Kevin: Who inspired you and your magic?

Kort: Hi Kevin,

I wouldn’t say he inspired me, but when I was eight years old, there was a magician appearing at a neighborhood theater during the intermission. I can’t remember his name… I was with my older cousin and when we walked out of the theater and when we got home, my cousin picked up a playing card and showed both sides and apparently threw it in the air and I looked at his empty hand and I thought this was great. He was doing a back palm which I think is a funny term because there is no palm on the back of your hand. I practiced that move for years. Years later, I got a call from Jimmy Martin, the owner of a local magic shop. “Cardini would like to meet you.” I went down to Jimmy’s shop and had a session and found out that he’d heard about my coin work and wanted me to show him some coin things which I was very happy to do. After seeing his card act, I was so impressed by seeing the back palm done as it should be done that I gave it up.

To conclude, as far as inspiring me, no one actually inspired me. I just saw a magician and got started..

Mister Toad: You may know of the hot air balloon game:

Ten different people are caught in a sinking hot air balloon travelling over the ocean and then the balloon starts to sink towards the sea. One-by-one each person has to explain why he/she should remain and then, after they have all spoken, one of them is thrown out, in order to save the others.

What would you say, as a magician, to defend your place in the balloon? Why should a magician remain in the balloon?

Kort: Hi Mister Toad,

I promise to never do another card trick for you guys as long as I live… No… Wait a minute… Forget that “long as I live part” – It might give you ideas. I just promise not to show you any more card tricks!

Magic Sam X: If you had the chance to go back and do anything in your Magic Life differently what would you choose (if any) and why?

Kort: Hi SamX,

I would have taken a sabbatical in my younger days and found a cure for arthritis!

Mike: I was sorry to hear that you were not feeling well, last night, Kort. So, here is a "Get Well Soon" post . I hope that you make a quick recovery.

Andy D: Here, here!!

We wish you a speedy recovery.

Sean: Same here, get well soon!

Gary Scott: Yes , get well soon and spread your wisdom to us.
All the best.

Kevin: Get well soon mate, and no pressure in answering our questions, wait till your well!

No rush!

Admin: I am so very sorry to hear that you have been unwell recently. I'd like to thank you for your interest in this site and I wish you a very speedy recovery.

Wallace: May I wish you a quick recovery, Milt. There aren't many really 'mature' folk left so may I, as another 'mature' person, wish you well but do, please, take it easy!

Welshwizard: Get well soon.

Rich: Here's to a speedy recovery Mr. Kort, get better soon.

Huw: And so say all of us! Take it easy and get yourself good and well!

Damien: All the best.

Midge 25: All the best, get well soon.

Lucien De Silva: Hello Milt,

Sorry to hear that you're not too well. I wish you a full and fast recovery.

Very best wishes.

Michael Saint Louis: Dear Sir-
Please know that our thoughts are with you and your recovery. Also, allow me to continue to speak for everyone when I say how very much we appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions.

Thank you and good health.

Nissassa: Thanks for your time and wisdom you have freely given the bunnie already,rest easy and get well soon sir.

Damien: Hi Mr Kort,
Over the years there has been some excellent pieces of teaching material produced. By this of course I mean videos and book etc.

Many feel that books are so much more beneficial to the buyer, as the techniques/effects can be made 'your own'.

Also that videos and DVDs provoke the watcher into completely copying the style of the teacher.

Well that’s the basis of my query, over to you

What are your thoughts on this? I always think something is easier to do when shown physically, I personally find it hard to learn from books. But copying style is sometimes inevitable in my eyes but if overcome I see videos as more useful. Well that’s just my personal opinion, what about yours?

Kort: Hi Damien,

Personally I prefer books as teaching materials. I have built up a library of magic books and magazines and videotapes and I find that to really learn something I prefer a book. A book can be held and turned back a page.. Videotapes have to be rewound. Several people told me years ago that they do not like to use books because they do not stay open. I find that if you take a sheet of clear clean glass and open the book and place the glass on the book it will stay open and you can see the book and it will keep the food and pizza that you’re eating while practicing off the book. And, as you mention when you watch the videotapes, subconsciously you are learning the same body language as the performer.. When you are watching Slidini on tape he has graceful, fluid movements when he is explaining something… To watch a 250 lb man who has seen a Slidini tape attempt to do some of the tricks Slidini is teaching is a hilarious sight.

If you have to study a picture, you can just look at the book. If you’re using a videotape, you have to put the tape on pause and start and pause, rewind… it’s not worth it. The books are by far are the best. Of course there is a knack for learning something from a book. Practically 90 % of what I do I learned from books.

For practicing, however, video can be a good thing. Practice in front of the camera and play back the tape just to see what YOU look like while doing the trick.

By the way, I recommend Ron Bauer’s Private Studies Series, a series of books that I wish had come out years ago, so that I could have had the advantage of the theatrical presentations and the insiders knowledge of how to handle a trick.

Damien: Yeah that seems a very justified opinion, thanks.

Good idea!

I'm sure in time I will adapt to learning from books, which I want.