Chris Kotsopoulos, Children's Wish CEO and Ryan Joyce - Presents another $10,000 contribution to Children's Wish

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to stop in at the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada’s National office and visit with some long time friends of the Foundation.  I also had the priviledge to finally meet Children’s Wish CEO, Chris Kotsopoulos.  Even though I’ve been a proud partner of Wish for the past six years because of my own crazy schedules I haven’t had the opportunity to meet face to face.  It was a wonderful afternoon – like I’ve always said Wish just feels like home.

To learn more about the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada visit: www.childrenswish.ca

Click here to view the embedded video.

We’ve had a very busy few months, I must apologies for the delay.  Here’s a video to break the silence.

Halloween has treats; but it’s not the ‘trickiest’ holiday in October.

October is filled with celebrations.  It’s obvious that Thanksgiving is the celebration of eating too much, Oktoberfest is the celebration of drinking too much and Halloween is the celebration of, cavities.

But hiding in the wings is a holiday filled with such deception and secrets it’s awarded an entire week.

October 25 to 31 is National Magic Week inspired by the anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death on Halloween Day 1926.  The name Houdini is synonymous with magic; but one magician is pulling back the curtain on a little known secret.

“Houdini’s legacy remains the biggest misconception in entertainment history” says Ryan Joyce, an internationally acclaimed expert in illusion who has toured the world with his magic.  “Even 85 years after his death, Houdini is recognized as the most famous magician in the world, but there is one major problem.  Houdini didn’t perform magic.  Houdini escaped handcuffs and straight jackets.  He wasn’t a magician at all.”

While Houdini may not have been a magician; Joyce does recognize the similarity.

“Magicians, escape artists and variety entertainers tend to get ‘chained’ in the same category.  Houdini may not have performed magic, but he’s done more for the art than anyone in history.”

The Society of American Magicians has been honouring the famed escape artist for over forty years by proclaiming the national holiday in Canada and USA.

So how does a professional magician celebrate National Magic Week?

“I have a few tricks up my sleeve.” Joyce jokes.  “We have scheduled live shows just for the occasion and for those looking to learn magic, I’ve posted some great resources on my website www.ryanjoyce.com.”

Joyce is bringing his show to various cities across Ontario this week including Belleville on October 26 and Hamilton on October 27.  Both shows are proudly presented in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada and his shows have raised over $2 million dollars for charities.  Tickets and information are available on his website www.ryanjoyce.com

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Ryan Joyce is one of the most acclaimed illusionists in Canada.  During his career he has vanished a full sized firetruck, levitated a 3 tonne SUV, made over 100 politicians vanish into thin air and raised over 2 million dollars for Canadian charities.  In 2011 he predicted the winning act’s name to the anticipated 2012 premiere of Canada’s Got Talent www.gottalentwinner.ca

The Master of Halloween Illusions is Magician Timothy Drake who ran Canada’s Largest Indoor Halloween Attraction in London, ON

Sphinx Illuminated at night - Ryan Joyce Illusionist

I was picking up the truck yesterday and a gentlemen was there with an unusual profession.

Actually he had a job that I’ve always wanted.

He was an archaeologist.  As a kid I always wanted to be an archeologist but abandonned all these dreams in search of a more realistic job.

Best,
Ryan
PS:  We both had a good chuckle about our experience at the Giza Pyramids… eating a Pizza Hut less than 200 metres from the Sphinx kinda ruined the magic.

Foxcoon checking out Ryan Joyce’s Facebook Page on the iPad

I can’t even qualify Facebook as a guilty pleasure.  It’s more like brushing my teeth and eating, just part of the day.

Sad?  I don’t think so.

Today I got the new Facebook Timeline and love it!!!!  But I’m one of those oddities that really enjoy change!

BTW we’re definitely on Facebook… and you should connect with me:  RYAN JOYCE on FACEBOOK

Our tour mascot is also on Facebook: FOXCOON on FACEBOOK

The Most _______ Parking Ticket

This was pretty much the shocker of a century… the price of my parking ticket was just as much as my Starbucks order.

LOL.  Yes that’s a $5.00 Parking ticket…. $4.00 if you pay within 48 hours.

All ticket profits go to the hospital.  Pretty awesome… for a penalty.

Nuff said

Early on in my career I even tried my hands at table-side magic in a few restaurants.  Coincidentally its also when I discovered booze.

I learned my strengths were on stage.  :)

However my good friend and fellow magician Peter Mennie is kinda the king at combining these two.  (I must admit I have Michael Bolton on my iPod  he’s got some good promotional pictures…if I do say so myself )

In fact if you’ve eaten at any worthy restaurant in the London, ON area … most likely you’ve seen him in action.  Magicians don’t usually work for other magicians.  However Peter always has something new and entertaining.  Visit his website to see where he’s at…tell him Joycee sent you.  You won’t get anything… infact he might abandon your table.  Okay… better not mention my name.

But some things can really make you shake your head.  Check out the attached picture of a $57 breakfast for two.

In case you’re adding it up, let me save you the hassle:

4 pieces of toast.
Assorted Jam.
1 bowl of fruit (which I had to argue negotiate)
2 Orange Juice
1 Coffee
1 Tea