It is November and time for the eleventh issue of The Linking Ring for 2012. The issue is available right now here on the I.B.M. Web Portal, in both PDF format for you to download and take wherever you go, as well as in digital format, allowing you to click and turn pages right on your computer. So who earns the coveted cover this month? For the second straight year, a Blaney -- this time it’s Becky. Here are some of the highlights of the issue, and watch for the hard copy in coming days. Let’s take a preview stroll through the November issue.
The cover story for the November 2012 issue of The Linking Ring is female magician and comedian, Becky Blaney. Read how she grew up in the shadow of her famous father -- Walter Zaney Blaney -- and how she has stepped out from that shadow and has earned her own well-deserved accolades and awards.
Getting the issue off to a good start, as usual, Editor Sammy Smith repeats a column he wrote in 2008, but it is appropriate for November -- on making lists, especially for things for which he is thankful. And president John Pye reports on his travels and activities, and continues his trip through the categories of magic effects.
One of the fun features of each issue of The Linking RIng is “PICTURE FROM THE PAST.” In this issue, a famous magician (who is still living), is shown with his wife, many years ago. We point out four clues in the photo which might give his identity. The main reason he was selected this election month is he ran for the U.S. Congress in 1968. See if you can guess who he is.
Sammy Smith continues his series on the HISTORY OF THE LINKING RING. The September issue marked the ninetieth anniversary of the world’s oldest continuing magic magazine. The history is so rich and interesting that the celebration and history is continuing over several issues.
Of course the history of the I.B.M.’s magazine, is also a history of magic itself, over the past nine decades. So our own Bev Bergeron -- a walking magic encyclopedia -- brings to us a BONUS ARTICLE later in this issue, “Ninety Years of Magic.” It is a memorable salute to the pioneers of the I.B.M. for their diligence and far-sightedness in promoting magic through this organization and its prestigious publication.
RING EVENTS are reported this month from Ring 48 (Peoria, Illinois), Ring 55 (Phoenix, Arizona), Ring 81 (Sarasota, Florida), Ring 129 ( Kansas City, Missouri), Ring 160 (Auckland, New Zealand), Ring 183 (Victoria, British Columbia, Canada), Ring 211 (Grand Rapids, Michigan), Ring 352 (State College, Pennsylvania), Ring 363 and Ring 85 (Ireland), and Ring 386 ( Colon, Michigan). Read all of these and take notes to help your Ring do some of these things.
The Southeastern Association of Magicians (S.E.A.M.) convention returned in September after an absence of four years. Held in Atlanta, read the day-by-day report of the convention, and the momentum it has built for the future.
If you ever go to Hawaii, you should look into “Warren & Annabelle’s Magic Nightclub” on Maui. The story of the popular show is entitled “Hawaiian Flavor, A Melodic Ghost, and a Magical Dream.”
Bev Bergeron’s column, CUTTING UP JACKPOTS, is called “Magic in Their Acts” this month. As one of the best magic historians around, it is fun to read Bev’s focus on various aspects of magic’s history over the past fifty years or so, especially when he was there for much of it.
Skip Way continues to challenge I.B.M. members to develop relationships with young, aspiring magicians in his column, POLISHING THE RINGS. This month he emphasizes the Mentor-Student Connection, with lots of great advice.
One of the most popular areas of magic is kid shows. So it is no surprise that Marty Hahne’s column, THE KID-SHOW CIRCUIT has gained widespread popularity in a relatively short time. His column this month is on “Holiday Shows.”
“BUSINESS OF THE SHOW” by Scott Humston, gives monthly advice on a subject which too many magicians do not pay enough attention to -- their BUSINESS. Getting back to basics, Scott talks about “Eco 101” this month. Pay attention and read it two or three times.
As you know, Ring 25 in Great Britain, is the I.B.M,’s largest ring, so it is appropriate to have a monthly report in “The London Eyes,” by Peter Scarlett. It is even more timely this year since the I.B.M. International President is from England.
Has anyone ever read a genuine research paper on “BUSKING.” (Let me research that before answering.) Well, we don’t know, but NOW there is. We are pleased to feature just such a paper, called “BUSKING IN AMERICA: THE RIGHT TO ENTERTAIN.” It was researched and written by Lynn M. Philips, She studies law at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. The article comes complete with extensive endnotes, and is one of those valuable pieces which The Linking Ring is known for. Fascinating.
We pay tribute to seven magicians and one magician’s assistant this month, in the BROKEN WAND. The Linking Ring is the primary depository for obituaries for all magicians, not just members of the I.B.M. We depend on you, I.B.M. members and others, to inform the I.B.M. Headquarters Office, when you hear of a death. Please do not assume we already know about it. We’d rather have duplicate notifications than no notification at all.
In addition to his obituary in the Broken Wand this month, we also have an In Memoriam to Joe Lefler, who was well-known throughout the world of magic.
This month’s HOCUS POCUS PARADE is another double-header. Robert Ziekman offers a One-Man Parade. He is from Holland, so brings an international flavor to his eight original effects.
The PARADE BONUS comes from Michael Lair, from Ohio, who brings us “Ring Magic,” a neat explanation of making your finger ring jump and change positions.
In THE CARD CORNER this month, columnist Mike Powers brings us Terry Hedges, and his “The Witches Do All the Work.”
Joe Turner turns his WAYS AND MEANS column to Henry Holava this month, who help us to “Find the Rabbit.” It’s a card trick for kids which is easy to do and to make.
Peter Marucci devotes his SHOWTIME column in November, to “Two Hearts that Beat as One.” The beauty of this one is that you have a souvenir to give out, which they will keep forever (put your personalized sticker on it).
In STORYTELLING MAGIC this month, Ed Solomon explains “A Random Number.” one way for him to use playing cards in his preferred style of performing magic by using stories. It’s also a good example of adapting other items for a magic trick.
HOCUS IN FOCUS only includes “Highly recommended” items this month, because we have such a backlog of reviews and want to get these to you so you can make your “Wish List” for Christmas. Here are the items reviewed this month:
Maelstrom, by Tom Stone and Stephen Minch.
Magic Page by Page, by the late Patrick Page
Pack Flat Illusions for Kids and Family Shows by JC Sum
The Show Doctor by Jeff McBride
SpeakEasy by Dan Harlan and Jen Weston
Utopia by Dani DaOrtiz
The Enigma by Paulino Gil
Jumbo Backstage Monte by Devin Knight
Restored Credit by David Regal
If you’re not reading the RING REPORTS each month, you’re missing out on not only some fun and interesting reading, but you’re missing out on a ton of terrific ideas for your own Ring to consider. This month there are eighty-one reports, from all over the world. And just think, this is the ONLY place in the entire world where you’ll find these reports. Read with a pen because you’ll want to take notes!
Other important features are included in this issue, too. In keeping with its policy of publishing a report of the annual Business Meeting of the I.B.M., the Board of Directors includes in this issue the report of that meeting at the I.B.M. Convention in Norfolk, Virginia July 5, 2012. Also included is the monthly report of people on the Sick and Convalescent list. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
FINALLY, we know you won't overlook all the great ADVERTISEMENTS in this and every issue of The Linking RIng. This publication has the LOWEST COST-PER-READER of any magic magazine. Just contact B.J. Hickman and he'll help you with your marketing plans. His e-mail is advertising@magician.org.
ENJOY!
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