Fenix Underground

Tonight the mainstage headliners were "Front 242". International sensations with a techno edge. Packed house tonight!

No news doesn't necessarily mean good news

An update on my mom.

She was released from the hospital in Pittsburgh after a successful heart transplant 47 days ago. She got back home in time for a migraine headache and for her blood sugar to crash. Yesterday she went to the hospital in Cleveland where they told her that they would not honor the warranty and that she needed to go back to where she had purchased the new heart. . . . FAST. So fast in fact, that they put her on a Medevac Chopper. She was back in Pittsburgh in 45 minutes where they readmitted her.



I just got off the phone with her and sister (my Aunt Jonnie). She sounded good but tired. I asked her what was up, and she speculated that the donor was quite possibly a Steelers Fan and didn't like being in Browns Country.

Guess we'll have to wait and see.

In my "In Box"

Hi Tom,

Thanks for responding. Where is home for you? With us, the greatest challenge is not necessarily the guarantees, it's finding the $$$$'s to get performers up here. Mostly, we look for those folks who happen to be in proximity to Western Canada in August.

I love your comedic style! Are you able to pull off your magic show as a "circle show"? Or, does it work better with small groups?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Russell Thomas
Festival President

My Response


Russell,
  
    I live in Seattle, Washington.  I do circle shows as well as street corner shows depending on space.  Trust me, I am your guy!  Let's book this and and have a WHOLE LOT OF FUN in August.  


Sincerely,


Tom Frank
www.IndustrialStrengthMagic.com

The circle goes round and round

Dear Ms. Tynan:

This will confirm our telephone conversation of 11/4/05 in which it was agreed between the parties that, weather permitting, Mr. Frank will see his children on this coming Sunday (11/06/05), picking them up at 12:00 Noon and delivering them back at 6:00 p.m. at the Ellensburg Police Department.

Mr. Frank will contact you by telephone, leaving you a message prior to pick up time if he is unable to come due to the road conditions of the pass to make the scheduled pick up time.

Additionally, Mr. Frank intends to exercise contact with his children every week at the same time and pick up and delivery location. However, he is requesting that you consider assisting in transporting the children on at least some of these occasions due to the geographic distance created by your move.

Please contact me at your first convenience after Sunday to discuss Mr. Frank’s transportation request.

Best Regards,

James A. Feldman

Rain Rain Go Away

It's rained all week here in Seattle as we're now officially into our rainy season. There's snow in the mountains, so even if my ex wife was normal and would allow me to see my kids, chances of crossing the pass with another storm front on the way is questionable.

I'll be at the Fenix Underground this weekend, as usual. . . but I really need to make some more money. A weekend without street performing is a weekend I need to find another source of performing income.

I just got off the phone with my lawyer, he's trying to get her to let me see the kids this Sunday. This is good news. Let's hope the snow factor doesn't fuck this up.

I've got lot's of ideas whirling around in my head. As always, delusions of grandure and impossible dreams. But! Magic is where the possible and impossible collide like speeding semi's on Myth Busters. As a new daily goal I want to write more. At times I feel like I'm a pretty good writer, at other times I feel like the high school drop out that I am. Regardless, the stories in my head need to be told. I've been fixated on this idea lately of a one man show. kind of a living version of my blog. I like the idea of stringing together tricks, stories, history, pain and emotion. . . . conflict, resolution and wonder all in a 90 minute or 2 hour show. I like the idea of taking the audience on a ride that takes them through a journey over the hills, valley's and mountains of my life.

I want to start writing this show, but don't know where to start. I like to think that the last 5 years of my blog might be some sort of rough draft. I've started outlining some of the pieces of my life that might make for good theater. Others have done this sort of thing, but what makes this unique; is the brash honesty that I want to convey. This is the story of a real life dreamer who has dealt with death, drugs, divorce, and discouregement. Always a die hard optomist he always seems to land on his feet.

Hey! Maybe that's how I should write it! As a 3rd person narrative, disconnecting myself from the character might help in writing more objectively. Who knows.

What I do know, is, I feel like there is a compelling story here. I like the notion of daily writing on this project.

In my "In Box"

I am interesting in hiring a strolling magician for our December 16th Holiday Party. The party is a luncheon being held at EMP (Science Fiction Museum) at the Seattle Center. I am looking for a strolling magician that can really stump our “know it all” employees. Time would be from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Can you tell me if you are available and what type of strolling acts you would be performing?

Chis Warner

My response:


Mr. Warner,

The date is open and I am your guy! As for my ability to amaze, amuse and mystify even the most skeptical of audiences. . . . I am confident. With a track record as long as my life, I will exceed your expectations.

As for the strolling program I present, I feature cards, coins, cups and balls and a bag full of tricks that could contain the "Exploding Light-bulb" as well as other psychic wonders and mysteries of legerdemain!

There are video clips on my website that show a bit of what I do. If you would like to see my work in person, I'm at the Fenix Underground from 9:30 - 11:30PM every Friday and Saturday Night. If you would like to come as my guest, give me a call or shoot me an email and I'll put you +1 on the guest list.


