President's Words
Members,
This past weekend I saw "How to train your dragon", a Dreamworks animated movie. Without spoiling too much of the story for those who are interested, it's essentially about a small boy that learns that dragons aren't all that bad (go figure). As I usually do after a movie, I went on IMDB to learn a few bits about it, and clicked on the "goofs" section. The goofs section is usually where people put in remarks about accidentally seeing the cameraman's reflection in a mirror, or how there's some inconsistency because the movie's set in 1984 yet there's a computer screen showing Windows XP. This was one of the entries for "How to train your Dragon":
Factual errors: The wings of some dragons are much too small for them to be able to fly at all. Even considering the fictional elements, it stands to reason that if the Night Fury needs a valid aerodynamic configuration to fly, so should all the other dragons.
In case you missed it the first time, this is a Dreamworks animated movie. The person who wrote that just sat through a 2-hour cartoon about fire-breathing creatures that fly, some of which had 2 heads. Yet somehow, he felt compelled to pick up the creators on the point that the whole thing doesn't work in terms raw physics. I can only imagine how good of a time this family had watching Shrek.
What does this have to do with my monthly attempt pseudo-intellectual magic topics? I think it has a lot to do with focus. There's no right or wrong thing to focus on, and it varies from person to person and from situation to situation. But maybe it's time to think about what you've been focusing on. Are you stuck on your whole act because you can't get past a particular sleight? Maybe it's time to look at gimmicked cards. Are you stuck on which prop to buy next because there are so many ads in all of the magazines? Maybe it's time to look for some older books instead. Are you stuck as an audience member because whenever you see a magician all you can see are his double lifts? Maybe it's time to stop the competition in your head and enjoy his presentation. Sometimes slightly changing your focus can help. Sometimes it can make things more fun. More importantly, sometimes it brings back the fun that was once lost. Forget about the fact that the dragon's wings are too small, it's just a nice night out with the family.
I want to thank everyone who participated in the small survey we sent out. If you still haven't done it, there's time, so please do. The information we've gathered so far has been helpful, and it's nice to know where members are coming from and where they'd like to go. We can talk a little more about it at the meeting.
This month we're lucky to have a lecture from one of our own: Harvey Berg! Harvey's prepared an all new lecture for us and will be sure to be filled with fooler after fooler. I could be happy at a meeting just watching Harvey perform some of his creations without explaining them. There's nothing like getting fried, and fried badly. Fortunately, or unfortunately (up to you), Harvey is generous enough to share these effects with us. So don't miss it!
Derrin
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Meeting Information
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday May 11, 2010
Event: Harvey Berg Lecture
Place: Milanese Restaurant
115 Main St
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
(845) 471-9533
Time: 7:30 PM
He's Baaaaack and trust us you won't want to miss it. This month one of our very own Harvey Berg ....will once again mess with your minds. If you have never seen Harvey perform before, then you are in for an amazing evening and if you have seen Harvey perform before, then you are in for an amazing evening. Let's face it, you can't lose!!
A member of the both local S.A.M. Clubs #35 and #147, as well as the Parent Assembly #1 in New York City. He has performed at restaurants and corporate parties in the tri-state area. Harvey has also created several incredible effects to market to professional magicians. He has also lectured to fellow magicians around the world.
Come see him do his thing this coming Tuesday......Don't miss it!
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MAGIC NEWS
Magic News......Link Below
http://www.magictimes.com
Frank Monaco
Secretary, Al Baker Assembly #35
Contact: sam35editor@gmail.com
