PuleThe International Brotherhood of Magicians

Welcome to the portal of the world’s largest magical organization.  If you are interested in magic, here is a source of information that opens up many possibilities.  The I.B.M. has 85 years of continuous activities and embraces thousands of members from 73 countries. There are about 300 branches, known as Rings, all over the world and there could be one close to you. We encourage you to join and be part of our affiliation based on friendship and trust, where young and old, professional and amateur, historian and collector can find friends and share knowledge about the wonderful art of magic. Magic is a hobby but it also helps with communication and critical skills.  It is also an art form that can develop our creativity. Most of all, it is fun for those who perform it and for those who watch it live and on video. If you have any questions, contact us and we’ll do our best to help you in any way we can.  

Vanni Pulé, International President

PROMOTED ARTICLES  (Click headlines for more info, more stories below)

  • New journal to promote scientific-based research in magic

    A new online publication, the Journal of Magic Research, seeks to promote the application of scientific methods in magic research. 

    The journal is published by Past International President Dr. William E. Spooner (left). “At the present time,” writes Dr. Spooner, “the use of scientific methods in research is practically non-existent within the magic fraternity. A scientific approach to magic can provide information not available through traditional historical research.”

    John Moehring, former editor of MAGIC magazine and M-U-M, will serve as editor of the JMR. Past International President Dr. William A. Wells and Dr. Gerry S. Hayes are associate editors.

    (READ MORE)

  • What's NEW on the I.B.M. Portal in 2012?

    Hey! It's a new year, and time to take a look at some of what is new on the I.B.M. Portal, and some of the things planned in coming months. Of course if you have not looked and clicked around THIS page, nor all the links in the left lists of menus, then EVERYTHING -- or at least MUCH -- on the Portal is new to you. So plan on spending a little time here, and you may be surprised what all you'll find. Read on for some ideas:

    (READ MORE)

  • Shawn Farquhar's "Approachable:" David Sousa on Nerves

    A good question came to Shawn from "Matt," namely: "How do magicians overcome nervousness on stage?" Do professional magicians even GET nervous? What can you do to get ready and be more comfortable on stage?

    Shawn posed that question to FISM award winner (2006 at the Stockholm convention) David Sousa, when they were in Tokyo, Japan last year.

    (READ MORE)

  • Mid-January Broken Wand salutes ten magicians

    At mid-January, 2012, we call to your attention ten magicians whose obituaries will appear in the February issue of The Linking Ring. We print them early in order for their friends and acquaintences to know of their passing. 

    Since this is the beginning of a new year, once again we ask that anyone who learns of the death of a fellow magician, please notify the I.B.M. Office (office@magician.org) as soon as possible so that we might publish them in The Linking Ring in a timely manner. 

    (READ MORE)

  • January 2012 issue of The Linking Ring is ready for you.

    It’s a new year and another issue of the largest circulation magic magazine in the world -- The Linking Ring, the official publication of the International Brotherhood of Magicians -- awaits your attention. The issue is now on this portal, both in a digital format, as well as in PDF form, to download and read wherever you wish. Here are some of the highlights, while you wait for your hard copy, summarized by members Paul Lelekis and Dennis Schick:

    (READ MORE)

  • The Linking Rings reviewed for 2011

    This is the time of year when we see year-end summaries from all the media -- newspapers, television, radio, Internet, etc. It seems to be comforting to everyone to review the just-passed twelve months, either with fond memories, or with happiness that bad things are behind us and now we can look forward to a new year and a clean slate. As I flipped through all twelve issues of The Linking Ring, in order to write a review of the Broken Wands for 2011, I decided to take notes on other aspects of the magic world’s largest-circulation magazine. Here are my findings; you should be surprised:

    (READ MORE)

  • Osterlind's been busy since we saw him last

    Richard Osterlind Live Without a NetNew DVDs, books, products:
    When does Osterlind sleep?

    By Bobby Warren

    When Richard Osterlind wrapped up production on "Corinda's 13 Steps to Mentalism" DVD set for L&L Publishing, the veteran performer of the magical arts thought it would be his last. However, that self-imposed ban did not last long.

    Osterlind has returned with another L&L project: "Live Without a Net," in which the mentalist and magician performs in front of a real audience at a casino in Reno, Nev.

