Amazing JoeJoe

Every good thing must come to an end...

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:17:00 +0000

I have been informed by blogger.com that they are going to cease the FTP Upload of blogs, which is the method I use to publish my blog.

I am not sure what to do about this, I don't really want to deal with installing my own software to maintain a blog. I'm tempted to just keep a MySpace blog, but MySpace does not provide any mechanism to import all of my previous blog posts.

As of right now, it is my intention to re-write my website as I want to update a lot of the information. I plan to do a larger layout that can display more information and make the website more "Flash-like" but continue to use pure DHTML and JavaScript as opposed to Flash.

My "contact" page is being abused spammers - I'm not sure why they are targeting me, but I want to assure everyone that I have no need for Viagra and if you are the one that is using my contact page to try to sell me some please stop! One part of the website update will be to deter such spam from reaching my mailbox.

So sometime in the future, expect a brand new amazingjoejoe.com!

-JoeJoe

Magic at the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 17:23:00 +0000

The big magic convention in Myrtle Beach is finally over. While many (most?) magicians attend several of these every year, this is only the 3rd convention I've ever attended ... the first being in 1992. Needless to say, I had a blast! It was really awesome being able to meet in person the great people I've met online over the years!

Murray's lecture was outstanding, every magician should go out of their way to see his lecture. Shawn Farquhar is one of the most dynamic performers ever. And it was a real treat to actually meet Rocco - I have heard so much about his charisma, but all that was nothing to actually witness it first hand. And let's not forget Dave Tanner's collection of Houdini Memorabilia he was kind enough to display.

But it is even better that it is over! I've spent the last several months working exclusively on the new levitation, and I have so many other projects that I have wanted to work on. This includes a new set of silver cups and balls I found at a flea market that need polishing and an improved design for my dancing cane.

I am left with a big question ... do I continue to work on the levitation, or do I move on to a new idea I have to cut myself in half? Last minute complications prevented me from performing it as I envisioned ... and I have new ideas to make it even better. But the cutting myself in half might turn out to be a much better illusion in the end. So it's something to think about.

Time to get back into the studio and figure it all out ... oh yea, one more thing ... I will be posting video soon of my performance at the convention, so make sure you are subscribed to my YouTube channel so you don't miss it!

-JoeJoe

Zoey The Wonderbird

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:06:00 +0000

I am flabbergasted! Five thousand views, with 72 five-star ratings! Thank you everyone for making Zoey's video a huge success ... I read her every comment that has been posted and she thanks you all!

-JoeJoe and Zoey!

Magic at the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:04:00 +0000

Myrtle Beach finally gets a magic convention! January 14-16th at the Ocean Dunes Resort and Conference Center: Magic at the Beach.

This is very good news for me, because as many already know ... I do not travel well. Thus, I don't get to go to many of these conventions. I am very excited that no less than four FISM winners will be in town!

There will also be a stage competition. I generally do not like to think of magic as a competition sport, and tend to shy away from these things. But after a great deal of thought, I have decided to enter this competition.

I made this decision after realizing that I had enough of my own original magic for a complete act. There will be no store bought magic in my routine, only original magic that I myself have created including my Floating Knot and my Sword-in-Chest.

I will also unveil a brand new stage illusion I created, which I do not plan to tip other than to say it is a self-levitation. In recent years, the self levitation has become the "holy grail" of magic with every magician and his mother trying to invent the latest and greatest method. I don't proclaim mine to be the latest or the greatest, but I think it is pretty clever and will blow the minds off some of the "move monkey" magicians at this convention.

So that is the update ... hope to see you at the convention!

-JoeJoe

Magic Floating Cigarette Illusion

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:19:00 +0000

This video is a remake of my floating cigarette video(s). I've wanted to do this for a long time. The original videos were filmed with "fake cigarettes" after I quit smoking and was not actively performing the routine. As a consequence, I have always felt my performance was not up to par. However, it is still my most popular video so I left it up.

I put a lot of time and thought into this remake, and I am most pleased with the result. I think it is my best video to date. I have been performing the routine again, and I have been using real cigarettes - no, I am not smoking them just floating them. Nothing floats like a real cigarette, something about their weight and balance.

