Matin Lewis Making Magic Matin Lewis, the renowned magician, has captivated audiences all over the world with his mesmerizing performances. With his unique blend of sleight of hand, illusion, and storytelling, Lewis has solidified his place in the realm of modern magic. Growing up with a passion for magic, Lewis dedicated countless hours honing his craft. His journey began at a young age when he received his first magic kit as a gift. This sparked an insatiable curiosity in him, leading him to explore the art of magic further. As he grew older, Lewis realized that magic was not just about tricks but about creating a sense of wonder and amazement in others.

Harmon’s Histories: A tragic tale of live UM bear mascot

Where was I? Oh yes, I was going to tell you about that bear. Well, actually bears (plural).

The Quill and Dagger society (and the whole University of Montana, for that matter) used live bear cubs to promote events in the early days of the school.

U-M’s athletic teams were actually known as the “Bears.”

Of course it’s a bit tough having a bear cub as a mascot. For one thing, bears grow – and are not “cubs” for long.

So, the university was constantly going through bear cubs – having to find a new cub for a mascot every year or two.

Now, “Teddy,” the particular bear cub I mentioned last week, was not only “the likable mascot of the U-M football team,” but played an important part in one of the Quill and Dagger society’s performances at Missoula’s Union opera house.

“Teddy was taught a number of fine tricks and will do a number of good stunts for the edification of the audience,” promised the Quill and Dagger society, in fact, they said, “would be the event of season.”

In addition to “Teddy,” there were cubs named “Fessy” (honoring University of Montana football coach Doug Fessden) and “Jerry” (honoring coach Jerry Williams).

But, using live bear cubs was problematic. They are animals and obviously don’t like being chained. On top of that there were the occasional “kidnappings,” and animal rights protests.

Genell Jackson, writing in the 1956 Montana Kaimin, said, “Jerry came to MSU shortly after school started this fall. Although a female, she was promptly named after the Grizzly coach Jerry Williams!”

“She was a very unhappy and very mean little bear when she first arrived. The early football games must have seemed like the end of the world for her. A far cry from peaceful woods: the noise and pompom girls scared her and it took two heavy chains to hold her.”

“Even then she made several almost successful attempts at freedom. But it wasn’t long before she began to warm up to her captors. She allowed them to pet and rumple her dark fur without snapping. Toward the end of the season, she even seemed to enjoy the football games. Rather than struggle to get lose, she would sit quietly tween the legs of whoever was her “date” for the day.”

“It was only when the music or crowd was especially loud that she would jerk her chain. Once she did get free and scampered across the field and made it up a light pole before 'she was caught.”

“Just what is to become of Jerry hasn’t been decided, but it is quite probable she will be sent East to grow up in a city' zoo.”

“The Grizzly Growlers have been caring for Jerry, and she has moved from the Sigma Alpha Epsilon house to Fort Missoula. But where ever she goes, the best wishes of the Grizzlies and students of MSU will go with the little brown bear.”

Over the years, the “Bears” became the “Grizzlies” or “Silvertips,” and mascots changed with the times. There was the “Hamm's Beer Bear” and later “Otto the Grizzly,” sponsored by the Grizzly Auto Centers.

But, the athletic department, by the 1990s, wanted “a more engaging, friendly and energetic mascot.” The result was “Monte” who was first seen at the start of the 1993 season.

The person inside the bear suit, it was decided, would not be identified until after he/she was no longer a student at U-M. Barry Anderson was one of the high-profile Monte mascots, who went on to work with the Chicago Bulls mascot team.

Anderson was famous for doing acrobatic cartwheels and flips. He would ride motorcycles and horses, and was “always surrounded by cheerleaders.” He was nominated as Capital One's Mascot of the Year a number of times. “Monte” was even in a Super Bowl commercial with Joe Montana!

These days, you see Monte everywhere – corporate functions, business advertising, school classrooms – promoting the U-M brand.

It’s been quite a ride for “Teddy” from the 1890s, doing “tricks and stunts for the edification of the audience,” at Quill and Dagger society events, to today’s all-encompassing role as the campus mascot!

Texas Tech mascot dies during game

Texas Tech's mascot, a black quarterhorse named Double T, died Saturday during the game with New Mexico when it threw its rider, ran across the playing field and slid headfirst into a concrete wall.

The incident happened in the third quarter after Tech scored. Rider Amy Smart, a senior animal science major from Dallas, was guiding the horse on its customary trot around the field when her saddle broke and she fell off. When the galloping horse reached an exit tunnel, its feet flew out and its head hit the wall. University veterinarian Mark Hellman said the horse apparently died instantly.

Hey, that's not my baton: University of Texas band director Glenn Richter was arrested Friday and charged with carrying a gun at Robert Mueller Municipal Airport in Austin while trying to catch a flight to Pittsburgh for the Longhorns' game against Pitt. Richter, who said he didn't know the gun was in the bag, was released on a personal recognizance bond.

