The Zeitgeist 2012 or Google's annual Year in Review is a highly anticipated video and event! The tops 10 searched people, events, videos and more are compiled and shared in a very moving and inspirational video called Zeitgeist.
Here's the made for TV version that aired on every major network worldwide on New Years. These are beautiful videos. You can see me at 1:18:
This is an extended version for web:
If you wondered how Google does it, here's an answer from their site:
"We studied an aggregation of over one trillion searches (or queries) that people typed into Google Search this year. We used data from multiple sources, including Google Trends and internal data tools. We filtered out spam and repeat queries to build lists that best reflect the spirit of 2012."
Google posted "2012 was a year of big moments, from global games to historical elections and everything in between. With this site, we've analyzed over one trillion queries to showcase what the world searched for."
Curious what the heck Zeitgeist is defined as? The Zeitgeist (spirit of the age or spirit of the time) is the intellectual fashion or dominant school of thought which typifies and influences the culture of a period. Zeitgeist is the general cultural, intellectual, ethical, spiritual, or political climate within a nation or even specific groups, along with the general ambiance, morals, sociocultural direction, and mood associated with an era.
It was a real honor to make a list and be in their video for my popular head drop prank. This video has so many searches, combined with a somewhat popularity online, it put me into the top 10 of the list! I've done a handful of pranks and TV appearances in 2012, but if you missed this very popular one, check it out below. Don't loose your head over it;)
I wish I could find a copy, but the shortened version of this Year in Review was made for Television and surprisingly showcased me a lot by showing the entire head drop! Wild stuff! I aired on every major network globally on New Years.
In January of 2013, I received a surprise gift from Google as well. Although I have a massive collection of mugs and trinkets, this one is a keeper! It's going right next to Ellen's Mug!
On a side note, for those interested in numbers, this particular video has a handful of million views on my personal YouTube channel. However, Google bases this Zeiteist off searches everywhere. Quite frankly, a few million views of a YouTube video is nothing compared to the overall searches and views necessary to be on a top 10 list. This video was licensed out to numerous networks such as NBC, ABC, CNN, Yahoo, etc and the searches for this and other videos of mine hit well over 100 million in under a week. The video appears and plays on numerous channels, site and shows globally. So, in the end, I traded exposure on other sites and TV networks for direct traffic to my own YouTube channel. It was well worth it. It's pretty wild.
As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!
Pranks during the holidays are just too easy. There are so many boxes or costumes to hide in! Here's a funny holiday shopping prank done with a wonderful snowman mascot! This gag was filmed in San Luis Obispo during a shopping weekend. Yours truly filmed while my usual camera man hid inside to scare people.
The set up was simple. Get a quality looking snowman. Position it at a store. Conveniently drop a Happy Holiday sign as people approached and watch them try to secure it back on! Enjoy and share with friends!
As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!
You have probably seen the viral video going around with me removing my head. Here's an elevator prank version of the magic trick. We decided that the original prank filmed at daytime was too safe for people! In addition, there's something unsettling about an elevator at night. Imagine that you are about to enter an elevator, the doors open and a "normal looking" guy starts to walk out... then his head comes off while screaming. Enjoy!
If you missed the first video, check it out on our other head drop video post.
As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!
My newest invention is part illusion, part trick, part Halloween costume, part prank, part shock and a whole lot of fun. I'll have to admit that I love Halloween, but I just might find opportunities outside of October to do this stunt on people!
This was filmed in the "safety" of daylight while people were on their merry way to lunch and work. I can not wait to do this at night when people are in a more uncomfortable and vulnerable state! Watch out! I might be coming for you...
(Without giving anything away, I'll simply say it's much more complicated than it might appear. This is a full pro and improved version where hands and legs are free and I can be seen from not just head on - as in somewhat wimpy attempts of this illusion.)
As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable! ... I promise to not remove my head and stick to awesome card tricks and hind reading!
