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The Complete Guide to Playing Cards – A Free Course..

The Complete Guide to Playing Cards – A Free Course..

Playing cards are an essential tool for magicians, and there are so many different types to choose from. I get questions all the time from students asking all sorts of card related questions, so I created this course to address all of them and hopefully clear up any confusion. I will cover the various card materials, stock, finishes, cuts, brands, manufacturers and more.

http://courses.52kards.com/courses/complete-guide-to-playing-cards/?src=email

Soon, hunt for the world’s greatest magician to begin..

Soon, hunt for the world’s greatest magician to begin..

HYDERABAD, OCTOBER 6:  

M SOMASEKHAR

The search for the world’s greatest magician/illusionist will begin soon. It will involve going to over 100 countries where the art is practised, says Tony Hassini, Chairman and CEO of the International Magicians Society, US.

The winner will not only get the recognition, but also a $1-million award. A popular Las Vegas Casino is to sponsor the hunt and formally announce it in early 2016, 76-year old Cyprus-born Hassini told BusinessLine here.

At present, the greatest, acclaimed magician is David Copperfield, who is a consummate artiste, said Hassini, who was in India, presenting the Merlin Award, the Oscars of the magicians’ world. The IMS, with over 37,000 members worldwide, is the largest magic organisation recorded by the Guinness Records.

Interestingly, in the repertoire of tricks of David Copperfield, the best known are making the Statue of Liberty disappear and walking through the Great Wall of China.

“My visit to India, the country where magic and mystery took birth, is to look for talented magicians who could quality for this recognition,” said Hassini, with a toss of his curly, black flowing mane. The man with a sharp sense of humour proudly recalled his early learning with P C Sorcar Sr., one of India’s greatest magicians.

Hassini presented the Merlin Award of IMS to Samala Venu, well-known magician from Hyderabad, who won it for the second year in a row in the city on September 30. A week earlier, in Mumbai, Hassini gave the award to Zenia Bhumgara, a college student as the ‘Best female, teenage magician in India’.

Hassini, who started his own ‘magic’ journey at the age of 16, has battled dyslexia and hearing problems to etch his name among the best in business. He is best known for making the skull float and popularising Burger King.

Magic Olympics

“I plan to organise a Magic Olympics in India in the next 1-2 years. It will be a gathering of the best of magicians and illusionists and I am talking to people here,” he said.

To the budding magicians out to perform on stage, he had a quick demo and advice: “When you produce the white pigeon from nowhere, do not quickly toss it into the audience in your enthusiasm, flip it straight up in front of you so that the act is captured well by all the cameras in front and appreciated by the people in the front rows.”

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/soon-hunt-for-the-worlds-greatest-magician-to-begin/article7731135.ece

Putting the magic into team building, literally..

Putting the magic into team building, literally..

Magicians are often used in corporate entertainment, but does magic have a role in team building? Neuroscientists even claim magic tricks throw light on sales techniques or business negotiations. Dr Nicola Davies looks at how magic can enhance teamwork, patience, focus, risk-taking, and problem-solving.

Magician Scott Cuthbertson is often invited to corporate events. Some of his clients include BP, BAA, British Airways, De La Rue Currency, GlaxoSmithKline, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Lloyds Pharmacies, Novartis, Shell, Shering, UGC Cinemas and UEFA, amongst many others.

Within Cuthbertson’s repertoire are team building games, workshops, and conference and awards night performances. He not only presents his own magic, but he also teaches employees how to do tricks.

When a magician comes in to a workplace and gets people involved in solving or performing magic tricks, they can teach skills including team work and good communication. It can also facilitate the development of creative approaches to problem-solving, and how to work within a limited time-frame. These skills are important in creating adaptable teams. Read more..

http://www.personneltoday.com/hr/putting-the-magic-into-team-building-literally/

Magic can enhance team building and problem solving. Photo: Shutterstock/Syda Productions ..

Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak took a Segway to a magic club in LA

Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak took a Segway to a magic club in LA

Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak took a Segway to a magic club in LA to meet with Seth Rogen..

Admit it: You wish you had been there.

Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple, and Seth Rogen, the man who plays Woz in the upcoming film “Steve Jobs,” hung out together at The Magic Castle, a membership club for magicians in Los Angeles.

Danny Boyle, the director of “Steve Jobs,” shared the tidbit during a Q&A with Aaron Sorkin, who wrote the film, following a screening of it in New York City on Monday night. Read more..

http://www.techinsider.io/wozniak-and-rogen-went-to-magic-castle-2015-10