Sincerely,


Tom Frank
www.IndustrialStrengthMagic.com

Wednesday

Growing up a little bit every day
Looking at things in a new way

Lee Asher and David Stone dropped in. They drove up from Eugene, Oregon this afternoon. David had flown in from France where he is from and lives. Lee also fresh in from his successful lecture tour in Asia. They're going up and doing a couple of Canadian cities, then down here on Saturday. I was honored to chat with two top flight international performers in our art. Lee is a genius with or with out magic the boy ROCKS. His progressive views on artists rights, intellectual property, the internet, marketing and magic are refreshing, revolutionary and on the money. Mr. Stone who I was meeting for the first time is an impressive young man. His thick french accent and his passion for the art unique. I've never heard anyone else describe his relationship with magic to that of a mistress. What he asks of her and she asks of him; what he is able to provide. . . . yikes.

He gave me a couple of his DVD's and they're good. Mostly beautiful coin magic. Giving up far to many valuable secrets. But I guess those secrets pay his bills. His soft touch and silky movements make it look like magic.

Tuesday

Alki Beach Magic Studio turned out a good group of a Dozen or so for the Tuesday Night Session. When I showed up after my class Buster, Tim, Solomon, Randy and Jose were hanging out. Shortly after I arrived Robert Stephen's showed up as well as Brian Masters, Lawrence, Steve Ameden, Nash, Isaac, Scotty and Becky. We had a good time jamming out all night long. Second night in a row that the session went till 4AM.


Kitchen Tricks



Smoking Version of Charming Chinese Challenge

Monday - Halloween

Watched Monday Night Football, another good game between the Steelers and the Ravens which Pittsburgh won. Wil came over and we had a very different kind session. . . you might say a Magick Session. How appropriate for Halloween. We discussed Wicca, Tarot, Numerology and the Kaballa. We talked about religion and needs people have to believe, faith and ritual. Wil's extensive knowledge and background in the subject is impressive and always makes for an entertaining evening. We wrapped things up around 4AM. It was a year ago that Wil did his Seance.

She has no power over my moods :-)

November 1, 2005


Dear Mr. Feldman,

I have not yet received a response from you to my letter dated 10/24/05. Despite the restraining order, I continue to receive numerous daily phone calls directly from Tom Frank. When we spoke following the court hearing, I told you I would not have any direct contact with Tom. He seems to be under the assumption that he can pick and choose his visitations dates with the children. But based on your letter to me dated 10/20/05, he requested an every other Sunday visitation schedule in Ellensburg, commencing on 10/30/05. In my response I was in agreement with this request and asked for a written schedule from you, with a commitment from Tom to the specific Sunday dates and times. This was to insure his level of commitment based on his past history of failing to exercise his visitation times, as well as a way to protect the children from further harm when their father does not follow through with his promised visitations. In addition this (new) visitation schedule deviates from the Parenting Plan and the Commissioner’s recent recommendation of half-day visits during the week in Ellensburg. Therefore, it was in the best interest of both parties that this schedule is in writing.

I did not receive a written schedule nor did Tom make any arrangements to see the children on 10/30/05 as was agreed. During recent phone calls he is now telling the children he will see them this Sunday, November 5th. I am unwilling to rearrange the children’s schedule or prepare the children for a visit with their father that will not materialize without a specific agreement in writing. Until you provide me with a written schedule with every other Sunday dates and times (within a five hour period between 12noon and 6pm, as stated in my previous letter) to which Tom is willing to commit to see the children, I am unwilling to leave this open-ended because of the impact this has on our children. We must have a schedule in place to ensure Tom’s commitment as well as a routine and availability in the children’s schedules. Tom has had almost three weeks since our 10/12/05 hearing to visit with the children….he has not seen them once. The children are obviously not a priority for Tom.

So there is no misunderstanding, I will not communicate directly with Tom Frank about his visitation schedule for the children. Any contact must come from you, and I ask that you tell your client to immediately stop all phone calls to me.

Thank you,

Moira Tynan

Final note on Halloween gig

On the way to Everett I stopped at Safeway and bought some final loads for the Gazzo cups. I was running a tad late. As soon as I walked in the Dance Studio where I would be performing in the Ballroom, she took my overcoat and gave me the wireless mic to put on. She said, "You go on in two songs". I quickly set my props for my performance and realized that one of the loads had rolled out of the bag and was in my car a block away. I was on in less than 2 minutes and had to think fast. I guess I could finish the routine with just two loads, but I didn't want to do that. Thinking on my feet, I looked around and did the best I could. This is what I came up with.

Coming through the haze. . . . no really

Moving forward, feeling good about life. Didn't get to see my little kids on Halloween, nor is Moira going to allow me anytime with them tomorrow on Max's 9th Birthday. I choose to no longer give her the power to effect my moods. Her behavior is so predictable that I would have been surprised if she would have let me see the kids on either of those two days. So, If I knew that was going to happen, why would I let it upset me. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. I'm done feeling and acting like a victim. I have nothing but love in my heart for her and my children.

October marked the 3rd year we've been in Washington and would marked our 10 year anniversary had she wanted it to. Oh well.