Banned, but not gagged: Banned Texas A&M football booster Warren Gilbert Jr., who landed A&M in NCAA trouble by paying nine football players for work they didn't do between 1990 and 1992, said school officials urged him to stonewall the NCAA's investigation into a summer jobs scandal that concluded he improperly paid players, according to a published report.

Gilbert told the Dallas Morning News in a copyright story in today's editions that A&M coach R.C. Slocum, former vice president Robert Smith and others convinced him not to meet with investigators. The Dallas businessman said university officials singled him out to save the football program from sanctions.

New AD: Sunburst Bank president James T. "Pete" Boone was named the University of Mississippi's athletic director, chosen over two Ole Miss graduates in athletic administration.

Quake wake: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum was used for the first time since the stadium was badly damaged by the January earthquake. Fans at Southern Cal's game against Washington found only a few construction trailers and a temporary press box on the grounds as evidence of the $60-million repair job.

Horse opera, part II: "I really don't know what happened. When I rounded the corner and was in the process of slowing, I felt myself sliding off the horse. I hit the ground and then stood up and saw the horse running around the stadium. I got to the tunnel area and saw Double T lying there and couldn't believe it," Smart said.

New team, old quote: "I found out one thing," coach Joe Walton said after Robert Morris' inaugural game. "These kids love to play."

My fault: "It's just a dumb error on my part," Richter said. "It was quite depressing and humiliating for me."

What are we doing here?: "Basically we got the slop beat out of us," Georgia Southern coach Tim Stowers said after a 56-0 loss to Miami. "I'll be happy to get back to I-AA football."

Horse opera, part III: Double T was removed from Jones Stadium within minutes and was taken to a campus facility for further examination. Smart was not seriously injured.

Wheatley watch: Heisman Trophy candidate Tyrone Wheatley watched from the sideline with his separated right shoulder in a sling as Michigan beat Boston College.

Medical miracle: Miami end Rusty Medearis, playing for the first time since a knee injury nearly ended his career two years ago, played most of the first half and made one tackle against Georgia Southern.

Tulsa time: Quarterback Troy DeGar is out for the season after tearing a ligament in his right knee against Missouri. Running back Kenny Gunn, broke his right ankle in the first quarter.

Horse opera, part IV: Double T was in its second year as Texas Tech's mascot.

Coaching debuts: Boston College led No. 5 Michigan 12-0 in Dan Henning's debut as a college coach before the Wolverines rallied to win 34-26. Nicholls State's 16-7 win at Connecticut spoiled the head-coaching debut of UConn's Skip Holtz, son of Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz. Walton, a former head coach for the New York Jets and offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, won his and Robert Morris' first game, 24-19 over Waynesburg (Pa.). Kent's 28-6 loss to Rutgers spoiled the debut of Jim Corrigall and extended the Golden Flashes' losing streak to 17 games, longest among the nation's 107 Division I-A schools.

Winners and losers: Auburn extended Division I-A's longest win streak to 12 games. Division I-AA Howard has won 14 straight. Texas won only its second opener in eight years. Pitt lost its 10th consecutive home game but its first opener in eight years. Michigan is 95-17-3 in openers. North Carolina won its sixth straight opener.

Put up your Dukes, part I: James Madison's 35-0 win over Buffalo was the Dukes' first shutout since a 21-0 win over Northeastern on Oct.

Horse opera, part V: Texas Tech has had a black horse and a masked rider as a mascot since the Gator Bowl game on Jan. 1, 1954. Many former riders were at the game for a reunion.

56-0 for 58-0: No. 6 Miami routed Georgia Southern to break an NCAA record with its 58th consecutive victory at the Orange Bowl. The Hurricanes surpassed Alabama's 57 wins in a row at home from 1962-82.

Pitt stop: Curtis Martin had 11 carries of 10 or more yards while rushing for 251 yards _ the most by an opposing back since Texas started football in 1893.

Golden boys: Darin Hinshaw passed for 245 yards against Maine to break Central Florida's all-time career passing record. He has 6,766 yards. David Rhodes became the Golden Knights' all-time leading receiver with 2,868 yards.

Put up your Dukes: Robert Baldwin set a Duke rushing record with 238 yards against Maryland.

Mascot tragedy

1. Stanford University: The Tree
How popular is the Stanford Tree? Many people don't even know the school's nickname is actually the Cardinal. Well, that will happen when your mascot makes more headlines in the sports pages than the teams do. In February 2006, the Tree was fired when her breathalizer test came up a 0.157. (FYI: that's nearly twice the legal limit in Cali). That Arbor Day party must have been pretty insane.

