Dark Magic Powers That Have Helped to Spread Fear and Terror

June 24th, 2009
Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


The world of magic is filled with many different spells both of white magic and that of dark magic. The magic by itself is not that dangerous but in the hands of someone they can take on a life of their own. The users of dark magic use their art to bring hurt and harm to others. They will also use this magic to become even more powerful and dangerous.

As you look through history books you will see there have been many instances where people have used various powers and abilities for unknown purposes. These powers have been called magic by those who have witnessed these occurrences. Some of these powers have been beneficial to the community as a whole while other darker powers have helped to spread fear and terror.

The many spells that can be used in dark magic sometimes involve using blood or a body part to infuse the spell with venomous intent. You can read about these such spells in books that are devoted solely to the dark magic and the spells that are used in this area. Even though these spells from dark magic are known to cause hurt and terror, dark magic can still fascinate us.

The research into the world of dark magic is very fascinating. You will find many documents and articles not to mention books that deal with the effects from this sort of magic. While magic as a whole is fascinating there are some religions that which regard all forms of magic as belonging to the world of dark magic. This view is due to the fact that the use of magic falls outside the boundaries of that particular religion.

You will also discover there are various groups who have different views about what can be considered as being white magic and dark magic. These groups may argue that magic falls into the category of white or dark (this dark magic can also be known in some circles as black magic) magic by the intent of the caster. Others will state that magic as whole is purely evil but not all spells are deadly.

For any spell that is used in dark magic to be considered as being malevolent it must have the intent of evil behind the spell to give the incantation the necessary power. The people who use these dark magic powers are considered as being dangerous to life as a whole. You will need to look for more information regarding this arcane branch of magic in order to understand the full implications of dark magic.

On the other hand if you just want to enjoy the effects of dark magic and white magic as they are used for different purposes there are many different avenues to look up. For modern day magic enthusiasts the Harry Potter movies and books will provide this enjoyment of dark magic without the danger.



The Orlando Magic Play to Make Their First NBA Finals Trophy Appear

June 15th, 2009
Rick Grantham asked:


Do you believe in magic? Though only about two decades old, the Orlando Magic have already made 10 appearances in the NBA playoffs, won three division crowns, a pair of trips to the Eastern Conference Finals, and one trip to the NBA Finals. Next on the team’s wish list is their franchise’s first NBA Championship.

What is magical about Orlando’s name? After a “name the team” contest, the three finalists were:

• The Juice

• The Magic

• The Tropics

The franchise chose “The Magic,” which alludes to Orlando’s top attraction: The Walt Disney World Resort. As the largest and most visited resort on Earth, it is indeed magical for both the children and adults who visit it.

After a four-year grassroots effort, the Orlando Magic began an NBA expansion team during the 1989-1990 season. Unfortunately, their first season in the league was less than magical. The New Jersey Nets trapped the Magic in a 118-110 loss, during the franchise opener. Unfortunately, the Magic’s first NBA season was also disappointing, at 18-64.

However, the Magic had a magical year just five years after the entering the NBA. They had added Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal (Center), and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway (Guard) to their roster, making them true contenders in the NBA. In fact, Orlando finished the 1994-1995 season with an outstanding record of 57-25.

In their mere second trip to the playoffs, the Magic made opponents disappear into thin air. They would crush the Boston Celtics (3-1), outplay Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls (4-2), and nip the Indiana Pacers (4-3). Nevertheless, in the NBA Finals the Orlando seemed to run out of magic. In Game 1, the Houston Rockets knotted up the score with a buzzer-beater shot, and eventually won in overtime. They won the NBA Championship by sweeping the Orlando Magic (4-0).

During the next season (1995-1996), the Orlando Magic earned a spectacular 60-22 regular season record, heading into the playoffs. Orlando steamrolled the Detroit Pistons (3-0), and then the Atlanta Hawks (4-1). However, Michael Jordan and the Bulls would avenge their Eastern Conference Championship loss to the Magic, during the previous year. This time, they trampled the Magic (4-0).

In about two decades, the Orlando Magic’s rosters have included some of the biggest all-stars in the NBA, including:

Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway

Hardaway has been in four All-Star games and on three All-NBA teams.

Grant Hill (2000-2007)

Hill was the 1995 NBA co-”Rookie of the Year,” and has been in seven NBA All-Star games.

Dwight Howard

Howard has played in two NBA All-Star games, and was the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Champion.

Tracy McGrady

Grady has been in seven NBA All-Star games and has earned two NBA scoring titles

Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal

Shaq has won four NBA Championships, and has been in 14 All-Star games.

Although they are one of the youngest teams in the NBA, the Orlando Magic has already advanced deep into the NBA finals. Use Orlando Magic merchandise to cheer on the team as it strives to make an NBA Finals trophy appear!



Top 5 Books to Learn Magic Tricks

May 21st, 2009
Andy Makar asked:


I’m often asked by both adults and kids about where they can learn more about the Art of Magic.  In this article, I’ll recommend top 10 magic books a newcomer to the Art of Magic should consider.  The good news is the majority of these books are available from Amazon or Barnes and Noble bookstores.

1.          Mark Wilson’s Complete Course in Magic by Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson’s book is the modern equivalent of a condensed version of the Tarbell Course in Magic series.  Wilson’s book introduces readers to a wide variety of magic ranging from card tricks, coin tricks, rope magic, mental magic, impromptu magic and even stage illusions!  It teaches the fundamentals of magic technique and is well illustrated.

2.          A Book of Magic for Young Magicians : The Secrets of Alkazar by Allan Zola Kronzek

This is one of the best books on handling key cards and has excellent presentations for classic magic effects.  It is written as a kids book but it has a lot of great tips and handling for common magic effects.  In one lesson Alkazar demonstrates an entertaining magic trick and a boring magic trick.  Both use the same method yet the book explains the importance of presentation.

3.          Now You See It, Now You Don’t Lessons in Sleight of Hand by Bill Tarr

Bill Tarr’s book provides a well illustrated introduction to sleight of hand.  If you want to learn how to make cards, coins, and silks disappear and reappear, this book provides an excellent introduction.  He also wrote a second book called The Second Now You See It, Now You Don’t.

4.  New Modern Coin Magic by J.B. Bobo

Coin magic is a lot of fun to perform since coins are readily available, fit in your pocket, and can be borrowed to perform mysterious and entertaining feats of prestidigitation.  Bobo’s Modern Coin Magic provides an excellent resource on all the key vanishes, retentions, concealments and sleight of hand required to perform coin magic.  The book also has several chapters dedicated to various classic effects in Magic such as Coins Across, The Miser’s Dream, and Coin Boxes.  Bobo’s Coin Magic a must in any magician’s library!

 

5. The Royal Road to Card Magic by Jean Hugard and Frederick Braue

The Royal Road to Card Magic is an inexpensive book that is jam packed with card magic.  Beginners and experienced magicans can benefit by reading the Royal Road and reviewing the different concepts and ideas on sleight of hand card magic.  One of my magic mentors recommends that every magician – experienced and new – should review the Royal Road to Card Magic as it acquaints the reader with the fundamentals of card magic.

These books aren’t the only magic books I’d recommend but for the magic newbie, these are great books to start learning about the art of magic.  There are thousands of books, DVDs, and articles available on the Art of Magic.  In future articles, I’ll explore a few more useful resources to learn about Magic.