 From The EditorHere’s the latest MAGIC Preview, offering a peek at what’s coming inMAGIC Magazine for January. If you’re not a subscriber, please give us a try. Check out our risk-free, one-month-at-a-time subscription plan at the bottom of this email. Of course, we still offer our annual subscriptions as well. If you are a subscriber, these MAGIC Previews give you an advance look at what’s en route to your mailbox. And, of course, you’ll still receive our exclusive MAGIC eUpdates with all the latest television news. Feel free to forward these monthly Previews to your friends. If you received this from a friend and would like to be added to the list, please send an email to preview@MAGICmagazine.com. Also feel free to post bits and pieces of this Preview onto magic websites. If you do, please give credit for where it came from, along with a link towww.MAGICmagazine.com. Thanks! Stan Allen Stories in MAGIC this month:  This is Not a PenBy Adam Rubin Mark Setteducati is lying on the rug of his Manhattan apartment and he's covered from head to toe with pens — well, not completely. I pull the lid off a large plastic tub labeled "frogs" and pour amphibious-shaped writing implements onto his face. The shoot's photographer says we need more pens — there are still sixty boxes stacked up in the kitchen — so, on go the "hot dogs," the "hearts," and the "tigers." Eventually, all that's visible are Mark's aquiline nose and his designer eyeglasses. While the camera snaps away, Mark shoots me a glance. Even underneath the mountain of plastic, I can tell he's smiling. For a guy who invents novelties and games for a living, Mark Setteducati is often remarkably deadpan. He has a deep, dry voice and an intently focused demeanor. A New Yorker through and through, he has strong opinions; he has no patience for "crap," and is a man of discriminating taste. It's kind of hard to imagine him playing with toys, even as a child. Criss Angel BeLIEve: Two Years Later By Rory Johnston Two years ago on Halloween, I attended BeLIEve starring Criss Angel and subsequently wrote up my impressions of the show for the December 2008 issue of this magazine. I said that I would like to return month by month to see how it evolved. I did not. I waited two years, until it was announced that Criss was now in charge of the show and that major changes had been made to the production, reflecting that it was under new management. "It's my vision now," said the new director/writer/magic designer — Angel himself. So the end of October 2010 seemed like a good time for me to revisit BeLIEve and take a look. Close-up Magic from Far Away By Alan Howard  It's more than a television in your living room. It's far from being a telephone. And it's a giant leap beyond the videophones that past generations envisioned we'd all be using by now. It is being marketed as a "telepresence," bringing friends and family into your home, as you appear in theirs. This is the new ūmi, properly written with a straight line over a lowercase U, and pronounced "you-me" — a connection between you and me. The Cisco company hopes ?mi is the wave of the future and is currently introducing the product to shoppers in malls across the US by allowing them to interact with performers in a studio in Southern California. Cisco hired actors to help demonstrate their product, but a new twist was added to the marketing plans when a member of the ?mi team saw a performance by Los Angeles magician David Minkin. Ken Scott: Lessons in Library LegerdemainBy Mark Nelson Any child would consider him or herself fortunate to celebrate more than one birthday per year. Atlanta's Ken Scott, who wrote the book on birthday party magic (and naturally, an accompanying DVD), has celebrated up to 350 birthdays a year for more than twenty years. Ken's thriving business in birthday parties has solidified his reputation as one of the premier children's party entertainers in the southeastern United States. Notwithstanding his success, for most of the past decade he has been broadening his performance art into an equally lucrative area, for which the only price of admission is a library card.  