I'm fortunate to be able to travel the world and enjoy unique event venues. Here's one that's a little different that took me back in time a bit. It's called Fox Creek Ranch, located just outside of Hollister, California.
My wife, Traci, in front of the "Hotel"
From corporate events, celebrity parties, themed private functions and more, I'm typically in a "dust free" environment and out of the elements. I'm also never in harms way or taken down by gun fighters! Just this past weekend, I performed as their magician all afternoon in what truly felt like an old western town complete with a bank, saloon, jail, stage and more. This particular event set-up (for a 25th anniversary party for Brent Redmond Transportation) had a cattle drive, amazing catering, fun animals, Wells Fargo stagecoach rides, professional gun shows/fights, gambling, music concert and a costume contest! There were giveaways, pie and watermelon eating contests, magic, ice-cream parlor, live music and shuttles to nearby hotels. Congrats to the entire Redmond team for a fun event. It was a "blast!" My wife and I got to be Sheriffs for the day as well!
To top it all off, we stayed the night just up the street then enjoyed a full day hike at the Pinnacles National Monument, which is located only about 30 minutes from the Fox Creek Ranch. If you are on the west coast and want a western themed event, check them out! As seen on of the above photos, there was an additional 400 person event tent for dinner. Parking is simple. For an outdoor type event, I give it a big thumbs up! Yeehaa!
For a cowboy, western, county, gun slinging good 'ol time, give Fox Creek a call to have your next company party in old west town style! Check them out on facebook.
As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!
The NFL call by Lance Easley between the Greenbay Packers and Seattle Seahawks on September 24, 2012 makes me wonder why people have the "perspective" they do! Lance Easley, a replacement referee, has taken a lot of heat for his "touchdown" call during the in-zone catch. If you have been under a rock and have not seen the catch, watch it below.
But first, let me ask you something. What would you see in the picture if it flashed in front of your eyes for only one second? Would you bet 300 million dollars on it? This is the position I believe Lance Easley was unfortunately put into. By the way, the fact that you have looked at the picture again and for more than a second already disqualifies you from being in the position this referee was in! I apologize for the image, but I wanted to make a point.
Let's get into the play from a unique perspective. (However, as it turns out, the play was much more complicated and was ruled a touchdown for various other reasons. See far below or watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvm3-YlOoh8.) The referee called what he saw and what anyone would have seen from his particular angle. The media has gone nuts with this call. All of America had the opportunity to see the actual catch from various angles and in slow motion. Lance made the call any ref at any level would of made if they were in his exact line of vision. I'm only proposing that the original call was accurate based on perspective. There is a lot of other arguments regarding the rules of interference as well as other aspects of this "controversy" that are already clear.
As you hear in the video, even the seasoned announcers say and see, in REAL TIME, "...which is fought for by Tate and Jennings simultaneously... who has it... who'll they give it too... touchdown!..."
If you look at the angle Lance "the ref" is specifically located, it would look as if the ball indeed landed in the Seahawks/Tate player's hands. Lance was about 70 degrees to the right and front of the catch, 7 yards away with slightly lower vantage point - which lines up the hands and ball exactly. Tate was a foot lower than Jennings. The ball, hands and arm movements would line up perfectly to appear to be a solid catch by Tate… followed by what looks like Jennings trying to strip it out of the Seahawks/Tate's hands as they fell. (BTW, dual possession rules consider it a touchdown when they both hit the ground regardless of the catch in the air, but this is not my point here.) The ref saw it real time and from one particular "perfect" angle. Remember, it was a perfect angle, seen once, seen from ground level and seen in a blink. From my expertise of visual illusions, Lance made the exact call I think anyone would likely have made from his EXACT position. I believe the accumulation of LAME calls by fill-in refs all month long broke the camels back at this point for people. If this was a court case, I'd certainly have a great model/illusion to reveal how Lance's angle shows something different than the rest of us see. Again, I'm only suggesting a point about this unique perspective/angle. The issue of both men actually holding the ball as they touched the ground, interference, the review process and other arguments are another conversation...
