The Oklahoma Sooners is the name of the athletic teams representing the University of Oklahoma. The university's athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I Big 12 Conference. The mascot of the Oklahoma Sooners is the 'Sooner Schooner', a covered wagon that is pulled by two white ponies named 'Boomer' and 'Sooner'. The nickname 'Sooners' is unique to the state of Oklahoma and has a historical significance. In the late 1800s, the state of Oklahoma was known as Indian Territory, and settlers were not allowed to claim land within its borders. However, some individuals known as 'Sooners' would illegally enter the territory and stake their claim before the land runs, giving them an advantage over others.
Misdirections Magic Shop: The Inner Sunset's Wizard School
Having mastered his first magic trick at the age of five, San Francisco native Joe Pon has devoted his entire life to the art of illusion. After opening Misdirections Magic Shop in the Inner Sunset nearly two decades ago, Pon and his store have become a cornerstone of the Bay Area's magic community.
Misdirections carries everything a magician needs, including props, DVDs and how-to books, and Pon goes the extra step, teaching customers how to do the tricks themselves. Hoodline interviewed him at his store to learn more about one of the city's two remaining magic shops (the other is Houdini’s Magic Shop at Pier 39).
Why did you decide to open a magic shop?
"It’s my first love, I’ve been doing it since I was five. When I got married, my wife didn’t want to travel, so I opened up a magic shop, so instead of being a performer, I became a teacher and a mentor. I’ve actually taught some of the biggest names in magic nationwide and in the Bay Area."
Really? Like who?
"David Copperfield, David Blaine, Criss Angel. From scratch I taught Alex Ramon, who’s probably the top from the Bay Area guys, and now he’s one of the larger names in magic. As far as other Bay Area magicians, I’ve taught Jay Alexander, Christian Cagigal and Big Alcatraz."
(At this point in the interview, Pon pauses to sell a magic trick to a boy and his father, doing a quick demonstration before resuming our conversation.)
Whoa! So does that happen all the time?
"This is not just a regular magic shop. I care about the magic, I’m not just trying to sell you stuff. People always come in and say they want to learn. But I say, ‘you have to practice!' Magic isn’t about secrets only. It’s like learning how to play piano, learning how to juggle, learning martial arts. You must practice to be good."
What was that you told him after you sold him the trick?
"I told him the three points of magic: One, you must practice. Two, you've got to keep it a secret. Three, you can never repeat a trick. It’s like watching a movie. First time is magic, second time is education. Magic is all about the surprise element, too."
Is there really a “magician’s code?”
"The code is that we don’t tell anybody how to do tricks, but then there’s the question, ‘Well how can you sell magic?’ The reason I can is that there is a code. When you are a magician, you can reveal certain things, but there’s an ethics to it. First you buy it, and then you invest the time and you practice it . and then you’re gonna just give it away? You don’t want to do that. Even among magicians we don’t reveal everything. But I’m the guy who knows everything. Most people perform for lay people, or muggles, as they are called. I perform for magicians, which is much harder."
So there is a sort of conflict between being a magic salesman and a magician at the same time?
"Yes, there’s a fine line. Because I’m a dealer, I’m here to protect the tricks too. I find what level you’re on before I sell you a trick. Just like if you are into martial arts, if you are a white belt, I’m not going to just tell you how to break a board right away."
Would you ever not sell a trick or a DVD if you didn’t think someone was ready?
"Yes, I have done that, many, many times. In fact, some people have gotten mad at me. But I care about the magic."
What's the relationship between magic secrets and the performance itself?
"Magic is not about the secret. The real magic is about the performer. These are instruments, I sell instruments. If you are a great performer, you can use the magic and be great. If you’re just okay, then they are just props."
How do those huge, large-scale illusions work?
"Well first off, I can’t tell you that. From the largest to the smallest trick, I can’t tell you. But I have all the secrets here. So, if you are willing to study and practice, I have it and I will direct you to the right things."
Tell us more about your services here at Misdirections.
"Anything you buy from me, I will teach you for free. I also have lectures where I bring in famous magicians, where they come and teach. These range from $30 to $40. This place is the magic scene in San Francisco. I built a community. It’s a small but big group, so anything that happens in magic, you can always find it here. From shows to lectures, workshops, anything. Anything about magic is always here."
What’s the most amazing trick you’ve ever seen?
"You know what? I still get fooled. People come in all the time and try to fool me. But the most amazing trick I’ve ever seen was a vanishing silk handkerchief when I was five, and that’s what got me into it. After all, magic is like Santa Claus. People don’t really want to know the secret to magic. Once people know the secret, once you learn magic, you can never go back."
Can magic be used for evil?
"Yeah. In some parts of the world, magic can be seen as a special power. In America, it’s a show, but in other parts, it’s voodoo and you can make people believe you have a special power. You just hope people will use their powers for good."
Why do you like magic so much?
"I love the entertainment value. Magic, if you took the entertainment value out, why then it’s just a puzzle. But that’s not what magic’s about. It’s about making people feel good. I want to amuse and confuse you, all at the same time."
Misdirections Magic Shop is located at 1326 9th Ave. and is open Tuesday - Saturday from 11am - 6pm and from noon to 5pm on Sundays (closed Mondays). If you'd like to attend an instructional lecture by magician Jeff McBride on February 22nd, stop by Misdirections to purchase tickets.