South for the WinterBy Rory Johnston After a short delay, The Magic of Sterling, starring nineteen-year-old Sterling Dietz, officially opened at the historic Teatro de la Cuidad in the tourist town of San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Sterling says it took over two years to secure authorization for the use of the government-owned theater. The soft opening, originally scheduled for mid-September, actually took place on October 16 — an invitation-only event for the "destination management companies," event planners, and concierges of local tourist hotels. The response was positive, with a standing ovation, and word went out about something new in town. Dead in the Water One hundred and fifty-eight registrants for David Sandy's third Magic Cruise boarded the Carnival Splendor on Sunday, November 7, to enjoy a seven-day cruise and conference on the Mexican Riviera — Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas, plus fine dining and luxurious accommodations, along with magic shows, magic lectures, and magic camaraderie. Well, for the most part, the shows and lectures happened, and for sure there was plenty of time for camaraderie, but the rest of the party didn't quite materialize. A Family Gathering The late William Larsen, Geri Larsen Jaffe, and Bill Larsen Jr. joined in spirit as "Brother" Milt and "Princess" Irene accepted accolades on behalf of the entire magical Larsen family on December 6 in Las Vegas. Over 200 "family friends" gathered at the Orleans Hotel as the Fantasma IBM Ring honored the family that brought the world Genii, It's Magic, The Academy of Magical Arts, and The Magic Castle.  A Magic CastleSummoned to the scene of the crime, detectives encounter a dead body hanging upside-down in a Water Torture Cell. Did the magician die trying to emulate Houdini's feat, or was it murder? That's the opening scene of "Poof! You're Dead," the latest episode of ABC's comedic mystery-drama Castle. MacMillan's International Magic The 39th Annual International Magic Convention was held at the Mermaid Conference and Events Centre in London, England. Even though the event is now held over the course of three days — in this case, November 26-28, 2010 — the gathering is still affectionately known as "Ron's Day," in honor of the late Ron MacMillan, who created and ran the convention for many years. A Moment With... Simon Lovell Simon Lovell just celebrated the seventh anniversary of his weekly show, Strange & Unusual Hobbies, in New York.MAGIC Magazine sat down with Simon to learn about that milestone of consistency and some recent changes in his life. The Rebirth of the Hofzinser Commemoration Ring In 1933, German magician Robert Farchmin endowed a finger ring dedicated to Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser (1806–1875). Crafted by Austrian designer Anton Stursa, the Hofzinser Ring is considered one of the most important awards in German magic. More products reviewed this month: Eighteen products are reviewed this month by Michael Claxton, Peter Duffie, Jason England, Gabe Fajuri, Brad Henderson, Will Houston, and John Lovick:  The Last Greatest Magician in the World: Howard Thurston versus Houdiniand the Battles of the American Wizards by Jim Steinmeyer Loki by Ramanos and Magic Tao Memento by David Regal Magic Marvels #5: Richard Osterlind's Any Card at Any Number by Andy Milsusnic and WebGames 3d Red Streamlined Convertible by David Regal  Fully Loaded by Gareth Shoulder Mash Pack by Garrett Thomas Classic Correspondence by Mike Caveney Spotlight on the Card Sharp by Lawrence Scaife Learned Pigs & Fireproof Women by Ricky Jay Dupes by Gary Jones and Chris Congreave Alice's Revenge by Bob Farmer The Magic DataBase by HEH Software Subsequent Impuzzibilities by Jim Steinmeyer Torn 2 Pieces by Shawn Farquhar The Revolution featuring Helter Skelter with Aaron Fisher Magic Shows: 30 Years of Programmes from Daniels to Derren by Ian Keable More tricks and advice this month: Joshua Jay's "Talk About Tricks" features great new magic from Harapan Ong, Yoann Fontyn, Matthew Featherstone, J.K. Hartman, Bobby Hasbun, and Dominic St-Jacques.  Gregory Wilson & David Gripenwaldt's "Coffeehouse Conjuring" will bring one innovative coffee trick per month to the pages of MAGIC — until your cups runneth over.Joanie Spina's "Directions" focuses on what makes Christopher Hart's act so successful. Mike Caveney's "Classic Correspondence" offers analysis of a letter that is a snapshot depicting America's Great Depression and how it ravaged every sector of society, including our insular world of magic. Barry Mitchell's "Teach By Magic" demonstrates how a simple impromptu trick can be used in a wide variety of teaching situations. Doug & Heidi Scheer, in "Real-World Methods," opens our eyes to the incredible opportunity for family magicians to bring special needs children into their shows. Thomas Solomon's "Viewpoint" reminds us of the real purpose of what we do as magicians. Click here to see the entire list of what's coming in the January issue of MAGIC Magazine. |
Monday, December 27, 2010
MAGIC Magazine January 2011
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Magic Castle This Week
Starting Monday will be an awesome cavalcade of magicians for the last week of the year. Good friends like Dan Sperry, Paul Draper, Michael Carbonaro, Joe Skilton, Jamy Ian Swiss to appear. Exciting week.