So here it is ... don't forget to give it a few stars, and if you haven't already done so subscribe to my channel. [smile]

-JoeJoe

Dancing Cane and Silk Hanky

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:59:00 +0000

Today, I upload the 2nd Summerfest 2009 Video:

-JoeJoe

Summerfest 2009 Videos

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 04:33:00 +0000

Tonight I upload the first of a series of videos shot over Summerfest 2009! These will all just be short little clips of me doing simple magic tricks for kids. Enjoy!

-JoeJoe

David Jon ``D.J.'' Houghtaling

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:14:00 +0000

I want to offer my most sincere condolences to the family of David Jon ``D.J.'' Houghtaling, who died last night after being stabbed at The Afterdeck night club.

I was at the club having a good time and witnessed the fight break out. There is just no place in a civilized society for such senseless violence. People go to night clubs to have a good time, not to get stabbed!

I wish there was something I could have done to help prevent this tragedy. :(

-JoeJoe

This has been the most intense summer of my life!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:10:00 +0000

This has been the most intense summer of my life! I worked seven nights a week through out it all. While I worked 5pm-10pm last year, this summer I worked till 11pm and often came in as early as 1pm. Tonight will be 89 nights in a row I have worked without a day off.

Many people at the Landing have questioned as to why I would want to work like that. I myself don't see it as "work"; when you enjoy what you do as much as I do then it is just a natural thing to want to do it as often as you possibly can. I know that when Fall and Winter arrive, I will not have the luxury of being able to do what I love so it is important to me to soak in as much of it as I can while I can. :)

There will be new video posted in the near future! I have some excellent footage captured, but I simply do not have the time to process it yet. I was thinking of piecing together a bunch of clips into a 5 minute montage of the summer, but I think I will instead release five separate videos to capture five times the exposure. I personally am a fan of longer videos with some substance on them, but I keep getting advised to release short clips so I am going to try it.

See ya soon!

-JoeJoe

Summer 2009 Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 05:49:00 +0000

I have had someone taking pictures and video of me this summer. I have not had time to process the video, but I have uploaded a bunch of the pictures to my MySpace page.

Barefoot Landing Street Performers Parade

JoeJoe Performing in Myrtle Beach

-JoeJoe

Pirate Festival

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:57:00 +0000

This weekend we had a Pirate Festival at Barefoot Landing, and it was a lot of fun! I hope we get to do this again!

This event was sponsored by Ghosts and Legends, a very unique show here at Barefoot Landing!

-JoeJoe

On My Mark ... Get Set ........ GO!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:58:00 +0000

Back in 2005, blogging was all the rage - everyone was talking about it, it was all over the news. In those days, if I made a post I would get a couple of thousand hits to my website. Since then, several other sites have become popular - MySpace, Facebook, YouTube, and more recently Twitter. When I make a blog post now-a-days, I am lucky to get a couple of hundred hits.

I had thought about just closing the blog, but I have decided to keep it as it is an easy way to add content to my site ... but this summer, I do not intend to worry about making as many posts.

In fact, I don't intend to make many posts on the magic forums I usually participate in either. Normally, when I go to work I am just goofing off, having fun. But this year I plan to take it a lot more seriously and put a lot more attention to where I am and what I am doing ... I don't intend to fuss with the camera or worry about the negativity and politicizing on the forums. I intend to focus on the here and the now - Barefoot Landing.

And I expect it to be my greatest summer ever ... I am in peak physical shape. When I quit smoking, I got fat ... well I have been working out and getting in shape. I rode my bike 12 miles today, and will do so tomorrow as well. I have gone from weighing 250 pounds to a lean 160 size 28 jeans - I am in better shape than when I was 18!

So today will be my last day off for some time now ... and in all honesty, I am too excited to enjoy it properly. All I can think about is getting back out there in the 120 degree heat index and doing what I do best!

-JoeJoe

Magic Trick with a Dollar Bill

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:17:00 +0000

An old trick usually done with an index card, I initially planned this to close my street performances; I spent 9 months working out the routine ... speeding up the cutting process, getting a hole large enough to fit over me, crafting each line of the speech. Then I tried to do it outdoors at Barefoot Landing and realized that it was not possible to cut the dollar in the strong Ocean Breeze. :(

I hope to use it in the future in indoor shows, and think it makes a nice addition to my YouTube channel as a studio take. I hope you enjoy it. :)

Music by Kevin MacLeod at http://incompetech.com/

Patter is Copyright 2009 by the Amazing JoeJoe

-JoeJoe

Myrtle Beach Wildfires

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:39:00 +0000

If you have seen the news today, you may already know that there is a huge wildfire threatening Myrtle Beach. If this fire jumps the Waterway and burns down Barefoot Landing then I'm out of a job.

