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Andre Kole: how famous atheist illusionist tried to debunk Christ – and converted

Andre Kole: how famous atheist illusionist tried to debunk Christ – and converted

n 1983, the world-famous illusionist, David Copperfield, made the world (and his live audience) gasp, as he made the entire Statue of Liberty vanish before their eyes on live television. This monumental illusion would make Copperfield’s name in the world of popular performers, and remain an iconic event in stage illusion history.

The genius behind this, and many other of Copperfield’s illusions, was a man named Andre Kole. A famous magician in his own right, Kole is arguably the most world-traveled illusionist to-date, having performed in 79 countries around the world for over 20 years.

There is a trope common among illusionists, going back as far as the great Houdini: while making a profession of tricking others, illusionists like to expose tricksters.

Over the ages, one can form long lists of illusionists who have made it their hobby to investigate the paranormal and supernatural to expose it for exactly what it is: spectacle being perpetrated upon the human mind. Illusionists have the tendency to be among the harshest of skeptics, certain that if one examines the supernatural long enough, they will find, at the bottom, a cheap trick.  Read more…

http://www.examiner.com/article/andre-kole-how-famous-atheist-illusionist-tried-to-debunk-christ-and-converted

Magician Dynamo puts on surprise show for refugees in Toxteth..

Magician Dynamo puts on surprise show for refugees in Toxteth..

(Dynamo put on a surprise show for refugees ahead of tonight’s sell out gig at the ECHO Arena PICTURE BY CHRIS BULL FOR THE BRITISH RED CROSS) 

A world renowned magician put on a private show for refugees and asylum seekers inLiverpool today.

Steven ‘Dynamo’ Frayneo showed off his magic skills at the British Red Cross refugee drop-in at St Bride’s Church in Toxteth .

The centre welcomes newly-arrived asylum seekers and refugees – many of whom are homeless – and provides food, clothing, and advice on the asylum process.

Speaking about why he wanted to offer his support, Dynamo said: “If we can get rid of that stigma around refugees and asylum seekers more people will help out.

“It’s very sad when you have situations like the refugee crisis and people are forced to leave and take their families to the other side of the world and start a new life. Some of these families get separated in the process and that is really sad.

“A massive thank you to city of Liverpool and everybody at the drop-in centre for everything that they do.”

The acclaimed performer wowed the crowd with coin and card tricks that have amazed audiences all over the world.  Read more…

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/magician-dynamo-puts-surprise-show-10994297

News Flash: Genii Has Been Sold; Chief Genii to Remain..

News Flash: Genii Has Been Sold; Chief Genii to Remain..

Thanks to Richard Kaufman of Genii and Mel Kientz of Magician’s Life…

I’m delighted to announce that Genii will shortly have a new owner, Randy Pitchford. I couldn’t imagine a more delightful partner in our venture to improve Genii over the coming years. I will remain as editor, my wife will remain as Art Director, and things will continue as they have, but bigger and better.

Randy is the CEO of Gearbox Software, and is one of the most forward-thinking people I’ve ever met. He’s a stupendously intelligent person and businessman. Spending a few hours with him is literally a mind-expanding experience. He is a visionary in addition to being a swell all-around guy who loves magic. Whenever we’re together, we just have a plain old good time. And he’s been a magician for most of his life, so he’s “one of us.” His belief in the value of Genii to the magic community will make possible both its longevity and many improvements in the coming years.
I was able to inform Irene Larsen of my plans before her untimely death, and since I owe my livelihood to her, I was thrilled at how delighted she was by the idea of Randy being the new owner. Her blessing of the deal was essential and it pleased her greatly.
As to what will happen at Genii, the answer is that things will continue as usual, but with more pages each month we’ll be able to bring you additional stories and features. Feel free to join us at http://geniimagazine.com/     Source:Facebook entry.. 

Stowing doves and sleeping on the roadside: the life of a travelling magician in regional Australia..

Stowing doves and sleeping on the roadside: the life of a travelling magician in regional Australia..

For a travelling magician, living simply from the back of a van is the best way to bring magic to a wider audience.

Time is measured by the number of days between the next road trip for Dane Certificate and his travelling magic show.

For the past few years Dane has followed the life of a road magician, packing his doves and rabbits and guinea pigs into a Holden panel van and winding his way through regional Australia.

He is just about to embark on an 85-show tour through regional NSW. In April he will be in India, performing for the Indian Brotherhood of Magicians in New Delhi.

And at the start of 2016 he spent several weeks driving from his base in Melbourne through regional South Australia performing shows at community centres, town squares and aged care facilities along the way.

It is part of his plan to spend most of the year — and if all goes to plan, most of his life — travelling around Australia with his stage show, bringing magic to regional towns where people would otherwise have to travel to the city.

It may not be glamorous or high-paying work, but Dane said the satisfaction of performing was more than enough to keep him going.

“I work with people with dementia and I have had people who haven’t spoken for years watch the magic show and then they start talking,” he said.

“I’m trying to capture that feeling of fond memories or a special moment everyone has, no matter what age or country they’re from. If you remember going to the circus with your grandfather and he buys you a hot dog; it just stays with you.”  Read more and see pics at……

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-03-03/dane-certificate-travelling-magician/7215188