MNW #63 :: GENII MAGAZINE :: NOV 2008

On this episode, we are joined by Genii Magazine publisher Richard Kaufman for our monthly conversation to discuss the November 2008  issue of the magazine.  It features the work of one of Scotland's foremost prestidigitators, the remarkable John Ramsay. In addition to a bio on the life and work of this amazing performer, a DVD is included with never before seen footage of Ramsay at work. The Amazing Jonathan is also profiled in the issue as he works Planet Hollywood Las Vegas.   

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LISTEN TO OUR CONVERSATION WITH RICHARD KAUFMAN:

TODAY IN MAGIC HISTORY :: HOUDINI & THE LOW BLOW

The Fullerton College Hornet reminds us that October 22nd marks the day that Harry Houdini took the blow that would eventually lead to his death. As mentioned by David Blaine during his most recent television special, his hero often bragged that he could take any punch delivered to his abdomen, a feat that he demonstrated on many occasions. On the evening of the 22nd,  Houdini was resting in his dressing room after a performance, having an art student sketch him. When Gordon Whitehead entered and asked if it was true that Houdini could take any blow to the stomach, Houdini replied in the affirmative. In this instance, he was hit three times by Whitehead, before Houdini could prepare himself or protest. Reportedly, Whitehead continued hitting Houdini even after Houdini acted as though he was in distress.  One witness said that the magician then said that if he had had time to prepare himself properly, he would have been in a better position to take the blows.  Houdini apparently ignored the pain and continued to travel without seeking medical attention. Unbeknownst to Harry, he was suffering from appendicitis and the blows had ruptured the organ leading to peritonitis. It is likely that his appendix would have eventually burst on its own without the trauma caused by he blows. Houdini died nine days later on Halloween.

MAGIC IN SPACE :: NEW SAM ASSEMBLY

On Oct 20th, the first organizational meeting of SAM Assembly 17,210 was held aboard the International Space Station. In attendance were founding members Richard Garriott and Greg Chamitoff. Full charter to be confered in July of 2009 at the National meeting of the SAM. The Assembly was named for the speed to the ISS which travels at 17,210 miles per hour. Garriott says that both he an Greg are planning to perform magic while in orbit. Stay tuned for more info.

MNW #62 :: JEFF MCBRIDE'S WONDERGROUND

  Finally finding a venue in Las Vegas where he can both headline his own show and be himself, Jeff McBride realized the potential of a "Magic Ultra-Lounge." Jeff joins us on the Magic Newswire Spirit of Magic podcast and tells us more about what we can expect when you take time to visit him at his new home in Sin City. Jeff's show and the after party are a definite "Don't Miss" if you love magic.  

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LISTEN TO OUR CONVERSATION WITH JEFF MCBRIDE:

RICHARD GARRIOTT NOW ABOARD ISS

As we previously reported, magician and game designer Richard Garriott (aka Lord British) is among the crew for Mission 18 which launched two days ago. Garriott and crew have since docked and are aboard the International Space Station. Reportedly, Richard has several magic tricks with him which he may be seen performing at some point via NASA TV. The welcome ceremony can be seen below.

RICKY JAY HEADLINES SF EVENT

Ricky Jay is the headlines as the Friend Center for the Arts kicks off its' "Abracadabra" series on November 1st. According to Broadway World, "The Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) has conjured up an enchanting new fall series exposing the origins of magic, mysticism and the paranormal, headlined by the one and only Ricky Jay. 'Abracadabra' will feature  , artists, writers, and performers, and focus on serious superstitions, friendly monsters, enduring spirituality, tradition and more." Here's a clip of Ricky demonstrating Card Control from his HBO special, Ricky Jay & His 52 Assistants.  

COLUMBIA'S 330,512 ASSISTANTS

Columbia University has completed a project to catalog one of the world's largest collections of playing cards which includes 6,356 decks spanning almost four centuries and twenty countries. "They're kind of wacky and different for us," said Columbia rare-book librarian Jane Rodgers Siegel, but "once you actually start looking at the cards, they're just fascinating." This quote form an article on the AP Newswire called "Counting Cards" sets the tone for a great article which also discusses the history of many magician's favorite tool. The collection was donated to the school as a part of the bequest of schoolteacher, author, mountain climber, nudist and Salvador Dali archivist Albert Field, who died in 2003. According to the article, "Field started amassing playing cards because they were the only mementos he could find on a post-World War II trip to ravaged Europe."

MINDFREAK SEASON 4 COMING TO DVD

According to TVShowsonDVD.com, A&E Entertainment is preparing a retail release of Criss Angel Mindfreak - The Complete Season 4 on DVD. The 3-disc set will come with 20 episodes, plus bonus material (details of which are yet to be revealed). Cost is $34.95 SRP for 462 minutes' running time that includes lots of guest stars plus never-before-seen tricks. It arrives in stores on January 20th. Final package art isn't available yet, but here's an early look at some temp art which may possibly be used for the retailer release.

MAGIC CIRCLE INDUCTS ONE OF ITS YOUNGEST MEMBERS

Oxford's Richard Young is profiled in an article from the Oxford Mail after becoming one of the Magic Circle's youngest inductees. Young began his studies at the age of eight and won a Magic Circle competition at 14. Mr Young said: "It is something you dream of as a kid — whatever you do in life you want to be respected by your peers. It means a great deal to be accepted. It means I can make magic my life. Some people don't believe it can be a profession but as a member of the Magic Circle it is like an industry stamp that I am the real thing." Richard Young Performing Origami: 

BRAD CHRISTIAN FIRES BACK AT PAGE SIX

On October 5th, we reported on the NY Post's Page Six article entitled "David Blaine : Genius or Joke?" In the piece, ellusionist.com's founder and CEO Brad Christian is quoted as saying, "To a majority of magicians, he is a bit of a joke now." In this edition of the Magic Newswire Podcast, Brad responds to the article saying that the quote is out of context. The author of the article goes on to imply that the magic community feels betrayed by David. Take time to visit our friends at iTricks as well for email comments by Jason Brumbalow of ellusionist.com who was in the car during Brad's conversation with Page Six.

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LISTEN TO OUR CONVERSATION WITH BRAD CHRISTIAN: