ask for, hope for, and wish for, seem to just happen. I understand my responsibility in this though and know to respect that I have this "luck." I must appreciate it.

I also try to respect and understand others. It's almost frustratingly hard to upset me because I feel that I understand the underlying reason why such and such event has happened.

I told Jordan that she will have this for a month. It was almost like the Tony Robbins scene from Shallow Hal. Afterwards I prayed for it to be a reality, because I always thank God when these "mini miracles" happen. I feel Blessed and that I should tell people they can have this too.

I feel really good knowing that she is going to have a good month. "There is no other option" I told her and that's what I'm hearing in my own head. "It just HAS to work out."

You can't fail if you think that everything you do is a success.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Outsourced - The System

Derren Brown - The System

I just watched an old show of Derren Brown's called "The System" where he created a system to predict the winner of a horse race. The system guaranteed a winner EVERY time. It's a really interesting show and even manages to have emotional twists and dramatic moments, something most "magic" shows don't have.

After watching it, I am just SO excited to reveal to everyone my magic stunt for 2012 (as well as to actually perform my stunt for 2011.) I'm not prepared to announce it yet, but I've been leaving clues throughout my website posts.

For instance, does anyone know what date I'm going to announce it?

Leave your responses in the comments below or join the Fan Page on facebook to chat more about it.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Anniversary

I still remember July 22nd, 2010. I was about to go out for a walk as I got a phone call from a lovely girl. She's always so giddy in these kinds of moments, these moments where she wants to impress me. We stayed on the phone for hours. I walked to the park and then took a lap around it once I got there. I can really only remember little parts of the conversation now. At one point I began to notice that I was walking slightly pigeon toed. Jordan claimed it was her fault, and perhaps it was! We had lived together for a year and a half before that and perhaps walking next to her for so long did have an impact. I have a mental photograph of looking down at my feet on that track the very minute I was saying that. It was an important moment to me and I feel that this image, this "useless" image and it's silly conversation will stick with me forever. I think there was a slight bit of water, or perhaps that was just some tar or something on the track. I was about to come up to the giant hill in the park, but I wasn't there quite yet.

We had decided by the end of the conversation what we were going to do next.

Thinking back to that day, one year ago, reminded me of March 2009. It was the first time we had seen each other in a year. I can remember the chill in the air, the partly cloudy sky, the feel of my light jacket, and again, that giddyness. I still can hear the music she played in my car from the cd's she brought with her. I remember the joy of driving up to Novi to surprise my friend Dan. He had no idea she would be there or that we were dating again. Ah, and the Big Boy we ate at before we left. I showed her off to everyone that week. I took her to eat with my mom at Hockeytown cafe as well as conspiring with my mom to drive to the top of the parking complex and wait up for us so that I could ask Jordan out again.

She was just supposed to stay for a week, but she missed her flight and decided to stay forever. That was the basis for the next year of my life leading up to the first paragraph in this blog.

Now my decision to come to Texas may not have been as quick as her decision, but I wanted to make sure that everything was going to be as solid as it could before I jumped into it. Plus I couldn't just leave my home of 25 years in Michigan. Now I have a job making more money than I ever had (it's not that much, I'm just cheap and generally have no care for working!) I have an amazing apartment, I'm starting to get my bills paid off, and I even feel like a success in my magic career.

Well I'm going to get to bed in just a minute. One last thing I'd like to mention is something I've been working on. I'm attempting to learn how to quickly and accurately name what day of the week any day was on. For instance, my first Christmas was on a Wednesday. December 2nd, 2010 was on a Thursday. That's the basic idea. Once I get better at it I'll find a way to incorporate it into the sneaky things that I do.

- Steve

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

1. 1 9 9 4

"Everybody's got their own songs. There should be so many songs out there that it all turns into one big sound and we can put the whole thing into a pickup truck and let it roll off the edge of the Grand Canyon."

"I set my hands on fire - I have to write whatever comes to mind pretty fast, before my hands burn off. I just let whatever comes out, comes out without thinking about it too much."

