Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27056
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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. :)
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. :)
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Merry Christmas to you and yours Richard!
-
- Posts: 551
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: St. Louis
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.
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
St. Louis MO
-
- Posts: 946
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: NH
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Have a great holiday season Richard (and family).
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27056
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
- Dustin Stinett
- Posts: 7259
- Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Sometimes
- Location: Southern California
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Merry Christmas Richard.
And everyone here on the Genii Forum.
Dustin
And everyone here on the Genii Forum.
Dustin
- Dustin Stinett
- Posts: 7259
- Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Sometimes
- Location: Southern California
- Contact:
- Magic Newswire
- Posts: 2500
- Joined: March 29th, 2008, 12:32 pm
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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!
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!
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
To all who read these pages.... Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy healthy New Year.
Stay tooned.
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Thank you Richard for the warm message, and to all have a Merry Christmas or Hanukkah, or whatever you may celebrate!
Jim
Jim
- Travis
- Posts: 559
- Joined: March 13th, 2008, 8:02 pm
- Favorite Magician: Charles Morritt
- Location: Destin, FL
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Thanks, Richard! A very Merry Christmas to you and yours!
-
- Posts: 324
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: Toledo,Ohio
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Merry Christmas Richard !!
-
- Posts: 191
- Joined: July 6th, 2008, 5:24 pm
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Merry Christmas everyone.
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Merry Christmas Mr Kaufman, thank you for all the great books you have written over the years and may there be many more.
-
- Posts: 324
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: Toledo,Ohio
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Thanks to everyone here .
- Steve Bryant
- Posts: 1947
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Ballantine
- Location: Bloomington IN
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.
-
- Posts: 1274
- Joined: January 17th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Tommy Wonder
- Location: Dixon, Missouri
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Merry Christmas to all my friends and enemies ( LOL ) here and around the world...
Michael King
All Things Are Possible If You Believe!
All Things Are Possible If You Believe!
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27056
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Merry Christmas Day! Hope that wherever you are that you find some joy today.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Merry Christmas one and all.
-
- Posts: 393
- Joined: March 16th, 2008, 4:55 pm
- Location: Belgium
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Merry Christmas ! and thanks for the great magazine !
-
- Posts: 44
- Joined: February 5th, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Location: Belgium
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
Merry Christmas, Richard and everybody here on the forum!
-
- Posts: 191
- Joined: July 6th, 2008, 5:24 pm
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
I saw this yesterday - film of the year!
Cheers
Andrew
Cheers
Andrew
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.
- Dustin Stinett
- Posts: 7259
- Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Sometimes
- Location: Southern California
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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
Dustin
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.
- Dustin Stinett
- Posts: 7259
- Joined: July 22nd, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Sometimes
- Location: Southern California
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.
- Dave Klaiber
- Posts: 475
- Joined: February 2nd, 2008, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Del Ray
- Location: Space Coast, Florida
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.
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.
- Richard Kaufman
- Posts: 27056
- Joined: July 18th, 2001, 12:00 pm
- Favorite Magician: Theodore DeLand
- Location: Washington DC
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.
Subscribe today to Genii Magazine
-
- Posts: 12
- Joined: May 22nd, 2009, 5:22 pm
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Contact:
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.
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.
-
- Posts: 191
- Joined: July 6th, 2008, 5:24 pm
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
Re: Merry Christmas from the Chief Genii
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.