    With the release of the new, three DVD set, the I.B.M. portal is updating a 2008 feature story about Osterlind, which was the cover story for the February edition of The Linking Ring that year. An edited version of the story appears below, along with some of Osterlind's accomplishments since 2008 and his goals for the upcoming year:

    Richard Osterlind's roots in mentalism go as deep as his roots in magic. Ask him when he made the transition from magician to mentalist, and you'll discover he had an impression clipboard as a seven-year-old. Other Osterlind mental mysteries from his childhood repertoire included color and die divinations. With the effects from a couple of magic kits, one of which was his Sneaky Pete's Magic Show, a young Osterlind performed the Linking Rings and sawed in half a lady (never mind it looked a lot like a plastic doll). (READ MORE)

  • Bill Pitts honored for military service

    Veteran Worked Magic In USO Organization 

    by Ben Boulden | Times Record | November 6, 2011 
     
    World War II Veteran Bill Pitts was among those in attendance for the Memorial Day Service at the U.S. National Cemetery Sunday, May 29, 2011. Carrol Copeland • Times Record
    Editor's Note: This report is the first of a series profiling war veterans and issues affecting them in honor of Veterans Day, which is this Friday.
     
    ----------------o0o------------------
     
    Bill Pitts as a magician performed a vanishing act during the 1940s: Trying to make World War II temporarily disappear from the minds of U.S. military personnel."We tried to keep it light with comedy routines and things like that," Pitts, of Fort Smith, said.
    "Hopefully, (the soldiers) enjoyed those. We tried to do things with USO where they would at least momentarily be content, put a few smiles on their faces."

    (READ MORE)

  • Scroll to bottom of this page for new ad feature!

         I.B.M. Portal Advertising Manager B.J. Hickman has been at it again -- working his magic to give advertisers more BANG for their Bucks -- More SIZZLE for their Steaks. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see a new concept -- a "Box of Buttons" -- some of our leaders in magic. Click on each ad.

  • WHAT'S NEW ON THE PORTAL?

    Hi everyone. Welcome to Autumn and cooler weather and falling leaves and football and -- lots of opportunities for magic.

    Here are some tips of what to look for when you come to this page, as well as where to look for the latest changes. And here are some specific new items you should be interested in.

    (READ MORE)

  • Kyle Peron: Giving when you're sick and tired

    EDITOR'S NOTE:  Kyle Peron is a professional magician who lives in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He and his wife appear in "The Magical Illusions of Kyle and Kelly," primarily in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Virginia. He also is a professional graphic designer and illustrator, specializing in designing logos, business cards, etc. He was featured in "Silent Magic," by Simon Carmel, biographies of magicians who are deaf or hard of hearing. He is a longtime columnist in Alan Watson's electronic newsletter, "Magic New Zealand." I was touched by his latest column (9/23//11) and know you will be, too. We reprint it with his permission.  

    (READ MORE)

  • Farquhar's "Approachable" -- Danny Cole on Traveling

    Shawn Farquhar has been on the road again, and brings us some short interviews with

     some of his friends, for his column, "Approachable." Here Shawn talks with magician Danny Cole about some tips on traveling. Enjoy.

    (CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO)

  • Article with video on I.B.M. President Vanni Pulé

       I.B.M. International President Vanni Pulé is the subject of a recent article published on Times of Malta Today, entitled "Smooth manipulator." The article includes photos plus a vide. Click on the following link to see the story, photos, and video. Nice article, President Vanni.   http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20110828/interview/Smooth-manipulator.382084

     

  • See Zaney Blaney's famous Ladder Levitation
    The following is a note we received from Walter "Zaney" Blaney, who was the special Guest of Honor at this year's I.B.M. Convention June 28-July 2:

    "The International Brotherhood of Magicians convention In Dallas in early July was a great one. The last night they presented "The Legends of Magic Show" with some legendary acts in our craft. It was on stage at the beautiful old Majestic Theater. This is where it all began for me, as I saw Blackstone Sr. and his show of 1001 Wonders three times a day for a full week, at the tender age of nine. I was totally enthralled at every show, and it led me into a sixty-two-year career in magic and showbusiness.  

    (READ MORE)

  • Joint IBM-SAM Convention set for 2014

    BREAKING NEWS:  The International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Society of American Magicians have announced a unanimous agreement to hold a joint convention in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 1- 5, 2014. The second FISM North American Championship of Magic will be held concurrently with the joint convention.  

