Update: 16 Feb 09
Hi SMCians,

It's been awhile since our last gathering (Jeremy Pei's lecture notwithstanding) and as such we - your modest moderators - would be holding another one coming Feburary to kickstart the new year!

We had wanted to hold a gathering this month (Jan) but given the tight schedule of the Lunar New Year, we figured too many people'd be involved in family commitments and would have difficulty attending. We hope you'd come by for this and share the festive mood!


Date: 21 Feb 2009
Venue: Toa Payoh Public Library Delifrance
Time: 1430 till late
Cost: Price of any drink? :) This is to be fair to the establishment who've been so kind to us for so long.

In case anyone gets LOST, you can contact me at 81804044


Though there are no obligations to perform, we'd like to encourage and invite everyone to bring along a few goodies to perform and show off to one another! This is a safe and risk free environment to try out new material or refine existing ones! :)

We look forward to seeing you there!

Shade

01) Shade
02)
03)
04)

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03)
04)

Yayy...

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04)

Will be checking in later though... Church is on a Saturday for me...

Kenneth

I'll be there definitely.... :D

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang

me too.

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An
06) LoyaLover

Can't miss it when 2 of the coin workers i want to meet so much are going. :!!:

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) ghostace94

I might bring along a friend.

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) ghostace94
09) Axl

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) ghostace94
09) Axl
10) Louis

Actually, everyone performing something sounds like a good idea. While there is no obligation to perform, everyone is strongly strongly encouraged to bring something simple to show everyone else.

Doesn't have to be a full 10minutes routine. Just a trick that you've been working on is good enough. Maybe even if its an ACR which you are refining and would like everyone's constructive suggestions.

Lets try to make this structurely plausible. I wouldn't want people to feel lousy if they specially bring something to perform but gets insulting by everyone else. Or worse, everyone just goes 'nice nice', and doesn't offer any pointers to help the performer. So, any suggestions?

Maybe we have a special area set up like a stage at one corner so that people performing doesn't have to be worried about angles. I'm happy to hear any other suggestions if you all have any.


Zi An

Hi

I'm a newbie in the forum and in magic. Can i come too?

However, i do not believe i can perform as of yet because my skills are not there yet. i'm working on ambitious cards, but a lot of the sleights are not well practiced and am not sufficiently efficient yet. Is it ok if I do not perform if i come?

Hi Long83,

I happen to notice your "appeal for willing peers". I cannot encourage you anymore to come down just to make more magic related friends. This is exactly why these sort of gatherings were organise for in the first place.

Please do not feel intimidated by the peeps here or at the gathering as we were all noobs once. (i can't even do an ambitious card routine properly!!)please feel free to ask anything (non-exposure, of course) and the friendly mods will gladly oblige.

lastly, do not worry as we will not hold you at gunpoint, demanding you to perform. just come down and enjoy the company!

Hope to see u there!!

dry_gin

haha sures. Thanks. i hope i can make it. hopefully no work commitments. it's getting lonely practicing magic. :( i will try my veri best to make it. btw, dry_gin u coming? nv see ur name in the list. or are u automatically included? sorry ar my questions sound a bit stupid...lol

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) ghostace94
09) Axl
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long

I have always been keen on watching how others present their tricks and also to learn a thing or two from those who are more experienced.

During the last gathering, i thought the groups were quite divided. I wasn't so sure if i should be asking some of the better magicians to perform a thing or two and i did not want them to feel obliged either.

I think its a good idea that there is a a table for those who are performing and those who want to watch the performance.

With regards to how to ensure that there are only constructive comments than any that puts people down, i think it isn't something we can control? Perharps just raising the issue here is enough to avoid such.

Hi Long83, i'm gald that you've put your name down. No worries my friend, as dry_gin says we were all Noobs and our objective for the gathering is to bring hobbyists together to share and learn from one another. Perfoming is always optional.

We encourage performing because some of us might have new effects or routines that would like to be given some feedback on. Especially so after your family members have become your most prone hecklers.. haha...