In addition to this looking like a solid catch from HIS perspective, the media and personal attacks on this great guy seem off base and highly inappropriate. He was the fall guy to a degree in a stressed system making billions of dollars. He had 3 months of intensive NFL training, met their "criteria", ref'd several preseason games, etc. He did not just show up that Monday in a uniform and say, "Hey, I'll do it." As we all know, all the seasoned NLF guys were on strike. It's a real bummer deal. It's a high dollar sport. The players, coaches, refs and everyone involved should be top notch. The viewers, advertisers and players deserve the best. It bites to see a nice guy with great skills go through this mess when there are (or should be) systems in place to avoid this. There are TONS of VERY seasoned NFL ref's who make "BAD" calls based on the angle they see something. Other ref's see something different from their perspective. Reviews are made and decisions come out. This situation is what it is... but comments like "He's JUST from a small town" or "He JUST a banker" or "He JUST coaches kids" should have nothing to do with anything. It appears like he was putting in the effort and work for some time. He stepped up to a challenge that presented itself and should be commended. I'm only suggesting people see all sides because cyber bullying is the new sport/hobby for America it seems. When someone deserves it, give it to them if you must. When someone is doing their job and their decision can be easily supported, people need to look at the real problems at hand. I rarely take the time to put in my two cents about overly-dramatic, hyped up "stuff" on TV or in pop-culture, but the amount of hateful and off-base attacks toward this guy are upsetting. Lance is a friend to me and his community and does a ton to help those around him. If people look at the play from his perspective and not from what they already see, know or hear, they'd see it quite differently perhaps.
By the way, official NLF rules support that as the guys were falling down, both had control when both feet or bodies touched the ground...which was clearly Tate. REGARDLESS of who actually caught the ball in mid-air. Official rules call this a touchdown, like it or not. Yet, even with this, Lance still get bashing from the media. It's ridiculous. Worst call in history? Not even close.
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From TMZ: Easley ruled it a touchdown, while back judge Derrick Rhone-Dunn simultaneously ruled it an interception and a touchback. Eventually Rhone-Dunn and Easley ruled that Tate and Jennings had simultaneous possession, which counts as a reception. Upon review by instant replay officials, it was determined that no indisputable visual evidence existed to overturn the touchdown call.
When asked about the call in an interview with TMZ days later, Easley stood by his ruling, saying "It was the correct call." When asked why it wasn't an interception, he said, "You have to not only have the ball but have either two feet or a body part on the ground, and that never happened." He later added, "Put any other official who knows the rules and they would make the same call."
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The complete breakdown:
The refs call was RIGHT?- First we need to define a catch:
A player (or players) jumping in the air has not legally gained possession of the ball until he satisfies the elements of a catch listed here. Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3 of the NFL Rule Book defines a catch: A forward pass is complete (by the offense) or intercepted (by the defense) if a player, who is inbounds: (a) secures control of the ball in his hands or arms prior to the ball touching the ground; and (b) touches the ground inbounds with both feet or with any part of his body other than his hands; and (c) maintains control of the ball long enough, after (a) and (b) have been fulfilled, to enable him to perform any act common to the game (i.e., maintaining control long enough to pitch it, pass it, advance with it, or avoid or ward off an opponent, etc.). When a player (or players) is going to the ground in the attempt to catch a pass, Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 1 states: Player Going to the Ground. If a player goes to the ground in the act of catching a pass (with or without contact by an opponent), he must maintain control of the ball throughout the process of contacting the ground, whether in the field of play or the end zone. If he loses control of the ball, and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. If he regains control prior to the ball touching the ground, the pass is complete. Rule 8, Section 1, Article 3, Item 5 states: Simultaneous Catch. If a pass is caught simultaneously by two eligible opponents, and both players retain it, the ball belongs to the passers. It is not a simultaneous catch if a player gains control first and an opponent subsequently gains joint control. If the ball is muffed after simultaneous touching by two such players, all the players of the passing team become eligible to catch the loose ball.