2. St. John's University: Thunder and Lightning
Many a New Yorker was less than pleased when the St. John's Redmen, the pride of Queens, changed their name to the Red Storm. There's no word on what they think of the accompanying mascot, Thunder (and his sidekick Lightning). According to the Q&A page for St. John's alumni, Thunder has been "discontinued," while their official athletic Web site speaks proudly of Thunder. It's a tragedy that there hasn't been an episode of "Outside The Lines" on this.

3. The Ohio State University: Brutus the Buckeye
In case you're wondering why Brutus is in this category: a Buckeye is a tree. That's right. So when you see the proud Brutus cheering on Troy Smith and Co., remember, he's glorified foliage. Not only that, but Brutus isn't really the tree, he's only the partially poisonous nut of the Buckeye tree -- not sure if that makes him dangerous. It's probably best to keep your distance.

4. Wichita State University: WuShock
Nothing quite gives the psychological edge to a team like knowing a guy dressed up as a shock of wheat has their back. Still, he still has enough "Children of the Corn" creepy vibe to fear him, but he also looks enough like Kent Brockman's son to balance it out.

5. University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Cayenne
The presence of mascots like Florida State's Seminole seem to say "Come near me, and I will kill you," while Cayenne, the Ragin' Cajuns' chili pepper, seems to say, "Come near me and I swear to God I'm going to give you heartburn and diarrhea." And let's be honest, if you've ever suffered any digestive issues at the hands of Cajun food, you pretty much pray for death anyway.

Photo credits: Getty Images, AP

As he grew older, Lewis realized that magic was not just about tricks but about creating a sense of wonder and amazement in others. He started incorporating storytelling into his performances, weaving intricate narratives that captivated audiences from start to finish. This unique approach set Lewis apart from his peers, making him a sought-after performer in the magic world.

One of Lewis's most notable acts is his infamous disappearing act. Audiences are left in awe as they witness objects vanish into thin air right before their eyes. Lewis's mastery of misdirection and sleight of hand leaves even the most skeptical viewers questioning the laws of reality. Apart from his technical skills, Lewis also boasts a charismatic stage presence. His ability to connect with the audience on a personal level enhances the overall magical experience. He effortlessly engages his spectators, leaving them feeling like they are part of the act themselves. In addition to his live performances, Lewis has also ventured into television, captivating millions of viewers with his magic on various shows. He has been a guest on numerous talk shows and has even hosted his own magic specials, showcasing his skills to a broader audience. Outside of his professional life, Lewis is known for his philanthropic endeavors. He actively supports several charities, using his magic to raise funds and awareness for important causes. This dedication to making a difference in the world further demonstrates Lewis's incredible character. In conclusion, Matin Lewis is a magician who has perfected the art of creating magic. Through his unique blend of storytelling, technical skills, and engaging stage presence, he has solidified his place in the world of magic. His performances continue to amaze and inspire audiences, leaving them questioning what is possible. Matin Lewis truly makes magic come alive..

Reviews for "The Illustrious Career of Matin Lewis: A Journey into Magic"

1. Jane M. - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Matin Lewis Making Magic". The tricks were predictable and lacked any sense of wonder or awe. The production value was also very low and cheap-looking, which took away from the overall experience. I had heard so many great things about Martin Lewis and his magic, but this show just did not live up to the hype. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a truly captivating and mind-blowing magic performance.

2. Mike R. - 1/5 - "Matin Lewis Making Magic" was one of the most boring magic shows I have ever seen. The tricks were unimpressive and seemed amateurish. The pacing was slow, and there were long breaks between each trick, which killed any momentum or excitement. I felt like I wasted my money and time attending this show. I expected much more from Martin Lewis, but unfortunately, I was left thoroughly unimpressed and unsatisfied.

3. Sarah D. - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Matin Lewis Making Magic", but it fell short in many aspects. The tricks were elementary and lacked the complexity and uniqueness that I expect from a professional magician. The presentation was also lacking, with a lack of charisma and stage presence from Martin Lewis. I found myself disengaged and uninterested throughout the entire show. Overall, I was quite disappointed and would not recommend this show to others.

4. John W. - 3/5 - While "Matin Lewis Making Magic" had some interesting moments, the overall execution was subpar. The tricks were somewhat entertaining, but they were nothing groundbreaking or extraordinary. The show lacked a cohesive theme or storyline, making it feel disjointed and random. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. There were a few moments that grabbed my attention, but overall, I left the show feeling underwhelmed and wanting more.

5. Emily T. - 2/5 - I was not impressed with "Matin Lewis Making Magic". The illusions were mediocre at best and could easily be seen through by someone with basic knowledge of magic tricks. The production felt cheap and lacked the polish and professionalism I expected from a magician of Martin Lewis' caliber. The show failed to capture my attention or leave me with any sense of wonder or amazement. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for a top-notch magical experience.

Spectacular Illusions: Matin Lewis' Magical Creations