I was planning on being in Vegas this weekend but unfortunately Nascar is in Vegas and I couldn't get any comp rooms because they were sold out on Friday. I didn't have plans. I decided to visit Erik over at Magicopolis and have a couple beers. We talked about different illusions and other stuff related to magic.
Later I wound up at King's Head for a couple of drinks. There I bumped into John, someone I recognized from the Santa Monica Hacker Drinkup. I had a bunch to drink and did some magic for some of the people around. I think I drank a bunch because I didn't endup coming home with my credit card.
Tonight I am going to go to Magicopolis to catch Erik Tait's Bar Show. Tomorrow I am going to catch the lecture from Aaron Fisher at the Magic Castle.
SANTA MONICA, Calif.—An octopus pulled open a valve in its tank at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and flooded the facility with hundreds of gallons of sea water. Staff arrived at work Tuesday morning to find their offices soaked. They quickly traced the problem to the aquarium's resident two-spotted octopus, a tiny female known for being curious and gregarious with visitors. The octopus apparently tugged on a valve and that allowed water to overflow its tank.
Aquarium spokeswoman Randi Parent says no sea life was harmed by the flood, but the brand new, ecologically designed floors might be damaged by the water.
Will John Locke kill Ben? Ben killed John because of Eloise Hawking. Wierd.
Last night was the Santa Monica Hacker Drink Up and it was a large crowd. Dave and Pinguino attempted to eat their huge gummy bear. Chris brought his playstation with Street Fighter four. I attempted to watch Lost. We drank and it got late. My hangover is now known as Eloise Hawking.
Tonight I am going to go to the Magic Castle. This weekend, I am going to Vegas.
For the last three or four weeks, Masters of Illusion has been in repeat mode. I saw tonight that next week, the show is back with new episodes at a new time. I was happy. Then they announced the Masked Magician is also back, the hour right after Masters of Illusion. MY13 was said to not play the Masked Magician show while Masters of Illusion is on. It is a shame that they feel that these programs could be played back to back. I have friends who enjoy magic for what it is and do not try to find out my secrets and this show just ruins the wonder of the art.
I finally got my EeePC running good. I have it dual booting with Fedora 9 and Windows XP. It still crashed once or twice with Windows, I do not know why but it does run faster with the Runcore drive. I did see lots of posts that it's hard to install Windows on the Runcore SSD drive. One post said to install Windows XP SP1, and I was thinking "Where do I find that?". I decided to disable the SSD in BIOS and install to the on board 4GB SSD. It installed fine. I used gparted and created a 30GB NTFS partition and then just ghosted from partition to partition. It was pretty easy.
Tomorrow I am heading to the Magic Castle for a lecture at 8pm and maybe before that I will go for a haircut. Wednesday is time for the Santa Monica Hacker Drink Up at Rick's Tavern.
Sunday night was a highlight. I went to the Magic Castle with Ray. Dinner was good, I like eating dinner at the Castle. We got to see Alana is the Parlour show, and she was cute. We saw Joseph Gabriel perform in the Palace with some cool dove stuff. His wife, Miss Katalin, performed some neat stuff too. It was problem sitting stage right because we saw lots of flashing.
Scott Land performed between Joseph Gabriel and Katalin. Scott was the lead puppeteer on Team America. His Marionettes were cool and it was awesome.
John George performed in the close up room and I thought he was great. Even though I was aware of the cups and balls moves we was using, he still surprised me with the loads and his Golden Egg.
Andrew Goldenhersh was the last performance we saw and Andrew Goldenhersh was incredible. I can't wait to see Shoot and Wayne in the upcoming weeks.
We also saw Jason Alexander in the Castle last night but I didn't get to talk to him. Maybe in the future I will.
Today lunchtime was filled with Subway delights. I got me a Spicy Italian with some Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos and it tastes, eh, wierd. I won't order them again.
Last night I headed to Magicopolis for the Bar Show. When I got there I hung out with Erik for a few and then with the guys from Project Dynamite. Chris was supposed to show up but he didn't. Scott was a no-show also. I did run into an acquaintance that was going up to Keith's apartment for a party. I caught a ride to Hollywood with him and Keith had a new keg bar installed. We drank there and then headed to the club. We drank there till the liquor stopped and then we headed back to Keith's.
Pinguino invited me to crash at her place. I still had a pillow and sleeping bag up there. When we got up Pinguino and Dave drove me home.
Tonight I am heading to the Castle with my friend Ray from San Diego.
According to newspaper accounts and Haskett's lawyer, Philip M. Wilson, Haskett was working at the McDonald's at 10201 N Rodney Parham Rd Little Rock, AR last August when he interceded to stop a man who was beating a woman in the restaurant. The assailant, later identified as Perry Kennon, went outside. Haskett also stepped outside and stood at the door to keep Kennon from re-entering the restaurant. Kennon retrieved a gun from his car and shot Haskett – “multiple times,” according to Wilson. Haskett, now 22, underwent three abdominal surgeries and still carries part of a bullet in his back, according to Wilson. Haskett's medical bills exceed $300,000, Wilson said. ...
