Learning
-
Magic Clubs
If asked, I will readily admit that I have been a member of the IBM and the SAM. I reached the second level of the Order of Merlin before dropping out during the pandemic. I believe that I reached more than ten years with SAM in spite of my many in’s and out’s. Currently I’ve… Continue reading
-
Learning Magic
There’s an assumption in many areas of life but especially in magic. It’s that we know how to learn. We assume that since we attended school and graduated with a degree from high school or college that we learned how to learn. After a corporate education career, I would argue that perhaps some but not… Continue reading
-
Toni Forster on Magic Books
Until recently I had not heard of Dr. Forster. I purchased Ted Lesley’s Paramiracles published by Hermetic Press book from a second hand dealer. It had come out about 30 years ago and, for some reason, hadn’t shown up on my radar screen. Dr. Forster was a friend and confidant of Lesley’s and, for a… Continue reading
-
Discussing Discussions
One of the most interesting things about the internet and magic has been the discussion boards. It’s seems that there have been boards since the beginning. The longevity proves that no matter what magicians of all kinds have opinions about everything and are willing to share it. Excluding social media platforms and Reddit, there seems… Continue reading
-
Astonishment Is Our Natural State Of Mind
In the December 1996 edition of Genii magazine, the cover featured Paul Harris. Paul has been instrumental in changing the state of close-up magic since the mid 1970’s. I wasn’t aware of him until the early 80’s after the release of Close-up Entertainer and Las Vegas Close-up. Since 1984 and the publication of Close-up Seductions,… Continue reading
-
Question Our Conditioning
In 1995, Hermetic Press published what ended up being a controversial book, Magic and Meaning. I don’t believe it was intended to be controversial by either the publisher nor the authors, Eugene Burger and Robert E. Neale. It was an extension of conversations that the authors had during their time together at the Mystery School… Continue reading
-
The Persistent Myth of Learning Styles
It was probably in the mid-90’s that I first heard about learning styles. I was early in my time in the training and development department of a large nonprofit foundation. Our manager at the time introduced us to the idea of learning styles at a team retreat. Like everyone else, I went along with it.… Continue reading