Charlotte Pendragon Props To Be Autioned
From Magic News Wire
From a report by KCOY:
The contents of a storage locker rented by Charlotte Pendragon will be auctioned to the public at 10 AM on January 19th of next year after it was seized for non-payment of the monthly fee. Of Jonathan Pendragon, the owner of the storage unit said,
"He's one of the world renown magicians and i think there will be a lot of interest in this and the other lockers that are going up for sale that day. There are just some people that they don't pay on their storage unit and that unit is no different than any other. But what makes this storage unit so different is who it belonged to and what could be inside those metal trunks. The only person who will be able to see that is the highest bidder."
Saturday, December 25, 2010
I think I need an iPad
MAGIC MAGAZINE HITS THE IPAD ON JAN 6
Magic Magazine Editor and Publisher Stan Allen emailed and advance copy of his January column to me today to share with our readers. In it, he announces the release of the Magic Magazine iOS (iPhone & iPad) app version of his publication. Here's a sneak peek:
For the past five years or so, I’ve been standing at a fork in the road. Both paths lead toward a digital version of MAGIC Magazine. One direction was to take more and more content from the magazine and put it on our website, while somehow securing that content for subscribers only. I repeatedly took a few steps down this road but always came to a stop, mainly because I couldn’t find a reader-friendly experience that I was happy with. Sure, we could place PDFs of every page of the magazine up on the web, but PDFs are basically photographs of the printed page. Depending on the size of your computer screen, you might be able see the entire layout, but reading the words requires zooming in. Then you have to scroll around to get the whole story. To me, it’s like reading a magazine through a telescope. So, even though this road was clear and well traveled, I kept turning back.
The other direction was less clear and certainly less traveled. In fact, that path was dark and had so many twists and turns, I couldn’t see what was ahead. Then, last year, I ran across something that lit up the path and made it clear that this was the road for me. What showed me that I was on the right track was the Apple iPad. After only a few days of playing with it, there was no question — this was the direction for the digital MAGIC Magazine.
We’re launching our first digital issue on January 6. Appropriately enough, that is the same day I launched the first issue of my Inside Magic newsletter 26 years ago. We don’t have all the answers; nobody does. But we’re moving on down the road!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
I wouldn't mind this as a gift either
power levitation (054) a big box for your performance,if you like to do a levitation as light as a close up & without heavy material,"Power levitation" would be an answer to all these needs. In all situations,street,mall,bus,train,meeting, conventions,a TV program and etc,you are able to do this great levitation just by yourself and with no material to be carried . Instead of carrying it, you can wear it from home .You can walk ,sit and stand easily!!!! When the others are eating their dinner,you can stand up and levitate!!! No bed,no table cloth,no cabal,no practice......... This great levitation let you to sit on the water in a pool ,sea or on the air everywhere. And more attractive using this single levitation you can perform lean and matrix also rotate 360degree!!!! Hard to believe .I know.But it is truth. Just one levitation with FOUR capability. This is unique in magic props. -Suitable to all sizes(women,men,child..) -Weight tolerance,150 pound -Full automatic - It comes with: Free learning DVD -Aluminum polished hoop,$150 -Special bag,$70 -Extra gimmick,$150, special pants$180 . The sole producer and seller "Hightrick Company" Miscellaneous : Email a Friend Product Inquiry |
Related Products : |
Monday, December 20, 2010
Ron Wilson: October 1, 1926 - December 17, 2010
 | |
| Ron Wilson, one of the world's most delightful practitioners of magic, who practiced his artistry for the top cruise lines on ships sailing the seven seas, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2010 in Hollywood, California at the age of 84. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on October 1, 1926, his interest in the prestidigitating arts was sparked at the age of seven, when he saw a performance by the Great Dante. Ron first performed professionally in a talent show at the Fawcett's Hotel in Portrush, Northern Ireland for a traveling holiday group. Throughout his teens, he performed kids' shows with props he manufactured by hand. | |
| At the age of 17, during the height of WWII, Ron attempted to enlist in the Royal Air Force, but was rejected because he was color-blind. Attempts to join the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Navy ended with the same result. Finally, when he turned 18, Ron was conscripted into the British Army, where he served for the duration.In 1952, Ron emigrated to Windsor, Ontario, Canada, located across the river from Detroit, where he quickly became popular among his fellow magicians and the lay public as a top semi-professional entertainer on both sides of the border. He was an early pioneer of dove magic, and regularly appeared performing his stand-up act in dozens of night clubs and on local television. Ron was equally adept performing close-up, stand-up, talking or silent acts, and his skills to this day are highly respected among his peers, Larry Jennings, a neighbor and protege of Ron's from the earliest days in Windsor (and who became a highly regarded close-up magician), urged Ron to move west to Los Angeles in 1966, where the Magic Castle had become the gathering place for the most creative forces in the art. Dai Vernon, Charlie Miller, Jay Ose, Kuda Bux, Bruce Cervon, and dozens more renowned magicians came to visit the famous old mansion in the Hollywood Hills and never went home. Ron was instantly branded a favorite performer by the members of the Academy, and received an award at the Academy of Magical Arts' initial Award Show in 1969 for his creation "The Highland Hop" as "Best Magic Trick." Ron was also the recipient of the Academy's "Close-Up Magician of the Year" and "Magician of the Year" awards in 1971 and the Lifetime Achievement Fellowship in 1992. Ron began performing on cruise ships in 1971, and because he was based in Hollywood, he was often called on by producers in the television and motion picture industry as a magical consultant and technical advisor on scores of productions, frequently called upon to perform hand inserts and roles which required card dexterity or sleight-of-hand. When he retired as a performer in 1988, Ron was engaged by the Royal Viking Line to hire all of their magical talent. He continued to book magicians on cruise ships for all the major cruise lines for the balance of his lifetime. Ron was asked to join the Board of Directors of the Academy of Magical Arts at the Magic Castle in 1969, and served on that board, as well as later on the Board of Trustees, for 41 consecutive years, most of that time as the Academy's Vice-President. Following the passing of Bill Larsen, Jr. in 1992, Ron served as the Academy's President for a two year term. In 1989, Ron was named Entertainment Director of the Magic Castle by the Board of Directors, a position he held for fourteen years. His creativity and invention are on display in a book written and published by Richard Kaufman in 1987 entitled The Uncanny Scot, a sobriquet issued him by Magic Castle host Guy Thompson. Beloved by his fellow magicians and by the audiences he entertained, Ron recently collected his favorite stories about his friends at the Magic Castle in a book published by Steve Mitchell as Tales from the Uncanny Scot earlier this year. Given the number of friends and fans Ron had, it is one of magic's most incredible miracles that his tales fit into a single volume. Funeral services are private. Information on a Magic Castle memorial for Ron Wilson will be released as it becomes available. | |
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Christmas/Birthday List Part 2
Here are more items that are on my Wishlist. Many magic items are available from brick and mortar magic shops.
$36.95
$44.76 with tax and shipping
The Trick Shop
Tarantula (With DVD) by Yigal Mesika - Trick
Check this out: You're in a normal setting maybe a coffee shop, a classroom, even a party. You borrow a friend's ring and hold it very fairly ...
$146
from 3 stores
Special Order - No Discounts Sleeve Star by David Jay
For years sleeving has been a Holy Grail for many performers. David Jay is one of the world's greatest sleight of hand experts and has spent the ...
$39
from 3 stores
Nothing in Transit (Gimmicks and DVD) by David Forrest - DVD
With the enclosed precision made gimmicks and instructional DVD you will soon be unleashing on your audiences one of the strangest moments in ...
Paul Harris Presents Justin Millers Freedom Pack
The most Freedom Inducing, Practical, Happy and Glad method for Magically Boxing your Deck! Justin Miller has created an astonishing in-your-face ...
Art of Astonishment #3 by Paul Harris
This volume contains many more original effects and routines including Hot Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Jellyfish, Leaf, and Shuffling Lesson.
Art of Astonishment #1 by Paul Harris
This volume contains many original effects and routines including The Light and Heavy Dime, Ultimate Rip Off, Shell Shock, and Tunnel Vision.
Art of Astonishment #2 by Paul Harris
This volume contains many more original effects and routines including Swiss Movement, Cincinnati Two-Face Blues, Fizz-Master, and McGimmick.
$44.95
$53.38 with tax and shipping
The Trick Shop
Smart Ass Replacement Decks by Bill Abbott - Trick
Smart Ass Replacements by Bill Abbott Refill for Bill Abbott's Smart-Ass Trick. Includes two Smart Ass Decks and two Jumbo Card Revelations.
T$32.95
Madhatter Magic Shop
Tossed Out Deck w/ DVD - Dobson
The tossed Out Deck is unquestionably one of the most devastating mental card effects you can perform on stage. And one that has been featured by ...