As of right now, this has all happened West of the Inter Coastal Waterway - a man made canal built during WWII, which means none of the "Grand Strand" itself has been affected, other than falling ash and a lot of smoke.

Here is a picture taken from my pitch, the tall buildings in the back are part of Barefoot Resorts ... behind them, is the housing development where at least 70 homes have burned to the ground and thousands of people have been evacuated. The Barefoot Landing parking lot itself has become a makeshift shelter where families with pets not allowed in the "official" shelters are parking and camping.

-JoeJoe

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:18:00 +0000

I just got the chance to see this movie, and was completely and totally blown away! Every magician should watch this movie! It should be mandatory study material!

To be completely honest, I find that most magicians are just fakes - they are like, funny guys doing magic tricks ... but they are not "magicians". They just know a few good magic tricks. There is no shame in being a funny guy that does magic tricks, but if you want to be a "magician" you need more than just great tricks, you need the mentality of a REAL magician.

It is really hard for me to articulate exactly what it is that makes someone a "real" magician, it's like trying to explain the scent of a rose ... or defining the color red to blind person. I don't know what it is, but I know it when I see it ... and if you want to see it for yourself, watch Mr. Magorium ... much like Willy Wonka, he is just magic. You can tell ... you can see it on him ... nobody has to tell you he is magic, you just know that he is.

-JoeJoe

Taste of the Coast

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:53:00 +0000

A last minute booking, I will be at Barefoot Landing this Saturday (March 21st) from 11am - 4pm for the "Taste of the Town Festival".

This is a benefit for the Risen Christ Lutheran School and will feature bouncy balls, mascots, and lots of fun for kids of all ages (that includes you Mom and Dad!).

For more info, visit the Taste of the Coast Website. See ya' there!

-JoeJoe

World's Largest Parakeet

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 06:37:00 +0000

Now that I have a working prototype of my new Floating Knot trick, I want to clear some things off my desk that I have been neglecting. And the first order of business was another YouTube video I call "The World's Largest Parakeet", which I sometimes refer to as "Bite Britney on the Nose".

We filmed most of this last summer and have been sitting on the footage; originally I wanted to do a magic trick with Zoey but she doesn't seem to be that interested in magic and since I dyed my hair I figured I could either reshoot everything, or just put together the video without the magic trick. So on one hand there are no magic tricks in this video, but on the other hand it is the most magical video I have done yet.

I am very proud of this video and have high hopes for it. It doesn't matter how many times I watch it, I smile every time. Zoey and I both hope it brings a smile to your face as well. Enjoy.

-JoeJoe

Floating Knot

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 03:52:00 +0000

Did I mention my vacation was over? Well it is, and I'm back to work. I hit the studio today and captured my latest illusion ... the floating knot. I've been toying around with this since last summer, so I spent the last few days putting it all together and I now have a working prototype.

It is interesting in that while I am actually performing this, I don't get to "see" the actual effect itself ... thus, this is the first time I've actually witnessed the levitation. I like it, and I know I can make it better. I see this as a true winner, I'm eager to start performing it for live audiences. I hope you enjoy it.

-JoeJoe

Getting ready for it...

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 04:47:00 +0000

Well, at the end of the summer I was burnt out and stressed to the max ... so I have considered myself on "vacation" since October and must say I have thoroughly enjoyed it. My average day has consisted of waking up around noon, ordering a pizza, and spending the day playing my favorite video games.

But alas, it is time to stop hibernating and get back to work. I have updated the Showtimes Page and have shot out a couple of emails in hopes of securing some new gigs this Spring. I have talked to Kim at Barefoot Landing and it looks good for me to be returning again this summer for six nights a week. Just as last summer, I plan to arrive early, work late, and show up on my nights off. I don't know why I do that, all I can say is that I love what I do.

I am absolutely determined to do a "show" this Spring. By "show", I don't mean a sidewalk performance ... I have a venue in mind, but I don't want to jinx it just yet so I'll keep quiet for now. This show will be an hour long sit-down event that will encompass all the magic I have created over the last 20 years including routines I used at 2001 Nightlife, Coconuts Comedy Club, as well as my street work.

