Happy Hallowe'en

Death and the Magician

Theodore Bamberg was born into magic in 1875. He adopted the name Okito, but he didn't just put on an Asian theme for parody. He approached it with respect and the caring soul of an artist. The magic he created was some of the most beautiful and refined of its time. He retired to Chicago in the mid-1950s. Retirement though a misnomer. When Okito stopped performing on stage he continued to demonstrate magic at Chicago's famed State street novelty store, the Treasure Chest. A master craftsman, he also produced many tricks now highly coveted by collectors of magic. Life passed from him in 1963.

Theodore Bamberg is buried at Westlawn Cemetary, 7801 W Montrose Ave, Chicago

Elm Section, row 13

Grave Art two

"At first cock-crow the ghosts must go

Back to their quiet graves below."

-Theodosia Garrison

Grave Art

"Cursed be he that moves my bones."

-William Shakespeare (Epitaph on his gravestone)

A while ago I went exploring some older cemeteries around the St. Charles area. Many of the stones go back to before the civil war. I wanted to use up the last of my B&W film. I sure do miss real film. Maybe I am a bit old fashioned, digital just doesn't "work" the same for me. I like the tactile feel of real film, the fun of seeing if you got the shot, and the surprise of getting something unexpected. And having to use photoshop to adjust and fix things feels like cheating. Hopefully, as they continue to improve the digital cameras I can find my way. Until then, enjoy these photos.

Lost and Found

I was digging looking for some papers when I ran across a few old photos.

I cannot believe my hair was that long. 'lo those many years ago. After a few years I got tired of finding long stray hairs everywhere and taking care of it. So one day I walked into a salon and told the stylist to cut it all off. You should have seen her face. By that time the hair was over a foot long and I was able to donate it to Locks of Love.

Demonstrating Rocky the Raccoon for the Magic Masters crowd. I can kick ass, when I am motivated.

For years people have been coming into the shop and telling me I look like Penn. I aways poo-poo'ed the comments until I took this picture. Okay, it is a vague likeness but then don't we magicians count on peoples' vague memories anyway. BTW, I love my coat. Is a $1000 Donna Karen coat that I bought for $100 at a clearance sale. It also helps me hide in the grass.

My favorite of the all. A picture of me teaching Wil Smith magic for his portrayal of Muhammad Ali in the movie Ali. The question I always get is "What is he like?" He is just like he appears on talk shows and movies, loose, relaxed, and friendly. Just like one of your buddies. It was a really great experience.

Happy Halloween

Postcard

BOO!

Got any candy?

Opening Shot