"Oh, the tragedy and the anguish. You just gotta Rage Against the Appliance, man. The toast is burning and you just gotta rip it out and free it before it fills the house with smoke. Rage Against the Toaster" - 1994

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Outsourced - :{1 9 9 4]

'Go get in trouble. Go commit yourself to something you're not sure you can do,' - Stephen Colbert

discuss

Monday, July 11, 2011

Magic Monday - A Look Inside



On Mondays I usually sit back with some music on and any distractions put away in order to work on routines and come up with new magic effects. This Monday I have the day off from work as well, which is great. However, since I'm still new to Texas and don't have a lot of things to do (and my mind wanders during a ten hour work shift) I've been thinking of magic much longer than just my Mondays. So instead of trying to come up with something new, I am working on simply improving my current routines and performances.

I thought that I would give you a little behind the scenes into this process.

I've not performed to any of my intimate friends for a while, so I'm looking to get back into that. I'm also looking to move away from PERFORMING and more into an area where magic is allowed to happen and it is part of the environment.

With those thoughts comes a mental shift, and that is away from my deck of cards. I'm starting to feel some tendonitis and similar things and I need to take an approach away from the constant sleight of hand performances. However, I constantly have a deck of cards on me because I always want to be doing magic - hence the shift towards creating magic in any environment instead.

My ideas start as a sentence, a question, or a thought. Sometimes I try to answer or expound on them right away, but most of the time I just write it down and move on. Later I find myself coming back to that thought with a new insight or idea. I gather all my thoughts and take a shower, allowing the ideas to sort of simmer. I notice that after the shower I have the direction that I want to go firmly in mind.

Hopefully you'll see these shifts in all my future acts of magic.

With that said, there is four weeks left until I announce my 2012 magic "stunt." I will be working on that further today as well.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Fan Obsolescence - Neo Soul

Fan Obsolescence 3 - Neo Soul by tebe2k

Bramble - The Cave Singers
Curses - Beck
Thus Far (alternative) - Reggie Watts
Get Some - Lykke Li (Beck Remix)
So Light is Her Footfall - Breakbot Remix
I Found a Whistle - MGMT
My Beloved Monster - Eels
Dreamscape - Jordan Kelley of Finelle
Shed Your Love - The Helio Sequence

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Steve TV - "How to Get Kicked Out of Barnes and Noble"



Finally! The return of www.TheUsedMagician.com! Steve TV is also back with a new video back from the first day of filming for the 2011 Steve TV series. Full 20 minute magic show on the Steve TV page of the website with new uploads every Thursday. Click the link and you can also discuss it on the Facebook Fan Page here.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Magic Monday - The Challenge

Five weeks from today I will announce my magic project for next year. This has been three to four years in the making and will take the entirety of the next year to complete. There is no guarantee that I will be successful and it will be the largest challenge I've ever put before myself.

- Steve

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Where I Stand - 86.6


For a few moments earlier I conceded to the heat of Texas. I've apparently been here just around 84 days now and I was ready to call it 83 Steve, Texas 1. I took it back a few moments later after I calmed down, but it was hot. The thing is, it's been hotter, I've been sweatier, and I've been more uncomfortable. It was the numbers that did me in.

I put batteries in an electronic thermometer that Jordan's dad gave us a year or two ago - so now I KNEW how hot it was in my apartment. I'm bored today as it is my day off so I took to the challenge of lowering the temperature in my apartment. Foolish idea. It dropped one degree for a while, but as the day wore on it jumped back up...and then climbed even higher.

My number mind wanted to actually turn the air off so that I could save money on electricity, while my competitive mind wanted to lower the temperature. I lowered the humidity...if that counts.

Still, I had to get out of the apartment or risk getting another case of cabin fever. I go out into my car, which, have I mentioned, has no air conditioning. The sun, the wind, the heat...all of it bore through me as I drove to one of the only places I know in Texas, the mall.

It all got to me, until I realized that it's been hotter, I've been sweatier, and I've been more uncomfortable.

84-0

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Outsourced - Improv Everywhere

Improv Everywhere



I remember watching this group a few years ago, I'm hoping its the same group. I ended up watching a few of their videos and LOVING the concept and the execution as well as the planning. I've always been a fan of planning and synchronicity, it's a reason I enjoy musicals!

These guys led me to making a very stupid video out of a bunch of one take videos called "Buy My Book."

Either way, I hope you enjoy their website and I hope you also help me come up with ways to combine this thought process with my magic!

Monday, June 20, 2011

First paid Texas performance

The show was such a blast that I'm writing this entire blog from my phone! As soon as I walked through the door I was greeted and introduced to my "main audience", who were all anticipating my arrival - some of them almost too much so!

I did a couple quick card scams before being whisked to the front of the room, along with a deftly performed introduction, as a crowd began pushing their chairs together to create an instant stage.

