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Derren Brown’s Death Won’t Be Aired — If It Happens.

Derren Brown is Ready

Although the advertisements for Mr. Brown’s death defying effect say that it will be shown “Live,” Channel Four tells the Guardian that it cannot broadcast the show live. Under the regulations that govern such things in England, they must present the attempt with a sleight tape delay.

This weekend’s “live” program will be on a slight tape delay to allow the network to comply with British requirements that you can’t show some person, magician or not, kill himself. There is no such rule in the United States. In fact, Mr. Brown will not be permitted to use a real gun within the confines of the U.K. because they are not legal. Again, in the United States, he could use an Uzi if he wanted to. I don’t know if these differences are good or bad; maybe they are just different.

To overcome the limitation on the use or possession of handguns, Mr. Brown will perform the almost-live stunt from an undisclosed location. There is some concern – apparently –…
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October 1st, 2003 | Category: Magic Stories | Leave a comment

Magic Legend, Jackie Flosso Passes

Jackie Flosso

The New York Times reported on the history of the Flosso-Hornmann shop from the days when it was Martinka & Company, formed in 1872 and in 1902, it was the site for the formation of the Society of American Magicians (?SAM?). Harry Houdini, the first President of the SAM, was a part-owner of the store. The store evolved from the purchase and acquisition of other magic stores going back into the 1850?s.

The Times described the old store as: ?an atmospheric fraternity house where a visiting European magician, a superstar like David Copperfield and a curious teenager from Queens might rub elbows, ideas and magic wands. The younger and older Flossos held court on an old sofa, both making smart comments in an accent not unlike that of W.C. Fields. Over the years, they, former owners and generations of customers liked to say that the store was the oldest magic store in continuous operation in the world, but it was not. With its dust and cobwebs, it just looked it.?

Mr. Flosso?s father, Al Flosso bought the store in 1939 and he inherited it from his father in 1976. Mr. Flosso told his friend that he anticipated he would be seeing his old friends and even catching his departed grandfather?s act soon. Mr. Flosso never married and had no survivors.

Continue reading Magic Legend, Jackie Flosso Passes

October 1st, 2003 | Category: Magic News | Leave a comment