Paul Long's Ramblings

Just got back from visiting some church neighbours to invite them to our Christmas BBQ. Met a very nice couple ... friendly and were happy not just to take my invitation leaflet but wanted to chat etc. Told them they made my day as it was so nice to have people willing to chat with me (a stranger). Their response? I also made their day by being willing to actually go door to door and speak with strangers and invite them to a BBQ. And the husband made this comment: "You made my day also. It's so nice to see that neighbours exist!" :-) They were surprised too (and also impressed) that as a church we did not charge people (not even a gold coin donation). It was so refreshing to talk about our jobs, our coming to NZ (they have been in NZ since 2000). our thoughts on community etc. And hobbies too ... did my trademark sponge ball routine which was much appreciated. :-) It is interesting that this couple sees the value of my magic in that it is a great way to break the ice an...

Some photos of parts of my magic show performed for our church's Light Party 2011. Thanks Liann for taking these photos! settling down for the show after games The Light Party theme for the year was "Under the Sea" One of my favourite opening games that I had not  done for 2 years Using my magic box that stores my magic for a show and doubles as a table and a close up mat if needed due to time constraints, I cut out a few effects. This is the part I love the most - picking a volunteer :-) I love this part too when I somehow "escape"  after "messing up" :-) decided to add on to my cups and water trick with  balloons Teaching how to make a simple balloon octopus Yeah! Nothing popped :-) Still surprises me how many children want to volunteer despite the fact that they could get very wet because they want a nice balloon sculpture Part two of the trick Setting up my version of a new trick added to my ro...

My copy of "The Berglass effects" arrived this morning. That's my own very early Christmas present :-) It is taking a lot of discipline not to read it now as I have a lot on my plate that is of a much higher priority ... so my compromise is to blog that it has arrived and get the excitement out of my system :-)

Link below to an interview with a magician that I like very much Whit "pop" Haydn! http://weirdreview.com/2011/06/07/wse6/ I had the privilege of having a personal conversation / interview with him a couple of years ago in Auckland. He's style of magic is clearly different from most, and not something I would be comfortable doing BUT he is a pretty amazing magician that I admire. The 2nd part of the interview (video) will make it clear why I like him so much (and why I enjoyed my meeting with him so much as we have something else in common) BTW, I obviously did not do this interview but it is so much better than what I could do :-) I did not try to publish the interview I had with him (unlike the ones I did with Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee, and John Carney) simply because it went off tangent in so many ways and was not sutiable as an intrerfview article. But it was a great interview / conversation, mini lecture for me of mostly Pop talking and me just taking thin...

Tomorrow I fly back To Auckland. My short trip here is almost over. It's almost over and kind of sad ... but looking forward as well to going back to NZ for obvious reasons :-) Think I have put on weight - according to my mum's weighing scales ... but she told me that her electronic scales is actually unreliable - makes one seem heavier. Hope so LOL Heard from some people that there were some "questions" as to why I was so secretive about my trip and a "little unhappiness" over "not wanting to meet up" with most people here (many who are people I consider good friends). So here's some reasons for those who do not already know (not that I need to explain myself :-) but I think they are helpful things to consider. 1. Last couple of trips back to Malaysia was exhausting and last one I even fell very sick. While it wonderful to catch up with friends etc., such activity packed trips home visits are not not helpful to my health. Not much of a...

It has been a while a while since I put any photos on my blog. Still no camera. :-( Will hopefully be getting a 2nd hand one in May! :-) At the start of the magic show. I find it interesting that no matter what country I am in, people generally like to sit far behind, crowd the back and even stand at the back BUT they will not sit in the first couple of front rows. Nice of some of the children to automatically come to the front on their own accord. These were taken by my son's GF. :-) Thanks my dear!  Photos are not in chronological order. Not sure why when I upload them this happens.  Some of the ladies (those who can read Mandarin - or at least the romanized version) preparing to sing a couple of traditional Chinese New Year songs.  Also not been blogging much as I have been feeling rather listless the whole week and been having bouts of headaches and I have tiring dreams every night! . But the good part is that my IBS has only acted up once in 2 weeks! :-) ...