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 >


181 comments


  • Kenny Macath

    Can’t Withdraw Your Crypto Investment Funds? Contact iBolt Cyber Hacker

    If you’re having trouble getting your crypto investment funds out of your investment account because of some issues, problems with the exchange, or possible hacking or scam, iBolt Cyber Hacker can assist you. They specialize in getting back lost cryptocurrency and keeping it safe. They can help you recover your wallet and funds, fix transaction issues, and protect your digital coin. iBolt Cyber Hacker is focused on keeping your information private and following the rules, offering quick and dependable help to get your crypto funds back.

    Contact iBolt Cyber Hacker, they are safe and effective to crypto withdrawal issues.

    Email: Support@iboltcyberhack.com
    Cont/Whtp +39 350 929 0318
    Website: https://iboltcyberhack.com/


  • Kenny Macath

    Can’t Withdraw Your Crypto Investment Funds? Contact iBolt Cyber Hacker

    If you’re having trouble getting your crypto investment funds out of your investment account because of some issues, problems with the exchange, or possible hacking or scam, iBolt Cyber Hacker can assist you. They specialize in getting back lost cryptocurrency and keeping it safe. They can help you recover your wallet and funds, fix transaction issues, and protect your digital coin. iBolt Cyber Hacker is focused on keeping your information private and following the rules, offering quick and dependable help to get your crypto funds back.

    Contact iBolt Cyber Hacker, they are safe and effective to crypto withdrawal issues.

    Email: Support@iboltcyberhack.com
    Cont/Whtp +39 350 929 0318
    Website: https://iboltcyberhack.com/


  • Wilson Miguel

    Legitimate Cryptocurrency Recovery Company – Captain WebGenesis

    At Captain WebGenesis recovery team, They understand the impact that investment fraud has on its victims. From making fraudulent investments to losing all their life savings, it can be hard to know where to start. With this in mind, if you are worried that you may have been scammed, please contact Captain WebGenesis for a free consultation on

    WhatsApp ;+1 (501)436 9362)

    Captain WebGenesis is highly skilled to help you in recovering your wealth and specialising in forensic investigation. They can follow the money and can often discover where your lost money is. The team has invested in the latest software and technology that significantly helps fight cryptocurrency scams.

    Email Add; Captainwebgenesis@hackermail.com
    Website ;https://captainwebgenesis.com


  • Wilson Miguel

    Legitimate Cryptocurrency Recovery Company – Captain WebGenesis

    At Captain WebGenesis recovery team, They understand the impact that investment fraud has on its victims. From making fraudulent investments to losing all their life savings, it can be hard to know where to start. With this in mind, if you are worried that you may have been scammed, please contact Captain WebGenesis for a free consultation on

    WhatsApp ;+1 (501)436 9362)

    Captain WebGenesis is highly skilled to help you in recovering your wealth and specialising in forensic investigation. They can follow the money and can often discover where your lost money is. The team has invested in the latest software and technology that significantly helps fight cryptocurrency scams.

    Email Add; Captainwebgenesis@hackermail.com
    Website ;https://captainwebgenesis.com


  • Marcos Louis

    How do I recover my lost cryptocurrency from an investment scam?

    In the face of recovering lost cryptocurrency, a reputable crypto recovery agency, Captain WebGenesis offers valuable assistance to scam victims to get back their lost Crypto .  To navigate the fraudsters’ intricate systems with ease, Captain WebGenesis is well-versed in the complexities of blockchain technology and the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency. The technology boosts the odds of fund retrieval, offering financial relief and peace of mind to worried investors. An early engagement with Captain WebGenesis is key, increasing the likelihood of successful recovery.

     contact the agency for help via address below..

    Email : captainwebgenesis @hackermail. co m

    Whatsapp/ SMS; +1(501)436-9362


Leave a comment

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