Annoyed with them all.

I hate politics. Those of you that know me may find that an odd statement. It is true.

I follow politics relatively closely, because it effects all of us. Unfortunately it seems those in power have absolutely no interest in the people they were elected to serve.  Many involved in government are in it for the power and money. These civil servants all too often forget they are just that, civil servants.  They are part of the economic elite. The reality is that politicians have money, and are not feeling the economic crunch that the majority of Americans are going through. When was the last time you heard about a politician's house being foreclosed, or being laid off because his employer could not afford to keep him, or outsourced his job, or worse?

These same folks then polarize our society. Turn friends against each other and often convince people to vote against their own self interests. Governing may not be easy, but it is simple. Do what is best for the majority. Not what will keep you in office, not what your lobbyists pay you to do, and definitely not what will make your buddies richer.

Someone smarter than me once said the difference between a statesman and a politician is that a politician thinks about the next election, while a statesman thinks about the next generation.  I haven't seen a true statesman in years.

Buzzwords

I hate buzzwords. Cool, edgy, fresh, hot, underground. All crap.  Most magicians that use these types of words in their ad copy rarely fit the bill. I can not tell you how many times I have seen a magician billed as "hip" or "pushing the envelope", and then witnessed some bastard copy of a 20 year old David Copperfield routine.

There is nothing wrong with doing classic routines. They are usually classics for a reason. Usually solid audience tested material. Putting on a leather jacket and swearing while performing does not make the cut and restored rope new. It makes you look like a delusional doofus. Stop it.

Magic does not need to be re-invented. It just needs to be done well.  Put down the buzzwords, develop you act, work on your character, quit trying to be what you aren't, and have some class.  To quote Nate Leipzig, "if they like you, they will like your magic." So quit being a douche.

New Video

I just finished uploading the most recent video in my Magic: Cover to Cover project. I am felling good about it so far.  The filming has not been too bad, and the editing has been relatively trouble free.  I do have to figure out the best way to film the next chapter, but I have some pretty good ideas. We shall see how they play out.

The toughest thing will be filming out in the real world.  I have a couple of weeks before I need to start doing that.  First I need to decide which effects will be best for it, decide where will be best to perform, and then I will need to approach random people with cameras and magic at the ready.  Some of the larger effects I am thinking about trying out at some of the open mic nights.  I have no idea how they will play, or if people will throw stuff at me. 

Wish me luck.

Gender

As I logged in to my accounts this morning (as I do every morning) I noticed that that the gender on, my blogspot account was listed as female.  My first thought was, "oops, how emmmbarassssinggg". My second thought was to leave it, and run with a Fletch style Jane Doe sort of thing. Then I could rant about all sorts of different, un-P.C. kinds of things, and nobody would know who I was. Then I drank some coffee, woke up and realized that not only was my photo attached to the page but my name and email. So much for anonymity. goodbye gender confusion. Hello reality.

Yes, I made a Fletch reference. I think I need more coffee.

I must be nuts.

I may have bitten off more than I can chew.  In addition to starting this blog, I have also started a video project.  These 2 activities alone would not be so daunting if i were not also attempting to acquire a full time performing gig (or two), working more than part time with a childcare business, helping set up a stronger on line presence for our local magic organization, and myself, tending to my garden, and attempting to sleep occasionally.

I have never felt terribly organized. I also feel that I am often not doing anything, loafing and being just plain lazy.  Somehow all of this stuff seems to get done. I get to see friends, go to the monthly magic club meeting, and sometimes do nothing but watch T.V.  

So, yes, I must be nuts. I get everything done, have a relatively comfortable life, and still bitch about what I am not doing.

This links to my youtube page. Just in case any one is curious about the video project.

First Post.

I have never had a blog before. I have also never been someone to keep  journal/diary. That said this blog thing is a completely foreign concept to me.  I will do my best to keep things moving here and write regularly, but odds are that it will be more sporadic.

As far as topics go, most likely they will focus on magic and magic related things. I often speak on random topics in real life, so I will probably ramble on a bit here as well. Kind like I am right now.

OK. First post out of the way. That wasn't too bad at all.  Guess I will just have to wait and see what happens next.