[MyMagic] New Boggling Release

Meir’s Muses
MyMagic eNewsletter #1,167
January 6, 2024

One of the things I think about most often is how to open my shows in a way that introduces me to the audience, builds trust, and foreshadows what is about to happen.

It is easier for walk-around because it is conversational, and most conversations can start with a question.

On stage, getting the audience to know you and like you takes a different set of skills and strategies. I recently released my Progressive Bills which I used to open my stage shows for many, many years and I discussed many of those strategies in the tutorial.

For the past 5-6 years I have been opening my shows with a different routine and relegated the Progressive Bills to the second or third routine in the act.

This time I wanted to do a pseudo explanation of how magic works, so it seems educational, and seems like I am sharing the secrets of magic with them. I decided to use optical illusions so I can be totally honest with the audience without actually tipping any real secrets.

I recently kept that theme but am using something more complicated and less practical…But I like it. So, I decided to release the Brain Bogglers I have been using. I think you will like it. It will be familiar to you, but it is an ideal way to introduce yourself. The pieces are modular and can be used for close-up, stand-up, emcee work, speeches … well you get the idea.

►Brain Bogglers:

For many years Meir Yedid has been opening his stage, parlor, and formal close-up shows with a series of three optical illusions/brain twisters where he explains how magic works. The premise is that we tell you the truth, but your brain lies to you.

Within the presentation he explains; “The reason these illusions work is that our brains are programmed for survival and not for reality. They will consistently lie to us and misinterpret things to seemingly protect us. Magicians take advantage of that, and the reason I am exposing it to you is that I believe the more you know about magic, the more you can appreciate it.” The routines taught with these self-working illusions can be used as an entire act by themselves or individually.

The three optical illusions/brain twisters are the standard Word Skipping Illusion, Cornsweet Illusion, and Thatcher illusion, although they have been modified to optimize the live presentations and make them more interesting. Suitable for close-up, parlor, and stage. They are also ideal for speakers and emcees.

Watch and buy: HERE

I just made a thirty-second video with my favorite phase of the Sakkaku Scale to share on social media. You can watch it: HERE

►Sakkaku Scale Puzzle:

Invented by Toru Suzuki this is by far the most brilliant application of the “Boomerang Illusion (Jastrow Illusion)” ever created. It is an ideal item to carry around in your pocket or wallet and demonstrate for friends and clients during casual occasions.

As you talk about optical illusions you show three plastic strips. Two of the strips have cats printed on them and one has a ruler. Using the ruler, you show that all are the same size. Then the cats appear to get shorter and longer and each time you use the ruler to show that they apparently did change in size. This looks so impossible that you will fool yourself every time you demonstrate it.

Watch and buy: HERE

►UPCOMING APPEARANCES:

►Sunday Jan 14: Spinnato’s Comedy Magic Show at Comix @ Mohegan Sun Casino in CT. Tickets: HERE

To view all my upcoming appearances go: HERE

Stay happy, Meir

PS: The Brain Bogglers tutorial includes two extra pieces. The one I retired that used to get huge laughs and one that I currently use in my opening.

“A great opener should have a bit of your personality in it.”
…Nathan Kranzo (Thoughts On Performing Stand-Up Comedy Magic, 2022)