Such stuff as dreams are made on… a teaser
April 17, 2008
I had the dubious pleasure last week of celebrating my birthday in Niagara Falls. Nothing against Niagara Falls, but I’ve been there more times than I care to remember… I mean, how many visits from out-of-country friends can one tolerate, anyway? This time, though, the trip down the highway was to accompany my eight-year-old daughter to a four-day dance competition. Well, she brought home three golds and a silver, so the long weekend was deemed a big success. I hasten to assure you, while her competitive spirit is all mine, the dancing technique is funded entirely by my wife.
Parental pride aside, the highlight of the trip, for the three of us, was my birthday present. They treated me to an evening of magic in the Greg Frewin Theatre. I know, I know. We’ve all seen magic tricks before. Well, this guy just blew me away. Apparently, he’s won the world championship of magic. He had girls disappearing before my eyes (old trick I say, been there, done that myself, also more times than I care to remember), replaced by Bengal tigers (never done that). Birds appearing from wherever in greater numbers than you would think could be concealed on one’s person (I hope he has a good laundry service). Before our very eyes, we saw feathers turn into fur as two pigeons (I swear) became a dog.
Slowly, methodically, and with full support of a screen view behind him, Mr. Frewin folded up a guest’s $100 bill (it was only USD, so no great risk these days), then slowly unfolded it, handing back to her a $1 bill. Hey… wait a minute. I’ve seen that one before! I invest on the Venture Exchange. That’s an everyday event here, played, and played over and over again… and the audience (for the most part) is left asking the same question, “How’d they do that?”
As I studied the magic show audience during intermission (sorry, but that’s what I do), I observed to my wife that there were four categories of people in attendance. First were the kids, including my own daughter, who haven’t the first clue, and readily accept what they see as real magic. Second are the people who know it’s not real magic, but are happy to stay in the dark and ask no questions. For some, ignorance is bliss. Third is the group watching with a smile because they’re in on the game. Maybe they play the same game, and can appreciate the artistry of a true master. Finally, there is a group of people who know it’s not real, don’t know how it’s done, but are intent on figuring it out so they “won’t be fooled again” in the future.
Does this all sound eerily familiar? Perhaps painfully so. It is this fourth group of malcontents for whom my website is intended.
In the weeks ahead, I will be launching what I hope will be a significant project for investors on the TSX-V. As with everything on the Venture Exchange, there’s no guarantee of success, but I’m trying. Some hints of what may come are to be found on my Welcome page, and on Our Mission page. I’ve shared the genesis of this project with a small group of close friends and associates. Their reactions include:
"If you can make this work, it will blow the market away."
"Now I see what you're up to--very impressive. That's a fantastic idea; when it picks up steam it will push most of the shysters and shell companies to the sidelines, if not out of the game altogether. Go for it!"
"… a really good idea."
"Concept is brilliant! People will pay."
"It will be worth a fortune… This is awesome… very cool"
"Excellent job, I can see your expertise shining through…"
"This is really great."
Stay tuned. More details coming your way soon.
Kevin