MY ACCOUNT
December Linking Ring Features Dickens, WOW and Deaf Convention
Category: News Posted by: C. DENNIS SCHICK
The December issue of The Linking RIng is full of fascinating stories, as usual. The cover story is just one of them. Did Charles Dickens’ interest in magic influence the writing of his most beloved tale, A Christmas Carol? Biographer Ian Keable reveals the possible connections.
Dale Salwak reflects on the creative power inherent in doing something no one has ever done before, and doing something better than anyone else. His article is entitled “Originality, Creativity, and the Enduring Art of Magic". It is the text of a speech he gave in China recently.
A lot of new events never make it to a second year, so it is interesting to read about the Second Annual Weekend of Wonder in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is the public festival of magic which Jay Scott Berry and Maxwell Blade came up with the idea to take magic to the people over several days.
Many people are not aware that there are deaf magicians who perform throughout the world regularly. Thus it may also be a surprise that in October of this year the Fifteenth Biennial World Deaf Magicians Festival took place in Chicago. Here is a three-page report of that convention, complete with photos.
The One Man Parade this month is from Ralph Feldee, of New Orleans. He brings us eight of his favorite effects. As always, graphic artist Tony Dunn illustrated the Parade.
Bev Bergeron brings us “A Short History of the Egg Bag;” John Tudor writes “A Leak in the Universe;” Skip Way tells us about “Gifts for the Magi;” and Adele Friel Rhindress brings us a story about deaf magician Sam Sandler and his performing daughter, Tessa.
In The Card Corner, Dave Neighbors gives us “Light Years Ahead;” and Dan Alessini contributes his version of Out of This World with “Out of This Galaxy” in “Ways and Means;” Bill Citino takes over the Numismagic column with “Three Coins Hangin’ -- For Real;” and Andrew Woo’s Simple Diversions column is called “Abeyance Illusion.”
Jeff Prance turns his “The Expert at the Tech Table” over to Geraint Clarke from the United Kingdom, who reveals his “Fate 2.0;” and Ed Solomon tells and teaches us his “The Santa Key” tale.
The reviewers in the Hocus in Focus section review a dozen new magic products, and the Broken Wand pays tribute to eleven magicians whose deaths are featured in obituaries.
All the other regular features are also included this month, including Ring Reports, Pictures From the Past, the Youth Trivia Contest, and Ring Events.
Of course the issue is packed with all sorts of ads about magic products and services, as well as magic events. Please support them by going to their Websites, as well as buying the products at your local brick-and-mortar stores. Tell them you saw their ads in The Linking Ring.
You may download a PDF of the issue or read the digital edition while you wait for your hard copy.