Haskett filed a claim with the state Workers Compensation Commission. Misty Thompson, a claims specialist with McDonald's insurer, Ramsey, Krug, Farrell and Lensing, said in a letter to the Commission that “we have denied this claim in its entirety as it is our opinion that Mr. Haskett's injuries did not arise out of or within the course and scope of his employment.” ---
They are denying his claim because they said employees are given an orientation that supposedly tells that in the event of a robbery or anything like a robbery . . . not to be a hero and simply call 911.
The site I found this article on linked to the security tape of the incident and when I checked for it I found "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by McDonald's Corporation".
Wow, I wonder if United Airlines would have taken the same stance for the people who crashed in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. Don't be a hero?
I didn't see the fund online but I am planning on contacting the bank Monday. I am outraged because the fast food industry showed a profit when most businesses haven't in this fiscal year since the recession. We are bailing out all sorts of businesses but a person gets hurt defending a woman on company property and they won't pay his bills. What if the woman got hurt and sued McDonald's? I bet they would have tried to bleed her dry with legal battles and appeals. I will not eat at McDonalds.
I am closer to dating Britney, she appears to like magic.
Britney Spears Adds "Saved By The Bell" Magician To Tour Posted by Mitch Michaels on 02.20.2009
It really is a circus...
Britney Spears has added a magician to her "Circus" tour. Illusionist Ed Alonzo, who had a recurring role as Max on "Saved by the Bell", will be doing magic while Brit sings and dances.
Word is Britney has been rehearsing 8 hours a day for the big tour.
A stage designer said: "Britney is a perfectionist. When she comes in the room, it's a really intense, high-pressure environment. She is totally fit and her body is back in shape. She is really confident right now."
The shows begin March 3rd.
Credit: Music-News.com
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
As a footnote, I go have to say when I searched for magician today this is what was suggested.
I need a trophy girl too but I saw this on Craigslist. Looks fun.
TROPHY GIRL NEEDED for the 41st Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards Show (Sunday, March 8, 2009) at Avalon Theatre in Hollywood and hosted by Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”, "Doogie Howser M.D."). Celebrities scheduled to attend and/or present: Bruce Villanch, Kristin Chenoweth, Florence Henderson, Zachary Quinto, Hayden Panettiere, Jenny McCarthy and more!
Seeking female models (spokesperson and/or pageant experience is a plus) to audition for the role of TROPHY GIRL for the Awards ceremony. Selected girl will carry the trophy for each category, present the winner with their statuette, and guide presenter(s) and winner(s) in the appropriate direction for exit.
The show is from 7:00-10:00 p.m. and is being taped for feature on top entertainment news programs. The TROPHY GIRL may be included in the footage sent to local and national press/publicity outlets. This project is unpaid and she will have to provide her own wardrobe, however, make-up will be provided along with a complimentary ticket for a companion to enjoy the star-studded after-party with the Trophy Girl.
Applicants Must Be: -Female -Organized -Miminum Height (in heels): 5’8” -Able to provide own gown and wardrobe -Photogenic and congenial -Available the evening of Sunday, March 8th for the event.
Application Dates (By Appointment):
E-mail Ben Roman (broman@magiccastle.com) to schedule an appointment. Please bring a headshot and resume:
-Tuesday, February 10, 2009 – Between 2:00-5:00 p.m. -Wednesday, February 11, 2009 – Between 2:00-5:00 p.m.
The Magic Castle is located at 7001 Franklin Ave, Hollywood, CA 90028, north of the Hollywood & Highland Entertainment Complex off of Orange Drive.
REPLY TO THIS POSTING: BEN ROMAN - broman@magiccastle.com
Location: Hollywood, CA it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests Compensation: no pay
This weekend was great. Saturday I mentioned that I went to the Castle with my friend Scott. Sunday night we went to my friend Erik's show "Dr. Presto's Magic Mansion" at the 3 Clubs.
It was an awesome show. The magic was spectacular. It was great to see Jon Armstrong performing a very special card to pocket and Bill Chott with his comical performance. I also loved that we got to see a surprise performance from Arthur Trace. The night was really special with the mental talent of Paul Draper and to top it off to see Whit Haydn perform his teleportation was a superb. What a great night. I can't wait for next month.
Tonight, is so laundry night. Wednesday is the Santa Monica Hacker Drink Up and a new LOST. Thursday is Must See TV with finally a new Office and 30 Rock. Two weeks from Sunday, we go to the Academy of Magical Arts Award show at the Avalon.
