February 2010

The New Clear Magic Switchbox

This Magic switchbox was created as the result of many flaws both in the operation and appearance of many already available versions. Magic switchboxes have been available for quite some time, and are a closely guarded secret. The secret is obviously contained within the sealed wooden boxes that the other commercially available units use. I already own one of these units, and was very disappointed with it, so much so that I did not use it at all. I intended to re-use the original box until I met with a friend of mine, and took the old unit with me. I explained what I wanted to do. My friend is a designer by profession, and an accomplished electronic hobbyist, and model-maker. A couple of days later an email came through from him “I have had an idea, lets remake it in a clear case, and make it so the batteries can be removed” I said “great lets do it” I am also an electronic engineer by trade, and with our combined efforts, the fun began. Many parts were purchased, some used, some not. Many problems needed to be overcome (eg the clear box) I think it was about a year later when the working prototype was finished. More improvements were made along the way, the bulbs are colored Led’s, they are fitted to bayonet caps for ease of use. There is NO on/off switch as in some originals. It is made in a clear acrylic box. At the end of the demonstration the batteries can be removed and it still works. We plan to create further projects, some based on existing items, with improvements, and some new original magic…………..Sean

Posted by Colin on February 23, 2010

Final Thoughts From Mitch

And highlights from Sunday are:

  • Worst caricature of the day – big Al, his actually looks more like Aladdin in drag.
  • Quickest reaction of the day, Moggie when he saw a tenner on the floor, gammy leg my arse.
  • Best lectures – loopy Yigal Miseka was great, 3500 magicians will now be floating their money. Banacek was good but sound was bad in the Spanish Hall (a common theme) and of course David Williamson was ….David Williamson!!
  • Gala show was good except we all wondered what was Levent doing!! He was a real disappointment. Harary was good but not great. Overall the show lacked the wow factor, but maybe we are getting a little jaded.

Posted by Mitch on February 22, 2010

Sunday the final hours!

Another hectic day, with the last chance to snap up all those dealer hall bargains. Notable lectures I attended today was “An audience with the illusionists”, which was Franz Harary, Russ Stevens, Rafael and Danny Hunt, which was very entertaining to me, but John and Mitch had to leave early to get to some close-up lectures. I had to get some air again, so went for a stroll, and the next lecture, I went to, was Yigal Mesika which John and Mitch were also at. After this we rushed to a Cafe nearby (not the Galleon) for something to eat. Then rushed back to David Williamson which was packed and standing room only. I stayed for about half an hour then headed back to the hotel with Allan. Soon it was time for the ” International Gala show” acts I enjoyed included David Williamson and Wayne Dobson, Clive Webb & Danny Adams, Russ stevens, David & Dania and Franz Harary. After the show finished, very late, we headed back to the hotel, but the bar was shut, so we headed to the convention haunt, which is the Ruskin Hotel, just down the road. After a few drinks, and some photos, which should appear soon hopefully, we headed home. The 320 mile journey back home commences Monday, after breakfast………..Sean.

Posted by Sean on February 22, 2010

Saturday Show & Bar Entertainment

The evening show only had a few acts worth mentioning, and was a bit disappointing compared to other years. We all headed back to the hotel bar to drown our sorrows. More magic was performed than Friday night, in the hotel bar, with varying degrees of success, even less so, when a few drinks had been consumed. Rachel the hotel proprietor entered into the spirit of things, along with Karls mum, and other relatives, who we are still trying to work out.  Discussions were held over Mitches breakfast, and it is now questionable whether he will actually get any at all now! The
newly painted rooms were discussed with Rachel and the asssociated new paint smell,which it seems, affects mitches delicate nostril passages. Only breakfast time
will tell whether his comments were appreciated.
 
At the Boltonia At the Baltonia
Mitch Performs Mitch Performs

Posted by Sean on February 21, 2010

Nominations

My nomination for “Understatement of the Convention” is by Sean as he took his seat in the theatre, “well these aren’t bad seats are they?” We are in the very back row! The only way they could possibly have been worse is if we had to sit in the gents toilet!!

Good Seats

My nomination for quote of the day goes to Moggy – “there aint even any decent looking women this year ”

And my nomination for best act in the Intercontinental Magic Championships is……….the singer in the interval - brilliant.  The magic was dull!

Posted by Mitch on February 20, 2010

The Alan & Joe Show

Alan meets a Southern Sorcerers Favourite, Joe Pasquale.

Alan and Joe

Posted by Colin on February 20, 2010

Magic Mitch’s Hightlights…..so far

Here are the some of the highlights from the Southern Sorcerers squad:

  • Dania getting dressed! The lecture was 45 minutes of her putting her kit on and 45 seconds of it coming off!
  • John, Sean and Mutley NOT taking Professor Dads advice and made eye contact with Sullivan, the silver tongued dealer , and parted with a load of cash
  • Moggy bought something but will moan about it later
  • Big al decided to order his beer in French, (Alzheimers)
  • Big Al and Mitch sniffed each others rooms and swopped (you had to be there)
  • Mitch is still feeling superior as he remains the only member with hair
  • This years convention wig count is at an all time high
  • Best close up session so far was Yigal Mesika, that floating finger ring is awesome, also Banacek was great. But overall lectures have been a bit flat but we are a tough bunch to please these days
  • Moggie shouting at his leg during a lecture last night, he gave it a right telling off for playing him up.

So to sum up all the same madness as usual!

Posted by Mitch on February 20, 2010

Cheers

Mitch, John and Allan enjoying a cup of tea and a quick bite to eat at their favourte Blackpool cafe… The Galleon.

Cheers

Posted by Colin on February 20, 2010

Some Sea Air

Mitch, John, Moggy, Allan and possibly Mutley have gone to the Childrens Entertainers International Championships in the main theatre. Before that we were under the hypnotic gaze of Sullivan who managed to part myself, John and Mutley from some more money, with just one look. Allan got wind of some £1 magic in the adjoining dealers hall, and almost ran there! I have gone out to sample the sea air, and the never ending sea front improvements, which I am sure will be finished one day! We are meeting up again later this morning for “an audience with the comedians”………..Sean

Illuminations

Posted by Sean on February 20, 2010

Friday Passes Reasonably Uneventfully!

We all survived Fridays journey and the temptation of the dealers hall (except Mutley) . We all spent modest amounts of money in the first day, with no immediately obviously money squandering, except possibly Mitch, who for some reason came under the spell of sullivan, and was pursuaded to purchase some strange powder, that looked remarkably similar to talcum powder! Mutley bought most of the stock of most dealers as usual, but this at least meant that we had some entertainment in the Hotel bar late at night. We are going to attempt to attend as many lectures as possible today, while still making it to Galleon for dinner tonight, before it either closes, or runs out of food. Then we have the show tonight, when Allan is going to try to stay awake throughout.
 
The Dealers Hall
 

Posted by Sean on February 20, 2010

Breakfast.

Well first day just a memory now. I think I out spent the rest with a grand sum of £80 but that includes food n drink. Strictly ammature compared to some punters parting with cash in the Qs at the stalls. My buys include a tv card frame “second hand piece of designer magic that needs some work to perfect or not to perform fueled on alcohol”. Truth, solo,coin caps.

Posted by Mutley on February 20, 2010

Warp Factor 10

I think I am the only one awake now, everyones asleep, including John!  We are travelling at warp speed, John always said, that it drives itself. I just hope we can stop when we get to Blackpool. I dont know how far we have to go, as I am sitting backwards!

Posted by Sean on February 19, 2010

Stopped at M6 toll services

We stopped on the M6 toll road services, for food.  John, Allan, Mutley had greasy breakfasts, Moggy had a burger and a tea, neither of which he liked, and started moaning again. Mitch had soup and a roll and a sandwich, as he is obviously the most sensible of us all -I had unhealthy chicken burger and chips ………Sean
 
A Healthy Lunch....Not

Posted by Sean on February 19, 2010

Cheeky chappie taking pictures.

On the road to Blackpool. Sean looks excited about the convention.  Allan and Mitch are saving their energy for later.

AllanSleeps Mitch Sleeps

Posted by Mutley on February 19, 2010

Blackpool Magic Convention

It’s that time again.  Allan, Alan, Mitch, Sean and John are all off to Blackpool Magic Convention for a weekend of incredible magic and really bad jokes.  Don’t forget to check our new Live Blog for all the latest news from the convention as it happens.

Posted by Colin on February 19, 2010

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