Shireland, The Magic of Kids

[jameala]

Well, Magico2008, let's not be too hard on Bob Murphy. He is just trying to make a living without having to work at McDonalds. No doubt, he went into somewhere like Irelands or Magic, Incorporated and bought some illusions that he could afford and then marketed him and them. Also, this video was from 1991, so the magic tricks were only 80 years old! :-)

[magico2008cu]

100 year old magic and people dont stop using it ,umbeliveble

[jameala]

Hey Octofish, that is Thomas Smrt at his finest hour. I actually had a grand-daughter of his write me a nasty e-mail, calling me everything but a child of God for defaming him on my website. I simply stated that I didn't defame anybody; I just told the truth. He did the rest. It makes you wonder how a man with so little people-skills could become a millionaire.

[octofish]

I interviewed with Thomas Smrt circa 1999 for a plant supervisor position he had open in his Barrington, IL plant. He didn't like that his intimidation tactics were not working. He offered me the job, which I rejected on the spot. This person was smug, arrogant, bat-shit crazy and overall, quite entertaining. Perhaps this person had admirable attributes. I didn't see any evidence of any during our short meeting.

[XRoysMistressX]

Where was the place located?

Like the streets.

[jameala]

About half way between Chicago and Rockford.

[XRoysMistressX]

Well, I know that, lol. I live really close, but I want to know how to get there. Like what road is it on?

[jameala]

Rte 20 and Dietrict roads, but it is private property and trespassing in inadvisable, because the new owner calls the police, has people arrested and presses charges.

[XRoysMistressX]

Yeah, my bro told me about it.

I was just curious to see who was right.

[pitster]

The creator of Shireland, Thomas J Smrt was one of the biggest assholes I have ever had the displeasure of meeting.

[jameala]

I quit working for him after two days because I felt that my mental health was work more than the 42K he was paying me. I never saw a dime of the money.

[pitster]

You deserve an award for putting up with it THAT long !

[Choochf]

Did anybody working at Shireland have any forewarning that the place was about the go out of business?

I wonder how many people walked off the job?

Did anybody last the entire "duration" of Shireland's existence?

[jameala]

Choochf7 those are REAL good questions. I have had e-mails from people who have told me that Smrt was this kind, warm-hearted man. I think he has a screw loose, but you can't deny the fact that he is brilliant - just a little wacky. I tape recorded a conversation he and I had on the phone and my daughter listened to the tape (she didn't even hear the actualy conversation) and SHE thought he was wacky!

[Choochf]

I remember driving I90 and wondering about this place- I even remember there being a brown highway sign announcing "Shireland" but then realizing that nothing materialized of this place. I think it would be distracting to watch a show when you could easily see and hear the interstate traffic.

I remember seeing some bleachers from the interstate as well with a little paved road and people actually attending some show...

[Choochf]

Sounds like there were 10 people in the audience...

[pahlorstoker]

who needs a ticket? just slow down as you drive by on highway and watch the show! ULTRALAME!!!

[jameala]

Like I said in the previous comment, it allowed kids to see a live performance and not something that some massive organization pre-packaged in Hollywood and shoved down our throat because some focus group said if they did they would make money. Shireland was a corny little place - but maybe we all need a little more "corny"!

[marlonmagico]

zzzzzzzzzzzzz!

[marandola]

yes

[jameala]

yes, what?