    (READ MORE)

  • I.B.M.’s Oldest Performing Member Hits the Century Mark

    John Calvert performs for audience of 1000 on his 100th birthday.

    PHOTO BY DAVID LINSELL

    COURTESY OF THE ABBOTT MAGIC COMPANY

    John Calvert celebrated his 100th birthday at the annual Abbott’s Magic Get-Together in Colon, Michigan, on August 5. Calvert was the closing act on the evening show, performing his classic “Dancing Handkerchief” routine with his cloth sidekick, Casper.

    (READ MORE)

  • L.A. museum traces Jewish influence on magic

    By Joel  Moskowitz, M D, FAPA, FAAP

    LOS ANGELES –Many  people know that Houdini was Jewish and his real name was Erich Weiss, son of an itinerant Rabbi.  But who is Jewish of the following? David Copperfield, Max Maven, David Blaine and Teller of the team, Penn and Teller?   All of them!  David Copperfield was born David Seth Kotkin; Max Maven is Phil Goldstein.  David Blaine’s mother is Jewish.  Who would think a Jewish heritage is in the history of prestidigitators such as Malini, Leipzig, Lafayette, Okito, Fu Manchu, Ballantine and Flosso?  All have Jewish roots.

    (READ MORE)

  • Dennis Anyone? On turning one hundred

    I've been around a long time, only a half-dozen years away from Abraham Lincoln's four score. I've known a number of "old" people over the years, but most of them are (or were) in their eighties, and a few in their nineties. But it occurred to me the other day that I now know several people around and over the one hundred milestone. And that got me to thinking about my own life. More on that later. First, those other people.

    (READ MORE)

  • Denise Hamner gets cut up in Branson

     

    Denise Hamner is a real “cut-up” when it comes to performing onstage.  In fact, the magical wife of illusionist Dave Hamner is a “glorified stunt-woman” according to her husband of 22 years.

    Not only does Denise “lose her head” and find herself divided into 12 parts as part of their amazing “Stargate” illusion (pictured below), she also demonstrates the fearless ability to be suspended 15 feet above a table of deadly steel spikes, transform from a tropical parrot into herself, be impaled with a dozen light sabers and three metal tubes, and if that weren’t enough, to float effortlessly in mid-air with no strings attached!

    How can this be possible? Is it real?  Is it an illusion?  You’ve got to see it to believe it!

    (READ MORE)

  • Branson magic show asks for help for Joplin

    EDITOR'S NOTE:  The Hamner-Barber Theater in Branson, Missouri -- about forty miles east of Joplin -- sent the following news release to clients and friends, asking for help for the people in Joplin.  This is the kind of compassion which is so often shown by magicians throughout the world.

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to the devastated community of Joplin, Missourias they dig out from the tragic disaster that wiped out 25% of their city in a matters of minutes.  As the search and rescue for survivors and victims continues, financial assistance is urgently needed immediately!

    (READ MORE)

  • Ten new product reviews now available online

         The product reviews published on this I.B.M. Portal -- Hocus in Focus Online -- are now available for your reading. Since they are only available to I.B.M. members, they are listed under Product Reviews under the MEMBERS menu at the left. There are ten product reviews online this month, in addition to the fourteen in The Linking Ring. As always, a deep bow of appreciation goes to the product review team. 

  • Some upcoming magic conventions

    The following are upcoming magic conventions advertised in  The Linking Ring. Add these to your calendars and plan to attend as many as you can. Check out the ads for more information.

    (READ MORE)


    INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANS

    ANNUAL CONVENTION

  • "Hocus in Focus Online" gives New Product Reviews

        Tthe I.B.M. Portal now will include from time to time, Hocus in Focus Online. Hocus in Focus in The Linking Ring, includes product reviews by a panel of magic experts, -- books, DVDs, tricks, etc. When there are too many reviews to include in the magazine, new and different reviews will be available here; under the "Members" menu at the left, click on "Product Reviews" to go to the reviews.

    (READ MORE)

  • The First I.B.M. Magic Convention

     

    http://www.limaohio.com/images/logo.gif

    International Brotherhood of Magicians
    Started Magic Conventions in Lima Ohio Area

    Seeking fellowship among magicians and the promotion of the entertaining aspects of the art, the International Brotherhood of Magicians was formed. And in the mid 1920s, the group spent a lot of time in the Lima area.