June 19, 2025: The Vanishing Act

As a kid, this strange fascination never let go.

For a while, I fell under its spell and became completely obsessed. I practiced and got pretty good. Even all these decades later, I still have a soft spot for this skill.

So, what took up so much space in my head?

Magic.

I perfected sleight-of-hand and loved visiting dusty magic shops filled with wonders. Over time, I had all the cool stuff… coin illusions, foam rabbits, black wand and hat.

I put on full shows for my family and friends and even owned a hardback bio of Harry Houdini, the legendary escape artist. On certain weekends, I watched David Copperfield TV specials at my grandparents’ house, especially his Statue of Liberty vanishing act.

But out of all the illusions I mastered, one act always stole the spotlight. And it's the easiest of them all.

The Magic Coloring Book.

The set-up is simple. When I first flip through the book, the pages are blank. A second pass reveals black-and-white outlines. Then finally — voilà — full color illustrations appear before vanishing again.

Audiences go nuts about it. As a substitute teacher, I’d whip that trick out and instantly tame the wildest beasts: middle schoolers. My bargain? With good behavior, they would learn the secret at the end of class.

My bribery worked every time. Better than candy.

This week, I remembered my old routines when I read about an American magician who fled to Brazil after receiving death threats.

Why? Because he revealed the secrets behind famous illusions, like sawing someone in half and levitation. The danger came from fellow magicians, trying to protect their intellectual property.

So far, no one's come after me for exposing the Magic Coloring Book.

But I’m ready to vanish if things get dicey.