The Linking RIng and the I.B.M. Web Portal are both looking for help in gathering information for several topics about magic. At any given time, we have a dozen or more writers in various stages of researching and writing such stories. The following are some of the stories someone is working on, and we would appreciate it if anyone with something to contribute on any or all of them, would get in touch with the person designated.
Osterlind's been busy since we saw him last
New 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
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.
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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."
** Video added** - Aldo & Rachel Colombini saying 'farewell'
Aldo and Rachel Colombini a big hit with Ring 161
By Bobby Warren
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.
