get it here | COVER: This is Not a Pen (by Adam Rubin)
Inventor Mark Setteducati has brought magic and puzzles to the shelves of toy stores the world over. He is aided in his endeavors by over 10,000 pens - tools for writing, teaching, and inspiring.
Criss Angel BeLIEve: Two Years Later (by Rory Johnston)
The Las Vegas collaboration of Criss Angel and Cirque du Soleil opened to less-than-favorable reviews. After two years of changes and a recent major revamp, what can audiences at the Luxor expect now?
Ken Scott: Lessons in Library Legerdemain (by Mark Nelson)
He performs up to 350 birthday party shows each year, yet says that eighty percent of his work lately has been library programs. Atlanta's Ken Scott is a busy magician, for good reason.
Close-Up Magic from Far Away (by Alan Howard)
How would you demonstrate an interactive television technology that lets your family and friends into your home without leaving theirs? The Cisco company chose magicians to help market their new product.
South for the Winter (by Rory Johnston)
At nineteen years old, Sterling Dietz is starring in his own show in the tourist mecca of San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. There were setbacks along the way, but now Sterling believes, "This is where I belong."
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 Castle
Summoned 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 thoug h 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.
Plus...
Farewells to Bob Elliott, William Self, Dr. Earl Reum, Maurice Pierre, David Alexander, Robert Schwartz
Marketplace (by Gabe Fajuri)
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 Houdini and 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
Talk About Tricks (by Joshua Jay)
This month, we begin with a simple effect by Harapan Ong that features an elegant, offbeat method. French magician Yoann Fontyn offers a highly challenging but visual Reset routine, while Matthew Featherstone and J.K. Hartman offer easier (but equally magical) card effects. Bobby Hasbun and Dominic St-Jacques round out the issue with two lovely card items.
Classic Correspondence (by Mike Caveney)
George LaFollette to Charles Carter: This is more than just a letter between two magicians. It is a snapshot depicting America's Great Depression and how it ravaged every sector of society, including our insular world of magic. The author of the letter, George LaFollette, had already fallen o n hard times and was looking for a paycheck anyplace he could find one. The recipient, Charles Carter (Carter the Great), had made a fortune during his six world tours and was now planning the biggest score ever, his own magic theater on the midway at Chicago's 1933 World's Fair, formally known as A Century of Progress International Exposition.
Coffeehouse Conjuring (by Gregory Wilson & David Gripenwaldt)
Sweet Nothings: As if coffee wasn't addictive enough, there's now a new way to become a full-fledged java junkie - by adding some high-octane astonishment! In this new series for 2011, Grip & Greg, "The Brews Brothers.," will share one innovative coffee trick per month until your cups runneth over. Some of the routines are a premium blend of existing ideas, but most are freshly brewed foolers from the grounds up. First up: The magician opens a packet of sugar and pours it into his closed fist. A wrapped straw is waved like a wand over the closed fist, and every last grain vanishes. The straw paper is then torn open at one end, and the missing sugar is poured onto the stunned spectator's helping hand.
Directions (by Joanie Spina)
Christopher Hart: For a different approach this month, I would like to write about a highly successful act and point out some of the reasons why it works. Most of you recognize Canadian-born Christopher Hart for his highly acclaimed and unique approach to the Zombie effect. To the rest of the world, Chris is best known for his role of "Thing" in The Addams Family movies. A frequent performer at the Magic Castle, Chris currently resides in Los Angeles. He regularly travels throughout the world, performing his six-and-a-half minute act consisting of card manipulation, torn-and-restored music sheet, and the Zombie hand. Chris also works frequently as an actor, which gives him a well-rounded resumé and skill set.
Teach by Magic (by Barry Mitchell)
Magic Mo olah: This month's installment is a trick you would most likely skip over if your goal were to make someone laugh or convince people that you have special powers. But if you are looking for a simple, impromptu trick to use as an object lesson, Magic Moolah is the perfect fit, as it can be used for a wide variety of teaching situations.
Real-World Methods (by Doug & Heidi Scheer)
Special Needs Children Onstage: It doesn't matter where you perform - banquets, schools, restaurants, or private homes - your audience is changing. Children with autism are being mainstreamed into public and private schools. Restaurants and airlines are making efforts to cater to customers with special medical and dietary requests, and resorts and hotels are learning more ways to accommodate guests with special needs. This creates an incredible opportunity for us family magicians.
Viewpoint (by Thomas Solomon)
The Real Purpose: "A lot of our soldiers su ffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder," a physical therapist informs me, "so please, no mention of torture or death." They mean business. The special requirements and the strict security, unusual at first, are now routine and expected as we prepare to enter the "Wounded Warrior Transition Unit" at Fort Dix Army Base in southern New Jersey. Just steps from the rehabilitation and recreation center, this seemingly innocuous request now has me thinking, What will I see today? How will I be affected when I leave? |
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