Sunday, April 7, 2013

Magicians have stolen each other's secrets for as long as the art of magic has existed.


However the interconnected nature of today's world is making it easier - and magicians can't always rely on the law to protect them...





Jeff McBride is one of the most accomplished magicians in the world. His most famous routine is an intricate series of transformations, with a variety of masks, taking the audience through the entire history of magic. But last year, McBride discovered he was not the only one performing his signature routine, one of his most enthusiastic fans spotted a clip on YouTube of a Thai magician doing McBride's entire routine on local TV - move for move - along to McBride's music. The fake had even cut and dyed his hair to copy McBride. The fan notified McBride.

"It's the most carbon copy sort of duplication I have ever seen," says McBride. "This was the whole enchilada... It's not just a duplication of one of my tricks, it's not just an exact copy of one of my routines - it's my show, my entire show," he says.

To find out what Master Magician Jeff McBride did about it and to see a unique side by side viewing of Jeff McBride and his Thai double in action click here : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21861418

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Penn Jilette's Interview with Krys Boyd is FANTASTIC!


Penn Jillette, Atheism, And The Holidays:

"Let’s be honest—nobody has more fun than atheists. Don’t believe it? Well, consider this: For nonbelievers, every day you’re alive is a day to celebrate! And no one celebrates life to the fullest like Penn Jillette—the larger, louder half of legendary magic duo Penn & Teller—whose spectacularly witty and sharply observant essays in Every Day Is an Atheist Holiday! will entertain zealots and skeptics alike. Whether he’s contemplating the possibility of life after death, deconstructing popular Christmas carols, or just calling bullsh*t on Donald Trump’s apprentice training, Jillette does not fail to shock and delight his readers. And as ever, underneath these rollicking rants lie a deeply personal philosophy and a generous spirit, which find joy and meaning in family, and peace in the simple beauty of the everyday. Every Day Is an Atheist Holiday! is a hysterical affirmation of life’s magic from one of the most distinctly perceptive and provocative humorists writing today."

http://www.us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780399161568,00.html?strSrchSql=penn+jillette/Every_Day_is_an_Atheist_Holiday!_Penn_Jillette

and his book is very interesting read for his fans:

 “[Jillette’s] words are funny, dignified and make perfect sense. An outspoken wordsmith offers more intelligent, humorous and against-the-grain perspectives.”

“Jillette, the taller and more verbose half of Penn & Teller follows up 2011’s God No! with this further exploration of his own atheism....allowing his intelligence and razor-sharp wit to shine through....will surely appeal not only to Penn & Teller fans, but also to readers who welcome the opportunity to examine their own deeply held beliefs ..."
 –Kirkus Reviews

You might be not interested in his book...  so listen to this radio interview pod cast from KERA FM 90.1 Dallas, Texas studio for Think with Krys Boyd in which Penn Jillette talks about his years in magic and with Teller performing as Penn and Teller.

From their Think! archive: http://www.kera.org/2013/03/13/penn-jillette-atheism-and-the-holidays-2/

What do holidays really mean and why do most of us only celebrate certain days as holidays? We talked last November with magician, actor, and author Penn Jillette who believes that we should celebrate every day like it’s a holiday. His recent book is “Every Day is an Atheist Holiday!” (Blue Rider Press, 2012).



Monday, January 14, 2013

The Magic of Social Media for Magicians


The Magic of Social Media

 
 
 
 
 
 
I love magic. Whether it’s the fantasy worlds of my favorite writers or the stage magic of great magicians or little boys practicing the tricks that came in their Christmas stockings, I just love magic. Recently, my favorite magicians have been doing a great job of demonstrating just how powerful social media can be — and how they can magically create a huge global audience for themselves and their art by combining traditional stagecraft and modern technology.
I’d argue that it’s Penn and Teller, who turn everyone in the audience into social ambassadors who do far more than check in on Foursquare when they first arrive at the theatre. And they use more than a simple website. ...

I’ve only met Jeff McBride  face to face a handful of times, but if I walk up to him at a show anywhere in the world, I get a hug and a hearty, “Nice to see you again, Deb!” His  website Facebook page, Twitter feed, and monthly newsletter are on my short list of things to read within a few hours of the time they’re published. ...
READ MORE AT Deb McAlister's blog Marketing Where Technology Intersects Life
http://debmcalister.com/2013/01/13/the-magic-of-social-media/