Diss-Illusioned! Magic and the Supernatural..
Magic, like religion, is ubiquitous, existent in all societies since the dawn of human civilization. Sometimes—in some cultures—the two phenomena have functioned interchangeably, indistinguishably, even in harmony. Since the emergence of monotheism, however, a schism developed as organized religions gradually separated miracles from magic, faith from legerdemain.
Despite such doctrinal determinations, magic and religion (or the supernatural in general) have continued to cross paths, whether inadvertently or intentionally. In the process, proponents of the supernatural have often employed the skills of magic, invariably for profitable ends; adversely, certain magic practitioners have willingly exposed the illusions of their trade in order to unveil the trickery and deceit of those boasting supernatural powers. Such debunking has invariably arrived in humorous form, with “incongruity” humor used as the element of surprise to reveal technique and “superiority” humor deployed to ridicule intents and purposes. Read more..
http://www.popmatters.com/column/192374-diss-illusioned-magic-and-the-supernatural/
Syfy “The Magicians” trailer. Coming to Syfy in 2016
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Atlantic City loses its magic, magicians look elsewhere
NICOLE LEONARD, Staff Writer Press of Atlantic City.com
On a recent afternoon, Matt Cadabra surveyed the dark warehouse room of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Atlantic City. He pulled off canvas covers and opened boxes to reveal a water torture chamber, medieval guillotine, rabbit boxes, wands and other magic props.
Cadabra performed some of his tricks in front of the museum on the Boardwalk as a sort of sneak peak of his Magic and Dreams show, which he’ll perform in Vineland May 14 to 16.
At one time, Cadabra’s dream was to get a long-term gig at one of Atlantic City’s casino theaters, but the dream has changed as the city has — literally — lost some of its magic. Read more at…