Curtis Kam: Coin Box Part 1

< Previous Post.

curtis kam blog

The man with "Palms of Steel," Hawaii's legendary coin magician, Curtis Kam, joins us today talking about coin boxes! Enjoy: 

 

Let Me Explain...

"For those who believe, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is sufficient."

While Joseph Dunninger is reputed to have said this about mentalism, it is true of many things, including our friend the Okito Box. Let’s chat a bit about the compulsion to explain what the box is.

I am ever baffled by magicians who take great pains to find an “explanation” for the coin box, even going so far as to craft entire presentations around claims like,  “It’s my grandfather’s pill box” or, “It’s a snuff container”.  These presentations seldom succeed, because they’re framed around a question that the audience just isn’t asking. Worse, as Mr. Dunninger said, those who believe would have believed without the explanation, and those who don’t aren’t going to change their minds, either. It’s just a waste of everyone’s valuable time. Even worse, I have heard some talented magicians say that they would never use a coin box, “because it looks like nothing on earth other than a magic prop.”

None of these concerns are warranted, and the easiest way to prove it is to imagine what would happen if we just told the truth. Or better yet, as I have, actually try it. Drop all the pretense, simply show people the box, and tell them, “A friend of mine carved this box out of solid metal just to make this trick more impossible.” Would that be so bad? What would be lost? Frankly, I think it makes the trick sound more impressive, and your efforts more noble. Rather than hide the special nature of the box, why not own it? David Regal tells us that having an “oddity” can make a routine more interesting. David Roth used to introduce his box as a “magic box”. I’m happy to tell people that it’s a prop that you can find in the back corner of most magic shops, but very few even know what it does.

I know there are those who will still resist, because they have sworn a solemn blood oath that nothing that could be seen as a “magic prop” shall ever cross their close up pads. This has something to do with the idea that if the audience sees a magic prop, they will stop believing that what they’re seeing is real magic. With regard to that, I refer you to something Paul Harris once wrote about open displays of skill in a performance, but applies equally well here:

“You should never perform flourishes. If you display any skill at all, people might suspect that you’re not doing real magic.” —from a conversation between Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny

In summary, if something you say makes people suspect the box, then let them examine it.  After that, if they still think it’s the box that’s doing the magic, then no story you tell them about the box is going to change that. If, however, telling a story about the box makes the whole experience more magical, then have at it. The story won’t make your magic more convincing, but it might make it more entertaining.

- Curtis Kam

 

Grab a Coin Box today and put this advice into effect. As always, leave your comments below!

 

Next Post >


53 comments


  • xwdvdf

    After falling prey to a fraudulent Investment Scheme, I was a bit novice and nervous wreck about Crypto recovery services as I didn’t have a clue. But With CYBER RECOVERY WEB help and guidance, I am now very confident and clued that lost funds can be recovered. Immediately I got to know about CYBER RECOVERY WEB , I filed my case through. I can not say enough on how relaxed the team made me feel from their professionalism and honesty during the whole recovery process till I got all my lost funds back. I would have no hesitation in making further recommendations to your services to victims who have fallen prey too. Keep up the good work CYBER RECOVERY WEB..For More information kindly get back to them via email below :
    Email: Cyberrecoveryweb@mail.com
    Telegram: @Cyberrecoveryweb
    Whatsapp: +1(442)2892816


  • Lewis Albert

    I was initially drawn to the investment scheme due to the promises of high returns and the assurance of a secure investment. However, as time went on, I began to realize that the investment was nothing but a scam. I lost access to my investment and was left feeling helpless and frustrated. It was a painful experience, and I felt like I had no options left. After some research online, I came across several crypto recovery services and read reviews and testimonials from previous clients. It was essential to find a reputable and trustworthy service to help me recover my investment. After careful consideration, I decided to contact Schwartz Software Hackers Services, who had excellent reviews and testimonials. telegram (https://t.me/schwartzsoftwarehackers) I was impressed by their professionalism and responsiveness, and they explained the recovery process in detail, which gave me hope. After a successful recovery I promised to give a review of their wonderful job. I highly Recommend Schwartz Software Hackers Services to all scam victims seeking help to get back their lost Crypto. Email:Schwartzsoftwarehackingprogram@gmail.com

    Contact Information; Website Page; https://schwartzsoftwareha.wixsite.com/website


  • Lewis Albert

    I was initially drawn to the investment scheme due to the promises of high returns and the assurance of a secure investment. However, as time went on, I began to realize that the investment was nothing but a scam. I lost access to my investment and was left feeling helpless and frustrated. It was a painful experience, and I felt like I had no options left. After some research online, I came across several crypto recovery services and read reviews and testimonials from previous clients. It was essential to find a reputable and trustworthy service to help me recover my investment. After careful consideration, I decided to contact Schwartz Software Hackers Services, who had excellent reviews and testimonials. telegram (https://t.me/schwartzsoftwarehackers) I was impressed by their professionalism and responsiveness, and they explained the recovery process in detail, which gave me hope. After a successful recovery I promised to give a review of their wonderful job. I highly Recommend Schwartz Software Hackers Services to all scam victims seeking help to get back their lost Crypto. Email:Schwartzsoftwarehackingprogram@gmail.com

    Contact Information; Website Page; https://schwartzsoftwareha.wixsite.com/website


  • Murphy Schwartz

    In the past 1 year now the cryptocurrency market has grown more unstable, and these investment firms have preyed on those hoping to earn handsomely from their cryptocurrency holdings. As one of the victims of a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme, I lost $121,000 in all. Luckily, I was able to contact VIRTUAL FUNDS RESURRECTION, the most well-known and reliable cryptocurrency recovery company who was able to assist me in getting back my lost cryptocurrency. I was left behind and I was unable to access my investment accounts or cryptocurrency wallet. I am thrilled and appreciative to VIRTUAL FUNDS RESURRECTION COMPANY of their assistance in helping me retrieve back my $121,000 of my cryptocurrency funds.

    Email: virtualfundsresurrection001{@} zohomail.com

    Website: https://virtualfundsresurrection.info

    support@virtualfundsresurrection.info


  • Scacco Abo

    Fallen A Victim Of A Crypto Scam? – Recover Your Funds Right Now

    Wassup Folks,
    I genuinely hope this finds you well.
    I wanted to share some wonderful news with you today: with the assistance of Recovery Nerds, I just recovered my lost Crypto worth $174,000 that was stolen by scammers. It all started earlier last month, when I received an email from a stranger advertising a bogus Bitcoin investment opportunity. I fell for his fake promises and invested with the company. Fortunately, with the assistance of Recovery Nerds, I was able to detect the fraud before it was too late. The Expert was able to retrieve the funds promptly and efficiently, and I am truly grateful for His knowledge and assistance. If you ever find yourself in a scenario like this, I highly suggest mailus @ recoverynerds . com. WEBSITE: recoverynerds . com The Expert’s assistance was crucial.
    WhatsApp; +1 (5,1,4,3,1,2,2,8,0,3,

    Best regards


Leave a comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.