Author Archives: Chris Walden

About Chris Walden

Chris Walden is a multifaceted guy with a background in technology, writing, and theatrical production. He is the force behind Mythmade Productions in Austin, Texas and enjoys creating unique experiences for people that go beyond mere entertainment. He lives in Cedar Park with his wife, daughter and some number of cats. He is a regular correspondent for Saul Ravencrafts activities.

Come to a special celebration of Martin Gardner’s 100th birthday

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Martin Gardner was a titan in the fields of math, magic, science, puzzles, games, skepticism, optical illusions and was an avid fan of Alice in Wonderland and Sherlock Holmes. Twenty- plus years ago, to honor Martin, a group of magicians, scientists, gamesters, puzzlers, magicians, skeptics and fans of Alice in Wonderland hosted a gathering in which each of these domains was celebrated and explored. This bi-annual conference, The Gathering for Gardner, meets in Atlanta GA. http://gathering4gardner.org

This year is Martin Gardner’s 100th birthday! G4G’s Celebration of Mind Committee, which formed after Martin’s passing in 2010, encourages everyone to hold an event or party to celebrate Martin’s legacy and continue his pursuit of a playful and fun approach to math, science, art, magic, puzzles, and all of his other interests.

We will be hosting a Celebration of Mind event on October 21, 2014 at the home of Brad Henderson, in Round Rock, TX. All people who share the interests of Gardner are welcome to attend, and participation is highly encouraged. Please bring something to show, perform, or discuss. Magic tricks, con games, puzzles and origami are all welcome – as are talks on mathematics, science, skepticism, and Alice in Wonderland. You can bring things to display and showcase, or get up in front of the group and dazzle us with your insights.

The event will be being at 7:00 pm with an hour of drinks, snacks and a viewing of items brought for display. (Soft drinks and water to be provided. BYOB welcome) The presentations will begin at approximately 8:00. If you would like to attend and/or present, please contact Roger Gorss at (254) 282-4305 or email roger.a.gorss.civ@mail.mil. (or RSVP via facebook with presentational topic). While there is no set time limit on presentations, we ask that all talks be concise and direct in effort to allow as many people as possible to share their experiences and expertise.

For more information on the Celebration of Mind: http://celebrationofmind.org/

PS, if you have a folding chair, please bring it. Depending on attendance we might need a few extra seats.

Venue: 1907 West Pflugerville Parkway, Round Rock, TX 78664 (the venue is a home In the city of Pflugerville, but the address is ROUND ROCK.)

John Carney Lecture in Austin

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John Carney

Sept 18th
$25.00 at the door
6:00 pm  Dinner with John and the boys
7:15 pm  LectureIHOP
Meeting Space
1101 S Mo Pac Expy
Austin, TX 78746

John Carney is acclaimed as one of the finest magicians in the world. His books, Carneycopia and The Book of Secrets, are considered by many to be modern classics.

John’s seminars include stage and close-up magic using cards, coins, cigars and a variety of everyday objects. Each routine is a lesson in itself, containing the insights and ingenuities that have made John one of the premier teachers of magic today.

Topics include presentation, routining, misdirection, and creativity.

Material from John’s CARNEY 2013 series, and some classic items from his books.
More Information at http://carneymagic.com/instruction_seminars_schedule.html

Wayne Houchin Lecture Strange Ideas: The No Blessings Tour

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Wayne Houchin

Strange Ideas: The No Blessings Tour

HouchinFlyer2014

FREE – to S.A.M. Assembly 206 members
EXCLUSIVE – Only for members (IBM members $20)
ENGAGEMENT – One night only Thursday, August 21st at the   Omni Hotel Soutpark, 4140 Governor’s Row, Austin Texas.
For Additional Information contact Dan Page


Who Is Wayne Houchin?

Wayne Houchin’s work as a performance artist, magician, and dare-devil has made him one of the most popular and exciting mystery entertainers in the world.

He has performed in more than 30 countries, appeared on NBC’s Today Show, headlined the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, and he made history in the Dominican Republic by stopping time during a live, nationally televised stunt.

Houchin currently stars in the Discovery Channel’s Breaking Magic: The Magic of Science which has been watched by more than 100 million people worldwide.

What Is The Lecture About?

Wayne Houchin debuted his new lecture Strange Ideas last year in Europe to sold out audiences and rave reviews. This summer, he’s bringing it across the United States. Strange Ideas features an exploration of original magic and surprising variations – including magic with glass bottles, dollar bills, a helium balloon, and more.

Houchin’s new lecture notes Strange Ideas will also be available. His previous releases to the magic community include The Signed Coin in Can, Stigmata, Ultragaff, and Thread. Houchin’s original magic has been performed by David Blaine, Derren Brown, Criss Angle, Dynamo, and many others.

This is a one-of-a-kind presentation by one of magic’s most unique performers and creators.

Videos

Wayne Houchin on The Magic of Science
Wayne Houchin: Death-Defying Book Bungee
Wayne Houchin on The Project

Quotes

“Wayne Houchin is one of the hottest magicians on the planet!” – Genii Magazine

“A world class entertainer who shares himself entirely with the audience. A must see for anybody who loves magic!” – SOMA, 2009 FISM Grand Prix Winner

“Wayne Houchin’s lecture was one of the best we’ve had in years. His magic is fantastic, visual and amazing. But if you watch him and pay close attention, you might learn something far more important than tricks: How to connect with an audience, draw them into an experience and make them care.” – Harry Lucas, Magic Circle Vienna

“Wayne Houchin is this generation’s Houdini! One of the best lectures we’ve ever had.” – Wizardz Magic Theater

“Wayne Houchin is brilliant!” – Criss Angel

“Wayne Houchin was incredible during his sold out, standing room only lecture! We enjoyed having him very much!” – Tannen’s Magic

“A cross between a con-man & a street magician, a fascinating live performer!” – Synthesis Magazine

“Houchin’s lecture was excellent and one I highly recommend to any magician as a MUST SEE!” – Marc DeSouza

“Wayne Houchin’s lecture depressed me. He’s just a kid–half my age–and he’s EXTREMELY talented. Aside from the insights into both conceiving and implementing great effects, Wayne knows what it takes to perform them. It’s no wonder he has such a vast and devoted following (he PACKED Midwest Magic’s lecture room–and many were faces I had never seen before.) I would most highly recommend Wayne’s lecture to any group that appreciates talent and the rare combination of both ingenious creator and exceptional performer. It is not to be missed!” – Tim Felix, Midwest Magic

Ring 60 “Women in Magic”

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Join us for the monthly IBM, Ring 60 meeting on Monday, August 4th 7pm, at the IHOP off 183 and Duval.

Judy Hollingsworth, Mary Cay Gold, and Trixie Bond will present a most interesting and unique topic, “Women in Magic.” Although female magicians are relatively rare, women have long played a colorful and important role in magic history. The female assistant also plays a crucial role in the stage magic show. These ladies will give you a little history and insight on what it is like to being an assistant, performing solo and the challenges of adapting standard effects.

Ring 60 balloon clinic was twisted fun

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IBM Ring 60 held their monthly clinic this weekend. While not magic, balloon art is a popular related skill that many use to supplement their performances. JD Stewart led a group of intrepid participants through a squeaky lesson of basic twists, animals and hats. Here are some things that were explored:

  • Types of balloons and how to get them
  • Storage and care of balloons
  • Inflating balloons with hand-held or standing pumps (and a brief lesson on inflating by mouth)
  • Basic twists including the lock-twist, ear twist and pearl
  • Inking sculptures
  • Accessories to help such as aprons
  • Presenting balloon sculpture as entertainment

There was a bit of balloon carnage all over the room when we were done and we loaded all the finished creations into Carlos’s car to take home to his daughters—where they were well received.

For those interested in further exploration here are a few resources:
How to make animal balloons on about.com – simple instructions for several classic sculptures.
balloon-animals.com – Site with Los Angeles twister featuring several YouTube videos of some interesting additions to your repertoire.
fewdoit – unusual site featuring many different sculpts, some which look pretty unique and challenging.

Overall it was a great clinic and everyone, including the teachers learned something new.