I ordered a bigger drive for my Asus Eee Pc 900. I ordered a 64GB MLC SSD drive from mydigitaldiscount.com. To prepare for the installation, it hasn't come yet, but you need to make sure your bios is updated. I was unaware on how to update the bios on the Eee PC but most of the sites describing how to do it with Xandros installed but I use Fedora. I found if you press Alt F2 it will search for your bios update on a USB drive. I only updated the bios to 906 but it is all that is needed for the new SSD drive. I should be getting the new drive tomorrow.
Microsoft unveils two key features of Windows Mobile 6.5 at MWC When many consumers think about the most slick and easy to use operating systems for smartphones, Windows Mobile is not often among the top choices. The clear leader in UI-friendliness in the OS market for smartphones is Apple.
Microsoft is looking to remove the notion held by many that Windows Mobile is a clunky and non-intuitive operating system for smartphones with the reveal of some Windows Mobile 6.5 features. The new version of Windows Mobile was shown today at Mobile World Congress 2009 running on handsets from HTC, LG, and Orange.
Last night we planned on going to the Magic Castle. The cast and crew was to include Skout, Eliot and myself but it ended up just me a Skout. We were heading up because it was Valentine's Day and we didn't want to end up just in a bar with couples exhibiting PDA. The Magic Castle seemed to be a good bet to have some drinks, see some pretty girls and experience some good magic.
We got to the Castle early but it was a good thing because we got to sit and have dinner before the place was booked up. The dinners at the Magic Castle changed and it was nice to get bread and a salad before the main course. I had the beef wellington and it was very good.
We went to see The Bornstein Experiment in the Parlour of Prestidigitation. The house was full for the 7:30pm show, so again, it was nice to show up early. The Bornsteins were entertaining. The best was their book test and Mrs. Bornstein is pretty and a good performer. The major item was before the Bornsteins were introduced. Steven, one of the knights of the Castle, proposed to his girlfriend (a waitress at the Castle). It was spontaneous and an awesome sight.
We then caught Ken Scott, Kenji Minemura, Stoil & Ekaterina in the Palace of Mystery. Ken was good but the singing whiteboard has been done before and could have been better. Kenji Minemura was great and it was a very cohesive. Stoil & Ekaterina are good quick change artists and they had an awesome cut and restored rope. It was amazing.
We caught Doug Slater in the Hat and Hare pub and he had some great bar magic inspired by Doc Eason.
The last show we saw was John Carney in the Parlour of Prestidigitation. He is an awesome performer and was a joy to see.
Toward the end of the night it was interesting. Not only did I meet and talk with Doug Slater. He showed me his custom made card boxes and offered to help me with my card box I wanted to design. I also got the chance to meet some very interesting people. It was a very cool night that ended with Del Taco.
I know it's been a long time since I posted any video. I have been busy but also tired and couldn't get the energy to set the lights and screen up. Shmoocon was great and was lots of fun. Work has been busy.
Yesterday I arrived in New York on the red-eye. I was awesomely tired because the to ladies behind me on the flight, wouldn't stop making noise or turn of their lights on the 5 hour 30 minute flight. I got into JFK and waited for Jeff to get off the plane and then we went to meet Chris and Pinguino at a diner off of 44th and 6th. We waitied a couple hours and then I headed into work.
Work was rough but worth it. I go to clear up some info and get some ideas of where we need to move next. I was exhausted but had to go on. There was partying to do.
I decided to head to the Double Down, one of my favorite bars. I texted everyone and Nathan, Alaina and Max showed up. We drank a bit at the Double Down and we headed to the Nice Guy Eddies. We got some food, awesome mashed potatoes, and then headed to meet people at DBA. There I saw Dan K., Pinguino, Chris N., Falcon, and Jason Scott.
I crashed at Max and Alaina's on the floor.
Right now I am on a train to Washington D.C. in business class and it's farther than it should be from the drink car. The train is packed and it's almost not worth taking the train except that I get power and I am connected through my evdo.
I am pretty pumped. If it wasn't for my hacker compadres I wouldn't be catching a red-eve flight tonight into NYC. The bummer is that I am working tomorrow but its good, I don't have a place to crash organized anyway. I usually don't fly by the seats of my pants but I don't get much planning because of work.
I am flying on the same flight Jeff is and we are going to try to hold a little drinkup before we fly. The flight leaves at 9:15pm and I think I will get in around 6:30am. Then take my sweet time getting to work. After work I know a bunch of us are getting together for some drinks after work and then its off to DC Friday.
I have my video camera and I will try to blog when I have time.
For the last three or four weeks, Masters of Illusion has been in repeat mode. I saw tonight that next week, the show is back with new episodes at a new time. I was happy. Then they announced the Masked Magician is also back, the hour right after Masters of Illusion. MY13 was said to not play the Masked Magician show while Masters of Illusion is on. It is a shame that they feel that these programs could be played back to back. I have friends who enjoy magic for what it is and do not try to find out my secrets and this show just ruins the wonder of the art.