Tonight was another parenting class. 3rd one down out of 8. Can't wait to start seeing the kids more. Meanwhile Buster is my pride and joy. He's been working in the yard lately to make a little money. He's doing well in school and I'm very proud of him.

Sunday if the pass is clear (were expecting snow in the mountains), Buster and I will make the 2 hour drive to Ellensburg to see the kids. I talked to them on the phone last night and they had a good time trick or treating. So full of life, joy and happiness. Regardless of the crap Moira puts me through, she was always a good mom.

Rope Escape of Years Gone By

The rope tie on the clip was one of the hardest I've ever done. The spider web like grid of knots that the sailors tied was a serious challenge as you can see. I was drunk at the time and had bet the sailors $100 that they couldn't tie me up so that I couldn't get out. . . not smart. Ayyy it was a kick. Enjoy! I edited it down a bit as not to bore you.



1993 Escape Footage Click Here

Halloween Gig Rope Escape

Admittedly a weak escape. . . but what'cha gonna do.



Streaming Clip Click Here

Site du jour

A while ago I posted the URL to a site that had a Cardini Clip. It was just a segment of his act. Here is the full performance. I remember back in the day, the ONLY way to see this footage was to go to the Museum of Television and Radio in New York City. Ahhh how the world is changing. I don't care how much it changes, I will ALWAYS love watching the magical artistry that was CARDINI

Cardini Clip On This Site

Houdini's obituary

Taken from the New York Times dated Monday, November 1, 1926... .the day after Halloween. " DETROIT, Oct. 31



Harry Houdini, world famous magician, a defier of locks and sealed chests and an exposer of spiritualistic frauds, died here this afternoon after a week's struggle for life, in which he underwent two operations. Death was due to peritonitis, which followed the first operation, that for appendicitis. The second operation was performed last Friday. Like a newly discovered serum, used for the first time in Houdini's case, it was no avail. The chapter of accidents which ended fatally for the man who so often had seemed to thousands to be cheating the very jaws of death began early in October at Albany, N.Y.. On the opening night of his engagement at a theatre there a piece of apparatus used in his "water torture cell" trick was overturned and struck him on the foot. Houdini called a physician from the audience, had his foot examined and then completed the performance. Afterward he went to a hospital and had the injured foot x-rayed.

Appendix Follows Blow. A bone was found to be partly fractured and Houdini was advised to discontinue his tour a few days and give prompt attention and plenty of rest to an injured foot. He declined to cancel his engagements, however, and did not miss a show. From Albany he and his company went to Schenectady. Houdini was suffering continuous pain and returned to Albany for several treatments. By the time he left Schenectady for Montreal his whole system was in a weakened condition.

On Tuesday, Oct. 19, while in Montreal he addressed a class of students on spiritualistic tricks. During a reception following the address he commented on the strength of his stomach muscles and their ability to withstand hard blows without injury. One of the students without warning or giving time for Houdini to prepare struck him twice immedietly over his appendix. He suffered not distress at the time but after he had boarded a train for Detroit he complained of pain. At first he attributed it to something that he had eaten but as it increased he called in the company's nurse, who in turn arranged by wire to have a physician meet the magician in Detroit. Dr. Leo Dretzka, a prominent physician, made a hurried examination and told the patient there was symptoms of appendicitis. He left it to Houdini to decide whether it be advisable for him to appear that evening at the Garrick Theatre for the opening night of the show. Houdini would not disappoint his admirers. Looking back on that last performance, the large audience now realizes that the famous magician did his tricks under great strain. He felt the grip of bonds he had never tested, the snap of a lock not forged by human hands. He was worried for one of the few times in his career and was plainly not up to his best form in some of his tricks.

Conscious Until Death. At his hotel after the performance the pain increased. The house physician and the best Detroit could furnish were called. Houdini was taken to Gray Hospital and the following afternon underwent an operation for appendicitis. His removal from the hotel to the hospital was made at the suggestion of his family physician, William Stone of New York City, who had been notified by telephone of his friend's condition. Until his death Houdini was conscious and his mind was keen and alert. The Physicians who attended him say he was the best patient they ever had, and he helped them wonderfully. His mental attitude, combined with his unusual stamina, did much to prolong his life. According to statements made by the physicians, the playful punches he received in Montreal were the direct cause of Houdini's death, for one of the blows caused the appendix to burst, saturating his system with poison. Streptococcus peritonitis, which developed soon after the operation last Monday, seriously complicated the case. This is a particulary virulent form of poisoning, and few cases are known in the medical profession where persons suffering from it have recovered.



The body will leave Detroit for New York in a special car Monday evening, arrive in New York Tuesday morning about 9 o'clock. "

Houdini Escapes from a straight jacket video clip, click here

Halloween

Another weekend entertaining at the Fenix Underground. Tonight lots of interesting and unusual costumes. Last night after I got off, I walked over to the Owl and Thistle where Suicide Jack was playing. I danced with Maggie, Emily and a couple of girls I didn't know. Had a pretty good time.



This is Paul, he works the Fenix at the door. He greets guests that are on the guest list. If you want to come on down to the club as my guest, let me know and I'll put you on the list.