I had no time to even consider being nervous. It was such a fun time with very likely THE coolest group I can remember having performed with, and that includes performing to an entire girl soccer team in high school!

The Mind Reading set perhaps went a little too good as I was met with responses of "I feel violated!" Hmmm...I should delete that sentence! The show led me to becoming part of a 20 minute conversation on brain waves and mental telepathy.

Soon after, the lights went down and it was time to party! I considered leaving, but I had people coming over with cell phones using a flash light app to light the performance space. I ended up staying another two hours until over half a dozen forks and spoons were twisted on the table ala Uri Gellar and Steve Banachek.

I wish them all the best and I just wanted to mention that I had been thinking of that nite for two days now! Also, theatre kids are really good at karaoke.

-Steve
"Aka the Michigan magician!"

Thursday, June 16, 2011

New Videos up on the Steve TV playlist including

Export 2 - my second Texas update. Beginning my third month in Texas, this is what I have to say for myself about being late, buying my girlfriend a gift, cleaning, and stale Doritos

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Magic Monday Week 1



Monday is when I work on new magic effects. I have decided (with a little bit of controversy) to give you a "behind the scenes" look into the evolution of something I'm working on. This is the first day I began working on this and it's mostly all off the top of my head. The story runs pretty long - which is why I call it a "story!" I would never want to call the words said in an effect a "story."

I'm not fully sure when the sequel to this one will be posted, but I do know that after a few days this video's link will go down to either private or unlisted.

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

First 2011 Ozone Action Day tomorrow

In Metro Detroit at least. Still, it was enough for me to pull out this video from an Ozone Action Day in 2009.



The Used Magician YouTube channel has already passed 200 views! I'm so excited and proud of that accomplishment. As a teenager I tried for years to make a magic show and now I have a 20 minute adjustable magic show each week on the Steve TV page.

A new Facebook poll inspired by this video will be revealed tomorrow afternoon.

Also inspired by this video is a Jones Soda label that has actually been selected as a finalist! Click here to vote on the label and help get it on a bottle!!!

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Fan Obsolescence 4 - Turnstile

Turnstile (Fan Obsolescence 4) by tebe2k

Inspired by Beck.com and Stewoo.net


Not So Pretty Now - Nine Inch Nails
32 Ghosts IV - Nine Inch Nails
DVNO - Justice
Drain You - Nirvana
Working Class Hero - John Lennon
The Edge - Finelle
Garbage Truck - Beck
Siberian Breaks - MGMT
Just Like We Do - Eisley
Where Eagles Have Been - Wolfmother
Fortress - Pinback
The Same Spirit - Steve, The Amazing
Dare to Be Stupid - "Weird" Al Yankovic
Multiply - Jamie Lidell

Facebook Poll

Our first facebook poll has been tallied.

"What magic effect would you like to see recorded?"

1. Levitation with 50% of the votes
2. Silverware bending with 20% of the votes
3. Mind Reading was third after a tie breaker

A new poll will be posted on the Facebook Fan Page next Tuesday. I'm hoping to get a video of the winning effect recorded by next month, I'll keep you posted.

Friday, May 27, 2011

New Blog

It's a new everything around here lately. I'll have a new website up by the beginning of next month that will link to my "The Used Magician" social network. It's been an exciting few weeks. This blog is still under construction, but I wanted something for you to subscribe to at least.

Today is my last day off, not sure for how long. So I'm going to head out and promote the facebook Fan page as well as begin the transition to the new www.TheUsedMagician.com page.

In order to do that I am having to look around for a new deck of cards. Normally I just buy a new deck, but it's not economical when I already own so many. It's been quite the challenge. I used my last deck for about five months (almost exclusively) and the edges are now frayed as well as the entire deck becoming bowed. Not to mention that the card case has evaporated.

I began using David Blaine's "Lion Deck", but someone called me out on a certain magic move yesterday and now I want to switch decks. The db decks are a little thicker than normal cards in order to last longer, but it gets in the way of certain sleights.

Anyway, that's my update. I may send a text blog out later if promotion goes well. Be sure to click around the blog here as well as checking out the Fan page while I tidy things up.

A few things to note:

Tuesdays will feature a new poll from the Facebook page

Thursdays will feature a new video upload on the Steve TV tab from The Used Magician YouTube channel

and the rest of the week is pretty much the same as the old blog.