"The Magical Life of Marshall Brodien" reviewed by Dr. Joel A. Moskowitz M.D • May 2008 • from MagiCurrents, San Diego
Let's try a word association. If I say T.V. Magic Cards all vintage magicians around the world will immediately say, "Marshall Bodien". How did this decades old set of gaffed cards (Burling Hull invented the first Svengali Deck in1909) become such successful marketing trick of the 70s and beyond? It's all because of what has been called television's original infomercial. (read more...)

Case of The Disappearing Skull • by Mel Kientz • May, 2008
Some interesting art detective work has uncovered the hidden secret of a $700,000 painting after it was "doctored" in the early 1950s.  "The Crystal Ball" by John William Waterhouse (1902) shows a young model in a red dress gazing into a crystal ball, apparently weaving a spell with the aid of a book ... and a mysterious skull. It was originally shown alongside a more spiritual picture by the artist in London at the Royal Academy in 1902. The study later entered the Pyman collection and eventually hung in the dining room at Glenborrodale Castle, in the Scottish West Highlands.
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(April/May 2008 • By Tobias Beckwith ) We're excited. A postcard went into the mail today... many of you will receive it by the end of the week, but all of you get to see it right now (just in case some of you don't receive it before Sunday night's premiere). Here's what it will tell you: Set your Tivo! It's a Battle of the Wizards -- And Jeff McBride is the Judge! CelebraCadabra begins April 27 on VH-1... check local listings for times in your areaSee seven TV and film stars vie for the title of "Best Celebrity Magician" when they gather at the Magic Castle and other locations in Los Angeles and in Las Vegas, as they attempt to learn and perform the art of magic. Guided by veteran magicians, the competitors face tough crowds and a master panel of judges who will determine which celebrities get to advance to the next round and a shot at a grand prize of $100,000.

by Maria Ibâñez
April/May, 2008
John Moehring, MUM Editor (the organization magazine of The Society of American Magicians), has decided to retire when his contract expires this year on July 31, 2008. He will remain through a transition period through the end of the year. A search committee as been appointed to fill the position. The search committee is made up of the same three Past National Presidents who originally found and negotiated with John three years ago, they are Craig Dickson, Richard Dooley and Gary Hughes.
 

(Reviewed by Dr. Joel A. Moskowitz M D • Magic Currents • April)   "INDOCILIS PRIVATA LOQUI" is not what this book demands. "The Magic Circle: Performing Magic through the Ages" by Michael Bailey is not to keep "mum" about. The Latin injunction emblazoned on the signature shield of Britain's most secret club translates "keep mum"; quite the contrary. The English language is bereft of superlatives with which to praise this excellent book, Michael Bailey, ex-President (shouldn't it be Prime Minister?) (1998-2003)  invites the reader of this 288 pp hard backed book into the  sanctum of magicdom's most intriguing organization.  Together with photos (some in color) of the premises, an assortment of artful poster reproductions of magical greats,  and well-crafted text, the grateful reader will enjoy reveling  in magical history. (read more...)