Chris Bliss - The Epitome of Jugglers

Chris Bliss performed this routine live in Las Vegas at the World Magic Seminar. When he did it for us, he unfortunately did drop once. But you will see when you watch this that it is no wonder he gets instant standing ovations every time with this routine.



He did receive a standing ovation from the crowd when we were watching in spite of the sudden gust of gravity.

The Simpson's Become Reality in This Video

I discovered this great video on the Internet. I don't know who made it or why, but I decided to share it on my blog because it is simply the bomb. Being a Simpson's fan I had to ask "is there a real Simpson family?" Of course we all are a Simpson at heart. I hope you enjoy it.

Aye Jaye's Magical Art of the Schmooze

Besides meeting Penn Jillette, I did meet a few magician's with a lot of class at the Vegas convention. Being a magician should, in my humble opinion, go hand in hand with having a lot of class. But class is an interesting subject. Many people think that if your rich or famous, then you automatically have it. Nothing could be further from the truth. When I was working as a security guard for Muhammad Ali, I met a lot of rich and famous people. Some, I would say, had real class; others treated me like dirt and made me feel like a second class citizen.

But, one person I met told me the definition of true "class" and I've never forgotten it. She said that "making someone feel like they belong, when they are truly uncomfortable is true class." For example when at a high falootin' party in Hollywood, someone in her beautiful cocktail outfit, accidentally falls into the pool, the first guy to jump in so that the poor girl won't feel all alone, is the one with true class."

Well, I met a guy who would be the first to jump into that pool. His name is Aye Jaye, maybe you've heard of him. He is a performer, stand-up comedian, and member of the Clown Hall of Fame from Milwaukee. He has entertained millions at Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rose Bowl, and Radio City Music hall. To put it lightly, he is a true professional.

One morning I was standing at the cafe inside the casino. He saw me standing there and rather than ignore this guy that he didn't know, he invited me to join him for breakfast. He decided to take it upon himself to make me feel comfortable throughout our breakfast. We even played keno in honor of his good friend Jay Marshall saying that the winner would buy. It just so happened that I won fifty dollars and was happy to pay. I was also happy to visit his booth in the convention and to purchase his wonderful book, THE GOLDEN RULE OF SCHMOOZING. The thing about schmoozing is that you should really enjoy it. I would say that Aye Jaye enjoys it thoroughly. If you read more than the title of his book you would see that the subtitle is called "The Authentic Practice of Treating Others Well." By that definition you may in fact call what he did that morning "schmoozing." I, on the other hand, would say that Aye Jaye showed a lot of class.

My Penn Jillette Joke

I recently returned from a magician's convention in Las Vegas. For those of you not in the know, yes magicians have conventions. They come from all over the world to see the latest innovations in magic and sometimes to meet some famous magicians. This particular convention was called the World Magic Seminar. It was originally named the Desert Magic Seminar and was founded back in the late 70's I believe by Sigfreid and Roy.

I had a great time at the convention, I even learned a few things and met a few new friends. However there is one displeasure that I wish to share. I've met many famous magicians over the years and almost without fail enjoyed their company. I'd never met Penn Jillette berfore, but Mr. Jillette is one of the most rude people I've ever met.

Here is the story as I perceived it. I'm sure from his pespective he must have seen it quite differently.

I was in between lectures and decided to get a quick hamburger from a little joint actually inside the casino. It is a very small place and the place was quite full for it's size. After I placed my order and waited for my food I went to sit down. The only table left was a table next to Penn Jillette and his friends. He was seated with the Amazing Jonathan and a couple of people that I don't know. Now I'm not a "star chaser," so I don't rush up to someone eating and say "Can I have your autograph?" And I was sitting there eating my sandwich just minding my own business. Another magician, Dana Daniels walked into the restaraunt and ordered his food. I didn't know Dana, but he and I had a mutual friend, Tim Simpson, a guy I worked with many years ago who later became Dana's partner.

Since we both knew Tim and I'd been unable to reach him over the last few years, I decided to introduce myself to Dana. I stood up and made a couple of steps toward him. As I did, Penn called him over to the table. Meantime, I'm standing there next to them with my mouth open. He askes Dana if he knows any new jokes stating that Jonathan is looking for some new jokes. Dana responds, "No. I don't know any new jokes."

Well, I'm not shy. I'm standing right there and I have a couple of new jokes so I say, "I've got a new joke for you." Was this rude of me? I wouldn't have said a word, but I was standing there and I thought I might help. Well here is the conversation that followed.

Penn say's "Jonathan, this guy says he's got a new joke. Okay what's your joke."

Ace, "Okay, my wife and I worked on these ... " (Penn Interupts)

Penn, "Boy that tells us something about the quality of these jokes."

Ace, "Yes we worked on these when Cheney shot his hunting ..." (Penn Interupts again.)

Penn, "Oh something topical,(sarcastically)Jonathan, he's got a topical joke."

Ace, (beginning to feel the frustration) "Well there are two jokes, first my wife's which I may not be the best of ..." (Penn Interupts again)

Penn, "You'd better just stick to the best one."

Ace, "Okay, what do you call a guy who shoots his..." Penn stands up and motions for all to leave.

Penn, "We gotta go."

Ace, "his hunting partner?" They are walking away. Ace, "Same thing we've always called them, a Dick."

They never even heard the joke. But that's okay because I have a new one. What do you call a guy who shoots his hunting partner? Penn Jillette.