Click to enlarge image. You can see in this pic that beyond any doubt at all, Tate has two feet on the ground and Jennings did not. This is where “the catch’ happened.
The key to the NFL’s explanation is that the catch is not made until the receiver lands. Here’s a reverse angle look from video:
Now here is the crux of the argument. Tate had possession here, the game is over. That’s the important part of the NFL’s argument… The play ended here, before Jennings even landed. Nothing after that fact mattered.
Now did he have control? After watching the video like 10 times IF YOU STOP LOOKING AFTER TATE’S FEET HIT THE GROUND he does. Remember, after Tate catches the ball the play is over. He’s in the end zone so he does not have to be tackled. At the beginning of the jump, he did not have possession, but he reaches in again and pretty clearly wraps his arms around the ball (and the defender’s arms) as his feet hit the ground. AFTER they both hit the ground and the play is over M.D. Jennings wrestles it away. It was not even a simultaneous catch, Jennings was still in the air.
Now I know what a lot of you are thinking. He never had control and/or he was not able to “ward off an opponent.” But the fact they wrestled over the ball disproves this point. He had possession for several second AFTER the play was over. Yes, he also had possession of M.D. Jennings arms. Jennings, might have had it closer to his chest but that is irrelevant to the ruling. If you still doubt Tate had his arms around the ball, this screen cap will end the discussion.
So, again, I have to ask... worst call in history? You could argue that it was the greatest call in history. Regardless, the endless finger pointing and hatred toward one man or a few in a massive billion dollar system is a horrible sight to see. Even with specific rulings and definitions (if we agree with them or not) and other evidence, the attacks continue. The replacement refs did their jobs to the best of their ability and deserve more from us. Is the sport better off with the seasoned NFL refs back? Certainly... maybe. That's not the point. We get to reducible others and move on like it didn't happen. This is a case, on a massive scale, of cyber and media bullying... and with proof we were all wrong and he was in the right. Sad day for sports and community... but it all balances out. I can't wait to see what unique opportunities come from this. Lance, you rock.
The Bucket Busters made an appearance at Good Morning SLO, a monthly breakfast meeting for about 300 business owners in San Luis Obispo put on by the Chamber of Commerce. It was a pleasure to see my good friend Steve (owner) and his students perform their form of magic by serving up some beats for us all. He has become a real force in the business world of San Luis Obispo with training facilities and music shops for all. They have been around since the 80's but there have been some amazing changes recently! From guitar lessons, piano, violin, drums, vocals, woodwinds, brass and so much more, there is something for everyone.
His newest facility in San Luis Obispo is amazing! If you are looking for a great gift for your children and just need supplies, go visit his store Music Motive. They are also available for hire to put on some entertainment at your event! Steve and his crew are great, just tell him "the magician sent you." Speaking of magic, the real magic here is you are supporting the learning experience for kids all over our county every time Bucket Busters is hired for an event.
Recently, they were showcased on a commercial for SLO Like magazine.
Here's what they have to say about themselves:
Music Motive is a fresh concept in music education and inspiration. We offer music programs for every age in a relaxed, fun environment and provide highly qualified instructors with a passion for teaching. In addition to our San Luis Obispo facility, we have locations in Paso Robles and Nipomo. We've been providing music lessons since the early 80's, and now offer many instruments. We also have music enrichment classes at Music Motive and in local schools for beginning Guitar, Drums, Piano, Ukulele, and a Glee Club! We are endorsed by the San Luis Obispo Symphony. Percussion Break (weekly drum circle), special workshops, and many other happenings go on continually throughout each month. All of these programs are especially designed to give our students and the local music community opportunities to stretch and be inspired. Our scholarship program provides a way to give every young aspiring musician a chance to learn and grow regardless of family income level. Music Motive's famous Bucket Busters whose energetic performances thrill crowds all over the Central Coast, raise scholarship funds from donations they receive, including the sale of their CD, "Buckets Of Fire". Scholarships are also partially funded by the sale of music accessories sold out of our store as well as private donations from individuals and organizations. Our Mission To provide high quality music instruction with private lessons, classes, workshops, and performance groups. To draw excellence from every student and every teacher. From the Founder/Director A good teacher can potentially launch your music career. They might introduce you to a lifetime of playing an instrument, or possibly give you the opportunity to play music for the very first time! I'm confident that our program and facilities will help you get the most out of your musical experience.
