As you will read, David VanVranken is a very gifted writer. His analysis of the Knock-Off problem is thorough and, I think, points out there is no easy answer but there are guideposts.

I imagine this article will stir up the controversy on the subject; but it is such an important topic, it is important that we discuss all aspects of the argument. For dealers, inventors and performers, this becomes less philosophical problem and one of financial life or death.

Will the real “Bad Guy” please Stand up?

In this current round of “Magic Thievery” it’s hard to tell the players without a scorecard.

You have magicians

You have dealers

You have builders

And, you have some that cross the line into multiple categories.

Are magicians the problem? Yes and No.

Magicians have always been encouraged to “make the…
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There was a very nice piece in the Jamaica Observer (Jamaica) covering Andre Kole’s performance on behalf of the Campus Crusade for Christ. The article notes: “Kole is widely considered to be one of the world’s finest magicians; but there is a major twist to his presentations. He uses the stage and his abilities to create illusions to spread the word of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

I like the phrasing. Mr. Kole is not being described as “one of the world’s finest Christian magicians” or a “minister who uses magic to entertain and engage his audience.” He is, I think we all agree, one of the finest illusionists, certainly one of the top inventors in our craft and an incredibly effective minister of the Gospel.

I have related in the past that it was Mr. Kole’s show in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the early 1970′s that really encouraged me to learn more about Jesus Christ and His free gift of eternal life that was meant not just for all but specifically for me. Just goes to show that even an Irish Catholic magician (I’m still all three) can be helped and therefore there is hope for all.

The article is complimented by a second story in the Jamaica Gleaner. Mr. Kole’s history in magic and philosophy is detailed along with his response to those who suggest a magician cannot be a Christian. Mr. Kole is quoted as saying that he does not agree that the type of magic we perform for entertainment is Satanic in origin.

“When I became a Christian I heard about the supposed demonic connection to magic. So I began to investigate magic all over the world. I found that Satan works basically in our minds and our thoughts. Satan does not have the ability to give anyone supernatural powers. A lot of people cite the story of Moses and the magicians in Pharaoh’s court. If that really happened, that means Satan has the ability to create…
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Real Magic-By:JAMIE-G

At a very young age, (5-6 years old) I was having kidney problems (renal failure). I was going to the hospital all the time for blood tests. It was so bad that I had to be put in a special class because most of my time was in the hospital.

I knew more doctors and nurses then I had friends in grade school. I would just sit in the hospital room doing absolutely nothing but waiting for my next blood test. One day my parents got me bit by the magic bug. My parents were yard sailing one day and they noticed a used magic kit. It was called “A Hat Full Of Magic”. Man it was the greatest thing.

When I opened the kit I can remember all the good stuff was gone. It didn’t matter to me because it was magic. Any ways my life didn’t change much when my teens came. My high school years were pretty rough.

My hospital stays were much longer and I was getting worse with my health. I would read books and watch videos from the local library every time I had long stays in the hospital. At this time I started buying small…
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