Fredrick Turner

Reflections

Magic

  • “Hole In One” Theory

    Since 1947, Abbott’s Magic has offered a parlor effect called “Hole in One.” Background, description, and a whimsical performance video is available on Martin’s Magic Collection. The trick is one of those you don’t see much anymore as a parlor performance with lots of props has gone out of fashion and replaced with material that Continue reading

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  • Occam’s Razor

    One of the reasons I have decided on my self imposed fast on purchasing magic is that the vast majority of material being produced fits into Sturgeon’s Revelation: “Ninety percent of everything is crud.” Most magic producers and by association, the magic buying public, believe that their audiences are idiots. While some may actually be Continue reading

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  • Revisiting: True Astonishment

    I expect that there will be many Revisits in 2026 as I’ve declared this to be a “no-buy” year and that the majority of new releases are crap that’s pushed into production to try to satisfy the demand of a market jonesing for the endorphins of clicking “buy now.” January has been focused on revisiting Continue reading

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  • Parasocialism

    Parasocial refers to a one-sided relationship where a person feels a strong connection to a media personality, such as a celebrity or influencer, despite having no personal interaction with them. This phenomenon often occurs through repeated exposure to their content, leading individuals to perceive these figures as friends or confidants. Parasocial was recently selected by Continue reading

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  • Genii Renewal

    I received my annual email from Genii that my subscription was expiring this month. I’ve been a subscriber for close to thirty years and a reader for many more years. When I lived in Western Pennsylvania, I would visit my favorite magic shop and the latest Genii was a regular purchase. Since moving west, I’ve Continue reading

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  • Book Notes: Comedy, Character & Control

    This is not my typical magic book to read as I have always struggled with the idea of a comedy magician. (Aside: I also have a struggle with magicians who bill themselves as motivational speakers but that’s best left for another day.) I believe that magic is inherently funny – weird and unusual things happen Continue reading

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  • The Disclaimer

    Last week Tom Dobrowolski announced to subscribers and Genii forum readers that the monthly magazine, The Disclaimer, is coming to an end. The Disclaimer has lasted a little four and a half years with an almost perfect on time record. Each issue had three close-up effects from a group of high quality magicians: Tom, Curtis Continue reading

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