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Brian Lehr Inner circle Edmonton, Canada 1605 Posts |
Anyone have any humorous stories about their traveling experiences as a magician?
I've got two: 1. Many years ago, I was invited to a local prison (for non-magic related reasons). As I was going through the metal detector, the bells and whistles went off. After searching me, they discovered strange metal devices such as pyro-perception, along with weird looking plastic thumbs in which things could secretly be hidden, as well as ropes. Because I wasn't there for magic-related reasons (I was helping the chaplain), I had totally forgotten that all of this stuff was still in my pockets. The man did not look kindly upon me trying to bring all this into a prison, and held unto it all until I left about an hour later. 2. Two weeks ago I was attending a family reunion in Nova Scotia. Knowing that I was going to be asked to perform some magic, I brought a duffle bag with several items. I checked the bag in, along with my suitcase. On the way back, I forgot to check the duffle bag in with the suitcase, and ended up just carrying it with me, along with another carry on bag. I had totally forgotten to check it in. As it was going through the scanner, I happened to look at the x-ray screen, and noticed what I thought looked like a pair of scissors. It was then I realized that I was supposed to have checked the bag in with the suitcase. When the person in charge asked who owned this duffle bag, I explained that it was mine, and apologized profusely. As she took the scissors out of the bag, she also brought out a little cloth bag that contained my utensils for my Bill to Lemon trick. Oh no! When she asked what this was, I told her, and quickly explained that inside the little cloth bag she will find a very sharp knife. She gave me the dirtiest look! She told me that I could either check the bag at baggage, or she could confiscate the scissors and knife. I told her to confiscate them, and I'll buy new ones when I arrived back home. She then asked was there anything else in the duffle bag that she should know about. I said there was nothing except playing cards and my straight jacket. Straight Jacket? Uh oh. She wasn't sure if I was allowed to take this on board the flight, and had to check with her supervisor. A few minutes later she came back, giving me the green light to take it on board with me. Overall, this wasn't a bad experience, but one that I'll remember each time I'm traveling with magic-related items. Brian |
Scott O. Inner circle Midwest 1143 Posts |
Oh, how times change. I remember seeing a Micheal Lair lecture about a dozen years ago. One of the things he used was a flip-out style switch knife. It was real and added some interest to his show. Someone asked how he got it there, and he said he took it on the plane with him. He regularly did that and never had a problem. . . I would guess he doesn't do that any longer .
------------- While not a traveling story, several years ago when I was getting back into magic I was working as a writer on assignment at a company. At the time I was perfecting my palm. So I would walk everywhere with a half dollar palmed in my hand. I happened to be stopped by the HR person in the hall. She immediately introduced me to the President of the company -- who immediately stuck out his right hand to shake mine. . . uh, which happened to be palming a half dollar at the time. That would have been a weird experience for the guy. I had a split second to think, and decided to ditch the coin in my pocket first. He had the strangest look on his face as I put my hand in my pocket first and then proceeded to pull it out and shake his hand. Awkward.
Do not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time you will reap a harvest, if you do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
I was traveling with a USO showcase through southern Europe. We were en route to Decimomannu Air Base on the southern tip of Sardinia from La Madelena Naval Base on the northern tip. We stopped midway at a pizzeria in this VERY small little town.
A couple of local shepherds were three sheets to the wind in the corner and were watching us closely. Each base was responsible for transporting us to our next destination, so we had a new Sardinian bus driver. I was showing him a bit of close-up magic and brought out my Mogar knives. The two shepherds staggered over and said something in Sardo. The driver said they wanted to see the knives change color again. What the heck...why not! Afterwards, one of the shepherds pulled out this foot-long folding bone-handle knife encrusted in wool, blood and who-knows-what and demanded that I make it change color. Under different circumstances, I might have done a flip vanish or similar effect to be accommodating, but I REALLY didn't want to touch this thing! I smiled and explained that it was all a simple trick. The shepherd loudly demanded that I trade my knife for his. When I politely declined, he became rather agitated and vocal. Okay, that's an understatement. The dude went ballistic ranting about witchcraft and devils. As the pizzeria owner tried to calm the shepherd down, the driver urgently suggested that we quickly retire to the bus. We took his advice and ran like hell. The power of magic!
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
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