I believe that music is an essential part of our lives. It can help you to express your thoughts and feelings, but it’s also been proven that learning to play a musical instrument helps develop thought processes and brain development. It can make you smarter, reduce stress, and help you to feel better about yourself.
It is my life’s work and sincere honor to share the experience of music and I personally invite you to be a part of it. Together we can keep music alive and vibrant! Will you do your part?
Playing music may be the greatest thing to ever happen in a person's life. It could be the best investment you will ever make. -Steve Hilstein, Director
As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!
I meet all the requirements in the constitution. I was born and have lived in the US for well over 14 years, I'm over 35 and I'd be acceptable to a large number of people across the nation due to the internet.
I'm part republican, part democrat, part independent, part liberal, 100% human and would not classify myself clearly as one party or the other. I suppose to fit in a voting box and the system that we have in place, I'd have to run under "independent" but would fight to ensure equality and a high quality of life for anyone with any political affiliation, lifestyle or belief. Period. All the little arguments, positions and views do not matter compared to taking care of each other.
High level politics has become a rich person's SPORT! It's become a business rather than serving communities and people first - and I'm all about being self-employed, running a business and having the freedom to do what I want, but not at the expense of my neighbors or community. Enough's enough. To some degree, our country has been run like a bad business and as a business, we are bankrupt and a lot of people need to be fired... and other's promoted.
I have no political background but I have a masters in being an average citizen scraping to get ahead like 99% of those that read this. I know little about the game of politics but I know plenty about what people want and have a whole lot of street smarts and common sense that seems to be lacking everywhere.
Regular, everyday guy for president?
Mayor of common senseville?
Politics has become a game of tricks. I've been a full time magician for over 14 years and I know all about smoke and mirrors. Maybe I can make a few people in office that are corrupt disappear since they are in this political game for sport and money - without much care how it affects you and me in the long run.
If my name officially ended up on a ballot, I understand that I would not get many votes from the ultra Rich although I've had the opportunity to be part of that world through entertainment. I understand that there are amazingly prepared and qualified politicians better suited for president than I and that there are many out there who truly mean well. I'm not knocking them or being negative except to express that the system is broken and going in the wrong direction with priorities. We all know it.
Perhaps it's time to find another way and get back to the basics. Why can't we pick a nobody for president if we wanted? It now costs 100's of millions to run for president. What an unfortunate waste of resources. As your president, I'll make no secret deals, have zero tolerance for corruption and waste, not alter my views and maintain my morals. There is one goal - to take great care of our citizens who deserve to live life happy, healthy, safe lives complete with education and heath care… and to be a great example as the best nation to others around the world.
Most likely, I'll never even make it to filing… We will see. Hopefully, I'll get some to think about the possibilities and where we seem to be headed… regardless of their political affiliation.
My slogan is "No Tricks, Just Common Sense!" Share this with everyone you know. Donate if you want, even if to just help make a point. It would be ridiculous to have a nobody name on the ballot. It's time for everyone to get RICH! VOTE for RICH FERGUSON in 2012! If you want to purchase mugs, t-shirts or stickers, you can visit this online store.