Nonetheless, we do look forward to see you... :) Our dear dry_gin will come and you won't miss him. Although he can't do his ACR properly but he sure can do other kick ass stuff like his reputation maker "Fate and Coincidence"


Cheers
Jerome

I guess we can critic objectively when we dont insult each other and if you must critic, you must give better suggestions.

Okay I will try my very best to be there.

Since the suggestion of performance was brought up, I propose this, please indicate if you are performing (ACR, or whatever, no matter how long or short) beside your name, like how it used to be done years ago.

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) ghostace94
09) Axl
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long
12) Alexander (Performing)

Please update this list to indicate if you are performing, and i really think you should, whether you are newbie or more seasoned performer.

Hey Shade, is this arrangement okay, is the place viable for a semi formal short performance?

Sounds good Alex.

The management at Delifrance have always been very supportive. They don't mind if we shift tables and chairs around as long as we put them back at the end of the day.

We've done stuff like that before - Bob did a filming session there once where we set up a semi-formal 'stage' - mainly a table with a closeup pad at one end. No problem.

Again - I think it's important to stress that though we ENCOURAGE you to perform, there is NO OBLIGATION to perform.

We do not want newcomers to feel intimidated that they have to do something ok? So even if you're VERY VERY new (ie, just started magic a day ago, like myself) you are MOST welcome to join us. Don't be scared away because you think you have to perform something. This is NOT obligatory. :)

So if you have something planned, work in progress or some such, do come performance ready. Even if you decide on the spot to do something, don't hesitate to TRY. ;) Remember - this is one of the few times you can perform, screw up (of course we don't encourage this) and at the same time learn!

And trust me - you'll learn faster by actually PERFORMING than just watching others perform.

So I look forward to seeing you guys there magic ready! I think I'll do my famous 52-pickup card trick.

SHADE

Don't waste time. I put your names for you all.

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) ghostace94
09) Axl
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long
12) Alexander (Performing)
13) Dry_gin
14) AdrianLee

Anyway I say first. I am also a noob. Maybe I can perform E's "Here and there". But mine's kind of 'neither here nor there', so please be lenient.

Ok Long83, hope to see you there. Same goes for everyone else who's going and who's thinking about going.


Zi An

I am a noob too... I would do the famous 21 Card Trick.

I am in!

But do you all mind a 15 year old?

I will not bug around, promise. Just look and learn from the professionals. I might ask my cousin, 16 year old . He is also in magic. Not only that, he introduced me to it!

I don't think I will perform....unless asked to. :D

But I so do want to learn! So I am in!

Does bringing hongbaos stuffed with cards count? ( Just Kidding)

We've had students as young as 13 - 14 join us. You're MORE than welcome to come by. And of course, do bring your cousin along too. We'll be happy to have you guys with us.

It's the best way to learn. Watch.

No worries. I promise nobody'd force you to perform unless you want to. (except me of course. I force EVERYONE to perform. MUAHAHAHA... just kidding.)

It's a gathering so we'll probably be enforcing a non-exposure rule. Learning is great but you got to take it at a fundamentally comfortable pace- there's no point learning everything there is to know and being frustrated that you are unable to do anything well.

Take it slow. You'll be much better off in the end.

Shade

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) ghostace94
09) Axl
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long
12) Alexander (Performing)
13) Dry_gin
14) AdrianLee
15) MagicalLobo

Should be there if nothing crops up. Just wondering how do I locate or recognise you guys? Is there a sign that points "SMC Gathering --> " ?

01) Shade
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) ghostace94
09) Axl
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long
12) Alexander (Performing)
13) Dry_gin
14) AdrianLee
15) MagicalLobo
16) Chizzielamer

Maybe I can just spot Shade and then I know...

Okay, from what I gather, these are the people that will be performing something on that day.

01) Shade (Performing)
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An (Performing)
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) ghostace94
09) Axl (Performing)
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long
12) Alexander (Performing)
13) Dry_gin
14) AdrianLee
15) MagicalLobo
16) Chizzielamer

Please do indicate if you wanna perform, if you do, I think its best to commit to it by indicating beside your name. I know its easy to not say a thing about performance and then do an adhoc performance on that day, but please indicate, at least it will make you commit yourself to practising and rehearsing the magic you are going to present.

