Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

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Richard Kaufman
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Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Richard Kaufman » December 24th, 2011, 11:42 am

Some may my find my yearly "Merry Christmas" wish to be slightly unusual coming from a Jew, however it's not unusual considering my background. I was born into a middle-class family living in Queens, New York. Rego Park to be specific. My mother was an aethist, my father a non-observant Jew who nevertheless believes in God. I never saw any evidence of a deity in the world, and not believing in the supernatural, my own path seemed a natural one to follow.

However, like many Jewish families where I grew up, we always celebrated Christmas with a decorated Christmas tree, Santa Claus, beautifully decorated presents, and the whole deal. There was, though, no Christ in our Christmas. This was not unusual in my childhood, where I lived, at the time.

I don't know what other folks in my position do--and I believe everyone should be free to do exactly as they please--but to me the delights of Christmas are many. So I just want to take this moment to wish all of you, no matter what your religion (or lack thereof) or personal beliefs, a very Merry Christmas. It's a wonderful time: enjoy it with your family or friends. (And if you're looking for a great movie, which I know is a holiday tradition for many families, then go see "Hugo.")

I look forward to the coming year--starting my 14th volume as editor of Genii. We've come a long way in the last 12 months with the addition of all three branches of service for our subscribers. I can tell from the number of apps downloaded (and the amount I pay for extra page views!) that many thousands of you are enjoying our digital edition of Genii every month. That makes me happy.

Merry Christmas Eve day--make the most of it since it comes but once a year. And make sure you leave a glass of milk and some cookies for Santa tonight. Those extra calories keep him flying. :)
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Terry
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Terry » December 24th, 2011, 12:16 pm

Merry Christmas to you and yours Richard!

Jim Martin
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Jim Martin » December 24th, 2011, 1:42 pm

And as if by Christmas Fairies, the January 2012 issue arrived today in St. Louis.

To the Chief Genii and his family and to all members of this Forum, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all.
Jim Martin
St. Louis MO

Tom Gilbert
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Tom Gilbert » December 24th, 2011, 1:42 pm

Have a great holiday season Richard (and family).

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Richard Kaufman » December 24th, 2011, 3:27 pm

Argh! My wife and daughter just went off to church, I finally have a few quiet hours to continue my editing on Theodore DeLand's book, and Tom Stone's Maelstrom arrives in mail! Blast and damn. I can't help but start reading.
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Dustin Stinett
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Dustin Stinett » December 24th, 2011, 4:29 pm

Merry Christmas Richard.

And everyone here on the Genii Forum.

Dustin

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Dustin Stinett
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Dustin Stinett » December 24th, 2011, 6:51 pm


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Magic Newswire
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Magic Newswire » December 24th, 2011, 9:12 pm

Richard,
I can only say thank you for producing the wonderful magazine that is Genii. I hope that you and those that you love have an amazing Holiday season!

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Pete Biro
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Pete Biro » December 24th, 2011, 9:33 pm

To all who read these pages.... Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy healthy New Year.
Stay tooned.

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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby J-Mac » December 24th, 2011, 11:37 pm

Thank you Richard for the warm message, and to all have a Merry Christmas or Hanukkah, or whatever you may celebrate!

Jim

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Travis
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Travis » December 25th, 2011, 1:14 am

Thanks, Richard! A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Andrew Martin Portala » December 25th, 2011, 7:54 am

Merry Christmas Richard !!

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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Magic Randy » December 25th, 2011, 10:22 am

Merry Christmas everyone.

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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Mallakite » December 25th, 2011, 10:50 am

Merry Christmas Mr Kaufman, thank you for all the great books you have written over the years and may there be many more.

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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Andrew Martin Portala » December 25th, 2011, 10:58 am

Thanks to everyone here .

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Steve Bryant
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Steve Bryant » December 25th, 2011, 11:58 am

Merry Christmas to all. I just opened Page by Page, and it is strikingly beautiful, possibly the most handsome book in my library. Well done, Matt and Michael.

magicking
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby magicking » December 25th, 2011, 12:28 pm

Merry Christmas to all my friends and enemies ( LOL ) here and around the world...
Michael King
All Things Are Possible If You Believe!

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Richard Kaufman » December 25th, 2011, 2:13 pm

Merry Christmas Day! Hope that wherever you are that you find some joy today.
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby PapaG » December 25th, 2011, 2:39 pm

Merry Christmas one and all.

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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Jacky Kahan » December 25th, 2011, 4:33 pm

Merry Christmas ! and thanks for the great magazine !

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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Peter Vanspauwen » December 25th, 2011, 4:45 pm

Merry Christmas, Richard and everybody here on the forum!

Magic Randy
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Magic Randy » December 30th, 2011, 9:43 pm

Richard Kaufman wrote:...And if you're looking for a great movie, which I know is a holiday tradition for many families, then go see "Hugo."...


Excellent suggestion. We went to see it. A wonderful movie indeed.

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AJM
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby AJM » December 31st, 2011, 2:34 am

I saw this yesterday - film of the year!

Cheers

Andrew

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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby mrgoat » December 31st, 2011, 9:15 am

I went to go and see it but it was only in 3D and I don't get on with 3D, so I saw MI4 instead, which was a thoroughly entertaining romp.

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Dustin Stinett
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Dustin Stinett » December 31st, 2011, 10:38 am

Too bad, it's a really wonderful movie. I cannot think of a better movie in the last several years. My brother has an eye condition that prevents him from seeing even this new 3D they have. It's all a blur to him. Hopefully they will release a 2D version. The 3D is cool, but the story is the star of this film.

Dustin

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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby mrgoat » December 31st, 2011, 10:50 am

Dustin Stinett wrote:Too bad, it's a really wonderful movie. I cannot think of a better movie in the last several years. My brother has an eye condition that prevents him from seeing even this new 3D they have. It's all a blur to him. Hopefully they will release a 2D version. The 3D is cool, but the story is the star of this film.

Dustin


Oh, there is no 2D version? I thought the cinema was just choosing the show the 3D one and I could catch the 2D somewhere else. Darn.

He is probably my favourite director and all I have read and trailers etc make me think I would love this.

I guess I will wait for the blu-ray which I assume will be 2D, or at least have that option.

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Dustin Stinett
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Dustin Stinett » December 31st, 2011, 11:00 am

I guess there is one, but it doesn't seem to be in wide distribution. Every theater around me is 3D and same with my brother.

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Dave Klaiber
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Dave Klaiber » December 31st, 2011, 11:38 am

I have the opposite problem here in my area of Florida. The local theater is only showing it in 2D. I have to go out of town to see it in 3D.

A quote from a review in our local paper:
"If we must have 3D talking pictures, they should all be held to this standard. This is the only film I've told friends must be seen in 3D."

Hopefully I will be going tomorrow or Monday to see it in 3D.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Richard Kaufman » December 31st, 2011, 10:26 pm

I think that it will be equally as enjoyable and magical even when viewed in 2D, which is how I will see it in the future on blu-ray.
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Joe Skilton » January 1st, 2012, 5:22 am

For those who get headaches or have trouble with 3D films... 3D to 2D conversion glasses.

http://www.amazon.com/Hank-Greens-2D-Gl ... B004X4L1UC

Turns any passive (not the battery-powered glasses) 3D film into 2D. So it works with RealD but NOT IMAX.

Magic Randy
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Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii

Postby Magic Randy » January 1st, 2012, 10:56 am

Generally I will choose 2D over 3D when going the the movies. With Hugo I choose the 3D version (our theater had both) and found the 3D to be very good.


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