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x303 New user St-Hubert, Quebec, Canada. 74 Posts |
Hi,
I’ve been using the comedy funnel for a couple of shows. So far, I’ve had great reactions from it and no problems, until this last show. I normally fill it before I leave. This time it emptied itself, as I found out parked in the customers driveway! Luckily, a store almost next door, I was able to fill it. Does anyone have a solution so this doesn’t happen ever again? Experiences for this show: The cake was given just as I arrived (sugar high). I was hired by the father who was nowhere to be seen. The mother was the only adult present, who was self-centered and couldn’t give a crap about her kids. The things she said in front of her kids, completely degrading them. The birthday girl was, of course, extremely shy, but got a couple of smiles out of her. As I was leaving she ran up to me and gave me the biggest unexpected hug you could imagine! I left this show with a tear in my eye! Bob |
Cabrera Special user Seattle 513 Posts |
Comedy funnel, after years of fighting with it , I gave it away. The reaction was great, but it was still a pain to keep full while traveling or set up right before the show ( one time I forgot to fill the blasted thing so I had to abort the trick during the show!)
As far as leaving with a tear in your eye....at least they weren't crying!
"The quilt of life is woven with many different threads"
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Ron Reid Inner circle Phoenix, Arizona 2732 Posts |
Hi Bob:
I've not done the funnel, so I don't have experience on their reliability. However, I think I would fill it up shortly before the show. I normally find the client's house, and then park my car around the corner while I put on my good shoes, vest, etc. I also load up my change bag with silks. I think I would carry some water with me and take this time to fill up my funnel. Ron |
Popo Loyal user Valparaiso, IN 219 Posts |
I used to carry water with me to fill up the funnel. Now I take a bucket with me. I put a Towel in the bottom and I put certain props in it. Then I put in the filled funnel so that it stands upright inside and, most importantly, does not vibrate. I found that it was this vibration and tipping that would cause it to drain. I have the bucket under my table. I put the funnel in a cup in back of me and pull it out when it is time. I have not had a failure yet in two years (about 150 shows). It always gets a great response.
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x303 New user St-Hubert, Quebec, Canada. 74 Posts |
Hi,
I will try the bucket idea, I really don't want to drop this from the show. I use milk, and will carry extra with me for emergencies. In my routine, I use the milk pitcher,into comedy egg can, on head then out elbow with funnel! Popo do you leave the cork in? Thanks for your wisdom. Bob |
Donald Dunphy Inner circle Victoria, BC, Canada 7563 Posts |
Another perspective. I don't do tricks with any liquids in the home. I want to eliminate the risk of any spills, plus they are not paying me enough to go through the extra bother.
So, no liquids for birthdays, but maybe OK for larger shows, in gyms, etc. It is at those shows I might use comedy funnel, lota, or milk pitcher. - Donald.
Donald Dunphy is a Victoria Magician, British Columbia, Canada.
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EddyRay Special user United States Of America 525 Posts |
Good point Donald. It might be a great routine, but it is truly worth the hassle? Substitute the routine that will pack easy.
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
HI,
I persnally do not use liquids but a friend that does showed me a different funnel that he purchased at blackpool convention. the advantages of this model where that the funnel could be directly filled from a tap/ bottle (no need to submerge as with the other model) also the hand had a lever with a rbber seal that you pulled with your thumb to release the water (no tape or acidental release) if you want to know the supplier I can find out but I wont see him until the Bristol convention in May Phillip |
Emazdad Inner circle Plymouth UK 1954 Posts |
I'll keep my eye out for you at Bristol Phil
Yours Funfully
Clive "Emazdad" Hemsley www.emazdad.com "Magic is a secret, without the secret there is no magic" Remember there are only 3 types of people in the world, those that can count and those that can't. |
Popo Loyal user Valparaiso, IN 219 Posts |
Bob, yes, I keep the cork in but just until I get to the show to set up. Then I pull out the cork (a little water will come out) and put it in the cup till I'm ready. I too, use the milk pitcher and the comedy egg can but not the way you described. Sounds like you've got a great routine. When I do the milk pitcher I let a little milk fall into the newspaper so a couple of drops fall out of the bottom. This gets the audience really believing that the milk is in the paper. I have also never had a problem with people being upset with liquids. Especially the water. I think it is in how you present yourself from the start as well as who you pick to assist you. Also, we're not talking about drenching somebody or the rug. I always explain to the host that I use liquids and that there is the possibility of a spill. They always make accomodations and are okay with it.
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x303 New user St-Hubert, Quebec, Canada. 74 Posts |
Thanks Popo, I should keep the cork in.
In using liquids, I'm always very careful and take my time. Haven't made a mess in someone's home so far! After fake pouring the milk into the egg can, I really pour some in an extra glass and drink it. I originally pull out the pitcher for a drink break then change my mind to show them something with the milk. Showing an empty towel I roll it around the pitcher and produce from it silks and a toy cow then go on as I've said in my post above! Bob |
p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
Hi Emazdad,
Yes look forward to seeing you again at Bristol, actualy it is Gary Jones,s friend OZ that bought the funnel I am speaking of on this thread. Phillip |
Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
I've had the Morrissey funnel for years now, and HATE IT. Never works right, it's a pain to handle, and it can leave you high and dry (well, dry at least). There is a NEW funnel on the market with a completely different principle. Actually has 2 principles. Foo can and funnel that will NOT leak. No thumb hole to cover, no tape...it just works! So, if you don't mind the extra care of handling liquids occasionally, get one. I bought it at a ring auction, I think it's called the "Super Funnel". And I recommend it highly.
Steve Thomas |
Geoff Weber Inner circle Washington DC 1384 Posts |
Click Here!
there is special powders and drops you can add to water to make it look like milk... no need to run to the store to buy milk at the last minute. If you use milk colored water you can just prep it in the host's bathroom. |
Simon Williams New user Sully, South Wales 54 Posts |
Here is a url for the super funnel
http://www.emagictricks.co.uk/product_in......_id=2311 These are not new, my father had one years ago bought from Supreme I believe. |
WR Special user Utah 945 Posts |
I use Magicians wax on my funnels. No leaks yet. I also kee it in a large zipper storage bag.
WR
"Tell Em WR sent Ya."
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x303 New user St-Hubert, Quebec, Canada. 74 Posts |
Hi,
Thanks for all your help! I'll check out the Super funnel. Wouldn't magicians wax plug the hole, WR? One thing if you do liquid effects with milk, wash your props immediately when you get home! I learned that the hard way! I might buy the powder, Geoff! Bob |
WR Special user Utah 945 Posts |
Scrape it off with the Thumbnail.
Works for me. WR
"Tell Em WR sent Ya."
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Al Kazam the Magic Man Inner circle Living in Perth Western Australia 1042 Posts |
This may seem a bit simple, as I do use a funnel on stage or when I busk on the street. I fill mine in front of the audience. I show the funnel empty and then hold the funnel against my left palm. I then pour the water into it with my right hand. When it's full I then walk around and sometimes even splash a bit on the kids in the front. This takes up a bit of time and gives the water time to load. At least enough for a couple of small cups. When I think there is enough water loaded, I then make a gesture with my left hand to the audience on the left, the same time as I take the handle on the funnel in my right and put my thumb on the spot to stop everything from running out. This of course lets out any remaining water in the funnel, but also gives you a good reason to have an empty funnel.
When I would pre load, I always felt awkward and held it rather cautiously, not tipping it etcetra. Hope this may give you some different ideas to think about. Regards, JoJo
Magic guy in Perth Australia
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