Again, it doesnt have to be an extravegent performance of high illusions and fire eating, just something you feel comfortable with. And! performing is good so that those who are more experienced can assess you and see if they want to share some of their knowledge with you!

Update:

01) Shade (Performing)
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An (Performing)
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) GhostAce94 (Performing)
09) Axl (Performing)
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long
12) Alexander (Performing)
13) Dry_gin
14) AdrianLee
15) MagicalLobo
16) Chizzielamer

I don't have to do a routine right? Then I will do thread and maybe wounded if I figured out how to properly do it. I just noticed all these gatherings are happily right before major tests and exams. So there is a chance I won't be stepping out of the house :wacko:

01) Shade (Performing)
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An (Performing)
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) GhostAce94 (Performing)
09) Axl (Performing)
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long
12) Alexander (Performing)
13) Dry_gin
14) AdrianLee
15) MagicalLobo
16) Chizzielamer
17) Jonathan aka Jlowhy (Performing)

Hey, I should be able to make it. Seems like this is gonna be a really nice big gathering. See ya all there. =)

Yup, no need to do elaborate routines. I think its good to want to perform, its a motivation to sharpen our skills.

Cool, see you guys!

01) Shade (Performing)
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An (Performing)
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) GhostAce94 (Performing)
09) Axl (Performing)
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long
12) Alexander (Performing)
13) Dry_gin
14) AdrianLee
15) MagicalLobo
16) Chizzielamer ( Performing!)
17) Jonathan aka Jlowhy (Performing)

Yes, I am performing. But it is only I hope I can do my best.
P.S I have been practicing for only 3 months. But this is a good

01) Shade (Performing)
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An (Performing)
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) GhostAce94 (Performing)
09) Axl (Performing)
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long
12) Alexander (Performing)
13) Dry_gin
14) AdrianLee
15) MagicalLobo
16) Chizzielamer ( Performing!)
17) Jonathan aka Jlowhy (Performing)

Yes, I am performing. But it is only 1 trick. I hope I can do my best.

P.S I have been practicing for only 3 months. But I hope I will give a good impression with this. ;)

It's good to see so many people taking the plunge and performing... though I was quite sure I didn't even consider performing. Thanks Alex for so conveniently volunteering me.

But I totally agree with Alex - though I'm sure there'll be people who decide on the day itself to perform, posting here that you will is like making a mental commitment to perform and sort of forces you to practice early, definitely a bonus!

He's also right about the part where the more seasoned or experienced performers might be able to better guage where you stand and decide to share more information with you or not. Most experienced magicians don't usually like to tip too much if they're not sure what your standard is to begin with.

Looks like I got to bone up on my magic (sound like gordie preparing for FISM?). Maybe Enrico or sumbody big would notice me and take me under their wing.

Shade

You surely took the words out of my mouth bro, and if only Shade and Enrico can BOTH guide and mentor me, FISM wouldn't be my only choice!

I CAN TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!!

*Evil**Lauff*

dry_gin

I'm preparing to take over the world already. Just me and my trusty deck of cards.

Shade

To infinity...and BEYOND...

01) Shade (Performing)
02) Littlemouse
03) llamalamer
04) jeromefang
05) Zi An (Performing)
06) LoyaLover
07) Jia wen
08) GhostAce94 (Performing)
09) Axl (Performing)
10) Louis
11)Xiang Long
12) Alexander (Performing)
13) Dry_gin
14) AdrianLee
15) MagicalLobo
16) Chizzielamer ( Performing!)
17) Jonathan aka Jlowhy (Performing)
18) HuangFuQiang

I'm coming too...

Wah pressure now need to perform. I will attempt to practice my d**ble l**t. If i feel i can do it i will perform my ACR. Otherwise i will not be able to perform. No d**ble l**t, no ACR. =( Hope its ok with you all that.

You no need to do many lift to perform ACR :D
But from now to 28th sure you can improve and perform :lol:

it's on Feb 21...not 28!!!


Zi An

Ops i thought its 28, so its next week sat.
Thanks for remind :lol: