566: Harry Lorayne Remembers

Named by MAGIC Magazine as one of “The 100 most Influential Magicians of the 20th Century.”, Harry Lorayne is a name that is respected and renown throughout generations of card magicians. He has several books and videos on magic, though in the world outside of magic he is best known as a memory expert who taught his course throughout the globe. He popularized his books, “Secrets of Mind Power” and “How to Develop a Super Power Memory” during his appearances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and many globe trotting tours.

Today, we’ve managed to book, without exaggeration, the world’s foremost expert on memory and memory training: Harry Lorayne.

Harry tells us about how Al Hirschfeld drew his picture, how he developed his incredible memory, performing on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, his relationship with Jerry Lucas, the development of his books and the 20 years of Apocalypse, some of his favorite tricks, and he also gives us a short course in mnemonics and memory.

BTW, in the early part of this episode we talk about Al Hirschfeld’s representative being a former agent for Max Malini. I was corrected by Richard Hatch who reminded me that it was NOT Max Malini but Kuda Bux that she handled.

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385: Saratoga Ballantine - My Father

While I was performing at the Magic Castle in 2017, I had the opportunity to sit down for a visit with Saratoga "Sara" Ballantine, the daughter of one of our "magical legends", Carl Ballantine. Carl was a treasure who was known not only throughout the magic community but also to the general populace in many television roles. His most notable role was as "Lester Gruber" on the popular TV show, "McHale's Navy". He appeared in many television shows and movies in the 1960's and 1970's. Billed as "Ballantine - The World's Greatest Magician", Carl had a comedy magic act that landed him in MAGIC Magazine's Top 10 Funniest Acts in Magic.

Carl Ballantine in his prime and at his best. "Come out flying."

Time stamps for this podcast:

00:04:12 - Great stories about Carl Ballantine whose three top loves were horse racing, cigars, and magic (but he also loved his family, of course). Sara was named after the horse track, Saratoga, and his other daughter was named after another racetrack, Molly Caliente (who was born on a hot day) Sara also talks about many of her father's friends who used to come by the house like Ernest Borgnine and Estelle Getty., This conversation was recorded in the offices of The Magic Castle in Hollywood. In the background and you can hear the occasional laughter and contributions by Trish Alaskey, who was present during our conversation.

Sara also talks about documentary she was involved with and is available to view online for free. It is called "Troupers" and can be viewed on SnagFilms.com by following this link: http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/troupers

01:00:45 - Product Review: The Full Monty by Liam Montier from Big Blind Media is a DVD with the "necessary cards" to perform this effect. Recommended.

01:05:55 - Product Review: Tac-Tic-Al by WorldMagic.co.uk is a gimmick that allows you to change a "Tic Tac box" or a "deck of miniature Bicycle cards" into a full size deck of cards. Very visual but I reserve a hearty recommendation.

Click the graphic above to view the film "Troupers" for free.

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108: MAGIC Live! 2013 - Day 3

Day three was another fun and exciting day that began with the Opening Session hosted by Justin Flom A highlight of the show was Xavier Mortimer's incredibly innovative routines. He is currently featured in the Cirque du Soliel show here in Vegas, "Michael Jackson One".. But it was Wayne Dobson being interviewed by Jeff McBride which received a standing ovation.

00:00:07 – Tom Vorjahan, Daniel Herron and Eddie Wade give a recap of the Documentary Live 1 show from last night that featured the Long Beach Mystics hosted by Stan Allen and Mike Caveney. It featured David Deeble, Victor and Diamond, Michael Weber, Dana Daniels, Mark Kalin and Jinger, Armando Lucera, Kevin James, and James Hamilton (as Alexander Hamilton).

00:08:33 – I give a short review of the General Session that was hosted by Justin Flom and featured Master Payne, Bill Abbott, Xavier Mortimer, and Wayne Dobson being interviewed by Jeff McBride.

00:13:00 – I chatted with random people dining at the In ‘N Out and how much they enjoy this place. It is one of my regular, mandatory places to dine while in Las Vegas.

00:15:02 – Simon Coronel talks about creativity and how he developed his routine.

00:26:00 – Photo time with Criss Angel

00:26:50 – David Hira talks about this convention and conventions in general and their appeal to different age groups.

00:34:45 – Scott Hunstler was one of the winners on the Sunday night Welcome Party. He talks about what he won. Mark Weidhaas, S.A.M. Past President, and Errol Lipschitz, from Vancouver, talks about their experience of this convention.

00:39:56 – We viewed the documentary about Ricky Jay’s life, Deceptive Practices. Here I get to talk with a few people who know Ricky and have a perspective and opinion on the movie. It isn’t anything like Siskell & Ebert, but I think you will enjoy this discussion by Peter Samelson, Tim Felix and Jon Stetson.

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