If you have been reading my blog over the years you may remember that this is something I have been trying to do for years, but something always gets in the way. NOT THIS TIME! The show will go on even if I have to crawl through a river of sewage to get there! I have a very strong message of peace to bring to the world and the time for it is now.

I'll post updates here ... I have a few surprises including a hot new trick, more YouTube videos, and a new hairstyle and image for myself. This year, there are going to be big changes. Start getting ready for it...

-JoeJoe

I am sadden to learn...

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:46:00 +0000

I am sadden to learn that Thomas has passed away. For those that don't know, Thomas was the inspiration for my Snowstorm in Myrtle Beach video. While I was playing in the snow, I was thinking about all the things that David Blaine did like being in that box for a month ... and I was thinking of my old friend in DC Thomas, and how he has been standing in front of the White House for 27 years. Somehow I thought it would be kewl if my snow could somehow bring world peace and yada yada yada.

Surprisingly, he got a nice write up at the Washington Post, and I am sure many other places as well. If you had ever met Thomas, you would realize why he is so special. He dedicated his life so that other people may live in peace. Rest in peace my friend.

-JoeJoe

Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 08:21:00 +0000

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Since I already quit smoking, I have to really think hard for a New Year Resolution ... and ultimately decided that my New Year Resolution will be to stop making New Year Resolutions. : )

I am very much enjoying my extended vacation, and eager to return to the stage this Spring.

-JoeJoe

Zoey the Wonderbird

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:17:00 +0000

I'm working on another YouTube production called "The Worlds Largest Parakeet" staring Zoey the Wonder Bird. I've been waiting for a nice warm day so I could take Zoey back outside, and today was that day. She had a beautiful free flight and we captured some great footage:

-JoeJoe

Oh My Gosh!

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:45:00 +0000

Here is an older video that for whatever reason never made it to YouTube, at least not until now. It was an entertaining moment at Barefoot Landing. I was showing some kids a magic trick and didn't realize I was being watched. Enjoy.

-JoeJoe

North Myrtle Beach Times

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 02:07:00 +0000

It seems that when summer is over, I need an escape from magic. This year I've been busy remodeling my house - we're talking overdrive mode ... replacing rotten wood, a new roof, a fresh coat of paint, new gutters ... and thats just the outside.

Now that I am wrapping it up, I am starting to feel the itch again. I am thinking of some direct mail looking for Christmas shows, I haven't done Christmas shows in 10 years so it would feel new and fresh and I would find it exciting.

I've also been wondering how to proceed with my Magic Joint. There hasn't been much action there, but it certainly isn't something I have abandoned. While it may appear to be another web forum for magicians, I have much larger plans for it - it is destined to become a video content delivery system where you can purchase how-to videos where I teach magic. This will include classics of magic as well as some of my original material.

I am currently hung-up on how to proceed: I can either do a system when you pay for access and watch the videos via a Flash Player (like YouTube), or a system where you download the videos to your harddrive. The latter method uses less bandwidth, but I feel the first method yields better relations with the viewers. Perhaps a combination of both?

Ok so, I've got to get back to work ... just wanted to keep in touch. I leave you with a picture that ran in the North Myrtle Beach Times:

-JoeJoe

Carl Skenes and David Blaine

noreply@blogger.com (JoeJoe) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:59:00 +0000

I have received an interesting email from my friend Joe Jesse. It seems that David Blaine has hooked up with Carl Skenes for his latest special.

For those that don't know, Carl Skenes is a local legend here in Myrtle Beach. He used to do the balloons at Barefoot Landing where I now work. He is very good at balloons, I'd even say he could be perhaps the very best. His balloons were so good, he could work an area that didn't have any kids present and still make bank. I believe Disney was about to sue him for trademark infringement because he did Micky Mouse balloons, only when they realized how good his balloons were they ended up hiring him instead - at least, thats the urban legend ... I don't know the real story.

But most people know him from his appearance on "That's Incredible". He's the guy that actually caught a bullet in his mouth ... I don't mean the "magic trick", he's the guy that actually did it. He is on record as being the only guy to have ever done it ... that is, until tonight. It seems David Blaine will be performing Carl Skenes' version of the deadly bullet catch on his TV special tonight.

Carl used to hang out at Coconut's Comedy Club, I remember talking to him about this stunt. It's the real deal - not a trick. Quite the dangerous stunt too, Blaine is nuts. I'm a little more eager to see this special tonight on ABC at 9:00. Thats only an hour and half away...

-JoeJoe