Celebrity Smart Ass (Tom Cruise) by Bill Abbott
I now know that Celebrity Smart Ass is the reason I created the Smart Assconcept in the first place. Its a perfect marriage of bulletproof method ...
Red Card Clip
Red Card Clip
$6.50
Free shipping
Stevens Magic Emporium
Diamond Cut Silk Red
Use what the pro's use! Professionals prefer diamond cut silks and workers because they offer the large visual production, but are much easier to ...
$2.34
magictrickstore.com
1.5'' Reg Sponge Ball Goshman (Red)
--Blaine Watch-- On David Blaine'''s Magic Man TV Special, he features asponge ball routine. 1.5'' Reg Sponge Ball Goshman (Red)
$19.95
Madhatter Magic Shop
Warning by Kostya Kimlat (watch video)
Warning is an incredible new magic effect that is fast, visual, direct and amazing. Pick up a lighter, peel off the "warning" sticker, light it ...
$40.00
DealingDeuces
$59.95
$69.55 with tax and shipping
The Trick Shop
Extractor Red Cards(Gold Edition) by by Rob Bromley and Peter ...
Extractor Gold Edition by Rob Bromley, Peter Nardi, and Alakazam - Blue Bicycle Cards Looking for a card trick that will blow 'em away? Check out ...
iApple iPod Touch 32 GB (4th Generation)
Apple iPod touch offers millions of songs, thousands of games and countless hours of fun. Games designed for iPod touch technology are just a tap ...
#2 in MP3 Players »
iApple iPad Wifi - 16GB
Apple - iOS - Tablet
Apple iPad Wi-Fi is a magical and revolutionary product at an unbelievable price and the best way to experience the web, email, photos, and video ...
#1 in Laptops »$38.00
$45.50 with tax and shipping
Magic Supply Company
Destroyers
BookStraight from the underground and into your repertoire! Troy Hooser has been a well-kept secret among many of today's top professionals. Why ...
$26.95
Elmwood Magic
Charming Chinese Challenge DVD, Troy Hooser
Troy Hooser's Charming Chinese Challenge has become a masterpiece of coin magic. Why? It's extremely visual, totally practical and very easy to do ...
$37.95
Madhatter Magic Shop
Pro-Flite (watch video)
DESCRIPTION Borrow any ring. Make it disappear. It instantly and safely reappears amongst your keys! Within minutes of watching the instructional ...
$150.00
magictrickstore.com
E-Case (Red) by Mark Mason and JB Magic - DVD
Silent but Deadly. The hit of the MAGICLIVE dealers room This electronic hand built unit, allows you to create the perfect signed card, to card ...
$324.95
Madhatter Magic Shop
Come Fly with Me - Half w/ DVD - JB (watch video)
The Most Anticipated Effect In Years In Half Dollars JB Magic Perfection!!! And with Extremely High Quality DVD "Mark Mason's 'Come Fly With Me ...
$20
from 2 stores
Folding Coin (US QUARTER, Single Cut) - JB Magic
This is the perfect coin for our Blindspot effect. This cut is down the centre of the coin. Comes complete with spare bands.
T$62
from 4 stores
Tango Magic Flipper Half Dollar Pro Gravity by Tango
Flipper Half Dollar Pro Gravityby TangoEffectThe magician shows two coins in his left hand - take one of this coins with his right hand the coins ...
T$92
from 4 stores
Tango Magic Flipper Coin Pro Gravity Eisenhower Dollar byTango D0088
The magician shows two coins in his left hand, takes one of the coins with his right hand and closes the right hand. When he opens the right hand ...
$39
from 4 stores
Tango Magic Slippery Expanded Shell Eisenhower Dollar (D0090) by Tango
Three coins travel between your hands. A borrow coin goes from your hand to your pocket. These and all the expanded shell routines could be ...
Parlor Deck
5 Pack Tattoo Stencil Transfer Paper 8½" x 11"
Stencil Transfer Paper is the ideal way to create your tattoo transfers. They are 8 ½" x 11" and one sheet can be used for as many designs as you ...
$4.46
magictrickstore.com
Flash Pad / Flash Paper by Fantastic Flash
Due to postal regulations, this item will ship ground. Priority & Express shipments are not available. If you choose one of these options at check ...
$69.95
Elmwood Magic
Super Slim Hip Pocket Mullica, Tim Trono
Countless Pros have tried every conceivable "Card to Wallet" out there and almost always end up using The Mullica Wallet. It's just hard to ...
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