In order to submit a statement of candidacy, $5,000 must be contributed or spent on campaigning. Am I serious? Not "completely," but partly. I'm willing to try anything. Crazier things have happened. It does make me wonder what's possible. I know there are better uses for me and more qualified and honest people out there that SHOULD run for president. Mostly, I want people to fight for what they want and deserve and quite being armchair critics without lifting a finger to accomplish changes on their own or contributing to their community.
I'm pretty excited for Jeff Probst and his new show "The Jeff Probst Show" because he's a heck of a guy and I believe it will be a positive type of show like Ellen (see me perform magic on Ellen) - as apposed to the unhealthy drama, shock, hate and gossip found all over television networks. I'd bet that this show will motivate and inspire it's viewers.
If you are wondering how to see his show live, you can get tickets to the Jeff Probst Show! Jeff is very well known for being the host of Survivor, but this will certainly change his public image fast. I'm thrilled for him and this show.
This is from my academy awards where I joined Jeff
for dinner and enjoyed doing magic for him once again.
From what I know about Jeff, he'll dig for the real answers and will not hold back asking the tough questions. I also think he'll be positive and encourage the best for everyone. The vibe I'm getting is this show is all about discovering greatness in people. How cool is that? We need more people and shows like this. I look forward to amazing guests, stories and audience participation... congrats Jeff!
UPDATE:
I attended Jeff's first show taping and was blown away at the level of care given by the staff. They take great care of their audience and realize that the audience help make the show. In fact, I heard from the warm up comedian, who is Jeff's long time good friend, that Jeff insisted on a quality room for all the guests and had to fight a lot with the network to get it! There were games, snacks, photo-booth, massage chairs, music and entertainment. In addition, it's the only show in LA that allows you to take photos. Even though this is probably more to do with all of us helping the show be marketed, it's nice to see a show let go of some of the over-control associated with other productions. Oh, I almost forgot... I took over Jeff's spot and did some magic for the audience!
To the show itself.. Sure enough, my hunch was right. Jeff really digs for the connection between people, the WHY associated with choices and discovering greatness all around. He is very interested those people who don't just talk about ideas, but those who act on ideas and follow through with them. Each show ends with a segment that lets women ask questions to men about why men do the crazy things they do.. and another segment called Audience Ambush where he chooses one audience member and gives them a challenge and goal to accomplish in one week that typically fits the theme of the show. The main guests come on and it's a very comfortable and personable vibe as apposed to hype and marketing of books you see so often on other shows. Jeff gets right to the questions people at home are likely to ask. In fact, he randomly tosses out the mic to audience members and gets opinions throughout the show.
At the door Jeff enters the show from!
All in all, I'm super excited for this show and for Jeff. He wants to inspire and motivate people to reach for greatness. His tagline says it all. "Life's an adventure. Let's talk about it." Thanks for listening.
As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!
WTF is a popular acronym! "Wow, that's fun?" "What this fail?" "What the February?" I'll let you decide! The good news is that WTF - Pet Peeves and Other Annoyances is now a book!
From idiot drivers, barking dogs, screaming kids, stupid people at work, lazy roommates to annoying relationships, here's over 1,500 examples that people have no common sense!
In addition, there are numerous sketches to make this reading much more entertaining! Enjoy finding the ones that drive you crazy or put in on the desk of that person that deserves it!
If you know someone with bad habits, rude behavior or is generally a dumb ass, here a book for them! Enjoy.
Getting a Graduation Gift for high school grads or college grads is sometimes difficult. Here's a way to add a little humor to the day! With this Gag Gift, your new graduate will enjoy some great laughs with you as you poke fun of him or her!
Our Blank Gag Books are loaded with clever and funny quotes. Check out the Blank Gag Books website and see all the funny quotes on the book covers. All of our books are Blank on the inside - making obvious fun of the person receiving it! Our best selling book, Sex after 50, obvious says they get NO sex after 50. So, if you are looking for a little something extra to make a graduation gift or party fun, check out our Gag Gift Books. In addition, you can use these books as a journal or guest book at a party.
