By Shelly Bennett
January. A word that casts dread into the heart of most Michiganders. Just the mention of that word calls forth memories of boredom. Days spent inside watching TV or playing board games-anything to keep from having to go outside. But now’s the time to cultivate some skills that you can use all year long: Study a foreign language. Learn how to cook. Get yourself a new super power.
“A super power?” you ask. “Where the heck can I learn a super power?” Well, leave it up to Little Miss Detroit to find a place for cultivating super powers. She has just the place for you… The Wunderground Magic Shop.
For over 30 years, The Wunderground Magic Shop has been supplying magical tools and devices to the witches and wizards of the world. Tucked in at the corner of 14 Mile and Main St. in Clawson it is sort of like a Portkey into a place from a Harry Potter book (a virtual Diagon Alley shoppe). Walking through the doorway, you are instantly transported into a world where cards fly, coins are doubled, spikes pass through solid objects and nothing is as it seems.
Looking for an amazing bar trick?** Hoping to astound your daughter’s friends at her birthday party? Want to give Jr. something to do that will keep him busy practicing for hours? The guys at Wunderground have got you covered. From practical jokes to lessons from a professional magician, The Wunderground Magic Shop is the place for learning a super power.
What you’ll really love about The Wunderground Magic Shop is the people who work there. They take the time to show you the magic trick before you buy it so you know what it looks like in action. Then, after you’ve made your purchases, they will sit down with you and show you how to do the trick. They take the time to make sure you will understand and enjoy your magical purchase. If you’re looking for even more magical talent, they offer classes for both children and adults.
The children’s classes are an especially good value; six classes for $100. They run on a rotating basis (Saturdays from 10AM-11AM) and your child will receive a punch card so that if they miss a class, they can just attend the class they missed next time around. That way there’s no pressure if something comes up or you need to work around a sports schedule. Brilliant!
The adult classes are on the first Tuesday evening of each month from 6:30PM-8PM and are $20 at the door. Each month focuses on a different aspect of magic (cards, coins, rope, etc.).
How many people do you know that can perform even one decent magic trick? I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “You’re darn right I don’t know anyone who does magic cuz magic is for nerds. I don’t know any nerds y’all,” Now just hold on for a second Wilbur. You don’t have to be a nerd to appreciate a good magic trick. Just think of the times that knowing some great magic tricks would really come in handy:
*Anytime you are working with children or older adults (mission trips, volunteering, visiting Grandma at the nursing home, etc).
*If you’re ever stuck in an elevator.
*At you’re niece’s (nephew’s, godson’s, daughter’s, etc.) birthday party.
*If you want to impress your boss at the next holiday party (I recommend the “Multiply your Money” or the “Money Shreader” tricks for this one).
*At the bar (there are books and videos for tricks to do with dollar bills or coins-all great for the bar).
*When auditioning for a reality TV show.
*On a cruise or a Southwest Airlines flight (maybe you could win a free bottle of champagne).
This list really could go on and on. I’m sure you are thinking right now, “You’re right! I wish I had a magic trick to perform during that awkward moment when_______ .” (fill in the blank)
You know it’s true. Magic is not just for nerds… it’s for superheros!
The Wunderground Magic Shop
16 S Main, Clawson, MI 48017
248.280.5925
**Back to the bar trick for a moment...you might think it’s cheesy guys, but, as Napoleon Dynamite so aptly pointed out, women love a guy with skills (AND the nerve to use them). It is also a non-threatening way to break the ice and to tell whether or not a person has a sense of humor.
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