Misdirections magic shop
Alex Ramon headlining in "Illusion Fusion" @ Horizon Casino Resort, South Lake Tahoe
Fresh from dazzling crowds at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, master magician Alex Ramon will make Southshore remarkably more magical! Edgy enough for kids, but friendly enough for parents, Illusion Fusion starring Alex Ramon is set to mesmerize at the Horizon Casino Resort Lake Tahoe, NV.
EXTENDED till September.
Shows nightly Thursday - Monday
8:00pm
2 Shows Saturday Nights 7:00pm & 9:00pm
www.tickefly.com
Horizon Casino Resort, Lake Tahoe
The San Francisco Ghost Hunt Meet real ghosts from wild and romantic times gone by. You will enjoy nearly three hours of guaranteed unearthly fun! The Ghost Hunt is delighted to introduce you to San Francisco's most notorious ghosts at 7:00 pm six evenings a week, closed Tuesdays. Call 415-922-5590 to confirm.
$20 person.
**** Misdirections Magic Club 25% off
415-922-5590
www.sfghosthunt.com
The San Francisco Ghost Hunt take place year around, in every weather, in a beautiful historic neighborhood in the comfortable Pacific Heights district. The one mile walking tour is in a quiet residential area surrounding a vast well kept park. The locality is free of the usual urban unpleasantness, there is even no business traffic. The Ghost Hunt shows a very local side of San Francisco many have been dying to see. There is one modrate hill, the pace is easy and the views are spectacular. You will enjoy nearly three hours of guaranteed unearthly fun
***SOMETHING COOL YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT: Doug Henning performing Close-Up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06O46DjlvzQ
However, some individuals known as 'Sooners' would illegally enter the territory and stake their claim before the land runs, giving them an advantage over others. This term eventually became synonymous with the state and its residents. The Sooner Schooner made its first appearance as the official mascot of the University of Oklahoma in 1964.
There are really only two significant "brick and mortar" magic shops in the greater Bay area
In SanFrancisco, there is Misdirections and Houdini's Magic, although in Martinez, the California Magic Dinner Theatre does also sell some magic. While not a storefront, Byron Walker is a major book supplier and sells new and used books from his home.
The wagon is a replica of the actual Conestoga wagon that settlers used during the Land Run of 1889. It is a beloved symbol of the university, embodying the pioneering spirit and heritage of Oklahoma. The Sooner Schooner is a prominent feature at home football games at the Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. It enters the field before the game, and after every touchdown, the wagon takes a victory lap around the field. This tradition is accompanied by the crowd chanting "Boomer Sooner", the university's fight song. The Sooner Schooner has become an iconic symbol of the University of Oklahoma and its athletic teams. Its presence at games adds excitement and tradition to the university's sporting events. The white ponies, Boomer and Sooner, are well-trained and are a favorite among fans. They have become beloved mascots of the university, representing the resilience and determination of the Sooners. In conclusion, the Oklahoma Sooners' mascot, the Sooner Schooner, is a symbol of the university's history and heritage. It pays homage to the brave settlers who ventured into Indian Territory in search of their dreams. The tradition of the Sooner Schooner and its ponies adds excitement and pride to the University of Oklahoma's athletic events..
Reviews for "The Oklahoma Sooners Mascot: A Mascot Icon across the Nation"
1. John - 2/5 -
As someone who is not a fan of the Oklahoma Sooners mascot, I have to say that I find it to be quite unoriginal and uninspiring. The "Sooner" character lacks creativity and depth, simply dressed in a generic cowboy outfit. It fails to encapsulate the true spirit and energy of the Oklahoma Sooners team. I believe the university could have done much better in creating a mascot that truly represents their team and its values.
2. Sarah - 1/5 -
In my opinion, the Oklahoma Sooners mascot is a poor representation of the team. The cartoonish character fails to evoke any sense of athleticism or strength. The outdated cowboy persona feels cliché and unimpressive. The mascot should be a symbol of pride and motivation for the team and its fans, but the Oklahoma Sooners mascot falls short in this aspect. I believe a redesign is necessary to create a more captivating and fitting figure for the team.
3. David - 2/5 -
I have to admit that the Oklahoma Sooners mascot does nothing for me. The concept of a cowboy character feels overdone and lacks originality. It fails to stand out among the mascots of other sports teams. Moreover, the lack of enthusiasm and dynamism in the mascot's appearance is disappointing. I think the Oklahoma Sooners could benefit from a fresh and innovative approach to their mascot, one that truly embodies the spirit and tradition of the team.
4. Emily - 1/5 -
The Oklahoma Sooners mascot is unimpressive and outdated. The cowboy character feels disconnected from the modern era of sports. A more contemporary and relevant figure would be more appealing to the younger generation of fans. The mascot should ignite excitement and signify the team's strength, but the Oklahoma Sooners mascot falls short in delivering this message. It's time for a mascot that better resonates with fans and truly reflects the team's identity.
5. Michael - 2/5 -
I find the Oklahoma Sooners mascot to be quite lackluster. It lacks the energy and enthusiasm that a mascot should bring to a team. The design feels generic and uninspired, failing to capture the attention and excitement of fans. A mascot should be a memorable and engaging figure that represents the team's values and achievements, but the Oklahoma Sooners mascot fails to meet this expectation. A revamp is needed to create a mascot that truly resonates with fans and helps build a stronger connection with the team.