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Who Will Be the Magician of the Year?

 

Judges are Consulting

We will announce the winner of the Inside Magic Magician of the Year at approximately midnight on New Year?s Eve.  This will ensure we are sober and thinking of important things like Magic rather than the usual falderal upon which our drunken gaze normally lands on this one special night of the year. 

 

The web poll has shown not only great participation but also a decided gap in perspective.  While the voting will not be the only factor upon which we will select our Magician of the Year, it has an influence. 

 

If you would like to contribute to the judging, please send us a line in support of your choice ? even it not previously named in the poll.  As you know, Inside Magic?s first Magician of the Year was Henry Evans of Argentina.  The prize is not always awarded.  In fact, no magician picked up the coveted award last year.

 

The Winner will receive not only notice within Inside Magic and in the Inside Magic Daily News but also a plaque commemorating the accomplishment.  We thank the sponsors of our contest as well as the judges for making the event and the award possible. 

 

So drop us a line with your thoughts on the magician you believe should be honored. 

 

Send it to tim@insidemagic.com

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December 30th, 2004 | Category: Magic Stories | Leave a comment

Response to Magi Predicts Tsunami but Does Not Warn

 

We were anxious about our article yesterday in which we criticized Norwich (UK) magician Geraldini?s claim he was able to foresee the horribly devastating Tsunami. 

 

He used the Newspaper Headline Prediction to prove his premonition.  Magicians and mentalists understand why this presented a moral dilemma and why Inside Magic was so critical of Geraldini?s performance.  We suggested Geraldini could have called off the revelation of his prediction or even revealed an incorrect prediction. 

 

We were discouraged that even knowing the death-toll and, particularly, the death of a Norwich mother of four, the magician went on with the trick and gave the impression to the gathered audience that he had the ability to predict the future. 

 

The obvious question, then, why hadn?t he warned anyone about the impending tragedy?  Why would he insist the prediction remain secret until his previously schedule show; and thus allowing 64,000 plus people to die?   

 

Christian the Magician, creator of Stigmata, offered a third out for Geraldini ? who, by the way, is the president of the Norwich magic club ? he could have selected another headline from the front page as his prediction.  Christian points out ?he would still have made a correct prediction, but it would have been a lot more tasteful . . . Oh, and for the record: I predict this guy will have a tough time getting work.? 

 

We agree.  What are your thoughts. 

 

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December 30th, 2004 | Category: Magic Stories | Leave a comment

Penn & Teller, Lance Burton Plan Big Changes

 

 

Mike Weatherford of the Las Vegas Review Journal reports Penn & Teller and Lance Burton have plans for significant changes of their current shows in 2005. 

 

The Star of The Lance Burton Theater, Mr. Burton will continue phasing in his new illusions and upgraded lighting and sound system.  Mr. Burton is known for his meticulous planning and exhaustive rehearsal of new effects before bringing them into the award-winning show.

 

Penn & Teller have a few distractions as they plan to include one or two new segments into their live show by March; and major changes (including a new set designed by a unnamed Broadway production expert) by the summer. 

 

Penn is still promoting his novel Sock, while Teller is working on his memoir ?When I?m Dead All This Will Be Yours.  These projects are in addition to Penn?s new film The Aristocrats. During their Magic Live interview with Mac King, Penn described this documentary as asking famous entertainers to give their rendition of a classic dirty joke. 

 

Oh, and yes, they will continue with their Showtime series, B——-!  

 

Not mentioned in Mr. Weatherford?s column is the impending demise of our favorite Showgirls of Magic.  The Hotel San Remo is scheduled for a rehab/gutting/demolition and morphing.  It will go from its present incarnation to Hooters Casino Hotel in late 2005, with a Hooters Beach Club and a restaurant owned by former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino. 

 

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December 30th, 2004 | Category: Magic News | Leave a comment