Kaleb first came to my attention through his debut release via Bazz at Black Cat Magic, an unknown name, releasing a book-test. Of course being somewhat of a book-test devotee I was curious to see what Kaleb brought to the party. The book was based on The Alchemist novel, and it would go on to cement Kaleb’s place in the mentalism community, and make him one of very few people I will buy products from, sight unseen!
Today is my Birthday and also the 20 year Anniversary of this blog which was started on 31st July 2000. I believe I was possibly one of the first magic blogs on the internet, given that the term 'weblog' was coined in 1997 and the term blog in 1999. It is fun to look back over 20 years of archives and see what was around back then, I was collecting links not just for magic, but juggling, origami, circus and other allied arts.
Jamie has released a system of performing mind reading over Zoom/Skype that is based on his The Tracker booklet. I'm not sure why this wasn't mentioned in the Penguin advert, but to me that would be a strength to highlight this as I really liked his Tracker principle when I bought the booklet a while back. What Jamie brings to this download is a way of doing Tracker in virtual environments.
The Art of An Illusionist Have you ever wondered about the meaning of an illusionist? The word is used to describe a person who performs stage magic to entertain audiences. Many of us have witnessed them perform by making an object levitate, make things disappear and reappear, cut someone in half, turn an apple into a bird, or making a handkerchief disappear. We enjoy magic shows like The Carbonaro Effect and watched movies such as The illusionist.
Ben was kind enough to provide me with a free review copy of his latest download. In the present days of magic publishing - one-trick-downloads and unfinished ideas being published as highly priced e-books - it is really nice to see that Ben has published an over two-hour video download containing 5 solid pieces of magic, with additional thoughts and routines. The underlying theme, as the title suggests, is a set of 5 effects that use simple gimmicks.
Ryan has managed to invoke a sense of nostalgia in me with this publication. In the days of one trick downloads, and ebooks, that you can purchase instantly, with nothing more than your Paypal password, it feels good to hold a physical product in your hand. Something that you know will contain good solid commercial magic, and not a heavily edited trailer in sight. In releasing this publication I believe Ryan hoped to capture the spirit of the magazines and trick journals of days past along with the anticipation of waiting to receive them in the mail.
Nicholas Einhorn bought the rights to Antonio Romero’s Bill to Marker and he is now releasing this through Vanishing Inc. I got to take part in filming the trailer which you can see on the Vanishing Inc. site linked above along with my cameo appearance! This came about from attending The Session Convention back in January and the filming of the trailer happened on the last night after all proceedings had finished.
Magician Rich Aviles launches his new company Trcky in January, sign up to the newsletter now to receive a free trick when it launches.
The new Magicana online Erdnase Exhibition started by Julie Eng and Jason England. It shows the numerous printings of the book, the history behind it and a count of first editions still in existence.
Started by Tom Stone as a present to Stephen Minch a unique place to discuss the contents of all of Hermetic Press books.
Josh’s article published in the Huffington Post from his Tragic Magic lecture, on 7 Tragic Magicians Deaths.
Review of the recent International Convention in London. I had a fantastic time and it was a great weekend with lots of talent, and some great lectures and shows, this convention is highly recommended, if you don’t already attend add it to your calendar, next years dates are the 16-18 November 2012.
Chris Burton from Secrets of Card Magic wants to let people know about his membership site for people wanting to learn card magic, sleight of hand and flourishes, he has about 350 plus videos of performing and teaching. He has put together a Christmas offer where people interested in magic can have the whole 8 phases as a one time offer without waiting for each phase which lasts a month. Saving them time and money.
Avia have teamed up with magician Pete Hathaway to deliver their pension message in style. Pete Hathway hit the streets of Brighton and London performing street magic for people in their 20s working in the cities. They said “We had a great time as you’ll see from our films - but we are also trying to communicate a different message. We want to demonstrate that by starting a company pension early, your money could grow …as if by magic!
Watch out for a review of this coming soon, I am still working my way through this but for now take a look at the press release and place your order at Amazon. MAGICAL MATHEMATICS by Persi Diaconis & Ron Graham The Mathematical Ideas that Animate Great Magic Tricks, after 25 years in the making and with a foreword by Martin Gardner, Persi Diaconis & Ron Graham finally reveal the secrets of amazing, fun-to-perform card tricks—and the profound mathematical ideas behind them—that will astound even the most accomplished magician.
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
The Luke Jermay Secrets: Remain true to your ideals. Find strength in adversity. Listen to those who have gone before. Be confident in your abilities. The next in the series of interviews from Peter Wardell, in this one he interviews mentalist Luke Jermay, well worth a listen!
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
[youtube www.youtube.com/watch
We constantly remind ourselves that magic is no longer about power, now that we are adults and can make our own choices. Magic is about that very strange, human experience of knowing that what has happened did not actually happen—even though it took place here, in your living room, in your own hand. via FORTNIGHT JOURNAL :: Print article :: Matt prakash :: I clean trim my nails.