Getting a Father's Day gift is sometimes difficult. Here's a way to add a little humor to the day! With this Gag Gift, your Dad will enjoy some great laughs with you as you poke fun of him.
Our Blank Gag Books are loaded with clever and funny quotes. All of our books are Blank on the inside - making obvious fun of the person receiving it! Our best selling book, Sex after 50, obvious says you get NO sex after 50. So, if you are looking for a little something extra to make Father's Day fun, check out our Gag Gift Books. In addition, you can use these books as a journal or guest book at a party.
"Anyone who makes a difference in someone's life is a Magic Maker™. As Magic Makers™, our job is to help kids overcome obstacles, embrace challenges and help foster their Magic, whatever that is. Life experience builds street smarts and common sense, skills that make the kids we work with shine if we help. Helping them discover their Magic in life, along with an attitude that challenges are essential, gives them purpose and identity."
Revisit some ideas shared by Magician Rich Ferguson, hear his story and see how his observations may make a big impact on the Magic in your life and the kids we work with.
As a successful magician and individual that has a story that surprises people, the direction of this program came together naturally. Magic Maker™ has a wonderful framework around the Magic of life, attitude, discovery, intelligence and how important our jobs are when supporting with each other and the youth we try to help. I share my story of survival and insight on how I believe we can work to open doors for kids who have doors shut in their faces unnecessarily.
If you break down what anyone really wants, it's purpose and identity. I explore ways to stop getting in the way of this process.
This 1.5-2 hour motivational program or keynote presentation is geared toward organizations that work with teens and kids in protective care, social services, at-risk academies and similar. However, the overall message can be presented to kids directly or people of all walks of life. It's all about embracing challenge and finding your Magic. Too often, the way society forces kids to deal with challenges or "issues" make them feel even more disconnected, ashamed or frustrated. As an expert observer and "survivor", I want to share how this can be different. Challenges can be awesome and fuel opportunities if we let them.
Part of the program focuses on how we can shift our behavior to get amazing results. We can LOOK for opportunities in any situation to help someone explore their magic. In this example below, maybe realizing this child has rhythm and might be expressing a love for music would lead to something that would give him purpose and identity if harnessed correctly.
Another section focused on an important question: "What is Smarts?" From identifying the power to knowing how to adapt, keen observation and having common sense, we quickly see what a gift it is to be challenged while growing up.
A very fun section of the program is seeing celebrity faces and guessing what they have in common. This following slide, although revealed here, will still surprise you when you see it. There are several sections like this which make the point that we know famous people for what they have driven to accomplish and not "problems" that they may have had earlier in life. It's a choice. Let problems define you and hold you back... or let them be the fuel for greatness. I share my formula.
Of course, as an entertainer, I add a lot of humor and magic to make it a memorable and fun experience. A lot of focus is on common sense and awareness due to the fact that kids that go through a lot have more life experience and smarts than they are given credit for. They are the most observant people in the world in many cases. We also discuss learning, street smarts and my secret formula to connect with kids and each other.
Magic Maker™ is available for at-risk youth groups, social services, academies, schools and any organizations that want to make a difference in kids and the world around them through shifting stigmas and being positive. I was lucky enough to make my struggles drive me in a positive direction and accomplish amazing goals. I want to share this secret.
For more information about booking me as a speaker, visit my official site.
Prior to adding motivational speaking with a touch of magic into high gear, I was involved with other organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Social Services and Dream for Kids helping the best I could in intimate and mentoring programs.
Here's a clip from a recent fundraiser and auction for Big Brothers Big Sisters where my "little" surprised me with being one of the speakers!
As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!
San Luis Obispo Magician Rich Ferguson makes the news again. This time, it's a segment called Time with Tony. Tony Cipolla from FOX KCOY News interviews interesting people that make the Central Coast a special place to live.
Watch some highlights of magic tricks and hear more about how he got started in magic! You might be surprised!
As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!
